The meridian distribution on the lacquer figure unearthed in the Han dynasty tomb in Chengdu laoguanshan: 成都老官山汉墓经穴髹漆人像十二经脉循行考证

Abstract In 2012, a lacquer figure was unearthed from the Han dynasty tomb (188 BC−87 BC) at Chengdu Laoguanshan. The lines intaglioed on the Laoguanshan lacquer figure were similar to the meridians. Objective To investigate the relationship between the lines on this Laoguanshan lacquer figure and the regular meridians so as to explore the development of meridian system in ancient China. Methods Based on collecting the photos of the Laoguanshan lacquer figure and the representative acupuncture classics, the double evidence method (combining the unearthed relics / literature and extant literature) was performed to investigate the relationship between the lines on this Laoguanshan lacquer figure and the regular meridians. Furthermore, the development of regular meridians theory was analyzed from the number, distribution, direction and branches. Results The routes of the 28 longitudinal white lines on the Laoguanshan lacquer figure are similar to the regular meridians in the ancient literature including Huangdi Neijīng (《黄帝内经》Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic). The number, distribution and branches of the meridians intaglioed on the Laoguanshan lacquer figure suggested the evolution of the regular-meridian system from the eleven-meridian system to the twelve-meridian system. Conclusions The meridian system of Laoguanshan lacquer figure was a link connecting the preceding and the following. The Laoguanshan lacquer figure played an important role in the development of the early meridian theory.