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The Yuan-Source point of the Large Intestine is Hegu (LI4), the Yuan-Source point of the Stomach is Chongyang (ST42), the Yuan-Source point of the Small Intestine is Wangu (SI4), the Yuan-Source point of the Bladder is Jinggu (BL64), the Yuan-Source point of the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) is Yangchi (TE4), and the Yuan-Source point of the Gallbladder is Qiuxu (GB40).

The lengths discussed in the *Gu Du* (Bone Measurement) chapter of the *Ling Shu Jing* (Spiritual Pivot) are ancient measurements. Currently, according to the measurement method of the head: from the anterior hairline to the posterior hairline is measured as 1 chi 2 cun. If the hairline is unclear, this standard is applied universally. From the Shenting (GV24) point on the Du Meridian to the Qucha (BL7) point on the Taiyang (Bladder) Meridian, from Qucha to the Benshen (GB13) point on the Shaoyang (Gallbladder) Meridian, and from Benshen to the Touwei (ST8) point on the Yangming (Stomach) Meridian, each is laterally offset by 1.5 cun; from Shenting to Touwei, each is laterally offset by 4.5 cun. For the vertical measurement of the chest and abdomen, the midline is the primary reference: starting from the Quepen (ST12) and Tiantu (CV22) points up to the Zhongting (CV12) point at the upper end of the xiphisternal junction, it is measured as 8.4 cun; from the lower end of the xiphisternal junction down to the center of the umbilicus, it is measured as 8 cun; from the center of the umbilicus down to the Qugu (CV2) point at the pubic symphysis, it is measured as 5 cun. For the horizontal measurement of the chest and abdomen, the distance between the two nipples is measured as 8 cun. The horizontal and vertical measurements of the chest and abdomen all follow this standard.

For the back measurement: from Dazhui (GV14) to the coccyx, the total measurement is 3 chi. The upper seven vertebrae are each 1.41 cun long, totaling 9.87 cun; the middle seven vertebrae are each 1.61 cun long, totaling 11.27 cun; the fourteenth vertebra is level with the umbilicus; the lower seven vertebrae are each 1.26 cun long, totaling 8.82 cun. The total is 2 chi 9.96 cun, with less than 0.04 cun remaining as an uncalculated fraction.

The inner depression of the spinal column is 1 cun wide. Whenever it is stated that the second row is 1.5 cun from the spine and the third row is 3 cun from the spine, one must subtract the 1 cun width of the spinous processes themselves, calculating net distances of 1.5 cun and 3 cun respectively. Therefore, the second row should be considered 2 cun away, and the third row 3.5 cun away.

For measuring the sides and limbs, the Finger-Cun (Zhongzhi Tongshen Cun) method using the middle finger is generally correct.

Head: The head is the summit where all Yang meridians converge. Any part of an object that protrudes singly is called the head.

Brain: The brain is the marrow within the skull bones. The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian connects to the brain, and the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian belongs to the Sea of Marrow. The brain is the Sea of Marrow; when the Sea of Marrow is sufficient, the head feels light and strength is abundant; when insufficient, there is dizziness, tinnitus, vertigo, soreness in the shins, and a desire to lie down.

Dian (Vertex): Dian refers to the top of the head. The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian and the Du Meridian meet at the vertex; the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian crosses the vertex; the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian also crosses the vertex. The top of the head is commonly known as the Tianlinggai (Sky Spirit Cover).

Fontanelle (Xin): The fontanelle is the skull bone at the front of the vertex. In newborns, before closure, it is called the Xinmen (Fontanel Gate); after closure, it is called the Xingu (Fontanel Bone), which is the bone behind the Tianlinggai.

Temporal Angle (Toujiao): These are the bony prominences on both sides of the forehead. The sinews and vessels of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian ascend to the temporal angles.

Forehead (E'luo): The area below the anterior hairline and above the two eyebrows is called the forehead, also known as Sang. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian reaches the forehead; the sinews of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian ascend to the left corner of the forehead; the sinews of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian knot at the upper corner of the forehead; the sinews of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian ascend to the forehead.

Hair: The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian governs the hair, and hair is considered the surplus of blood.

