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When a human is first formed, essence (Jing) is created first; once essence is formed, the brain and marrow are generated. Bones serve as the main framework, vessels (Mai) circulate Ying Qi (Nutritive Energy), tendons (Jin) provide structural rigidity, muscles (Rou) act as protective walls, the skin is firm, and hair grows long. When food enters the stomach, the vessel pathways become unobstructed, and Blood and Qi begin to flow. Therefore, the meridians can determine life and death, deficiency and excess, and various diseases, and thus must be clearly understood.

The Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian originates from the Middle Jiao (The Twelve Meridians belong to their respective organs; the Lung belongs to the Hand-Taiyin Meridian. The Middle Jiao corresponds to the epigastrium, located four cun above the umbilicus. The Three Yin Meridians of the Hand travel from the Zang organs to the hands, so the Hand-Taiyin Meridian originates here. All subsequent Hand-Yin Meridians emerge from the interior towards the exterior. Note: The Twelve Meridians refer to Ying Qi. Ying Qi circulates within the vessels, and its sequence necessarily begins with the Lung Meridian because the pulse qi flows through the meridians, and meridian qi converges in the Lung. The Lung receives all vessels to circulate Yin and Yang, allowing the Five Zang and Six Fu organs to receive Qi. Thus, the Twelve Meridians start with the Lung Meridian, transmit in order, end at the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, and then transmit back to the Lung, completing one cycle.). It descends to connect with the Large Intestine (Connect means to link. Located at the Fen Shui point of the Ren Mai. The Lung meridian connects to the Large Intestine because the Lung and Large Intestine are exterior-interior partners. Note: The Twelve Meridians are interconnected, each having an exterior-interior relationship. Those internal to the same meridian are called "Shu" (belong to), while those connecting to another are called "Luo" (connect). Thus, for the Hand-Taiyin, it is "Shu Lung" and "Luo Large Intestine"; for the Hand-Yangming, it is "Shu Large Intestine" and "Luo Lung". They alternate, always prioritizing the primary meridian. The following text follows this pattern.). Returning, it follows the stomach opening, ascends through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Lung (Diaphragm refers to the diaphragmatic membrane. Humans have a diaphragm located below the heart and lungs, level anteriorly with the Jiugwei point and posteriorly with the eleventh thoracic vertebra, surrounding and adhering together. It blocks turbid Qi from ascending to smoke the heart and lungs. "Shu" refers to the domain of the organ.). From the Lung system (Lung system refers to the trachea/throat. The throat facilitates breathing and connects downward to the lungs. Below the shoulder blade and above the ribs is called the "axilla"; the axilla is beside the Zhongfu point.), it emerges horizontally from under the axilla, descends along the medial aspect of the arm (The medial side of the upper arm extends from the axilla down to the elbow; tender white flesh is called "". The Tianfu and Xiabai points are nearby. , pronounced Ru, also Nu Dao Qie.), passing anterior to the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian and Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian (Shaoyin refers to the Heart Meridian. Xin Zhu refers to the Hand-Jueyin Meridian. Among the Three Yin Meridians of the Hand, Taiyin is anterior, Jueyin is middle, and Shaoyin is posterior.). It descends to the cubital fossa (The junction of the arm and forearm is called the "cubital fossa"; the acupoint is Chize.). Descending below the elbow is the "forearm"; "nei" refers to the medial side. It passes by the Kongzui, Lieque, and Jingqu points. Ascending to the lower border of the radial styloid process, it enters the Cun Kou (Bone refers to the radial styloid process. Lower border refers to the lateral side of the bone. Cun Kou is the arterial pulse anterior to the Guan position, i.e., the Taiyuan point.). Ascending to the Thenar eminence, it follows the Yu Ji (The area anterior to the wrist, between the base joint of the thumb, where the fleshy mound rises like a fish, is collectively called the "fish". Anterior to Cun Kou and posterior to the fish is the Yu Ji point.). It exits at the tip of the thumb (Tip refers to the fingertip, i.e., the Shaoshang point. The Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian terminates here.). Its branch goes straight from behind the wrist to the medial edge of the index finger, exiting at its tip (Branch refers to branches like twigs on a tree; this indicates collateral vessels that pass externally beyond the main channel. The junction of the arm and palm is the wrist. This branch of the main meridian and its distinct collateral goes straight from the lateral side of the wrist behind the Lieque point to the tip of the index finger, intersecting the Shangyang point to connect with the Hand-Yangming Meridian.).

