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Figure of the Nine Needles I

Di Needle: Its head is large, and its tip is sharp. It is modeled after the needle used to secure caps, with the tip gradually sharpened over the last half cun (approx. 1.6 cm) from the end. The total length is one cun six fen (approx. 3.8 cm). It is primarily used for treating heat in the head and body.

Yuan Zhen (Round Needle): The shaft is cylindrical, and the tip is ovoid. It is modeled after the needle used for quilting. The length is one cun six fen (approx. 3.8 cm). It is primarily used to treat qi stagnation between muscles and flesh, promoting the free flow of qi throughout the body.

Ti Needle: The shaft is thick, and the tip is round. It is modeled after the sharp point of a millet grain. The length is three cun and half (approx. 7.5 cm). It is primarily used to press on meridians to gather healthy qi and expel pathogenic factors.

Feng Zhen (Sharp Needle): The shaft is cylindrical, and the tip is sharp. It is modeled after the needle used for quilting. The length is one cun six fen (approx. 3.8 cm). It is primarily used for bleeding in cases of carbuncles and heat toxins. As stated in the chapter "Nine Needles and Twelve Source Points": "A blade with three edges is used to dispel entrenched diseases."

Figure of the Nine Needles II

Pi Zhen (Pike Needle): The tip is like the edge of a sword, capable of draining large amounts of pus. It is two and a half fen (approx. 0.6 cm) wide and four cun (approx. 9.6 cm) long. It is primarily used for treating large abscesses resulting from the contention of two heat pathogens.

Yuan Li Zhen (Round-Sharp Needle): The tip is arrowhead-shaped, being both round and sharp. The end is slightly larger, while the shaft is thinner. It is modeled after an arrowhead. The length is one cun six fen (approx. 3.8 cm). It is primarily used for treating carbuncles and bi-syndrome (obstruction syndrome).

Hao Zhen (Filiform Needle): The tip is like the proboscis of a mosquito or horsefly. It is modeled after fine hair. The length is one cun six fen (approx. 3.8 cm). It is primarily used for treating cold, heat, pain, and obstruction in the collaterals.

Figure of the Nine Needles III

Chang Zhen (Long Needle): The shaft is long, and the tip is sharp. It is modeled after the Qi needle. The length is seven cun (approx. 16.8 cm). It is primarily used to eliminate deep-seated pathogens and distant bi-syndrome.

Da Zhen (Large Needle): The tip is slightly rounded. It is modeled after the Sharp Needle. The length is four cun (approx. 9.6 cm). It is primarily used to disperse large accumulations of qi trapped within the joints.

Head and Face Region | Throat, Mouth, Lips, and Tongue Region | Neck and Shoulder Region | Chest and Abdomen Region | Back Region | Hypochondriac Region | Limbs Region | Skin, Muscle, and Flesh Region | Sinews, Bones, Blood, and Vessels Region | Zang-Fu Organs Region | Anterior and Posterior Orifices Region

[Head and Face Region]

Dian (Vertex): The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian intersects at the vertex. The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian and the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) meet at the vertex. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao (Triple Burner) Meridian has a branch reaching the vertex. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) The sinews of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian intersect above the vertex. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The Du Mai ascends to the forehead, intersects at the vertex, and enters to connect with the brain. (See Meridians Vol. 27.)

Brain and Marrow: The straight branch of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian enters to connect with the brain. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian follows the eye system to connect with the brain. (See Meridians Vol. 13.) All marrow belongs to the brain. (See Meridians Vol. 21.) The brain is the sea of marrow. (See Meridians Vol. 32.) The brain is Yin; marrow is the substance that fills the bones. (See Diseases Vol. 80.) Marrow is governed by the brain. (See Diseases Vol. 36.) The essence of muscle forms the eyelids, which envelop the essence of sinews, bones, blood, and qi, merging with the vessels to form the optic nerve, which connects upward to the brain. (See Diseases Vol. 81.)

Forehead and Skull: The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian follows the hairline to the forehead and skull. The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian ascends to the forehead. The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian emerges from the forehead. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The sinews of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, the straight branch, ascend to the frontal angle. The sinews of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian knot at the frontal angle. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The five collaterals of the Hand and Foot Shaoyin, Taiyin, and Foot-Yangming meridians all ascend to connect with the left frontal angle. (See Acupuncture Vol. 30.)

Head: The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian ascends to reach the head angle. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The sinews of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, the straight branch, ascend to the head. The sinews of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, the straight branch, ascend to the left frontal angle and connect with the head. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The collateral of the Du Mai scatters on the head. (See Meridians Vol. 5.) The head is the residence of clarity and spirit. (See Diseases Class Vol. 91.)