Face: The front is called the face, and the back is called the back. The essence and qi of the five Zang organs ascend to fumigate the face. Thus, a white complexion corresponds to the Lung; pallor occurs in cases of Qi depletion, Blood depletion, or Body Fluid depletion; a red complexion corresponds to the Heart; a yellow complexion corresponds to the Spleen; a greenish complexion corresponds to the Liver; and a black complexion corresponds to the Kidney. Therefore, black indicates excess Yin and departing Yang, causing the face to turn black. The area below the zygomatic bone and outside the Yingxiang (LI20) point is the center of the face, corresponding to the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian; the area inside the zygomatic arches and above the Mianwang (Tip of Nose) corresponds to the Hand-Shaoyang Small Intestine Meridian. The Small Intestine Meridian follows the cheek upwards and obliquely connects to the zygoma. When Qi and Blood of the Small Intestine are abundant, the facial muscles are full and flat; when deficient, the face is thin and the complexion is poor.

Yan (Forehead/Brow Area): Yan refers to the area between the eyebrows and eyes. The space between the eyebrows is called Guan, corresponding to the throat.

Eyebrows: Eyebrows belong to the Liver, and the Liver Meridian ascends from the eye system to the forehead. The Liver and Gallbladder are interior-exteriorly related. Wind-heat and phlegm in the Foot-Shaoyang Meridian cause pain in the eyebrow ridge. This condition often affects the eyes; if pus flows to both ears, it is critical. It also corresponds to the Bladder; when the Qi and Blood of the Foot-Taiyang Meridian are abundant, eyebrows are beautiful and have fine hairs.

Eyes: The eyes are the orifices for vision. Since the Liver orifice is in the eyes, discussion of the eyes must begin with the Liver.

Eye Socket (Jingke): Refers to the eyeball. The essence and Qi of the Zang and Fu organs ascend into the eyes to form the clarity of vision; the essence of Blood is the general network of the eye socket.

Pupil (Tongshen): The essence of Bone forms the pupil, which belongs to the Kidney. If Kidney Water is deficient and cannot nourish the Liver, the brilliance fails to condense, leading to a dilated, lusterless pupil.

Black Pupil: Also known as the black ring outside the pupil, it belongs to the Liver and is the essence of Sinew. It connects internally to the Eye System. The deepest part of the medial canthus is the Eye System. Rising Liver Fire causes redness and pain in both rings.

White Pupil: The essence of Qi forms the white eye. The white area surrounding the black ring externally belongs to the Lung. Rising Lung Fire results in red veins on the white sclera.

Canthus (Zi): The outer corner is called the Rui Zi (Sharp Canthus), and the inner corner near the nose is called the Nei Zi (Inner Canthus). Both belong to the Heart. The sinews and vessels of the Small Intestine and Sanjiao meridians reach the sharp canthus. The Gallbladder Meridian originates at the sharp canthus. Sinews also knot at the sharp canthus. Branches of the Small Intestine Meridian reach the inner canthus. The Bladder Meridian originates at the inner canthus.

Eyelids: Both upper and lower eyelids belong to the Spleen and are the essence of Muscle, responsible for holding together and binding. Fine sinews of the Stomach scatter under the eyes to form the lower rim; fine sinews of the Bladder form the upper rim. The eye rims are the edges of the upper and lower eyelids, also called lashes, governing the opening and closing of the eyes.

Eyelashes: Belong to the Spleen. Deficiency of Spleen and Stomach Qi causes the eyelid skin to shrink tightly, making the eye aperture small, leading to inverted eyelashes (Trichiasis).

Eye Tears: Tears are the fluid of the Liver. Wind moves water; when Liver Wind stirs, tears flow. Liver Heat also causes excessive tearing, like bamboo sap flowing out when heated. Tearing in the wind is due to the combination of Wind and Fire. Sorrow moves Heart Qi, pressing against Liver Qi, causing tears.

Eye Discharge (Chi): Eye discharge belongs to the congealing of Lung Qi, becoming hard.

Orbital Bone: The orbit is the bone surrounding the eye socket. The upper part is the eyebrow ridge; the lower part is the orbital bone. Outside the orbital bone is the zygomatic bone. The infraorbital bone connects internally and inferiorly to the upper gum.

