Applied Anatomy for Acupuncture

This chapter seeks to provide a detailed anatomical guide to assist practitioners of acupuncture techniques. The key to safe practice in any acupuncture procedure is a thorough respect and understanding of the patient’s anatomy. This understanding must be accompanied by excellent palpation skills and extends to not just the specific needling point itself, but to the underlying anatomy within each region. Thus, this unique guide provides a detailed anatomical perspective of common acupuncture points (as defined and taught by a cross-section of acupuncture courses delivered within manual therapy), including how to efficiently utilize relevant surface landmarks to assist in their location. Discussion of the anatomical fundamentals of each needling point includes reference to key surrounding structures to promote a safe approach to each, and the relative safety of needling those points in clinical practice. A key feature of the chapter is the inclusion of cadaveric images for many of the acupuncture points which show needle position relevant to the underlying anatomy (e.g., in relation to neurovascular structures). This enhanced visualization provides an excellent insight into the safe practice of acupuncture. The chapter is aimed at clinicians currently practicing, or in training to practice acupuncture.