The diseases and pathological manifestations associated with c

hongmai

(thoroughfare vessel) are the representative in the practical applications of

chongmai

theory. Elucidating this theory serves as a prerequisite of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy. Based on literature analysis

the diseases and clinical manifestations of

chongmai

recorded in the time of

Huangdi Neijing

(

The Yellow Emperor

'

s Inner Classic

) were analyzed so as to reinterpret the diagnostic process

pathological characteristics

and clinical manifestations of disorders

and evaluate the value of

chongmai

theory.

Chongmai

diseases were identified from the palpation initially

known as the "palpation on abdominal pulse". The "

qi

reversion" of

chongmai

represents a typical clinical manifestation of

chongmai

diseases

such as

ji

(abdominal mass)

jia

(abdominal hematoma)

and

shan

(hernia)

occurring in different sites of the abdomen and in different pathological stages. A part of distribution of

chongmai

is considered in clinical manifestation

diagnosis and treatment of acupuncture and moxibustion. To emphasize the significance of

chongmai

in modern acupuncture-moxibustion theory and practice

the diagnostic and therapeutic patterns of the related disorders should be considered in clinical practice. The characteristics of

chongmai

are reflected in three aspects:

qi

blood and abdomen

which are determined by both its inherent properties and the clinical manifestations of related diseases.