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The Kidney governs the bones, manifests as bones in the physical body, and is stored within the Kidneys. It is also stated: The Kidney corresponds to the bones, and its luster appears in the hair. Furthermore: Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) is the pulse of winter, which runs deep within to moisten the bone marrow.

The lengths and dimensions of the bones throughout the body are detailed in the section on Yin-Yang and Exterior-Interior.

[From *Suwen*] The Marrow Cavity (Sui Kong) is located three fen behind the head, beneath the sharp bone at the side of the skull. (Wang Bing's commentary states: This is referred to as Fengfu [Wind Palace], connecting to the brain.)

Another is located below the mandible base. (Wang Bing's commentary states: It is in the bony depression below the chin, capable of holding a space the size of a bean.) Another is below the posterior midline vertebrae of the neck. (Wang Bing's commentary states: This is the Yanmen [Dark Gate] acupoint.) Another is above the spinal column, superior to Fengfu. (Wang Bing's commentary states: "Superior" refers to the Naohu [Brain Door] acupoint.) There is a cavity below the spinal column, specifically the cavity below the sacrum. (Lin Yi's commentary states: Changqiang [Long Strength] is at the end of the spine, directly below the sacrum.) Several Marrow Cavities are located on the face flanking the nose. (Wang Bing's commentary states: These include Zanguan [Cheekbone Hollow] and other points.) Or there is a bone cavity below the mouth, corresponding to the two cheeks. (Wang Bing's commentary states: This is Daying [Great Meeting].)

The bone cavities of both arms are located on the lateral aspect of the upper arm. (Wang Bing's commentary states: Near Jianyu [Shoulder Well].) The bone cavity of the forearm is on the lateral aspect of the arm, four cun distal to the ankle, between the two bones. (Wang Bing's commentary states: Above Zhigou [Branch Stream], one cun using the same-body inch method, called Tongjian [Passing Between].) The bone cavity above the femur is on the anterior-lateral aspect of the thigh, four cun superior to the knee. (Wang Bing's commentary states: Superior to Yinshi [Yin Market], inferior to Futu [Riding Rabbit], i.e., Chengfu [Receiving Support].) The Gu Shi [Bone Chamber] is at the upper end of the auxiliary bone. (Wang Bing states this refers to Dubi [Goat Cleft].) The bone cavity at the root of the thigh is below the pulsating area in the pubic region. The sacral bone cavity is posterior to the hip bone, four cun apart. (Wang Bing's commentary states: These are the Baliao [Eight Holes] points.) Flat bones have permeating textures converging, without marrow pores; they facilitate the transformation of marrow but lack fixed bone cavities. (All from the *Gu Kong* [Bone Cavities] chapter. Wang Bing's commentary states: Flat bones refer to the flat, curved bones of the coccyx region; their surfaces have permeating textures returning to the couli [interstices], with no distinct marrow pores.)

Patients with bone diseases should avoid sweet foods and prolonged standing. The classics state: Excessive consumption of sweet flavors causes bone pain and hair loss. It is also said: Bitter flavor travels to the bones; those with bone diseases should not consume excessive bitter flavors. It is further stated: Prolonged standing injures the bones.

Bone diseases manifest as limited flexion and extension. The classics state: If the hand can flex but not extend, the disease is in the sinews; if it can extend but not flex, the disease is in the bones. When the pathology is in the bones, treat the bones; when in the sinews, treat the sinews.