Library

It is stated that the Qi of the meridians originates from the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), flows into the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian; the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian flows into the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian and Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian; the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian flows into the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian and Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian; the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian flows into the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian and Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian; the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian flows into the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian and Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian; the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian flows into the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian; the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian returns to meet at the Middle Jiao, and then flows into the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. This is the sequence of Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) circulation. The circulation of Ying Qi always follows the meridians. The total length of the meridians throughout the body is sixteen zhang and two chi. In one day and night, it circulates 810 zhang, completing fifty cycles around the body. Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), however, does not follow fixed meridians. During the day, it travels in the Yang aspect (exterior, Six Fu Organs); at night, it travels in the Yin aspect (interior, Five Zang Organs). Traveling in Yang involves moving through the various meridians; traveling in Yin involves moving through the various organs. Regarding acupuncture methods, one must wait for the location of the Wei Qi before applying the Ying-Sui (Following and Opposing) techniques to clarify tonification or sedation. However, the circulation of Ying and Wei Qi does not always proceed together; thus, Blood and Qi have their respective distributions. Within a single meridian, there are conditions referred to as "Shi Dong" diseases (illnesses arising from the movement/disorder of meridian Qi) and "Suo Sheng Bing" diseases (illnesses occurring in the organs belonging to or along the course of the meridian); this reflects the distinction between Qi and Blood pathologies. The Classic states: When needling Ying, do not injure Wei; when needling Wei, do not injure Ying. For needling Yang points, the needle should be inserted obliquely (lying flat against the skin); for needling Yin points, the area should be pressed to disperse the Qi before inserting the needle. This constitutes the essence of the technique. Beyond Ying and Wei, there are Floating Collaterals (superficial collateral vessels), Jing Jin (Muscle Regions/Tendons), and Bie Luo (Major Branching Collaterals). Their pathological manifestations differ, and thus their needling methods should also vary. As stated in the *Ci Qi Lun* (Treatise on Needling Depth): "When needling bone, do not injure tendon; when needling tendon, do not injure flesh; when needling flesh, do not injure vessel; when needling vessel, do not injure skin; when needling skin, do not injure flesh; when needling flesh, do not injure tendon; when needling tendon, do not injure bone." Understanding these principles allows one to grasp the depth boundaries and the distinction between Qi and Blood. Therefore, the Twelve Primary Meridians establish the constant norms, while the Fifteen Collaterals facilitate variations. If pathogenic factors reside in the meridians, employ Ju Ci (Giant Puncture/Cross-Needling); if they reside in the collaterals, employ Miu Ci (Miu Puncture/Asymmetrical Puncture); if they reside in Ying, regulate the Blood; if they reside in Wei, regulate the Qi; if they reside in the Jing Jin, employ Jie Ci (Robbing Puncture/Rapid Puncture). Only then can one investigate the appropriate uses of the Nine Needles, practice the rhythms of the Twelve Needling Methods, elucidate the principles of the Five Transformations, and carefully examine the anatomical regions. In doing so, the art of needling will be largely mastered. Now, beneath each meridian description, we record its acupoints and associated syndromes, including diseases of the Floating Collaterals and Jing Jin, compiling them into one volume. Although the acupoints are identical, their depths and specific locations vary; it is up to the practitioner to discern these details with careful attention.