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At the beginning of human life, one receives the Yin and Yang of Heaven and Earth, borrowing the essence and blood of parents. Through interaction and condensation, a fetal sac is formed. If the right kidney is generated first, it becomes male, as the exterior is essence and the interior is blood, with Yin residing internally. If the left kidney is generated first, it becomes female, as the exterior is blood and the interior is essence, with Yang residing internally. Subsequently, the Kidney generates the Spleen, the Spleen generates the Liver, the Liver generates the Lung, and the Lung generates the Heart. Since Zang organs belong to Yin, life generation begins with Kidney Water and ends with Heart Fire, representing the process of generating that which overcomes oneself (Sheng Ji). Subsequently, the Heart generates the Small Intestine, the Small Intestine generates the Large Intestine, the Large Intestine generates the Gallbladder, the Gallbladder generates the Stomach, and the Stomach generates the Bladder. Since Fu organs belong to Yang, life generation begins with Small Intestine Fire and ends with Bladder Water, representing the process of generating what one overcomes (Ji Sheng). Once the structure of Zang and Fu is established, from the Bladder arises the Three Yuan, from the Three Yuan arises the San Jiao (Triple Burner), from the San Jiao arise the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, from the Eight Extraordinary Vessels arise the Twelve Meridians, from the Twelve Meridians arise the Twelve Collaterals, from the Twelve Collaterals arise 180 Sun Collaterals, from the 180 Sun Collaterals arise 180 Chan Collaterals, from the 180 Chan Collaterals arise 36,000 Xi Collaterals, from the 36,000 Xi Collaterals arise 365 bones, from the 365 bones arise 500 sinews and vessels, from the 500 sinews and vessels arise 655 acupoints, and from the 655 acupoints arise 84,000 hair pores. When the fetus is complete and Qi is sufficient, the spiritual light enters the body, separating from the mother to become a human. Normally, birth occurs after ten months; if not, it is due to the early or late arrival of the spiritual light. After birth, through "Bian Zheng" (physiological changes in infant development), spirit and intelligence are generated, and nails and hair grow fully. Spirit is the surplus of Qi; Intelligence is the surplus of Yi (Intent); Nails are the surplus of Sinews; Hair is the surplus of Blood; Teeth are the surplus of Bone. These occur after birth, hence called "surplus". When one follows the Dao to receive life, this is called Xing (Nature). That which bears things is called Xin (Heart). Memory in the heart is called Yi (Intent). Thought in Yi is called Zhi (Will). Comprehensive handling of affairs is called Zhi (Wisdom). Wisdom encompassing all things is called Lv (Deliberation). Movement to nourish the body is called Hun (Ethereal Soul). Stillness to stabilize the body is called Po (Corporeal Soul). Inability to think clearly is called Shen (Spirit). Profound transformation is called Ling (Spiritual Power). Flowing in flesh and bone is called Xue (Blood). Preserving form and nurturing Qi is called Jing (Essence). Clear and brisk Qi is called Ying (Nutritive Qi). Turbid and sluggish Qi is called Wei (Defensive Qi). The presence of various forms is called Xing (Form). Blockage and resistance is called Zhi (Quality). Measurable appearance is called Ti (Body). Distinct size is called Qu (Torso). Summarizing all bones is called Shen (Whole Body).

