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Reaching the outer canthus of the eye. (Here it intersects with the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.) When the meridian undergoes pathological changes, disorders include tinnitus and deafness, muffled hearing (meridian qi enters the ear), swelling of the throat, and sore throat obstruction (due to Shaoyang Ministerial Fire). Diseases governed by the Qi of this meridian include: sweating (fire steams fluids into sweat), pain at the outer canthus, cheek swelling, pain in the area behind the ear, shoulder, elbow, and lateral aspect of the arm, and dysfunction of the fourth and fifth toes (these are all areas traversed by the meridian).

The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian originates at the outer canthus of the eye (Tongziliao GB1, 0.5 cun from the corner of the eye), ascends to the frontal angle of the head, descends behind the ear, runs along the neck anterior to the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, reaches the shoulder, then crosses posterior to the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, and enters the supraclavicular fossa (Quepen). A branch enters the ear from behind the ear (passing Tinggong SI19), emerges anterior to the ear, and reaches the post-auricular region (area of Tongziliao GB1). Another branch diverges from the outer canthus, descends to Daying ST5 (Stomach meridian point, 1.3 cun anterior to the mandible in the depression of the pulsating artery), converges with the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, descends below the jaw angle, passes beneath Jiache ST6, enters the neck, and joins the supraclavicular fossa (converging with the branch that previously entered the fossa). It then descends into the chest, pierces the diaphragm, connects with the Liver, and belongs to the Gallbladder (interior-exterior relationship). It follows the interior of the costal region (the area under the armpit is called the hypochondrium, also known as Jixia), emerges at the Qichong (Stomach meridian point, located on both sides of the pubic symphysis where arterial pulsation is felt), surrounds the pubic hair region (lateral to Qugu), and transversely enters the hip joint (Biyan, i.e., the hip pivot). The straight branch descends from the supraclavicular fossa through the axilla, passes along the chest and the lower costal margin (the area below the rib cage is the lower costal margin, corresponding to Zhangmen LR13 of the Liver meridian), converges with the hip joint, and descends along the lateral aspect of the thigh (running between the Taiyang and Yangming meridians). It emerges at the lateral side of the knee, descends anterior to the fibula (the femur is referred to as the auxiliary bone), goes straight down to the end of the Juegu (the area above the lateral malleolus is Juegu), emerges anterior to the lateral malleolus, runs along the dorsum of the foot, and enters between the fourth and fifth toes (ending at the point Xiaoyin on the fourth toe; the Jingbie chapter states: ascending to connect with the Liver, piercing the Heart, ascending to flank the pharynx, dispersing in the face, and connecting with the Eye System). Another branch diverges from the dorsum of the foot, enters between the big toe, runs along the medial side of the interosseous space of the big toe (the bone after the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe is the interosseous bone), emerges at its tip, returns to penetrate the nail bed, and emerges at the trichiasis (hair follicles behind the nail of the big toe, where it intersects with the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian). Pathological changes of the meridian manifest as bitter taste in the mouth (Gallbladder flavor is bitter, and fire also manifests as bitter), frequent sighing (stagnation of Wood Qi), pain in the heart and hypochondrium, inability to turn the body (the meridian pierces the Heart; the hypochondrium is the pathway for the free flow of Liver and Gallbladder Qi; since the Taiyang meridian runs along the back, the Yangming along the front, the Shaoyalong runs along the side). In severe cases, the face appears dull and dusty, and the body lacks luster (Wood stagnation fails to distribute nourishing Qi). The lateral aspect of the foot becomes abnormally hot (emerging at the lateral knee, lateral fibula, and lateral malleolus). This is termed Yang Jue (reversal of Shaoyang Qi). Diseases governed by the bones of this meridian include: headache (the meridian ascends to the frontal angle, so temporal headaches belong to Shaoyang disorders), pain in the mandible (meridian passes over Jiache), pain at the outer canthus (meridian originates at the outer canthus), swelling and pain in the supraclavicular fossa, swelling under the hypochondrium (all areas traversed by the meridian), "horse knife" and "slave goiter" (ulcers occurring in the neck, hypochondrium, and axilla, belonging to the Shaoyang region, hard and non-suppurative), sweating (due to Shaoyang Ministerial Fire), chills and malaria (Shaoyang resides at the half-exterior half-interior level, so malaria with alternating chills and fever must belong to Shaoyang). Pain may occur in the chest, hypochondrium, ribs, thigh, lateral knee, tibia, Juegu, lateral malleolus, and various joints (all areas traversed by the meridian; since the Shaoyang meridian runs along the side of the body, this chapter frequently uses the character "lateral").

