Sixth, countless stimulation points distributed in triple
energizer space outside meridians
Triple energizer-meridian system features rapid autogenous-transmission
functions and loops through the brain conveying information, which
achieve the local and global efficacy of acupuncture anesthesia.
1. TCM scholars have discovered some nerve stimulation points which are
located on the peripheral distribution area of nerve system[14]. The
very short stimulation applied to the points will evoke neural
discharge-like feeling, thus producing a therapeutic effect. They
believe that effects are the outcome of direct needle stimulation on
nerves, and has nothing to do with meridians. These stimulation points
could not be regarded as existing acupoints.
After having solved the perplexity of the triple energizer-meridian
system, and recognized its nature of anatomy, we make it clear that
these puncture points are just on the nerve sheaths, which are the
distribution area of connective tissues of the triple energizer-meridian
system. The nerve sheaths and the nerves, like shadow following the
body, join the dominative function of the nerves. Hence only 3 seconds
stimulus each time will generate effects. Apart from this, effects from
the stimulus points are of systemic role, rather than the
nerve-dominative area as defined by modern neurology. The cross-nerve
distribution effects produced from local stimulus points spread through
the systemic connective tissue network of the triple
energizers-meridians system.
2. Application of acupuncture anesthesia has obtained medical approval.
It is clear that stimulating acupoints taken along meridians in the
state of Deqi can reach analgesia in the far meridians dominating
region. There is still one major puzzle. That is why stimulating
non-meridians area, such as wrist-ankle acupuncture, float needle, and
only a slight stimulation of superficial connective tissue without Deqi
can produce analgesic effects.
Xiao, through stimulating the right side of Zusanli(ST36) and its next 2
cm of non-acupoint area, found more activation to varying degrees in the
same brain regions, which suggests that all stimulating points are in
the triple energizer connective tissue network beyond the dominating
regions of the meridians system[15].
To stimulate triple energizer-meridian system can generate electrical
activity in the cerebral cortex, and also directly through the rapid
delivery of analgesic effect of connective tissue. It is believed that
the Deqi sensation under the needle of the operator is achieved by
inserting and twisting the needle to make the needle body and the
connective tissue tightly bound and initiate the coupling effect[16].
To clarify the relation between triple energizer and meridians may
terminate these doubts. Meridians are the key links of the triple
energizer network, and acupoints are the key role points of meridians.
Acupoints along meridians are considered more therapeutically valuable
than others for analgesia, but those numerous extra acupoints on triple
energizer producing similar or slight effect.
Chinese ancestors created the meridians civilization in ancient time.
Although they were unable to explicitly locate them, they made it clear
that its functions maintained the fundamental human survival. We have
been inheriting and carrying forward the Chinese culture and have truly
recognized the anatomical essence of meridians, which are parts of the
triple energizer network. Indeed, meridians have the name, functions,
tangibility, and anatomy distribution, which are made up with the
staggered systemic connective tissue. We have not only seen meridians,
but also touched them, and furthermore anatomized them.