The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian originates at the tip of the index finger (Large Intestine belongs to the Hand-Yangming Meridian. The second finger of the hand, i.e., the tip of the index finger, is the Shangyang point. The Three Yang Meridians of the Hand travel from the hand to the head, so the Hand-Yangming Meridian originates here. This applies to all subsequent Hand-Yang Meridians.). Following the upper lateral border of the finger, it emerges between the two bones of the Hegu (Upper lateral border refers to the upper side. For all meridians, Yang channels run on the exterior and Yin channels on the interior; this is consistent for subsequent meridians. Following the upper lateral border of the finger involves the Erjian and Sanjian points. Hegu is an acupoint name. The two bones refer to the space between the diverging bones of the thumb and index finger posteriorly, commonly known as the tiger's mouth.). Ascending into the depression between the two tendons (The upper lateral side of the wrist, in the depression between two tendons, is the Yangxi point.). Following the upper lateral border of the forearm, it enters the lateral border of the elbow (Following Yangxi etc. points upward to Quchi.). Ascending to the anterior lateral border of the upper arm, it goes up to the shoulder, emerging anterior to the lateral border of the clavicle/acromion (Ascending the anterior lateral border of the upper arm, passing through Zhou Liao, Wuli, and Binao points. The gap in the shoulder bone is called the Jianjing bone; going up to Jianjing is the Jugu point. Jianjing and Yu share the same pronunciation.). Ascending out to the meeting place of the vertebral column bones (Above the shoulder and back, at the root of the neck is the Tianzhu bone; all six Yang meridians converge at the Dazhui point of the Du Mai, which is called the "meeting place".). Descending into the Supraclavicular Fossa (Quepen), it connects with the Lung, descends through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Large Intestine (From Dazhui forward, entering the Quepen of the Foot-Yangming Meridian, connecting to the Lung, then descending through the diaphragm, located at the Tianshu point beside the umbilicus, belonging to the Large Intestine, forming an exterior-interior relationship with the Lung.). Its branch ascends from the Quepen through the neck and cheek, entering the lower teeth (The curved part below the ear is the cheek. Acupoints in the neck include Tianding and Futu.). Returning out, it flanks the mouth, crosses at the Philtrum (Ren Zhong), left crossing to right and right to left, ascending to flank the nostrils (Ren Zhong is the Shuigou point of the Du Mai. Crossing left and right at Ren Zhong, ascending to flank the nostrils occurs from He liao intersecting at Yingxiang. The Hand-Yangming Meridian terminates here, connecting via the Shangen and Chengqi points to the Foot-Yangming Meridian.).