Face: The Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) follows the face. (See Meridians Vol. 27.) The collateral of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian scatters on the face. The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian emerges on the face. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) All Yang meridians converge on the face. (See Diseases Vol. 3.) The twelve regular meridians and the three hundred and sixty-five collaterals, their blood and qi all ascend to the face and enter the orifices. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 20.) The heart is the root of life. Its luster manifests in the face. (See Zang-Fu Class Vol. 2.)

Eyes (including Mingmen): The eyes are the external opening of the liver. (See Pulse and Color Vol. 31.) The color of the East is green, internally connecting to the liver, and opening into the eyes. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 4.) The wind generated in the East corresponds to the eyes as the orifice. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 5.) In the cycle of Fu He, the eyes are the primary organ. (See Yunqi Vol. 13.) The Ren Mai enters the eyes. The Du Mai and the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian originate from the inner canthus. The vessel rising straight from the lower abdomen ascends to connect below both eyes. (See Meridians Vol. 27.) The Qiao Mai (Heel Vessels) belong to the inner canthus; if qi does not nourish it, the eyes will not close. (See Meridians Vol. 28.) The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian has a branch passing through the neck into the brain, directly corresponding to the root of the eye, named the eye system. The Yin Qiao and Yang Qiao meridians intersect; Yang enters Yin, and Yin exits Yang, intersecting at the outer canthus. When Yang qi is abundant, the eyes open; when Yin qi is abundant, the eyes close. (See Acupuncture Vol. 44.) The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian originates at the inner canthus. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The sinews of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, the branch, form the upper eyelid. The sinews of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian ascend to merge with the Taiyang meridian, forming the lower eyelid. The sinews of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, the branch, knot at the outer canthus, forming the lateral restraint. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian returns to connect with the eye system. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian originates at the outer canthus and extends behind it. The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian reaches the outer canthus, with a branch reaching the inner canthus. The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian reaches the outer canthus. The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian connects with the eye system. The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian connects with the eye system. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian merges at the inner canthus. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) The collateral of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian merges with the Zong Mai (Ancestral Vessel). (See Meridians Vol. 5.) The collateral of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian connects with the eye system and merges with Shaoyang externally. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) Liver qi connects with the eyes; when liver qi is harmonious, the eyes can distinguish the five colors. (See Meridians Vol. 22.) At dawn, when Yin qi is exhausted, Yang qi emerges from the eyes; when the eyes open, qi ascends to the head; at night, qi travels through Yin and reunites in the eyes. (See Meridians Vol. 25.) Its refined Yang qi travels upward to the eyes to form the pupils. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 20.) The heart is the concentrated essence of the five zang organs, and the eyes are its orifice. (See Diseases Vol. 80.) The eyes are where the Zong Mai (Ancestral Vessel) gathers and the pathway for upper fluids. (See Diseases Vol. 79.) All vessels belong to the eyes. (See Meridians Vol. 21.) For the five zang and six fu organs, the eyes serve as the indicator. The fluids of the five zang and six fu organs all seep upward into the eyes. (See Diseases Vol. 58.) The essence of the five zang and six fu organs all pours upward into the eyes to form their brilliance. The cavity of the essence is the eye; the essence of bone is the pupil; the essence of sinew is the black part of the eye; the essence of blood is the network vessels; the essence of qi is the white part of the eye; the essence of muscle is the eyelids. The eyes are the essence of the five zang and six fu organs, the place where Ying and Wei, Hun and Po constantly circulate, and where Shen Qi (Spiritual Energy) is generated. The eyes are the envoys of the heart. (See Diseases Vol. 81.)

Mingmen (Gate of Life): The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian knots at Mingmen, and Mingmen refers to the eyes. (See Meridians Vol. 12, 30.)

Nose (including Tianpin): The nose is the external opening of the lungs. (See Pulse and Color Vol. 31.) The color of the West is white, internally connecting to the lungs, and opening into the nose. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 4.) The lungs govern the nose, with the nose as its orifice. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 5.) In the cycle of Shen Ping, the nose is the primary organ. (See Yunqi Vol. 13.) The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian ascends flanking the nostrils. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at the intersection of the nose and descends along the outside of the nose. The branch of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian reaches the nose. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The sinews of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian descend and knot at the nose. The sinews of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian knot at the nose. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The Zong Qi (Gathering Qi) emerges from the nose and manifests as smell. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 20.) Lung qi connects with the nose; when lung qi is harmonious, the nose can distinguish fragrant and foul odors. (See Meridians Vol. 22.)

