雷公问于黄帝曰。禁脉之言。（经有禁服篇所叙皆脉事疑彼处服字误有谓脉字误者恐未必然）凡刺之理。经脉为始。
营其所行。制其度量。内次五脏。外别六腑。愿尽闻其道。黄帝曰。人始生。先成精。精成而脑髓生。骨为干。脉为营。
筋为刚。肉为墙。皮肤坚而毛发长。谷入于胃。脉道以通。血气乃行。雷公曰。愿卒闻经脉之始生。黄帝曰。经脉者。
所以能决死生。处百病。调虚实。不可不通。肺手太阴之脉。起于中焦。下络大肠。还循胃口上膈。属肺。从肺系横出
腋下。下循 内。行少阴心主之前。下肘中。循臂内上骨下廉。入寸口。上鱼。循鱼际。出大指之端。其支者。从腕后。
直入次指内廉。出其端。是动则病。肺胀满膨膨。而喘咳上气。缺盆中痛。甚则交两手而瞀。此为臂厥。是主肺所生病
者。咳逆上气。喘喝。烦心。胸满。 臂内前廉痛厥。掌中热。气盛有余。则肩背痛。风寒。汗出中风。小便数而欠。
气虚。则肩背痛寒。少气不足以息。溺色变为此诸病。盛则泻之。虚则补之。热则疾之。寒则留之。陷下则灸之。不盛
不虚。以经取之。盛者寸口大三倍于人迎。虚者则寸口反小于人迎也。大肠手阳明之脉。起于大指次指之端。循指上廉。
出合谷两骨之间。上入两筋之中。循臂上廉。入肘外廉。上 外前廉。上肩。出 骨之前廉。上出于柱骨之会上。下入
缺盆。络肺。下膈。属大肠。其支者。从缺盆上颈。贯颊。入下齿中。还出。挟口。交人中。左之右。右之左。上挟鼻
孔。是动则病。齿痛。颈肿。是主津液所生病者。目黄。口干。鼽衄。喉痹。肩前 痛。大指次指痛不用。气有余。则
当脉所过者热肿。虚则寒栗不复。为此诸病。盛则泻之。虚则补之。热则疾之。寒则留之。陷下则灸之。不盛不虚。以
经取之。盛者人迎大三倍于寸口。虚者人迎反小于寸口也。胃足阳明之脉。起于鼻之交 中。（ 鼻茎也交 中者鼻茎起
处山根是也左右脉交于此儿科谓山根有青脉者肝热非也人皆有脉第皮薄者脉露故易受风邪）旁纳太阳之脉。下循鼻外。
入上齿中。还出。挟口。环唇。下交承浆。却循颐后下廉。出大迎。循颊车。上耳前。过客主人。循发际。至额颅。其
支者。从大迎前下人迎。循喉咙。入缺盆下膈。属胃。络脾。其直者。从缺盆下乳内廉。下挟脐。入气街中。其支者。
起于胃口。下循腹里。下至气街中而合。以下髀关。抵伏兔。下膝膑中。下循胫外廉。下足跗。入中趾内间。其支者。
下廉三寸而别下入中趾外间。其支者。别跗上。入大趾间。出其端。是动则病。洒洒振寒。善呻。数欠。颜黑。病至则
恶人与火。闻木声则惕然而惊。心欲动。独闭户塞牖而处。甚则欲上高而歌。弃衣而走。贲响腹胀。是谓 厥。是主血
所生病者狂疟。温淫汗出。鼽衄。口 。唇胗。颈肿。喉痹。大腹水肿。膝膑肿痛。循膺乳气街股伏兔 外廉足跗上皆
痛。中趾不用。气盛。则身以前皆热。其有余于胃。则消谷善饥。溺色黄。气不足。则身以前皆寒栗。胃中寒。则胀满。
为此诸病。盛则泻之。虚则补之。热则疾之。寒则留之。陷下则灸之。不盛不虚。以经取之。盛者人迎大三倍于寸口。
虚者人迎反小于寸口也。脾足太阴之脉。起于大趾之端。循趾内侧白肉际。过核骨后。上内踝前廉。上 内。循胫骨后。
交出厥阴之前。上膝股内前廉。入腹属脾。络胃。上膈。挟咽。连舌本。散舌下。其支者。复从胃别上膈。注心中。是
动则病。舌本强。食则呕。胃脘痛。腹胀。善噫。得后与气则快然如衰。身体皆重。是主脾所生病者。舌本痛。体不能
动摇。食不下。烦心。心下急痛。溏瘕泄。水闭黄胆。不能卧。强立。股膝内肿厥。足大趾不用。为此诸病。盛则泻之。
虚则补之。热则疾之。寒则留之。陷下则灸之。不盛不虚。以经取之。盛者寸口大三倍于人迎。虚者寸口反小于人迎也。
心手少阴之脉。起于心中。出属心系。下膈。络小肠。其支者。从心系上挟咽。系目系。其直者。复从心系。却上肺。
下出腋下循 内后廉。行手厥阴心主之后。下肘内。循臂内后廉。抵掌后锐骨之端。入掌内后廉。循小指之内。出其端。
是动则病。嗌干。心痛。渴而欲饮。是为臂厥。是主心所生病者。目黄。胁痛。 臂内后廉痛厥。掌中热痛。为此诸病。
盛则泻之。虚则补之。热则疾之。寒则留之。陷下则灸之。不盛不虚。以经取之。盛者寸口大再倍于人迎。虚者寸口反
小于人迎也。小肠手太阳之脉。起于小指之端。循手外侧。上腕。出踝中。直上。循臂骨下廉。出肘内侧两筋之间。上
