〔《灵》〕二曰员针，长一寸六分。针如卵形，揩摩分间，不得伤肌肉以泻分气。（九针十二原 洁古云∶其
身长针，针如卵形，肉分气病宜此。）
〔《甲》〕二者地，地者土也，人之所以应土者肉也，故为之治员针。员针者，取法于絮针，必 其身而员
其末，其锋如卵，长一寸六分，以泻肉分之气，令不伤肌，则阳气得泻，故曰∶病在分肉间，取以员针。
〔《灵》〕三曰 针，长三寸半。锋如黍粟之锐，主按脉勿陷以致其气。（九针十二原 洁古云∶脉气虚少者宜此。）
〔《甲》〕三者人也，人之所以成生者血脉也，故为之治 针。 针者，取法于黍粟，大其身而员其末，如
黍粟之锐，长三寸五分，令可以按脉勿陷以致其气，使邪气独出。故曰∶病在脉，气少，当补者取以 针，
针于井荥分输。
〔《灵》〕四曰锋针，长一寸六分。刃三隅以发痼疾。（九针十二原 洁古云∶泻热出血，发泄痼疾。）
〔《甲》〕四者时也，时者四时八风之客于经络之中、为瘤病者也，故为之治锋针。锋针者，取法于絮
针， 其身而锋其末，刃三隅，长一寸六分，令可以泻热出血，发泄痼疾。故曰∶病在五脏固居者，取以锋针，
泻于井荥分输，取以四时也。
〔《灵》〕五曰铍针，长四寸，广二分半。末如剑锋，以取大脓。（九针十二原 铍音皮。洁古云∶一名
破针，用以破痈肿血脓。）
〔《甲》〕五者音也，音者冬夏之分，分于子午，阴与阳别，寒与热争，两气相搏，合为痈脓者也，故为之
治铍针。铍针者，取法于剑，令其末如剑锋，广二分半，长四寸，可以取大脓出血。故曰∶病大脓血，取以
铍针。
〔《灵》〕六曰员利针，长一寸六分。大如氅，且员且锐，中身微大，以取暴气。（九针十二原 洁古云∶
尖如毫，且员且利，身中微大，调阴阳，除暴气。）
〔《甲》〕六者律也，律者调阴阳四时而合十二经脉，虚邪客于经络而为暴痹者也，故为之治员利针。员利
针者，取法于 针，且员且锐，身中为微大，长一寸六分，以取痈肿暴痹，令尖如 ，微大其末，反小其身，
令可深内也。故曰∶病痹气暴发者，取以员利针。
〔《灵》〕七曰毫针，长三寸六分。尖如蚊虻喙，静以徐往，微以久留之，而养以取痛痹。（九针十二原
洁古云∶尖如蚊虻喙，调经络，去痛痹。）
〔《甲》〕七者星也，星者人之七窍，邪之所客于经，舍于络而为痛痹者也，故为之治毫针。毫针者，取法
于毫毛，长一寸六分，令尖如蚊虫喙，静以徐往，微以久留，正气因之，真邪俱往，出针而养，主以治痛痹在
络也。故曰∶痹病气通而不去者，取之毫针。
〔《灵》〕八曰长针，长七寸。锋利身薄，可以取远痹。（九针十二原 沽古云∶锋利痹深居骨解腰脊节
腠之间者）
〔《甲》〕八者风也，风者人之股肱八节也，八正之虚风伤人，内舍于骨解腰脊节腠之间，为深痹也，故为
之治长针。长针者，綦针也，长七寸，长其身而锋其末，令可以取深邪远痹。故曰∶病在中者，取以长针。（綦，
巨其切。）
九曰大针，长四寸。尖如挺，其锋微员，以泻机关之水也。（九针十二原 洁古云∶一名 针，针风虚合于
骨解皮肤之间者。）
〔《甲》〕九者野也，野者人之节解皮肤之间也，淫邪流溢于身，如风水之状而溜不能过于机关大节者也，
故为之治大针。大针者，取法于锋针，其针微员，长四寸，以泻机关内外，取大气之不能过于关节者也，故曰∶
病水肿不能过关节者，取以大针。
黄帝问曰∶刺有五邪，何谓五邪？伯高曰∶病有持痈者，有容大者，有狭小者，有热者，有寒者，是谓五
邪。（刺五邪法未详。）凡刺痈，刺用铍针，无迎陇，易俗移性，不得脓，脆道更行，去其乡，不安处所乃散亡，诸阴
阳过痈者，取之其输泻之。凡刺大邪，用锋针，日以小泄，夺其有余乃益虚，剽其通，针其邪，肌肉亲视之，
无有反其真，刺诸阳分肉之间。凡刺小邪用员针，日以大，补益其不足，乃无害。视其所在迎之界，远近尽至，
其不得外侵而行之，乃自费，刺分肉之间。凡刺热邪，用 针，越而苍，出游不归乃无病，为开通辟门户，使
邪得出，病乃已。凡刺寒邪用毫针，日以温，徐往徐来，致其神，门户已闭，气不分，虚实得调，其气存也。（刺
节真邪论）
〔《灵》〕凡刺有九，以应九变。一曰输刺，输刺者，刺诸经荥输藏 也。二曰远道刺，远道刺者，病在上，
取之下，刺府输也。三曰经刺，经刺者，刺大经之结络经分也。四曰络刺，络刺者，刺小络之血脉也。五曰分
