Song's Mast Cell Theory of Acupuncture

Professor. Jimei Song (1924–1987), from the Liaoning College of Traditional Medicine, first proposed the hypothesis that cutaneous mast cells (MCs) may be responsible for some of the phenomena associated with activation of meridians, acupoints, and De Qi in acupuncture. This was in 1977 and she subsequently published the first investigative report on human subjects. Supported by hundreds of extensive research reports later on, now Song's Mast Cell Theory of Acupuncture is one of the leading theories in acupuncture research. As a scientist and mother, Professor Song belonged to a special generation of female professionals in China. These women were living in a very unique and challenging era. Called “half of the sky” or “bourgeoisie intellectuals,” they faced unbearable difficulties in their lives and their work. The contribution of Professor Song to acupuncture is as significant as the contribution of Ms. Youyou Tu to Chinese herbal medicine. The difference is that Professor Song did not receive any award or significant recognition before she died in 1987. This review provides some background about her life, her contributions, and related publications, as well as a brief review of recent advances on MC mapping and acupuncture based on her MC theory.