循外后廉。出肩解。绕肩胛。交肩上。入缺盆。络心。循咽。下膈。抵胃。属小肠。其支者。从缺盆循颈。上颊。至
目锐 。却入耳中。其支者。别颊。上 。（ 音拙面骨之出者即颧后连耳之横骨也）抵鼻。至目内 。斜络于颧。是动
则病。嗌痛。颔肿。不可以顾。肩似拔。 似折。是主液所生病者。耳聋。目黄。颊肿。颈颔肩 肘臂外后廉痛。为此
诸病。盛则泻之。虚则补之。热则疾之。寒则留之。陷下则灸之。不盛不虚。以经取之。盛者人迎大再倍于寸口。虚者
人迎反小于寸口也。膀胱足太阳之脉。起于目内 。上额。交巅。其支者。从巅至耳上角。（谓至耳之上角非至耳又上日
角也三焦条同）其直者。从巅入络脑。还出。别下项。循肩 内。挟脊。抵腰中。入循膂。络肾。属膀胱。其支者。从
腰中下挟脊。贯臀。入 中。其支者。从 内左右别下贯胛。挟脊内。过髀枢。循髀外。从后廉下合 中。以下贯 内。
（为足跟 为腓肠腿肚也原本俱误作 ）出外踝之后。循京骨。至小指外侧。是动则病。冲头痛。目似脱。项似拔。
脊痛。腰似折。髀不可以曲。 如结。 如裂。是为踝厥。是主筋所生病者痔疟。狂癫疾。头囟项痛。目黄。泪出。鼽
衄。项背腰尻 脚皆痛。小趾不用。为此诸病。盛则泻之。虚则补之。热则疾之。寒则留之。陷下则灸之。不盛不虚。
以经取之。盛者人迎大再倍于寸口。虚者人迎反小于寸口也。肾足少阴之脉。起于小趾之下。邪走足心。出于然谷之下。
循内踝之后。别入跟中。以上 内。出 内廉。上股内后廉。贯脊。属肾。络膀胱。其直者。从肾上贯肝膈。入肺中。
循喉咙。挟舌本。其支者。从肺出络心。注胸中。是动则病。饥不欲食。面如漆柴。咳唾则有血。喝喝而喘。坐而欲起。
目KT KT 如无所见。心如悬。若饥状。气不足则善恐。心惕惕如人将捕之。是为骨厥。是主肾所生病者。口热。舌
干。咽肿。上气。嗌干及痛。烦心。心痛。黄胆。肠 。脊股内后廉痛。痿厥。嗜卧足下热而痛。为此诸病。盛则泻之。
虚则补之。热则疾之。寒则留之。陷下则灸之。不盛不虚。以经取之。灸则强食生肉。缓带被发。大杖重履而步。盛者
寸口大再倍于人迎。虚者寸口反小于人迎也。心主手厥阴心包络之脉。起于胸中。出属心包络。下膈。历络三焦。其支
者。循胸出胁。下腋三寸。上抵腋下。循 内。行太阴少阴之间。入肘中。下臂。行两筋之间。入掌中。循中指。出其
端。其支者。别掌中。循小指次指。出其端。是动则病。手心热。臂肘挛急。腋肿。甚则胸胁支满。心中 大动。面
赤。目黄。喜笑不休。是主脉所生病者。烦心。心痛。掌中热。为此诸病。盛则泻之。虚则补之。热则疾之。寒则留之。
陷下则灸之。不盛不虚。以经取之。盛者寸口大一倍于人迎。虚者寸口反小于人迎也。三焦手少阳之脉。起于小指次指
之端。上出两指之间。循手表腕。出臂外两骨之间。上贯肘。循 外。上肩。而交出足少阳之前。（前原作后误）入缺盆。
布膻中。散络心包。下膈。循属三焦。其支者。从膻中上出缺盆。上项。系耳后。直上。出耳上角。以屈下颊。至 。
其支者。从耳后入耳中。出走耳前。过客主人前。交颊。至目锐 。是动则病。耳聋浑浑 。嗌肿。喉痹。是主气所
生病者。汗出。目锐 痛。颊痛。耳后肩 肘臂外皆痛。小指次指不用。为此诸病。盛则泻之。虚则补之。热则疾之。
寒则留之。陷下则灸之。不盛不虚。以经取之。盛者人迎大一倍于寸口。虚者人迎反小于寸口也。胆足少阳之脉。起于
目锐 。上抵头角。下耳后。循颈。行手少阳之前。至肩上。却交出手少阳之后。入缺盆。其支者。从耳后入耳中。出
走耳前。至目锐 后。其支者。别锐 。下大迎。合于手少阳。抵于 。下加颊车。下颈。合缺盆。以下胸中。贯膈。
络肝。属胆。循胁里。出气街。绕毛际。横入髀厌中。其直者。从缺盆下腋。循胸。过季胁。下合髀厌中以下循髀阳。
出膝外廉。下外辅骨之前。直下。抵绝骨之端。下出外踝之前。循足跗上。入小趾次趾之间。其支者。别跗上。入大趾
之间。循大趾歧骨内。出其端。还贯爪甲。出三毛。是动则病。口苦。善太息。心胁痛。不能转侧。甚则面微有尘。体
无膏泽。足外反热。是为阳厥。是主骨所生病者。头痛。颔痛。目锐 痛。缺盆中肿痛。腋下肿。马刀侠瘿。汗出振寒。
疟胸胁肋髀膝外至胫绝骨外踝前及诸节皆痛。小趾次趾不用。为此诸病。盛则泻之。虚则补之。热则疾之。寒则留之。
陷下则灸之。不盛不虚。以经取之。盛者人迎大一倍于寸口。虚者人迎反小于寸口也。肝足厥阴之脉起于大趾丛毛之际。
