Acupuncture point ()

Acupuncture point Overview

An **acupuncture point** (also called an *acupoint*) is not a molecule, receptor, enzyme, transporter, or any other type of molecular therapeutic target. Instead, it refers to specific locations on the human body that are stimulated during acupuncture—a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine[1][4][7][10]. These points are mapped along pathways known as meridians and are believed by practitioners to influence the flow of energy (qi) and affect various organs or physiological systems[1][4][7]. The World Health Organization recognizes 361 standard acupuncture points organized along 14 major meridians with additional extra points[1][7]. Acupuncture points do not have canonical abbreviations like proteins or genes. They are typically referenced by their meridian name and number (e.g., ST36 for \"Stomach 36\")[1]. From a biomedical perspective, **acupuncture points do not represent discrete anatomical structures such as receptors or enzymes**; rather they correspond to areas where needling may stimulate nerves, connective tissue cells, immune cells such as macrophages and mast cells via local mechanical/chemical signaling cascades[2][5]. However, these effects arise from complex tissue-level interactions rather than direct ligand-receptor binding typical of drug targets. There is no evidence that drugs interact directly with acupuncture points; instead any therapeutic effect arises from physical stimulation at these sites. Therefore: - **Acupuncture point is not considered a therapeutic molecular target**. - It should be flagged as an incorrect entry if used in contexts requiring molecular targets. > According to traditional Chinese medicine theory and modern research consensus, > \"acupoints are specifically chosen sites of acupuncture manipulation...the basis for clinical treatment\" but \"are not molecules nor receptors\"[10]. In summary: - **Acupuncture point** is *not* a valid entry for structured drug-target databases focused on molecules/receptors. - It represents anatomical locations used in physical therapies—not pharmacological entities.

Mechanism of Action

Biological Functions

Safety Considerations