The First Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Written by Huang Fumi (215-282), The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion consists of 12 volumes and 128 chapters and is the earliest extant classic on acupuncture and moxibustion (a form of heat therapy) in China. It summarizes information on the channels and collaterals (the channels' branches), acupuncture points, needle manipulation, and contraindication (effect). It lists the total number of the acupuncture points as 349, and discusses the therapeutic properties of each point.

This book has exerted a great influence upon the medicine of acupuncture and moxibustion all over the world. In the 5th century it spread to Japan and South Korea and was stipulated by the Japanese authorities as early as 701.

The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion promoted the development of acupuncture and moxibustion, and became a model for later acupuncture and moxibustion works.