Shangen (Root of Nose): The nasal bridge is the Shangen.

Nose: The nose is the orifice for smelling.

Shangen: The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian intersects at the Shangen. Shangen is also called Xiaji and corresponds to the Heart.

Nasal Column: Located below the Shangen, physiognomists call it Nianshou, corresponding to the Liver. The left and right sides of Nianshou correspond to the Gallbladder.

Mianwang (King of Face/Nose Tip): Located below the nasal column, physiognomists call it Zhuntou or Mingtang. It belongs to Earth and corresponds to the Spleen. The sides of Mingtang are Fangshang; above Yingxiang is Nasui, called Lantai Tingwei by physiognomists, corresponding to the Stomach. The Stomach Meridian originates on both sides of the nose, and sinews also knot beside the nose at this location.

Nostrils: The Large Intestine Meridian flanks the nostrils; the Small Intestine Meridian reaches the nose; the sinews of the Bladder knot below and on both sides of the nose.

Zygoma: The zygoma is the root of bone. Redness of both zygomas indicates Kidney failure. The sinews of the Bladder, Gallbladder, and Large Intestine meridians all knot at the zygoma; the sinews of the Stomach combine at the zygoma; the zygomatic point of the Small Intestine Meridian is in the depression at the sharp end of the bone below the zygoma. The Renzhong (Philtrum) corresponds to the Bladder and Uterus. Flat and shallow philtrum with no beard suggests infertility. The Large Intestine Meridian intersects at the Renzhong; the Shuigou (GV26) point of the Du Meridian is located at the Renzhong.

[Text fragment]: The bone near the incisors between the inner side of the nose. [Text fragment]: Commonly referred to as the cheek, the soft fleshy area in front of the jaw near the mouth.

Ear: The ear is the orifice for hearing. Kidney Qi connects to the ear; when Kidney Essence is sufficient, hearing is acute. Pathologies should be deduced from the Kidney pulse.

Bi (Ear Door): Refers to the Ermen (TE21) point.

Auricle (Er Guo): Refers to the ear leaf. The Stomach Meridian ascends in front of the ear, and sinews knot there. The Gallbladder and Sanjiao Meridians both travel in front of the ear. Sinews from the front of the ear connect to the lateral canthus. The sinews of the Small Intestine and Bladder meridians all knot behind the ear at the Wanggu bone. Branches of the Stomach Meridian, as well as the Gallbladder and Sanjiao Meridians, pass behind the ear.

Cheek (Jia): Refers to the sides of the face in front of the ear and zygoma. The sinews and vessels of the Large Intestine Meridian ascend to the cheek; the Small Intestine Meridian ascends to the cheek; the sinews of the Stomach follow the cheek upward; the sinews and vessels of the Gallbladder pass through the cheek; the Liver Meridian descends along the cheek; the Sanjiao Meridian at the curved jaw also intersects the cheek. The Jiache (ST6) point of the Stomach is located below the ear.

Curved Jaw (Qujia): The bone of the cheek, curved like a ring, receiving the hook of the Jiache bone tail.

Jiache (Cheek Carriage): The lower jawbone. It holds all teeth and enables chewing, hence the name Jiache.

Mouth: The mouth is the orifice for speech and eating, belonging to the Spleen and Stomach. The Large Intestine Meridian intersects at the mouth, but the Spleen is primary because flavors enter the mouth and are stored in the Stomach; the Spleen then transforms and transports essences to nourish the five Zang organs. Thus, the Qi of the five Zang organs is governed by the Spleen, and imbalances of the five Zang manifest in the mouth.

Lips: The ends of the mouth. Governed by the Liver, Spleen, and Stomach meridians. Heat causes intense redness; cold causes pale red; Excess causes vibrant red; Deficiency causes yellow-white. Dryness of the Spleen leads to dry lips; Heat of the Spleen leads to cracked lips; Liver Wind causes continuous lip twitching; Cold of the Spleen causes blue lips or peeling. Emotional fire injuring Blood, Heart Fire transmitting to the Spleen, or accumulation of rich flavors damaging the Spleen can cause swollen lips with white wrinkled skin like silkworm cocoons, or swelling under the lips like black dates.