上循足跗上廉。去内踝一寸。上踝八寸。交出太阴之后。上 内廉。循股阴。入毛中过阴器。抵小腹。挟胃。属肝。络
胆。上贯膈。布胁肋。循喉咙之后。上入颃颡。连目系。上出额。与督脉会于巅。其支者。从目系下颊里。环唇内。其
支者。复从肝别贯膈上注肺。是动则病。腰痛不可以俯仰。丈夫 疝。妇人少腹肿。甚则嗌干。面尘。脱色。是主肝所
生病者。胸满。呕逆。飧泄。狐疝。遗溺。闭癃。为此诸病。盛则泻之。虚则补之。热则疾之。寒则留之。陷下则灸之。
不盛不虚。以经取之。盛者寸口大一倍于人迎。虚者寸口反小于人迎也。手太阴气绝。则皮毛焦。太阴者行气而温于皮
毛者也。故气不荣。则皮毛焦。皮毛焦则津液去皮节。津液去皮节者。则爪枯毛折。毛折者。则毛先死。丙笃丁死。火
胜金也。手少阴气绝。则脉不通。脉不通则血不流。血不流则髦色不泽。故其面黑如漆柴者。血先死。壬笃癸死。水胜
火也足太阴气绝者。则脉不荣肌肉。唇舌者。肌肉之本也。脉不荣则肌肉软。肌肉软则舌萎人中满。人中满则唇反。唇
反者肉先死。甲笃乙死。木胜土也。足少阴气绝。则骨枯。少阴者。冬脉也。伏行而濡骨髓者也。故骨不濡则肉不能着
也。骨肉不相亲。则肉软却。肉软却故齿长而垢。发无泽。发无泽者骨先死。戊笃己死。土胜水也。足厥阴气绝则筋绝。
厥阴者肝脉也。肝者筋之合也。筋者聚于阴气而脉络于舌本也。故脉弗荣则筋急。筋急则引舌与卵。故唇青舌卷卵缩。
则筋先死。庚笃辛死。金胜木也。五阴气俱绝。则目系转。转则目运。目运者为志先死。志先死则远一日半死矣。六阳
气绝。则阴与阳相离。离则腠理发泄绝汗乃出。故旦占夕死。夕占旦死。经脉十二者。伏行分肉之间深而不见其常见者。
足太阴过于内踝之上无所隐故也。（内原作外误阴脉不行外踝且内踝上有大青脉直上至膝始渐隐当即是也）诸脉之浮而常
见者。皆络脉也。六经络手阳明。少阳之大络。起于五指间。上合肘中饮酒者。卫气先行皮肤。先充络脉。络脉先盛。
故卫气已平。营气乃满。而经脉大盛脉之卒然动者。皆邪气居之。留于本末。不动则热。不坚则陷且空。不与众同。是
以知其何脉之动也。雷公曰。何以知经脉之与络脉异也。黄帝曰。经脉者常不可见也。其虚实也。以气口知之脉之见者。
皆络脉也。雷公曰。细子无以明其然也。黄帝曰。诸络脉皆不能经大节之间。必行绝道。而出入复合于皮中。其会皆见
于外。故诸刺络脉者。必刺其结上。甚血者。虽无结。必急取之。以泻其邪而出其血。留之。发为痹也。凡诊络脉。脉
色青则寒且痛。赤则有热。胃中寒。手鱼之络多青矣。胃中有热。鱼际络赤。其暴黑者。留久痹也。其有赤有黑有青者。
寒热气也。其青短者。少气也。凡刺寒热者。皆多血络。必间日而一取之。血尽乃止。乃调其虚实。其小而短。少气甚
者。泻之则闷。闷甚则仆。不得言。闷则急坐之也。手太阴之别。名曰列缺。起于腕上分间。并太阴之经。直入掌中。
散入于鱼际。其病。实则手锐掌热。虚则欠KT 小便遗数。取之去腕半寸。别走阳明也。手少阴之别。名曰通里。去腕
一寸半。别而上行。循经。入于心中。系舌本。属目系。其病。实则支膈。虚则不能言。取之掌后一寸。别走太阳也。
手心主之别。名曰内关。去腕二寸。出于两筋之间。循经以上。系于心包络。心系。实则心痛。虚则为头强。取之两筋
Lei Gong asked Huang Di: Regarding the discourse on restricted pulses (Jin Mai), (In the *Nei Jing*, there is a chapter titled "Jin Fu" which narrates matters concerning pulse diagnosis. It is suspected that the character "Fu" in that place might be an error, and some suggest it should be "Mai" [pulse], but I believe this is not necessarily so.) In all acupuncture principles, the meridians are the starting point.
