（《灵枢·本输篇》《四时气篇》《素问·水热穴论》《灵枢·寒热病篇》《终始篇》）
春取络脉诸荥，大经分肉之间，甚者深取之，间者浅取之（《灵枢·本输篇》）。此下言经络浅深兼诸输而分主四时也。络脉者，十二经之大络，如手太阳列缺之类是也。诸荥
者，十二经之荥穴，如手太阴鱼际之类是也。络浅荥微，皆应春气。春以少阳之令，将升未升，其气在中，故刺之者在
络在荥，皆中取于大经分肉之间，因其间甚而可深可浅也。）夏取诸 孙络，肌肉皮肤之上。（诸 者，十二经之 穴，
如手太阴经太渊之类是也；络之小者为孙络，皆应夏气。夏以老阳之令，阳盛于外，故宜浅刺于诸 孙络及肌肉皮肤之
上也。）秋取诸合，余如春法。（诸合者，十二经之合穴，如手太阳尺泽之类是也。诸合应秋，故宜取之。秋以少阴之令，
将降未降，气亦在中，故余如春法，谓亦宜中取于大经分肉之间，而可浅可深也。）冬取诸井诸 之分，欲深而留之。（诸
井者，十二经之井穴，如手太阴少商之类是也。诸 者，脏腑之 ，如肺 心 之类是也，非上文五 之谓。诸井诸藏，
皆主冬气。冬以老阴之令，阳气伏藏，故宜取井 ，欲其深而久留之也。）此四时之序，气之所处，病之所舍，脏之所宜。
（处，上声，谓气之所居也。）
黄帝问于岐伯曰∶夫四时之气，各不同形，百病之起，皆有所生，灸刺之道，何者为定？（《灵枢·四时气篇》。定，
一本作宝。）岐伯答曰∶四时之气，各有所在，灸刺之道，得气穴为定。（时气所在，即
气穴也。）故春取经，血脉分肉之间，甚者深刺之，间者浅刺之。（春取经，即前篇大经分肉之间也。甚者深，间者浅，
义俱如前。）夏取盛经孙络，取分间，绝皮肤。（盛经孙络，皆阳分也。）秋取经 ，邪在腑，取之合。冬取井荥，必深以
留之。（邪在腑，谓秋阴未盛，阳邪犹在阳分也。本篇详义见下文。）
帝曰∶春取络脉分肉何也？
（《素问·水热穴论》。本论之义，即所以释前篇也。）岐伯曰∶春者木始治，肝气始生，肝气急，其风疾，经脉常深，
其气少，不能深入，故取络脉分肉间。（春属木，木应肝，肝主风。春刺络者，刺肝邪也。风木之邪虽为急疾，然春风本
柔，将达于外，经脉常深，邪非深入，故当取络脉之穴如前篇，及分肉间也。）
帝曰∶夏取盛经分腠何也？岐伯曰∶夏者火始治，心气始长，脉瘦气弱，阳气流溢，热熏分腠，内至于经，故取盛
经分腠，绝肤而病去者，邪居浅也。（夏属火，火应心，心主热。夏令阳浮于外，热熏分腠，气在盛经孙络之间。故夏取
盛经分腠者，治在阳分，所以去心邪也。）所谓盛经者，阳脉也。（谓手足三阳及十二经之经穴，如手太阴经渠之类，凡
夏气所在者，即阳脉也。）
帝曰∶秋取经俞何也？岐伯曰∶秋者金始治，肺将收杀，金将胜火，阳气在合，阴气初胜，湿气及体，（经俞者，诸
经之经穴俞穴也。俞应夏，经应长夏，皆阳分之穴。秋属金，金应肺，令主收杀。其时金将胜火，阳气尚在诸经之合。
阳气初衰，阴气初胜，故寒湿之气及体。）阴气未盛，未能深入，故取俞以泻阴邪，取合以虚阳邪，阳气始衰，故取于合。
（阴气未深，犹在阳分，故取经俞以泻阴邪。阳气始衰，邪将收敛，故取合穴以虚阳邪也。皇甫士安云∶是谓始秋之治
变。）
帝曰∶冬取井荥何也？岐伯曰∶冬者水始治，肾方闭，阳气衰，少阴气坚盛。巨阳伏沉，阳脉乃去，（井应冬，荥应
春也。冬属水，水主肾，水王于冬，其气闭藏也。少阴，肾也；巨阳，膀胱也；二经表里，阴气方盛，所以阳脉衰去。）
故取井以下阴逆，取荥以实阳气。（取井以下阴逆，抑有余也；取荥以实阳气，扶不足也。）故曰冬取井荥，春不鼽衄。
此之谓也。（皇甫士安云∶是为初冬之治变。鼽音求。）
春取络脉，夏取分腠，秋取气口，冬取经输，
（《灵枢·寒热病篇》。春夏之取，与前四时气篇、水热穴论皆同。秋取气口者，手太阴肺脉应秋金也。冬取经输者，经
穴通藏气，藏主冬也。）凡此四时，各以时为齐。（齐义见下文。）络脉治皮肤，分腠治肌肉，气口治筋脉，经输治骨髓。
（络脉浮浅，故治皮肤；分腠有理，故治肌肉；气口者脉之大会，故治筋脉；经输连脏，故治骨髓。按∶此言经输者，
总言经穴也，非上文经俞之谓。盖彼以五输言，故云秋取经俞，冬取井荥；此以内外言，故云络脉治皮肤，经输治骨髓
也。当解其意。）
春气在毛，夏气在皮肤，秋气在分肉，冬气在筋骨，
（《灵枢·终始篇》）。此言病气之中人，随时气而为深浅也。按∶《四时刺逆从论》曰∶春气在经脉，夏气在孙络，长夏
气在肌肉，秋气在皮肤，冬气在骨髓中。与本篇若异者何也？盖本篇言病邪之应时令，有表有里。四时刺逆从论言人气
之合天地，有升有降。义本不同，非矛盾也。详见下章。）刺此病者，各以其时为齐。（齐，剂同，药曰药剂，针曰砭剂
也。春夏阳气在上，故取毫毛皮肤，则浅其针；秋冬阳气在下，故取分肉筋骨，则深其针，是以时为齐也。）故刺肥人者，
以秋冬之齐；刺瘦人者，以春夏之齐。（此又于四时之中，而言肥瘦之异也。肥人肉浓，浅之则不及，故宜秋冬之齐。瘦
人肉薄，深之则太过，故宜春夏之齐也。）
(The *Ling Shu: Ben Shu Chapter*, *Si Shi Qi Chapter*; *Su Wen: Shui Re Xue Lun Chapter*, *Ling Shu: Han Re Bing Chapter*, *Zhong Shi Chapter*)
