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[Scriptural Interpretation]
The great collateral of the Stomach is named Xuli (Stomach Great Collateral). It penetrates the diaphragm, connects with the Lung, and emerges below the left mamilla. Its pulsation can be seen through clothing; this represents the Zongqi (Gathering Qi). (From *Suwen*)

Yellow Emperor said: I wish to hear about the origins of the meridians and collaterals of the five Zang and six Fu organs. Qibo said: Each of the five Zang organs has five Shu points, totaling twenty-five points; each of the six Fu organs has six Shu points, totaling thirty-six points. Together with the twelve regular meridians and fifteen major collaterals, there are twenty-seven Qi pathways. The points where Qi emerges are called Jing-Well points; where it flows, Ying-Spring points; where it pours, Shu-Stream points; where it travels, Jing-River points; and where it enters, He-Sea points. The movement of these twenty-seven Qi pathways all passes through these five Shu points. ○ The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian roots at Zhiyin (BL-66) and knots at Mingmen (Gate of Life, referring to the eyes). The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian roots at Lidui (ST-45) and knots at Sangda (located above the ear). The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian roots at Qiaoyin (GB-44) and knots at Chuanglong (referring to the middle of the ear). Foot-Taiyang acts as the opening, Foot-Yangming as the closing, and Foot-Shaoyang as the pivot. ○ The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian roots at Yinbai (SP-1) and knots at Taicang (Middle Jiao/Stomach). The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian roots at Yongquan (KI-1) and knots at Lianquan (CV-23). The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian roots at Dazhun (LR-1) and knots at Yuying, connecting with Danzhong (CV-17). Foot-Taiyin acts as the opening, Foot-Jueyin as the closing, and Foot-Shaoyin as the pivot. ○ The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian roots at Zhiyin (BL-66), flows through Jinggu (BL-64), pours into Kunlun (BL-60), and enters Tianzhu (BL-10) and Feiyang (BL-58). The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian roots at Qiaoyin (GB-44), flows through Qiuxu (GB-40), stays at Yangfu (GB-38), and enters Tianrong (SI-17) and Guangming (GB-37). The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian roots at Lidui (ST-45), flows through Chongyang (ST-42), pours into Xialing (Zusanli ST-36), and enters Renying (ST-9) and Fenglong (ST-40). The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian roots at Shaoze (SI-1), flows through Yanggu (SI-2), pours into Shaohai (SI-8), and enters Tianchuang (SI-16) and Zhizheng (SI-7). The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian roots at Guanchong (SJ-1), flows through Yangchi (SJ-4), pours into Zhigou (SJ-6), and enters Tianyou (SJ-16) and Waiguan (SJ-5). The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian roots at Shangyang (LI-1), flows through Hegu (LI-4), pours into Yangxi (LI-5), and enters Futu (LI-18) and Bianli (Pianli LI-6). These are referred to as the great collaterals of the twelve meridians, and should all be taken for treatment. ○ The great collateral of the Spleen is named Dabao (Spleen Great Collateral), emerging three cun below Yuanlin (axillary region), distributing over the chest and hypochondrium. ○ Yellow Emperor asked: How do the limbs and joints of man correspond to Heaven and Earth? Bogao answered: Heaven is round and Earth square; the human head is round and feet square to correspond. Heaven has sun and moon; humans have two eyes. Earth has nine provinces; humans have nine orifices. Heaven has wind and rain; humans have joy and anger. Heaven has thunder and lightning; humans have voice and sound. Heaven has four seasons; humans have four limbs. Heaven has five tones; humans have five Zang organs. Heaven has six pitches; humans have six Fu organs. Heaven has winter and summer; humans have cold and heat. Heaven has ten Heavenly Stems; humans have ten fingers on hands. Earthly Branches number twelve; humans have ten toes and genitalia to correspond. Women lack two segments to fit their form. Heaven has Yin and Yang; humans have husband and wife. A year has 365 days; humans have 365 joints (or bone segments). Earth has high mountains; humans have shoulders and knees. Earth has deep valleys; humans have axillae. Earth has twelve great rivers; humans have twelve main meridians. Earth has spring veins; humans have Wei Qi (Defensive Qi). Earth has grass and trees; humans have fine hairs. Heaven has day and night; humans have sleep and wakefulness. Heaven has constellations; humans have teeth. Earth has small hills; humans have small joints. Earth has rocks; humans have prominent bones. Earth has forests; humans have tendons and fascia. Earth has gathered cities; humans have muscles. A year has twelve months; humans have twelve joints. Earth has places where grass does not grow in four seasons; humans have sterility. Thus, man corresponds to Heaven and Earth. (From *Lingshu*)

