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Huangdi asked Qibo: In general, the principles of acupuncture must encompass the starting and ending points of the twelve meridians, the branching locations of the collateral vessels, the retention points of the Five Shu points, the pairing relationships of the Six Fu organs, the entry and exit patterns of the Four Seasons, and the infusion sites of the Zang organs. One must also understand the width and narrowness of the meridians, the depth and shallowness of needling, and the high and low positions of the acupoints. I wish to hear your explanation.

Qibo replied: Please allow me to explain in order. The Lung meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Shaoshang (Shao Shang). Shaoshang is located on the medial side of the tip of the thumb. It belongs to Wood and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Yuji (Yu Ji), which is located on the thenar eminence of the hand. It belongs to Fire and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Taiyuan (Tai Yuan), located one cun posterior to Yuji, in a depression. It belongs to Earth and is the Shu-Stream point. The Qi travels through Jingquan (Jing Quan), located at the Cun Kou position. The pulse beats continuously here. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Chize (Chi Ze), located at the arterial pulse in the center of the elbow. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian.

The Heart meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Zhongchong (Zhong Chong), located at the tip of the middle finger. It belongs to Wood and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Laogong (Lao Gong), located between the inner aspect of the proximal phalanx of the middle finger in the palm. It belongs to Fire and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Daling (Da Ling), located between the two bones behind the palm, in a square depression. It belongs to Earth and is the Shu-Stream point. The Qi travels through Jianshi (Jian Shi), located between the two tendons, three cun from the wrist crease. If there is pathogenic Qi, the Qi arrives; if not, it stops. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Quze (Qu Ze), located below the medial border of the elbow, in a depression obtained by flexing the arm. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian.

The Liver meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Dadun (Da Dun), located at the tip of the big toe and among the hair follicles. (There are two locations for this acupoint, both can be needled; the text states it starts among the hair follicles of the big toe, taking the hair follicles as the primary reference). It belongs to Wood and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Xingjian (Xing Jian), located between the big toe and the second toe. It belongs to Fire and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Taichong (Tai Chong), located two cun above Xingjian, in a depression. It belongs to Earth and is the Shu-Stream point. The Qi travels through Zhongfeng (Zhong Feng), located 1.5 cun anterior to the medial malleolus, in a depression. If Qi flow is reversed, it stagnates; if harmonized, it flows freely; obtainable by moving the foot. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-River point. ("Shi" refers to the circulation of Qi in the meridians. *Su Wen* states: "If the ruler is unclear, the twelve officials are in danger; if the pathway of the envoy is blocked, it does not flow." The character "Wan" was seen in the previous chapter.) The Qi enters Ququan (Qu Quan), located below the condyle of the tibia, above the large tendon, obtainable by flexing the knee. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian.

The Spleen meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Yinbai (Yin Bai), located on the medial side of the tip of the big toe. It belongs to Wood and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Dabu (Da Bu), located posterior and inferior to the proximal phalanx, in a depression. It belongs to Fire and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Taibai (Tai Bai), located below the tuberosity of the navicular bone. It belongs to Earth and is the Shu-Stream point. The Qi travels through Shangqiu (Shang Qiu), located below the medial malleolus, in a depression. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Yinlingquan (Yin Ling Quan), located below the condyle of the tibia, in a depression, obtainable by extending the leg. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian.

The Kidney meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Yongquan (Yong Quan), located in the center of the sole of the foot. It belongs to Wood and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Ran Gu (Ran Gu), located below the prominence of the calcaneus. It belongs to Fire and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Taixi (Tai Xi), located posterior to the medial malleolus, above the calcaneus, in a depression. It belongs to Earth and is the Shu-Stream point. The Qi travels through Fuliou (Fu Liu), located two cun above the medial malleolus, where the pulse beats continuously. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Yingu (Yin Gu), located posterior to the condyle of the tibia, below the large tendon and above the small tendon, palpable upon pressure, obtainable by flexing the knee. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian.

The Bladder meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Zhiyin (Zhi Yin), located at the tip of the little toe. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Tonggu (Tong Gu), located anterior to the proximal phalanx, on the lateral side. It belongs to Water and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Shugu (Shu Gu), located posterior to the proximal phalanx, in a depression. It belongs to Wood and is the Shu-Stream point. It passes through Jinggu (Jing Gu), located below the large bone on the lateral side of the foot. It belongs to Earth and is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Kunlun (Kun Lun), located posterior to the lateral malleolus, above the calcaneus. It belongs to Fire and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Weizhong (Wei Zhong), located in the center of the popliteal fossa. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point, obtained by flexing the knee. This is the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian.

The Gallbladder meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Qiaoyin (Qiao Yin), located at the tip of the fourth toe. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Xiaxi (Xia Xi), located between the fourth and fifth toes. It belongs to Water and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Linqi (Lin Qi), located 1.5 cun superiorly from Xiaxi, in a depression. It belongs to Wood and is the Shu-Stream point. It passes through Qiuxu (Qiu Xu), located anteroinferior to the lateral malleolus, in a depression. It belongs to Earth and is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Yangfu (Yang Fu), located above the lateral malleolus, anterior to the fibula, and at the end of the Jieggu. It belongs to Fire and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Yanglingquan (Yang Ling Quan), located laterally at the knee, in a depression. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point, obtained by extending the leg. This is the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.

