A Historical Model Informing the Future: Acupuncture Standardization in the Northern Song Dynasty

Abstract:

This study takes the acupuncture standardization movement in the early Northern Song dynasty as its research object, focusing on the landmark achievements led by Wang Weiyi (王惟一) during the reign of Emperor Renzong, namely Tong Ren Shu Xue Zhen Jiu Tu Jing (《铜人腧穴针灸图经》 Illustrated Classic of Acupoints on the Bronze Figure ), Zhen Jiu Tong Ren (针灸铜人 Acupuncture Bronze Figure), the Proportional Body-cun Acupoint Locating Method, and the associated institutional measures. By employing historical document analysis and standardization theory, it systematically examines the core components, operational mechanisms, and institutional design of the movement. The findings reveal groundbreaking advancements across multiple dimensions: at the technical level, the official adoption of the Proportional Body-cun Method balanced measurement uniformity with individual patient variation; at the carrier level, the “paper–stone–bronze” trinity presentation transformed abstract acupuncture knowledge into tangible, verifiable physical standards; at the institutional level, a closed-loop management system of “formulation–teaching–assessment–feedback” ensured effective implementation and dynamic revision of standards. This historical paradigm suggests that contemporary traditional Chinese medicine standardization should balance group uniformity with individual differences, adopt diverse and complementary carriers, and be supported by an institutional closed loop, rather than remaining merely at the level of textual formulation.