Twelve meridians and fifteen collaterals: Where do they start and where do they end? The answer is: Meridians transport Blood and Qi, connect Yin and Yang, and nourish the body. They begin at the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), flow into the Hand-Taiyin Lung and Hand-Yangming Large Intestine meridians; Hand-Yangming flows into Foot-Yangming Stomach and Foot-Taiyin Spleen; Foot-Taiyin flows into Hand-Shaoyin Heart and Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine; Hand-Taiyang flows into Foot-Taiyang Bladder and Foot-Shaoyin Kidney; Foot-Shaoyin flows into Hand-Jueyin Pericardium and Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao; Hand-Shaoyang flows into Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder and Foot-Jueyin Liver; Foot-Jueyin returns to flow into Hand-Taiyin Lung. The fifteen collaterals branch from their Yuan-Source points, forming a circle without beginning or end, irrigating each other, gathering at Cun Kou (Radial artery) and Ren Ying (Carotid artery) to diagnose all diseases and determine life and death. ○ There are twelve meridians and fifteen collaterals; what are the remaining three collaterals? The answer is: There is the Yang Qiao collateral, the Yin Qiao collateral, and the great collateral of the Spleen. The Yang Qiao collateral is the collateral of the Yang Qiao vessel. The Yin Qiao collateral is the collateral of the Yin Qiao vessel. Thus, there are fifteen collaterals. ○ What are the Eight Extraordinary Vessels that are not restricted by the twelve meridians? The answer is: There are Yang Wei, Yin Wei, Yang Qiao, Yin Qiao, Chong, Du, Ren, and Dai vessels. These eight vessels are not bound by the regular meridians, hence called the Eight Extraordinary Vessels. ○ Since the Eight Extraordinary Vessels are not bound by the twelve meridians, where do they originate and which meridians do they belong to? The answer is: The Du Meridian originates at Changqiang (GV-1) at the lower extreme, runs parallel within the spinal column, reaches Fengfu (GV-16), and enters/belongs to the Brain. The Ren Meridian originates below Zhongji (CV-3), goes up to the pubic hair line, follows the interior of the abdomen, passes Guanyuan (CV-4), reaches the throat, goes up to the chin, follows the face, enters the eyes, and connects with the root of the tongue. The Chong Meridian originates at Qichong (ST-30), runs parallel with the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, flanks the navel upwards, and disperses in the chest. The Dai Meridian originates at the costal margin, encircles the body once. The Yang Qiao Meridian originates in the center of the heel, follows the lateral malleolus, and ascends into Fengchi (GB-20). The Yin Qiao Meridian also originates in the center of the heel, follows the medial malleolus, ascends to the throat, and intersects with the Chong Meridian. Yang Wei and Yin Wei vessels maintain and connect the body; when overflowed and stored, they cannot circulate and irrigate the regular meridians.
Therefore, Yang Wei originates at the meeting of all Yang meridians, and Yin Wei originates at the intersection of all Yin meridians. ○ How do diseases of the extraordinary vessels manifest? The answer is: Yang Wei maintains Yang, Yin Wei maintains Yin. If Yin and Yang cannot maintain each other, one feels despondent and listless, unable to control oneself. Disease of Yin Qiao presents with slackness on the Yang side and spasticity on the Yin side. Disease of Yang Qiao presents with slackness on the Yin side and spasticity on the Yang side. Disease of Chong presents with rebellious Qi and abdominal urgency. Disease of Du presents with stiffness of the spine and syncope. Disease of Ren presents with a sensation of internal knotting; in men, seven types of hernia; in women, masses (Jia Ju). Disease of Dai presents with abdominal fullness and a limp sensation in the waist, as if sitting in water. Disease of Yang Wei involves aversion to cold and fever. Disease of Yin Wei involves heart pain. ○ The Yuan-Source point of the Lung is Taiyuan (LU-9); of the Heart, Tailing (PC-7); of the Liver, Taichong (LR-3); of the Spleen, Taibai (SP-3); of the Kidney, Taixi (KI-3); of the Shaoyin (Heart/Kidney), Duigu (Shenmen HT-7); of the Gallbladder, Qiuxu (GB-40); of the Stomach, Chongyang (ST-42); of the Sanjiao, Yangchi (SJ-4); of the Bladder, Jinggu (BL-64); of the Large Intestine, Hegu (LI-4); of the Small Intestine, Wangu (SI-4). (From *Nanjing*)

