Library

Ye Yuqing, courtesy name Zishan, was a native of Pingjiang. He claimed to have once suffered from *lao bing* (consumptive disease). His residence was near Duiqiao Bridge, but at that time, he was too weak to cross it. A monk moxibusted his *Gaohuang* (BL43) acupoint, administering a total of one hundred moxa cones (*zhuang*). Two days later, he was able to walk several *li*, climbing and descending without fatigue. From then on, he recovered his health and strength.

Regarding the method for locating the acupoint: One should stand upright with feet together and arms hanging down naturally, keeping the body straight without bending forward or backward. The point is located three *cun* (body-inch measurements) lateral to the lower border of the fourth thoracic vertebra spinous process. During moxibustion, one lies prone with the face covered and head supported by a soft pillow, arms hanging alongside the body, or adjusts the posture temporarily for comfort and convenience. When having another person perform the moxibustion, this same method is used, which is said to be effective.

However, this method is rather brief compared to ancient methods of acupoint location and does not align with the principle in the *Qianjin Fang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) that states "locate while standing, then moxibustate while standing." Ouyang Xingshi practiced this method, as did Chen Liaoweng (courtesy name Yingzhong). Chen Liaoweng acquired acupuncture techniques from Zhang Ji of Wuwei; his skill in locating acupoints was particularly exquisite. He once performed moxibustion on Ouyang Xingshi's *Gaohuang* points, leaving visible marks. Comparing Ye's description with these marks, Ye's described location is slightly lower. This is likely due to variations in spinal curvature, leading to minor discrepancies.

Additionally, Pan Qi, a physician from Changshu County, stated that he inherited this method from his teacher: Sit upright, curve the spine, keep feet together, and raise both hands so that the thumbs align with the umbilicus, with elbows bent and positioned above the thighs. This is also considered correct. Although this differs from the *Qianjin Fang* method of extending the arms straight, this standing-location approach is closer to ancient practices.

Furthermore, Zhongkai, a monk at Pujian Temple in Kaihua County, Quzhou, mastered three methods for locating the acupoint. The first method: Sit upright with knees aligned with the nipples, wrap arms around, bend hands toward the knees, and use the left thumb to pinch the left knee eye (*Xiyan*), doing the same with the right hand. Then count the vertebral bones on the back to measure and locate the point, performing moxibustion based on this sitting posture. The second method: Sit upright with knees raised as above, place arms against the outer sides of the knees, extend them straight toward the feet, hold hands vertically with backs facing each other, thumbs pointing toward the body, and pinch the webbing between the big toes of both feet. The rest follows the previous method. This method, using finger extension instead of *cun* measurement, seems also applicable. These methods are preserved here not only to demonstrate broad knowledge but also to allow future generations to compare their merits and demerits, know which to follow, and avoid being confused by heterodox teachings.