刺，分刺者，刺分肉之间也。六曰大写刺，大写刺者，刺大脓以铍针也。七曰毛刺，毛刺者，刺浮痹皮肤也。
八曰巨刺，巨刺者，左取右，右取左。九曰 刺， 刺者，刺燔针则取痹也。凡刺有十二节，以应十二经。一
曰偶刺，偶刺者，以手直心若背，直痛所，一刺前，一刺后，以治心痹。刺此者，傍针之也。二曰报刺，报刺
者，刺痛无常处也，上下行者，直内无拔针，以左手随病所按之乃出针，复刺之也。三日恢刺，恢刺者，直
刺傍之举之，前后恢筋急，以治筋痹也。（傍之举之者，谓直刺入 ，转针头从傍挑举其筋也。）四曰齐刺，
齐刺者，直入一，傍入二，以治寒气小深者，或曰三刺，三刺者，治痹气小深者也。五曰扬刺，扬刺者，正
内一，傍内四而浮之，以治寒气之博大者也。六曰直针刺，直针刺者，引皮乃刺之。以治寒气之浅者也。七曰输刺，
输刺者，直入直出稀发针而深之，以治气盛而热者也。八曰短刺，短刺者，刺骨痹，稍摇而深之，致针骨所，
以上下摩骨也。九曰浮刺，浮刺者，傍入而浮之，以治肌急而寒者也。十曰阴刺，阴刺者，左右率刺之，以
治寒厥。中寒厥，足踝后少阴也。十一曰傍针刺，傍针刺者，直刺傍刺各一，以治留痹久居者也。十二曰赞刺，
赞刺者，直入直出，数发针而浅之出血，是谓治痈肿也。凡刺有五，以应五脏。一曰半刺，半刺者，浅内
而发针，无针伤肉，如拔
毛状，以取皮气，此肺之应也。二曰豹文刺，豹文刺者，左右前后针之，中脉为故，以取经络之血者，此心之应
也。三曰关刺，关刺者，直刺左右，尽筋上以取筋痹，慎无出血。此肝之应也。或曰渊刺，一曰岂刺。四曰合
谷刺，合谷刺者，左右鸡足，针于分肉之间，以取肌痹，此脾之应也。五曰输刺，输刺者，直入直出，深内之
至骨，以取骨痹，此肾之应也。（见官针篇）
〔标幽赋〕拯救之法，妙用者针。察岁时于天道，定形气于予心。春夏瘦而浅刺，秋冬肥而刺深。不穷经
络阴阳，多逢刺禁，既论脏腑虚实，须向经寻。原夫起自中焦，水初下漏，太阴为始，至厥阴而方终，穴出云
门，抵期门而最后。正经十二，别络走三百余支，正侧偃伏，气血有六百余候。手足三阳，手走头而头走足，
手足三阴，足走腹而胸走手。要识迎随，须明逆顺。况夫阴阳血气，多少为最；厥阴太阳，少气多血；太阴少
阴，少血多气。又有气多血少者，少阳之分；气盛血多者，阳明之位。先详多少之宜，次察应至之气。轻滑慢
而未来，沉涩紧而已至。既至也，量寒热而留疾；未至也，据虚实而 气。气之至也，若鱼吞钓饵之浮沉；气
未至也，似闭处幽堂之深邃。气速至而效速，气迟至而不治。观夫九针之法，毫针最微，七星可应，众穴主持。
本形金也，有蠲邪扶正之道；短长水也，有决凝开滞之机。定刺象木，或斜或正；口藏比火，进阳补羸。循机
扪而可塞，以象土实，应五行而可知，然而一寸六分。包含妙理，虽细拟于毫发，同贯多歧。可平五脏之寒热，
能调六腑之实虚。拘挛闭塞，遣八邪而去矣；寒热痛痹，开四关而已之。凡刺者，使本神朝而后入，既刺也，
使本神定而气随。神不朝而勿刺，神已定而可施。定脚处，取气血为主意；下手处，认水土是根基。天地人三
才也，涌泉同璇玑、百会；上中下三部也，大包与天枢、地机。阳跷阳维并督脉，主肩背腰脚在表之疾；阴跷
阴维任带冲，主心腹胁肋在里之危。二陵、二跷、二交，似续而交五大；两间、两商、两井，相根据而列两支。足见
取穴之法，必有分寸，先审自意，次观肉分，或屈伸而得之，或平直而安定。在阳部筋骨之侧，陷下为真；在
阴分 之间，动脉相应。按五穴定一穴而必端，取三经用一经而可正。头部与肩部详分，督脉与任脉异定。
明标探本，论刺深刺浅之经；住痛移疼，取相交相贯之迳。岂不闻脏腑病而求门海俞募之微；经络滞而求原别
交会之道。更穷四根三结，根据标本而刺无不痊；但用八法五门，分主客而针无不效。八脉始终连八会，本是纪
纲；十二经络十二原，是为枢要。若一日刺六十六穴之法，方见幽微；一时取十二经之原，始知要妙。详夫补
泻之法，非呼吸而在手指；速效之功，要交正而识本经。交经缪刺，左有病而右畔取；泻络远针，头有病而脚
上针。巨刺与缪刺各异，微针与妙刺相通。观部分而知经络之虚实，视浮沉而辨脏腑之寒温。且夫先令针耀而
虑针损，次藏口内而欲针温。目无外视，手如握虎，心无外慕，如待贵人。左手重而切按，欲令气散；右手轻
