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The entire human body relies on the waist for flexion, extension, bending, and looking up or down; therefore, when diseased, it often manifests as pain. Those causing lower back pain from the Foot-Taiyang channel to the extraordinary meridians and collateral vessels—whether due to the path of the main channels, the attachment of the collaterals, or the passage of the vessels—are mistakenly considered by the world to belong entirely to the Liver and Kidney.

The Foot-Taiyang channel causes lower back pain, with pain radiating to the nape, spine, sacrum, and back, feeling as if bearing a heavy load. (The Foot-Taiyang channel has a branch descending to the nape, running along the medial aspect of the shoulder blade, flanking the spine to reach the middle of the waist, and another branch descending through the buttocks, thus causing the aforementioned symptoms. Note: The New Correction states that "Guan Tun" in the *Jia Yi Jing* is written as "Guan Shen"; the note in the *Ci Nu Lun* also writes "Guan Shen," while the note in the *San Bu Jiu Hou Lun* writes "Guan Tun".) Bleed the main channel of the Foot-Taiyang at its entry point, but do not bleed in Spring. ("Zhong" refers to Weizhong (BL40), located in the center of the popliteal crease where the artery beats, which is the entry point of the Foot-Taiyang channel. Needle depth: 5 fen; retain for seven breaths; moxa: 3 zhu. The Foot-Taiyang corresponds to the Kidney; Kidney Qi prospers in Winter, and Water Qi declines in Spring; hence, no bleeding in Spring.) The Shaoyang channel causes lower back pain, with a sensation like needles pricking the skin, lingering pain preventing flexion and extension, and inability to look back. The Foot-Shaoyang channel winds around the ear, enters horizontally into the hip joint, thus causing lower back pain with a sensation like needles pricking the skin, lingering pain preventing flexion and extension. The Gallbladder channel of the Foot-Shaoyang originates at the outer canthus, ascends to the frontal angle, descends behind the ear, runs along the neck anterior to the Hand-Yangming channel, reaches the shoulder, and crosses posterior to the Hand-Shaoyang channel. Its branch descends from the outer canthus to Daying, meets the Hand-Shaoyang at Xiaguan, passes through Jiache, descends the neck, and meets at the collarbone. Hence, one cannot look back. Note: The New Correction states that "Xing Shou Yangming Zhi Qian" in the *Jia Yi Jing* is written as "Xing Shou Shaoyang Zhi Qian." Bleed the end of the Chenggu bone of the Shaoyang; Chenggu is the solitary prominent bone on the lateral side of the knee. Do not bleed in Summer. (Chenggu refers to the upper end of the fibula near the lateral knee, between the two rising bones where a depression fits a finger. The fibula forms the pillar supporting the knee and thigh bones, hence called Chenggu. The Shaoyang corresponds to the Liver; Liver Qi prospers in Spring, and Wood Qi declines in Summer; hence, no bleeding in Summer.) The Yangming channel causes lower back pain with inability to look back; when looking back, one may see phantoms and feel prone to sadness. (The Foot-Yangming channel originates beside the nose, crosses the nasal root, descends along the lateral nose, enters the upper teeth, returns to encircle the lips, meets at Chengjiang, then follows the mandible posteriorly to Daying. Its branch descends from Daying to Renying, runs along the throat, and enters the clavicle. Another branch originates from the lower opening of the stomach, runs within the abdomen, meets at Qichong, and descends to the thigh, thus causing lower back pain with inability to look back and visual disturbances. Yang deficiency leads to sadness.) Bleed the three points anterior to the knee on the Yangming channel, harmonizing above and below, but do not bleed in Autumn. (In the *Nei Jing* and *Zhong Gao Liu Zhu Tu Jing*, regarding the indications for Yangming acupoints, this type of lower back pain should be treated by needling the point three cun anterior to the knee, which is Zusanli (ST36). The Yangming corresponds to the Spleen; Spleen Qi prospers in Late Summer, and Earth Qi declines in Autumn; hence, no bleeding in Autumn. Note: The New Correction states that "Du Bi" in the *Jia Yi Jing* is written as "Xi Yan." 