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Cun Measurements of the Body

The system of using the cun is a genius way for acupuncture to measure and locate acupoints on anyone's body. Since everyone's body is of a different size and shape, using a person's inborn measurement system makes finding the points a snap. The process starts with the measurement of one cun. This is done two ways: (a)using the width of the distal inter-phalangeal joint of the thumb (first finger) or (b)using the distance between the distal and proximal inter-phalangeal joints of the 3rd (middle) finger. All other specific measurements are outlined in the diagrams below. When in doubt in measuring, the thumb (1 cun) or the four finger method (3 cun) can always be used in a pinch.

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