One must master the pathways of Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi), determine their measurements, internally connect with the Five Zang Organs, and externally distinguish the Six Fu Organs. I wish to hear the complete explanation of these methods.
Huang Di said: When humans first originate, Essence (Jing) forms first. Once Essence is formed, brain and marrow are generated. Bones serve as the framework, meridians act as the channels for Ying Qi circulation, tendons provide strength, flesh acts as a protective wall. The skin is firm and hair grows long. When grain enters the stomach, the meridian pathways become unobstructed, and Blood and Qi begin to flow.
Lei Gong said: I wish to fully understand how the meridians originate.
Huang Di said: The meridians are used to decide life and death, manage various diseases, and regulate deficiency and excess; they cannot be left unexamined.
The Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian originates from the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), descends to connect with the Large Intestine, returns along the stomach opening, passes through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Lung. From the lung system (trachea and throat), it emerges horizontally below the armpit, descends along the anterior aspect of the upper arm, running anterior to the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian and Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, descends into the elbow midpoint, follows the medial aspect of the forearm along the lower border of the radius, enters the Cun Kou (inch position/radial artery pulse point), ascends to the Thenar eminence (Yu Ji), follows the border of the thenar eminence, and exits at the tip of the thumb. Its branch arises from behind the wrist, goes directly to the medial side of the index finger, and exits at its tip. When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, disease occurs: lung distension, fullness, panting, coughing, upward rushing of Qi, pain in the supraclavicular fossa (Que Pen), and in severe cases, crossing both hands over the chest while experiencing visual disturbance (Mao). This is called Arm Jue (Arm Reversal). This meridian governs diseases produced by the Lung, including coughing with upward rushing Qi, panting with sound, vexation, chest fullness, pain and coldness along the anterior-medial border of the arm, and heat in the palm. If Qi is excessive and surplus, there is shoulder and back pain, aversion to wind and cold, sweating, wind-stroke, frequent urination with small volume. If Qi is deficient, there is shoulder and back pain with cold sensation, shortness of breath insufficient for respiration, and change in urine color. For these diseases, excess is treated by draining, deficiency by tonifying, heat by rapid needling, cold by retaining the needle, sinking Qi by moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency by treating the meridian itself. Excess is indicated when the Cun Kou pulse is three times larger than the Ren Ying pulse; deficiency is indicated when the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.
The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian originates at the tip of the index finger, follows the radial border of the finger, emerges between the two bones at He Gu, enters between the two tendons, follows the radial border of the forearm, enters the lateral aspect of the elbow, ascends along the anterior-lateral border of the upper arm, reaches the shoulder, emerges anterior to the acromion, ascends to emerge at the confluence of vertebral bones (Da Zhui), descends into the Que Pen (supraclavicular fossa), connects with the Lung, passes through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Large Intestine. Its branch arises from the Que Pen, ascends the neck, pierces the cheek, enters the lower teeth, returns out, crosses the mouth, intersects at the Ren Zhong, crossing from left to right and right to left, ascending to flank the nostrils. When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, disease occurs: toothache, neck swelling. This meridian governs diseases produced by Fluids (Jin Ye), including yellow eyes, dry mouth, rhinorrhea or epistaxis, throat obstruction, pain in the anterior shoulder, and pain/immobility of the index finger. If Qi is surplus, heat and swelling occur along the meridian's pathway; if deficient, there is cold shivering that does not resolve. For these diseases, excess is treated by draining, deficiency by tonifying, heat by rapid needling, cold by retaining the needle, sinking Qi by moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency by treating the meridian itself. Excess is indicated when the Ren Ying pulse is three times larger than the Cun Kou pulse; deficiency is indicated when the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.