The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian originates at the cluster of hairs on the big toe (Dadun LR1), ascends along the medial aspect of the dorsum of the foot, one cun distal to the medial malleolus (Zhongfeng LR4), ascends eight cun above the ankle, crosses posterior to the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian, ascends along the medial aspect of the thigh, follows the Yin of the thigh (containing points Bao, Wuli, Yinlian), enters the pubic region, passes around the genitalia (entering the pubic hair region, encircling the genitalia bilaterally), reaches the lower abdomen, flanks the Stomach, belongs to the Liver, and connects with the Gallbladder (interior-exterior relationship). It ascends through the diaphragm, distributes in the hypochondrium, follows the posterior aspect of the pharynx, ascends into the nasopharynx (the pharynx and nasopharynx; later in the chapter it states: the meridian connects with the root of the tongue), links with the Eye System, ascends to the forehead, and meets the Du Meridian at the vertex (Baihui GV20). A branch descends from the Eye System to the inner cheek, circles the inside of the lips (running outside the Ren Meridian, intersecting at the lips). Another branch diverges from the Liver, pierces the diaphragm, and ascends to inject into the Lung (running through the middle jiao at Zhongwan, intersecting with the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian). Pathological changes of the meridian manifest as lower back pain (Liver and Kidney are mother-son organs; lower back pain is mother disease affecting son), inability to bend or extend (Wood is characterized by flexibility; thus, tendon disorders cause this). Men suffer from hernia (meridian connects with the genitalia); women suffer from lower abdominal swelling (women also have hernias, but they are termed Zha rather than Hernia). In severe cases, there is dryness of the throat (meridian follows the pharynx), a dusty complexion with loss of color (Liver disorder fails to generate nourishment). These are diseases governed by the Liver, including: chest fullness (meridian pierces the diaphragm), vomiting and reflux (Wood-Fire attacking the Stomach), undigested food diarrhea (excessive Wood overacting on Earth), fox hernia (meridian circles the genitalia), enuresis (Liver deficiency), and stranguria (Liver fire) (from the *Jingmai* Chapter).

*[Suwen]* The Ren Meridian (Ren, Chong, and Du are three of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels) originates below Zhongji (four cun below the umbilicus, point name Zhongji. The Ren Meridian begins below Zhongji, at the junction of the two yins, the Huiyin point. The Ren Meridian travels from Huiyin along the abdomen, while the Du Meridian travels from Huiyin along the back). It ascends to the pubic hair region, follows the interior of the abdomen (at Zhongji), ascends to Guanyuan (point name, three cun below the umbilicus), reaches the throat and upper chin (following Chengjiang and connecting to the gums), follows the face into the eyes (entering below the eyes and connecting to Chengqi).