[Philosophical Discourse]
The Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian begins at the Middle Jiao and ends at the inner edge of the index finger. The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian begins at the tips of the thumb and index finger and ends beside the nose. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian begins at the nasal root (Jingming BL-1) and ends between the big toe. The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian begins at the tip of the big toe and ends entering the Heart. The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian begins in the Heart and ends at the inner side of the little finger. The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian begins at the tip of the little finger and ends at the inner canthus of the eye,斜 connecting to the cheekbone. The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian begins at the inner canthus and ends at the outer side of the little toe. The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian begins below the little toe and ends entering the chest. The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian begins in the chest and ends at the tips of the little and index fingers. The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian begins at the tips of the little and index fingers and ends at the outer canthus of the eye. The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian begins at the outer canthus, ends between the little and fourth toes, follows the interosseous space of the big toe, exits the tip, penetrates the nail bed, and exits the hair tuft. The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian begins at the hair tuft of the big toe and ends entering the Lungs. The three Hand-Yang meridians go from hand to head; the three Foot-Yang meridians go from head to foot. This is the high receiving the low. The three Foot-Yin meridians go from foot to abdomen; the three Hand-Yin meridians go from abdomen to hand. This is the low aspiring to the high. ○ Question: Do the Taiyang, Yangming, and Shaoyang meridians of the hands and feet all meet at the head? Are there Yin meridians among the six Yang meridials meeting at the head? Answer: Yes. The six Fu organs represent six Yang. The five Zang organs represent five Yin. The Lung opens into the nose, the Heart into the tongue, the Spleen into the mouth, the Liver into the eyes, and the Kidney into the ears. These are five Yin. Additionally, Jueyin meets the Du Meridian at the vertex, making it the sixth Yin. The ears belong to the Kidney and hear sound; sound belongs to Metal (Lung), so there is Lung in the ears. The nose belongs to the Lung and smells; thus there is Fire (Heart) in the nose. The tongue belongs to the Heart and tastes; thus there is Spleen in the tongue. The eyes have five wheels connecting to the five Zang organs. The mouth belongs to the Spleen (Earth/Kun trigram), which is quiet and unmoving, so it does not combine with others. Ears, nose, and tongue each combine with one organ; the eyes combine with four. Together with the Du Meridian, this totals thirteen Yin aspects. The brain is the assembly of all bodies, i.e., the Sea of Marrow, governed by the Kidney. This makes fourteen Yin aspects. (From *Ci Shi Nan Zhi*)

