Ancient Bronze Figure Illustrates Acupuncture Points

The China National Museum is displaying a bronze figure of a child known as Tongmian Xiaoniang. It is described as having a dry, bitter, and astringent taste, with a neutral thermal property, and is associated with the liver, lungs, and kidneys. The program also touched upon the digestive and metabolic functions of the spleen and the formation of phlegm. These works incorporate traditional court-style paper cutting. In 2019, works with court-style paper cutting characteristics participated in a competition at the Beijing Garden Expo and won a special prize. The broadcast highlighted the tangible and experiential aspects of cultural heritage that can be passed down through generations. A national treasure-level bronze figure, known as the 'Zhen Jiu Tong Ren', has 666 acupoint locations, with 559 unique names after accounting for symmetrical points. This national treasure was displayed in the National Museum of History, the predecessor to the National Museum, since its opening in 1926. Modern technology, including 3D scanning and printing, was used to replicate the figure with precise detail, matching its original dimensions and body curves. The figure, which is part of the National Museum's collection, is noted for its precise anatomical detail, matching the museum's collection exactly in size, proportion, and body curves. Historically, bronze figures like the 'Tiansheng Bronze Figures' created in 1027 were used for teaching and examination, with some even having detachable chests containing models of internal organs and the ability to hold water to demonstrate acupoint locations. A bronze acupuncture model, known as the 'Zhenjiu Tongren', features 666 acupoints, with 559 unique named points after accounting for symmetry.