Mastering AcuMap: A Guide to Manipulations and Controls
If you are new to virtual reality medical training, the first step to success is mastering your environment. In AcuMap, the controls are designed to be intuitive, mimicking real-world hand movements so you can focus on the anatomy rather than the technology.
Below are the most common questions from first-time users regarding how to interact with the AcuMap 3D environment.
Core Navigation & Model Interaction
Q: How do I rotate and zoom in on the anatomical model?
A: To inspect the human body from any angle, use the Grab and Rotate function.
- Rotate: Point your controller toward the 3D model, hold the Grip button (the trigger on the side of the handle), and move your hand in the direction you wish to rotate.
- Scale/Zoom: To get a closer look at a specific fascial plane or acupoint, use a "pinch" gesture with both controllers. Hold the grip buttons on both hands while pointing at the model, then pull your hands apart to zoom in or push them together to zoom out.
Q: How do I open and navigate the Main Menu?
A: Accessing your tools is simple. Press the "Menu" button (the smaller button located above the thumbstick) on your left controller. This will summon the floating menu panel directly in front of you. To select tools or settings, simply point your right controller at the menu and use the Index Trigger to "click" and select your options.
Needle Handling & Precision Practice
Q: How do I select and use an acupuncture needle in VR?
A: Needling is the core of your training.
- Navigate to your toolbelt or the main menu and select the Needle Tool.
- Once selected, your virtual controller will act as the needle handle.
- To insert, align your controller with the desired acupoint on the model.
- Gently push forward in a smooth motion. AcuMap provides haptic feedback to simulate the resistance of the skin and tissue layers, helping you calibrate the correct depth.
Q: Can I adjust the angle of the needle during insertion?
A: Yes, precision is critical in acupuncture. Because the AcuMap model is rendered in 3D, you can approach any acupoint from various angles. If you need to make minor adjustments, you can "rotate" your wrist in real life; the virtual needle will mirror this movement, allowing you to practice perpendicular, oblique, or transverse insertions with anatomical accuracy.
Advanced Interaction
Q: How do I highlight or "pin" specific meridians?
A: If you want to isolate a specific pathway, navigate to the Meridian Panel in your main menu. You can toggle meridians on or off (e.g., viewing only the Lung Meridian while hiding others). To pin a specific point for study, select the Pin Tool from your menu, point at the acupoint on the 3D model, and click. This will create a permanent label and flashcard overlay so you can reference the point’s name and function while you continue your practice.
Q: What do I do if I lose my place or need to reset the model?
A: If you have manipulated the model too far or simply want to start fresh, look for the "Reset View" icon on the bottom right of your main menu. This will instantly return the 3D model to its default standing position, centered in your field of view, so you can re-orient yourself.
💡 Pro-Tip for First-Time Users
Take your time in the "Tutorial" zone. Before you begin complex simulations, spend 5 minutes practicing the Grab and Rotate gestures. Once the movement feels like "muscle memory," your brain will stop thinking about the VR/MR hardware and start focusing entirely on the acupuncture anatomy.
Still having trouble with your controls? Visit the AcuMap Tutorial Hub for step-by-step video demonstrations of these movements.