而徐入，不痛之因。空心恐怯，直立侧而多晕；背目沉 ，坐卧平而勿昏。至推于十干十变，定孔穴之开阖；
论其五行五脏，察时日之旺衰。伏如横努，应若发机。阳交阴别而定血晕；阴跷阴维而下胎衣。痹厥偏枯，迎
随裨经络接续；漏崩带下，温补使气血根据归。静以久留，停针候之。必准者，取照海，治喉中之闭塞．，端的处，
用大钟，治心性之呆痴。大抵疼痛实泻，痒麻虚补。体重节痛而俞居，心下痞满而井主。心胀咽痛，针太冲而
立除；脾痛胃疼，泻公孙而立愈。胸满腹痛刺内关，胁疼肋痛针飞虎。筋挛骨痛而补魂门，体热劳嗽而泻魄户。
头风头痛，刺申脉与金门；眼痒眼疼，泻光明与地五。泻阴 ，止盗汗并小儿骨蒸；刺偏历，利小便兼大人水
蛊。中风环跳而宜刺，虚损天枢而可取。由是午前卯后，太阴生而疾温；离左西南，月死朔而速冷。循扪弹努，
留吸母以坚长；爪下伸提，疾呼子而嘘短。动退空歇，迎夺右而泻凉；推内进搓，随济左而补暖。慎之，大凡
危疾，色脉不顺而莫针；寒热风阴，饥饱醉劳而切忌。望不补而晦不泻，弦不夺而朔不济。精其心而求其法，无
灸艾而坏其肌。正其理而求其源，免投针而失其位。避灸处而和四肢，四十有九；禁刺处而除六俞，三十又二。
抑又闻高皇抱疾而未瘥，李氏刺巨阙而得苏。太子暴死为尸厥，越人针维会而复醒。肩井、曲池，甄权刺臂痛而
复射；悬钟、环跳，华佗刺 足而立行。秋夫刺腰俞而鬼免沉 ，王纂针交俞而妖精立出。刺肝俞与命门，使瞽
士视秋毫之末；刺少阳与交别，俾聋夫听夏蚋之声。嗟夫，去圣逾远，斯道渐坠。或不得意而散其学，或眩其
能而犯禁忌。庸愚智浅，难契于玄言；至道渊深，得之者有几。偶述斯言，不敢示诸明达者焉，庶几乎童蒙之心启。
〔通玄赋〕必欲治病，莫如用针。巧运神机之妙，工开圣理之深。外取砭金，能蠲邪而扶正；中含水火，
善回阳而倒阴。原夫络别支殊，经交错综。或沟渠溪谷以歧异，或山海丘陵而隙共。斯流派以难揆，在条纲而
有统。理繁而味，纵补泻以何功；法捷而明，自迎随而得用。且如行步难移，太冲最奇。人中除脊膂之强痛，
神门去心性之呆痴。风伤项急，始求于风府；头眩目晕，要觅于风池。耳闭须听会而治也，眼痛则合谷以推之。
胸结身黄，取涌泉而即可；脑昏目赤，泻攒竹以偏宜。但见若两肋之拘挛，仗曲池而平扫；治半身之不遂，作
环跳以长驱。牙齿痛，吕细堪治．，头项强，承浆可保。太白宣导于气冲，阴陵开通于水道。腹膨而胀，夺内庭
以休迟；筋转而疼，泻承山之在早。大抵脚腕痛，昆仑解愈；股膝疼，阴市能医。痫发颠狂兮，凭后溪而疗理；
疟生寒热兮，仗间使以扶持。期门罢胸满血崩而可用，劳宫退胃翻心痛以何疑。考夫大敦去七疝之偏疼，王公
谓此；三里却五劳之羸瘦，华老言斯。固知腕骨祛黄，然谷泻肾。行间治膝肿腰疼，尺泽去肘疼筋紧。目昏无
见，二间宜取；鼻塞不闻，迎香可引。肩井除两臂之难任，攒竹疗头疼之不忍。咳嗽寒痰，列缺堪治；眵 冷
泪，临泣尤准。完骨将腿痛以祛残，肾俞把腰疼而泻尽；以见越人治尸厥于维会，随手而苏．，文伯泻死胎于三
阴交，应针而陨。圣人于是察麻与痛，分实与虚。实则自外而入也，虚则自内而出之。是故济母以裨其不足，
夺子而平其有余。观二十七之经络，一一明辨；据四百四之疾症，件件皆除。故得夭枉都无，跻斯民于寿域；
几微已判，彰往古之玄书。抑又闻心胸病求掌后之大陵，肩背患责肘前之三里。冷痹肾俞，取足阳明之土；连
[Ling Shu] The second is the Yuan Needle (Yuan Zhen, Round Needle), one cun and six fen in length. Its shape resembles an egg; it is used for rubbing between muscle intervals without damaging the muscles, to drain the pathogenic qi from the subcutaneous tissue. (From *Jiu Zhen Shi Er Yuan*; Jieguo stated: For conditions involving flesh and qi, this needle shaped like an egg is suitable.)