Kiss (Wen): The circumference of the mouth. Mustaches above the mouth are governed by the Large Intestine.

Chin/Yi (Yi): Below the corners of the mouth and the mandible. Beard on the Yi is governed by the Gallbladder.

Chin (Ke): The area from the lower lip to its tip, commonly called the lower jaw shell. Beard on the chin is governed by the Stomach.

Submandibular Region (Han): The soft fleshy area on both sides below the chin and above the laryngeal prominence. Sinews of the Small Intestine knot here; sinews and vessels of the Gallbladder pass through here.

Teeth: Bones grown in the gums. The inner bed is called Chi (teeth proper); the outer plate is called Ya (gums/teeth collectively). Teeth are the external indicator of the Kidney; dental diseases should be treated by addressing the Kidney. Dental issues first distinguish whether the disease is in the gums or the teeth. The upper bed belongs to the Stomach, preferring cold and disliking heat; the lower bed belongs to the Large Intestine, preferring heat and disliking cold. Treat the teeth for gum diseases, and treat the gums for tooth diseases; otherwise, they do not correspond.

Tongue: The tongue is the sprout of the Heart and the orifice for taste. It is connected by the sinews and vessels of the Spleen, Kidney, Bladder, and Sanjiao meridians.

Root of Tongue (Sheben): The root of the tongue.

Hangsang (Posterior Nasal Aperture): The two upper holes inside the mouth, serving as the orifice for distributing Qi.

Uvula (Xuanyongchui): The small tongue-like structure seen hanging from the roof of the mouth when opening wide, commonly called the pestle mouth.

Throat (Hou): The pathway for voice and breath, located in front of the esophagus, connecting to the Lung, governing exhalation. Hence it is called the Lung System or Hou. Qi connects to Heaven; severe Lung Heat causes hoarseness. The Stomach and Kidney meridians follow the throat.

Esophagus (Yan): The pathway for food and drink, located behind the throat, connecting to the Stomach, governing ingestion. The stomach opening is below the diaphragm. The distance from the esophagus to the stomach is 1 chi 6 cun, collectively called the Yanmen (Esophageal Gate). Below the Yanmen is the diaphragm. Esophageal Qi connects to Earth. The Heart and Spleen meridians flank the esophagus, causing dryness. The Liver Meridian follows behind the throat, causing dryness.

Houlong (Windpipe/Throat): The system of the Lung.

Yi (Lower Throat): The system of the Stomach. The lower part of the esophagus is called Yi. The Small Intestine Meridian follows the esophagus causing pain in the Yi; the Sanjiao Meridian passes through the throat causing swelling in the Yi.

Epiglottis (Huiyan): Covers the upper orifice of the larynx, resembling skin or membrane, governing opening and closing, serving as the door for sound. If not covered during swallowing, food enters incorrectly. When the tongue presses against the upper palate, the epiglottis can cover the throat. If any of the four—throat, esophagus, Yi, or epiglottis—is missing, eating and drinking cease, leading to death.

Laryngeal Prominence (Jiehoulou): The head of the laryngeal tube. In thin individuals, it is often visible externally; in obese individuals with thick necks, it is hidden within the flesh and often invisible.

Upper Transverse Bone (Shang Henggu): Located in the depression in front of the throat, outside the Tiantu (CV22) point. The transverse bone connects laterally to the clavicle.

Clavicle (Zhugu): Outside the Suken (Supraclavicular fossa) on the chest, commonly called the collarbone. Internally connects to the transverse bone; externally connects to the shoulder joint.

Shoulder Joint (Jianjie): The site of the bone joint at the end of the shoulder.

[Shoulder Bone Description]: The bone at the acromion. Specifically, the upper ridge bone of the glenoid cavity of the scapula. Its cavity connects to the upper end of the humerus, commonly called the shoulder head. The curved wing-like bone externally is the ridge bone behind the shoulder. The lower ridge bone is within the back muscles.

Scapula (Jianjia): The flat bone at the end of the aforementioned bone, also named Jianbo, commonly called the scapula board. The sinews and vessels of the Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and Sanjiao meridians all reach the shoulder; the Gallbladder Meridian reaches the top of the shoulder; the Jianjing (GB21) point belongs to the Gallbladder. The sinews of the Bladder and Lung meridians all knot at the shoulder.

