运行规律：吸热胀散并上行于天部。
功能作用：散热燥湿。
治法：寒则补之，热则泻之。
9中冲井穴，属木。
穴义：体内心包经的高热之气由此冲出体表。
名解：1）中冲。中，与外相对，指穴内物质来自体内心包经。冲，冲射之状也。中冲名意指体内心包经的高热之气由此冲出体表。本穴物质为体内心包经的高热之气，在由体内外出体表时是冲射之状，故名中冲。
2)心包经井穴。井，地部孔隙也。本穴物质是来自体内心包经的高热之气，且由本穴的地部孔隙而出，故为心包经井穴。
3)本穴属木。属木，指本穴气血运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为体内心包经外出体表的高热之气，此气外出体表后急速散热降温，所行为天之中下部而不能上行天之天部，表现出木的生发特性，故其属木。
运行规律：急速散热降温而行于天之中下部。
功能作用：发散内热。
治法：寒则点刺出血（血必黑或稀淡），热则泻针出气（莫出其血）。
十、手少阳三焦经少血多气
十、手少阳三焦经少血多气
手少阳三焦经少血多气，气血物质的运行变化是由气态向液态的散热冷缩变化。
1关冲井穴，属金。
穴义：三焦经体内经脉的温热水气由此外冲体表经脉。
名解：1）关冲。关，关卡也。冲，冲射之状也。关冲名意指三焦经体内经脉的温热水气由此外冲体表经脉，阴性水液被关卡于内。本穴物质为来自三焦经体内经脉外冲而出的温热水气，而液态物由于压力不足不能外出体表，如被关卡一般，故名关冲。
2)三焦经井穴。井地部孔隙也。本穴为三焦经体内与体表经脉的交接处，气血物质是由本穴的地部孔隙而连通，故为三焦经井穴。
3)本穴属金。属金，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为三焦经体内经脉外出的温热水气，此气出体表后散热而变为凉性水气，表现出肺金的凉冷特性，故其属金。
功能作用：散热生气。
治法：寒则点刺出血，热则泻针出气。
2液门荥穴，属水。
穴义：三焦经经气在此散热冷降。
名解：1）液门。液，液体也，经水也。门，出入的门户。液门名意指三焦经经气在此散热冷降化为地部经水。本穴物质为关冲穴传来的凉湿水气，凉湿水气至此之后则快速散热冷却，冷却后的水湿归降地部，故名液门。
2)三焦经荥穴。荥，极小的水流也。本穴物质为关冲穴传来的凉湿水气，至本穴后散热冷降为地部经水，所生之水量极小，故为三焦经荥穴。
3)本穴属水。属水，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为关冲穴传来的凉湿水气，在本穴的变化为散热冷降，表现出水的润下特征，故其属水。
运行规律：天部之气大部分冷降为地部水液，小部分吸热后上行天之天部，地部经水则回流关冲穴。
功能作用：降浊升清。
治法：寒则点刺出血或先泻后补，热则补之。
3中渚俞穴，属木。
名解：1）中渚。中，与外相对，指本穴内部。渚，水中的小块陆地或水边之意。中渚名意指随三焦经气血扬散的脾土尘埃在此屯积。本穴物质为液门穴传来的水湿之气，至本穴后，随水湿风气扬散的脾土尘埃在此冷降归地并形成了经脉水道旁边的小块陆地，故名中渚。
2)三焦经俞穴。俞，输也。三焦经气血温度不高，所行之地无外界提供的充足热能使其水液气化上升，气血物质在本穴的变化主要是散热冷降，只有少部分的水气吸热上行才保证了三焦经经脉的气血畅通，本穴也就如三焦经经脉气血的输出之地，故为三焦经俞穴。
3)本穴属木。属木，指本穴气血运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴向外输出的气血物质为水湿之气，其运行为风行之状，表现出风木的横向运动特征，故其属木。
功能作用：传递气血，生发风气。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻之。
