Modern imaging technology was utilized to explore the acupuncture targets and operation safety of the main points of the " Tongguan Liqiao" acupuncture method, including Fengchi(GB 20), Wangu(GB 12), Yifeng(TE 17), so as to ensure the standardization and clinical effectiveness, and to promote further application.

This study mapped the local anatomical structure of three main acupoints during needle insertion, whose operation are different from traditional acupuncture methods, using CT three-dimensional reconstruction technology.

Three acupoints in the head and neck are dissected layer by layer. GB 20: skin, between sternocleidomastoid and the trapezius, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, with branches of cervical plexus and accessory nerve passing through its deep layer of the acupoint; GB 12: skin, sternocleidomastoid, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, longissimus capitis, with the superficial distribution of the greater auricular nerve to the parotid gland and the lower part of the masseter muscle. TE 17: skin, anterior part of sternocleidomastoid, below stylomastoid foramen, pharyngeal muscles, with the facial nerve passing through its deep layers, accompanied by glossopharyngeal nerve, vagus and accessory nerve. The CT images showed that during the process of needling GB 20, GB 12, and TE 17, the vertebral artery, carotid artery sheath, spinal cord, and other important tissue structures were not touched. Additionally, all patients did not experience adverse reactions such as dizziness, headache, or local infection after needling.

The operation of main points (GB 20, GB 12, TE 17) of " Tongguan Liqiao" acupuncture method is safe. The effect of acupuncture may be related to the facial nerve, vagus nerve, glossopharyngeal nerve and accessory nerve, providing reference for research on therapeutic mechanism.