Arm (Bi): A general term for the two major branches of the upper body. Also called Gong, commonly known as the arm. The junction of the upper and lower bones in the middle segment of the arm is called the Elbow (Zhou). The bone above the elbow is the Humerus (Gonggu); the bone below the elbow is the Arm Bone (Bigu). The arm has two bones: the Radius (Fu) and the Ulna (Zheng). The Radius is superior, short, thin, and lateral; the Ulna is inferior, long, thick, and medial. Both connect downward to the wrist bones.

Wrist (Wan): The junction of the arm and palm bones, named for its curvature. The bone on the lateral side is called the High Bone (Gaogu), also known as the Sharp Bone (Ruigu) or Ankle Bone (Huai gu).

Thenar Eminence (Yu): The fleshy mound on the lateral side of the palm, behind the thumb, shaped like a fish, hence called Yu.

Hand (Shou): The hand is used by the upper body to hold objects. The center of the palm is the Palm Center (Shouxin); the exterior surface is the Back of the Hand (Shoubei).

Metacarpals (Zhanggu): The roots of the fingers. The collective bones of the palm are called Yonggu, coming together to form the palm, not a single block of bone.

Thumb (Shou Dazhi): Belongs to the Lung. The Lung Meridian enters from the axilla and exits at the tip of the thumb. The lung sinews originate at the tip of the thumb. Next to the Shaoshang (LU11) point, on the radial side of the thumb, about the width of a leek leaf from the nail. Following the palm straight up past the base of the thumb is the Yuji (LU10) point, the Ying-Spring point of the Lung. At the proximal palmar crease is the Taiyuan (LU9) point, the Yuan-Source point of the Lung. Behind Taiyuan is the Jingqu (LU8) point, the Jing-River point of the Lung. 1.5 cun distal to the wrist is the Lieque (LU7) point, the Luo-Connecting point of the Lung. In the depression at the cubital fold is the Chize (LU5) point, the He-Sea point of the Lung. Following medially upwards, entering the axilla, the dispersed sinews return from the axilla to the shoulder, knotting in the gap of the shoulder bone.

Index Finger (Shi Zhi): Belongs to the Large Intestine. The sinews and vessels of the Large Intestine Meridian all originate at the tip of the index finger. Next to the Shangyang (LI1) point, about the width of a leek leaf from the nail, is the Jing-Well point of the Large Intestine. Flowing into the depression on the radial side before the proximal interphalangeal joint is the Erjian (LI2) point, the Ying-Spring point of the Large Intestine. Injecting into the depression behind the proximal interphalangeal joint is the Sanjian (LI3) point, the Shu-Stream point of the Large Intestine. Passing through the Hegu (LI4) point, the Yuan-Source point of the Large Intestine. On the dorsal side of the wrist is the Yangxi (LI5) point, the Jing-River point of the Large Intestine. 3 cun distal to the wrist is the Pianli (LI6) point, the Luo-Connecting point of the Large Intestine. At the end of the cubital crease is the Quchi (LI11) point, the He-Sea point of the Large Intestine. From here, passing through Sanli (LI10), the depression at the elbow (Zhouwuli), and another three points, ascending straight up to knot in front of the shoulder.

Middle Finger (Zhong Zhi): Belongs to the Pericardium. The Pericardium Meridian travels from the torso, enters the elbow and arm, and emerges at the tip of the middle finger. Its sinews originate at the ulnar end of the tip of the middle finger. Next to the Zhongchong (PC9) point, about the width of a leek leaf from the nail, is the Jing-Well point of the Heart. The Heart is the Heavenly Ruler; its Jing-Well points etc. are all located in the Pericardium. By flexing the middle and ring fingers, the Laogong (PC8) point is obtained, the Ying-Spring point of the Heart. Between the two tendons at the back of the palm is the Daling (PC7) point, the Yuan-Source point of the Heart. 2 cun proximal to the wrist, between the two tendons, is the Neiguan (PC6) point, the Luo-Connecting point of the Heart Master. 3 cun proximal to the wrist is the Jianshi (PC5) point, the Jing-River point of the Heart. In the central depression at the cubital fold is the Quze (PC3) point, the He-Sea point of the Heart. Ascending along the Tianquan (PC2) point, it knots in the axilla.