The skeletal framework is named according to form. The head includes Naohu (Brain Door) at the depression between the large tendons at the back of the neck, known as Fengfu (Wind Palace). The sides of the neck are the cervical region. Above the neck is the brain. Above the brain is the vertex (Dian). Anterior to the vertex is the crown (Ding). Anterior to the crown is the fontanelle (Xin). Anterior to the fontanelle is the hairline. Anterior to the hairline is the forehead (E Chu). The corners of the forehead are the frontal angles. The depressions above the ears at the hairline are the quyu (curved corners). Anterior to the quyu is the shoulder bone. Between the shoulders is the face (Yan). Below the face is the nose. The root of the nose is the shangen. On both sides of the nose are the eyes. Deep inside the eyes is the eye system (Mu Xi). The inner canthus is Jingming (Bright Eye). The black part is the pupil (Tong Zi). The outer canthus is the acute canthus (Rui Zi). Lateral to the acute canthus is the ear. Inside the ear pulse is the Ji Zu (Chicken Foot) point. The depression at the end of the curved jaw below the ear is Jiache (Cheek Carriage). The hairline in front of the ear is Dui Fa. The hollow space in the raised bone anterior-superior to the ear is Keren Zhu Ren (Guest Master), also known as Shang Guan (Upper Gate). Below the eye and ear is the zygomatic area. Below the zygoma is the cheek (Sai). Below the cheek is the mandible (Han). The center of the mandible is the chin (Yi), also known as Di Ge (Earth Pavilion). Below the chin is the lower jaw (Jian). The depression above the chin is Cheng Jiang (Receiving Fluids). Above Cheng Jiang is the mouth. Small teeth in the front of the mouth are Chi; large teeth on the sides are Ya. The gum surrounding the teeth is Yin. Between the teeth is the tongue. The root of the tongue is She Ben. Opposite the top of the tongue base is the uvula (Xuan Yong). The sides of the mouth are Xia Kou. Inside the sides of the mouth are the lips. Above the lips is Ren Zhong (Human Center). Above Ren Zhong are the nostrils.

For the arms: Below the front and back of the shoulder is the bo (upper arm). Opposite the axilla below the bo is the armpit (Ye), which has inner and outer aspects, each with anterior and posterior margins. The end of the armpit is the elbow (Zhou). Below the elbow is the humerus (Gong), also called Bi (Arm). The arm has upper and lower bones; the upper bone is the Fu Gu. The arm has upper and lower margins, divided into inner and outer, with anterior and posterior edges. The end of the arm bone is the wrist (Wan). Below the wrist is the Dui Gu; above is the Gao Gu. The artery beside the Gao Gu is the Guan (Gate); behind the Guan is Chi; in front of the Guan is Cun Kou (Inch Port). The bone at Cun Kou is Shu Gu. Anterior to Shu Gu, at the junction of metacarpal bone and fatty tissue, is Yu Ji (Fish Border). Lateral to Yu Ji are two tendons. Anterior to the two tendons are two bones, known as Qi Gu (Divided Bone). Anterior to Qi Gu is the Tiger's Mouth (Hu Kou).

For the costal region: The upper margin of the ribs is the axilla. The rib bones are Lei. Three cun below the axilla, between the ribs extending from the costal margin, is the Ji Xie (Seasonal Hypochondrium). The soft empty area below the Ji Xie is Miao. Lateral to Miao is the upper thigh area. For the chest and abdomen: The anterior yin opening is posterior, and the posterior yang opening is anterior. Between the two tendons of Ping Yi is the Zuan. Deep inside the Zuan is Xia Ji (Lower Pole). Anterior to Xia Ji, males have Yin Yan, females have Yao Lou. Below Yin Yan is the genital organ (Yin Qi). Above Yin Qi is Ju Yin (Gathering Yin). Above Ju Yin is the pubic hairline (Mao Ji). In the arteries on both sides of the Mao Ji is Qichong (Qi Rush), also known as Qie (Street). Above Qichong is the lower abdomen (Shao Fu). Inside the Shao Fu is Zhong Ji (Central Pole). Above Zhong Ji is Guanyuan (Gate of Origin). Above Guanyuan is the umbilicus (Qi). From the umbilicus to Jiwei is the abdomen. The Jiwei bone is Bigu, also known as Yi. Above Yi is the chest (Xiong). Between the breasts in the chest is Danzhong (Chest Center), also known as Yuan Er. The high points on both sides of the chest are Ying. The transverse bone above Ying is Jugu (Great Bone). Above Jugu is Quepen (Missing Basin). The bone of Quepen is the clavicular fossa, also known as Suo Hou Gu. The meeting point in the middle of the clavicular fossa is the E (Forehead). Connecting from below the E to the tongue base is the Adam's apple (Jie Hou). One cun five fen lateral to the Jie Hou, where the large neck pulse beats and reflects the Qi of the five Zang organs, is Yingmen (Welcome Man), also known as Wu Hui (Five Meetings). Above Wu Hui, one cun three fen anterior to the curved chin in the arterial depression is Daying (Great Meeting). Inside Daying is the throat (Hou Long). Above the throat is Hang Sang. Inside Hang Sang is the pharyngeal gate (Yan Men).