The Chong Meridian originates at Qichong (Foot-Yangming point, on both sides of the pubic hair region). It runs parallel with the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian (Kidney Meridian; *Lingshu: Dongshu* states that the Chong Meridian and the large collateral of the Kidney originate below the Kidney and emerge at Qichong; *Nanjing* and *Jiayi Jing* state it runs with the Yangming Meridian). It ascends flanking the umbilicus, dispersing in the chest. (The Ren Meridian ascends along the center of the umbilicus, while the Chong Meridian ascends flanking the umbilicus. *Lingshu: Wuyin Wwei* states that the Chong and Ren Meridians both originate in the Baozhong [uterus], ascend along the interior of the back, and serve as the Sea of the Meridians. Those floating externally ascend along the right side of the abdomen, meet at the throat, and separately connect to the lips and mouth. Abundant blood and Qi fill the skin and flesh; exceptionally abundant blood permeates the skin and generates body hair.) Disorders of the Ren Meridian include seven types of internal hernias in men, and leukorrhea and Zha-Ju masses in women (The seven hernias refer to Cold, Water, Tendon, Blood, Qi, Fox, and Zha hernias. Additionally, *Lingshu* and *Suwen* mention Heart, Lung, Liver, Spleen, and Kidney hernias, as well as Jue, Chong, Chi, Shu, and Fox hernias, indicating that all five Zang organs can have hernias, not just the Kidney Yin. Leukorrhea and Zha-Ju are essentially female hernias). Disorders of the Chong Meridian include rebellious Qi and abdominal urgency (The Chong and Ren Meridians run in the abdominal interior, so pathology is internal. Excess Qi causes rebellion; deficient Blood causes urgency).

Disorders of the Du Meridian include stiffness of the spine and opisthotonos (The Du Meridian runs along the back, so pathology affects the spine. The Chong, Ren, and Du Meridians share a common source but diverge into three branches, all originating in the Baozhong. Hence, some scriptures refer to the Chong as the Du. Ancient atlases sometimes call the meridian running along the back the Du, and the one rising straight from the lower abdomen the Ren, also calling it Du. Modern convention typically calls the meridian running along the back the Du, the one along the front the Ren, and the one dividing from the center the Chong).

The Du Meridian (which governs all Yang Qi of the body) originates from the central bone below the lower abdomen. In women, it enters and connects to the Ting Kong (the opening of the vagina, also known as Yaolou). This opening is the end of the urethral orifice. Its collaterals follow the genitalia (connecting to the female genitalia), converge at the Cu Jian (between the two yins), circle the anus posteriorly (posterior to the anus), diverge to circle the buttocks to the Shaoyin (Kidney Meridian), and merge with the collaterals of the Ju Yang (Taiyang Bladder Meridian) to join the Shaoyin. It ascends along the posterior medial aspect of the thigh, pierces the spine, and belongs to the Kidney (the part of the Du Meridian circling the buttocks runs in conjunction with the Taiyang and Shaoyin meridians). Joining the Taiyang, it originates at the inner canthus of the eye, ascends to the forehead, meets at the vertex, enters to connect with the Brain, emerges again to descend separately along the nape, runs along the medial aspect of the scapula, flanks the spine to the waist, enters to follow the erector spinae muscles, and connects with the Kidney (this segment of the Du Meridian runs alongside the Taiyang). In men, it follows the penis, descends to the Cu Jian, identical to women. The portion rising straight from the lower abdomen pierces the center of the umbilicus, ascends through the Heart, enters the throat, reaches the chin, circles the lips, and ascends to connect with the center below the two eyes (this segment of the Du Meridian runs alongside the Ren Meridian. Wang Bing notes: From this, we see that the three meridians have different names but the same origin). Diseases arising from this meridian include Qi rushing up from the lower abdomen to the Heart causing pain (Qi rushes upward), inability to pass stool or urine (obstruction of bowels and bladder), termed Chong Hernia (pathology of this Du Meridian similar to the Chong Meridian). In women, it causes infertility (Chong is the Sea of Blood, Ren governs conception; pathology of these two meridians leads to infertility), stranguria, hemorrhoids, enuresis, and dry throat (pathology of this Du Meridian similar to Chong and Ren. Because its vessel ascends along the throat, descends along the genitalia, converges at the Cu Jian, and circles the anus posteriorly, this occurs. The term "Ren" refers to nurturing in women; "Chong" refers to Qi rushing upward; "Du" refers to governing the Sea of Meridians) (from *Gukong Lun*).