The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at the side of the nose, intersecting at the root of the nose (Shan Gen). It receives Qi from the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, descends along the lateral nose, enters the upper teeth, returns out, flanks the mouth, circles the lips, descends to intersect at Cheng Jiang, retreats along the posterior-lower border of the mandible, emerges at Da Ying, follows Jia Che, ascends anterior to the ear, passes through Ke Zhu Ren (Shang Guan), follows the hairline, and reaches the forehead. Its branch arises from before Da Ying, descends to Ren Ying, follows the throat, enters the Que Pen, passes through the diaphragm, belongs to the Stomach, and connects with the Spleen. Its straight branch descends from the Que Pen along the medial aspect of the breast, descends flanking the umbilicus, and enters the Qi Chuan (inguinal region). Another branch arises from the stomach opening, descends along the interior of the abdomen, meets the main channel at the Qi Chuan, descends to Bi Guan, reaches Fu Tu, descends to the patella, follows the lateral border of the tibia, descends to the dorsum of the foot, and enters the space between the toes of the middle toe. Another branch diverges three cun below the knee, entering the lateral space of the middle toe. Another branch diverges from the dorsum of the foot, enters the space between the big toe, and exits at its tip. When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, disease occurs: chills, frequent groaning, yawning, dark complexion. Upon onset, there is aversion to people and fire, startle upon hearing wood sounds, palpitations, desire to close doors and windows and stay alone, and in severe cases, climbing high to sing, discarding clothes and running, rumbling abdominal distension. This is called Gan Jue. This meridian governs diseases produced by Blood, including mania, malaria, warm pathogen-induced sweating, rhinorrhea/epistaxis, facial paralysis, lip herpes, neck swelling, throat obstruction, massive abdominal edema, knee/patellar swelling, pain along the chest, breast, Qi Chuan, thigh, Fu Tu, lateral calf, and dorsum of the foot, immobility of the middle toe. If Qi is surplus, heat pervades the anterior body; if Stomach Qi is surplus, there is rapid digestion with hunger, yellow urine. If Qi is deficient, cold shivers pervade the anterior body; cold in the Stomach causes distension. For these diseases, excess is treated by draining, deficiency by tonifying, heat by rapid needling, cold by retaining the needle, sinking Qi by moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency by treating the meridian itself. Excess is indicated when the Ren Ying pulse is three times larger than the Cun Kou pulse; deficiency is indicated when the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.
The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian originates at the tip of the big toe, follows the medial white flesh border, passes posterior to the nuclear bone, ascends anterior to the medial malleolus, ascends the medial lower leg, follows the posterior border of the tibia, crosses anterior to the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, ascends the anterior-medial aspect of the knee and thigh, enters the abdomen, belongs to the Spleen, connects with the Stomach, ascends through the diaphragm, flanks the pharynx, connects to the root of the tongue, and scatters under the tongue. Its branch diverges from the Stomach, ascends through the diaphragm, and pours into the Heart. When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, disease occurs: stiffness of the tongue root, vomiting after eating, epigastric pain, abdominal distension, frequent belching, relief after defecation or passing gas, heaviness of the body. This meridian governs diseases produced by the Spleen, including pain at the tongue root, inability to move the body, difficulty swallowing, vexation, urgent pain in the epigastrium, loose stools, masses/diarrhea, urinary retention, jaundice, inability to lie down, swelling/coldness of the inner thigh/knee upon standing, and immobility of the big toe. For these diseases, excess is treated by draining, deficiency by tonifying, heat by rapid needling, cold by retaining the needle, sinking Qi by moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency by treating the meridian itself. Excess is indicated when the Cun Kou pulse is three times larger than the Ren Ying pulse; deficiency is indicated when the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.
The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian originates in the Heart, emerges to belong to the Heart System, descends through the diaphragm, and connects with the Small Intestine. Its branch arises from the Heart System, ascends to flank the pharynx, and connects to the Eye System. Its straight branch returns from the Heart System, ascends to the Lung, descends to emerge below the armpit, follows the posterior-medial aspect of the upper arm, runs posterior to the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, descends into the medial elbow, follows the posterior-medial aspect of the forearm, reaches the end of the ulnar styloid process, enters the posterior-medial palm, follows the medial side of the little finger, and exits at its tip. When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, disease occurs: dry throat, heart pain, thirst with desire to drink. This is called Arm Jue. This meridian governs diseases produced by the Heart, including yellow eyes, costal pain, pain/coldness along the posterior-medial aspect of the arm, and heat/pain in the palm. For these diseases, excess is treated by draining, deficiency by tonifying, heat by rapid needling, cold by retaining the needle, sinking Qi by moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency by treating the meridian itself. Excess is indicated when the Cun Kou pulse is twice as large as the Ren Ying pulse; deficiency is indicated when the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.
The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian originates at the tip of the little finger, follows the lateral hand, ascends the wrist, emerges at the ulnar styloid, goes straight up along the lower border of the ulna, emerges between the two tendons at the medial elbow, ascends along the posterior-lateral border of the upper arm, emerges from the shoulder joint, winds around the scapula, intersects at the shoulders, enters the Que Pen, connects with the Heart, follows the pharynx, passes through the diaphragm, reaches the Stomach, and belongs to the Small Intestine. Its branch arises from the Que Pen, follows the neck, ascends the cheek, reaches the outer canthus, and enters the ear. Another branch diverges from the cheek, ascends the zygomatic bone, reaches the nose, arrives at the inner canthus, and obliquely connects to the zygomatic bone. When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, disease occurs: sore throat, submandibular swelling, inability to look back, shoulder pain like pulling, elbow pain like breaking. This meridian governs diseases produced by Fluids, including deafness, yellow eyes, cheek swelling, pain along the neck, jaw, shoulder, elbow, and posterior-lateral arm. For these diseases, excess is treated by draining, deficiency by tonifying, heat by rapid needling, cold by retaining the needle, sinking Qi by moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency by treating the meridian itself. Excess is indicated when the Ren Ying pulse is twice as large as the Cun Kou pulse; deficiency is indicated when the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.
