Back-shu points were firstly discussed in Lingshu (the Miraculous Pivot), and various location methods of back-shu points had been proposed by acupuncturists until conclusive method was made in Song dynasty. In this paper, the different location methods of back-shu points were reviewed; based on this, the reasons of divergences among each theory on location methods were discussed, and the theoretical background and reference of the original establishment of back-shu points were further explored. Therefore, it was proposed that the standardized location of back-shu points should be just considered as the center of possible distribution range, and adjustment should be made during clinical application according to the variability of individual combined with finger pressing.
Keywords: acupoint; back-shu points; location.