'Xi' sounds like 'Wei'.) The Foot-Shaoyin channel causes lower back pain, with pain radiating to the medial aspect of the spine. (The Foot-Shaoyin channel ascends along the posterior medial aspect of the thigh, penetrates the spine, and connects to the Kidney, thus causing lower back pain radiating to the medial spine. Note: The New Correction states that in Quan Yuanqi's edition and the *Tai Su*, "Ji Nei Lian" is written as "Ji Nei Tong." This suggests a missing slip in the ancient text regarding Taiyin lower back pain and its treatment methods.) Bleed the Foot-Shaoyin at two cun above the medial malleolus, but do not bleed in Spring; excessive bleeding cannot be restored. (In the *Nei Jing* and *Zhong Gao Liu Zhu Tu Jing*, regarding the indications for Shaoyin acupoints, this lower back pain should be treated by needling above the medial malleolus, specifically Fuliu (KI7). Fuliu is located two cun posterior-superior to the medial malleolus in the arterial depression. Needle depth: 3 fen; retain for three breaths; moxa: 5 zhu.) The Jueyin channel causes lower back pain, with the waist feeling tight like a drawn bowstring. (The Foot-Jueyin channel originates from the inner thigh, circles the genitalia, and reaches the lower abdomen. Its branch connects with the Taiyin and Shaoyang below the hip, flanking the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae spaces, where acupoints such as Zhongshu (BL27) and Xialiao (BL34) are located. Thus, lower back pain feels like a drawn bowstring. "Like a drawn string" indicates extreme stiffness.) Needle the Jueyin channel where it is outside the fish-belly area of the heel; follow until nodules are felt, then needle. ("Zhong" refers to the pulse location on the lateral side of the foot near the heel. The contour resembles the belly of a lying fish, hence "outside the fish-belly." Follow the muscle intervals until blood vessels appear nodular, then needle. This corresponds to Ligou (LR5), the Luo-connecting vessel of the Foot-Jueyin, five cun above the medial malleolus, diverging to the Shaoyang. Needle depth: 2 fen; retain for three breaths; moxa: 3 zhu. Note: The text mentions the Jueyin channel, while the commentary mentions the Jueyin Luo; the New Correction doubts this is an error, but it is not. "Channel" is a general term that can include "Luo," so it is not an error.) This disease causes silence and mental confusion; needle three times. (The Jueyin channel runs posterior to the throat, enters the nasopharynx, and connects to the base of the tongue, thus causing excessive talking when diseased. Wind excess causes dizziness and confusion, leading to lack of clarity. Needling this area three times eliminates the lower back pain. Note: The New Correction states that "Shan Yan Mo Mo Ran Bu Hui" contains contradictory symptoms ("excessive talking" vs. "silence"). Quan Yuanqi's edition omits "Shan," which is more logical. We adopt this correction. Additionally, the *Jia Yi Jing* states the Jueyin channel does not connect to the tongue base. Wang Bing notes this in several chapters but omits it in others, showing his own doubt.) The Xie Mai (Loose Channel) causes lower back pain radiating to the shoulder, blurred vision, and occasional urinary incontinence. (Xie Mai refers to scattered channels that run separately from the main trunk. This is the Foot-Taiyang channel, originating at the inner canthus, crossing the vertex, ascending along the shoulder blades, flanking the spine to the waist, entering the erector spinae, connecting to the Kidney, belonging to the Bladder, and descending into the popliteal fossa, thus causing these symptoms. Another branch diverges from the popliteal fossa, passes through the hamstring, runs along the