4阳池原穴。
别名：别阳，发阳。
名解：1）阳池。阳，天部阳气也。池，屯物之器也。阳池名意指三焦经气血在此吸热后化为阳热之气。本穴物质为中渚穴传来的弱小水湿之气，至本穴后，受外部传入之热，此水气吸热胀散而化为阳热之气，如阳气生发之池，故名阳池。
2)别阳。别，离别也。阳，阳气也。别阳名意指三焦经的阳气由此别走厥阴心包经。本穴物质为吸热胀散的阳热之气，因其强盛饱满，而与之相表里的手厥阴心包经相对部位天之上部的阳气虚弱，因此三焦经的阳气由本穴别走厥阴心包经，故名别阳。
3)发阳。发，生发也。阳，阳气也。发阳名意指三焦经在此生发阳气。理同阳池名解。
4)三焦经原穴。原，本源也。本穴物质为阳热之气，性干燥，表现出三焦经气血的本源特性，故为三焦经原穴。
功能作用：生发阳气，沟通表里。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
5外关手少阳阳维之会，络穴。
名解：1）外关。外，外部也。关，关卡也。外关名意指三焦经气血在此胀散外行，外部气血被关卡不得入于三焦经。本穴物质为阳池穴传来的阳热之气，行至本穴后因吸热而进一步胀散，胀散之气由穴内出于穴外，穴外的气血物质无法入于穴内，外来之物如被关卡一般，故名外关。
2)手少阳阳维之会。本穴物质为吸热后的胀散之气，此气外出本穴后交于阳维脉所在的天部层次，故为手少阳阳维之会。
3)三焦经络穴。络，联络也。本穴输出的物质为天部的阳热之气，它不光输向本经各穴所在的天部层次，它还外传于手厥阴心包经所过的天部层次，本穴有联络各部经脉气血的作用，故为三焦经络穴。
运行规律：一是循三焦经上传于支沟穴，二是别走心包经，三是上行于天部并交于阳维脉。
功能作用：联络气血，补阳益气。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
6支沟经穴，属火。
别名：飞虎，飞处。
别名：1）支沟。支，树枝的分叉也。沟，沟渠也。支沟名意指三焦经气血在此吸热扩散。本穴物质为外关穴传来的阳热之气，水湿较少，至本穴后又因进一步的吸热而胀散为高压之气，此气按其自身的阳热特性循三焦经经脉渠道向上、向外而行，扩散之气亦如树之分叉，故名支沟。飞虎、飞处名意与支沟同，飞是指穴内气血为天部飞行的阳气，虎为寅木之风，指穴内气血的运行为风行之状，处则是指穴内阳气到达它所应去的处所。
2)三焦经经穴。经，经过也，动而不居。本穴为三焦经阳气的经过之处，故为三焦经经穴。
3)本穴属火。属火，指本穴气血运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为吸热后上行天部的阳热之气，其运行时的上行变化表现出火的炎上特征，故其属火。
功能作用：生风化阳。
治法：寒则补之，热则泻针出气。
７会宗郄穴。
名解：1)会宗。会，会合也。宗，祖宗也，为老、为尊、为长也，此指穴内物质为天之天部的阳气。会宗名意指三焦经的阳气在天之天部会合。本穴物质为三焦经的天部阳气会合而成，所处为天之天部，如宗气之所汇，故名会宗。
2)三焦经郄穴。郄，孔隙也。本穴物质为天之天部的阳热之气，水湿稀少，有名而无实，外传的实质物质如从孔隙中传出一般，故为三焦经郄穴。
运行规律：吸湿冷降后循经传于三阳络穴。
功能作用：吸湿降浊。
治法：寒则补之，热则泻针出气。
8三阳络手三阳经之会。
别名：通门，通间。
穴义：手三阳经的阳气在此交会。
名解：1）三阳络。三阳，指手三阳经的气血物质。络，联络之意。穴三阳络名意指手三阳经的气血物质在此交会。本穴由于会宗穴传来的气血为由阳变阴的寒湿之气，穴内温压呈下降之状，手阳明少阳的天部阳气因而汇入穴内，本穴有联络手三阳经气血的作用，故名三阳络。