The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at the intersection of the nose bridge (Stomach belongs to the Foot-Yangming Meridian. Shan Gen, the nasal bridge, is also called Shan Gen. Intersection at Shan Gen indicates the meridian qi intersects left and right. The Three Yang Meridians of the Foot travel from the head to the feet, so the Foot-Yangming Meridian originates here. This applies to all subsequent Foot-Yang Meridians. , pronounced E.). Laterally receiving the Taiyang Meridian (Na means enter. The Foot-Taiyang Meridian originates at the Jingming point in the inner canthus, which is close to Shan Gen; the Yangming meridian descends from here, hence entering it.). Descending along the outside of the nose, it enters the upper teeth (Outside the nose corresponds to the Chengqi, Sibai, and Juliao points.). Returning out, it flanks the mouth, circles the lips, crosses downward at Chengjiang (Huan means to circle. Chengjiang is a Ren Mai acupoint.). Turning back, it follows the lower border behind the jaw, emerging at Daying (Below the cheekbone is the mandible; the center of the mandible is the chin; from Dicang down to Daying.). Following Jiache, it ascends before the ear, passes the Kerenzhuren point, follows the hairline, and reaches the forehead/cranium (Jiache is a local acupoint below the ear. Ascending before the ear is Xiaguan. Kerenzhuren is a Foot-Shaoyang acupoint in front of the ear. Following the hairline upward to Touwei, reaching the forehead/cranium, it meets the Shenting point of the Du Mai. Forehead/cranium refers to the area anterior to the hairline.). Its branch descends from anterior to Daying to Renying, follows the throat, enters the Quepen, descends through the diaphragm, belongs to the Stomach, and connects with the Spleen (Renying and Quepen are both local acupoints. Belonging to the Stomach means this meridian belongs to the Stomach. Connecting with the Spleen means the Stomach and Spleen are exterior-interior partners. This branch enters internally from Quepen, descends through the diaphragm at the Shangwan and Zhongwan levels, belongs to the Stomach, and connects with the Spleen.). The direct branch descends from Quepen along the medial edge of the breast (Direct branch means descending straight outward. Descending from Quepen through Qihu etc. points to Ruzhong and Rugen.). Descending flanking the umbilicus (Tianshu etc. points.). Entering the Qijie (Descending from Wailing etc. points into Qijie, which is Qichong, located one cun above the inguinal region on either side of the pubic hair.). Another branch originates from the stomach opening, descends along the abdominal interior, and meets the direct branch at Qijie (Stomach opening refers to the lower outlet of the stomach, at the Xiaowan level, called Youmen in the Nan Jing. Descending along the abdominal interior, passing laterally to the Huangshu point of the Foot-Shaoyin, this is the branch of the aforementioned meridian descending from the stomach and merging with the direct branch in the Qijie.). Descending past Bituan, reaching Futu, descending to the patella, following the lateral border of the tibia downward, descending to the dorsum of the foot, and entering the space between the toes of the middle finger (Bi refers to the thigh. Di means to reach. Bituan and Futu are acupoint names above the knee; from here descending through Yinshi etc. points. The kneecap is Bin; the shin bone is Jing; the dorsum of the foot is Fu. These three correspond to the locations of Dubi, Jubian, and Chongyang points, then following Neiting to enter the space between the toes of the middle finger and exit at Lidui. The Foot-Yangming Meridian terminates here. Jing is pronounced Xing Jing Qie; Fu is pronounced Fu or Fu.). A branch diverges three cun below the knee, descending into the space between the toes of the middle finger. Another branch diverges from the dorsum of the foot, entering the space between the big toe, exiting at its tip (Lian refers to the upper lateral border. Three cun below the knee is the Fenglong point, which is the distinct collateral of the Yangming, hence descending into the space between the toes of the middle finger. Also, another branch from the Chongyang point on the dorsum of the foot diverges to enter the space between the big toe, slanting out near the Xingjian point of the Foot-Jueyin, following the big toe to exit at its tip, and connecting to the Foot-Taiyin Meridian.).

The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian originates at the tip of the big toe (Spleen belongs to the Foot-Taiyin Meridian, originating at the Yinbai point at the tip of the big toe. The Three Yin Meridians of the Foot travel from the foot to the abdomen, so the Foot-Taiyin Meridian originates here. This applies to all subsequent Foot-Yin Meridians.). Following the medial white-flesh border of the toe, passing posterior to the nuclear bone, ascending to the anterior border of the medial malleolus (Following the medial white-flesh border of the toe, passing Dadu and Taibai points. Nuclear bone refers to the round bone on the medial side posterior to the base joint of the big toe. Malleolus is called Gu Gua in the north. There is only one nuclear bone, but the malleolus has medial and lateral divisions.). Ascending to the calf, following the posterior border of the tibia, crossing anterior to the Jueyin Meridian (Calf muscle, also named Feichang. Ascending from Lougu, crossing anterior to the Jueyin Meridian corresponds to the Diji and Yinlingquan points. and are interchangeable.). Ascending to the anterior border of the medial thigh/knee (Thigh is Bi; some say the medial thigh is Bi. Anterior border refers to the upper side, corresponding to the vicinity of Xuehai and Jimen points.). Entering the abdomen, belonging to the Spleen, and connecting with the Stomach (Entering the abdomen from the Chongmen point; since the Spleen and Stomach are exterior-interior partners, it belongs to the Spleen and connects with the Stomach at the Zhongwan and Xiawan levels.). Ascending through the diaphragm, flanking the pharynx, connecting to the root of the tongue, and dispersing under the tongue (The pharynx swallows food and is located posterior to the larynx. Ascending from the gastric cavity to here, it connects to the root of the tongue and disperses under the tongue to end. Ben means root.). Its branch diverges from the stomach, ascends through the diaphragm, and pours into the Heart (The external pathway of the Foot-Taiyin ascends through Fushe and Fujie points in the abdomen, disperses in the chest, and ends at the Dabao point; its internal branch diverges from the gastric cavity, ascends through the diaphragm, pours into the Heart, and connects to the Hand-Shaoyin Meridian.).

