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[Explanation of Name] Bu (Step), refers to walking. Lang (Corridor), refers to a corridor. The name Bulang implies that the damp-cold water vapor ascending from the Kidney Meridian absorbs heat at this acupoint, transforms into wind, and ascends. The Qi and Blood substance of this point is the cold-damp water vapor transmitted from Youmen (KI15). Upon reaching this point, the water vapor absorbs heat, expands, dissipates, and transforms into wind for movement. The wind blows and rolls the soil particles of the Spleen on the ground upward, resembling a person walking in a corridor; hence it is named Bulang. "Bulang" has the same meaning as Bulang.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance consists of damp-wind Qi and Spleen soil particles.

Movement Pattern: Transmits upward along the Kidney Meridian.

Functions: Transforms and transports Spleen Earth.

Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use sedation and release Qi upon needle withdrawal.

Note: The Qi and Blood of the Chong Mai runs parallel to the Kidney Meridian. Why does the Qi and Blood starting from this point belong solely to the Kidney Meridian without involvement of the Chong Mai? This is because the Qi and Blood of the Chong Mai is high-temperature, high-pressure, high-humidity water vapor. Starting from Dahu (KI12), it drives the cold-damp water vapor of the Kidney Meridian upward. By the time it reaches this point, the original high-temperature, high-pressure, high-humidity characteristics of the Chong Mai Qi and Blood have disappeared, leaving only the cold-damp nature descending to the Kidney Meridian. Therefore, starting from this point, the Qi and Blood substance belongs exclusively to the Kidney Meridian.

23 Shenfeng (KI19)

Acupoint Meaning: Kidney Meridian Qi cools down and contracts here.

Explanation of Name: Shen (Spirit/God), relative to Gui (Ghost), refers to the Qi in the Heaven Level. Feng (Seal/Block), means to block. The name Shenfeng indicates that the Kidney Meridian Qi, which has absorbed heat and ascended to here, cools down and contracts at this point. The Qi and Blood substance is the damp-wind Qi transmitted from Bulang (KI18). Upon arrival, the damp-wind Qi weakens, moves slowly, dissipates heat, and cools/contracts. Most of the cooled/contracted Qi cannot ascend along the meridian, appearing blocked; hence the name Shenfeng.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is Heaven-level Qi.

Movement Pattern: Most of it descends along the Kidney Meridian after cooling and contracting; a small portion ascends after absorbing heat.

Functions: Descends turbidity and raises clarity.

Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use sedation and release Qi upon needle withdrawal.

24 Lingxu (KI20)

Acupoint Meaning: Kidney Meridian Qi absorbs heat, steams upward, leaving the acupoint cavity empty of Qi and Blood.

Explanation of Name: Ling (Spirit/Spiritual), relative to Gui, refers to Heaven-level Qi. Xu (Mound/Ruins), refers to an earthen mound or ruins, indicating emptiness and desolation within the acupoint. The Qi and Blood substance is the minimal water vapor transmitted from Shenfeng (KI19). Upon arrival, it heats up, steams, and rises upward. The interior of the acupoint resembles ruins; hence the name Lingxu.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is thin, dry-hot Qi.

Movement Pattern: Diffuses outward from the acupoint to the exterior.

Functions: Strengthens Yang and boosts Qi.

Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, use tonification with mild moxibustion; for Heat patterns, insert deeply and use sedation to release Qi upon withdrawal.

25 Shencang (KI21)

Acupoint Meaning: Cold-damp water vapor from the Heaven Level outside the acupoint converges into the Kidney Meridian here.

Explanation of Name: Shen (Spirit), relative to Gui, refers to Heaven-level Qi. Cang (Store/Hide), means storing Qi and Blood from the exterior into the interior. This is an acupoint of the Kidney Meridian, located in the cold-damp region of the North of the Kidney Meridian. Since no matter is transmitted from the upper part of the meridian to this point, the cold, contracted water vapor from the Heaven Level outside the acupoint converges inward. The acupoint acts as a storage place for Spirit Qi; hence the name Shencang.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is cold-damp Qi of the Heaven Level.

Movement Pattern: Converges from the Heaven Level outside the acupoint into this point.

Functions: Collects Spirit Qi, calms the mind and stabilizes will.

Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, use tonifying needle retention or moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use sedation and release Qi upon withdrawal.

26 Yuzhong (KI22)

Alias: Yuzhong (or Zhong).

Acupoint Meaning: Cold-damp water vapor of the Kidney Meridian transforms into Heaven-level Yang Qi here.