2)通门。通，通道也。门，门户也。通门名意指手阳明少阳的天部阳气由此汇入穴内。理同三阳络名解。通间名意与通门同，间指间隙。
3)手三阳经之会。本穴为手三阳经的阳气交会之所，故为手三阳经之会。
运行规律：由穴外的天部层次汇入穴内。
功能作用：收引寒湿。
治法：不可刺，寒则用补灸之法，热则用灸泻之法或循经推按引而导之、散之。
注：本穴经书列为不可刺，乃因穴内气血为天之上部的湿热之气，热则可化为纯阳之气，有补益阳气之功，寒则除湿降浊之功，刺之则会乱气，唯其热盛方可刺泻。古之圣贤恐后人之不解，故将本穴列为不可刺。
9四渎
名解：四，数量词。渎，小沟渠也。四渎名意指三焦经气血在此冷降为地部经水。本穴物质为三阳络穴传来的水湿云气，在本穴的变化为部分水湿冷降归地，降地之水形成向穴外流溢的数条小沟渠之状，故名四渎。
运行规律：分流四散于脾土各部。
功能作用：去湿降浊。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则水针或浅泻之。
10天井合穴，属土。
穴义：三焦经吸热上行的水湿之气在此聚集。
名解：1）天井。天，天部也。井，孔隙通道也。天井名意指三焦经吸热上行的水浊之气在此聚集。本穴物质为四渎穴传来的水湿之气，至本穴后为聚集之状，其变化为散热冷缩并从天之上部降至天之下部，气血的运行变化如从天井的上部落下一般，故名天井。
2)三焦经合穴。本穴为三焦经天部之气的会合之处，故为三焦经合穴。
3)本穴属土。属土，指本穴气血运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为天部的水湿云气，在本穴为聚集之状，有土的不动之义，故其属土。
运行规律：不断地气化散热并从天之上部降至天之下部。
功能作用：散热生气降浊。
治法：寒则先泻后补或点刺出血或补之灸之，热则提插通泻。
11清冷渊
别名：青灵，清冷泉，清昊。
穴义：三焦经经气散热冷降后在此位于天之下部。
名解：1）清冷渊。清，清静也。冷，寒冷也。渊，深渊也。清冷渊名意指三焦经经气散热冷降后在此位于天之下部。本穴物质为天井穴传来的水湿云气，至本穴后进一步散热冷降，冷降后的水湿云气位于天之下部，如固定不变的寒冷深渊一般，故名清冷渊。清冷泉名意与清冷渊同。
2)青灵。青，肝之色也，此指穴内气血的运动为风行之状。灵，灵巧也。青灵名意指穴内气血的运行为横向的风行之状。本穴物质为天之下部的水湿云气，由于其热能的吸收与扩散处于平衡状态，向外输出为横向的风行之状，运行极为灵巧，故名青灵。
3)清昊。清，清静也。昊，大也。清昊名意指穴内气血为天部的水湿之气，气血场覆盖的范围巨大。
功能作用：运化水湿。
治法：寒则先泻后补或灸之，热则扑之。
12消泺
名解：1）消泺。消，溶解、消耗也。泺，水名，湖泊之意。消泺名意指三焦经经气在此冷降为地部经水。本穴物质为清冷渊穴传来的滞重水湿云气，至本穴后，水湿云气消解并化雨降地，降地之雨在地之表部形成湖泊，故名消泺。
2)臑窌。臑，动物的前肢，前为阳、后为阴，此指穴内气血为天部之气。窌，地窖也。臑窌名意指穴内的天部之气在此化为地部经水。理同消泺名解。
3)臑交。臑，动物的前肢也，此指穴内气血为天部之气。交，交会也。臑交名意指穴外臂部的天部阳气交会于本穴。本穴物质为天之下部的水湿云气，其性寒湿，其变化为冷降，穴内气血对穴外天部的阳气有收引作用，臂部外散的阳气因而汇入穴内，故名臑交。臑俞名意与臑交同，俞指穴外阳气向本穴输入。
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The material basis of Qi and Blood is high-temperature water vapor, which is relatively dry.
