Woodcut from Tong ren shu xue zhen jiu tu jing (Illustrated Manual of Acupoints on the Bronze Man) by Wang Weiyi, published in 1443 (8th year of the Zhengtong reign period of the Ming Dynasty), illustrating methods of locating the gaohuang (Vital Region) point.
The image shows a bare-backed human figure, seated on a stool. The two methods of locating the gaohuang point are illustrated by means of diagrams and captions on the figure's back, i.e. 1) Measure 3 cun laterally from the fifth vertebra, to either side. 2) Draw a horizontal line underneath the fifth vertebra. Measure 4 cun downwards from the fourth vertebra to the seventh vertebra. Measure 5 cun from this point to the horizontal line. The point of intersection with the horizontal line is gaohuang.
This point was considered a panacea, efficacious against conditions including emaciation and consumption; nocturnal emission; coughing with dyspnoea; madness and memory loss.