Explanation of Name: Yu (Luxuriant/Lush), describes a lush appearance. Zhong (Middle/Internal), relative to Wai (External), refers to the interior of the acupoint. The name Yuzhong implies that the cold-damp water vapor of the Kidney Meridian absorbs heat here and transforms into abundant Yang Qi. The Qi and Blood substance is water vapor transmitted from Shencang (KI21). Upon arrival, the water vapor absorbs heat and transforms into abundant Yang Qi filling the acupoint. The Kidney Meridian Qi and Blood regain their lush state here; hence the name Yuzhong. "Yuzhong" has the same meaning; "Yu" is likely a transcription error for "Yu".

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is Heaven-level Yang Qi.

Movement Pattern: Transmits upward along the Kidney Meridian to Shufu (KI27).

Functions: Generates Qi and strengthens Yang.

Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, use tonifying needle retention for a long time or moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use sedation and release Qi upon withdrawal.

27 Shufu (KI27)

Alias: Shuzhong.

Acupoint Meaning: Kidney Meridian Qi and Blood return to the interior here.

Explanation of Name: Shu (Transport/Transfer), means to transport. Fu (Residence/Storehouse), refers to internal Zang-Fu organs. The name Shufu indicates that Kidney Meridian Qi and Blood return to the interior here. This point is the intersection of the internal and external pathways of the Kidney Meridian in the upper body. The damp-hot water vapor transmitted from Yuzhong (KI22) dissipates heat, condenses, and descends to the Earth Level at this point. It then enters the internal pathway of the Kidney Meridian through the pores of the Earth Level at this acupoint. The flow direction of Qi and Blood is toward the internal Zang-Fu; hence the name Shufu. "Shuzhong" has the same meaning, with "Zhong" referring to the interior.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is cooled, descending Earth-level Jing Water.

Movement Pattern: Injects from the exterior into the internal Zang-Fu.

Functions: Recovers exterior fluids.

Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, unblock meridians, or use pricking to bleed, moxibustion, or first sedate then tonify; for Heat patterns, use tonification.

Note: The operation and transformation of Qi and Blood substances in the Kidney Meridian involve the exit of internal Qi and Blood from Yongquan (KI1) to the exterior. After exiting Yongquan, Jing Water vaporizes and ascends. After Datong (KI4), cold-damp water vapor absorbs heat and ascends. Starting from Dahu (KI12), influenced by heat transmitted externally from the Chong Mai, the water vapor dissipates heat and ascends. Starting from Youmen (KI15), influenced by heat transmitted externally from the chest, it ascends. At Lingxu (KI20), Kidney Meridian Qi and Blood reach the highest temperature. From Lingxu (KI20) to Shufu (KI27), the meridian Qi and Blood cool down and absorb moisture while descending.

IX. Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian: Abundant Blood, Scarce Qi

The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian has abundant blood and scarce qi. The operation and transformation of Qi and Blood substances involve a change from gaseous to liquid state through heat dissipation and cooling descent.

1 Tianchi (PC1)

Alias: Tianhui.

Acupoint Meaning: High-temperature water vapor transported externally by the Pericardium condenses into Earth-level Jing Water here and transmits downward along the meridian.

Explanation of Name: 1) Tianchi. Tian (Heaven), refers to the Heaven Level. Chi (Pool), refers to a pool storing liquid. The name Tianchi implies that high-temperature water vapor transported externally by the Pericardium condenses into Earth-level Jing Water here. This point is located lateral to the nipple. The nipple is a high-elevation area on the body surface, placing this point also at a high elevation, i.e., the Heaven Level. The substance within is high-temperature water vapor transmitted from Danzhong (CV17), the Front-Mu point of the Pericardium Meridian. Upon arrival, it dissipates heat, cools, and descends to become Earth-level Jing Water. Since the Qi and Blood are both at a high position and constitute Jing Water, it is named Tianchi.

2) Tianhui. Tian (Heaven), refers to Heaven-level Qi. Hui (Converge), means convergence. The name Tianhui implies that high-temperature water vapor transported externally by the Pericardium converges here. The substance is high-temperature water vapor ascending from Danzhong (CV17). Upon arrival, it dissipates heat, cools, and contracts, forming a state of convergence; hence the name Tianhui.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is high-temperature water vapor of the Heaven Level.

Movement Pattern: Dissipates heat, cools, descends to the Earth Level, and then descends along the Pericardium Meridian.

Functions: Dissipates heat and descends turbidity.

Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, first sedate then tonify, or tonify with moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use aquapuncture or sedation.