Movement Pattern: Upon absorbing heat, it expands and disperses, moving upward to the Heaven Level (upper part of the body).
Functional Role: Dissipates heat and dries dampness.
Treatment Principle: For Cold patterns, use tonification; for Heat patterns, use sedation.
9 Zhongchong (PC 9), Jing-Well Point, belongs to Wood.
Acupoint Meaning: High-temperature Qi from the interior Heart Pericardium Meridian rushes out to the body surface here.
Name Explanation: 1) Zhongchong. "Zhong" (Middle/Interior) contrasts with "Wai" (Exterior), indicating that the substance in this acupoint originates from the interior Heart Pericardium Meridian. "Chong" refers to a rushing or shooting motion. The name Zhongchong implies that high-temperature Qi from the interior Heart Pericardium Meridian rushes out to the body surface here. The Qi and Blood substance of this point is the high-temperature Qi from the interior Heart Pericardium Meridian; when emerging from the interior to the exterior, it exhibits a rushing motion, hence the name Zhongchong.
2) Jing-Well Point of the Heart Pericardium Meridian. "Jing" refers to pores at the Earth Level. The Qi and Blood substance of this point is the high-temperature Qi from the interior Heart Pericardium Meridian, exiting through the pores at the Earth Level of this acupoint, thus making it the Jing-Well Point of the Heart Pericardium Meridian.
3) This point belongs to Wood. "Belongs to Wood" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the movement and transformation of Qi and Blood in this acupoint. The substance is high-temperature Qi from the interior Heart Pericardium Meridian moving to the exterior. After reaching the exterior, it rapidly dissipates heat and cools down, moving in the middle-to-lower part of the Heaven Level without ascending to the highest Heaven Level. This manifests the generating characteristic of Wood, hence its belonging to Wood.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is high-temperature water vapor.
Movement Pattern: Rapidly dissipates heat and cools down, moving in the middle-to-lower part of the Heaven Level.
Functional Role: Disperses internal Heat.
Treatment Principle: For Cold patterns, prick to bleed (the blood will be dark or thin/light); for Heat patterns, sedate the needle to release Qi (do not let blood flow out).
X. Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian: Less Blood, More Qi
X. Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian: Less Blood, More Qi
The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian is characterized by having less Blood and more Qi. The movement and transformation of its Qi and Blood substances involve a change from gaseous to liquid state, manifesting as cooling contraction due to heat dissipation.
1 Guanchong (SJ 1), Jing-Well Point, belongs to Metal.
Acupoint Meaning: Warm water vapor from the interior channels of the Sanjiao Meridian rushes outward to the body surface channels here.
Name Explanation: 1) Guanchong. "Guan" means checkpoint or barrier; "Chong" refers to a rushing motion. The name Guanchong implies that warm water vapor from the interior channels of the Sanjiao Meridian rushes outward to the body surface channels here, while Yin-type fluids are blocked internally. The Qi and Blood substance here is warm water vapor rushing out from the interior Sanjiao channels. Liquid substances cannot exit to the body surface due to insufficient pressure, acting as if blocked by a checkpoint, hence the name Guanchong.
2) Jing-Well Point of the Sanjiao Meridian. "Jing" refers to pores at the Earth Level. This acupoint is the junction between the interior and exterior channels of the Sanjiao Meridian, with Qi and Blood substances connecting through the pores at the Earth Level of this acupoint, thus making it the Jing-Well Point of the Sanjiao Meridian.
3) This point belongs to Metal. "Belongs to Metal" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the movement and transformation of Qi and Blood. The substance is warm water vapor exiting the interior Sanjiao channels to the exterior. After reaching the exterior, it dissipates heat and becomes cool water vapor, manifesting the cool and cold characteristics of Lung Metal, hence its belonging to Metal.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is cool and damp water vapor at the Heaven Level.