In spring, acupuncture targets the collateral vessels (Luo Mai, major collaterals of the twelve meridians) and the Ying-Spring acupoints (Ying-Spring points, Five-Shu points corresponding to Fire, located proximal to metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints), as well as the spaces between the large meridians and muscles. For severe conditions, deep needling is applied; for mild conditions, shallow needling is used. (From *Ling Shu: Ben Shu Chapter*). The following discusses how the depth of meridians and various acupoints are governed by the four seasons. Collateral vessels are the major collaterals of the twelve meridians, such as Lieque (LU7) of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian—*Note: Lieque is actually LU7, a Confluent point of the Conception Vessel, often associated with Lung/Large Intestine, but textually cited here as an example of Luo*. The Ying-Spring points are the Ying-Spring points of the twelve meridians, such as Yuji (LU10) of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. Collaterals are superficial, and Ying-Spring points have subtle qi; both correspond to Spring Qi. In spring, Shaoyang Qi governs; Yang Qi is about to ascend but has not fully risen, residing in the middle layer. Therefore, needling at collaterals and Ying-Spring points involves taking the middle level between large meridians and muscles, determining depth based on the severity of the condition.
In summer, acupuncture targets the Sun-Luo vessels (fine collaterals) located above the muscles and skin. The Shu-Stream points (Shu points, e.g., Taiyuan (LU9) of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian); the smallest collaterals are called Sun-Luo, all corresponding to Summer Qi. In summer, Lao-Yang Qi governs; Yang Qi is abundant on the exterior. Thus, shallow needling is appropriate at Shu points, Sun-Luo vessels, and above the muscle-skin interface.
In autumn, acupuncture targets the He-Sea points (He-Sea points, Five-Shu points corresponding to Earth, located near elbow/knee joints). The remaining methods follow those of spring. He-Sea points correspond to Autumn Qi and are thus selected. In autumn, Shaoyin Qi governs; Yang Qi is about to descend but has not fully descended, residing in the middle layer. Thus, similar to spring, needling targets the middle level between large meridians and muscles, allowing for variable depth.