Tianpin: Tianpin comes from where it originated and returns to where it goes. (See Treatment Principles Vol. 20.)

Ears: The ears are the external opening of the kidneys. (See Pulse and Color Vol. 31.) The color of the South is red, internally connecting to the heart, and opening into the ears. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 4.) The kidneys govern the ears, with the ears as their orifice. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 5.) The branch of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian reaches the upper angle of the ear. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian follows the cheekbone to the front of the ear. The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian descends behind the ear; a branch enters the middle of the ear and emerges at the front. The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian enters the middle of the ear. The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian connects behind the ear, emerges at the upper angle; a branch enters the middle of the ear and emerges at the front. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The collateral of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian enters the ear and merges with the Zong Mai. (See Meridians Vol. 5.) The sinews of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian emerge from the Taiyang sinews and follow behind the ear. The sinews of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, the branch, knot at the front of the ear. The sinews of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian knot at the Wanggu (Complete Bone) behind the ear; a branch enters the middle of the ear; the straight branch emerges from the top of the ear. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian emerges behind the ear and merges with Shaoyang below the Wanggu. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) The twelve regular meridians and the three hundred and sixty-five collaterals, their divergent qi travel to the ears to enable hearing. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 20.) The five collaterals of the Hand and Foot Shaoyin, Taiyin, and Foot-Yangming meridians all converge in the middle of the ear and ascend to connect with the left frontal angle. (See Acupuncture Vol. 30.) The Biao (Mark) of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian is in the Chuanglong, which is the ear. (See Meridians Vol. 12.) The ears are where the Zong Mai (Ancestral Vessel) gathers. (See Diseases Vol. 79.) Kidney qi connects with the ears; when kidney qi is harmonious, one can hear the five tones. (See Meridians Vol. 22.)

Occipital Bone: The sinews of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, the straight branch, knot at the occipital bone. The sinews of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian knot at the occipital bone, merging with the sinews of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. (See Meridians Vol. 4.)

Wanggu (Complete Bone): The sinews of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian ascend and knot at the Wanggu. The sinews of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian knot at the Wanggu behind the ear. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian emerges behind the ear and merges with Shaoyang below the Wanggu. (See Meridians Vol. 3.)

Zygoma: The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian obliquely connects to the zygoma. (See Meridians Vol. 2.)

Canthus: The sinews of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, the branch, descend and knot at the canthus. The sinews of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian merge at the canthus. The sinews of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, the branch, knot at the canthus. The sinews of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian knot at the canthus. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The Qiao Mai enters the canthus. (See Meridians Vol. 28.)

Outer Canthus: The branch of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian ascends to the outer canthus. The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian reaches the outer canthus. The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian reaches the outer canthus. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian ascends to the outer canthus. (See Meridians Vol. 3.)

Cheek: The branch of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian passes through the cheek. The branch of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian follows the neck to the cheek. The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian descends to the cheek. The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian descends to add to the Jiache point. The branch of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian descends into the cheek interior. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian follows the Jiache point. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian is located behind the curved jaw below the ear. (See Meridians Vol. 10.) The sinews of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, the branch, are at the curved jaw. (See Meridians Vol. 4.)

Chin: The Ren Mai ascends to the chin. The Du Mai ascends to the chin. (See Meridians Vol. 27.) The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian follows the back of the chin to the lower margin. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The collateral of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian emerges from the center of the chin and jaw. (See Meridians Vol. 3.)

Mandible: The sinews of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian descend to the mandible. The sinews of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian knot at the mandible. The sinews of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian ascend to cover the mandible. The straight branch of the sinews of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian descends to the right mandible. (See Meridians Vol. 4.)

Forehead (Yan): The sinews of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian descend to the forehead. (See Meridians Vol. 4.)

Ren Zhong (Governor Vessel Point): The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian intersects at Ren Zhong. (See Meridians Vol. 2.)

Cheng Jiang (Receiving Pool): The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian descends and intersects at Cheng Jiang. (See Meridians Vol. 2.)

[Throat, Mouth, Lips, and Tongue Region]

Throat and Pharynx: The Ren Mai reaches the throat. The Du Mai enters the throat. (See Meridians Vol. 27.) The Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai converge at the throat. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 17.) The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian follows the throat. The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian follows the pharynx. The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian follows the throat. The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian follows behind the throat and ascends into the Ying Sang (upper pharynx). The branch of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian ascends to flank the pharynx. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The collateral of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian ascends to flank the pharynx. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian ascends to follow the pharynx. The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian merges with the Yangming meridian and ascends to knot at the pharynx. The Zheng Jing (Regular Channel) of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian ascends to the throat. The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian emerges and follows the throat. The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian ascends to follow the throat. The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian follows the throat. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) The artery flanking the throat belongs to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. (See Meridians Vol. 10.) The Upper Jiao runs alongside the throat upwards. (See Meridians Vol. 23.)