Movement Pattern: After dissipating heat, it transmits along the Sanjiao Meridian to the Yemen acupoint.
Functional Role: Dissipates heat and generates healthy Qi.
Treatment Principle: For Cold patterns, prick to bleed; for Heat patterns, sedate the needle to release Qi.
2 Yemen (SJ 2), Ying-Spring Point, belongs to Water.
Acupoint Meaning: The Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian dissipates heat and descends coldly here.
Name Explanation: 1) Yemen. "Ye" means liquid or channel water; "Men" means gate or portal. The name Yemen implies that the Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian dissipates heat and descends coldly here, transforming into channel water at the Earth Level. The Qi and Blood substance here is cool and damp water vapor transmitted from the Guanchong acupoint. Upon arriving here, the cool and damp water vapor rapidly dissipates heat and cools down; the cooled moisture descends to the Earth Level, hence the name Yemen.
2) Ying-Spring Point of the Sanjiao Meridian. "Ying" refers to a very small stream. The Qi and Blood substance here is cool and damp water vapor transmitted from the Guanchong acupoint. Upon arriving here, it dissipates heat and descends coldly to become channel water at the Earth Level. The amount of water generated is extremely small, thus making it the Ying-Spring Point of the Sanjiao Meridian.
3) This point belongs to Water. "Belongs to Water" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the movement and transformation of Qi and Blood. The substance is cool and damp water vapor transmitted from the Guanchong acupoint. Its transformation in this acupoint is dissipating heat and descending coldly, manifesting the moistening and downward-flowing characteristics of Water, hence its belonging to Water.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance includes cool and damp water vapor at the Heaven Level and channel water at the Earth Level.
Movement Pattern: Most of the Qi at the Heaven Level descends coldly to become liquid at the Earth Level; a small portion absorbs heat and ascends to the highest Heaven Level; the channel water at the Earth Level flows back to the Guanchong acupoint.
Functional Role: Descends turbidity and raises clarity.
Treatment Principle: For Cold patterns, prick to bleed or sedate first then tonify; for Heat patterns, use tonification.
3 Zhongzhu (SJ 3), Shu-Stream Point, belongs to Wood.
Acupoint Meaning: Spleen Earth dust, scattered by the Qi and Blood of the Sanjiao Meridian, accumulates here.
Name Explanation: 1) Zhongzhu. "Zhong" contrasts with "Wai", referring to the interior of this acupoint; "Zhu" means a small piece of land in water or the water's edge. The name Zhongzhu implies that Spleen Earth dust, scattered by the Qi and Blood of the Sanjiao Meridian, accumulates here. The Qi and Blood substance here is moist Qi transmitted from the Yemen acupoint. Upon arriving here, the Spleen Earth dust scattered by the moist wind Qi descends coldly to the Earth and forms a small piece of land next to the meridian channel, hence the name Zhongzhu.
2) Shu-Stream Point of the Sanjiao Meridian. "Shu" means transport. The temperature of the Sanjiao Meridian Qi is not high, and the areas it traverses lack sufficient external thermal energy to gasify its liquids. The main transformation of Qi and Blood substances in this acupoint is dissipating heat and descending coldly. Only a small amount of water vapor absorbing heat and ascending ensures the smooth flow of Qi and Blood in the Sanjiao Meridian. This acupoint serves as an output site for Qi and Blood of the Sanjiao Meridian, thus making it the Shu-Stream Point of the Sanjiao Meridian.
3) This point belongs to Wood. "Belongs to Wood" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the movement and transformation of Qi and Blood. The Qi and Blood substance exported from this acupoint is moist Qi, moving in a wind-like manner, manifesting the horizontal movement characteristics of Wind-Wood, hence its belonging to Wood.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is moist wind Qi at the Heaven Level.