In winter, acupuncture targets the Jing-Well points (Jing-Well points, Five-Shu points corresponding to Wood, located at the extremities) and the Mu-Alarmer points (Mu points, where Zang-Fu Qi gathers on the chest/abdomen, e.g., Zhongfu (LU1) for Lung, Juejin (CV14) for Heart—not the Shu points mentioned earlier). Deep needling with prolonged retention is required. Jing-Well points and Mu points correspond to Winter Qi. In winter, Lao-Yin Qi governs; Yang Qi is hidden within. Thus, Jing-Well and Mu points are selected, requiring deep insertion and long retention. These principles reflect the order of the four seasons, the location of Qi, the abode of pathogenic factors, and the suitability for Zang organs.
("Chu" is pronounced with the rising tone, meaning the dwelling place of Qi.)
The Yellow Emperor asked Qibo: The Qi of the four seasons differs in form; the onset of hundred diseases arises from specific causes. What is the fixed principle for moxibustion and acupuncture? (From *Ling Shu: Si Shi Qi Chapter*. "Ding" is written as "Bao" in some editions.) Qibo replied: The Qi of the four seasons has its specific locations; the principle of moxibustion and acupuncture is determined by obtaining Qi at the acupoints. (The location of seasonal Qi is the acupoint itself.)
Therefore, in spring, select Jing-River points, blood vessels, and intermuscular spaces; severe cases require deep needling, mild cases shallow needling. (Selecting Jing points in spring refers to the large meridians and intermuscular spaces mentioned previously. Severe/deep, mild/shallow follows the previous logic.)
In summer, select Sheng-Jing (Meridians with abundant Qi, primarily Yang meridians) and Sun-Luo vessels, targeting the intermuscular gaps, penetrating the skin. (Sheng-Jing and Sun-Luo belong to the Yang aspect.)
In autumn, select Jing-River and Shu-Stream points; if pathology is in the Fu organs, select He-Sea points. (Pathology in Fu organs implies Yin Qi is not yet dominant, and Yang pathogens remain in the Yang aspect. Detailed meanings are below.)
The Emperor asked: Why target collaterals and intermuscular spaces in spring?
(From *Su Wen: Shui Re Xue Lun Chapter*. This discussion explains the previous chapter.) Qibo said: In spring, Wood Qi begins to govern, and Liver Qi begins to generate. Liver Qi is urgent, Wind Qi is rapid. Meridians are typically deep, and Qi is scarce, unable to penetrate deeply. Thus, collaterals and intermuscular spaces are targeted. (Spring corresponds to Wood, which corresponds to the Liver, which governs Wind. Needling collaterals in spring treats Liver pathogens. Although Wind-Wood pathogens are rapid, Spring Wind is gentle and tends toward the exterior. Since meridians are deep and pathogens are not deeply entrenched, one should target collateral points as previously described, and intermuscular spaces.)
The Emperor asked: Why target Sheng-Jing and Fen-Cou (skin texture and muscle interspaces) in summer? Qibo said: In summer, Fire Qi begins to govern, and Heart Qi begins to grow. The pulse is thin, Qi is weak. Yang Qi flows and overflows, heat steams the Fen-Cou, reaching inward to the meridians. Thus, Sheng-Jing and Fen-Cou are targeted, penetrating the skin to remove disease, because the pathogen resides superficially. (Summer corresponds to Fire, which corresponds to the Heart, which governs Heat. In summer, Yang floats outward, heat steams Fen-Cou, and Qi resides between Sheng-Jing and Sun-Luo. Thus, targeting Sheng-Jing and Fen-Cou treats the Yang aspect to remove Heart pathogens.) "Sheng-Jing" refers to Yang pulses. (This includes the Three-Yang meridians of hands and feet, and Jing-River points of the twelve meridians, such as Jingqu (LU8) of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. Any location where Summer Qi resides is considered a Yang pulse.)
The Emperor asked: Why target Jing-River and Shu-Stream points in autumn? Qibo said: In autumn, Metal Qi begins to govern, and the Lungs begin to gather and suppress. Metal overcomes Fire. Yang Qi resides in He-Sea points, Yin Qi begins to overcome, and Dampness affects the body. (Jing-River and Shu-Stream points are the Jing and Shu points of the meridians. Shu points correspond to Summer, Jing points to Late Summer, all being Yang aspect points. Autumn corresponds to Metal, which corresponds to the Lungs, governing gathering/suppression. At this time, Metal overcomes Fire, Yang Qi remains in the He-Sea points of various meridians. Yang Qi begins to decline, Yin Qi begins to overcome, so Cold-Dampness affects the body.) Yin Qi is not yet strong and cannot penetrate deeply. Thus, Shu points are used to drain Yin pathogens, and He-Sea points are used to empty Yang pathogens. As Yang Qi begins to decline, He-Sea points are selected. (Yin Qi is not deep, remaining in the Yang aspect, so Jing and Shu points drain Yin pathogens. Yang Qi begins to decline, pathogens converge, so He-Sea points empty Yang pathogens. Huangfu Mi says: This is the treatment variation for early autumn.)