Ai (Oropharynx): The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian connects with the Ai. (See Diseases Vol. 13.)

Epiglottis: If the epiglottis is small and thin, voice emission is rapid, and its opening and closing are smooth; if it is large and thick, opening and closing are difficult, and air emission is slow. The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian connects to the Heng Gu (Transverse Bone) and ends at the epiglottis. (See Acupuncture Vol. 45.)

Mouth: The color of the Center is yellow, internally connecting to the spleen, and opening into the mouth. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 4.) The spleen governs the mouth, with the mouth as its orifice. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 5.) In the cycle of Bei Hua, the mouth is the primary organ. (See Yunqi Vol. 13.) The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian flanks the mouth. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian ascends to flank the mouth. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian emerges from the mouth. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) Spleen qi connects with the mouth; when spleen qi is harmonious, the mouth can taste the five grains. (See Meridians Vol. 22.) The collaterals of the Chong Mai and Ren Mai connect the lips and mouth. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 17.)

Lips: The spleen combines with flesh, and its luster manifests in the lips. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 8.) The stomach, spleen, large intestine, small intestine, Sanjiao, and bladder are the roots of the granary; their luster manifests in the four whites around the lips. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 2.) The Du Mai circles the lips. (See Meridians Vol. 27.) The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian circles the lips. The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian circles the inside of the lips. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The lips are the external opening of the spleen. (See Pulse and Color Vol. 31.) The lips and tongue are the root of muscle. (See Diseases Vol. 95.)

Tongue: The tongue is the external opening of the heart. (See Pulse and Color Vol. 31.) The color of the Center is yellow, internally connecting to the spleen, and opening into the mouth; therefore, disease affects the root of the tongue. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 4.) The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian penetrates the kidney and connects to the root of the tongue. (See Diseases Vol. 62.) The heart governs the tongue, with the tongue as its orifice. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 5.) In the cycle of Sheng Ming, the tongue is the primary organ. (See Yunqi Vol. 13.) The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian connects to the root of the tongue and scatters under it. The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian flanks the root of the tongue. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian pierces the middle of the tongue. The straight branch of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian connects to the root of the tongue. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian is under the tongue. (See Meridians Vol. 9.) The Biao (Mark) of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian is at the Back-Shu points and the two vessels under the tongue. (See Meridians Vol. 12.) The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian ascends to connect with the tongue. (See Acupuncture Vol. 45.) The collateral of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian connects to the root of the tongue. (See Meridians Vol. 5.) The sinews of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, the branch, enter to connect with the root of the tongue. The sinews of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, the branch, diverge and knot at the root of the tongue. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The Upper Jiao ascends to the tongue. (See Meridians Vol. 23.) Jueyin is the Liver Meridian; the liver combines with sinews; sinews gather at the genitalia and connect via collaterals to the root of the tongue. (See Diseases Vol. 95.) The turbid qi emerges from the stomach, travels to the lips and tongue, and becomes taste. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 20.) Heart qi connects with the tongue; when heart qi is harmonious, the tongue can distinguish the five flavors. (See Meridians Vol. 22.)

Teeth: The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian enters the lower teeth. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian descends along the outside of the nose and enters the upper teeth. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The collateral of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian covers the teeth. (See Meridians Vol. 5.) The sinews of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, the branch, ascend to the curved tooth. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian follows the dental arch. (See Meridians Vol. 13.) The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian has a branch entering the canthus to cover the teeth, named Jiaosun; for upper tooth decay, this point is selected. (See Acupuncture Vol. 44.) Teeth are the termination of bone. (See Odor and Flavor Vol. 3.)

[Neck and Shoulder Region]

Neck: The collateral of the Du Mai ascends to the neck. (See Meridians Vol. 5.) The Du Mai returns and emerges separately to descend the neck. (See Meridians Vol. 27.) The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian descends the neck. The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian follows the neck. The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian follows the neck. The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian ascends the neck. The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian follows behind the throat and ascends into the Ying Sang. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian rises from the lumbar region and emerges from the neck. The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian connects to the root of the tongue and re-emerges at the neck. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) The collateral of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian ascends to the head and neck. (See Meridians Vol. 5.) The vessel in the center of the neck is the Du Mai. (See Meridians Vol. 10.) The sinews of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian flank the spine and ascend to the neck. The sinews of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, the branch, follow the neck, exiting anterior to the Taiyang meridian. The straight branch of the sinews of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian ascends from the shoulder to the neck. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The ascending branch of the Chong Mai emerges from the Ying Sang. (See Acupuncture Vol. 20.) The essence of muscle forms the eyelids, which envelop the essence of sinews, bones, blood, and qi, merging with the vessels to form the optic nerve, which emerges posteriorly at the neck. (See Diseases Vol. 81.)

