The characteristics

of acupoint indications vary according to the distribution of acupoints on the body

which is particularly prominent from the perspective of the differences between the acupoints on the trunk and those on the four limbs. The most of meridian-acupoint theories

especially the early theories are based on these differences and collected in

Huangdi Neijing

(

the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic

). Through the interpretation of the newly unearthed

Tianhui

medical bamboo slips

it is found that the relevant explanation of

Shu

(six

shu

-points [back-

shu

points and Yuanye

GB 22

]

distributed on the trunk) and

Mai

(similar to the names of meridians

referring to those except six

shu

-points; distributed mostly below the elbows and knees of four limbs

especially on the pulsating sites of the wrists and ankles) also confirms the identification of the differences in both indications and theories between the acupoints located on the trunk and those on the four limbs. In the paper

the essential connotation of the relevant classical theories and their construction path are explored so as to reveal the understanding of the core rules of acupuncture-moxibustion theories.