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The fifteen collateral vessels are as follows: The collateral of the Hand-Taiyin [Lung] meridian is named Lieque (LU-7). It originates from the space between the muscles above the wrist, runs parallel with the Hand-Taiyin meridian, enters directly into the palm, and scatters into the thenar eminence (Yuji area). (Below are the fifteen collateral acupoints. They are called "Bie" (separate) rather than "Luo" (collateral) because the main meridian diverges from this point to travel to adjacent meridians. The collateral of the Hand-Taiyin is named Lieque, located in the intermuscular space on the dorsal-radial side, one and a half cun distal to the wrist crease. From here, the Hand-Taiyin diverges to connect with the Hand-Yangming [Large Intestine] meridian. The main channel of the Hand-Taiyin proceeds directly into the palm and scatters at Yuji. In some individuals, the pulse cannot be felt at the Cun, Guan, and Chi positions but can be palpated from Lieque to Yangxi; this is commonly known as the "reverse-guan pulse." This indicates deficiency of the main meridian and fullness of the collateral vessels, as described in the *Qianjin Yi Fang* regarding the reversal of Yang pulses, which are three times larger than the Qi Kou.) When the condition is excess, there is heat in the hand-sharp bone (styloid process) and palm; when it is deficiency, there is yawning and frequent, involuntary urination. Treatment involves selecting the point half a cun from the wrist, as it diverges to the Hand-Yangming meridian. (The high bone behind the palm is called the hand-sharp bone. Excess refers to surplus pathogenic heat, causing heat in the hand-sharp bone and palm. Yawning involves opening the mouth and extending the waist. Deficiency due to insufficient Lung Qi causes yawning and urinary incontinence with frequency. Fatigue leads to groaning; mental fatigue leads to yawning. To treat this, select Lieque; apply reducing methods for excess and tonifying methods for deficiency. Other meridians follow this principle. "Half a cun" should likely be "one and a half cun." This is the collateral of the Hand-Taiyin, diverging to the Hand-Yangming. The collateral of the Hand-Yangming is named Pianli (LI-6), which also enters the Hand-Taiyin, as they are exterior-interior paired, thus connecting via mutual collateral circulation. This applies to other meridians as well. KT, pronounced "qu".)

The collateral of the Hand-Shaoyin [Heart] meridian is named Tongli (HT-5). It is located one and a half cun from the wrist, diverges and ascends, follows the meridian into the heart, connects to the root of the tongue, and attaches to the eye system. In excess conditions, there is a sensation of obstruction or distension in the diaphragm; in deficiency conditions, speech is impaired. Treatment involves selecting the point one cun behind the palm crease, as it diverges to the Hand-Taiyang [Small Intestine] meridian. (The collateral of the Hand-Shaoyin is named Tongli, located in the depression one cun behind the wrist, diverging to the Hand-Taiyang. This meridian enters the heart below the diaphragm; thus, pathogenic excess causes diaphragmatic obstruction, feeling like something is propping up the diaphragm without smoothness. Its branch ascends to connect to the root of the tongue; hence, deficiency leads to inability to speak. Treat by selecting Tongli.)

The collateral of the Hand-Jueyin [Pericardium] meridian is named Neiguan (PC-6). It is located two cun from the wrist, emerging between the two tendons. It follows the meridian upward, connects to the pericardium, and links to the heart system. In excess conditions, there is heart pain; in deficiency conditions, there is stiffness of the head. Treatment involves selecting the point between the two tendons. (The collateral of the Hand-Jueyin is named Neiguan, located two cun distal to the wrist crease between the two tendons, diverging to the Hand-Shaoyang [Sanjiao] meridian. This meridian connects to the pericardium, links to the heart system, emerges behind the ear, and converges below the Wanggu point of the Foot-Shaoyang [Gallbladder] meridian. Thus, pathogenic excess causes heart pain, and deficiency causes head stiffness and discomfort. Treat by selecting Neiguan.)