[Jia Yi Jing] The second corresponds to "Earth." Earth belongs to the Five Elements, and in the human body, flesh corresponds to Earth. Therefore, the Yuan Needle was created. The Yuan Needle is modeled after the cotton-picking needle; its body must be round, and its tip egg-shaped, with a sharpness akin to an egg. It is one cun and six fen long, used to drain qi from the muscle layers without injuring the muscle tissue, thereby allowing Yang Qi to disperse. Thus it is said: When disease is located between the muscles, treat it with the Yuan Needle.
[Ling Shu] The third is the [Missing Character] Needle, three cun and half a cun in length. Its tip is as sharp as a millet grain. It is primarily used to press upon the vessels without sinking deep, to guide the arrival of Qi. (From *Jiu Zhen Shi Er Yuan*; Jieguo stated: This needle is suitable for those with deficient pulse Qi.)
[Jia Yi Jing] The third corresponds to "Human." What sustains human life is the blood vessels; therefore, the [Missing Character] Needle was created. Modeled after the millet grain, its body is thickened and its tip rounded, sharp as a millet grain, three cun and five fen long. It allows pressing the vessel without sinking, guiding Qi so that pathogenic factors exit alone. Thus it is said: When disease affects the vessels and Qi is deficient, requiring tonification, use the [Missing Character] Needle at the Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, and Shu-Stream points.
[Ling Shu] The fourth is the Feng Needle (Feng Zhen, Lanced Needle), one cun and six fen in length. It has a triangular blade to treat chronic diseases. (From *Jiu Zhen Shi Er Yuan*; Jieguo stated: To drain heat and induce bleeding, releasing chronic ailments.)
[Jia Yi Jing] The fourth corresponds to "Time." Time refers to the four seasons and the eight winds invading the meridians, causing tumor-like diseases. Therefore, the Feng Needle was created. Modeled after the cotton-picking needle, its body is round but its tip is sharp, with a triangular blade, one cun and six fen long. It drains heat and induces bleeding to release chronic diseases. Thus it is said: When disease resides fixedly in the Zang organs, use the Feng Needle, applying draining methods at the Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, and Shu-Stream points, corresponding to the four seasons.
[Ling Shu] The fifth is the Pi Needle (Pi Zhen, Sword Needle), four cun in length and two-and-a-half fen wide. Its tip resembles a sword edge, used to drain large amounts of pus. (From *Jiu Zhen Shi Er Yuan*; Pi sounds like 'pi'. Jieguo stated: Also known as the Breaking Needle, used to rupture abscesses and drain blood/pus.)
[Jia Yi Jing] The fifth corresponds to "Sound/Pitch." Sound refers to the division of winter and summer, separated by Zi and Wu hours, where Yin and Yang differ, and cold and heat contend, clashing to form abscesses and pus. Therefore, the Pi Needle was created. Modeled after a sword, its tip is sword-like, two-and-a-half fen wide and four cun long, capable of draining large amounts of pus and blood. Thus it is said: When disease involves large abscesses and blood, use the Pi Needle.
[Ling Shu] The sixth is the Yuan Li Needle (Yuanli Zhen, Round-Acute Needle), one cun and six fen in length. It is thick like a feather quill, both round and acute, with the middle of the body slightly larger, used to treat sudden/acute conditions. (From *Jiu Zhen Shi Er Yuan*; Jieguo stated: Sharp as a hair, both round and acute, slightly larger in the middle, harmonizing Yin and Yang, removing sudden pathogenic factors.)
