Progress on application of fMRI in studies of meridians and acupoints

Through study on articles of fMRI and acupuncture-moxibustion of the recent 10 years, application of fMRI on specificity studies of meridians and acupoints such as comparison of single acupoint, point group, various manipulations, essence of needling sensation and indications of acupuncture, etc. were summarized. And it is held that the future study should be focused on the entire meridian. The principle of the relationship among meridians, the centre nerve and Zang-fu organs should be explored as well at a new level so as to promote the further studies on essence of meridian.