As compared with the formula of Chinese herbs

point prescription lacks a complete theoretical system and the analyses on its principles

though it bases on some principles

methods

acupoints and techniques. The authors summed up the rules of point prescription as follows: "Four Aims" and "Four Differentiations". The former refers to the treatment in accordance with etio1ogy

pathogenesis

symptoms and locations; the latter includes the differentiations of syndromes

diseases

symptoms and time. By discussing in detail

the authors show the nedessity of every rule and importance Df their mutual dependance

and give the rules on the whole so as to help clinical practitioners.