[Jia Yi Jing] The sixth corresponds to "Law/Rhythm." Law regulates Yin and Yang and the four seasons, aligning with the twelve meridians. When empty pathogens invade the meridians causing sudden Bi syndrome, the Yuan Li Needle is created. Modeled after the [Missing Character] Needle, it is both round and acute, slightly larger in the middle, one cun and six fen long. It treats abscesses and sudden Bi, with a tip like a hair, a slightly larger end, and a smaller body to allow deep insertion. Thus it is said: When Bi Qi erupts suddenly, use the Yuan Li Needle.
[Ling Shu] The seventh is the Hao Needle (Hao Zhen, Filiform Needle), three cun and six fen in length. Its tip resembles the proboscis of a mosquito or horsefly. One should wait quietly, insert slowly, retain lightly for a long time, and nourish to treat painful Bi syndrome. (From *Jiu Zhen Shi Er Yuan*; Jieguo stated: Tip like a mosquito's beak, regulating meridians, removing painful Bi.)
[Jia Yi Jing] The seventh corresponds to "Stars." Stars refer to the seven orifices of the human body. When pathogens invade the meridians and lodge in the collaterals, causing painful Bi, the Hao Needle is created. Modeled after body hair, it is one cun and six fen long (Note: Jia Yi Jing text differs here), with a tip like a mosquito's beak. Wait quietly, insert slowly, retain lightly for a long time. The healthy Qi follows, true and pathogenic Qi exit together, and after withdrawal, nourishment is provided. It mainly treats painful Bi in the collaterals. Thus it is said: When Bi disease involves Qi circulation that does not resolve, use the Hao Needle.
[Ling Shu] The eighth is the Chang Needle (Chang Zhen, Long Needle), seven cun in length. It is sharp and thin, capable of treating distant/deep Bi syndrome. (From *Jiu Zhen Shi Er Yuan*; Jieguo stated: Sharp, for Bi deeply seated in bone joints, waist, spine, and interstices.)
[Jia Yi Jing] The eighth corresponds to "Wind." Wind refers to the eight joints of the thighs and arms. Deficient wind from the eight directions injures humans, lodging in bone joints, waist, spine, and interstices, causing deep Bi. Therefore, the Chang Needle is created. The Chang Needle is also called the Qi Needle, seven cun long, with a long body and sharp tip, to remove deep pathogens and distant Bi. Thus it is said: When disease is internal/deep, use the Chang Needle. (Qi, pronounced 'ju qi').
The ninth is the Da Needle (Da Zhen, Large Needle), four cun in length. Its tip is like a rod, with a slightly rounded edge, used to drain water from the joints. (From *Jiu Zhen Shi Er Yuan*; Jieguo stated: Also called the [Missing Character] Needle, for wind-deficiency combining at bone joints and skin.)
[Jia Yi Jing] The ninth corresponds to "Field/Wilderness." Field refers to the joints and skin interstices. Excessive pathogens overflow the body, resembling wind-water edema, but flowing only within the large joints. Therefore, the Da Needle is created. Modeled after the Feng Needle, it is slightly round, four cun long, to drain Qi outside and inside the joints, targeting Qi that cannot pass through the joints. Thus it is said: When disease involves edema unable to pass the joints, use the Da Needle.
Yellow Emperor asked: Acupuncture addresses five types of pathogenic factors (Wu Xie). What are they? Bo Gao replied: Diseases include those holding pus (Yong), those expanding (Rong Da), those contracting (Xiao Xiao), those with heat (Re), and those with cold (Han). These are the Five Pathogens. (Methods for puncturing the five pathogens are not detailed.) Generally, for treating abscesses, use the Pi Needle; do not attack the swelling directly. Change habits and mindset. If pus does not form, the fragile pathway changes. Leave the local area, and the pathogen dissipates. For Yin and Yang meridians passing through the abscess, select their Shu-Stream points and drain them. For treating expansive pathogens, use the Feng Needle; gradually reduce the excess daily. Deprive the excess to create deficiency. Pierce the pathways, needle the pathogen, observe the muscle proximity, ensure no return to truth, and needle between the Yang muscle layers. For treating contracted pathogens, use the Yuan Needle; gradually enlarge the treatment area daily, tonifying deficiency, thus causing no harm. Observe the location and meet it at the boundary. When far and near paths converge, preventing external invasion, proceed cautiously, and the pathogen will self-consume. Needle between the muscles. For treating heat pathogens, use the [Missing Character] Needle. Advance and withdraw, letting the pathogen exit freely, opening the portal so the pathogen leaves, and the disease ceases. For treating cold pathogens, use the Hao Needle; warm it daily. Insert and withdraw slowly, guiding the Spirit. Once the portal closes, Qi does not scatter, deficiency and excess are balanced, and healthy Qi remains. (From *Ci Jie Zhen Xie Lun*)
[Ling Shu] There are nine types of acupuncture techniques, corresponding to nine variations. First is Shu Ci (Transport Puncture): needling the Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, and Zang-Back points of various meridians. Second is Yuan Dao Ci (Distant Puncture): disease above, treat below; needle the Fu-Organ Shu points. Third is Jing Ci (Meridian Puncture): needling knots and collaterals of major meridians. Fourth is Luo Ci (Collateral Puncture): needling small collateral blood vessels. Fifth is Fen Ci (Interval Puncture): needling between muscle layers. Sixth is Da Xie Ci (Large Draining Puncture): using the Pi Needle to drain large abscesses. Seventh is Mao Ci (Hair Puncture): needling superficial Bi in the skin. Eighth is Ju Ci (Great Cross Puncture): treating the left side by needling the right, and vice versa. Ninth is Fan Ci (Burning Puncture): using burning needles to treat Bi.
