The origin of fingerprint diagnosis in children from the perspective of acupuncture and moxibustion theory

Pediatric fingerprint diagnosis, as a characteristic meridian diagnosis method in pediatrics, is widely used in clinical practice, the therapeutic principles of which are explored by summarizing the historical and contemporary descriptions in this study. From the perspectives of the relationship between pediatric fingerprints with collaterals, meridians, and specific areas in the index finger, theoretical discussions are conducted to elucidate how acupuncture and moxibustion theory influence the formation of pediatric fingerprint diagnosis, which provides new ideas for clinical practice. On this basis, the recognition and application of collateral diagnosis in clinical acupuncture and moxibustion, as well as the guiding significance of theoretical construction for clinical practice, are dissected.