The collateral of the Hand-Taiyang [Small Intestine] meridian is named Zhizheng (SI-7). It is located five cun above the wrist, injecting inwardly into the Shaoyin [Kidney]. Its branch ascends to the elbow and connects to Jianliao (SJ-14). In excess conditions, there is flaccidity of the joints and uselessness of the elbow; in deficiency conditions, tumors grow, small ones resembling scabies or crusts on the fingers. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Hand-Taiyang is named Zhizheng, located five cun behind the wrist, traveling along the medial arm and injecting into the Hand-Shaoyin. This meridian travels to the elbow and connects to Jianliao; thus, pathogenic excess causes collateral stagnation leading to joint flaccidity and elbow dysfunction, while deficiency causes poor blood and Qi flow, resulting in large tumors or small finger scabies/crusts. Select the divergence point, i.e., Zhizheng. , pronounced "you," meaning tumor/exostosis.)

The collateral of the Hand-Yangming [Large Intestine] meridian is named Pianli (LI-6). It is located three cun from the wrist, diverging inwardly into the Taiyin [Lung]. Its branch ascends along the arm, passes over the shoulder, reaches the cheekbone and teeth obliquely; another branch enters the ear and converges with the Zong Mai (major collaterals). In excess conditions, there are dental caries and deafness; in deficiency conditions, there is cold teeth and bi-syndrome in the diaphragm. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Hand-Yangming is named Pianli, located three cun behind the wrist on the radial side, diverging to the Hand-Taiyin. Note: The main meridian's sinews and vessels do not mention "entering the ear" or "ascending to the eyes," only this collateral does. Zong Mai refers to vessels gathering around the eyes and ears. Dental caries is a rotting disease. This meridian ascends to the cheek/teeth, enters the ear, connects to the Lung, and descends through the diaphragm; thus, excess causes tooth decay and deafness, while deficiency causes cold teeth, internal bi-syndrome, and diaphragmatic discomfort. Treat by selecting the divergent Pianli. Qu, pronounced "er-yu qie".)

The collateral of the Hand-Shaoyang [Sanjiao] meridian is named Waiguan (TE-5). It is located two cun from the wrist, winding outwardly around the arm, injecting into the chest, and converging with the Xin Zhu (Pericardium). In excess conditions, there is elbow spasm; in deficiency conditions, there is inability to grasp. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Hand-Shaoyang is named Waiguan, located two cun behind the wrist between the two tendons, diverging to the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium. This meridian winds around the arm, causing elbow spasm and inability to grasp. Treat by selecting the divergent Waiguan.)

The collateral of the Foot-Taiyang [Bladder] meridian is named Feiyang (BL-58). It is located seven cun from the ankle, diverging to the Shaoyin [Kidney]. In excess conditions, there is nasal congestion (qiu) and headache/back pain; in deficiency conditions, there is nasal discharge and epistaxis. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Foot-Taiyang is named Feiyang, located seven cun above the lateral malleolus, diverging to the Foot-Shaoyin. This meridian originates at the inner canthus, connects to the brain, and travels along the head and back; thus, it causes these symptoms. Treat by selecting the divergent Feiyang. Qiu, pronounced "qiu," meaning nasal congestion.)

The collateral of the Foot-Shaoyang [Gallbladder] meridian is named Guangming (GB-37). It is located five cun from the ankle, diverging to the Jueyin [Liver], and descending to connect with the dorsum of the foot. In excess conditions, there is cold limbs (Jue); in deficiency conditions, there is flaccidity (Wei), making it difficult to rise from sitting. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Foot-Shaoyang is named Guangming, located five cun above the lateral malleolus, diverging to the Foot-Jueyin. This meridian descends to connect with the dorsum of the foot, causing Jue and Wei syndromes. Treat by selecting the divergent Guangming. , pronounced "bi," meaning inability to walk.)