2 Tianquan (PC2)

Alias: Tianwen, Tianshi.

Acupoint Meaning: Downward-flowing Jing Water of the Pericardium Meridian vaporizes significantly here.

Explanation of Name: Tianquan. Tian (Heaven), refers to the Heaven Level. Quan (Spring), refers to spring water. The name Tianquan implies that downward-flowing Jing Water of the Pericardium Meridian falls from a height. The substance is warm Earth-level Jing Water transmitted from Tianchi (PC1). When transmitted from the upper part of Tianchi to this point, it falls from a height, like coming down from heaven; hence the name Tianquan. Tianwen. Tian (Heaven), refers to the Heaven Level. Wen (Warm), refers to warmth. The name Tianwen implies that downward-flowing Jing Water of the Pericardium Meridian transmits warm Qi to the exterior of the acupoint. The substance is warm Jing Water transmitted from Tianchi (PC1). As it falls from the upper meridian to this point, it emits large amounts of warm water vapor outward; hence the name Tianwen. Tianshi has the same meaning as Tianwen; Shi (Dampness) refers to the emission of large amounts of dampness when Jing Water flows downward.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is downward-flowing warm Jing Water and warm water vapor emitted from the Jing Water.

Movement Pattern: Jing Water descends along the Pericardium Meridian and emits water vapor to the Heaven Level. The warm water vapor in the Heaven Level dissipates heat, cools, descends into liquid, and also descends along the Pericardium Meridian to Quze (PC3).

Functions: Dissipates heat and increases humidity.

Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, first sedate then tonify, or tonify with moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use sedation.

3 Quze (PC3) - He-Sea Point, Element Water

Acupoint Meaning: Qi and Blood of the Pericardium Meridian converge here.

Explanation of Name: 1) Quze. Qu (Hidden/Coiled), Ze (Marsh/Swamp). The name Quze implies that Qi and Blood of the Pericardium Meridian converge here. This is an acupoint of the Pericardium Meridian, located in the Southern region. Although the Qi of the upper and lower parts of the meridian converges here and dissipates heat, cooling and descending, exhibiting the moistening and descending characteristic of Water, the Jing Water transmitted from Tianquan (PC2) still vaporizes significantly into water vapor. The acupoint generates Qi and Blood like a tropical swamp; hence the name Quze.

2) Pericardium He-Sea Point. Hui (Converge), means convergence. The substance consists of: one, Earth-level Jing Water and cold-damp water vapor from the Heaven Level transmitted downward from Tianquan (PC2); two, damp-wind Qi ascending from acupoints below the elbow on the Pericardium Meridian. The Qi and Blood of the upper and lower parts of the meridian converge at this point, making it the He-Sea point of the Pericardium Meridian.

3) Element Water. Element Water refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested in the operation and transformation of Qi and Blood at this point. The substance is formed by the convergence of Qi and Blood from the upper and lower parts of the Pericardium Meridian. The main change at this point is heat dissipation, cooling, and descending, exhibiting the moistening and descending characteristic of Water; thus, it belongs to Water.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is Earth-level Jing Water and water vapor of the Heaven Level.

Movement Pattern: Earth-level Jing Water transmits downward along the Pericardium Meridian to Ximen (PC4). Heaven-level water vapor dissipates heat, cools, descends, and returns to the Earth Level.

Functions: Dissipates heat and descends turbidity.

Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, prick to bleed, or first sedate then tonify, or moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use aquapuncture or sedation.

4 Ximen (PC4) - Xi-Cleft Point

Acupoint Meaning: Exterior Jing Water of the Pericardium Meridian returns to the internal meridian here.

Explanation of Name: 1) Ximen. Xi (Cleft/Pore), Men (Gate/Door). The name Ximen implies that exterior Jing Water of the Pericardium Meridian returns to the internal meridian through the pores of the Earth Level at this acupoint. The substance is warm Jing Water transmitted from Quze (PC3). Upon reaching this point, it returns to the internal pathway of the Pericardium Meridian through the pores of the Earth Level; hence the name Ximen.

2) Pericardium Xi-Cleft Point. Principle is the same as the explanation of Ximen.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is warm Earth-level Jing Water.

Movement Pattern: Returns from the exterior to the interior.

Functions: Drains and guides dampness.

Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, unblock meridians and tonify; for Heat patterns, use sedation.

5 Jianshi (PC5) - Jing-River Point, Element Metal

Alias: Guilu.

Acupoint Meaning: Jing Water of the Pericardium Meridian evaporates to produce cool water vapor here.