posterolateral thigh, and joins the popliteal fossa. The two vessels resemble unbound thighs, hence named Xie Mai.) Bleed the horizontal vessel on the lateral aspect of the popliteal fossa between the muscle and tendon divisions of the knee; stop when the blood color changes. (This refers to the large tendons on both sides of the back of the knee, the space between them posterior to the thighs, and the transverse lines. Where the flesh protrudes is the boundary of the popliteal fossa. Ancient texts identify the popliteal fossa as the Xi-Cleft point of the Taiyang. Select the horizontal blood vessel visible on the lateral aspect of the popliteal fossa, which appears dark purple and full, and needle it. Black blood will emerge; wait until the blood turns red before stopping. If the blood does not turn red, drain thoroughly until it turns red. This is the method for treating Taiyang Xi-Clower back pain.) Xie Mai causes lower back pain as if pulled by a belt, often feeling like the waist is broken, with frequent fear. (The collateral branch of the Foot-Taiyang diverges from the shoulder, descends along the spine, enters the hip laterally at the waist, and joins the popliteal fossa, thus feeling like being pulled by a belt or having a broken waist. Note: The New Correction states that "Ru Yin Dai" in the *Jia Yi Jing* is written as "Ru Lie," and "Shan Kong" is written as "Shan Nu.") Needle the Xie Mai at the nodules in the popliteal fossa the size of millet grains; when black blood shoots out, stop when red blood appears. (The popliteal fossa is Weizhong (BL40), the He-Sea point of the Foot-Taiyang, located in the center of the popliteal crease. Needle depth: 5 fen; retain for seven breaths; moxa: 3 zhu. This is the standard needling method for this channel. Here, we target the nodule the size of millet grains; when black blood shoots out, stop when the blood turns red. Note: The New Correction states that Quan Yuanqi mentions two Xie Mails with different pathological origins, suggesting possible error, but details are unclear.) The Tongyin Mai causes lower back pain with a sensation like a small hammer lodged inside, accompanied by distending swelling. (This is the collateral branch of the Foot-Shaoyang, ascending with the Foot-Shaoyang channel, five cun above the lateral malleolus, where it diverges to the Jueyin, descends, and connects to the dorsum of the foot, hence called Tongyin Mai. "Fu" means anger/swelling, indicating swelling as if angry. Note: The New Correction states that "Xiao Chui" in the *Tai Su* is written as "Xiao Zhen.") Needle the Tongyin Mai at the end of the Juegu bone above the lateral malleolus, three times. (The end of Juegu is three cun as described previously, corresponding to Yangfu (GB38), where the Foot-Shaoyang channel travels. Needle depth: 5 fen; retain for seven breaths; moxa: 3 zhu.) The Yangwei Mai causes lower back pain with distending swelling in the upper part. (Yangwei originates from Yangqiao, generated by the Taiyang; it is one of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels.) Needle the Yangwei Mai where the vessel merges with the Taiyang below the popliteal fossa, about one chi from the ground. (Generated by the Taiyang, it runs parallel to the regular channels upward, merging again with the Taiyang below the popliteal fossa. One chi below the popliteal fossa is Chengguang (BL9), located in the depression between the muscles below the sharp bone. Needle depth: 7 fen; moxa: 5 zhu. Because it targets the muscle interval below the sharp bone, it is said to merge below the popliteal fossa. Note: The New Correction states that the acupoint is actually Chengshan, not Chengguang; "Shan" was miswritten as "Guang".) The Hengluo Mai causes lower back pain preventing flexion and extension; extending the back causes fear of falling. This results from lifting heavy objects injuring the waist, severing the Hengluo, causing evil blood to accumulate. ("Heng" means transverse; referring to the external collateral of the Taiyang that enters