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The flow and circulation of meridians and collaterals in the human body, which nourish the interior and exterior, can be fully understood only by a sage. Why is this so? The meridians within the human body are invisible to the naked eye; even if muscles were dissected and skin incised, one could not precisely trace their path through the nine major channels (referring to the main meridian pathways). Unlike stars in the sky that have clear patterns and positions, or rivers on earth that flow distinctly into the sea, nor like eyebrows and eyes on the face that are prominently visible, the principles governing the infusion and circulation of Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi throughout the body still possess inherent origins and regularities. This is why sages can perceive these mysteries clearly, while ordinary people remain ignorant.

However, the text of *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot) is ancient, its language profound, containing errors and omissions, and lacking annotations. Consequently, later generations have inevitably lost its true meaning. This was the motivation for Hua Shi (Hua Sui, courtesy name Boren) of Xuchang to write *Fourteen Meridians Unfolded* (*Shi Si Jing Fa Hui*). Xia Shiyuan, a gentleman from Renhe, comes from a family of physicians and also practices Confucian scholarship. He reads books, understands principles, and has a deep resonance with this subject. He believes that medicine concerns life and death; if one does not understand the origin of meridians and acupoints, not only will acupuncture and moxibustion be limited, but how can one investigate the causes of disease contraction? To blindly apply prescriptions or rely merely on sensory perception is akin to touching one's feet when one's chest is injured—how can such an approach avoid harming patients' health and lives?

Therefore, he collected various secret manuscripts inherited from his ancestors, selecting those beneficial to elucidating the essence of *Ling Shu: Meridians*. He incorporated rhyming verses from masters (possibly referring to previous renowned physicians) and elaborated upon them, forming his own school of thought. Below, he annotated the original text of *Ling Shu*, organizing it according to Hua Shi’s commentary, and provided a comprehensive summary. Following this, he appended content on the Eight Extraordinary Vessels and pulse diagnosis at the Cun-Guan-Chi positions on the supine and prone bodies. He occasionally offered his own insights to correct confusion and clarify distinctions, making slight refinements. These contents were compiled into charts, categorized clearly and vividly displayed. The book was named *Wings to Ling Shu: Meridians* (*Ling Shu Jing Mai Yi*). Upon opening the scroll, everything is visible at a glance. Compared to *Fourteen Meridians Unfolded*, it is more concise; compared to Hua Shi’s annotations, it is clearer and easier for beginners to memorize. Truly delightful!

Mr. Xia Shiyuan knew that I understood his work best. After completing the book, he showed it to me and requested a preface. I told him: As the classics say, "Everyone eats and drinks, but few truly know the flavor." Today, Mr. Xia Shiyuan applies himself with such dedication; he can indeed be said to truly "taste" the essence. By following the teachings of former sages, he provides a foundation for future learners. By examining diseases and tracing their sources through the meridians, his insight surpasses even Bian Que drinking water from an upper pool to see the viscera. Although Hua Shi stirred the waves before, Mr. Xia Shiyuan raises the tides after; this truly serves as wings to *Ling Shu* and contributes greatly to the medical arts. How shallow would be the virtue of saving lives if this were not so? Therefore, having explored its principles, I dare to record this at the beginning of the chapter.

Winter Solstice Day, 10th Year of Hongzhi [Ming Dynasty]