The collateral of the Foot-Yangming [Stomach] meridian is named Fenglong (ST-40). It is located eight cun from the ankle, diverging to the Taiyin [Spleen]. Its branch follows the lateral border of the tibia, ascends to connect with the head and neck, converges with the Qi of all meridians, and descends to connect with the throat. In cases of Qi rebellion, there is sore throat and hoarseness; in excess conditions, there is mania and epilepsy; in deficiency conditions, there is inability to hold the feet and withered shins. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Foot-Yangming is named Fenglong, located eight cun above the lateral malleolus, diverging to the Foot-Taiyin. This meridian follows the throat, enters the clavicular fossa. The Stomach is the sea of the five zang and six fu organs, and the throat/clavicular fossa are the passages for all meridians; thus, it converges the Qi of all meridians to descend and connect with the throat, causing such diseases. Treat by selecting the divergent Fenglong.)

The collateral of the Foot-Taiyin [Spleen] meridian is named Gongsun (SP-4). It is located one cun posterior to the base of the big toe, diverging to the Yangming [Stomach]. Its branch enters and connects with the intestines and stomach. Rebellion of Jue Qi causes Huoluan (cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea); in excess conditions, there is cutting pain in the intestines; in deficiency conditions, there is鼓胀 (drum-like distension). Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Foot-Taiyin is named Gongsun, located one cun posterior to the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, diverging to the Foot-Yangming. Jue Qi refers to spleen Qi dysfunction, either cold or hot, termed Jue Qi; rebelling upward causes Huoluan. This meridian enters the abdomen, belongs to the Spleen and enters the Stomach; thus, it causes these diseases. Treat by selecting the divergent Gongsun.)

The collateral of the Foot-Shaoyin [Kidney] meridian is named Dazhong (KI-4). It is located behind the ankle, wrapping around the heel, diverging to the Taiyang [Bladder]. Its branch travels upward along the meridian to below the pericardium and externally penetrates the lumbar spine. In cases of Qi rebellion, there is irritability and oppression; in excess conditions, there is stranguria (Bi Long); in deficiency conditions, there is lower back pain. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Foot-Shaoyin is named Dazhong, located between the two tendons on the bone behind the heel, diverging to the Foot-Taiyang. The previous twelve meridians state that the main meridian exits the Lung and connects to the Heart; here it states ascending to the pericardium and externally penetrating the lumbar spine, causing these diseases. Treat by selecting the divergent Dazhong.)

The collateral of the Foot-Jueyin [Liver] meridian is named Ligou (LR-5). It is located five cun from the medial malleolus, diverging to the Shaoyang [Gallbladder]. Its branch follows the tibia upward to the testis, knotting at the penis. In cases of Qi rebellion, there is testicular swelling and sudden hernia; in excess conditions, there is priapism; in deficiency conditions, there is sudden itching. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Foot-Jueyin is named Ligou, located five cun above the medial malleolus, diverging to the Foot-Shaoyang. This meridian connects to the genitalia, ascends to the testis, and knots at the penis, causing these diseases. Treat by selecting the divergent Ligou. Penis, refers to the phallus.)

The collateral of the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) is named Wei Yi (Pingyi). It descends from Jiwei (CV-15) and scatters in the abdomen. In excess conditions, there is pain in the abdominal skin; in deficiency conditions, there is itching. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. ("Wei" should be "Ping." The collateral of the Ren Mai is named Pingyi, which is the Huiyin (CV-1) acupoint, located between the anus and urethra, where the Ren, Du, and Chong meridians originate. This meridian descends from Jiwei and scatters in the abdomen, causing these diseases. Treat by selecting the divergent Huiyin.)

The collateral of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) is named Changqiang (GV-1). It runs alongside the spine to the neck, scatters above and below the head, and at the left and right of the shoulder blades diverges to the Taiyang [Bladder], entering and penetrating the spine. In excess conditions, there is spinal rigidity; in deficiency conditions, there is heavy head and uncontrolled shaking. For lesions along the spine, select the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Du Mai is named Changqiang, located at the tip of the coccyx, diverging to the Ren and Foot-Shaoyin meridians. This meridian ascends to the head and neck, travels along the shoulders and back, causing these diseases. Heavy head and shaking refer to weakness and tremors. Treat by selecting the divergent Changqiang.)