The Stomach meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Lidui (Li Dui), located at the tip of the second toe. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Neiting (Nei Ting), located in the space between the second and third toes. It belongs to Water and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Xangu (Xan Gu), located in the space between the second and third toes, two cun superiorly (Note: The space between the second and third toes is the lateral side of the second toe. The text mentions "superior two cun," counting from Neiting, not involving the third toe to avoid confusion). It belongs to Wood and is the Shu-Stream point. It passes through Chongyang (Chong Yang), located five cun above the dorsum of the foot, in a depression, obtainable by shaking the foot. It belongs to Earth and is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through JieXi (Jie Xi), located 1.5 cun above Chongyang, in a depression. It belongs to Fire and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Xialing (Xia Ling), located three cun below the knee, lateral to the tibia, which is Zusanli (Zu San Li). It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. Three cun below Zusanli is Shangjiaoxu (Shang Jiao Xu); three cun below that is Xiajiaoxu (Xia Jiao Xu). The Large Intestine connects to the upper point, and the Small Intestine connects to the lower point. This is the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. The Large Intestine and Small Intestine both belong to the Stomach. This is the Foot-Yangming Meridian.

The Sanjiao (Triple Burner) meridian connects superiorly with the Hand-Shaoyang meridian. Its Jing-Well point originates at Guanchong (Guan Chong), located at the tip of the ring finger. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Yemen (Ye Men), located between the ring and little fingers. It belongs to Water and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Zhongzhu (Zhong Zhu), located posterior to the proximal phalanx, in a depression. It belongs to Wood and is the Shu-Stream point. It passes through Yangchi (Yang Chi), located on the wrist, in a depression. It belongs to Earth and is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Zhigou (Zhi Gou), located three cun above the wrist, between the two bones, in a depression. It belongs to Fire and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Tianjing (Tian Jing), located above the olecranon process, in a depression. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point, obtained by flexing the elbow.

The lower He-Sea point of the Sanjiao is located anterior to the Foot-Taiyang meridian and posterior to the Foot-Shaoyang meridian. (Original text says "Taiyang," corrected from "Big Toe"; *Xieqi Zangfu Bingxing Pian* states the Sanjiao disease manifestation is in the large collateral of the Foot-Taiyang, between the Foot-Taiyang and Foot-Shaoyang, taking Weiyang. What does this have to do with the big toe?). It emerges from the lateral margin of Weiyang, named Weiyang (Wei Yang). This is the collateral of the Taiyang meridian and also the distinct pathway of the Hand-Shaoyang meridian. The Sanjiao belongs to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder and is governed by the Foot-Taiyin Spleen as a branch of the Taiyang. (Commentary: "Taiyin" in original note is likely a typo for "Shaoyin". Shaoyin refers to the Kidney. Sanjiao Qi originates from the Kidney and communicates with the Gallbladder, hence "governed". Its meridian qi branches to the Foot-Taiyang, hence "branch"). Ascending five cun above the ankle, it branches inward, penetrates the spinal muscles, emerges at Weiyang, merges with the main channel of the Taiyang, enters the Bladder, and regulates the Lower Jiao. (Meaning: The lower He-Sea point of Sanjiao is not a dedicated vessel but the combined Qi of Foot-Shaoyang and Shaoyin traveling via the Taiyang collateral, ascending, penetrating, emerging at Weiyang, merging with the Taiyang main channel, entering the Bladder, and regulating the Lower Jiao). Excess conditions result in urinary retention; deficiency results in enuresis. Enuresis is treated by tonification; urinary retention by sedation.

The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine meridian connects superiorly with the Taiyang meridian. Its Jing-Well point originates at Shaoze (Shao Ze), located at the tip of the little finger. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Qian Gu (Qian Gu), located on the ulnar side of the hand, anterior to the proximal phalanx, in a depression. It belongs to Water and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Houxi (Hou Xi), located on the ulnar side of the hand, posterior to the proximal phalanx. It belongs to Wood and is the Shu-Stream point. It passes through Wanggu (Wang Gu), located on the ulnar side of the hand, anterior to the pisiform bone. It belongs to Earth and is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Yanggu (Yang Gu), located below the styloid process, in a depression. It belongs to Fire and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Xiao Hai (Xiao Hai), located lateral to the medial epicondyle of the humerus, half a cun from the end, in a depression, obtained by extending the arm. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian.

The Large Intestine meridian connects superiorly with the Hand-Yangming meridian. Its Jing-Well point originates at Shangyang (Shang Yang), located at the tip of the index finger. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Erjian (Er Jian), located anterior to the proximal phalanx. It belongs to Water and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Sanjian (San Jian), located posterior to the proximal phalanx. It belongs to Wood and is the Shu-Stream point. It passes through Hegu (He Gu), located between the metacarpal bones of the thumb and index finger. It belongs to Earth and is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Yangxi (Yang Xi), located between the two tendons, in a depression. It belongs to Fire and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Quchi (Qu Chi), located in the depression lateral to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, obtained by flexing the arm. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian.

