Journal of Korean Medical classics (대한한의학원전학회지)

The Society of Korean Medical Classics (대한한의학원전학회)
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Are the Tattoos of the 5200-Year-Old Tyrolean Mummy the Oldest Remains of Acupoints?

5200년 전 티롤의 미라의 문신은 가장 오래된 경혈의 유물인가?

  • Song, Seok Mo (Dept. of Meridian & Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Woosuk University)
  • 송석모 (우석대학교 한의과대학 경혈학교실)
  • Received : 2022.04.21
  • Accepted : 2022.05.10
  • Published : 2022.05.25
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Abstract

Objectives : This article examines the validity of the argument by Dorfer et al. that the tattoos of the 5200-year-old mummy, found in Tyrolean Alps in 1991, are the oldest remains of acupoints or meridians. Methods : Firstly, I reviewed the arguments by Dorfer et al. and the rebuttal by Ma et al. Secondly, I investigated whether the tattoo locations were in accordance with the acupoint locations and meridians documented in Chinese medical classics. Finally, I examined the alternative explanations on the reasoning of their locations by Kean et al. Results : Among the 18 groups of tattoos in total, only 3 groups coincided with classical acupoints, which accounts for 16.7% of total groups. Although 4 groups may also have been acupoints locations, this hypothesis could not be confirmed through an accurate standard of measurement. Conclusions : It is highly possible that the tattoos of the Tyrolean mummy do not have any relationship with classical acupoints and meridians. The tattoos are not decorative, but meant for medicinal purposes. They correspond to chronic musculoskeletal trauma and pain sites.

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