For the lumbar spine: The vertebral joints are Qiao Gu. The end below Qiao Gu is Jiao Wei. The sharp end of Jiao Wei is the coccyx (Wei Gu), also known as Di Gu. Lateral to the Di Gu are Bian Gu. Inside the Bian Gu, males have twelve segments, females have eight. The junction is Kao. The transverse bone above Kao is Yao Jian Gu. Above Yao Jian Gu is the lumbar bone (Yao Gu), also known as Yao Zhu. Above the lumbar vertebrae is KT. KT above, medial to the spine, is the spinal column, consisting of twenty-one segments. Adding three segments of the occipital bone makes twenty-four. Inside the spine is KT. Lateral to KT are Lu. Inside Lu are Jia (Scapula), also known as Bei. The two upper angles of the scapula are Jie Jie. The flat part below Jie Jie is the scapula blade, also known as Bo. Between the two bones at the shoulder tip is the bone. The meeting point of the upper edge of the scapula is San Zhu (Three Pillars). Above San Zhu, anterior to the lateral sides is a specific area.

For the thighs and knees: The heel is Duan. Above Duan is Zhong. Above Zhong is Shuan, also known as Pian Chang (Gastrocnemius). Above Pian Chang, at the posterior bend of the knee, is Nuo. From the knee up to below the hip bone is Jian. Lateral to the hip bone above Jian is Ji. Posterior to Ji is the gluteal muscle. Posterior to the gluteal muscle is a specific area. Anterior to Ji is Bi Yan, also known as Bi Shu. Medially below is the thigh (Gu), also known as Kua. The Kua bone is HT KT. Below the thigh is the fish belly. Lateral to the thigh is Bi. Anterior to the thigh and Bi, the muscle rising above the knee is Futu (Crouching Rabbit). Posterior to Futu at the intersection is Biguan (Thigh Gate). The transverse bone above Biguan is Zhen Gu. Below Biguan at the knee joint is Haiguan (Knee Gate). Medial to the knee joint is Bin (Patella). Below Bin is HT. Lateral to HT is the posterior auxiliary bone. Lateral to HT is a specific area. Anterior is a specific area, also known as Jin (Tibia). The end of the tibia is Qu Jie, also known as the ankle joint.

For the feet: Behind the nail of the big toe is San Mao (Three Hairs). Behind San Mao is Ju Mao (Gathering Hairs). Behind Ju Mao is Ben Jie (Root Joint). Behind Ben Jie is Qi Gu. Above Qi Gu is Fu (Dorsum of foot). Medially and inferiorly on the Fu is Qiao Gu, also known as He Gu (Nuclear Bone). Below the big toe is Zhi (Sole). Below Zhi is Ji. Behind Ji is Ban. Behind Ban is Zu Xin (Foot Heart). Behind Zu Xin is Zu Zhang (Foot Palm). Behind Zu Zhang is Zu Gen (Heel). Opposite ankles are Wan. Anterior to the medial malleolus, in the depression below the large bone, is Rangu (Natural Valley). Above the lateral malleolus is Jue Gu (Broken Bone). At the red-white flesh border below the large bone on the lateral side of the foot is Jinggu (Capital Bone).

For the Zang-Fu: Anterior to the lower throat is the Qi System. Connected below the Qi System is the Lung. Connected below the Lung is the Heart. Below the Heart is the Diaphragm. Below the Diaphragm is the Liver. The three short lobes connected on the left of the Liver are the Gallbladder. Below the four lobes on the right of the Liver is the Spleen. Connected superior-posterior to the Spleen is the Stomach, also known as Tai Cang (Great Granary) or Sea of Water and Grain. Entering the spine laterally below the Stomach, the left is the Kidney, and the right is Mingmen (Gate of Life). Anterior to the lower part of the two Kidneys is the Bladder. Below the Bladder is Ting Kong. Below the pharyngeal gate is the Food System. Connected below the Food System is the Tai Cang. Connected below the Tai Cang is the Small Intestine. Connected inferior-right to the Small Intestine is the Large Intestine. Connected below the Large Intestine is the Anus. Connected below the Small Intestine is the Bladder. Also said: Lips are Fei Men (Flying Gate). Teeth are Hu Men (Door Gate). Epiglottis is Xi Men (Inhaling Gate). Upper opening of Tai Cang is Ben Men (Pylorus). Lower opening is You Men (Pyloric Gate). The meeting place of the two intestines is Lan Men (Barrier Gate). Xia Ji is Po Men (Corporeal Gate), also known as An Men (Anus). Also said: Above the Heart is Upper Jiao. From below the Heart to the Umbilicus is Middle Jiao. Below the Umbilicus is Lower Jiao. Together they form the San Jiao (Triple Burner).

