Abstract
A symposium was organized by the Meridians and Acupuncture Points Committee of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (JSAM) with the theme "A detailed explanation of acupuncture points from the viewpoints of education, clinical practice and research - about SP6 (Sanyinjiao), LI4 (Hegu), and GV20 (Baihui)" at the 73rd Annual Meeting of JSAM in Miyagi. During the symposium, Commissioner Nakamura elucidated the significance of acupuncture points from an educational standpoint, highlighting their importance in the training of acupuncture and moxibustion practitioners. He expounded upon the meanings and precise locations of the three acupuncture points, emphasizing the importance of safe acupuncture practices. Additionally, he underscored the pivotal role of education in bridging the gap between clinical practice and research. From a clinical perspective, Commissioner Yamami provided an in-depth explanation of the fundamental tenets of acupuncture points, including their primary modalities, distinctive attributes, and the extraction of acupuncture points from authoritative texts on meridians and acupuncture points. He further elaborated on the specific reactions, treatment modalities, and indications of the three acupuncture points in clinical practice, noting that the ideas underpinning research originate from clinical experiences. Standardization and accuracy of education are necessary to enhance safety and effectiveness in clinical practice. From a research perspective, Commissioner Koido analyzed data from 2019 to 2023 using national and international databases to elucidate the status of target diseases and stimulation methods in clinical trials involving the three meridians. The findings revealed that the three acupuncture points are extensively employed in both national and international clinical trials across a broad spectrum of diseases, with various stimulation techniques being utilized.