The great collateral of the Spleen is named Dabao (SP-21). It emerges three cun below Yuanxia (axilla) and spreads over the chest and hypochondrium. In excess conditions, there is pain throughout the body; in deficiency conditions, all joints become flaccid. This vessel resembles a net enclosing blood; all such conditions are treated by selecting the great collateral of the Spleen. (The great collateral of the Spleen is named Dabao, located three cun below Yuanxia, spreading over the chest and hypochondrium, emerging between the ninth ribs. It commands the Yin and Yang collaterals and irrigates the five zang organs from the Spleen. Thus, it causes these diseases. "Net-enclosing blood" means this great collateral encloses the blood of all collaterals; therefore, select the Spleen's great collateral to remove the pathology. Great collateral refers to Dabao.)

All these fifteen collaterals manifest visibly in excess conditions and sink/disappear in deficiency conditions. If not visible, seek them above and below. Human meridians differ, and collateral divergence points vary. (There are twelve collaterals from the twelve meridians, plus the Ren and Du collaterals, and the Spleen's great collateral, totaling fifteen. The twelve meridians of humans run deep within the muscle spaces and are invisible; those that float and are visible are the collateral vessels. However, only when pathogenic Qi is abundant do the vessels become congested and visible; thus, excess manifests visibly. When Zheng Qi is deficient, the vessels sink and are invisible. Therefore, one must seek verification among various acupoints above and below. Since human meridians vary in fat/thinness and length/shortness, collateral divergence points also vary; thus, one cannot rely on a single fixed approach. Note: The alternate name for Foot-Taiyin is Gongsun, its collateral is Dabao; the alternate name for Foot-Yangming is Fenglong, its collateral is Xuli. Each of the other meridians has one collateral, but the Spleen and Stomach have two each, likely because Spleen and Stomach are the root of the zang-fu organs, and all twelve meridians receive Qi from them. Meridians, sinews, and collaterals clarify acupuncture principles, while herbal treatment follows the same logic. As for Qi acupoints, Xi Gu, Jing-Ru-Shu-Jing methods, dedicated acupuncture texts elaborate on these separately; they are not detailed here.)

There are twelve meridians, but the Hand-Taiyin, Foot-Shaoyin, and Foot-Yangming move continuously alone, clearly indicating the Stomach pulse. The Stomach is the sea of the five zang and six fu organs. Its clear Qi ascends to the Lung, and Lung Qi travels via the Taiyin meridian. Its movement depends on respiration; thus, with each exhalation, the pulse moves twice, and with each inhalation, it moves twice. Continuous breathing results in continuous pulsation. (Among the twelve meridians of hands and feet, only the Hand-Taiyin, Foot-Shaoyin, and Foot-Yangming have distinct arterial pulses: Taiyuan (LU-9) for Hand-Taiyin, Taixi (KI-3) for Foot-Shaoyin, and Yingchang (ST-9)/Chongyang (ST-42) for Foot-Yangming, which beat most prominently. Saying "clearly indicates Stomach pulse" means these three pulsations are due to Stomach Qi.)

When Qi passes through the Cun Kou, it goes up ten breaths and down eight伏 (submerges/pauses), with unequal abundance and decline, making it hard to trace its往返 (round-trip). (Cun Kou is the Hand-Taiyin pulse. Up/down refer to advancing/retreating trends. Ten/eight metaphorize abundance/decline forms. The way of its往返 is truly hard to fathom.)

When Qi leaves the Zang organs, it suddenly shoots forth like a bowstring release or water cascading down a bank. It rises to the Yuji (thenar) and then declines; the remaining Qi dissipates and rebels upward, so its movement is subtle. (When pulse Qi originates internally from the Zang and reaches externally to the meridians, it is sudden and sharp like a released bow or falling water, unstoppable. But the end of a strong arrow is soft, and the end of a rapid current is slow. Thus, the pulse rises from Cun Kou to Yuji, peaks, and then declines; the remaining Qi rebels upward with dissipating force, so its movement is weak. This explains the inequality of pulse abundance and decline.)