*Chapter 47 of Nanjing* states: The head is the meeting place of all Yang meridians. All Yin meridians reach only the neck and chest before returning; only all Yang meridians ascend to the head and ears. This statement is partially incorrect. While it is true that the head is the meeting of Yang, saying Yin does not ascend to the head is wrong. Regarding the mechanism of Yin-Yang ascent and descent, how could Earth not interact with Heaven, or Zang organs not reach the head? Observing the *Taiyin Yangming Treatise*: "Yin Qi ascends from the feet to the head, then descends along the arm to the fingertips; Yang Qi ascends from the hands to the head, then descends to the feet." Also, in this chapter, it is stated that the twelve meridians and 365 collaterals all send their Blood and Qi to the face and enter the orifices. Could it be that only Yin meridians do not ascend to the head? Modern meridian charts only show Yang points on the head, while Yin points stop at the chest and axilla. However, upon detailed examination of chapters like *Jing Mai*, it is clear that all six Hand and Foot Yin meridians ascend to the head. Listed below are these vessels for verification. ○ Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian ascends alongside the pharynx, travels through the larynx, ties to the root of the tongue, emerges on the face, ties to the eye system, and joins at the inner canthus. ○ Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian follows the throat, emerges behind the ear, and joins the Shaoyang Meridian below the Wanggu bone. ○ Hand and Foot Shaoyin and Taiyin meridians all meet in the ear and ascend to connect with the right temporal angle. ○ Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian follows the throat. ○ Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian follows the throat, ties to the root of the tongue, ascends to the nape, knots at the occipital bone, and combines with the Foot-Taiyang tendon system. ○ Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian combines with the Yangming Meridian, ascends to knot at the pharynx, connects to the root of the tongue; its branch knots at the root of the tongue, penetrates the middle of the tongue, and scatters under the tongue. ○ Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian follows behind the throat, enters the nasopharynx (Hangsang), connects to the root of the tongue, links to the eye system, ascends to the forehead, and meets the Du Meridian at the vertex; its branch descends from the eye system through the cheek interior, encircling the inside of the lips. (From *Leijing*)

*Chapter 29 of Nanjing* states: Disease of Yang Wei involves aversion to cold and fever. Disease of Yin Wei involves heart pain. Yué Rén (Bian Que) provided only this description without treatment methods. Later physicians used Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), which hits the mark. Because Yang Wei maintains Yang and belongs to Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), it manifests as chills and fever. Yin Wei maintains Yin and belongs to Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi), manifesting as heart pain. Guizhi Tang harmonizes Ying and Wei and regulates Yin and Yang, fitting perfectly. ○ The Western self-winding clock best compares the circulation of Qi and Blood in the human body. (From *Wu Yi Hui Jiang*)

The human body has meridians, collaterals, and solar collaterals (Sun Luo). Qi and Blood seep from the Spleen and Stomach into the solar collaterals, then into the major collaterals of various meridians, and finally into the twelve main meridians. This is like stream water flowing into creeks, and creek water flowing into rivers. Streams and creeks may flood or dry up, but rivers remain constant throughout history, never drying up. If rivers dried up, all living beings would perish. In hemiplegia due to wind-stroke, where one side loses sensation but the patient survives, it is because the solar and major collaterals are blocked by pathogenic factors, preventing the free circulation of Qi and Blood. However, the Original Qi within the twelve meridians still circulates unceasingly, allowing survival for a long time. (Yu Fushan)

