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The meridian of Hand-Taiyang [Shou Taiyang Jing] originates at the tip of the little finger (where Shaose [SI 1, Little Sea] is located). It follows the ulnar side of the hand (Qian Gu [SI 2, Front Valley] is anterior to the metacarpophalangeal joint on the ulnar side; Hou Xi [SI 3, Rear Stream] is posterior to it). It ascends to the wrist (Wangu [Ulnar Styloid Process] anteriorly and Yanggu [Radial Styloid Process] posteriorly), emerges from the styloid process of the ulna, goes straight up along the lower border of the ulna, emerges between the two bones on the medial side of the elbow (Xiaohai [SI 8, Little Sea] is located between the two bones of the medial elbow). It continues upward along the posterior lateral border of the upper arm, emerges from the posterior aspect of the shoulder joint, enters the axilla, winds around the scapula, crosses the shoulders, enters the supraclavicular fossa (Quepen), and connects with the Heart (The Heart is the anchor of the Small Intestine, thus the Small Intestine meridian links to the Heart). It follows the throat, descends through the diaphragm, reaches the Stomach, and belongs to the Small Intestine (Hand-Taiyang is the meridian of the Small Intestine, hence its pulse belongs to the Small Intestine). Its branch arises from the supraclavicular fossa, pierces the neck, ascends to the cheek, and reaches the outer canthus of the eye (The *Classic of Acupuncture* states: the outer corner of the eye on the face is called the 'Rui' or sharp point). It then re-enters the ear. Another branch separates from the cheek, ascends to the zygomatic bone, reaches the nose, and arrives at the inner canthus of the eye (Hand-Taiyang intersects with Foot-Taiyang here). It obliquely connects with the zygomatic bone (Zygoma refers to the cheekbone).

When this meridian is disturbed ("Shi Dong" disease, meaning the Qi is diseased first, as Hand-Taiyang typically has abundant Blood and scarce Qi), symptoms include sore throat and swelling of the mandible (Mandible refers to the area below the chin), inability to look back, a sensation that the shoulder is being pulled out, and a sensation that the elbow is broken. This meridian primarily governs fluids. Diseases generated by it ("Suo Sheng Bing", meaning diseases generated by Qi which generates Blood) include deafness, yellowing of the eyes, swelling of the cheeks and mandible, and pain along the posterior lateral border of the neck, shoulder, elbow, and arm. In excess conditions, the Renying [ST 9, Human Well] pulse is twice as strong as the Cunkou [Radial Artery] pulse. In deficiency conditions, the Renying pulse is weaker than the Cunkou pulse.

The Luo-connecting vessel of Hand-Taiyang is named Zhizheng [SI 7, Branching Correct]. It is located five cun above the wrist, connecting inwardly to Hand-Shaoyin. Its branch ascends to the elbow and connects with the shoulder. In excess, there is flaccidity of the joints and uselessness of the elbow. In deficiency, warts appear, small ones resembling scabs or ringworm on the fingers. Treatment involves needling the Luo-connecting point.

The sinews of Hand-Taiyang originate above the little finger, knot at the wrist, follow the medial border of the forearm, and knot behind the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Palpation transmits sensation to the little finger. They knot in the axilla. A branch travels posteriorly along the posterior axillary fold, ascends around the scapula, follows the head emerging anterior to Foot-Taiyang, and knots at the Occiput [Wangu, GB 12]. Another branch enters the ear, exits superiorly from the ear, and knots inferiorly above the mandible, connecting to the outer canthus. Symptoms include pain along the little finger, posterior medial border of the elbow, medial arm entering the axilla, axillary pain, posterior axillary fold pain radiating to the neck, tinnitus and pain in the ear radiating to the mandible, temporary blindness requiring time to recover vision. Spasm of cervical sinews leads to Sinew Atrophy. Neck swelling with chills and fever in the neck region is treated with burning needle (Cuan Zhen) and rapid puncture (Jie Ci). For swellings, apply heat and use an acute needle. The branch ascending to Quya [ST 7, Jaw Bone], following the anterior ear to the outer canthus, and knotting at the forehead angle, presents with spasmodic contraction along its pathway. Treatment is burning needle and rapid puncture, repeated until efficacy is achieved, using the painful point as the acupoint. This condition is named "Zhongxia Bi" [Midsummer Obstruction].

Diseases of the Small Intestine manifest as lower abdominal pain, pain radiating from the waist and spine to the testicles, frequent urgency for defecation, cold sensation in front of the ears, isolated heat in the shoulder, and heat between the little finger and the ring finger. If the pulse is sunken, these are signs of Small Intestine disease.

Pathogenic factors in the Small Intestine connect to the testicular ligaments, attach to the spine, penetrate the Liver and Lung, and link to the Heart system. Excess Qi causes rebellious Qi rushing upward, intestinal motility, and dispersion of Liver and Lung Qi into the Huang [Blind Area/Mesentery], knotting at the umbilicus. Therefore, treat Huangyuan [CV 12, Center of the Abdomen] to dissipate it. Puncture Hand-Taiyin [Lung Meridian] to tonify it. Take Hand-Jueyin [Pericardium Meridian] to descend it. Take Juxu Shanglian [ST 37, Upper Great Void] and Juxu Xialian [ST 39, Lower Great Void] to remove it. Control the affected pathways and regulate via the meridians.

The Hand-Taiyang meridian runs from the hand to the head, measuring five chi in length, totaling one zhang for both sides. There are thirty-eight acupoints in total.
Shaose [SI 1] x2, Qian Gu [SI 2] x2, Hou Xi [SI 3] x2, Wangu [SI 4] x2, Yanggu [SI 5] x2, Yanglao [SI 6] x2, Zhizheng [SI 7] x2, Xiaohai [SI 8] x2, Jianzhen [SI 9] x2, Tianzong [SI 11] x2, Bingfeng [SI 12] x2, Qu Yuan [SI 13] x2, Jian Wai Shu [SI 14] x2, Jian Zhong Shu [SI 15] x2, Tian Chuang [SI 16] x2, Tian Rong [SI 17] x2, Quan Liao [SI 18] x2, Ting Gong [SI 19] x2.