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(Ling Shu: Gen Jie Chapter)

Qibo said: Heaven and Earth interact with each other, cold and warmth shift alternately. Regarding the principles of Yin and Yang, which is more abundant and which is less? The numbers of Yin are even (Ou), and the numbers of Yang are odd (Qi). (The principles of Yin and Yang in Heaven and Earth involve mutual interaction leading to mutual shifting, and mutual shifting leading to mutual overcoming. Thus, their abundance or scarcity varies. To understand their principle, one must recognize that Yin and Yang have distinctions between odd and even numbers. Odd numbers refer to single digits, such as 1, 3, 5, 7, 9. Even numbers refer to paired digits, such as 2, 4, 6, 8, 10. Odd numbers acquire clear Qi, while even numbers acquire turbid Qi, thereby forming the imagery and numerical patterns of Yin and Yang.)

In spring and summer, Yin Qi is scarce, and Yang Qi is abundant. When Yin and Yang are not harmonious, what should be tonified and what should be sedated? In autumn and winter, Yang Qi is scarce, and Yin Qi is abundant. Yin Qi is flourishing while Yang Qi is declining, causing stems and leaves to wither. Rain falls and returns to the earth. As Yin and Yang shift, what should be sedated and what should be tonified? (The Qi of the four seasons sees fluctuations in Yin and Yang. Human Qi follows these changes; therefore, treatment methods must distinguish between tonification and sedation.)

Exotic pathogens (Qi Xie) deviating from the meridians are countless. If one does not understand the concepts of Root (Gen) and Knot (Jie), the Five Zang and Six Fu organs will suffer damage to their gates and pivots. The mechanisms of Opening (Kai), Closing (He), and Pivot (Shu) will fail, leading to the leakage of Yin and Yang. Such severe imbalance cannot be restored. (Exotic pathogens are irregular pathogenic factors. Deviating from meridians means their transmission is unpredictable. The lower part is the Root, and the upper part is the Knot. Diseases attacking the human body are numerous. However, practitioners must examine the origins and endings of Roots and Knots, observe the Yin and Yang of the Zang and Fu organs, and clarify the depth and entry/exit of Kai, He, and Shu. Only then can one grasp the essence. Otherwise, the gates and pivots will be damaged, Yin and Yang lost, and recovery impossible.)

The profound mystery of the Nine Needles lies in "Zhong Shi" (Beginning and End). Therefore, if one understands Zhong Shi, it can be summarized in a single statement. If one does not understand Zhong Shi, the Dao of needling is completely severed. (Zhong Shi refers to origin and conclusion, i.e., the meanings of Gen, Jie, Kai, He, and Shu mentioned below. Additionally, this classic has a chapter titled "Zhong Shi," which describes needling techniques. Thus, without understanding Zhong Shi, the Dao of needling is cut off. See chapters on needling categories.)

Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian originates at Zhiyin (BL67) and knots at Mingmen. Mingmen refers to the eyes. (The lower part of Foot Taiyang originates at Zhiyin point, and the upper part knots at Jingming (BL1). Hence, Mingmen is called the eyes. Wang Bing stated: Mingmen is where essence is stored and light shines forth, referring to the two eyes.)

Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at Lidui (ST45) and knots at Sangda. Sangda refers to the area clamping the ears. The lower part of Foot Yangming originates at Lidui, and the upper part knots at Chengqi (ST1). The term Sangda here implies the area above the neck and palate, specifically Daying (ST5). Daying is located beside the cheeks and below the ears, hence described as "clamping the ears." (Clamp sounds like Qian.)

Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian originates at Qiaoyin (GB46) and knots at Chuanglong. Chuanglong refers to the center of the ear. (The lower part of Foot Shaoyang originates at Qiaoyin, and the upper part knots at Chuanglong. The center of the ear refers to Tinggong (SI19) of the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, which is an intersection of Hand and Foot Shaoyang and Hand Taiyang meridians. Thus, Foot Shaoyang knots here.)

Taiyang governs "Opening" (Kai), Yangming governs "Closing" (He), and Shaoyang governs the "Pivot" (Shu). (The meanings of Kai, He, and Shu are explained in previous chapters. These terms serve to clarify internal and external distinctions for differential diagnosis and treatment.)

Therefore, if the "Opening" function is impaired, muscle joints become loose, leading to sudden illnesses. Sudden illnesses should be treated by selecting the Taiyang meridian, assessing excess or deficiency for sedation or tonification. "Loose" (Du) refers to emaciated, dry, and weak skin and flesh. (Impairment means damage. Opening belongs to Taiyang, representing the exterior of Yang. Thus, Qi manifests in muscles as loose joints. The exterior is susceptible to pathogens, resulting in acute diseases. For diseases caused by "Opening impairment," one should select the Taiyang meridian and treat based on excess or deficiency. "Loose" signifies emaciation and weakness.)

If the "Closing" function is impaired, Qi loses its resting place, leading to flaccidity syndromes (Wei Ji). Flaccidity syndromes should be treated by selecting the Yangming meridian, assessing excess or deficiency. "Losing its resting place" indicates stagnation of True Qi and occupation by pathogenic factors. (Closing belongs to Yangming, representing the interior of Yang. Its Qi is internal. Impairment leads to Qi lacking a resting place. Yangming moistens Zongjin (major sinews), binds bones, and facilitates joint movement, thus governing flaccidity. For diseases caused by "Closing impairment," one should treat Yangming based on excess or deficiency. Stagnation of True Qi refers to non-functioning Stomach Qi. Pathogens occupy this space, causing Qi to rebel upward and flaccidity to arise downward.)

