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In the morning, manipulating the skin surface by lifting and pressing induces a sensation of heat similar to that before being scalded by boiling water.
To locate the area for cold syndromes, seek beneath the skin; do not recklessly pierce the skin causing it to rupture.

In the morning, one must discern cold and heat: twisting the needle to the left constitutes tonification (Bu), while twisting to the right constitutes sedation (Xie).
Lifting the needle generates heat, inserting the needle generates cold; this is the true secret passed down by ancient sages.
In the afternoon, the method reverses: twisting to the right is tonification, twisting to the left is sedation. How to distinguish cold and heat? (For women, the methods are reversed.)
Inserting the needle generates heat, lifting the needle generates cold; women require careful distinction.
Advancing with the meridian flow is considered "left" (tonification), advancing against the flow is "right" (sedation); do not share this with those who do not understand.
Tonification Method: Utilize the Yang number nine, performing four sets of nine, totaling thirty-six manipulations.
Sedation Method: Perform the Yin number six, specifically three sets of six, totaling eighteen manipulations.
The technique of lifting and inserting for tonification and sedation is highly effective when applied.

Suppose an acupoint requires a depth of five fen. First, insert the needle two fen. Wait for Deqi (arrival of qi), then insert another two fen to reach four fen. Wait for Deqi again, then insert the final one fen to reach five fen. Subsequently, withdraw the needle rapidly and immediately press the acupoint with the thumb of the left hand to prevent bleeding; this is the Tonification Method.

Suppose an acupoint requires a depth of five fen. Insert the needle directly to five fen. Wait for Deqi, then withdraw the needle two fen. Pause briefly, withdraw another two fen. Pause briefly, wait for Deqi, then slowly withdraw the needle completely. Do not use the left hand to close the needle hole, allowing the pathogenic Qi to exit; this is the Sedation Method.

Acupoints forbidden for needling have been recorded since ancient times, such as Xinhui (B15), Shenting (GV24), and Naohu (GV16).
Shendao (GV11), Lingtai (GV10), and Danzhong (CV17) are forbidden.
Shimen (CV5), Shenque (CV8), and Shuifen (CV9) are also forbidden.
Qixue (KI13), Yinjiao (RN7), and Wuli (LI7) are included.
Yangluo (SI8), Qingling (HT9), and Chengqi (ST1) are also restricted.
If Henggu (KI12) or Chengjin (BL56) present pathology, avoid needling and use moxibustion instead for recovery.
Pregnant women should avoid needling Hegu (LI4); needling Sanyinjiao (SP6) may cause miscarriage.
Mistreatment of Guanyuan (CV4) may lead to retained dead fetus, resulting in the death of both mother and child; never apply needles or herbs in such cases.

Fengfu (GV16) and Chengguang (GB9) are restricted.
Zanzhu (BL2), Jingming (BL1), and Shaoshang (LU11) are restricted.
Tianyou (TE16), Touwei (ST8), and Xiaguan (ST7) are restricted.
Xitong (not standard, likely typo for Xiliao SI9 or similar context dependent, but text says Xitong Tianfu Yingxiang - assuming specific local points or typos in source, translating literally as named points if recognized or generic description), Tianfu (LU3), and Yingxiang (LI20) are restricted.
Jiuwei (CV15) and Yangguan (DU3) are restricted.
Xinshu (BL15), Jingqu (LU8), and Ynshi (ST33) are restricted.
Yuanli (HT14), Baihuanxu (BL30), and Wuhui (CV13) are restricted.
Dangyang (EX-HN4), Fubu (ST32), and Jizhong (GV12) are restricted.
Renying (ST9) and Tiaokou (ST38) are forbidden for moxibustion.
Ruzhong (CV17), Yinmen (BL37), and Biguan (ST31) are also avoided for moxibustion.
There are twenty-nine acupoints to avoid for moxibustion; applying correct needle tonification and sedation techniques ensures health and peace.