horizontally from the waist into the posterolateral thigh and joins the main channel in the popliteal fossa. Heavy lifting injures the waist, severing the transverse collateral, causing the main channel to become hyperactive, leading to lower back pain preventing flexion and extension. One version reads "Chongjue," which is a transcription error. If it were the Chong Mai, the *Zhong Gao* would not select Weiyang and Yinmen of the Taiyang channel.) Needle at Weiyang and between the tendons, horizontally positioned several cun above, using two points, and bleed. (The two horizontally positioned points are Weiyang (BL39) and Yinmen (BL37), aligned horizontally. Weiyang is lateral to the Fuxi point. The space between tendons refers to the space between the two tendons in the popliteal fossa, where Yinmen is located. Both points are six cun above the transverse line of the buttock, hence "several cun above the popliteal fossa." Weiyang: needle 7 fen, retain 5 breaths, moxa 3 zhu. Yinmen: needle 5 fen, retain 7 breaths, moxa 3 zhu. Hence, "horizontally positioned as two points." Note: The New Correction states that Wang Bing's description of Weiyang being superior to Fuxi contradicts the *Jia Yi Jing*, which places Weiyang one cun inferior to Fuxi.) The Huiyin Mai causes lower back pain, profuse sweating on the upper body, thirst after sweat dries, and restlessness after drinking. (This is the main channel of the Foot-Taiyang. Its vessel runs along the waist and converges at the posterior orifice, hence called Huiyin Mai. The channel descends from the waist to the foot; currently, Yang Qi is excessively abundant, causing pain and profuse sweating. After sweating, Kidney fluid becomes dry and Yin deficient, causing thirst to save the Kidney. After drinking, Kidney Qi recovers, Yin flows, and Taiyang becomes abundant again, causing restlessness. Note: "Tuo" is pronounced "He," describing the appearance of sweating.) Needle the Zhiyang Mai three times above, horizontally positioned five cun below the popliteal fossa on the Yangqiao, bleeding where vessels are full. (The Zhiyang Mai is the Taiyang channel, descending flanking the spine through the buttocks to the popliteal fossa, then down the calf, passing behind the lateral malleolus, running straight, hence called Zhiyang Mai. Yangqiao originates at Shenmai (BL62), below the lateral malleolus. "Below the popliteal fossa" refers to the area five cun below the popliteal fossa, connecting the point above the popliteal fossa and below Shenmai, which is Chengjin (BL57), located in the depression in the center of the calf, where Taiyang Qi emerges. Needling is prohibited here; moxa 3 zhu. The instruction to needle refers to bleeding the full blood vessels. Both calves have descending Taiyang Qi; observe the central blood vessels in both calves for fullness and bleed. Hence, "bleed where vessels are full." Note: The New Correction states that although the text mentions Huiyin Mai causing lower back pain and then instructs needling Zhiyang Mai, they refer to the same phenomenon with different wording. Also, the note for Chengjin says "center of the calf like an outward depression," but the *Jia Yi Jing* and *Gu Kong Lun* notes omit "like an outward depression".) The Feiyang Mai causes lower back pain with distending discomfort, progressing to sadness and fear. (This is the Yinwei Mai, five cun above the medial malleolus in the calf division, ascending with the Shaoyin channel. Anterior to the Shaoyin channel is the path of the Yinwei Mai. The Foot-Shaoyin channel ascends from the Kidney through the Liver and diaphragm, enters the Lung, runs along the throat, and flanks the tongue base. Its branch exits the Lung, connects to the Heart, and pours into the chest. Hence, severe cases involve sadness and fear. Fear originates in the Kidney, sadness in the Heart. Note: Sadness is the emotion of the Lung; the commentary stating it originates in the Heart is incorrect.) Needle the Feiyang Mai five cun above the medial malleolus, (Note: *Jia Yi Jing* says