The doctrine of meridians is extensively applied to the treatment in all clinical specialties, especially to the clinical treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion. Such guidance is well reflected in the location of acupoints which is done according to syndrome differentiation and the pertaining meridians as well as the distribution and cyclical flowing of the meridians.
That is what "locating acupoints along the meridians" means. "Locating acupoints along the meridians" does not simply mean the cyclical flowing routes of the fourteen meridians. The meridian branches, collaterals and skin areas strengthen the relation between the meridians in external and internal relation as well as the three yin and three yang meridians with the same name and on the same side. Their distributing regions are larger than those of the twelve meridians.
On the other hand, the eight extraordinary vessels run across the twelve meridians. Attention should also be paid to the crossing acupoints which are connected with several meridians. So the indication of a certain acupoint is complicated and multiple and should be analyzed according to various relations. Only when the theory of meridians is thoroughly understood can accurate location of acupoints be ensured. The guiding significance of the doctrine of meridians is also reflected in the application of needling and moxibusting techniques.
According to the idea of "interrelation between man and the nature", the ancient doctors established "midnight-noon ebb-flow" and "eight magic turtle methods" by associating the circulation of qi and blood in the meridians "with the nature". Besides, the idea of "guiding herbs" developed by attributing medicinal herbs to the meridians is significant in understanding the indication and action of the medicinal herbs.