Suggested Changes in Location and Function and Pairing of Eight Distal Limb Acupoints in Dogs and Cats

摘要

The locations and functions of many acupoints in animals have been transposed from humans. Using mirror imagery and altering acupoint locations to achieve symmetry, changes in acupoint locations are suggested. Acupoints Li V-3 and LJ-4. the "four gates", arc located in symmetrical mirror locatioas in humans. To achieve symmetry with LIV-3 in dogs and cats, tt is proposed that 1,1-4 always be located between the 2"d and 3rd metacarpal bones. Acupoints 1.17-9 and SP-3 are suggested to be located on themedial side of the second metacarpal or metatarsal bone just proximal to the metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints respectively to achieve symmetry and become a balancing pair. It is also proposed that Tl 1-3 function as the Yang-Wei confluent point instead of 111-5, as Ti 1-3 has anatomic symmetry with GB-41, the Dai-Mai confluent point and the two acupoints can be paired together to balance the Extraordinary Vessels. Slight alterations in ihe locations of BL-65 and SI-3 are suggested toachieve anatomic symmetry, so that they can also be combined as pairs to achieve balance through the Extraordinary Vessels. The acupoint pairs LU-9/SP-3, TH-3/GB-41 and Bf .-65/SI-3 are all Shu-Stream acupoints and located on the same level Channel (e.g.T,II-9/SP-3 Tai Yin Channels; TTT-3/ GB-41 Shoe Yang Channels; BL-.65/SI-3 Tar Yang Channels). Anatomically the suggested changes are rational However it has been the author's positive clinical experiences using these new acupoint locations and functions that motivated beginning this dialogue. Successful clinical use by other acupuncturists will determine the validity of these suggested changes.