two cun.) anterior to the Shaoyin, meeting the Yinwei. (Five cun posterior-superior to the medial malleolus is Fuliu (KI7), where the Shaoyin channel travels; needle 3 fen. Posterior to the medial malleolus is Zhubin (KI9), the Xi-Cleft of the Yinwei; needle 3 fen, moxa 5 zhu. Anterior to the Shaoyin is the meeting of the Yinwei, where three vessels converge. Needle 3 fen, moxa 5 zhu. The current *Zhong Gao* text matches this method. Note: The *Jia Yi Jing* states the collateral of the Foot-Taiyang diverging to the Shaoyin is named Feiyang, seven cun above the lateral malleolus. It also states Zhubin is the Xi-Cleft of the Yinwei, in the calf division above the medial malleolus. Fuliu is two cun above the medial malleolus. The discrepancy between this commentary and the *Jia Yi Jing* suggests the "five cun" in the text should be "two cun" to align with the *Jia Yi Jing*.) The Changyang Mai causes lower back pain radiating to the chest, blurred vision, severe opisthotonos, tongue rolling, and inability to speak. (This is the Yinqiao Mai. The Yinqiao is a branch of the Foot-Shaoyin, originating behind Ran Gu, ascending above the medial malleolus, running straight up the inner thigh into the genitalia, then along the abdomen into the chest, entering the clavicle, ascending anterior to Renying, entering the nasopharynx, connecting to the inner canthus, and meeting the Taiyang and Yangqiao to ascend, thus causing these lower back pain symptoms.) Needle two points at Neijin, above the medial malleolus, anterior to the large tendon, posterior to the Taiyin, approximately two cun above the ankle. (Neijin refers to the muscle interval anterior to the large tendon. Posterior to the Taiyin and anterior to the large tendon is the Xi-Cleft of the Yinqiao, Jiaoxin (KI8). Located two cun above the medial malleolus, anterior to the Shaoyin, posterior to the Taiyin, in the depression between bone and tendon. Needle depth: 4 fen; retain for five breaths; moxa: 3 zhu.) The San Mai causes lower back pain with heat, severe heat causing irritability, a sensation of a horizontal wood block in the lower waist, and severe cases involving urinary incontinence. (San Mai is the collateral branch of the Foot-Taiyin, scattering upward, hence the name. Its vessel runs along the inner thigh, enters the abdomen, and connects with the Shaoyin and Shaoyang below the hip in the bony space, thus causing the sensation of a horizontal block in the lower waist and incontinence in severe cases.) Needle the San Mai in the muscle-bone division anterior to the knee, at the lateral aspect of the collateral vessels, using three points. (Refers to the medial anterior knee. Muscle-bone division refers to the space between the muscles below the medial condyle. The lateral collateral is the Taiyin collateral, appearing blue-green. Below the condyle, a large tendon binds the patella; take the pulse at this binding site to treat the disease, known as Diji (SP8). Three needleings suffice, hence "binding vessels with three needleings".) The Rouli Mai causes lower back pain preventing coughing; coughing causes tendon spasms. (The Rouli Mai is generated by the Shaoyang and is where the Qi of the Yangwei Mai emerges. "Li" refers to the calf.) Needle two points of the Rouli Mai, lateral to the Taiyang, posterior to the Juegu of the Shaoyang. Fenrou governs this. One version says "anterior to Juegu," which is a transcription error. Anterior to Juegu is the path of the Foot-Shaoyang; posterior to Juegu is the path of the Yangwei Mai, hence specified as lateral to Taiyang and posterior to Shaoyang Juegu. Fenrou acupoint is two fen posterior to the end of Juegu directly above the lateral malleolus, in the muscle-tendon interval, where Yangwei Qi emerges. Needle depth: 5 fen; retain for ten breaths; moxa: 3 zhu. (Note: The New Correction states that Fenrou is not found in the *Jia Yi Jing*; measurements differ from the *Qi Xue* note. In *Qi Xue*, 2 fen is 3 fen, 5 fen is 3 fen, and 10 breaths is 7 breaths.) Lower back pain flanking the spine radiating to the head, heaviness in the head, blurred vision, and desire to collapse; bleed the popliteal fossa of the Foot-Taiyin. (Popliteal fossa is Weizhong. Note: The New Correction states that the *Tai Su* reads "head heavy." 