本文通过系统分析揭示 :足厥阴脉“是动”病描述的是阴疝的症状

古人从阴疝发病部位特点及对该病的针灸诊疗经验中抽提出“足背 前阴 少腹 腰 (舌 )之间相关联系”的规律

而所谓“足厥阴脉”则是古人对这一规律的直觉解释。这一新发现为考察经络学说的形成过程提供了关键证据

引导人们正确分析经络学说的构成要素并进而正确理解该学说的意义与价值In the present paper

the author systematically investigates t he formation proce ss of "Foot-Jueyin Meridian" from the ancient literature and puts forward his viewpoint on the scientific value of meridian-collateral theory

that is

the t r ue connotations of this theory lie in the meridian-bound empirical evidence and the deduced basic regularities of mutual connections among different parts of th e body surface and interrelation between the body surface and the corresponding internal organs

rather than those simple twelve meridian lines. Abundant data show that "Shidong Bing" (是动病meridian disease) of the Foot-Jueyin Merid i an is referred to symptoms and signs of scrotal hernia. In accordance with the c haracters of the affected location of scrotal hernia and the related experience of diagnosis and treatment in acu-moxibustion clinic

the Chinese ancient medic a l experts summed up a set of connection regularities of Foot-Jueyin Meridian t h at starts from the dorsum of foot and goes up to the antero-pudendal region

th e lower abdomen

and to the waist region (or tongue)

etc.. The so-called "Foot -Jue yin Meridian" is the ancient's intuitive interpretation about its connection r egularities. This new discovery may provide a key evidence for investigating the development process of the meridian doctrine of TCM and will guide the research ers to analyze the major factors composing the meridian doctrine and to understa nd its actual significance and value correctly.