Each Zang-Fu governs one meridian, forming the Twelve Regular Meridians of Hand and Foot, Yin and Yang. They circulate Ying and Wei Qi, connect all bones, and flow endlessly. Each meridian runs bilaterally. Hand Yin meridians go from Zang to Hand. Hand Yang meridians go from Hand to Head. Foot Yang meridians go from Head to Foot. Foot Yin meridians go from Foot to Abdomen. The meridians typically begin at Yin hour (3-5 AM) at the Middle Jiao, flowing through Hand Taiyin, Hand Yangming, Foot Yangming, Foot Taiyin, Hand Shaoyin, Hand Taiyang, Foot Taiyang, Foot Shaoyin, Hand Jueyin, Hand Shaoyang, Foot Shaoyang, and Foot Jueyin. After one cycle, it returns to Hand Taiyin.

Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian originates in the Middle Jiao, descends to connect with the Large Intestine, returns along the stomach opening, ascends through the diaphragm, belongs to the Lung, emerges horizontally from the lung system under the axilla, descends along the medial aspect of the arm, anterior to Shaoyin and Jueyin, descends to the elbow, follows the medial arm, along the lower edge of the upper bone, enters Cun Kou, ascends to Yu Ji, follows the fish border, and exits at the tip of the thumb. Its branch goes straight from behind the wrist to the medial side of the index finger and exits its tip. It then connects to Hand Yangming.

Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian originates at the radial side of the index finger, follows the radial edge, enters the web between the first and second metacarpal bones (Hegu), ascends between two tendons, follows the radial edge of the forearm, enters the lateral elbow, follows the lateral edge of the upper arm, ascends to the shoulder, emerges anterior to the acromion, ascends to the meeting of the collarbone, descends into Quepen, connects with the Lung, passes through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Large Intestine. Its branch ascends from Quepen to the neck, penetrates the cheek, descends into the tooth gap, returns to flank the mouth, crosses Ren Zhong, left crossing right, right crossing left, and ascends flanking the nasal cavity. It then connects to Foot Yangming.

Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at the bridge of the nose, joins the Taiyin meridian, descends along the lateral nose, enters the upper tooth gap, returns to flank the mouth and encircle the lips, crosses Chengjiang, follows the post-mental groove, emerges at Daying, follows Jiache, ascends anterior to the ear, passes Keren Zhuren, follows the hairline to the forehead. Its branch descends from Daying to Yingmen, follows the throat, enters Quepen, passes through the diaphragm, belongs to the Stomach, and connects with the Spleen. Its main trunk descends from Quepen along the medial breast, flanks the umbilicus, and enters Qichong. Its branch originates from the stomach opening, descends along the abdomen to merge with Qichong, descends to Biguan, reaches Futu, enters the knee patella, follows the lateral tibia, descends to the dorsum of the foot, and enters the space between the third and fourth toes. Another branch descends three cun below the knee, enters the lateral space of the third toe. Another branch diverges from the dorsum, enters the big toe, and exits its tip. It then connects to Foot Taiyin.

Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian originates at the tip of the big toe, follows the medial white flesh border, passes behind the nuclear bone, ascends anterior to the medial malleolus, ascends the medial leg, follows the posterior tibia, crosses anterior to Jueyin, ascends the anterior-medial thigh, enters the abdomen, belongs to the Spleen, connects with the Stomach, ascends through the diaphragm, flanks the pharynx, connects to the tongue base, and spreads under the tongue. Its branch diverges from the Stomach, ascends through the diaphragm, and injects into the Heart. It then connects to Hand Shaoyin.

Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian originates in the Heart, emerges belonging to the Heart system, descends through the diaphragm, and connects with the Small Intestine. Its branch ascends from the Heart system, flanks the pharynx, and connects to the eye system. Its main trunk returns from the Heart system to the Lung, emerges under the axilla, descends along the posterior-medial arm, posterior to Taiyin and Jueyin, descends to the medial elbow, follows the posterior-medial arm, reaches the end of the ulnar styloid, enters the posterior palm, follows the medial little finger, and exits its tip. It then connects to Hand Taiyang.

Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian originates at the tip of the little finger, follows the lateral hand, ascends the wrist, emerges from the ankle, goes straight up along the lower edge of the ulna, emerges between the two tendons at the medial elbow, ascends the posterior-lateral upper arm, emerges from the shoulder joint, winds around the scapula, crosses the shoulder, enters Quepen, follows the pharynx, connects with the Heart, passes through the diaphragm, reaches the Stomach, and belongs to the Small Intestine. Its branch ascends from Quepen along the neck to the cheek, reaches the outer canthus, enters the ear. Another branch diverges from the cheek, ascends to the cheekbone, reaches the nose, arrives at the inner canthus, and obliquely connects to the zygoma. It then connects to Foot Taiyang.

Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian originates at the inner canthus, ascends to the forehead, crosses the vertex. Its branch goes from the vertex to the supraorbital angle. Its main trunk enters the brain from the vertex, returns to descend the nape, follows the medial scapula, flanks the spine, reaches the waist, enters the paraspinal muscles, connects with the Kidney, and belongs to the Bladder. Its branch descends from the waist, flanks the spine, penetrates the Kidney, and enters the middle. Another branch diverges from the medial arm, descends through the scapula, flanks the spine, passes the hip pivot, follows the lateral thigh, merges into the popliteal fossa from the posterior, descends through the calf, emerges posterior to the lateral malleolus, follows Jinggu, and reaches the lateral side of the little toe. It then connects to Foot Shaoyin.

Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian originates below the little toe,斜 walks to the sole, emerges below Rangu, follows posterior to the medial malleolus, diverges into the heel, ascends the medial leg, emerges from the medial edge, ascends the posterior-medial thigh, penetrates the spine, enters the Kidney, and connects with the Bladder. Its main trunk ascends from the Kidney through the Liver and diaphragm, enters the Lung, follows the pharynx, and flanks the tongue base. Its branch emerges from the Lung, connects with the Heart, and injects into the chest. It then connects to Hand Jueyin.

Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian originates in the chest, emerges belonging to the Pericardium, descends through the diaphragm, sequentially connects with the Triple Burner. Its branch follows the chest, emerges from the hypochondrium, descends three cun below the axilla, ascends to the axilla, follows the medial arm, runs between Taiyin and Shaoyin, enters the elbow, descends the arm, runs between two tendons, enters the palm, follows the middle finger, and exits its tip. Its branch diverges from the palm, follows the ring finger, and exits its tip. It then connects to Hand Shaoyang.

Hand Shaoyang Triple Burner Meridian originates at the tip of the ring finger, ascends between the fingers, follows the dorsal wrist, emerges between the two forearm bones, ascends through the elbow, follows the lateral arm, ascends to the shoulder, crosses posterior to Foot Shaoyang, enters Quepen, distributes in Danzhong, scatters connecting the Pericardium, descends through the diaphragm, follows and belongs to the Triple Burner. Its branch ascends from Danzhong to Quepen, ascends the neck, ties behind the ear, goes straight up to the supraorbital angle, curves down to the cheek, reaching the cheekbone. Its branch enters the ear from behind, exits anterior to the ear, passes anterior to Keren Zhuren, crosses the cheek, and reaches the outer canthus. It then connects to Foot Shaoyang.

Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian originates at the outer canthus, ascends to the temporal angle, descends behind the ear, follows the neck, runs anterior to Hand Shaoyang, reaches the shoulder, crosses posterior to Shaoyang, enters Quepen. Its branch enters the ear from behind, exits anterior to the ear, reaches behind the outer canthus. Its branch diverges from the outer canthus, descends to Daying, merges with Hand Shaoyang, reaches the cheekbone, descends to Jiache, goes down the neck, merges with Quepen, descends into the chest, pierces the diaphragm, connects with the Liver, belongs to the Gallbladder, follows the interior of the hypochondrium, emerges at Qichong, wraps around the pubic hairline, and enters the hip pit transversely. Its main trunk descends from Quepen under the axilla, follows the chest, passes the seasonal hypochondrium, merges with the hip pit, follows the lateral thigh, emerges at the lateral knee, descends anterior to the lateral fibular head, goes straight down to the end of the fibula, emerges anterior to the lateral malleolus, follows the dorsum of the foot, and enters the space between the fourth and fifth toes. Its branch diverges from the dorsum, enters the big toe, follows the medial interosseous space, exits its tip, returns through the nail, and exits the three hairs. It then connects to Foot Jueyin.

Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian originates at the hairy margin of the big toe, ascends along the medial dorsum of the foot, one cun from the medial malleolus, eight cun above the ankle, crosses posterior to Taiyin, ascends the medial edge, follows the medial thigh, enters the pubic region, passes the genitalia, reaches the lower abdomen, flanks the Stomach, belongs to the Liver, connects with the Gallbladder, ascends through the diaphragm, distributes in the hypochondrium, follows the posterior pharynx, ascends to the neck and nasopharynx, connects to the eye system, ascends to the forehead, and meets the Du Meridian at the vertex. Its branch descends from the eye system to the cheek interior, encircles the lips internally. Its branch diverges from the Liver, pierces the diaphragm, and ascends to inject into the Lung.

Heaven has Five Movements (Wu Yun), and Humans have Five Zang Organs. The Five Zang correspond to the Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth). The Five Movements correspond to Wind, Fire, Dryness, Dampness, and Cold, all corresponding to Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are the Way of Heaven and Earth, the纲要 of all things, the parents of change, the origin of life and death, and the residence of spirit. How can one not understand them! Acupuncturists must first clarify Zang-Fu Yin-Yang, harmonize smoothness and reversal, and apply tonification, sedation,迎 (meeting), and sui (following). The Classic says: First, regulate Shen (Spirit), nourish Shen Qi, and focus oneself. Second, nurture the body; the acupuncturist knows the patient through self-knowledge, using it without danger. Third, know the true nature of drugs; attacking evil should follow the path of Wang Zhen (Prosperous Truth). Fourth, prepare needles of appropriate size; treat internally and externally according to the disease, aiming for balance. Fifth, know the diagnosis of Zang-Fu and Qi-Blood. All Yang meridians indicate Fu diseases; all Yin meridians indicate Zang diseases. Thus, Shaoyang and Shaoyin have less Blood and more Qi; Taiyang and Jueyin have more Blood and less Qi; Taiyin has more Qi and less Blood; Yangming has both abundant Qi and Blood. Therefore, puncture Yangming to release Qi and Blood; puncture Taiyang to release Blood and avoid releasing Qi; puncture Shaoyang to release Qi and avoid releasing Blood; puncture Taiyin to release Qi and avoid releasing Blood; puncture Shaoyin to release Qi and avoid releasing Blood; puncture Jueyin to release Blood and avoid releasing Qi. Once the Five Zang are determined and the Nine Pulses are prepared, one focuses on the needle. Also said: Tonification and sedation have degrees; therapeutic force has depth. Do not approach Wu Xu (Five Deficiencies); do not stay away from Wu Shi (Five Excesses). Release at the proper time; if missed, the acupoint closes. Be focused and single-minded, so Shen does not wander. To treat Excess and make it Deficient, retain the needle, guide Yin to Yang; when Yin Qi is abundant and the needle feels hot, remove it. To treat Deficiency and make it Excess, guide Yang to Yin; when Yang Qi is abundant and the needle feels hot, remove it. Each meridian has five acupoints, corresponding to the Five Zang returning to their own acupoints. The acupuncturist tonifies the Mother in Deficiency, sedates the Child in Excess, and treats the meridian itself in neither-deficient-nor-excess cases by puncturing the home acupoint.

The *Suwen* says: The method of needling follows Heaven and Earth, combining with celestial light. One must await the positions of the sun, moon, and stars, and the Qi of the Four Seasons and Eight Normals. Only when the Qi is settled should one needle.