'KT' sounds like 'Shu', meaning short-winged bird.) Upper cold in lower back pain: needle Foot-Taiyang and Yangming; upper heat: needle Foot-Jueyin; inability to flex/extend: needle Foot-Shaoyang; internal heat with panting: needle Foot-Shaoyin, bleed popliteal fossa. (This method is profound and differs from the *Zhong Gao*, making it hard to fathom. One must understand the correspondences; otherwise, one should first remove blood stasis before regulating.) Upper cold in lower back pain with inability to look back: needle Foot-Yangming. (Upper cold: governed by Yinshi (ST33). Yinshi is three cun above the knee, in the depression below Futu, where Yangming Qi emerges. Needle 3 fen, retain 7 breaths, moxa 3 zhu. Inability to look back: governed by Zusanli (ST36). Zusanli is three cun below the knee, on the lateral aspect of the tibia, between the two muscle bellies, where Yangming Qi enters. Needle 1 cun, retain 7 breaths, moxa 3 zhu.) Upper heat: needle Foot-Taiyin. (Governed by Diji (SP8). Diji is five cun below the knee, the Xi-Cleft of the Foot-Taiyin. Needle 3 fen, moxa 3 zhu.) Internal heat with panting: needle Foot-Shaoyin. (Governed by Yongquan (KI1) and Dazhong (KI4). Yongquan is in the depression at the center of the sole, when the foot is curled; it is the Jing-River point of the Foot-Shaoyin. Needle 3 fen, retain 3 breaths, moxa 3 zhu. Dazhong is at the pulsating artery behind the heel, the Luo-connecting vessel of the Foot-Shaoyin. Needle 2 fen, retain 7 breaths, moxa 3 zhu. Note: The New Correction states that the *Ci Nu Lun* note places Dazhong posterior to the medial malleolus, the *Shui Xue Lun* note places it posterior to the medial malleolus, and this note places it at the pulsating artery behind the heel. The three notes differ. The *Jia Yi Jing* also says "behind the heel at the pulsating artery," so follow the *Jia Yi Jing* as correct.) Difficulty defecating: needle Foot-Shaoyin. (Governed by Yongquan (KI1).) Fullness in the lower abdomen: needle Foot-Jueyin. (Governed by Taichong (LR3). Located two cun medial to the proximal interphalangeal joint of the big toe, in the depression where the artery beats; it is the Ying-Spring point of the Foot-Jueyin. Needle 3 fen, retain 10 breaths, moxa 3 zhu.) Feeling like breaking, inability to flex/extend, inability to lift: needle Foot-Taiyang. (Feeling like breaking: governed by Shugu (BL65). Inability to flex/extend: governed by Jinggu (BL64) and Kunlun (BL60). Inability to lift: governed by Shenmai (BL62) and Pucan (BL61). Shugu is in the depression at the red-white flesh junction posterior to the metatarsophalangeal joint of the little toe, the Ying-Spring point of the Foot-Taiyang. Needle 3 fen, retain 3 breaths, moxa 3 zhu. Jinggu is in the depression under the cuboid bone at the red-white flesh junction, palpable; it is the Jing-River point of the Foot-Taiyang. Needle 3 fen, retain 7 breaths, moxa 3 zhu. Kunlun is in the depression posterior to the lateral malleolus on the calcaneus, where a fine pulse beats; it is the Jing-River point of the Foot-Taiyang. Needle 5 fen, retain 10 breaths, moxa 3 zhu. Shenmai is five fen below the lateral malleolus, fitting the nail bed; it is the origin of Yangqiao. Needle 6 fen, retain 10 breaths, moxa 3 zhu. Pucan is in the depression under the calcaneus, where a fine pulse beats; it is the meeting of the Foot-Taiyang and Yangqiao. Needle 3 fen, retain 7 breaths, moxa 3 zhu. Note: The New Correction states that the *Jia Yi Jing* places Shenmai in the depression below the lateral malleolus without specifying five fen, needle depth 6 fen as 3 fen, retention 10 breaths as 6 breaths, and *Qi Xue* note says 7 breaths. For Pucan, retention is 7 breaths, but *Jia Yi Jing* says 6 breaths.) Pain radiating to the medial aspect of the spine: needle the Foot-