Ring Finger (Wuming Zhi): Belongs to the Sanjiao (Triple Burner). The sinews and vessels of the Sanjiao Meridian all originate at the ulnar side of the ring finger. Next to the Guanchong (TE1) point, about the width of a leek leaf from the nail, is the Jing-Well point of the Sanjiao. Flowing into the depression at the base of the proximal phalanx between the little and ring fingers is the Yemen (TE2) point, the Ying-Spring point of the Sanjiao. Injecting 1 cun distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint is the Zhongzhu (TE3) point, the Shu-Stream point of the Sanjiao. Knotting at the Yangchi (TE4) point in the wrist is the Yuan-Source point of the Sanjiao. Ascending straight up 2 cun distal to the wrist is the Waiguan (TE5) point, the Luo-Connecting point of the Sanjiao. 3 cun distal to the wrist is the Zhigou (TE6) point, the Jing-River point of the Sanjiao. Knotting in the depression of the large bone at the lateral elbow is the Tianjing (TE10) point, the He-Sea point of the Sanjiao. Ascending to the Jianliao (TE14) point. A branch of the Pericardium Meridian travels through the palm, emerging at the tip of the ring finger.

Little Finger (Xiao Zhi): The medial side belongs to the Heart; the lateral side belongs to the Small Intestine. The Heart Meridian follows downwards, exits the elbow, and emerges at the tip of the little finger. The heart sinews originate at the tip of the little finger on the medial side. Next to the Shaochong (HT9) point, about the width of a leek leaf from the nail, ascending straight into the palm along the posterior border, is the Shenmen (HT7) point, located in the depression of the sharp bone at the back of the palm. Passing through the Tongli (HT5) point, the Luo-Connecting point of the Heart, in the depression 1 cun proximal to the wrist. Passing through the Shaohai (HT3) point, 5 fen distal to the end of the elbow, in the posterior lateral aspect of the large bone of the elbow, obtained by flexing the elbow towards the head. Passing through the Jimen (HT1) point, between the sinews under the axilla. The sinews and vessels of the Small Intestine Meridian all originate at the lateral side of the little finger. Next to the Shaoze (SI1) point, 1 fen from the nail, is the Jing-Well point of the Small Intestine. Flowing into the depression on the lateral side before the proximal interphalangeal joint is the Qian-gu (SI2) point, the Ying-Spring point of the Small Intestine. Injecting into the depression behind the proximal interphalangeal joint on the lateral side is the Houxi (SI3) point, the Shu-Stream point of the Small Intestine. Ascending straight to the wrist, in the depression of the rising bone is the Wangu (SI4) point, the Yuan-Source point of the Small Intestine. Below the ankle is the Yanggu (SI5) point, the Jing-River point of the Small Intestine. 5 cun proximal to the wrist is the Zhizheng (SI7) point, the Luo-Connecting point of the Small Intestine. Posterior to the sharp bone of the elbow is the Xiaohai (SI8) point, the He-Sea point of the Small Intestine. Ascending from here, passing the shoulder joint and scapula, crossing onto the top of the shoulder.

Nails (Zhujia): The nails of the fingers. Those of the toes are similar. The Liver governs the sinews, and nails are the surplus of the sinews.

Qigu (Ridge Bone): Any bone bifurcating into two is called Qigu. Applies to both hands and feet.

Lung: Below the throat is the Lung. The throat is in front of the esophagus, governing exhalation. The throat system is firm and hollow, connecting to the lung tubes, governing respiration, and communicating inferiorly with the orifices of the Heart and Liver. The Classics state: The Lung is the official of administration, from whom regulations issue. Its shape hangs down on four sides, attaching to the third thoracic vertebra, with twenty-four openings arranged in rows to distribute Qi to the viscera. It is the chief of the Zang organs and the canopy of the Heart. It is said that this meridian has much Qi and little Blood. The *Nan Jing* states: The Lung weighs 3 jin 3 liang, has six lobes and two ears, totaling eight lobes. It houses the Hun (Ethereal Soul). The *Zhong Zang Jing* states: The Lung is the source of generating Qi, the Huagai (Canopy) of the five Zang organs. Zhang Jiabin stated: The lung lobes are white and luminous, called the Huagai because they cover the other viscera. They are hollow like beecombs, without perforations below; inhalation fills them, exhalation empties them. Breathing occurs naturally, regulating the transport and transformation of clear and turbid Qi, serving as the bellows (Tuoyue) of the human body.

