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The *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states: Diseases manifest as either superficial or deep, and acupuncture needling should be either shallow or deep accordingly, each adhering to its proper principle. However, spring and summer belong to Yang; their Qi is external, and human Qi also floats outward. Therefore, in all cases of needling, one should generally adopt shallow insertion. Autumn and winter belong to Yin; their Qi is internal, and human Qi resides within the Zang organs. Therefore, in all cases of needling, one should adopt deep insertion. It is also stated that "in spring and summer, one must attain a Yin [state]; in autumn and winter, one must attain a Yang [state]." The phrase "attaining a Yang state in autumn and winter" refers to the fact that although spring and summer are Yang, they contain Yin nourishing Yang; thus, needling aims to guide out Yang. In warm spring and summer, one must attain Yin, meaning the needle should be inserted deeply to the regions of the Kidney and Liver. Upon obtaining Deqi (arrival of Qi), the needle is withdrawn immediately, thereby securing the Yin at the exterior. In cold autumn and winter, one must attain Yang. "Attaining Yang" means inserting the needle shallowly to the regions of the Heart and Lung. Upon obtaining Deqi, the needle is pushed deeper, retained for a long time, and then withdrawn, thereby pushing inward Yang. The *Suwen* (Basic Questions) states: "Nourish Yang in spring and summer, nourish Yin in autumn and winter." This is the rationale.

Before inserting the needle, first use the thumb of the left hand to press firmly on the acupoint for some time, allowing the patient to breathe ten cycles. Then, hold the needle with the right hand and insert it with force; this ensures accurate point selection. Once the needle is established in the point, release the hand and let the needle remain still for ten breath cycles, termed "Tiancai" (Heavenly Talent). After a short while, advance the needle by five fen. Pause again according to the previous method, stopping hand movement for ten breath cycles, termed "Dicai" (Earthly Talent). Do not withdraw the needle immediately; wait a moment before withdrawing it, termed "Rencai" (Human Talent), after which the draining (Xie) method may be applied.

When waiting for Qi after needling, if the intention is to move Qi upward, occlude the lower part; if the intention is to move Qi downward, occlude the upper part. Advancing the needle occurs from Chen hour to Si hour; withdrawing the needle occurs from Si hour to Wu and Wei hours. Advancing involves leftward twisting; withdrawing involves rightward twisting and movement.
Dong Su comments: This is like the oar in a boat going downstream, resembling the swaying head of a red phoenix. One must distinguish between welcoming and following versus opposing and reversing techniques. If the timing is wrong or the method violates principles, the effort is futile.

When guiding Qi during needling, especially when reaching critical areas requiring back-and-forth manipulation, scatter the needle gently as if it were the rudder of a boat, moving left and right following the flow of Qi. Gently manipulate it, and the Qi will naturally converge, causing blood and Qi to flow smoothly throughout the body without losing their proper course. If Qi does not move, move, extend, or lift the needle.
Dong Su comments: The Canglong Baiwei (Green Dragon Swinging Tail) technique facilitates the flow of Qi, allowing blood and Qi to circulate throughout the entire body. Regardless of the myriad diseases afflicting the body, a single insertion can bring about immediate recovery.