*[Lingshu]* The Qiao Meridians (among the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, there are Yang Qiao and Yin Qiao) are collaterals of the Foot-Shaoyin (Yin Qiao is a collateral of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian). It originates posterior to Ran Gu (below the large bone of the medial malleolus, Zhaohai KI6), ascends above the medial malleolus, goes straight up, follows the Yin of the thigh into the Yin region, ascends along the interior of the chest, enters the supraclavicular fossa, ascends anterior to Renying (Stomach meridian point, beside the carotid artery in the neck), enters the cheekbone (Zygoma), belongs to the inner canthus of the eye (Jingming BL1), and merges with the Yang Qiao of the Taiyang to ascend (Yang Qiao originates at Shenmai BL62 of the Bladder Meridian, in the depression below the lateral malleolus). The Qi of the two meridians combines and circulates, providing moisture (lubrication). If Eye Qi does not receive nourishment, the eyes cannot close (from *Maidu*).

*[Lingshu]* The Large Collateral of the Spleen is named Dabao. It emerges from Yuan Ye (an acupoint in the axilla, belonging to the Gallbladder Meridian) three cun below, and spreads over the chest and hypochondrium. In excess conditions, the whole body aches; in deficiency conditions, all joints become lax and flaccid (from *Jingmai*).

(This chapter also states: The collateral of the Hand-Taiyin is Lieque; the collateral of the Hand-Shaoyin is Tongli; the collateral of the Hand-Jueyin is Neiguan; the collateral of the Hand-Taiyang is Zhizheng; the collateral of the Hand-Yangming is Pianli; the collateral of the Hand-Shaoyang is Waiguan; the collateral of the Foot-Taiyang is Feiyang; the collateral of the Foot-Shaoyang is Guangming; the collateral of the Foot-Yangming is Fenglong; the collateral of the Foot-Taiyin is Gongson; the collateral of the Foot-Shaoyin is Dazhong; the collateral of the Foot-Jueyin is Ligou; the collateral of the Ren Meridian is Wei Yi; the collateral of the Du Meridian is Changqiang. Together with the Large Collateral of the Spleen, these are called the Fifteen Collaterals.)

*[Suwen]* The Large Collateral of the Stomach is named Xuli. It pierces the diaphragm, connects with the Lung, and emerges at the left submammary region. Its pulsation is visible through the clothing; this is the Zong Qi (Pectoral Qi). (Zong means respected or master. Earth is the mother of all things and the master of the twelve regular meridians.) If the pulsation is rapid and intermittent, the disease is in the Middle Jiao. If it is knotted and firm, there is an accumulation. If the pulse is absent, death ensues. If the pulsation at the submammary region is vigorous enough to move the clothing, it indicates leakage of Zong Qi (vigorous movement indicates Qi leakage) (from *Pingren Qixiang Lun*).