Ying (Chest Side): The high areas on both sides of the upper chest are called Ying. The Stomach Meridian reaches the Ying; the Gallbladder Meridian connects to the Ying.

Chest (Xiong): Below the supraclavicular fossa (Quepen) is the Chest, located below the Ying. The Lung Meridian spreads in the chest; the sinews of the Lung and Heart knot in the chest; the sinews and vessels of the Spleen scatter in the chest; the Liver Meridian ascends to the chest; the Gallbladder Meridian descends through the chest; the Kidney Meridian enters the Lung and injects into the chest; the Pericardium Meridian originates in the chest; the sinews scatter in the chest.

Heart: The Heart is the sovereign ruler, from whom divine intelligence emerges. It is located below the lung tube, above the diaphragm, attaching to the fifth thoracic vertebra. Its correspondence is the Pulse, its flourishing is the Color. It opens into the Ear, and also into the Tongue. It is said that this meridian has little Blood and little Qi. The *Nan Jing* states: The Heart weighs 12 liang, has seven orifices and three hairs, contains 3 he of essence juice, and houses the Shen (Spirit). Zhang Jiabin stated: The heart is pointed and round, like a lotus stamen, with varying numbers of internal holes to guide the arrival of True Primal Qi. It has no perforations below and connects to the tongue above, having four systems to communicate with the four Zang organs. Outside the heart is wrapped in yellow-red fat, forming the Pericardium. Below the heart is the diaphragm, encircling and attaching to the spine, shielding turbid Qi so it does not ascend to fumigate the Heart and Lung, known as the Danzhong (Sea of Qi).

Pericardium (Xinbao): Located around the four sides of the Heart to protect it, specifically in the center of the two holes at the Danzhong (CV17) point. All sinews and vessels descend from the chest through the diaphragm, piercing the chest; the sinews and vessels of the Lung, Heart, Spleen, Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney, and Pericardium meridians all pass through here. The Sanjiao Meridian also spreads in the Danzhong. Zhang Jiabin stated: The Pericardium is a Zang organ; the *Nan Jing* says it is formless. Hua Shou stated: The Pericardium is also called the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Master. Comparing with Zang-Fu images, it is located above the horizontal membrane and below the vertical membrane in the lower chest. What adheres to the horizontal membrane and is wrapped in yellow fat is the Heart; what has fine filaments like silk outside the fat connecting to the Heart and Lung is the Pericardium. This explanation is correct. Those who say it is formless are incorrect. The *Ling Lan Mi Dian Lun* lists twelve officials but omits the Pericardium, instead mentioning Danzhong: "The Official of the Envoy, from whom joy and pleasure emerge." Examining now, the Pericardium is stored above the diaphragm, originating in the chest, precisely at the location of Danzhong, positioned as Ministerial Fire, acting on behalf of the Sovereign, truly serving as the Envoy. This official refers to this meridian.

[Text fragment]: This is the name for the various bones of the chest.

Breast (Ru): Two fleshy prominences on the upper chest with nipples, used by women to nurse infants. The breast tissue belongs to the Stomach; the nipple belongs to the Liver.

Jiuwei (Tail Dove): Also known as the Bi Xin Gu (Shielding Heart Bone). Its texture is brittle cartilage, located below the chest between the Qigu (xiphisternal junction).

Diaphragm (Ge): The boundary between the lower chest and upper abdomen. There is a diaphragm below the human heart, aligning anteriorly with Jiuwei and posteriorly with the eleventh thoracic vertebra, encircling and attaching to the spine, thereby shielding turbid Qi. Commonly called Luo Ge. Among the Twelve Primary Meridians, only the Bladder Meridian does not pierce the diaphragm; the others can all cause diaphragmatic pain.

