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Use a strip of wax paper or bamboo slip, pre-cut to a length equivalent to six *cun* (Chinese inches) of the patient's own body measurement. Place it horizontally across the center of the upper margin of the fifth thoracic vertebra (T5). Mark this position with an ink circle. Ensure that the six-*cun* length is centered within this ink circle, extending three *cun* on each side without stretching or shrinking. At the extreme ends of the paper strip or bamboo slip, mark two additional ink circles. The diameter of these circles should be three *fen* (one-tenth of a *cun*) (The *Qianjin Fang* records: The Yellow Emperor said, "If moxibustion cones are not at least three *fen* in diameter, the moxibustion is futile." Moxa cones should generally be large; if they are small or weak, reduce them appropriately based on judgment. "Small" refers to children, and "weak" refers to individuals with deficient constitutions.) Position these two new circles so that half lies inside the head of the paper strip/bamboo slip and half outside, aligning vertically with the high and low points defined by the upper and lower ink circles at T5. These three circles form a straight line, serving as the standard for determining the distance between the left and right acupoints.

[Diagram: Determining the Distance Between Acupoints]
[Diagram: Styles of Moxa Cone Sizes]

Furthermore, use the previously prepared paper strip or bamboo slip calibrated to the patient's *cun*. Starting from the ink-marked center at the upper margin of T5, measure vertically downward along the spine four *cun* to the level of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), and mark this point with ink. From this ink mark, measure diagonally upward toward the center of the ink circle marking the moxa application site on both sides. Each diagonal measurement should equal five *cun* of the patient's body measurement. This establishes the standard for the vertical alignment and levelness of the two acupoints.

[Diagram: Gougu Method for Locating Acupoints]
[Diagram: Diagram of the Gougu Method for Leveling Acupoints]

Instruct the patient to sit upright and steady. Have them place their right hand over the right shoulder, anchoring it against the neck, and extend their fingers flat against the back. Mark the location touched by the tip of the middle finger with ink. Repeat the same procedure with the left hand. Next, palpate from the superior angle of the scapula down to its inferior border. There should be four ribs and three intercostal spaces in between (These four ribs extend horizontally from the scapula to the spine; apply firm pressure during massage. If what feels like depression under the finger is tendon rather than bone, the *Qianjin Fang* suggests that the character "rib" in "four ribs" might be an error, referring instead to the space between tendons. Wang Yiwang, in the *Tongren Jiujing*, corrected "space between tendons" to "intercostal space." The method of placing the right hand over the right shoulder is consistent. The *Qianjin Yi* suggests placing the right hand over the left shoulder; however, doing so would cause the finger to touch below T5, far from the actual acupoint, which is incorrect. One should adhere to the method described here.) The moxa acupoint should be located in the middle of these three intercostal spaces. Based on the inferior border of the scapula, leave space sufficient for inserting one finger sideways, palpate the surface of the muscle tissue, and press upon the acupoint located in the space between the tendons. The patient should perceive a pulling sensation radiating to the chest and shoulder (The *Qianjin Yi* notes: "The sensation pulls to the shoulder." Shicang Ren used a comb or tendon-tip to press the acupoint to make it firmer, making it easier for the patient to perceive.) Compare this location with the previously circled moxa site; it should be below or to the side of the initial finger-touch mark, in areas unreachable by the finger, to verify the accuracy of the acupoint. However, finger lengths vary, and skin thickness differs. If they coincide, it is ideal. If they do not match, do not discard other methods based solely on this criterion. In cases where the scapula is significantly distant from the spine, exceeding three *cun*, the method of locating points three *cun* lateral to the spine may be difficult. Instead, simply locate the middle of the four ribs and three intercostal spaces, using the space beside the inferior scapular border accommodating one finger as the guide for the acupoint.

[Diagram: Verification Method for Locating Acupoints]