| Background:The mechanism of acupuncture has become the research hotspot for both China and international researchers. However, in the recent years, there have been numerous clinical reports stating that there are no significant differences between acupuncture and sham acupuncture, resulting in skeptism on the efficacy of acupuncture. Traditional acupuncture theories such as the meridian theory and specificity of acupoint theory are facing unprecedented challenges. With such circumstances, we have to reconsider the reasons for such phenomenon and search for possible inadequacies in research methods. Most of current clinical research on acupuncture are focused on the position of acupoint, overlooking the depth of needling."Skin-vessel-muscle-sinew-bone" Layer Analysis Method originated from the "Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic" era, it was formed through combination of anatomical knowledge and long-termed clinical practice. It is one of the core acupuncture theory and is one of the basis for diagnosis of disease, choice of treatment, method of needling and manufacture of acupuncture equipment.Aims:This research is based on the previous research on the Layer Analysis Method. This research aims to integrate ancient classics and modern anatomical knowledge, to further investigate the theory and its scientific basis.Contents:1) Analysis of ancient classics to excavate, collate and sum up the patterns of the ancient Layer Analysis Method of acupuncture and moxibustion; compare and contrast the methods of acupuncture (depth, duration and moxa amount) to analyse the emphasis on the Layer Analysis Method;2) With modern anatomical knowledge as foundation, comparison on 361 acupoints’dermatomes and myotomes, to investigate for modern anatomical basis of the Layer Analysis Method;3) Use of the recent ten years published Chinese and English literature as subjects to compare the focus on acupuncture depth of recent researches.Methods:Our research employs methods such as literature collation, analysis, bibliometric and comparision methods. The processing of data by Microsoft Excel 2013, SPSS 17.0, Python 2.7.2 and Matplotlib 1.0.1 for statistical analysis, graphic visualisation and comparison.Results:1) The research on ancient literature showed that ancient physicians were more focused on depth relative to the number of moxa cones and the duration of needle retention.2) Of all 361 acupoints, there are 8.86% that has exactly the same dermatomes and myotomes. Hence, showing that stimulation on skin and muscle layers may produce different effects.3) The total literature from China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) on Acupuncture and Moxibustion is 5 times as compared to Science Direct, while its percentage of research on depth and layer is 0.0905 times of that of Science Direct. In comparsion to research focused efficacy, total literature on efficacy is 18 times of that on depth and layer in CNKI. Science Direct has 3 times of research on efficacy as compared to depth and layer. The percentage of research on depth in Chinese literature is less than English literature, suggesting that the research in China is less focused on depth relative to the international community.Conclusion:1) Through the collation and organisation of ancient literature on acupuncture, this research proposes the existence of the "Layer Analysis Method" in ancient literature. In addition, an exploration on the theoretical basis was conducted which showed that this theory was highly regarded in ancient literature.2) Through the comparison of dermatomes and myotomes on acupoints, a certain degree of modern physiological basis of the Layer Analysis Method was presented. In addition, it was presented that the study of neuroanatomical science is important in the research of the Layer Analysis Method.3) Through comparison between Chinese and English databases, the level of research focus on depth in the international scene was more than that in China. |
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