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The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian is the root and foundation of the human body. Its vessel originates at the center of the sole (Yongquan, KI1) below the medial malleolus of the left foot, ascends through the spine, follows the throat, connects with the root of the tongue, scatters under the tongue, enters the heart, and runs along the anterior aspect of the body. If, within one or two days, there is aversion to cold without fever, cold feet with a curled-up posture, or extremity reversal (Jue Ni), and the pulse is deep and forceless, warming the meridians and dispersing cold is indicated. If it manifests after five or six days, accompanied by dry mouth and tongue, and a deep yet forceful pulse, this indicates heat pathogens transmitted from other meridians, requiring urgent purgation. Generally, Shaoyin Cold Damage often results from damage to the Kidney meridian due to overwork or sexual excess; one must never recklessly administer cooling medicines. If the pulse is deep and feet are cold, even if fever is present, urgent warming of the Kidney to support Yuan Qi (Primordial Qi) is required. The Classics state: "When Shaoyin disease first occurs, the pulse is deep, and symptoms manifest as fever." This indicates the disease originated from direct exposure to wind-cold in the Shaoyin meridian, warranting diaphoresis. On the first day, Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang (Ephedra, Aconite, and Asarum Decoction) should be used; on the second day, Mahuang Fuzi Gancao Tang (Ephedra, Aconite, and Licorice Decoction). It is crucial to remember to prescribe based on the number of days since onset. After three days, reckless diaphoresis is contraindicated. The Classics warn: "Mistakenly inducing sweat in Shaoyin disease will disturb Yin blood, leading to death which cannot be cured." Regardless of whether there is diarrhea, Shaoyin disease must be treated by distinguishing between cold and heat patterns. If the pulse is deep, solid, and forceful, it is a heat pattern, requiring purgation. If the pulse is deep, weak, and forceless, it is a cold pattern, requiring warming. Both cold and heat patterns can cause extremity reversal (Jue); internal attachment of Yang heat causes cold hands and feet, while excessive Yin cold also causes cold hands and feet. However, cold patterns may also involve thirst because Shaoyin governs water; Kidney deficiency leads to dryness of water, causing thirst as the body seeks to save itself with water. Thus, Shaoyin deficiency-cold patterns can also present with thirst.

The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian: "Jue" means end; it is the terminal of the Six Meridians. Its vessel originates at the tip of the right great toe, circles the genitalia, reaches the lower abdomen, follows the costal region, ascends to the lips and mouth, intersects with the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) at the vertex, and runs along the lateral aspect of the anterior body. If the meridian's Qi is deficient and cold pathogens strike directly, symptoms may appear within one or two days, including vomiting, diarrhea, lower abdominal pain, a deep and forceless pulse, aversion to cold without fever, and in severe cases, cyanotic lips, extremity reversal, vomiting of saliva/phlegm, curled tongue, and retracted testicles. This is a cold pattern striking directly into Jueyin, requiring urgent warming. Furthermore, if the pulse is deep and forceful with incessant drinking, it is a heat pattern, specifically heat transmitted from other meridians, requiring urgent purgation. If the pulse is faint, thin, and forceless, or deep and hidden/unpalpable, it is a cold pattern, requiring urgent warming. Both cold and heat patterns can present with a curled tongue and retracted testicles; heat primarily causes scorching and pressure, while cold primarily causes contraction and pulling. Careful differentiation is necessary.