the authors analyze "the homologous phenomenon of the meridian of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the orientation" and "the relationship between the Zang-or Fu-organ and the meridian" from the classical theory of "corresponding correlation between the Zang-or Fu-organ and the meridian" and the basic clinical principles about "selecting acupoints along the meridian".Results reveal that there exist many doubtful points in the doctrine of "corresponding correlation between the Zang-or Fu-organ and the meridian" including "non-specific correspondence" and "non-correspondence".For example
puncturing acupoints of the Pericardium Meridian can treat disorders of both the heart and the stomach.However
in the doctrine of "correlation between the Zang-or Fu-organ and the meridian"
there are some reasonable elements which possess the phenomenon of "correspondence of orientation" while the doubtful points don't.The "correspondence of orientation" is quite complicated probably due to the organism's "diversity" and "multiple directions(meridians' distribution)" but may help us sort out a main thread from the classical meridian-collateral theory and clinical experience