Movement Pattern: Transmits upward along the Sanjiao Meridian to the Yangchi acupoint.
Functional Role: Transmits Qi and Blood, generates wind Qi.
Treatment Principle: For Cold patterns, sedate first then tonify or use tonification plus moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use sedation.
4 Yangchi (SJ 4), Yuan-Source Point.
Aliases: Bieyang, Fayang.
Acupoint Meaning: The Qi and Blood of the Sanjiao Meridian absorb heat here and transform into Yang-Heat Qi.
Name Explanation: 1) Yangchi. "Yang" refers to Yang Qi at the Heaven Level; "Chi" means a container for accumulating objects. The name Yangchi implies that the Qi and Blood of the Sanjiao Meridian absorb heat here and transform into Yang-Heat Qi. The Qi and Blood substance here is weak moist Qi transmitted from the Zhongzhu acupoint. Upon arriving here, influenced by externally transmitted heat, this water vapor absorbs heat, expands, and transforms into Yang-Heat Qi, like a pool where Yang Qi generates, hence the name Yangchi.
2) Bieyang. "Bie" means separation; "Yang" refers to Yang Qi. The name Bieyang implies that the Yang Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian branches off to the Jueyin Pericardium Meridian here. The Qi and Blood substance here is Yang-Heat Qi that has absorbed heat and expanded. Due to its strength and fullness, and because the Yang Qi at the upper Heaven Level of the corresponding area of the paired Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian is relatively weak, the Yang Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian branches off from this acupoint to the Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, hence the name Bieyang.
3) Fayang. "Fa" means generation; "Yang" refers to Yang Qi. The name Fayang implies that the Sanjiao Meridian generates Yang Qi here. The reasoning is the same as for the name Yangchi.
4) Yuan-Source Point of the Sanjiao Meridian. "Yuan" means origin. The Qi and Blood substance here is Yang-Heat Qi, which is dry in nature, manifesting the original characteristics of the Qi and Blood of the Sanjiao Meridian, thus making it the Yuan-Source Point of the Sanjiao Meridian.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is Yang-Heat Qi.
Movement Pattern: First, it branches off to the Jueyin Pericardium Meridian; second, it transmits upward along the meridian to the Waiguan acupoint.
Functional Role: Generates Yang Qi, connects interior and exterior meridians.
Treatment Principle: For Cold patterns, use tonification plus moxibustion; for Heat patterns, sedate the needle to release Qi.
5 Waiguan (SJ 5), Meeting Point of Hand-Shaoyang and Yangwei Vessels, Luo-Connecting Point.
Alias: Sanjiao Jing Qi expands and moves outward here.
Name Explanation: 1) Waiguan. "Wai" means exterior; "Guan" means checkpoint or barrier. The name Waiguan implies that the Qi and Blood of the Sanjiao Meridian expand and disperse outward here, while external Qi and Blood are blocked by the checkpoint and cannot enter the Sanjiao Meridian. The Qi and Blood substance here is Yang-Heat Qi transmitted from the Yangchi acupoint. Upon reaching this acupoint, it further expands due to heat absorption. The expanded Qi exits the acupoint from inside to outside. External Qi and Blood substances cannot enter the acupoint, acting as if blocked by a checkpoint, hence the name Waiguan.
2) Meeting Point of Hand-Shaoyang and Yangwei Vessels. The Qi and Blood substance here is expanded Qi after heat absorption. After exiting this acupoint, this Qi intersects with the Yangwei Vessel at the Heaven Level, thus making it the meeting point of the Hand-Shaoyang and Yangwei Vessels.
3) Luo-Connecting Point of the Sanjiao Meridian. "Luo" means connection. The substance exported from this acupoint is Yang-Heat Qi at the Heaven Level. It not only transmits to the Heaven Level of various acupoints on this meridian but also transmits externally to the Heaven Level passed by the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian. This acupoint has the function of connecting the Qi and Blood of various meridians, thus making it the Luo-Connecting Point of the Sanjiao Meridian.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is Yang Qi.