The movement of the Foot-Yangming meridian involves Stomach Qi ascending to the Lung. Its Han Qi (fierce Qi) rushes upward to the head, following the pharynx to enter the orifices, following the eye system into the brain, exiting below the cheekbone, descending to the Keyrenman (ST-5) point, following the Jiache (ST-6) point, converging with the Yangming meridian, and descending together to Yingchang (ST-9). This is Stomach Qi diverging to the Yangming meridian. (Stomach Qi ascends to the Lung, and its fierce Qi rushing to the head follows the throat upward, enters the brain via the eye system, exits below the cheekbone, meets the Foot-Shaoyang Keyrenman and Jiache points, then converges with the main Yangming meridian and descends to the Yingchang artery. This is the internal emission of Stomach Qi and external movement of the Yangming meridian. Jiache is Quya/Jiache. Painful stabbing of the Foot-Yangming curved artery stops bleeding immediately. Treating madness involves selecting the two areas on the head, located below the brain, before the hairline, above Keyrenman, i.e., above the temporal bone, between the two Taiyang points. , pronounced "kan," also "hai-gan qie".)

Yin and Yang above and below move uniformly. Thus, if Yang disease presents with a small Yang pulse, it is contrary (Ni); if Yin disease presents with a large Yin pulse, it is contrary. If Yin and Yang are both still or both moving, like a pulled rope, there is illness. (Yin and Yang above and below refer collectively to the Hand-Taiyin mentioned earlier. Stomach Qi ascending to the Lung originates from one source. Although Stomach is Yangming with pulse at Yingchang, and Lung is Taiyin with pulse at Cun Kou, their Qi is connected, so their movements respond uniformly. Yingchang belongs to Fu/Yang; Yang disease should have a large Yang pulse, so a small one is contrary. Cun Kou belongs to Zang/Yin; Yin disease should have a small Yin pulse, so a large one is contrary. Thus, Qi Kou observes Yin, Yingchang observes Yang. Yin and Yang sizes have specific characteristics. If Yin and Yang are indistinguishable, both still or both moving evenly like a straight rope, their Qi is biased, causing disease.)

The movement of the Foot-Shaoyin meridian relates to the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), which is the sea of the twelve meridians. It originates below the Kidney with the great collateral of Shaoyin, emerges at Qichong (ST-30), follows the medial thigh,斜入 (diagonally enters) the popliteal fossa, follows the medial tibia, runs with the Shaoyin meridian, descends behind the medial malleolus, and enters the sole. Its branch diagonally enters the ankle, emerges on the dorsum of the foot, enters between the big toes, injects into the collaterals to warm the calves. This is the normal constant movement of the pulse. (Foot-Shaoyin pulses because it runs with the Chong Mai. Chong Mai is also the sea of twelve meridians, originating below the Kidney with the Shaoyin collateral, emerging at Foot-Yangming Qichong, following the thigh, popliteal fossa, medial malleolus, etc., to the sole. Its branch emerges on the dorsum, injects into collaterals to warm calves. This is why Taixi etc. pulse constantly.)

The circulation of Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi is interconnected top and bottom, like a circle without end. Now, if suddenly encountering pathogenic Qi and severe cold, causing limb flaccidity, the Yin-Yang pathways of their pulses, where they exchange and meet, lose their course. How can Qi return? (Ying and Wei circulation has Yin-Yang order. If pathogenic Qi resides, the operational path is lost, how can it continue endlessly?)

The four extremities are the meeting places of Yin and Yang, the great collaterals of Qi. Si Jie (Four Streets) are the pathways of Qi. Thus, if collaterals are blocked, pathways open; if extremities relax, Qi combines, exchanging like a circle, ending and restarting. (Four extremities refer to hands and feet. Twelve meridians begin and end at extremities, so called "meeting of Yin and Yang" and great Qi collaterals. Although collaterals meet at extremities, there are Qi pathways called "Si Jie" or "Qi Streets." Pathogens often attack great collaterals; thus, if collaterals block, pathways open. Once pathogens move and extremities relax, what blocks opens, Qi combines, circulating endlessly. This is why it is like a circle without end.)