Explanation of Name: 1) Jianshi. Jian (Indirect), Shi (Order/Dispatch). The name Jianshi implies that Jing Water of the Pericardium Meridian evaporates to produce cool water vapor here, indirectly ordered. The substance is Earth-level Jing Water transmitted from Ximen (PC4). Upon reaching this point, the Jing Water gradually cools, generating cool water vapor with the characteristics of Lung Metal (which controls Heart Fire), as if indirectly commanded by another entity; hence the name Jianshi.

2) Guilu. Gui (Ghost), relative to Tian (Heaven), refers to Earth-level Jing Water within the acupoint. Lu (Road), means a path of passage. The name Guilu implies that Jing Water of the Pericardium Meridian flows through this acupoint. The substance is Earth-level Jing Water transmitted from Ximen (PC4). The Jing Water merely flows through this acupoint; hence the name Guilu.

3) Pericardium Jing-River Point. Jing (Channel/Movement), means moving without staying. The substance is Earth-level Jing Water, which merely flows through this acupoint, moving without staying; thus, it is the Jing-River point of the Pericardium Meridian.

4) Element Metal. Element Metal refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested in the operation and transformation of Qi and Blood at this point. The substance is Earth-level Jing Water. The change here is heat dissipation and transformation into Qi. The transformed Qi is cool, exhibiting the autumn-cool characteristic of Lung Metal; thus, it belongs to Metal.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is flowing Earth-level Jing Water and cool-damp water vapor generated by the vaporization of Jing Water.

Movement Pattern: Jing Water transmits downward along the meridian to Neiguan (PC6). Cool-damp water vapor merges into the Lung Qi of the Heaven Level.

Functions: Dissipates heat and generates Qi.

Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, tonify and moxibustion; for Heat patterns, shallow sedation or aquapuncture.

6 Neiguan (PC6) - Confluence of Hand-Jueyin and Yin Wei Mai

Alias: Yinwei.

Acupoint Meaning: Exterior Jing Water of the Pericardium Meridian injects into the interior here.

Explanation of Name: 1) Neiguan. Nei (Internal), Guan (Checkpoint/Gate). The name Neiguan implies that exterior Jing Water of the Pericardium Meridian injects into the interior here. The substance is Earth-level Jing Water transmitted from Jianshi (PC5). Upon flowing to this point, it injects from the exterior Earth Level into the internal pathway of the Pericardium Meridian through the pores of the Earth Level at this acupoint. The vaporized Qi of the Jing Water in the internal pathway cannot escape to the exterior through these pores, acting as if blocked by a checkpoint; hence the name Neiguan.

2) Yinwei. Yin (Yin Fluid), Wei (Maintain/Connect). The name Yinwei implies that this acupoint maintains and regulates the Yin fluids of the internal and external meridians of the body. The substance is Earth-level Jing Water transmitted from Jianshi (PC5), flowing from the exterior to the interior. When exterior Jing Water is deficient, high-temperature, high-humidity water vapor from the internal pathway of the Pericardium Meridian will escape to the exterior through this acupoint. The escaped high-humidity water vapor can generate Earth-level Jing Water. Conversely, when exterior Jing Water is excessive, it plays a role in draining and excreting. Thus, this acupoint maintains and regulates human Yin fluids to normalize them; hence the name Yinwei.

3) Confluence of Hand-Jueyin and Yin Wei Mai. Principle is the same as the explanation of Yinwei.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is Earth-level Jing Water.

Movement Pattern: Injects from the exterior into the interior.

Functions: Drains and guides dampness.

Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, unblock meridians, or tonifying needle retention for a long time, or moxibustion; for Heat patterns, sedation or aquapuncture.

7 Dalings (PC7) - Shu-Stream Point, Yuan-Source Point, Element Earth

Alias: Xin Zhu, Guixin.

Acupoint Meaning: Spleen Earth material washed down by the Jing Water of the Pericardium Meridian accumulates here.

Explanation of Name: 1) Dalings. Da (Large), relative to Xiao (Small). Ling (Mound/Hill), refers to hills or earth mounds. The name Dalings implies that Spleen Earth material washed down by the Jing Water of the Pericardium Meridian accumulates here. The substance is a mixture of Jing Water and Spleen Earth transmitted downward from Neiguan (PC6). Upon arrival, Spleen Earth material piles up like mountains and hills; hence the name Dalings.