The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian originates at the inner canthus, ascends the forehead, and intersects at the vertex. Its branch arises from the vertex to the upper angle of the ear. Its straight branch enters from the vertex to connect with the Brain, returns out, diverges to descend the nape, follows the medial aspect of the scapula, flanks the spine, reaches the waist center, enters the paraspinal muscles, connects with the Kidney, and belongs to the Bladder. Its branch descends from the waist center, flanks the spine, penetrates the buttocks, and enters the popliteal fossa. Another branch diverges from the popliteal fossa, penetrates the scapula, flanks the spine, passes the hip pivot, follows the lateral posterior thigh, and merges with the main branch in the popliteal fossa. It descends through the calf muscle, emerges posterior to the lateral malleolus, follows the Jing Gu point, and reaches the lateral side of the little toe. When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, disease occurs: headache striking upwards, eyes feeling like falling out, neck feeling like pulling, spinal pain, waist feeling like breaking, inability to flex the thigh, knotting in the popliteal fossa, tearing sensation in the calf. This is called Ankle Jue. This meridian governs diseases produced by Tendons, including hemorrhoids, malaria, mania/epilepsy, head/vertex/neck pain, yellow eyes, lacrimation, rhinorrhea/epistaxis, pain in the neck, back, waist, sacrum, calf, and foot, and immobility of the little toe. For these diseases, excess is treated by draining, deficiency by tonifying, heat by rapid needling, cold by retaining the needle, sinking Qi by moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency by treating the meridian itself. Excess is indicated when the Ren Ying pulse is twice as large as the Cun Kou pulse; deficiency is indicated when the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.
The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian originates below the little toe,斜走 (diagonally walks) to the sole of the foot, emerges below Ran Gu, follows the posterior aspect of the medial malleolus, diverges into the heel, ascends the medial calf, emerges from the medial lower leg, ascends the posterior-medial aspect of the thigh, penetrates the spine, belongs to the Kidney, and connects with the Bladder. Its straight branch ascends from the Kidney, penetrates the Liver and Diaphragm, enters the Lung, follows the throat, and flanks the root of the tongue. Its branch arises from the Lung, connects with the Heart, and pours into the Chest. When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, disease occurs: hunger without desire to eat, face dark as lacquered charcoal, hemoptysis, wheezing, desire to sit up but fall back, blurred vision, feeling of empty suspension like hunger, fearfulness due to Qi deficiency, palpitations as if being hunted. This is called Bone Jue. This meridian governs diseases produced by the Kidney, including oral heat, dry tongue, swollen throat, upward rushing Qi, dry/painful throat, vexation, heart pain, jaundice, dysentery, pain along the posterior-medial spine/thigh, flaccidity/coldness of limbs, lethargy, heat/pain in the soles. For these diseases, excess is treated by draining, deficiency by tonifying, heat by rapid needling, cold by retaining the needle, sinking Qi by moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency by treating the meridian itself. After moxibustion, one should force food intake to generate flesh, loosen belts, let hair down, and walk with a heavy staff and thick shoes. Excess is indicated when the Cun Kou pulse is twice as large as the Ren Ying pulse; deficiency is indicated when the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.
The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian originates in the Chest, emerges to belong to the Pericardium, descends through the diaphragm, and sequentially connects with the Triple Burner. Its branch follows the chest, emerges from the hypochondrium, descends three cun below the axilla, ascends to the axilla, follows the medial upper arm, runs between the Hand-Taiyin Lung and Hand-Shaoyin Heart meridians, enters the elbow, descends the arm, runs between the two tendons, enters the palm, follows the middle finger, and exits at its tip. Its branch diverges from the palm, follows the ring finger, and exits at its tip. When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, disease occurs: heat in the palm, spasms/stiffness of the arm and elbow, axillary swelling, severe chest/hypochondriac fullness, violent palpitations, red face, yellow eyes, uncontrollable laughter. This meridian governs diseases produced by the Vessels, including vexation, heart pain, heat in the palm. For these diseases, excess is treated by draining, deficiency by tonifying, heat by rapid needling, cold by retaining the needle, sinking Qi by moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency by treating the meridian itself. Excess is indicated when the Cun Kou pulse is one time larger than the Ren Ying pulse; deficiency is indicated when the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.