*[Suwen]* When the sage stands facing south, the front is called Guang Ming, and the back is called Tai Chong. (Wang Bing notes: The South is the Fire position, where Yang Qi is abundant, hence called Guang Ming. In the human body, the Heart resides in the South, hence called Front. Tai Chong refers to the Chong Meridian, which is below and in the North, hence called Back. The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian joins with it to become abundant.) At the location of Tai Chong is named Shaoyin. Above Shaoyin is named Taiyang. (The Kidney is Yin, its meridian runs below the little toe; the Bladder Fu is Yang, its meridian runs on the lateral side of the little toe; they are interior-exterior pairs.) The Taiyang meridian roots at Zhiyin (point on the lateral side of the little toe) and knots at Mingmen (Lingshu states: Mingmen is the eye, i.e., Jingming BL1). It is named Yin-Zhong-Yang. Above the middle of the body is named Guang Ming. Below Guang Ming is named Taiyin. (Above the waist is Heaven, below the waist is Earth. Guang Ming refers to below the Heart, i.e., the Taiyin Spleen organ.) Anterior to Taiyin is named Yangming. (The Yangming Stomach meridian runs anterior to the Taiyin Spleen meridian; they are interior-exterior pairs.) The Yangming meridian roots at Lidui (point at the tip of the second toe) and is named Yin-Zhong-Yang. The exterior of Jueyin is named Shaoyang. (The Gallbladder meridian runs on the exterior of the Liver meridian; the Liver meridian runs on the interior of the Gallbladder meridian; they are interior-exterior pairs.) The Shaoyang meridian roots at Xiaoyin (point at the tip of the fourth toe) and is named Yin-Zhong-Shaoyang. Thus, the separation and union of the Three Yang meridians are: Taiyang is Kai (Open), Yangming is He (Close), and Shaoyang is Shu (Pivot). (Wu Kun notes: Running on the exterior and interior is separation; Yin-Yang pairing is union. Taiyang is on the exterior, distributing Yang Qi; Yangming is interior to the exterior, receiving Yang Qi; Shaoyang is between exterior and interior, transporting Yang Qi. These three sentences in Lingshu have the same meaning.) These three meridians must not deviate from each other. If the pulse is firm but not floating, it is called One Yang. (Wu Kun notes: The pulse feels harmonious, without distinction among the three Yang meridians.) External is Yang, internal is Yin. (Yang meridians run on the exterior, Yin meridians run on the interior.) However, the middle is Yin. (Yin governs the interior.) Its Chong is below, named Taiyin. (The Spleen meridian is above the Chong Meridian.) The Taiyin meridian roots at Yinbai (point at the tip of the big toe) and is named Yin-Zhong-Yin. Posterior to Taiyin is named Shaoyin. (The Kidney meridian runs posterior to the Spleen meridian.) The Shaoyin meridian roots at Yongquan (point at the sole of the foot) and is named Yin-Zhong-Shaoyin. Anterior to Shaoyin is named Jueyin. (The Jueyin Liver meridian ascends eight cun above the ankle, crosses posterior to the Taiyin Spleen meridian, and only then runs anterior to the Shaoyin Kidney meridian; prior to this, it does not.) The Jueyin meridian roots at Dadun (point in the trichiasis of the big toe), representing the Extremity of Yin Yang (Jueyin governs the tenth month, the end of Yang), and is named Yin-Zhi-Jueyin (the end of Yin). (San Yin San Yang ends at this meridian.) Thus, the separation and union of the Three Yin meridians are: Taiyin is Kai (Open), Jueyin is He (Close), and Shaoyin is Shu (Pivot). (Taiyin is Zhi Yin, distributing Yin Qi; Jueyin is the end of Yin, receiving Yin Qi; if Kidney Qi is insufficient, Kai and He functions fail, hence it acts as Shu.) These three meridians must not deviate from each other. If the pulse is firm but not sinking, it is called One Yin. (The numbers of Yin and Yang can be counted by thousands and inferred by tens of thousands, but their essence lies in One Yin and One Yang. As Zhang Zai said: "One gives rise to Spirit, Two gives rise to Transformation") (from *Yinyang Lilun*).

*[Suwen]* Yangming is called Liang Yang He Ming (Two Yangs Combined Brightness). (In the third month, Chen, it governs the Left Foot Yangming; in the fourth month, Si, it governs the Right Foot Yangming, hence Two Yangs Combined Brightness.) Jueyin is called Liang Yin Jiao Jin (Two Yins Intersecting End). (In the ninth month, Xu, it governs the Right Foot Jueyin; in the tenth month, Hai, it governs the Left Foot Jueyin, hence Two Yins Intersecting End) (from *Zhi Zhen Yao Da Lun*).

*[Suwen]* The Three Yang are the Father. (Three Yang refers to Taiyang, which governs all Yang.) The Two Yang are the Guardian. (Two Yang refers to Yangming, which defends against pathogens and supports life.) The One Yang is the Discipline. (One Yang refers to Shaoyang, which regulates form and Qi.) The Three Yin are the Mother. (Three Yin refers to Taiyin, which nurtures and sustains.) The Two Yin are the Female. (Two Yin refers to Shaoyin, the Yin organ.) The One Yin is the Sole Envoy. (One Yin refers to Jueyin, skilled in planning and acting as envoy) (from *Yinyang Leilun*).

