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The Dai Mai (Belt Vessel) originates from the hypochondrium and encircles the body once. When diseased, it causes flaccidity and laxity of the waist and abdomen, resembling a water-filled bag. The points where its qi emerges are located 1.8 cun below the hypochondrium, formally named Dai Mai (Belt Vessel), because it encircles the body like a belt. Additionally, it intersects with the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel at Weidao (GB26, located 5.3 cun below Zhangmen LR13). In total, there are four acupoints where the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel) emerges.

It is stated that: Among the essentials of acupuncture, the use of official needles is most exquisite. The nine types of needles each have their specific indications; their length and size determine their application. If their usage is not mastered, diseases cannot be resolved. If the disease is superficial but the needle insertion is too deep, it will injure the healthy flesh internally, causing skin abscesses. If the disease is deep but the needle insertion is too shallow, the pathogenic qi will not be discharged, potentially leading to large suppurative abscesses. If the pathology is minor but the needle is too large, excessive draining of qi will inevitably cause subsequent harm. If the pathology is major but the needle is too small, the substantial pathogenic qi will not be discharged, leading to deterioration later. To understand the appropriate uses of the Nine Needles:

First is the Chan Needle (Chan Zhen), modeled after Heaven. It corresponds to the Lung, which among the Five Zang Organs corresponds to Heaven. The Lung harmonizes with the skin and hair. For treatment, the needle must have a large head and a sharp tip, ensuring it does not penetrate deeply but rather vents Yang Qi. Thus, the Chan Needle (Chan Zhen) is modeled after a cloth needle, with the distal half-inch removed to make it sharply acute, measuring 1.6 cun in length, used to treat heat in the head and body. The Classic states: "For diseases in the skin with no fixed location, use the Chan Needle (Chan Zhen)."

Second is the Yuan Needle (Yuan Zhen), modeled after Earth. Humans correspond to Earth through their flesh/muscles. For treatment, the needle must have a cylindrical body and a rounded tip, ensuring it does not damage the muscle. Damage to the muscle would exhaust the Zheng Qi (Upright Qi). Thus, the Yuan Needle (Yuan Zhen) is modeled after a cotton needle, with a cylindrical body and an egg-shaped tip, measuring 1.6 cun in length, used to treat qi stagnation between muscle layers. The Classic states: "For diseases between the muscles, use the Yuan Needle (Yuan Zhen)."

Third is the Di Needle (Di Zhen), modeled after Humanity. Human generation relies on blood vessels. For treatment, the needle must have a thick body and a rounded tip, allowing it to contact the pulse without sinking too deep to deplete qi, thereby expelling only the pathogenic qi. Thus, the Di Needle (Di Zhen) is modeled after the sharpness of millet grains, measuring 3.5 cun in length, used to contact the pulse to gather Zheng Qi (Upright Qi) and expel pathogens. The Classic states: "For diseases involving small pulse qi requiring tonification, use the Di Needle (Di Zhen)."

Fourth is the Feng Needle (Feng Zhen), modeled after the Seasons. The Eight Winds of the four seasons invading the meridians become chronic diseases. For treatment, the needle must have a cylindrical body and a sharp tip, allowing it to drain heat, induce bleeding, and release chronic conditions. Thus, the Feng Needle (Feng Zhen) is modeled after a cotton needle, with a cylindrical body and a sharp tip, measuring 1.6 cun in length, used to treat abscesses, heat, and bleeding. The Classic states: "For diseases in the meridians becoming chronic bi-syndrome, use the Feng Needle (Feng Zhen)."

Fifth is the Pi Needle (Pi Zhen), modeled after Musical Notes. The division of winter and summer lies in the Zi and Wu hours, distinguishing Yin and Yang, where cold and heat contend. The combination of these two energies forms abscesses and pus. For treatment, the needle tip must resemble a sword edge, capable of draining large amounts of pus. Thus, the Pi Needle (Pi Zhen) is modeled after a sword edge, 2.5 fen wide and 4 cun long, used to treat large abscesses and contending heat/cold. The Classic states: "For diseases with large abscesses, use the Pi Needle (Pi Zhen)."

Sixth is the Yuanli Needle (Yuanli Zhen), modeled after Rhythm/Law. It regulates Yin and Yang and the four seasons to align with the Twelve Meridians. When deficient pathogens invade the meridians causing sudden bi-syndrome, this needle is used. Thus, the Yuanli Needle (Yuanli Zhen) is modeled after a Li Needle, with a slightly larger tip and a relatively thinner body, allowing for deep insertion. It measures 1.6 cun in length and is used to treat abscesses and bi-syndrome. The Classic states: "For sudden onset of bi-qi, use the Yuanli Needle (Yuanli Zhen)."

Seventh is the Hao Needle (Hao Zhen), modeled after Stars. Pathogens invading the seven orifices enter the meridians, causing painful bi-syndrome lodged in the meridians. For treatment, the needle tip should resemble the proboscis of a mosquito or horsefly. Insert quietly and slowly, retain lightly for a long time, allowing Zheng Qi (Upright Qi) to follow, so that true and pathogenic qi interact. Upon withdrawal, nourish the body. Thus, the Hao Needle (Hao Zhen) is modeled after fine hairs, measuring 1.6 cun in length, used to treat cold-heat painful bi-syndrome in the meridians. The Classic states: "For bi-syndrome with persistent pain, use the Hao Needle (Hao Zhen)."

Eighth is the Chang Needle (Chang Zhen), modeled after Wind. The eight joints of the thighs and arms are vulnerable. Deficient winds from the eight correct seasons injure humans, lodging internally in the bone gaps, lumbar spine, and joint fissures, causing deep bi-syndrome. Thus, the Chang Needle (Chang Zhen) is modeled after a Qi Needle, measuring 7 cun in length, used to extract deep pathogens and distant bi-syndrome. The Classic states: "For diseases located deeply, use the Chang Needle (Chang Zhen)."

Ninth is the Da Needle (Da Zhen), modeled after the Wild/Open Space. Between the joints and skin, excessive pathogens overflow throughout the body, resembling wind-water edema, but unable to pass through the major joint mechanisms. For treatment, the needle tip should resemble a club, with a slightly rounded edge, used to extract substantial pathogenic qi (fluids) that cannot pass through the joints. Thus, the Da Needle (Da Zhen) is modeled after the Feng Needle (Feng Zhen), with a slightly rounded edge, measuring 4 cun in length, used to treat substantial qi/fluid retention failing to exit the joints. The Classic states: "For edema unable to pass through the joints, use the Da Needle (Da Zhen)."

For various diseases fixed within the Five Zang Organs, use the Feng Needle (Feng Zhen) to drain at the Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, and Shu-Stream points, timed according to the four seasons. This constitutes the number and application of the Nine Needles.