The Hand-Shaoyang Triple Burner Meridian originates at the tip of the ring finger, ascends between the two fingers, follows the dorsal wrist, emerges between the two bones of the forearm, ascends through the elbow, follows the lateral upper arm, ascends the shoulder, and crosses anterior to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. It enters the Que Pen, spreads in the Tan Zhong (Chest Center), scatters to connect with the Pericardium, passes through the diaphragm, and sequentially belongs to the Triple Burner. Its branch arises from the Tan Zhong, emerges from the Que Pen, ascends the neck, ties behind the ear, goes straight up to the upper angle of the ear, curves down to the cheek, and reaches the zygomatic bone. Another branch arises from behind the ear, enters the ear, exits anterior to the ear, passes before Ke Zhu Ren, crosses the cheek, and reaches the outer canthus. When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, disease occurs: deafness with muffled hearing, swollen throat, throat obstruction. This meridian governs diseases produced by Qi, including sweating, pain at the outer canthus, cheek pain, pain along the ear, shoulder, elbow, and lateral arm, and immobility of the ring finger. For these diseases, excess is treated by draining, deficiency by tonifying, heat by rapid needling, cold by retaining the needle, sinking Qi by moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency by treating the meridian itself. Excess is indicated when the Ren Ying pulse is one time larger than the Cun Kou pulse; deficiency is indicated when the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.
The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian originates at the outer canthus, ascends to the head corner, descends behind the ear, follows the neck, runs anterior to the Hand-Shaoyang Triple Burner Meridian, reaches the shoulder, crosses posterior to the Hand-Shaoyang Triple Burner Meridian, and enters the Que Pen. Its branch arises from behind the ear, enters the ear, exits anterior to the ear, and reaches behind the outer canthus. Another branch diverges from the outer canthus, descends to Da Ying, merges with the Hand-Shaoyang Triple Burner Meridian, reaches the zygomatic bone, descends to add to Jia Che, descends the neck, merges with the Que Pen, descends into the chest, penetrates the diaphragm, connects with the Liver, belongs to the Gallbladder, follows the interior of the hypochondrium, emerges at the Qi Chuan, circles the pubic region, and enters the hip joint transversely. Its straight branch descends from the Que Pen below the axilla, follows the chest, passes the lateral costal margin, descends to merge with the hip joint, follows the lateral thigh, emerges at the lateral knee, descends anterior to the lateral fibular bone, goes straight down to the end of the Jue Gu (fibular notch), emerges anterior to the lateral malleolus, follows the dorsum of the foot, and enters the space between the fourth and fifth toes. Its branch diverges from the dorsum of the foot, enters the space between the big toe, follows the medial aspect of the big toe's metatarsal bone, exits at the tip, returns through the nail bed, and exits at the hair tuft. When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, disease occurs: bitter taste, frequent sighing, heart/costal pain, inability to turn sideways, severe case with dusty complexion, lack of luster, heat on the lateral foot. This is called Yang Jue. This meridian governs diseases produced by Bones, including headache, jaw pain, outer canthus pain, swelling in the Que Pen, axillary swelling, horse-knife/goiter, sweating with chills, malaria, pain in the chest, hypochondrium, ribs, thigh, lateral knee, tibia, Jue Gu, lateral malleolus, and all joints, and immobility of the fourth toe. For these diseases, excess is treated by draining, deficiency by tonifying, heat by rapid needling, cold by retaining the needle, sinking Qi by moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency by treating the meridian itself. Excess is indicated when the Ren Ying pulse is one time larger than the Cun Kou pulse; deficiency is indicated when the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.
The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian originates at the hair tuft of the big toe, ascends along the lateral dorsum of the foot, one cun from the medial malleolus, eight cun above the ankle, crosses posterior to the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian, ascends the medial thigh, follows the genital region, enters the pubic region, passes the genitalia, reaches the lower abdomen, flanks the Stomach, belongs to the Liver, connects with the Gallbladder, ascends through the diaphragm, spreads in the hypochondrium, follows the posterior throat, enters the nasopharynx (Hang Sang), connects to the eye system, ascends the forehead, and intersects with the Du Meridian at the vertex. Its branch arises from the eye system, descends into the cheek/lips, circles the inside of the lips. Another branch diverges from the Liver, penetrates the diaphragm, and pours into the Lung. When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, disease occurs: low back pain preventing bending/straightening, hernia in men, lower abdominal swelling in women, severe case with dry throat, dusty complexion, loss of color. This meridian governs diseases produced by the Liver, including chest fullness, reverse vomiting, undigested food diarrhea, fox hernia, enuresis, stranguria. For these diseases, excess is treated by draining, deficiency by tonifying, heat by rapid needling, cold by retaining the needle, sinking Qi by moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency by treating the meridian itself. Excess is indicated when the Cun Kou pulse is one time larger than the Ren Ying pulse; deficiency is indicated when the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.
When the Qi of the Hand-Taiyin Meridian terminates, the skin and hair become dry. The Taiyin Meridian circulates Qi and warms the skin and hair. Thus, if Qi does not nourish, the skin and hair become dry. If the skin and hair become dry, fluids leave the skin joints. If fluids leave the skin joints, nails wither and hair breaks. If hair breaks, hair dies first. Bing day brings worsening, Ding day brings death; Fire conquers Metal.
When the Qi of the Hand-Shaoyin Meridian terminates, the vessels become obstructed. If vessels are obstructed, blood does not flow. If blood does not flow, hair loses luster. Thus, the face becomes black as lacquered charcoal; blood dies first. Ren day brings worsening, Gui day brings death; Water conquers Fire.
