Library

(The Twelve Headings Collection, next seen in the *Ling Shu: Jing Mai Lun*)

**Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian:** Originates in the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner). Descends to connect with the Large Intestine, exits at the贲门 (cardia), ascends through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Lung. From the lung system (trachea, larynx, etc., connected to the lung), it emerges horizontally from the axilla, runs along the anterior aspect of the medial side of the upper limb, passes through the cubital fossa, the Cun Kou pulse point, and ascends to the Yu Ji area. A branch emerges from the wrist posteriorly (Lieque point), heads to the radial side of the tip of the index finger, and connects with the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. This meridian has abundant Qi and scarce Blood. When this meridian is disturbed, symptoms include wheezing and cough; lung distension with a bloated sensation and pain in the Que Pen (supraclavicular fossa); crossing both hands over the chest indicates Bi Jue (Arm Jue syndrome). Diseases generated by this meridian include Qi-reversal cough, wheezing, thirst, mental restlessness, fullness and stagnation in the chest and heart; pain in the anterior medial aspect of the arm; frequent urination and heat in the palm. Qi deficiency leads to cold pain in the shoulder and back; Qi excess leads to pain, wind-strike, and sweating; yawning, shortness of breath, and insufficient respiration; enuresis or incontinence, and changes in urine color.

**Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian:** The meridian originates at Shang Yang (LI1) on the radial side of the tip of the index finger. It follows the finger upwards, emerges at He Gu (LI4), runs between the two tendons at the岐骨 (radial-ulnar junction), ascends along the anterior lateral aspect of the forearm, enters the lateral edge of the elbow, follows the anterior lateral aspect of the upper arm, passes the anterior edge of the shoulder, and ascends alongside the cervical spine. From Jian Jing (GB21), it descends into the Que Pen (supraclavicular fossa), connects with the Lung, descends through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Large Intestine. A branch rises straight from the Que Pen to the neck, obliquely traverses the cheek, enters the lower teeth, circles the lips, crosses at Ren Zhong (GV26), ascends to the sides of the nose, and pours into Ying Xiang (LI20), connecting with the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. This meridian has abundant Qi and abundant Blood. Disturbance causes neck swelling and toothache. Generated diseases include epistaxis, yellow eyes, dry mouth, and throat obstruction (Bi). Difficulty in using the thumb and index finger. Successive pain in the anterior lateral shoulder.

**Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian:** Intersects at the side of the nose, descends along the nasal exterior, enters the upper teeth, re-emerges, flanks the mouth, and surrounds Cheng Jiang (CV24). Moves backward to Da Ying (ST5) and Jia Che (ST6). Ascends to the hairline at the ear front, reaching the forehead. A branch descends from Ren Ying (ST9) below the Que Pen base, passes through the diaphragm, enters the Stomach, and connects with the Spleen. The straight course descends from the Que Pen along the inner breast; one branch follows the abdomen interior from You Men (RN15) downward to Qi Chong (ST30). Then from Bi Guan (ST31) to the knee cap, along the medial side of the middle toe. Another branch descends from the knee to San Li (ST36), emerging anteriorly to pass between the toes of the middle toe. Another branch diverges to the foot dorsum, ending at the tip of the big toe, where the meridian energy concludes. This meridian has abundant Qi and abundant Blood. Disturbance causes yawning, dark facial complexion, aversion to cold, fear of people, and sudden fright upon hearing wooden sounds. Climbing high and singing, discarding clothes and running. Severe cases involve abdominal distension and borborygmus. All these diseases belong to Jue syndromes. Generated diseases include mania, malaria, damp-warmth, sweating, epistaxis, lip sores, throat obstruction, knee cap pain, abdominal distension and knotting. Pain in Qi Ying, Fu Tu, and the lateral thigh. Complete pain in the foot dorsum and middle toe. Excess conditions lead to rapid digestion and yellow urine; deficiency leads to cold shivering in the anterior body. Gastric fullness and indigestion. Qi excess causes heat in the anterior body.

**Hand-Taiyin Spleen Meridian:** Originates at the tip of the big toe. Ascends along the medial white flesh margin, behind the nuclear bone (base of the first metatarsal), anterior to the medial malleolus, ascends along the anterior medial aspect of the leg, enters the abdomen. Belongs to the Spleen, connects with the Stomach, and communicates with the diaphragm. Flanks the throat, connects to the root of the tongue, and spreads under the tongue. A branch from the stomach pours into the Heart. This meridian has abundant Qi and scarce Blood. Disturbance causes diseases due to Qi. Vomiting immediately after eating, epigastric pain. Accompanied by body pain difficult to move. Abdominal distension, belching, and stiff tongue root. Symptoms alleviate significantly after defecation or passing gas. Generated diseases include tongue pain. Heavy body and anorexia. Mental restlessness and urgent pain in the heart region. Watery diarrhea, loose stools, masses, cold malaria. Inability to lie down, swelling of thighs and knees when standing forcibly. Carbuncles, jaundice, and atrophy of the big toe.

**Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian:** The meridian originates in the Heart, descends through the diaphragm, and directly connects with the Small Intestine. A branch returns from the heart system, ascends to the throat, and connects to the eye system (ocular connections to the brain). The straight course ascends to the Lung, emerges from the axilla, follows the posterior medial aspect of the upper arm, reaches the posterior edge of the palm at the sharp bone (pisiform), and pours into Shao Chong (HT9). This meridian has abundant Qi and scarce Blood. Disturbance causes unbearable heart and spleen pain. Thirst for drinking water and dry throat. Generated diseases include hypochondriac pain and yellowish eyes. Pain in the posterior medial aspect of the hypochondrium and arm. Heat in the palm, seeking treatment along the meridian.

**Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian:** The meridian originates at Shao Ze (SI1) on the ulnar side of the tip of the little finger. Follows the lateral hand, emerges at the wrist (ulnar styloid), follows the lateral aspect of the forearm bone, emerges at the medial side of the elbow. Ascends along the posterior lateral aspect of the upper arm, passes the shoulder joint, winds around the scapula, intersects at the shoulder, and enters the Que Pen. Towards the axilla, it connects with the Heart, follows the pharynx/esophagus. Descends through the diaphragm, reaches the Stomach, and belongs to the Small Intestine. One branch from the Que Pen penetrates the neck and cheek, reaches the inner canthus, enters the ear. From the ear front, it ascends to the cheek, reaches the nose, ascends to the inner canthus, obliquely connects to the zygoma, and diverges. This meridian has scarce Qi and abundant Blood. Disturbance causes pain in the pharynx. Swelling under the jaw making turning the head difficult. Shoulder feels like being pulled, elbow feels like breaking. Generated diseases mainly involve shoulder and elbow pain. Deafness, yellow eyes, swollen cheeks. Pain in the posterior lateral aspect of the elbow and arm. Locations should be distinguished carefully.

**Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian:** The meridian originates at the inner canthus, ascends to the vertex. A branch reaches the ear angle. The straight course hangs down from the vertex behind the head, connects with the Brain, emerges again, descends separately to the nape. Still follows the shoulder blades, flanking the spine, reaches the lumbar region, enters the Kidneys and Bladder. One branch connects with the posterior orifice (anus). Penetrates the buttocks, obliquely enters Wei Zhong (BL40). One branch separates left and right within the arm, penetrates the gluteal muscles, flanks the spine, passes the hip pivot. Merges in the popliteal fossa at the posterior medial aspect. Descends through the medial and lateral malleoli, below Jing Gu (BL64), to the lateral side of the little toe. This meridian has abundant Blood and scarce Qi. Disturbance causes unbearable headache. Neck feels like being pulled, waist feels like breaking. Thigh stiffness and pain penetrating the central spine. Popliteal fossa feels knotted, calf feels like tearing. This is An Jue, damaging the sinews. Generated diseases include malaria, hemorrhoids, useless little toe. Vertex pain, yellow eyes. Lower back and foot pain connecting to the back. Tearing, epistaxis, and epilepsy.

**Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian:** Belongs to Shaoyin. Originates at Yong Quan (KI1) slanting from the little toe. Below Ran Gu (KI2), posterior to the medial malleolus, enters the heel separately, invades inward. Emerges at the medial shin, ascends along the posterior medial thigh. Penetrates the spine, belongs to the Kidney, approaches the Bladder. The straight course belongs to the Kidney, penetrates the Liver, passes through the diaphragm, enters the Lung, follows the throat to the tongue root. A branch from the Lung connects with the Heart internally, still reaching the chest deeply. This meridian has abundant Qi and scarce Blood. Disturbance causes hunger without desire to eat. Wheezing, cough, hemoptysis, and humming in the throat. Sitting but wanting to rise, face like dirt. Eyes staring blankly, insufficient Qi. Heart hanging like hunger, often apprehensive. Generated diseases include dry tongue. Hot mouth, sore throat, oppressive Qi. Pain in the posterior medial thigh and spine. Restless pain in heart and intestines, jaundice, atrophy-jue, lethargy, and body lassitude. Heat and pain in the soles are all Kidney Jue.

**Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian:** Originates in the chest, belongs to the Pericardium, descends through the diaphragm, sequentially connects with the Triple Energizer. A branch follows the chest, emerges from the hypochondrium, descends three cun below the axilla, ascends to reach the axilla, follows the arm interior, between the Taiyin and Shaoyin meridians. Reaches Zhong Chong (PC9). A branch diverges from the Dan Zhong, connects with the palm, and communicates with the ring finger. This meridian has scarce Qi and originally abundant Blood. Disturbance causes heat in the palm. Spasm and tightness of the elbow and arm, swelling in the axilla. Severe cases involve fullness and knotting in the chest and hypochondrium. Palpitations or severe heart movement. Frequent laughter, yellow eyes, red face. Generated diseases include mental restlessness. Heart pain and extreme heat in the palm.

**Hand-Shaoyang Triple Energizer Meridian:** The meridian originates at the end of the ring finger (ulnar side). Between the two bones at the wrist. Ascends out between the two bones of the forearm. Posterior to the elbow, outside the arm, follows the shoulder, behind the Shaoyang, intersecting and transmitting. Descends into the Que Pen, dividing at the Dan Zhong. Scatters and connects with the Pericardium, piercing through the diaphragm. A branch from the Dan Zhong and Que Pen ascends to the neck, behind the ear, rotating at the ear angle. Bends down to the chin, still pouring into the cheek. One branch exits the ear, enters anterior to the ear, yet from Shang Guan (SJ17) intersects at the curved cheek. Ends at the inner canthus. This meridian has scarce Blood and abundant Qi. Disturbance causes tinnitus and throat swelling/obstruction. Generated diseases include spontaneous sweating. Pain behind the ear and lateral canthus. Pain in the shoulder, elbow, and lateral arm. Ring finger and index finger also become useless.

**Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian:** Begins at the lateral canthus of both eyes. Reaches the head, follows the angle, descends behind the ear. Na Kong and Feng Chi proceed in order. Anterior to the Hand-Shaoyang to the shoulder, intersecting the Shaoyang above the right Que Pen. A branch from behind the ear penetrates the ear, exits anterior to the ear, follows the lateral canthus. One branch from the lateral canthus and Da Ying descends, merging with the Hand-Shaoyang to reach the neck root. Descending adds Jia Che and merges at the Que Pen. Enters the chest, pierces the diaphragm, connects with the Liver meridian. Belongs to the Gallbladder, still passing through the hypochondrium. Descends into the Qi Street and pubic region. Horizontally enters the hip depression and Huan Tiao (GB30). The straight course descends from the Que Pen to the axilla and chest. Passes the flank, descends inside the hip depression. Emerges at the lateral edge of the knee at Yang Ling Quan (GB34). Passes the fibular head and ankle anteriorly. Divides at the foot dorsum between the little and second toes. One branch diverges from the big toe, connecting with the Liver meridian at the hair tuft. This meridian has abundant Qi and scarce Blood. Disturbance causes bitter taste and frequent sighing. Pain in the heart and hypochondrium difficult to shift. Dusty face, hot feet, lack of luster. Generated diseases include headache connecting to the lateral canthus. Swelling and pain in the Que Pen and both axillae. Horse knife and clamping goiter arising on both sides. Sweating, chills, and malaria. Pain from the chest, hypochondrium, thigh, knee to the calf. Pain at the fibular head, ankle, and various joints.

**Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian:** The meridian ends. Originates at the hair tufts at the tip of the big toe. Divides at Tai Chong (LR3) on the superior medial foot dorsum. Enters Zhong Feng (LR4) one cun anterior to the ankle. Ascends the ankle, crosses out posterior to the Taiyin. Follows the medial shin, filling the yin thigh. Circles the genitalia, reaches the lower abdomen. Flanks the Stomach, belongs to the Liver, encounters the Gallbladder. Ascends through the diaphragm interior, distributes in the hypochondrium. Flanks the throat, shares the pharynx and eye system. The pulse ascends to the vertex, meeting the Du Meridian to exit. A branch generates from the eye system. Descends to connect with the cheek interior, circling the lips internally. Another branch rises from the diaphragm and Lung. This meridian has abundant Blood and scarce Qi. Disturbance causes lower back pain difficult to bend or extend. Male hernia, female lower abdominal swelling. Dusty face, loss of color, and dry throat. Generated diseases include chest fullness. Vomiting, profuse diarrhea, difficult urination. Or occasional enuresis and fox hernia appearing. Clinical diagnosis requires careful observation.