A Proposed Standard International Acupuncture Nomenclature: Report of a WHO Scientific Group: 4. Recommendations for further action by WHO in the field of acupuncture: 4.2 Further standardization of nomenclature

A Proposed Standard International Acupuncture Nomenclature: Report of a WHO Scientific Group
(1991; 36 pages)

Table of Contents

	WHO Scientific Group on International Acupuncture Nomenclature
	1. Introduction
	2. Background
		2.1 Historical perspective
		2.2 Towards a standard nomenclature²
		2.3 Essential elements of a standard nomenclature⁴
		2.4 Nomenclature proposals to date⁵
		2.5 The importance of a common language
	3. Proposed standard international acupuncture nomenclature
		3.1 Structure of the proposed nomenclature
		3.2 The 14 main meridians
		3.3 The 361 classical acupuncture points
		3.4 The 8 extra meridians
		3.5 The 48 extra points
		3.6 Scalp acupuncture lines
	4. Recommendations for further action by WHO in the field of acupuncture
		4.1 Dissemination of the proposed standard international acupuncture nomenclature
		4.2 Further standardization of nomenclature
		4.3 Regulation by health authorities
		4.4 Basic training
		4.5 Safety
		4.6 Indications and contraindications
		4.7 Acupuncture equipment
		4.8 Education of the public
		4.9 Clinical and basic research
	Acknowledgements
	Back cover

4.2 Further standardization of nomenclature

WHO should take steps to ensure the further standardization of acupuncture nomenclature. Nomenclature proposals have already been made with respect to 43 auricular points of proven therapeutic value, the location of which is generally accepted. The standardization of nomenclature for auricular acupuncture should now be completed. In addition, efforts should be pursued to standardize the basic technical terms used in acupuncture.