The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian originates in the Heart (Heart belongs to the Hand-Shaoyin Meridian, so the meridian originates in the Heart.). Emerging to belong to the Heart System (The Heart is located below the fifth thoracic vertebra; its system has five connections: the upper connection links to the Lung, the Lung connects downward to the Heart, and the three lower connections link to the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney. Thus, the Heart communicates with the Qi of the Five Zang organs and is therefore the Sovereign.). Descending through the diaphragm, it connects with the Small Intestine (Heart and Small Intestine are exterior-interior partners, so descending through the diaphragm at the Xiawan level two cun above the umbilicus, it connects with the Small Intestine.). Its branch ascends from the Heart System, flanking the pharynx, and connects to the Eye System (The branch emerges from the Heart System outside the Ren Mai, ascends flanking the pharynx, connects to the Eye System, and merges with the inner canthus.). The direct branch returns from the Heart System, ascends to the Lung, and emerges from under the axilla (Direct branch refers to the main channel. From the anterior Heart System, it ascends to the Lung, emerges from under the axilla near the Yuanye point of the Foot-Shaoyang, ascends to the Jiquan point; this marks the beginning of the Hand-Shaoyin Meridian running on the exterior.). Descending along the posterior medial border of the arm, running posterior to the Hand-Taiyin and Pericardium Meridians (Posterior medial border of the arm is the Qingling point. Among the Three Yin Meridians of the Hand, Shaoyin is posterior to Taiyin and Jueyin.). Descending to the medial elbow, following the posterior medial border of the forearm (Shaohai, Lingdao points.). Reaching the end of the sharp bone posterior to the palm (The ankle-like prominence below the wrist is the sharp bone; the Shenmen point.). Entering the posterior medial border of the palm, following the medial side of the little finger, and exiting at its tip (Shaofu, Shaochong. The Hand-Shaoyin Meridian terminates here, connecting to the lateral side of the little finger to join the Hand-Taiyang Meridian. The Heart is the Sovereign, honored above other Zang organs, so its transmission of meridians does not require distinct collaterals.).