When the Qi of the Foot-Taiyin Meridian terminates, the vessels do not nourish the muscles. The lips and tongue are the root of the muscles. If vessels do not nourish, muscles become soft. If muscles become soft, the tongue atrophies and the philtrum fills. If the philtrum fills, the lips invert. If lips invert, flesh dies first. Jia day brings worsening, Yi day brings death; Wood conquers Earth.
When the Qi of the Foot-Shaoyin Meridian terminates, the bones become withered. Shaoyin is the Winter Pulse, hiding within to moisten the bone marrow. Thus, if bones are not moistened, flesh cannot adhere. If flesh and bone are not intimate, flesh becomes soft and recedes. If flesh recedes, teeth appear long and dirty, and hair lacks luster. If hair lacks luster, bone dies first. Wu day brings worsening, Ji day brings death; Earth conquers Water.
When the Qi of the Foot-Jueyin Meridian terminates, the tendons cease. Jueyin is the Liver Meridian. The Liver is the convergence of tendons. Tendons gather at the genitalia and connect to the root of the tongue. Thus, if vessels do not nourish, tendons become tense. If tendons become tense, they pull the tongue and testicles. Thus, blue lips, curled tongue, and retracted testicles indicate tendon death first. Geng day brings worsening, Xin day brings death; Metal conquers Wood.
When the Yin Qi of the Five Zang Organs all terminates, the eye system rotates. Rotation causes dizziness. Dizziness indicates Spirit (Zhi) dies first. If Spirit dies first, death occurs in one and a half days.
When the Yang Qi of the Six Fu Organs all terminates, Yin and Yang separate. Separation causes pores to open, and absolute sweat (Jue Han) emerges. Thus, morning prediction leads to evening death, evening prediction leads to morning death.
The twelve meridians run deep within the intermuscular spaces, invisible to the eye. What is commonly seen is the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian, because it passes over the medial malleolus where there is no concealment. (The original text says "outer," which is an error. Yin meridians do not run on the lateral malleolus; there is a large blue vein on the medial malleolus going up to the knee before gradually disappearing, which is likely what is meant.) All floating and commonly visible vessels are Luo Vessels (Collaterals).
The great Luo Vessels of the six meridians: The Hand-Yangming and Hand-Shaoyang Luo Vessels arise between the five fingers and ascend to merge in the elbow. In drinkers, Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) moves first in the skin, filling the Luo Vessels first. Thus, when Wei Qi is balanced, Ying Qi fills, and the main meridians become highly prominent. Sudden movement of the pulse indicates Evil Qi residing there, staying at the root or extremity. If it does not move, there is heat; if not firm, it sinks and empties, differing from other pulses, allowing one to know which meridian is moving.
Lei Gong asked: How do we know the difference between Jing Meridians and Luo Vessels?
Huang Di said: Jing Meridians are usually invisible. Their deficiency or excess is known via the Qi Kou (Cun Kou). Visible vessels are all Luo Vessels.
Lei Gong said: I cannot understand why this is so.
Huang Di said: All Luo Vessels cannot pass through major joints; they must travel through unique paths, emerging and re-entering within the skin, with their intersections visible externally. Therefore, when needling Luo Vessels, one must needle above the nodules. If there is abundant blood, even without nodules, one must urgently drain it to expel the evil and release the blood. If retained, it develops into Bi Syndrome (Obstruction).
Generally, diagnosing Luo Vessels: Blue color indicates cold and pain; red indicates heat. Cold in the Stomach makes the Luo vessels on the大鱼际 (Thenar) mostly blue. Heat in the Stomach makes the Yu Ji vessels red. Sudden blackness indicates long-standing Bi. Mixed red, black, and blue indicates mixed cold and heat. Short and blue indicates Qi deficiency.
When needling cold-heat conditions, one should use many blood vessels, taking them every other day until the blood is exhausted, then regulating deficiency and excess. If the vessel is small and short, and Qi deficiency is severe, draining will cause chest stuffiness. Severe stuffiness leads to collapse and inability to speak. Stuffiness requires immediate sitting.
The Luo Vessel of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian is named Lie Que. It arises from the interspace above the wrist, runs parallel to the Hand-Taiyin Meridian, enters the palm, and scatters in the thenar eminence. Diseases: Excess causes heat in the radial hand and palm; deficiency causes yawning/stretching and frequent/involuntary urination. Treat by taking the point half a cun from the wrist, which connects to the Yangming Meridian.
The Luo Vessel of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian is named Tong Li. It is one and a half cun from the wrist, diverges and ascends, follows the meridian, enters the Heart, ties to the root of the tongue, and belongs to the eye system. Diseases: Excess causes chest oppression; deficiency causes inability to speak. Treat by taking the point one cun behind the palm crease, which connects to the Taiyang Meridian.
The Luo Vessel of the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian is named Nei Guan. It is two cun from the wrist, emerges between the two tendons, follows the meridian upward, ties to the Pericardium and Heart System. Diseases: Excess causes heart pain; deficiency causes stiff neck. Treat by taking the point between the two tendons.