The

xi

-cleft points of Qiao and Wei meridians (heel and link vessels)

were first described in

Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing

(

The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion

)

and their conceptual framework remain consistently elusive. During the development of meridian theory

the intrinsic meridian attribution of

xi

-cleft points of Qiao and Wei meridians gradually disappeared

and these points were subsequently reassigned to the various regular meridians distributed in the lower limbs. This study explores the commonness of Qiao and Wei meridians with regular meridians from the perspective of meridian evolution

and verifies the therapeutic content of

xi

-cleft points

so as to attempt reconstructing the system of

xi

-cleft points in

Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing

. It is proposed that the changes in meridian tropism of these

xi

-cleft points are based on meridian distribution and clinical manifestations

and such changes result from both the constraints of numerological system of meridian

and the requirement to establish the circulatory theory of fourteen meridians. It is summarized that the evolution of meridian tropism reflects the ancients' need to integrate meridian theory

and reveals the unique value of Qiao and Wei meridians as the early framework of meridian theory

thereby reevaluating the academic status of Qiao and Wei meridian that had been marginalized in history.