The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian originates at the tip of the little finger (Small Intestine belongs to the Hand-Taiyang Meridian, originating at the Shaoze point at the lateral tip of the little finger.). Following the lateral side of the hand, ascending the wrist, emerging from the malleolus (Qian Gu, Hou Xi, Wang Gu points.). Going straight up along the lower border of the ulna, emerging between the two tendons on the medial side of the elbow (Following the lower border of the ulna and Yanggu points, emerging into the depression between the two bony prominences on the medial side of the elbow at the Xiaohai point. Pressing here elicits sensation in the little finger.). Ascending along the posterior lateral border of the arm (Running outside the Hand-Yangming and Shaoyang.). Emerging from the Jianjie (shoulder joint gap), circling the scapula, and crossing the shoulders (The bone seam behind the shoulder is called Jianjie, i.e., the Jianzhen point. Scapula includes Tianzong etc.; shoulders include Bingfeng and Qu Yuan etc. Left and right cross at the top of the shoulders, meeting at the Dazhui point of the Du Mai. Note: The muscles on both sides of the spine are Lv; the two angles above Lv are Jianjie; the flat bone below Jianjie is the scapula, i.e., the shoulder blade. Jia is pronounced Jia.). Entering the Quepen, it connects with the Heart (Descending from Quepen through the chest into Danzhong, connecting to the Heart; Heart and Small Intestine are exterior-interior partners.). Following the pharynx, descending through the diaphragm, reaching the Stomach, and belonging to the Small Intestine (Descending from below Quepen through the pharynx and diaphragm, reaching the Stomach and descending to the Small Intestine at two cun above the umbilicus; this is the internal pathway of this meridian.). Its branch emerges from Quepen, follows the neck to the cheek, reaches the outer canthus, and enters the ear (The external branch emerges from Quepen, follows Tianchuang in the neck, ascends to Tianrong behind the cheek, enters the Tinggong point in the ear via the Quan Gu. The Hand-Taiyang Meridian terminates here.). Another branch diverges from the cheek, ascends to the infraorbital region, reaches the nose, arrives at the inner canthus, and obliquely connects to the Zygomatic bone (Below the eye is ; the inner corner of the eye is the inner canthus; Zygomatic refers to the Zygong point below the zygomatic bone. The Hand-Taiyang connects to the inner canthus here to join the Foot-Taiyang Meridian. Zhuo is pronounced Zhuo.).

The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian originates at the inner canthus (Bladder belongs to the Foot-Taiyang Meridian, originating at the Jingming point in the inner canthus.). Ascending the forehead to cross the vertex (Ascending from Zanzhu to the forehead, passing Qucha and Wuchu points; from the Luoque point, it runs diagonally left and right to cross at Baihui on the vertex.). Its branch goes from the vertex to the upper angle of the ear (This branch runs laterally from Baihui to the upper angle of the ear, passing the Qubin, Lv Gu, Tian Chong, Fu Bai, Qiaoyin, and Wanggu points of the Foot-Shaoyang; these six points are intersections of the Foot-Taiyang and Shaoyang.). The direct branch enters the vertex and connects to the brain (From Baihui, passing Tongtian, Luoque, and Yuzhen points, entering and connecting to the brain.). Returning out, it diverges and descends the nape, following the interior of the shoulder, flanking the spine to reach the middle of the waist (Emerging from the brain, diverging to descend the nape, meeting the Dazhui and Daodao points of the Du Mai from Tianzhu; then following the interior of the shoulder dividing into four rows downward. The two inner rows flank the spine, each 1.5 cun away from the spine, passing Dazhu, Fengmen, and various Zang-Fu Shu points to reach the middle of the waist etc. The central vertebral column is called the spine; the bone above the buttocks is the waist.). Entering and following the Lv muscles, connecting to the Kidney, and belonging to the Bladder (Entering the Lv from the middle of the waist, connecting to the Kidney, and anteriorly belonging to the Bladder; Kidney and Bladder are exterior-interior partners. The flesh flanking the spine is called Lv.). Its branch descends from the middle of the waist, flanking the spine, piercing the buttocks, and entering the popliteal fossa (Descending from the waist along the hip bone, flanking the spine, passing the Si Liao points, piercing the Huiyang point of the buttocks, descending Chengfu, Yinmen, Fu Pi, and Weiyang, entering the Weizhong in the popliteal fossa. The large flesh beside the sacrum is the buttock; the crease behind the knee is the popliteal fossa. Nao is pronounced Liao.). Another branch from the popliteal fossa diverges left and right, descends piercing the scapula, and flanks the spine internally (This branch refers to the two outer rows below Dazhu inside the shoulder blades. Piercing the scapula left and right, diverging 3 cun from the spine, passing Fufen, Pohu, and Gao Huang points, flanking the spine downward, passing Zhibian and the Huishu.). Passing the Huishu, following the lateral thigh, descending from the posterior border to merge with the popliteal fossa (Passing Huishu, meeting the Huantiao of the Foot-Shaoyang, following the posterior lateral border of the thigh, descending between 1.5 cun lateral to Chengfu, re-merging with the branch that entered the popliteal fossa.). Descending through the calf muscle, emerging posterior to the lateral malleolus, following Jinggu, to the lateral side of the little finger (Descending through the calf muscle involves Heyang, Chengjin, and Chengshan points. Emerging posterior to the lateral malleolus involves Kunlun and Pucan points. The large bone posterior to the base joint of the little finger is Jinggu; the lateral tip of the little finger is Zhiyin. The Foot-Taiyang acupoints end here, connecting below the little finger to join the Foot-Shaoyin Meridian.).