Liver: The Classics state: The Liver is the general officer, from whom strategies emerge. It is located below the diaphragm, attaching superiorly to the ninth thoracic vertebra. This meridian has much Blood and little Qi. Its correspondence is the Sinew, its flourishing is the Nail. It houses the Hun (Ethereal Soul) and opens into the Eyes. Its system connects superiorly to the Heart and Lung, with no orifice inferiorly. The *Nan Jing* states: The Liver weighs 2 jin 4 liang, has three lobes on the left and four on the right, totaling seven lobes. As a Zang organ, its treatment focuses on the left, but its storage is in the right hypochondrium, anterior to the right Kidney, adjacent to the Stomach, attaching to the ninth thoracic vertebra.

Gallbladder: The Classics state: The Gallbladder is the official of integrity, from whom decisions emerge. This meridian has much Blood and little Qi. It is said that all eleven Zang organs depend on the Gallbladder. The *Nan Jing* states: The Gallbladder is between the short lobes of the Liver, weighs 3 liang 3 zhu, is 3 cun long, and contains 3 he of essence juice. The *Zhong Zang Jing* states: The Gallbladder is the pure and clear Fu organ, nicknamed the General, housing but not draining. Cold Gallbladder causes insomnia; Heat Gallbladder causes drowsiness.

Spleen: The Classics state: The Spleen and Stomach are the officials of the granary, from whom the five flavors emerge. Also the official of remonstrance, from whom wisdom emerges. The Spleen houses the Yi (Intellect). Its shape is like a sickle, attached with the same membrane as the Stomach on its left side, corresponding to the twelfth thoracic vertebra. Hearing a sound causes it to move; movement grinds the Stomach and governs transformation and transportation. Its correspondence is the Flesh, its flourishing is the Lips. It opens into the Mouth. This meridian has much Qi and little Blood. The *Nan Jing* states: The Spleen weighs 2 jin 3 liang, is broad and flat, 3 cun wide, 5 cun long, with half a jin of scattered pancreas. It wraps Blood and warms the five Zang organs. The *Zhong Zang Jing* states: The Spleen primarily digests grains and nourishes the four peripheries.

Stomach: The Stomach is the sea of water and grain, the great origin of the five Zang and six Fu organs; thus Stomach Qi is the foundation of the body. The esophagus is soft and hollow, connecting inferiorly to the Stomach as the pathway for food and drink. The distance from the esophagus to the Stomach is 1 chi 6 cun, collectively called the Yanmen (Esophageal Gate). The Stomach is 1 chi 5 cun in girth, 5 cun in diameter, 2 chi 6 cun long, horizontally coiled to receive 3 dou 5 sheng of water and grain, typically retaining 2 dou of grain and 1 dou 5 sheng of water when full. This meridian has much Qi and much Blood. The *Nan Jing* states: The Stomach weighs 2 jin 1 liang. Zhang Jiabin stated: The upper opening of the Stomach is called Benmen (Gate of Transport); the essence and Qi of food and drink ascend from here to the Spleen and Lung, distributing through the vessels. The lower opening of the Stomach is the upper opening of the Small Intestine, called Youmen (Gate of the Deep).

Sanjiao (Triple Burner): The Classics state: The Upper Burner is like mist; the Middle Burner is like fermentation; the Lower Burner is like drainage. The Sanjiao is the official of irrigation, from whom water pathways emerge. This meridian has little Blood and much Qi. The *Zhong Zang Jing* states: The Sanjiao is the Primordial Qi of humans, numbered the Clear Fu, commanding the Qi of Ying and Wei, meridians, and Zang and Fu organs internally and externally, left and right, superior and inferior. When the Sanjiao is unobstructed, everything internally and externally, superior and inferior, left and right is unobstructed. In irrigating and harmonizing the whole body, regulating internally and nourishing externally, nourishing the left and supporting the right, guiding superior and disseminating inferior, nothing surpasses this.

Abdomen (Fu): Below the diaphragm is the Abdomen, commonly called the belly. Below the umbilicus is the Lesser Abdomen (Shaofu), also called the Small Abdomen (Xiaofu).