“Pain-point needling”

a term of acupuncture medicine from the Chapter Jingjin(Muscles along Meridians) of Lingshu Jing(Miraculous Pivot)

is one of the selection principles of acupuncture and moxibustion stimulation spots

and is an integral part of the theory of Jingjin. The statement style of the Jingjin theory in Lingshu imitates that of the twelve regular meridians theory. From the perspective of the evolution process of the meridian theory

it is a continuation of the literature from Jianbo Maishu(Bamboo Slips Book and Silk Book on Meridians) to Huangdi Neijing(The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic). In this context

meridian diseases are treated with acupoints

while Jingjin disorders are treated with “pain-point needling” rather than acupoints. The theoretical framework of the two is strictly relative. This phenomenon is due to the strong position of the meridian and acupoint theory at that time

which affects the reasoning habit of acupuncture and moxibustion literature. The correct understanding of “pain-point needling” will also involve the understanding of “Ashi point” and its relationship with the acupoints

so as to help us clarify the concept of the acupoints

and then construct the category of “acupuncture and moxibustion stimulating points”

which may solve the problems existing in the current theoretical system of acupuncture and moxibustion.