The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian originates below the little finger, slanting to the sole of the foot (Kidney belongs to the Foot-Shaoyin Meridian, originating below the little finger, slanting to the Yongquan point on the sole.). Emerging below Ran Gu, following the posterior aspect of the medial malleolus, diverging into the heel (Ran Gu is below the large bone anterior to the medial malleolus. Posterior to the medial malleolus, diverging into the heel corresponds to the Taixi and Dazhong points.). Ascending to the calf, emerging from the medial border of the calf (From Fuliu and Jiaoxin, passing Sanyinjiao of the Foot-Taiyin, ascending to Zubin in the calf, emerging from the Yin Gu at the medial border of the calf.). Ascending the posterior medial border of the thigh, piercing the spine, belonging to the Kidney, and connecting with the Bladder (Ascending the posterior medial border of the thigh, binding at the Changqiang of the Du Mai, piercing the spine to belong to the Kidney; anteriorly at the Guanyuan and Zhongji levels, connecting to the Bladder, as they are exterior-interior partners. Alternatively, it is said that from Yin Gu ascending the posterior medial border of the thigh, piercing the spine, meeting the Changqiang point of the spine, returning to the anterior, following Henggu, Dahe, Qixue, Siman, Zhongzhu, and Huangshu, belonging to the Kidney at the Huangshu location, left and right of the umbilicus; descending below the umbilicus, passing Guanyuan and Zhongji, and connecting to the Bladder.). The direct branch ascends from the Kidney, pierces the Liver and diaphragm, enters the Lung, follows the throat, and flanks the root of the tongue (The direct branch ascends from the Huangshu location belonging to the Kidney, following Shangqu, Shiguan, Yindu, and Tonggu points, piercing the Liver, ascending through Youmen, crossing the diaphragm, passing Bulang, entering the Lung, following Shenfeng, Lingxu, Shencang, Shencang, and Yufu points, ascending along the throat, alongside Renying, flanking the root of the tongue to end. Because it ascends from the spine interior to nourish the Heart and Lung and disperses in the chest, it is stated that "Chong Mai originates at Qijie, runs alongside the Shaoyin Meridian flanking the umbilicus upward, and disperses in the chest"; and also "Chong Mai is the meeting of the Foot-Shaoyin."). Its branch emerges from the Lung, connects to the Heart, and pours into the Chest (This branch emerges from the Lung at the Shencang level, connects to the Heart, and pours into the Chest, above the Yufu points. The Foot-Shaoyin Meridian terminates here and connects to the Hand-Jueyin Meridian. The Chest is between the two breasts, also called Danzhong.).

The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian of the Heart Master originates in the Chest (Heart Master refers to what the Heart governs. The Heart originally belongs to the Hand-Shaoyin, but there is also the Hand-Jueyin, which is the Pericardium Meridian. The Heart is the great master of the Five Zang and Six Fu organs; any pathogen affecting the Heart resides in the Pericardium. The Pericardium is the meridian of the Heart Master. Its entry and exit, turning and folding, speed and slowness, are all like the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Master Meridian. Minister Fire acts according to its position. The Hand-Jueyin performs the duties of Minister Fire on behalf of Sovereign Fire. In terms of function, it is called Heart Master; in terms of meridian, it is called Pericardium; it is essentially Minister Fire.). Emerging to belong to the Pericardium, descending through the diaphragm, sequentially connecting with the Triple Burner (Pericardium refers to the membranous network enveloping the Heart. The Pericardium is the external guard of the Heart Master, and the Triple Burner is the external guard of the Zang-Fu organs, so they are exterior-interior partners and interconnect. All other meridians do not use the character "Li" (sequence/throughout); only this one has...)