The constant numbers of humans are: Taiyang often has much Blood and little Qi; Shaoyang often has little Blood and much Qi; Yangming often has much Qi and much Blood; Shaoyin often has little Blood and much Qi; Jueyin often has much Blood and little Qi; Taiyin often has much Qi and little Blood. These are heavenly constants. (Blood and Qi amounts in twelve meridians vary by innate constitution. Treatments must carefully observe Blood and Qi for tonification/reduction. Note: Repeated mentions of Blood/Qi numbers show Three Yang are similar, Three Yin different. Checking other sections reveals slight errors; this section is correct.)

Foot-Taiyang and Foot-Shaoyin are exterior-interior; Shaoyang and Jueyin are exterior-interior; Yangming and Taiyin are exterior-interior. These are the Foot Yin-Yang. (Foot-Taiyang is Bladder, Foot-Shaoyin is Kidney, forming one pair; Foot-Shaoyang is Gallbladder, Foot-Jueyin is Liver, forming second pair; Foot-Yangming is Stomach, Foot-Taiyin is Spleen, forming third pair. Yang are Fu meridians running on the lateral leg; Yin are Zang meridians running on the medial leg. This is Foot exterior-interior.)

Hand-Taiyang and Hand-Shaoyin are exterior-interior; Shaoyang and Xin Zhu (Pericardium) are exterior-interior; Yangming and Taiyin are exterior-interior. These are the Hand Yin-Yang. (Hand-Taiyang is Small Intestine, Hand-Shaoyin is Heart, fourth pair; Hand-Shaoyang is Sanjiao, Hand-Jueyin is Pericardium, fifth pair; Hand-Yangming is Large Intestine, Hand-Taiyin is Lung, sixth pair. Yang are Fu meridians running on lateral hand; Yin are Zang meridians running on medial hand. This is Hand exterior-interior.)

Knowing the suffering of Hand-Foot Yin-Yang, remove the suffering, observe desires, reduce excess, tonify deficiency, and regulation will be excellent.

All vessels belong to the Eyes. (Eyes are the gathering place of Zong Mai, so all vessels belong to the eyes.) All Marrow belongs to the Brain. (Brain is the Sea of Marrow, so all Marrow belongs to it.) All Sinews belong to the Joints. (Sinews provide strength to connect bones/joints. Prolonged walking injures sinews because all sinews belong to joints.) All Blood belongs to the Heart. (Heart generates Blood and governs Blood vessels, so all Blood belongs to the Heart.) All Qi belongs to the Lungs. (Lungs store Qi. The great Qi that beats but does not move accumulates in the chest, named "Sea of Qi," exits the Lungs, follows the throat, so exhalation releases it, inhalation draws it in. This is why all Qi belongs to the Lungs.) This describes the daily operation of the Four Extremities and Eight Xi (Valleys). (Four extremities: two hands, two feet. Eight Xi: elbows and axillae in hands, hips and popliteal fossae in feet. These are limb joints, called "Xi." Daily operation means all vessels, marrow, sinews, blood, and Qi enter/exit here and operate day and night without leaving.)

Thus, when people lie down, Blood returns to the Liver. (When awake, people move; movement causes Blood to follow Qi into Yang branches and circulate in meridians. When lying down, people are still; stillness causes Blood to follow Qi into Yin branches and return to the Liver, as the Liver stores Blood. Thus, sleeping people often have pale faces because Blood is stored.)

The Liver receives Blood and enables vision. (Liver opens into the eyes; receiving Blood gathers Shen in the eyes, enabling vision.)

The Feet receive Blood and enable walking. (Feet receiving Blood places Shen in the feet, enabling firm steps.)

The Palms receive Blood and enable grasping. (Palms receiving Blood places Shen in the hands, enabling firm grip.)