Ancients distinguished meridians and collaterals clearly; moderns confuse superficial and deep layers. This is due to ignorance of the distinct nature of meridians and the great principle of Yin and Yang. Ancient texts state that straight paths are meridians, and branches are collaterals, representing the Yin-Yang and exterior-interior relationship of Jing-Luo. The connection between Large Intestine and Lung, and Lung and Large Intestine, represents the Yin-Yang and exterior-interior relationship of Mai-Luo (Vascular Collaterals). Thus, Mai-Luo collaterals are inside the Zang-Fu organs; Jing-Luo collaterals are between the muscles. One must not confuse Jing-Luo collaterals with Mai-Luo collaterals, nor assign Jing-Luo to exterior/Yang and Mai-Luo to interior/Yin. Both have their own Yin-Yang and exterior-interior relationships. As per *Jing Lun*, the fifteen major collaterals are interior/Yin, while the 365 solar collaterals are exterior/Yang. Similarly, the total collateral of the Pericardium is interior/Yin, while the 36,000 solar collaterals are exterior/Yang. The *Ju Tong Pian* distinguishes large and small collaterals. *Nanjing* distinguishes Yang and Yin collaterals. Externally, from skin to body, meridians lead to collaterals, penetrating all blood vessels. Internally, from ligaments to collaterals, all Fu and Zang organs are connected by blood vessels. If one does not understand the theory of collaterals, how can one differentiate blood disorders? (From *Yi Xue Ti Jie*)

Man is one of the Three Powers, positioned in the center of Heaven and Earth, inherently resembling them. Thus, the principles of Hetu (River Chart), Luoshu (Lo River Chart), and Bagua (Eight Trigrams) naturally correspond to the human body. The *I Ching* says: "Taking things near, we take the body." Qian is the head, Kun the abdomen, Zhen the feet, Xun the thighs, Kan the ears, Li the eyes, Gen the hands, Dui the mouth. This is a rough outline. Do the trigrams correspond to the body merely by physical shape? The human body has the Du Meridian, starting between the two yins, passing through Weilu, ascending along the back to the vertex, descending to the nose, touching Renzhong, and stopping above the lip. The Ren Meridian starts from the anterior yin, follows the abdomen, and ascends to below the lip. These two vessels are the Qian and Kun of the body, corresponding to the numbers 9, 1, 2. Du governs all Yang of the body; Ren governs all Yin. Not only humans, but birds, beasts, insects, fish, and even fruits possess these. Inside the body are Zang-Fu organs; between the muscles are the twelve meridians, six on the hands and six on the feet. This corresponds to the Six Children trigrams outside Qian and Kun, and the numbers 2-8, 3-7, 4-6 outside 9-1. (Jiang Shenxiu)

The Rugen (ST-17) acupoints on both sides have pulsating Qi. Why does the *Classic* mention only the left side below the mamilla? It refers to where the pulsation is most intense. It is not that the left moves and the right does not. The pulsation felt at the hand indicates Zong Qi. *Suwen* originally had no ambiguity. Ma Yuantai, due to erroneous block-printed editions, misread it as "shoulder garment" (Ying Yi - vibrating clothes). "Ying Yi" means the patient's muscles are emaciated, and the pulse beats strongly enough to move the clothes. This interpretation is also valid. Initially reading *Suwen*, I harbored doubts, but after reading *Jia Yi Jing*, my confusion was resolved. (Gu Yingbai)

There are twelve meridians and fifteen collaterals. *Nanjing* designated Yang Qiao, Yin Qiao, and the great collateral of the Spleen as the fifteen collaterals, establishing a name for later generations. This overlooked the crucial passage in *Neijing*: "The great collateral of the Stomach is named Xuli, penetrating the diaphragm and connecting to the lungs." Later scholars dared not overturn *Nanjing*, suggesting adding one more to make sixteen, implying twelve meridians have four great collaterals. This is unjust! I argue the names Yang Qiao and Yin Qiao collaterals are originally erroneous; they should collectively refer to the extraordinary vessels as one great collateral. Generally, each of the twelve meridians has one collateral, totaling twelve. Besides this, there is the great collateral of the Stomach, running vertically from the stomach through the diaphragm and diaphragmatic fat, governing upper collaterals. There is the great collateral of the Spleen, running horizontally from the spleen across the hypochondrium and abdomen, governing middle collaterals. There is the great collateral of the extraordinary vessels, encircling the body via the extraordinary vessels, governing all collaterals. Thus, the twelve meridians' collaterals connect the meridians, and the three great collaterals connect the collaterals. *Nanjing* states that when collaterals overflow, the regular meridians cannot restrain them. Thus, the eight extraordinary vessels exist outside the twelve meridians and cannot be restrained by them, which goes without saying. I have deduced the meaning of extraordinary vessels: Du governs Yang and runs on the back; Ren governs Yin and runs on the front; they do not connect. Chong rushes straight into the chest; Dai binds horizontally at the waist; they do not connect. Yang Qiao and Yin Qiao both start at the heel, one following the lateral malleolus, the other the medial, running parallel and competing in speed, with no intention of connecting. If Yang Qiao and Yin Qiao can be considered two collaterals, then Yang Wei and Yin Wei could also be considered two. Then Du, Ren, Chong, and Dai could be collectively called eight collaterals. ○ The five Zang and six Fu organs, large and small meridians, circulate day and night without rest, relying on the Great Qi in the chest to rotate them. If Great Qi declines, exit and entry cease, ascent and descent stop, the Spirit mechanism perishes, and the Qi establishment becomes precarious. ○ Any physician who treats disease without understanding Zang-Fu and meridians makes mistakes from the outset. Ignorance and eagerness to sell services are faults of the physician. (From *Yi Men Fa Lv*)

