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Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. The Gallbladder has no direct interior-exterior pairing for entry and exit, primarily governing the half-exterior half-interior level. Its meridian originates at the outer canthus of the eye, ascends to the frontal angle of the head, connects with the middle of the ear, follows along the chest, stomach, and hypochondrium, and runs along the lateral aspect of the body. Treatment does not follow the standard or root principles but harmonizes from the middle; only Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) is used for harmonization, with no other medicines applicable. Sweating (diaphoresis), vomiting (emesis), purgation (downward draining), and promoting urination are all contraindicated.

Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. It is the first of the three Yin meridians, hence named Taiyin. Its meridian originates at the big toe of the foot, ascends to the abdomen, connects with the pharynx, links to the root of the tongue, and runs along the anterior aspect of the body. If thirst and jaundice occur, Yinchin Tang (Artemisia Capillaris Decoction) is used. If urine is red and stool is obstructed, this is the primary disease of the Taiyin meridian, and Guizhi Dahuang Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Rhubarb Decoction) is used. If the illness begins initially without fever or thirst, without headache, but with aversion to cold, fullness and pain in the chest and abdomen, or vomiting and diarrhea, cold hands and feet, clear urine, or dry heaving and hiccups, this is a direct invasion of cold pathogen into this meridian, and Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) is appropriate. If the illness begins initially without fever or thirst, with fullness and pain in the chest and abdomen, cold hands and feet, and a deep and fine pulse at the cunkou (radial artery), this is caused by internal injury from raw and cold foods, and Zhizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) is appropriate.

Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It is the root of human life. Among the intersection of the three Yin meridians, it is called Shaoyin. Its meridian originates at the Yongquan acupoint (KI1) on the sole of the foot, ascends through the spine, follows the throat, connects to the root of the tongue, descends into the heart and chest, and runs along the anterior aspect of the body. Symptoms include curling up while lying down, aversion to cold, oral irritability and dry throat, delirium, thirst, constipation, and a deep yet forceful pulse. This is the primary disease of the Shaoyin meridian due to heat pathogen transmission, and Dachengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) should be used urgently to purge downward. If there is initial fever, red face, and cold feet, this is a Jia-Yin Shanghan (Cold Damage with Hidden Yin Deficiency) affecting this meridian directly, involving both root and branch, and Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang (Ephedra, Aconite, and Asarum Decoction) is used to warm the meridians and dissipate cold. If there is yin restlessness, desiring to sit in a muddy well, wanting to drink but unable to accept fluids, red face, cold feet, deep pulse, or a large pulse that feels empty upon pressure, this is the primary disease of extreme yin generating restlessness, and Sini Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction) combined with Shengmai San (Generate the Pulse Powder) is appropriate to withdraw yin and restore yang. If there is body heat and irritability, red face, cold feet, and a rapid, large but forceless pulse, this is deficient yang hidden within yin, involving both root and branch, and Jiajian Wuji San (Modified Accumulation-Resolving Powder) is appropriate to warm and resolve exterior and interior. If the illness begins initially without headache, thirst, or body heat, with cold extremities and curling up, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, or shivering, pale face like a scraped knife, and a deep, fine pulse, this is a direct invasion of cold pathogen into the Shaoyin meridian, and Sini Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction) is appropriate for urgent warming. If there is absence of heat with aversion to cold, blueish complexion, severe colic in the lower abdomen, cold feet and deep pulse, curling up without thirst, or vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, cyanotic fingernails, cold extending beyond elbows and knees, abdominal distension preventing medication intake, this is the primary disease of Jia-Yin Zhonghan (Cold Strike with Hidden Yin), and Renshen Sini Tang (Ginseng and Frigid Extremities Decoction) is appropriate for warming and tonifying. Among the six meridians, this one is the most difficult to differentiate; heat is known by dryness, thirst, constipation, and deep-solid pulse, while cold is distinguished by deep-slow pulse.