There are twelve categories of acupuncture, corresponding to the twelve meridians. First is Ou Ci (Paired Puncture): placing hands straight against the heart and back, directly at the pain site, one puncture anterior, one posterior, to treat Heart Bi. Use oblique needles. Second is Bao Ci (Reporting Puncture): pain moves irregularly up and down. Insert the needle without withdrawing; use the left hand to press along the pain path, then withdraw and re-needle. Third is Hui Ci (Reviving Puncture): direct insertion followed by lifting/manipulating laterally to relax tight tendons, treating tendon Bi. (Lifting laterally means inserting directly, rotating the needle head to lift the tendon from the side.) Fourth is Qi Ci (Simultaneous Puncture): one central insertion, two lateral insertions, for shallow-deep cold pathogens; also called San Ci (Three Needles), treating shallow-deep Bi Qi. Fifth is Yang Ci (Dispersing Puncture): one central insertion, four lateral superficial insertions, for broad cold pathogens. Sixth is Zhi Zhen Ci (Direct Needle Puncture): pulling the skin before inserting, for shallow cold pathogens. Seventh is Shu Ci (Transport Puncture - distinct from first): direct insertion and withdrawal, sparse needling, deep penetration, for excess Qi with heat. Eighth is Duan Ci (Short Puncture): for Bone Bi, slightly rocking and deepening until reaching the bone, rubbing the bone up and down. Ninth is Fu Ci (Floating Puncture): inserting obliquely and floating superficially, for muscle tension with cold. Tenth is Yin Ci (Yin Puncture): simultaneous bilateral needling, for Cold Jue. Cold Jue affects the Shaoyin meridian behind the ankle. Eleventh is Bang Zhen Ci (Adjacent Needle Puncture): one direct and one adjacent needle, for chronic lingering Bi. Twelfth is Zan Ci (Assisting Puncture): direct insertion and withdrawal, frequent shallow needling to induce bleeding, treating abscesses.
There are five acupuncture methods corresponding to the Five Zang Organs. First is Ban Ci (Half Puncture): shallow insertion and quick withdrawal, not injuring muscle, like plucking hair, to extract Qi from the skin; corresponds to the Lung. Second is Bao Wen Ci (Leopard Spot Puncture): needling left, right, front, and back, aiming for the vessel, to extract blood from meridians; corresponds to the Heart. Third is Guan Ci (Joint Puncture): direct bilateral needling at the tendon attachment, to treat tendon Bi, avoiding bleeding; corresponds to the Liver. Also called Yuan Ci or Qi Ci. Fourth is He Gu Ci (Valley Convergence Puncture): forming a chicken-foot shape bilaterally, needling between muscle layers, to treat muscle Bi; corresponds to the Spleen. Fifth is Shu Ci (Transport Puncture): direct insertion and withdrawal, deep penetration to the bone, to treat Bone Bi; corresponds to the Kidney. (See *Guan Zhen Pian*)
[Biao You Fu] The method of salvation lies in the subtle use of needles. Observe the heavenly dao of seasons and years; determine constitution and Qi in your mind. In spring and summer, bodies are lean; needle shallowly. In autumn and winter, bodies are fat; needle deeply. Without mastering meridians and Yin-Yang, one often encounters contraindications. Having discussed Zang-Fu deficiency and excess, one must seek the meridians. Originating from the Middle Jiao, water initially leaks, starting with Taiyin and ending with Jueyin. Points emerge from Yunmen and reach Qimen last. Twelve regular meridians, over three hundred branch collaterals. Upright, supine, and prone positions involve over six hundred Qi and Blood appointments. Hand and Foot Yang Meridians: Hands go to the head, head goes to the feet. Hand and Foot Yin Meridians: Feet go to the abdomen, chest goes to the hands. To understand Approaching and Following (Ying Sui), one must know reverse and forward. Regarding Yin-Yang, Blood and Qi, quantity is paramount: Jueyin and Taiyang have little Qi and much Blood; Taiyin and Shaoyin have little Blood and much Qi. Shaoyang has much Qi and little Blood; Yangming has abundant Qi and much Blood. First determine suitability of quantity, then observe arriving Qi. Light, slippery, slow indicates Qi has not arrived; heavy, choppy, tight indicates it has arrived. Once arrived, retain or withdraw based on cold/heat. Not yet arrived, guide Qi based on deficiency/excess. Arriving Qi feels like a fish biting bait; unarrived Qi is like a closed dark hall. Fast arrival brings fast effect; slow arrival is incurable. Among