Movement Pattern: First, it transmits upward along the Sanjiao Meridian to the Zhigou acupoint; second, it branches off to the Pericardium Meridian; third, it ascends to the Heaven Level and intersects with the Yangwei Vessel.
Functional Role: Connects Qi and Blood, supplements Yang and benefits Qi.
Treatment Principle: For Cold patterns, use tonification plus moxibustion; for Heat patterns, sedate the needle to release Qi.
6 Zhigou (SJ 6), Jing-River Point, belongs to Fire.
Aliases: Feihu, Feichu.
Acupoint Meaning: The Qi and Blood of the Sanjiao Meridian heat up and diffuse here.
Alias Name Explanation: 1) Zhigou. "Zhi" means branch of a tree; "Gou" means ditch or channel. The name Zhigou implies that the Qi and Blood of the Sanjiao Meridian absorb heat and diffuse here. The Qi and Blood substance here is Yang-Heat Qi transmitted from the Waiguan acupoint, with little moisture. Upon arriving here, it further absorbs heat and expands into high-pressure Qi. This Qi moves upward and outward along the Sanjiao Meridian channel according to its own Yang-Heat characteristics. The diffusing Qi resembles the branching of a tree, hence the name Zhigou. The meanings of Feihu and Feichu are the same as Zhigou. "Fei" refers to the Yang Qi flying at the Heaven Level within the acupoint; "Hu" represents the wind of Yin-Metal (Tiger), indicating the wind-like movement of Qi and Blood within the acupoint; "Chu" refers to the destination where the Yang Qi within the acupoint should go.
2) Jing-River Point of the Sanjiao Meridian. "Jing" means passing through, dynamic and not staying in one place. This acupoint is the passage for the Yang Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian, thus making it the Jing-River Point of the Sanjiao Meridian.
3) This point belongs to Fire. "Belongs to Fire" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the movement and transformation of Qi and Blood. The Qi and Blood substance here is Yang-Heat Qi that has absorbed heat and ascended to the Heaven Level. Its upward movement manifests the flaming-upward characteristic of Fire, hence its belonging to Fire.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is Yang-Heat Qi.
Movement Pattern: Most ascends and disperses at the Heaven Level; a small portion moves upward along the Sanjiao Meridian.
Functional Role: Generates wind and promotes Yang.
Treatment Principle: For Cold patterns, use tonification; for Heat patterns, sedate the needle to release Qi.
7 Huizong (SJ 7), Xi-Cleft Point.
Acupoint Meaning: The Yang Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian converges at the highest Heaven Level.
Name Explanation: 1) Huizong. "Hui" means converge; "Zong" means ancestor, implying old, respected, or senior, referring here to the substance in the acupoint being Yang Qi at the highest Heaven Level. The name Huizong implies that the Yang Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian converges at the highest Heaven Level. The Qi and Blood substance here is formed by the convergence of Yang Qi at the Heaven Level of the Sanjiao Meridian, located at the highest Heaven Level, like the gathering place of Zong Qi, hence the name Huizong.
2) Xi-Cleft Point of the Sanjiao Meridian. "Xi" means pore. The Qi and Blood substance here is Yang-Heat Qi at the highest Heaven Level, with scarce moisture, existing in name but not in substantial form. The substantially transmitted matter seems to pass through a pore, thus making it the Xi-Cleft Point of the Sanjiao Meridian.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is Yang Qi at the highest Heaven Level.
Movement Pattern: Absorbs moisture and descends coldly, transmitting along the meridian to the Sanyangluo acupoint.
Functional Role: Absorbs moisture and descends turbidity.
Treatment Principle: For Cold patterns, use tonification; for Heat patterns, sedate the needle to release Qi.
8 Sanyangluo (SJ 8), Meeting Point of the Three Hand-Yang Meridians.
Aliases: Tongmen, Tongjian.
Acupoint Meaning: The Yang Qi of the Three Hand-Yang Meridians intersects here.
