Library

The *Huangdi Zhenjing* (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Acupuncture) states: In all needling methods, the essence lies in understanding "Zhongshi" (the beginning and end/cycle). Once Zhongshi is clarified, the five Zang organs serve as the reference, and Yin and Yang are determined. Yin governs the Zang organs, while Yang governs the Fu organs. Yang receives Qi from the four limbs, and Yin receives Qi from the five Zang organs. Therefore, for reducing methods, one needles against the flow; for reinforcing methods, one needles with the flow. Knowing both opposing and following allows the Qi to be harmonized. The method to harmonize Qi must involve the unification of Yin and Yang. The five Zang organs are Yin, and the five Fu organs are Yang.

The three Yang meridians of the foot (Stomach, Gallbladder, Bladder meridians) ascend from the Yuan Qi (Source Qi) to the eyes (ascending from the depths below to the Mao position; in the human body, this corresponds to the two eyes, rising from the earth to the sky). From Zi hour to Mao hour, they traverse twelve and a half degrees.

The three Yang meridians of the hand (Sanjiao, Large Intestine, Small Intestine meridians) ascend to the surface of the body (starting when the eyes open, moving along the Yang pathway for twenty-five degrees; this segment accounts for twelve and a half degrees). From Mao hour to Wu hour, they traverse twelve and a half degrees.

The three Yin meridians of the hand (Lung, Heart, Pericardium meridians) move from the hands into the abdominal cavity (originating from the Yang organs; Yang receives Qi from the four limbs, descending from heaven like the autumn command, where blood leads the various Qis, originating from outside heaven in autumn). From Wu hour to You hour, they traverse twelve and a half degrees.

The three Yin meridians of the foot (Spleen, Kidney, Liver meridians) carry Yuan Qi from the abdomen down to the feet. From You hour to Zi hour, they traverse twelve and a half degrees.

The Qi of these Yang organs accepts and leads the Qi from heaven. Yang enters the earth, following the Dao of storage, executing the winter command, entering deep within the earth. When it becomes full and overflows beyond capacity, the function of the earth combines with the form of heaven, shifting left and emerging upward out of heaven. Yin Qi ascends to heaven, manifesting as coldness. Thus it is said: "Earth kills Yin through Yang storage," which refers to this principle. At this juncture, Yin leads Yang in its movement, meaning Yin Blood moves first, and Yang Qi follows later. Hence it is said: "Excess Cold leads to floating [pulse/symptoms]," because the excess Qi of Yin is received in the abdomen (traversing twelve and a half degrees). Therefore, it is stated: All Yang meridians receive Qi from the four limbs, and all Yin meridians receive Qi from the five Zang organs. This is what is meant.

The above discusses Tianyuan True Qi, which circulates fifty times around the body in one day and night. In one ke (approx. 15 minutes), it travels eight zhang and one chi, completing 135 breath cycles. In two ke, it completes one circuit of the heavens, completing 270 breath cycles, traveling sixteen zhang and two chi. In total, 13,500 breath cycles result in the pulse traveling 810 zhang. This does not refer to the blood in the Jingmai or the waters on earth. The twelve Jing Rivers flow leftward, while the Yuan Qi moves rightward, going up and down without end or beginning.

The so-called Tianzhen Yuan Qi is pushed and shifted, nourished by Ying Qi generated from the five flavors and Gu Qi (Grain Qi), which further transforms into Yang Qi, and subsequently serves as Shaoyang Qi to provide nourishment. The classics state: "What the Three Yin meridians offer upwards is this."