部分经络要指循，只为针头不紧沉，推则行之引则止，调和血气使来临。
【注】[1]凡下针，若气不至，用指于所属部分经络之路，
上下、左右推而行之，引而止之，往来循之，使气血上下均匀，
针下自然气至沉紧，得气即泻之意也。
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摄法原因气滞经，大指爪甲切莫轻，以指摄针待气至，邪气流行针自轻。
【注】[1]凡摄针者，因针下邪气滞涩不行也，随经络上下，用大指爪甲重切之，
使正气流行，则邪气不能滞涩，而针下自觉活动矣。
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退针手法理要和，三才诀内总玄机，一部六数三吸气，须臾疾病自然愈。
【注】[1]凡退针，全在手法，三才之内，皆有要诀元机，不可不知。
[2]如欲退针，必须缓缓而出，自地部退至人部，再渐退至天部，
俱用少阴之六数泻之，每一部六数，须要少停，三部共行三六一十八数，
令病人吸气三口，随吸随提，徐徐退至天部，其疾病自然除矣。
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搓针泻气最为奇，气至针缠莫就移，浑如搓线攸攸转，急则缠针肉不离。
【注】[1]搓针者，凡进、退、搓、捻，皆催其气以至泻邪气也，
如觉针下气紧，切勿就移，须用泻法，但微微动转，如搓线之状，
若转之太紧，必至肉缠针头，邪气滞涩，而不能除矣。
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Part of the meridians requires finger following, merely because the needle head lacks a tight and heavy sensation; pushing guides its flow, pulling halts it, harmonizing blood and qi to make it arrive.
[Note] [1] When inserting the needle, if the Qi does not arrive, use fingers to push and guide along the path of the corresponding meridian, up and down, left and right; pull to stop it; move back and forth along it. This makes the Qi and Blood even throughout the upper and lower parts. Naturally, under the needle, the Qi will arrive with a tight and heavy sensation. This implies that once "Deqi" (obtaining Qi) is achieved, one should proceed with the reducing method.
The reason for using the grasping method is stagnation of Qi in the meridian; do not be light with the thumbnail of the thumb. Use the finger to grasp the needle and wait for Qi to arrive; as evil Qi flows freely, the needle will naturally feel light.
[Note] [1] The so-called grasping of the needle is due to the stagnation and涩ness (stiffness/resistance) of evil Qi under the needle. Following the meridian up and down, use the thumbnail of the thumb to press heavily. This causes the righteous Qi to flow, preventing the evil Qi from remaining stagnant, and the needle will naturally feel mobile under the fingers.
The principle of the withdrawing needle technique lies in harmony and moderation; within the secret of San Cai (Heaven, Human, Earth), all mysteries are contained. Six counts per section and three breaths, and in an instant, the disease will naturally heal.
[Note] [1] Withdrawing the needle relies entirely on technique. Within San Cai (the three sections: Heaven, Human, Earth), there are essential secrets and profound mechanisms that must not be ignored.
[2] To withdraw the needle, one must slowly extract it, retreating from the Di Bu (Earth Section) to Ren Bu (Human Section), and then gradually to Tian Bu (Heaven Section). All should use the six-count reducing method associated with the Shaoyin (Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian). For each section, perform six counts, pausing briefly. Across the three sections, this totals eighteen counts (three times six minus two? Note: Text says "San Liu Yi Shi Ba", literally 3x6=18, but context implies specific counting). Let the patient take three deep breaths. As they inhale, lift the needle slightly, slowly withdrawing it to the Tian Bu (Heaven Section), and the disease will naturally be eliminated.
Twisting the needle to reduce Qi is most miraculous; when Qi arrives and the needle feels entangled, do not immediately shift it. Rotate gently like twisting thread; if done too hastily, the flesh will wrap tightly around the needle head, preventing separation.
[Note] [1] Twisting the needle refers to advancing, withdrawing, twisting, and rotating, all aimed at hastening the arrival of Qi to reduce evil Qi. If one feels the Qi under the needle is tight, do not immediately move the needle. One must use the reducing method, moving it slightly, like the motion of twisting thread. If rotated too tightly, the flesh will inevitably wrap around the needle head, causing the evil Qi to stagnate and become unable to be expelled.