The Emperor asked: Why target Jing-Well and Ying-Spring points in winter? Qibo said: In winter, Water Qi begins to govern, and the Kidneys begin to close and store. Yang Qi declines, Shaoyin Qi becomes firm and abundant. Ju-Yang (Bladder Meridian) sinks and hides, Yang pulses depart. (Jing-Well points correspond to Winter, Ying-Spring to Spring. Winter corresponds to Water, which governs the Kidneys. Water is prosperous in winter, its Qi is storing/closing. Shaoyin refers to the Kidney; Ju-Yang refers to the Bladder. These two meridians are interior-exterior pairs; Yin Qi is abundant, so Yang pulses decline.) Thus, Jing-Well points are taken to subdue Yin rebellion, and Ying-Spring points are taken to tonify Yang Qi. (Taking Jing-Well subdues excess Yin; taking Ying-Spring supports deficient Yang.) Therefore, it is said that taking Jing-Well and Ying-Spring points in winter prevents nasal congestion and epistaxis (Qiu-Nv) in spring. This is what is meant. (Huangfu Mi says: This is the treatment variation for early winter. Qiu is pronounced 'qiu'.)
In spring, target collaterals; in summer, target Fen-Cou; in autumn, target Qi-Kou (Cunkou pulse/radial artery, representing Jing points); in winter, target Jing-Shu (Jing-River and Shu-Stream points).
(From *Ling Shu: Han Re Bing Chapter*. The selections for spring and summer are consistent with *Si Shi Qi Chapter* and *Shui Re Xue Lun Chapter*. Targeting Qi-Kou in autumn corresponds to the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian responding to Autumn Metal. Targeting Jing-Shu in winter occurs because Jing points connect to Zang Qi, and Zangs govern Winter.) For these four seasons, each uses the season as the standard ("Qi"). Collaterals treat the skin; Fen-Cou treats the muscles; Qi-Kou treats sinews and vessels; Jing-Shu treats bone marrow.
(Collaterals are superficial, treating skin; Fen-Cou has texture, treating muscles; Qi-Kou is the meeting of pulses, treating sinews/vessels; Jing-Shu connects to Zang, treating bone marrow. Note: Here "Jing-Shu" generally refers to Jing-River points, not specifically the Jing-Shu distinction mentioned earlier. The earlier text referred to Five-Shu points (Autumn Jing-Shu, Winter Jing-Ying); this text refers to interior/exterior levels (Collaterals/Skin, Jing-Shu/Bone Marrow). Understand the intent.)
Spring Qi is in the hair/fur; Summer Qi is in the skin; Autumn Qi is in the muscles; Winter Qi is in the sinews and bones.
(From *Ling Shu: Zhong Shi Chapter*). This states that pathogenic Qi invading the body varies in depth according to seasonal Qi. Note: *Si Shi Ci Ni Cong Lun* states: Spring Qi is in the meridians, Summer Qi in Sun-Luo, Late Summer Qi in muscles, Autumn Qi in skin, Winter Qi in bone marrow. How does this differ from the current chapter? The current chapter discusses pathogens adapting to seasons, having exterior and interior aspects. *Si Shi Ci Ni Cong Lun* discusses human Qi harmonizing with Heaven and Earth, having ascending and descending movements. The principles are different, not contradictory. See the next chapter for details.) When needling these conditions, use the season as the standard ("Qi"). ("Qi" is synonymous with "Ji"; medicine is Ji, needles are Bian-Ji. In spring and summer, Yang Qi is upper, so targeting hair and skin requires shallow needles; in autumn and winter, Yang Qi is lower, so targeting muscles and bones requires deep needles. This is using the season as the standard.) Therefore, when needling obese individuals, use the standard of autumn/winter (deep); when needling emaciated individuals, use the standard of spring/summer (shallow). (This further distinguishes obesity and emaciation within the four seasons. Obese individuals have thick flesh; shallow needling is ineffective, so autumn/winter standards are suitable. Emaciated individuals have thin flesh; deep needling is excessive, so spring/summer standards are suitable.)