[Appendix: Bones]
The *Classic* states: The kidney pairs with bones. The Kidney governs the marrow of the body; in the tissues, it manifests as bone; in the Zang organs, it is the Kidney. It also states: Marrow fills the bones; bones are the residence of marrow. If Water fails to control Fire, bones become withered and marrow deficient, leading to inability to support the body, developing into Bone Wei (Atrophy Syndrome). Or, due to Yin deficiency causing bone-steaming fever and soreness in bone marrow. When Cold Qi arrives, it causes Bone Bi (Painful Obstruction); if Bi is in the bone, heaviness results. Generally, Yang deficiency leads to cold bones, Yin deficiency leads to hot bones. Treatment methods are numerous, but nourishing the Kidney is fundamental. Diseases caused by pathogenic factors include: excessive Dampness causing elbow swelling and bone pain; excessive Dryness causing internal changes in sinews and bones; Jueyin reversal causing tremors and dizziness; Shaoyin reversal causing shortness of breath and bone atrophy; excessive annual Fire causing fever and bone pain. Examining the annual Qi and nurturing natural harmony allows for effective symptomatic treatment. However, some bone diseases are caused by medication. The *Classic* says: If one does not avoid Heat, Heat arrives, causing fever, deformation of bone joints, internal pain, and bleeding. Therefore, conditioning formulas must be discussed carefully. Prolonged standing injures bones; excessive sweet food causes bone pain; in bone diseases, bitter food should be avoided. The *Classic* has repeated this many times. (From *Yi Xue Ti Jie*)

[Appendix: Sinews/Tendons]
The *Classic* states: The Liver governs the sinews/fascia of the body. It also states: The Liver's substance is concentrated in the sinews. It also states: If Damp-Heat is not cleared, large sinews become soft and short, and small sinews become lax and long. Soft and short leads to spasms/cramps; lax and long leads to flaccidity/atrophy. Thus, sinews have distinctions of large and small. Human sinews resemble warp and weft; straight ones are warp, horizontal ones are weft. Without this interlacing, bone joints would not connect. Furthermore, Zong Jin (General Sinew) is the master sinew of the body, like knots in a rope, binding and regulating all meridians above and below. Qibo said: The Yangming Meridian is the sea of the five Zang and six Fu organs, primarily moistening the Zong Jin. Zong Jin binds bones and facilitates joint movement. The *Jing Mai* chapter states: When Foot-Jueyin Qi exhausts, sinews exhaust. Jueyin is the Liver Meridian. Sinews gather at the genitalia and connect to the root of the tongue. If vessels do not nourish, sinews become tight; tight sinews pull the tongue and testicles. Thus, blue lips, curled tongue, and retracted testicles indicate sinew death first. The *Jing Jin* chapter discusses the sinews of the twelve meridians and...