The Neuroanatomic Explanation of "Acupoint Specificity"
By 2026, the long-standing mystery of why specific points on the body produce systemic effects has been largely solved through neuroanatomy.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and other leading institutions have identified specific subsets of sensory neurons (marked by the PROKR2Cre receptor) that are highly concentrated in the deep fascia of the limbs but sparse in the abdomen. When stimulated—particularly via electroacupuncture—these neurons activate the vagal-adrenal axis, triggering a systemic anti-inflammatory response. This "nerve-fiber distribution map" now allows clinicians to precisely predict which points will be effective for systemic conditions like sepsis, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel syndrome, moving the practice from intuition-based to evidence-based precision.