The method of acupuncture in the skin has been recorded since Inner Canon of Yellow Emporor

and the modern method of skin acupuncture has been frequently used in clinical practice because of its safety

effectiveness and less pain for patients. The theoretical bases of the skin acupuncture method include the theory of cutaneous region

the theory of Weiqi and the theory of five Zang-organs. The commonly used needles include trowel needle（ Chan needle

鑱针）

spoon needle（ Chi needle

鍉针）

blade needle（ Feng needle

锋针） and filiform needle（ Hao needle

毫针）. The derived methods include percutaneous stimulation and intradermal stimulation. This article also expounds the characteristics of the skin acupuncture method and analyzes the existing problems

to provide the theoretical basis for the clinical research of the skin acupuncture method in the future.