The Principle of Symmetry in Acupuncture and its Clinical Applications

Abstract

The clinical practice of acupuncture and study of the traditional Chinese medicine literature has led to the observation that if the diaphragm is used as an axis of symmetry, there are many symmetrical points on the upper and lower halves of the body. The symmetrical points share several common properties, including physiological functions, mechanisms of pathogenesis and therapeutic effects. Employing these corresponding points on the upper and lower parts of the body simultaneously can frequently enhance the therapeutic outcome rather substantially. This phenomenon may be called the Principle of Symmetry. Traditional and modern scientific literature already provides evidence that verifies the reliability of this principle. Furthermore, this principle may be viewed as the derivative of the Thalamic Neuron Theory.