If the "Pivot" function is impaired, bones become unstable and unable to support the body firmly. Bone instability should be treated by selecting the Shaoyang meridian, assessing excess or deficiency. "Bone instability" (Gu Yao) refers to relaxed joints that fail to contract. "Yao" means shaking. One must investigate the root cause. (Pivot belongs to Shaoyang, representing the half-exterior/half-interior of the Three Yang meridians. Its Qi resides between bones and sinews. Gu Yao refers to laxity and lack of contraction in bone joints, causing unsteadiness. For diseases caused by "Pivot impairment," one should treat the Shaoyang meridian based on excess or deficiency. Investigating the root means determining the source of these Three Yang meridians—whether treating via Opening, Closing, or Pivot.)

Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian originates at Yinbai (SP1) and knots at Taicang. (Note: Original text mistakenly says Foot Taiyang; context implies Foot Taiyin. The lower part originates at Yinbai, and the upper part knots at Taicang. Taicang is Zhongwan (CV12), a Ren Mai point.)

Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian originates at Yongquan (KI1) and knots at Lianquan (CV23). (The lower part originates at Yongquan, and the upper part knots at Lianquan, a Ren Mai point.)

Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian originates at Dazhun (LR1), knots at Yuying, and connects to Danzhong. (The lower part originates at Dazhun, and the upper part knots at Yuying. Yuying is Yutang (CV19), a Ren Mai point.)

Taiyin governs "Opening," Jueyin governs "Closing," and Shaoyin governs the "Pivot." (The meanings of Kai, He, and Shu for the Three Yin meridians are detailed in previous chapters.)

Therefore, if the "Opening" function is impaired, the granary (Spleen/Stomach) fails to transport, leading to diaphragmatic obstruction and洞泄 (Dong Xie - severe diarrhea). Diaphragmatic obstruction should be treated by selecting the Taiyin meridian, assessing excess or deficiency. "Opening impairment" results from Qi deficiency causing disease. (Opening belongs to Taiyin, primarily governing the Spleen. Transport refers to circulation. Obstruction refers to blockage. Dong refers to food not digesting and regurgitating after swallowing. Spleen injury leads to failed transport. Although Spleen is a Yin meridian, "Opening impairment" indicates insufficiency of Yang Qi within Yin.)

If the "Closing" function is impaired, Qi severs, leading to sorrowfulness. Sorrowfulness should be treated by selecting the Jueyin meridian, assessing excess or deficiency. (Closing belongs to Jueyin, primarily governing the Liver. Liver injury causes Qi to sever internally, allowing Lung Qi to invade, resulting in sorrow. Thus, for "Closing impairment," select Foot Jueyin and treat based on excess or deficiency.)

If the "Pivot" function is impaired, vessels become knotted and obstructed. Obstruction should be treated by selecting the Shaoyin meridian, assessing excess or deficiency. All cases of knotting should be treated by tonifying deficiency. (Pivot belongs to Shaoyin, primarily governing the Kidney. Kidney injury causes vessel knotting and lower Jiao obstruction. Thus, for "Pivot impairment," select Foot Shaoyin and treat based on excess or deficiency. Vessel knotting is caused by deficiency.)

Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian originates at Zhiyin, flows through Jinggu (BL64), pours into Kunlun (BL60), and enters Tianzhu (BL10) and Feiyang (BL58). (The following describes the flourishing collaterals of the Hand and Foot Three Yang meridians, which should be selected for treatment. Zhiyin is the Jing-Well point. Jinggu is the Yuan-Source point. Kunlun is the Jing-River point. Tianzhu is in the head, Feiyang is in the foot; both are points on this meridian to be selected. Subsequent descriptions follow this pattern. Liu [flows] is pronounced Liangjiu.)

Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian originates at Qiaoyin, flows through Qiuxu (GB40), pours into Yangfu (GB38), and enters Tianrong (SI17) and Guangming (GB37). (Qiaoyin is the Jing-Well point. Qiuxu is the Yuan-Source point. Yangfu is the Jing-River point. Tianrong is a Hand Taiyang point; here, the head point should be Tianchong, and the foot point is Guangming.)

Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at Lidui, flows through Chongyang (ST42), pours into Xiaoling (interpreted as Jiexi ST41), and enters Yinggang (ST9) and Fenglong (ST40). (Lidui is the Jing-Well point. Chongyang is the Yuan-Source point. Xiaoling should be Jiexi, the Jing-River point. Yinggang is in the head, Fenglong is in the foot.)

Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian originates at Shaoze (SI1), flows through Yanggu (SI7), pours into Xiaohai (SI8), and enters Tianchuang (SI16) and Zhengzheng (SI7). (Shaoze is the Jing-Well point. Yanggu is the Jing-River point. Xiaohai is the He-Sea point. Tianchuang is in the head, Zhengzheng is on the hand.)

Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian originates at Guanchong (SJ1), flows through Yangchi (SJ4), pours into Zhigou (SJ6), and enters Tianyou (SJ16) and Waiguan (SJ5). (Guanchong is the Jing-Well point. Yangchi is the Yuan-Source point. Zhigou is the Jing-River point. Tianyou is in the neck, Waiguan is on the hand.)

Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian originates at Shangyang (LI1), flows through Hegu (LI4), pours into Yangxi (LI5), and enters Futu (LI18) and Pianli (LI6). (Shangyang is the Jing-Well point. Hegu is the Yuan-Source point. Yangxi is the Jing-River point. Futu is in the neck, Pianli is on the hand.)

These are the Twelve Meridians. Their flourishing collaterals should all be selected. (This refers to the selection of flourishing collaterals of the Six Yang meridians. The term "Twelve Meridians" encompasses both hands and feet on left and right sides.)