A Proposed Standard International Acupuncture Nomenclature: Report of a WHO Scientific Group: 4. Recommendations for further action by WHO in the field of acupuncture: 4.7 Acupuncture equipment

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

4.7 Acupuncture equipment

A wide variety of acupuncture equipment, including instruments that use lasers, is currently on the market. These machines and instruments need proper standardization so that their use does not entail the risk of damage to delicate body organs. WHO could promote the development of specifications for acupuncture equipment and compile guidelines for its use.