Shoulder: The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian follows the inside of the Jianliao (Shoulder Joint) and descends through the scapula. The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian reaches the top of the shoulder. The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian winds around the scapula and crosses on the shoulder. The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian ascends the shoulder, emerging anterior to the bone. The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian follows the exterior of the arm to the shoulder. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The collateral of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian connects to the Jianliao. The collateral of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian ascends to the shoulder well. (See Meridians Vol. 5.) The sinews of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, the branch, knot at the Jianliao. The sinews of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian knot at the Quepen (Clavicular Fossa); their branch winds around the scapula. The sinews of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian knot anterior to the shoulder at the Jianyu. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The collateral of the Du Mai, between the shoulder blades, travels laterally to the Taiyang meridian. (See Meridians Vol. 5.) The Du Mai follows the Jianliao. (See Meridians Vol. 27.)

Quepen (Clavicular Fossa): The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian enters the Quepen. The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian enters the Quepen. The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian enters the Quepen. The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian enters and exits the Quepen. The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian enters and exits the Quepen. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The sinews of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian emerge above the Quepen. The sinews of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian reach the Quepen and knot. The sinews of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian knot at the Quepen. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian emerges above the Quepen. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) Among the five zang and six fu organs, the heart is the master, and the Quepen is the pathway. (See Zang-Fu Vol. 29.)

[Chest and Abdomen Region]

Chest: The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian descends into the chest. The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian pours into the chest. The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian originates in the chest. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The collateral of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian pours into the chest. The great collateral of the spleen spreads over the chest. (See Meridians Vol. 5.) The Zheng Jing (Regular Channel) of the Hand Xin-Zhu (Pericardium) diverges downward three cun below Yuanye and enters the chest. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) The sinews of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian scatter in the chest. The sinews of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian descend and knot in the chest interior. The sinews of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian knot in the lower chest. The sinews of the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian enter the axilla and scatter in the chest. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The Chong Mai ascends flanking the navel and disperses in the chest. (See Meridians Vol. 27.) The Qiao Mai ascends following the interior of the chest. (See Meridians Vol. 28.)

Shanzhong (Chest Center): The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian spreads at Shanzhong. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian connects to Shanzhong. (See Meridians Vol. 30.) Shanzhong is the palace city of the Heart Master. (See Diseases Vol. 56.)

Diaphragm: The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian descends through the diaphragm. The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian descends through the diaphragm. The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian descends through the diaphragm. The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian penetrates the diaphragm. The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian ascends through the diaphragm. The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian ascends through the diaphragm. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian descends through the diaphragm. The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, from the kidney, ascends through the liver and diaphragm. (See Meridians Vol. 2.)

Breast: The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian descends along the inner margin of the breast. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The Zheng Jing (Regular Channel) of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, from the hand, follows the chest and breast. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) The sinews of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian are tied to the chest and breast. The sinews of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian cross with the Taiyin meridian and flank the interior of the breast. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The great collateral of the stomach is named Xuli and emerges below the left breast. (See Pulse and Color Vol. 11.)

Jiuwei (Kite Tail): The collateral of the Ren Mai descends to Jiuwei. (See Meridians Vol. 5.)

Abdomen: The Zheng Jing (Regular Channel) of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian enters the abdominal interior. (See Meridians Vol. 3.) The sinews of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian ascend the abdomen and spread. (See Meridians Vol. 4.) The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian ascends into the abdomen. The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian reaches the lower abdomen. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The collateral of the Ren Mai scatters on the abdomen. (See Meridians Vol. 5.) The Ren Mai follows the abdominal interior. (See Meridians Vol. 27.) The intersection of the three meridians below the navel in the lower abdomen involves the Yangming and Taiyin. (See Acupuncture Vol. 53.)

Navel: The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian descends flanking the navel. (See Meridians Vol. 2.) The sinews of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian knot at the navel. The sinews of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian descend and tie to the navel. (See Meridians Vol. 4.)