These are the Five Shu points of the Zang and Fu organs. Five times five equals twenty-five points; six times six equals thirty-six points. The Six Fu organs all originate from the Foot-Yangming meridians and connect superiorly with the Hand meridians. (This summarizes the meaning of "connecting superiorly" mentioned earlier, referring to Shangjiaoxu, Xiajiaoxu, and the lower He-Sea point of Sanjiao. The above narrates the beginning and end of the twelve meridians, including the infusion sites of the five Zang organs, described directly for each meridian).

In the center of the Clavicle fossa is the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), named Tiantu (Tian Tu). The first pulse lateral to the Ren Mai is the Foot-Yangming meridian, named Renying (Ren Ying). The second pulse is the Hand-Yangming meridian, named Futu (Fu Tu). The third pulse is the Hand-Taiyang meridian, named Tianchuang (Tian Chuang). The fourth pulse is the Foot-Shaoyang meridian, named Tianrong (Tian Rong). The fifth pulse is the Hand-Shaoyang meridian, named Tianyou (Tian You). The sixth pulse is the Foot-Taiyang meridian, named Tianzhu (Tian Zhu). The seventh pulse is the central vessel of the neck, the Du Mai (Governing Vessel), named Fengfu (Feng Fu). The arterial pulse in the axilla is the Hand-Taiyin meridian, named Tianfu (Tian Fu). Three cun below the axilla is the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium meridian, named Tianchi (Tian Chi). Needling Shangguan requires the mouth to be open; needling Xiaguan requires the mouth to be closed; needling Dubi requires the knee to be bent; needling both Guan points requires the knee to be straight. (The above describes the branching locations and dimensions of collaterals, arranged horizontally across meridians).

The Foot-Yangming meridian has an arterial pulse flanking the throat, located in the Yingzhong area. The Hand-Yangming meridian is next, outside this pulse, not reaching one cun before the angle of the jaw. (Meaning: Slightly external and superior to Yingzhong, vertical to the face, down to one cun before the angle of the jaw. The following descriptions are similar). The Hand-Taiyang meridian is at the angle of the jaw. The Foot-Shaoyang meridian is below the ear, posterior to the angle of the jaw. The Hand-Shaoyang meridian emerges posterior to the ear, ascending above the temporal bone. The Foot-Taiyang meridian is within the large tendons of the nape, at the hairline, the Yinchi arterial pulse, located at Wuli (Wu Li), which is contraindicated. (The above describes the retention sites of the Five Shu points).

The Lung pairs with the Large Intestine; the Large Intestine is the Fu organ of transmission. The Heart pairs with the Small Intestine; the Small Intestine is the Fu organ of reception and containment. The Liver pairs with the Gallbladder; the Gallbladder is the Fu organ of pure essence. The Spleen pairs with the Stomach; the Stomach is the Fu organ of the five grains. The Kidney pairs with the Bladder; the Bladder is the Fu organ of fluids. Shaoyang belongs to the Kidney; the Kidney connects superiorly to the Lung, thus governing two organs. (Commentary: Previous scholars interpreted "Shaoyang" as Sanjiao. The text explicitly states Sanjiao belongs to the Bladder. However, contextually, it seems to refer to "Taiyang" without deep meaning. If it referred to Sanjiao, there would be missing characters above "Shaoyang" and a Fu organ below "two organs". Those familiar with textual logic will see the meaning in the previous section.) The Sanjiao is the Fu organ of water channels; water pathways emerge from it. It belongs to the Bladder and is the solitary Fu organ. (Meaning: It belongs to the Bladder and combines with the Kidney, having no specific paired Zang organ, hence "solitary"). These are the pairings of the Six Fu organs. (The above discusses the pairing of Six Fu organs; the following discusses the entry, exit, depth, and shallowness of the Four Seasons).

In Spring, select collateral vessels, Ying-Spring points, major meridians, and intermuscular spaces. For severe cases, needle deeply; for mild cases, needle shallowly. In Summer, select minor collaterals, muscles, and skin. In Autumn, select He-Sea points, following the Spring method. In Winter, select Jing-Well points and Ying-Spring divisions, needling deeply and retaining the needle. This is the sequence of the Four Seasons, the location of Qi, where diseases reside, and what is suitable for the Zang organs. For muscle spasms, needle while standing to achieve immediate relief. For Wei-Jue (flaccidity and cold limbs), needle with extended limbs for immediate improvement.

Texts like those in the *Neijing* are naturally formed. Their vastness and richness cover heaven and earth. They could only be created in the era of the Three Dynasties and by sages of that time. Readers must carefully study their rigidities, complexities, and transitions. Observe their grandeur and power; seemingly unchanging, yet changing everywhere. Like a vast ocean where fish and dragons appear and disappear, unfathomable. Or like a cloudless blue sky and endless desert, without hills or valleys, yet one feels clear Qi, vigorous spirit, and smooth bodily functions within. This chapter narrates the locations of Qi acupoints of the twelve meridians to illustrate the mutual infusion of Zang and Fu organ Qi.