2) Xin Zhu. Xin (Heart/Pericardium), refers to Qi and Blood of the Pericardium Meridian. Zhu (Master/Commander). The name Xin Zhu implies that Qi dominates the Qi and Blood within the acupoint. In the Pericardium Meridian, Qi is primary and Blood is secondary. Among the substances transmitted from Neiguan (PC6) to this point, Earth-level Jing Water is scarce, and it seeps out of the acupoint from the Spleen Earth. The substance within is primarily the vaporized Qi of Spleen Earth. Qi is the commander and master of Blood; hence the name Xin Zhu.

3) Guixin. Gui (Ghost), relative to Tian (Heaven), refers to the Earth Level. Xin (Center/Internal). The name Guixin implies that dampness in Spleen Earth vaporizes into Heaven-level Qi here. The substance is a mixture of Earth-level Jing Water and Spleen Earth transmitted from Neiguan (PC6). Upon arrival, Jing Water seeps out of the acupoint, and Spleen Earth solidifies around the acupoint. Due to the hot and dry climate of the South where this acupoint is located, dampness in Spleen Earth vaporizes significantly into Heaven-level Qi. This vaporized Qi seems to come from the center of the earth where ghosts reside; hence the name Guixin.

4) Pericardium Shu-Stream Point. Shu (Transport), means to transport. This acupoint outputs the vaporized Qi of Spleen Earth and is an important output site for Pericardium Meridian Qi; thus, it is the Shu-Stream point of the Pericardium Meridian.

5) Pericardium Yuan-Source Point. Yuan (Origin/Source). The dry-hot Qi generated from Spleen Earth at this point shares the nature of Pericardium Qi and Blood and is an important source of output for Pericardium Qi and Blood; thus, it is the Yuan-Source point of the Pericardium Meridian.

6) Element Earth. Element Earth refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested in the operation and transformation of Qi and Blood substances at this point. The substance is a mixture of Earth and Water transmitted from Neiguan (PC6). Upon arrival, the change is drying dampness and generating Qi, exhibiting the nourishing characteristic of Earth; thus, it belongs to Earth.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is a mixture of Earth and Water.

Movement Pattern: Dampness seeps out of the acupoint, Spleen Earth solidifies around the acupoint, and generates dry-hot water vapor.

Functions: Dries dampness and generates Qi.

Treatment Methods: For Cold patterns, tonify and moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use sedation.

8 Laogong (PC8) - Ying-Spring Point, Element Fire

Alias: Wuli, Guilu, Zhangzhong.

Acupoint Meaning: High-heat Qi of the Pericardium Meridian drives the vaporization of dampness in Spleen Earth into Qi here.

Explanation of Name: 1) Laogong. Lao (Labor/Work), Gong (Palace). The name Laogong implies that high-heat Qi of the Pericardium Meridian drives the vaporization of dampness in Spleen Earth into Qi here. The substance is high-temperature, dry Qi transmitted from Zhongchong (PC9). Upon reaching this point, this high-heat Qi transfers heat to Spleen Earth, causing the dampness in Spleen Earth to vaporize. The Earth-level Spleen Earth within the acupoint does not benefit from the generation of Qi and Blood but instead loses its moisture, akin to human labor and expenditure; hence the name Laogong.

2) Wuli. Wuli (Five Li), refers to the coverage range of the Qi and Blood field within the acupoint being as wide as five Li, with no other meaning.

3) Guilu. Gui (Ghost), relative to Tian (Heaven), refers to the Earth Level. Lu (Road), means road. The name Guilu implies that Qi and Blood within the acupoint originate from the Earth Level. The main substance is the vaporized Qi of dampness contained in Spleen Earth, originating from the Earth Level; hence the name Guilu.

4) Zhangzhong. The name Zhangzhong implies two things: first, this acupoint is located in the palm; second, the Qi and Blood within the acupoint comes from the palm. The principle is the same as the explanation of Laogong.

5) Pericardium Ying-Spring Point. Ying (Small Stream), refers to a very small stream of water. The changes in Qi and Blood at this point include not only the vaporization of dampness in Spleen Earth into Qi, but also the simultaneous cooling and descent of water vapor in the Heaven Level. The cooled and descended liquid forms very small streams; thus, it is the Ying-Spring point of the Pericardium Meridian.

6) Element Fire. Element Fire refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested in the operation and transformation of Qi and Blood at this point. The main change in Qi and Blood at this point is the vaporization of dampness in Spleen Earth into Qi. This Qi is dry and follows the hot-dry Qi transmitted from Zhongchong (PC9) straight up to the Heaven Level, exhibiting the flaming-up characteristic of Fire; thus, it belongs to Fire.