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The acupoints contraindicated for needling must first be clearly understood: Naohu (BL 9), Xinhui (GV 22), and Shenting (GV 24). Luoque (BL 8), Yuzhen (BL 9), and Jiaosun (SJ 20). Luxi (SJ 19), Chengqi (ST 1), and Chengling (GB 18). Shendao (GV 11), Lingtai (GV 10), and Danzhong (CV 17) are to be avoided. Shuifen (CV 9), Shenque (CV 8), and Huiyin (CV 1). Henggu (KI 11), Qichong (ST 30), and Shouwuli (LI 13). Jimen (SP 11), Chengjin (BL 56), and Qingling (HT 2). Additionally, Sanyangluo (SJ 8) on the arm. These twenty-two acupoints must not be needled. Pregnant women should not be needled at Hegu (LI 4); the same principle applies to Sanyinjiao (SP 6). Acupuncture and moxibustion at Shimen (CV 5) should be contraindicated, as it may cause a woman to be infertile for life. Furthermore, Yunmen (LU 2) and Jiuwei (CV 15), Quepen (ST 12) and Kèzhǔrén (GB 2) should not be needled deeply. If Jianjing (GB 21) is needled too deeply, the person may faint; promptly reinforcing Zusanli (ST 36) will restore the person to normal.

There are forty-five acupoints contraindicated for moxibustion: Chengguang (BL 6), Yamen (GV 15), and Fengfu (GV 16). Tianzhu (BL 10), Suliao (GV 25), and Linqi (GB 15). Jingming (BL 1), Cuanzhu (BL 2), and Yingxiang (LI 20). Heliao (LI 19), Quanliao (SI 18), and Sizhukong (SJ 23). Touwei (ST 8), Xiaguan (ST 7), and Jizhong (GV 6). Jianzhen (SI 9), Xinshu (BL 15), and Baihuanshu (BL 30). Tianyou (SJ 16), Renying (ST 9), and Ruzhong (ST 17). Zhourong (SP 20), Yuanye (GB 22), and Jiuwei (CV 15). Fu'ai (SP 16), Shaoshang (LU 11), and Yuji (LU 10). Jingqu (LU 8), Tianfu (LU 3), and Zhongchong (PC 9). Yangguan (GB 33), Yangchi (SJ 4), and Diwuhui (GB 42). Yinbai (SP 1), Lougu (SP 7), and Yinlingquan (SP 9). Tiaokou (ST 38), Dubi (ST 35), and Yinshi (ST 33). Futu (ST 32), Biguan (ST 31), and Weizhong (BL 40). Yinmen (BL 37), Shenmai (BL 62), and Chengfu (BL 36).

Beginning from the Gen (Northeast) position at the Start of Spring (Lichun) is Tianliu (acupoint/position). The days of Wuyin and Jichou correspond to the left foot. The left hypochondrium at the Spring Equinox (Chunfen) is Cangmen Zhen (position). The appearance of the day Yimao is definitely a contraindication. The days of Wuchen and Jisi at the Start of Summer (Lixia) correspond to the Xun (Southeast) position. The Yinluo Palace corresponds to the left hand. The day of Bingwu at the Summer Solstice (Xiazhi) corresponds to the Shangtian (Upper Heaven) position, precisely the chest, throat, and head corresponding to the Li (South) position. Xuanwei (acupoint/position) at the Start of Autumn (Liqiu) corresponds to the right hand. The days of Wushen and Jiwei are in the upper part of the Kun (Southwest) position. Cangguo (acupoint/position) at the Autumn Equinox (Qiufen) is in the Western Dui (West) position. The day of Xinyou is also sought for planning regarding the right hypochondrium. The right foot plus Xinluo (acupoint/position) at the Start of Winter (Lidong). The days of Wuxu and Jihai are gathered in the Qian (Northwest) position. The Ye Zhe (Hibernating) position at the Winter Solstice (Dongzhi) corresponds to the Kan (North) position. The day of Renzi corresponds to the flow of the lumbar, sacral, and lower orifices. The five zang-organs, six fu-organs, together with the umbilical and abdominal regions, correspond to the Zhaoyao (star) and the various days of Wu and Ji in the Zhongzhou (Central Region) position. When treating ulcerated abscesses and ulcers, one must avoid these times. Violating these celestial prohibitions makes the disease difficult to cure.

When performing acupuncture reinforcing and reducing methods, one must differentiate between cold and heat. Reducing cold and reinforcing heat must be clearly distinguished. Twirling the needle outward is the method for reducing. Twirling the needle inward is the technique for reinforcing. To reduce on the left side, the thumb (of the right hand) must be moved forward. To reduce on the right side, the thumb should be pulled backward. To reinforce on the left side, the thumb moves forward in a rubbing motion. To reinforce on the right side, the thumb moves downward (in a twirling motion). Why are there two different methods for reinforcing and reducing? It is because the channels and collaterals are distributed on both sides of the body. Reinforcing and reducing also require understanding the opposing and following (needling methods). Following (the qi of the channel) is reinforcing, opposing (the qi of the channel) is reducing. The ancients differentiated reinforcing and reducing based on left and right. People today, however, distinguish them based on male and female. The channels and vessels of men and women are generally the same, circulating day and night without a moment's rest. The yang channels of both hands ascend to the head. The yin channels run from the chest to the fingers. The yang channels of both feet run from the head to the feet. The yin channels run from the feet to gather in the abdomen. Following means inserting the needle tip in the direction of the channel's pathway. Opposing means inserting the needle tip against the direction of the channel's pathway to seize (pathogenic qi). There is also the method of determining reinforcing and reducing based on respiration: reducing on inhalation and reinforcing on exhalation is truly marvelous. For the reinforcing method, insert the needle upon exhalation. One must know to use the "three flights" method (a needle manipulation technique). When qi arrives, withdraw the needle while coordinating with inhalation, swiftly withdrawing the needle once and immediately pressing the point. For the reducing method, insert the needle upon inhalation. One must know to allow the obstructed qi to reach throughout the body. When qi arrives, withdraw the needle while coordinating with exhalation, slowly withdrawing the needle in three stages and pressing around the point. Do not speak of these (techniques) easily in front of others.