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(Entered into the Middle Xiao Section)

(Entered into the Mouth Ulcer Section, Lip Sour Entry)
The brilliance of the Six Fu Organs manifests in the lips. The Classics state: The Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Sanjiao (Triple Burner), and Bladder are the root of the granary and the residence of Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi); their brilliance manifests in the white flesh around the lips. This is what is meant. The Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming, Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin, and Du Mai (Governing Vessel) all circle the lips. The Classics say: The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian runs alongside the mouth and circles the lips. It also says: The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian circles the lips. The *Neijing* states: The Du Mai ascends to the chin and circles the lips; this is what is meant. The Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) both connect with the lips. The Classics say: The Chong Mai and Ren Mai branch off to connect with the mouth and lips; this is what is meant.
Lip eversion indicates a fatal condition. The Classics state: The tongue and muscles are the root of flesh. Lip eversion means the flesh (Spleen Earth) dies first; this is what is meant.

Yang governs the four limbs. The Classics state: The four limbs are the root of all Yang meridians. It also says: Yang Qi receives nourishment in the four limbs; this is what is meant. When Yang is excess, limbs swell. The Classics state: Yang qi stagnation causes swelling in the four limbs; this is what is meant. When Yang is deficient, limbs feel full/distended. The Classics state: In winter, diseases affect the four limbs; this is what is meant. The Spleen governs the four limbs. The Classics state: The four limbs all receive Qi from the Stomach, but cannot reach the meridians directly; they must rely on the Spleen to distribute it; this is what is meant. When Spleen is excess, the four limbs cannot move. The Classics state: Excessive Spleen meridian pulse causes disease, manifesting externally as inability to move the four limbs; this is what is meant. When Spleen is deficient, the four limbs lose function. The Classics state: The Spleen stores flesh; when the form is insufficient, the four limbs lose function. It also says: Limb lassitude and inactivity indicate that Spleen Jing (Essence) is not circulating. (Treatment seen in Wei Syndrome and Stroke sections.) When the Five Zang Organs have pathogenic factors lingering, they remain in the branches and joints. The Classics state: If Lung or Heart have pathogens, their Qi remains in the two elbows; if Liver has pathogens, their Qi remains in the two thighs; if Spleen has pathogens, their Qi remains in the two hips/thigh roots; if Kidney has pathogens, their Qi remains in the two knees; this is what is meant. (Treatment methods seen in Painful Bi Syndrome sections.)
Regarding Yunqi (Five Movements and Six Qi): Inability to move the four limbs all belongs to Dampness. The Classics state: Excess Earth movement is called "Dunfu" (Mound-like). In the era of Dunfu, its diseases include abdominal fullness and inability to move the four limbs; this is what is meant.
[From *Jia Yi Jing*]: Wind counterflow causing limb swelling is primarily treated by Fuliou (KI7).

The Spleen governs flesh/muscles. The Classics state: The Spleen governs flesh; in the body it is flesh, in the organs it is the Spleen. It also says: Pathogens in the Spleen and Stomach cause muscle pain; this is what is meant. Spleen disease locates in the "Xi" (valleys/grooves between muscles). The Classics state: North corresponds to Black, entering internally to connect with the Kidney, thus disease occurs in the Xi. Xi refers to the small intersections of flesh.
[From *Suwen*]: The Yellow Emperor asked: I wish to hear about the convergence of Xi and Gu. Qibo replied: The large convergence of muscles is called Gu; the small convergence of muscles is called Xi. Between muscle divisions, at the convergence of Xi and Gu, Ying Qi and Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) circulate, and Da Qi (Great Qi) gathers. If pathogens overflow and Qi becomes stagnant, pulses become hot and flesh decays, Ying and Wei Qi fail to circulate, pus will inevitably form, dissolving marrow internally and breaking large muscle layers externally. Remaining at the joint crevices, it will inevitably lead to decay. If cold accumulates and stays, Ying and Wei Qi cannot reside, muscles curl and tendons contract, ribs and elbows cannot extend, internally forming Bone Bi, externally manifesting as numbness/insensitivity. This is called "Insufficiency," where Great Cold remains in the Xi and Gu. There are 365 points converging in Xi and Gu, corresponding to the days of a year. For minor Bi syndromes with overflowing pathogens moving along meridians, fine needles can reach them, following the same principles. (From *Qi Xue Lun*)
When form is comfortable and mind is joyful, diseases arise in the flesh, treated with acupuncture and stone needles. (Full text seen in Treatment Methods section.)
Dampness injures flesh; Sweet flavor injures flesh. The Classics state: Dampness injures flesh, Wind overcomes Dampness, Sweet flavor injures flesh, Sour flavor overcomes Sweet. It also says: Sweet flavor travels to flesh; for flesh diseases, do not eat much sweet food. It also says: Eating too much sour leads to calloused flesh and peeling lips; this is what is meant. Sitting for long periods injures flesh. The Classics state: Long sitting injures flesh. It also says: When form is comfortable and mind is joyful, diseases arise in the flesh, treated with acupuncture and stone needles; this is what is meant.