the Nine Needles, the Filiform Needle is finest, corresponding to the Seven Stars, governing many points. Its form is Metal, dispelling evil and supporting righteousness; its length is Water, resolving stagnation. Insertion style is Wood, oblique or straight; mouth/hand action is Fire, advancing Yang and tonifying weakness. Circulation and palpation are Earth, corresponding to the Five Elements. Though one cun and six fen, it contains profound principles. Fine as a hair, it connects diverse paths. It balances cold/heat of Five Zang, regulates deficiency/excess of Six Fu. Spasms and blockages are removed by dispersing Eight Evils; cold/heat/painful Bi is resolved by opening Four Gates. In acupuncture, let the Shen (Spirit) gather before insertion; after insertion, let Shen settle and Qi follow. Do not needle if Shen is unsettled; apply treatment once Shen is settled. At the anchor point, prioritize Qi and Blood; at the starting point, recognize Earth and Water as foundations. Heaven, Earth, Human are Three Powers: Yongquan, Xuanji, Baihui correspond. Upper, Middle, Lower Three Regions: Dabao, Tianshu, Dijix correspond. Yang Qiao, Yang Wei, and Du Mai govern shoulder/back/waist/leg exterior diseases; Yin Qiao, Yin Wei, Ren, Dai, Chong govern heart/abdomen/flank interior crises. Er Ling, Er Qiao, Er Jiao connect to the Five Major Tendons; Liang Jian, Liang Shang, Liang Jing align with two branches. Point selection requires precise measurement, intent observation, and flesh inspection. Flexion/extension or flat/stable positioning. On Yang sides near bones/tendons, depressions are true points; on Yin sides, arterial pulses correspond. Determining one point among five ensures accuracy; selecting one meridian among three ensures correctness. Head and shoulder points are detailed; Du and Ren meridians are distinguished. Clarify root and branch, discuss deep/shallow needling lines; relieve pain, select intersecting pathways. For Zang-Fu disease, seek Gate, Sea, Back-Shu, and Front-Mu points; for meridian stagnation, seek Yuan, Biao, intersection, and crossing points. Exhaust Four Roots and Three Knots, treat according to root/branch for cure; use Eight Methods and Five Doors, distinguish master/guest for efficacy. Eight Extraordinary Vessels connect to Eight Hui Points, the framework; Twelve Meridians and Twelve Yuan-Source Points, the pivot. Daily needling of sixty-six points reveals subtleties; hourly selecting Twelve Meridian Yuan points reveals essentials. Tonification and drainage depend on finger technique, not respiration; rapid effect requires understanding crossed meridians and primary channels. Crossed Meridian and Miu Puncture: treat left disease by right side; Drain Collateral and Distant Needling: treat head disease by foot needling. Ju Ci and Miu Ci differ; Micro-Needle and Wonderful Puncture connect. Observe regions to know meridian deficiency/excess; view floating/sinking to differentiate Zang-Fu cold/warmth. First, ensure needles are bright and undamaged; store in mouth to warm. Eyes look not outward, hands hold like tigers, mind free of distraction, awaiting nobility. Left hand presses heavily to disperse Qi; right hand inserts lightly and slowly to avoid pain. Empty stomach causes fear/dizziness when standing/sitting sideways; lie flat with eyes covered to avoid fainting. Apply Ten Stems and Ten Changes to determine point aperture; discuss Five Elements and Five Zang, observe time旺衰. Still as a horizontal bow, responsive as a trigger. Yang Intersection and Yin Separation stop blood dizziness; Yin Qiao and Yin Wei deliver placenta. Bi, Jue, hemiplegia benefit from Ying/Sui to connect meridians; leakage, metrorrhagia, leukorrhea benefit from warming/tonifying to restore Qi/Blood. Retain statically for a long time, pause to await Qi. For certainty, select Zhaohai for throat obstruction; precisely, use Dachong for mental dullness. Generally, pain requires draining excess; itching/numbness requires tonifying deficiency. Heavy body/joint pain relates to Shu points; epigastric fullness relates to Jing-Well points. Chest distension/throat pain: needle Taichong to remove immediately; Spleen pain/stomach ache: drain Gongsun to heal immediately. Chest fullness/abdominal pain: needle Neiguan; flank/costal pain: needle Feihu. Tendon spasm/bone pain: tonify Hunmen; body heat/labored cough: discharge Pohu. Head wind/headache: needle Shenmai and Jinmen; eye itching/pain: discharge Guangming and Diwu. Discharge Yin [Missing], stop night sweats and childhood bone-steaming fever; needle Pianli, promote urination and adult water-gu. Stroke: Huantiao is suitable; deficiency: Tianshu is selectable. Before noon/after Mao hour, Taiyin generates, warm quickly; Li/Zheng Southwest, moon dies/new moon, cool quickly. Circulate, palpate, flick, tense; retain inhalation mother to solidify/lengthen; claw extension/lifting, rapid exhalation son to shorten/break. Move/withdraw/empty/rest, approach/rob right to drain cool; push/insert/rub/follow, assist left to tonify warm. Caution: Critical diseases with discordant color/pulse should not be needled; cold/heat/wind/yin, hunger/fullness/intoxication/exhaustion are strictly contraindicated. Do not tonify on the first day of the lunar month; do not drain on the last day. Do not rob during waxing moon; do not assist during waning moon. Refine mind and seek method, do not let moxa damage skin. Correct principle and seek source, avoid missing point location. Avoid moxa sites to harmonize limbs (49 points); avoid needling sites excluding Six Shu (32 points). Heard of High Emperor’s illness cured by Li Shi needling Juque; Crown Prince’s sudden death (Shi Jue) revived by Yuanyue needling Weizhong/Hegu. Jianjing/Quchi: Zhen Quan treated arm pain, restoring archery; Xuanzhong/Huantiao: Hua Tuo treated legs, restoring walking. Qiufu needling Yaoshu freed ghosts from depression; Wang Zuan needling Jiaoshu expelled spirits. Needling Ganshu and Mingmen allowed blind men to see autumn hair tips; needling Shaoyang and Jiaoxie allowed deaf men to hear summer mosquitoes. Alas, as sages recede, this Dao declines. Some abandon study due to lack of insight; some dazzle by ability but violate contraindications. Mediocre minds struggle with profound words; the Great Dao is deep, few attain it. I recount these words, not showing them to the enlightened, hoping to open the mind of the novice.
[Tong Xuan Fu] To cure disease, nothing beats acupuncture. Skillfully manipulate divine mechanisms, profoundly work saintly principles. External use of bi-metal dispels evil and supports righteousness; internal containing water/fire restores Yang and reverses Yin. Collaterals branch differently, meridians cross and weave. Like canals and valleys diverging, or mountains and hills sharing gaps. Streams are hard to measure, but guidelines have unity. Complexity is managed; why rely on tonification/draining? Speed and clarity come from Ying/Sui. For difficult walking, Taichong is miraculous. Renzhong removes spinal stiffness; Shenmen removes mental dullness. Wind injuring neck stiffness seeks Fengfu; dizziness/blurred vision seeks Fengchi. Ear blockage treated by Tinghui; eye pain pushed by Hegu. Chest constriction/body yellow: Yongquan works; brain dizziness/red eyes: discharge Cuanzhu. Rib spasms: Qu Chi sweeps clean; hemiplegia: Huantiao drives long. Toothache: Luxi treats; neck stiffness: Chengjiang protects. Taibai guides Qichong; Yinling opens Shuidao. Abdominal bloating: drain Neiting to stop delay; tendon turning/pain: discharge Chengshan early. Ankle pain: Kunlun heals; thigh/knee pain: Yingshi cures. Epilepsy/manic: Houxi treats; malaria/chills-fever: Jianshi supports. Qimen stops chest fullness/metrorrhagia; Laogong retreats stomach reversal/heart pain. Dadun removes seven hernias (King Wang said); Zusanli counters five exhaustion emaciation (Old Hua said). Wangu dispels jaundice; Ran Gu drains kidney. Xingjian treats knee swelling/waist pain; Chi Ze removes elbow pain/tendon tightness. Blurred vision: Erjian suitable; nasal congestion: Yingxi guides. Jianjing removes arm burden; Cuanzhu treats unbearable headache. Cough/cold phlegm: Lieque treats; eye discharge/cold tears: Linqi accurate. Wantu removes leg pain remnants; Shenshu drains waist pain. Yuanyue treated Shi Jue at Weizhong/Hegu, reviving instantly; Wenbo aborted dead fetus at Sanyinjiao, responding to needle. Sages observe numbness/pain, distinguish excess/deficiency. Excess enters from outside; deficiency exits from inside. Thus, nourish Mother to aid deficiency; drain Son to balance excess. Observe Twenty-Eight Passages, distinguish clearly; address Four Hundred Forty-four diseases, remove item by item. Thus, no premature death, people reach longevity; subtle distinctions clarify ancient mysteries. Heard of chest/heart disease seeking Daling behind palm; shoulder/back issues blaming Zusanli before elbow. Cold Bi at Shenshu, take Foot Yangming Earth; Connect...