Discovery and rediscovery of morphological structure of human body explored by manual detection and acupuncture practice

Human anatomy is the cornerstone of the medical temple. As early as more than 2000 years ago, by means of manual detection/observation and acupuncture needle, and from the perspective of yin and yang complementarity, and in the aspects of body surface landmarks, physical structure, visceral structure, holistic structure, body form and constitution, and the rules of human body structure, Chinese acupuncture practitioners had constructed the theoretical foundation, named "acupuncture theory of physical body", supporting TCM acupuncture. Based on the needs of acupuncture, a research paradigm had been established to explore the morphological structure of human body, focusing on membrane structure and regulatory structure, and with the concept of "membrane-organ integration". The advanced idea and significant discovery on acupuncture theory of physical body are rediscovered and reacquainted in the latest development of modern human anatomy, with highlighted contemporary importance and value. Moreover, it shows that the two paths, i.e. acupuncture theory of physical body oriented to science of acupuncture, and the modern human anatomy towards surgery, are essential when exploring the mysteries of human structure and complemented each other. TCM acupuncture practitioners should seize the opportunity to complete the reconstruction and innovation of human morphology of TCM acupuncture by systematically excavating and organizing the acupuncture theory of physical body. It will be a solid and historic step to promote this theory to be an independent discipline and the most complementary to modern human anatomy, open the passages between the theories of Chinese medicine and western medicine from the bottom, and eventually achieve their complementarity.