*[Lingshu]* The path of Ying Qi treasures the internal grain. (Clear Qi is Ying, formed from the refined Qi transformed from water and grain.) Grain enters the Stomach, is transmitted to the Lung (Spleen transmits essence to Lung), overflows internally, and spreads externally (Lung acts as transmitter, spreading essence internally and externally). The purest part travels in the meridians (the purest essence transforms into Ying, circulating in the tunnels of the regular meridians), constantly nourishing without cease, ending and beginning anew, which is called the Principle of Heaven and Earth. Thus, Qi starts from Taiyin. (Ying Qi circulation begins daily from the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian), flows into the Hand-Yangming (Large Intestine Meridian), ascends to flow into the Foot-Yangming (Stomach Meridian), descends to the dorsum of the foot, flows into the space between the big toes, and combines with Taiyin (Yinbai point on the big toe combines with Foot-Taiyin), ascends to the thigh, flows from the thigh into the Heart, follows the Hand-Shaoyin (Heart), emerges from the axilla and arm, flows into the little finger (Hand-Shaoyin Shaose point), combines with Hand-Taiyang (at the lateral side of the little finger, combining with Small Intestine Meridian), ascends through the axilla, emerges below the eye, enters the inner canthus (Jingming BL1, Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian), ascends to the vertex, descends to the nape, combines with Foot-Taiyang (Bladder Meridian), follows the spine down to the sacrum, descends to the tip of the little toe (Zhiyin point on the little toe, Bladder Meridian), follows the sole of the foot (diagonally to the sole, Yongquan KI6, Kidney Meridian), flows into Foot-Shaoyin, ascends to the Kidney, flows from the Kidney to the Heart (Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian), spreads externally in the chest, follows the Xin Zhu Meridian (Pericardium Collateral), emerges from the axilla and arm, emerges between the two tendons (Daling PC7, Pericardium Meridian), enters the palm (Laogong PC8), emerges at the tip of the middle finger (Zhongchong PC9, end of Pericardium Meridian), returns to flow into the tip of the fourth finger (Guanchong SJ1, Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian), combines with Hand-Shaoyang (Sanjiao), ascends to flow into Danzhong (between the breasts), disperses in the Sanjiao, flows from the Sanjiao to the Gallbladder, emerges from the hypochondrium to flow into Foot-Shaoyang (Gallbladder Meridian), descends to the dorsum of the foot, again flows from the dorsum into the space between the big toes (Dadun LR1, Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian), combines with Foot-Jueyin, ascends to the Liver (ending here), flows from the Liver to the Lung (resuming Lung Meridian circulation), ascends along the throat, enters the nasopharyngeal orifice (Yangsang), and terminates at the Chu Men (unclear; Xin Zhengxiao suggests it may be the cardia). A branch ascends to the forehead, follows the vertex down to the nape, follows the spine into the sacrum (Di, end of the spine), which is the Du Meridian. It connects with the genitalia, passes over the pubic hair, enters the umbilicus, ascends along the abdominal interior, enters the supraclavicular fossa (Ma Shi notes: This is the Ren Meridian), descends to flow into the Lung, re-emerges into Taiyin (ending and beginning anew). This is the circulation of Ying Qi, the normal order of following and reversing (both forward and reverse circulation conform to constant numbers) (from *Ying Qi*).

*[Lingshu]* Humans receive Qi from grain. Grain enters the Stomach, is transmitted to the Lung, and the Five Zang and Six Fu organs all receive Qi (Stomach raises essence to Lung; Lung scatters essence to organs). The clear part becomes Ying, the turbid part becomes Wei. (*Suwen* states: Ying is the essence Qi of water and grain; Wei is the fierce Qi of water and grain.) Ying travels within the vessels. (Ying is Yin, pure and specialized, traveling with Zong Qi within the meridians.) Wei travels outside the vessels. (Wei is Yang, fierce, slippery, and agile, not entering the vessels but traveling independently between the skin and muscles. *Weiqi* chapter states: The floating Qi that does not follow the meridians is Wei Qi; the essence Qi that travels within the meridians is Ying Qi.) Ying and Wei circulate unceasingly, meeting again after fifty cycles, Yin and Yang interweaving like a ring without beginning or end. Wei Qi travels in the Yin twenty-five degrees, travels in the Yang twenty-five degrees, dividing day and night. Thus, when Qi arrives...