Name Explanation: 1) Sanyangluo. "Sanyang" refers to the Qi and Blood substances of the Three Hand-Yang Meridians; "Luo" means connection. The name Sanyangluo implies that the Qi and Blood substances of the Three Hand-Yang Meridians intersect here. Due to the Qi and Blood transmitted from the Huizong acupoint being cold-damp Qi changing from Yang to Yin, the warmth and pressure inside the acupoint decrease. Consequently, the Yang Qi at the Heaven Level of the Hand-Yangming and Hand-Shaoyang Meridians merges into the acupoint. This acupoint has the function of connecting the Qi and Blood of the Three Hand-Yang Meridians, hence the name Sanyangluo.
2) Tongmen. "Tong" means channel; "Men" means gate. The name Tongmen implies that the Yang Qi at the Heaven Level of the Hand-Yangming and Hand-Shaoyang Meridians merges into the acupoint here. The reasoning is the same as for the name Sanyangluo. The meaning of Tongjian is the same as Tongmen, with "Jian" referring to gap or space.
3) Meeting Point of the Three Hand-Yang Meridians. This acupoint is the intersection site of the Yang Qi of the Three Hand-Yang Meridians, thus making it the meeting point of the Three Hand-Yang Meridians.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is Yang Qi at the Heaven Level.
Movement Pattern: Merges into the acupoint from the Heaven Level outside.
Functional Role: Draws in cold and dampness.
Treatment Principle: Do not needle. For Cold patterns, use tonification plus moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use sedating moxibustion or push and press along the meridian to guide and dissipate.
Note: This acupoint is listed as non-puncturable in classic texts because the Qi and Blood within is damp-heat Qi at the upper Heaven Level. When hot, it can transform into pure Yang Qi, benefiting Yang Qi; when cold, it removes dampness and descends turbidity. Puncturing it would disrupt Qi. Only when Heat is excessive should sedating puncture be used. Ancient sages feared future generations might not understand, so they listed this acupoint as non-puncturable.
9 Sidu (SJ 9)
Acupoint Meaning: The Qi and Blood of the Sanjiao Meridian descend coldly here to become channel water at the Earth Level.
Name Explanation: "Si" is a numeral four; "Du" means small ditch. The name Sidu implies that the Qi and Blood of the Sanjiao Meridian descend coldly here to become channel water at the Earth Level. The Qi and Blood substance here is moist cloud Qi transmitted from the Sanyangluo acupoint. Its transformation in this acupoint involves partial moist cold descent to the Earth. The descended water forms several small ditches flowing outward from the acupoint, hence the name Sidu.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is channel water at the Earth Level.
Movement Pattern: Diverts and scatters to various parts of the Spleen Earth.
Functional Role: Removes dampness and descends turbidity.
Treatment Principle: For Cold patterns, sedate first then tonify or use tonification plus moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use water acupuncture or shallow sedation.
10 Tianjing (SJ 10), He-Sea Point, belongs to Earth.
Acupoint Meaning: The water-damp Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian, ascending after absorbing heat, gathers here.
Name Explanation: 1) Tianjing. "Tian" means Heaven Level; "Jing" means pore or channel. The name Tianjing implies that the water-turbid Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian, ascending after absorbing heat, gathers here. The Qi and Blood substance here is moist Qi transmitted from the Sidu acupoint. Upon arriving here, it gathers. Its transformation involves dissipating heat, contracting coldly, and descending from the upper Heaven Level to the lower Heaven Level. The movement and transformation of Qi and Blood resemble falling from the top of a heavenly well, hence the name Tianjing.
2) He-Sea Point of the Sanjiao Meridian. This acupoint is the gathering place for the Heaven Level Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian, thus making it the He-Sea Point of the Sanjiao Meridian.
3) This point belongs to Earth. "Belongs to Earth" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the movement and transformation of Qi and Blood. The Qi and Blood substance here is water-damp cloud Qi at the Heaven Level, gathered in this acupoint, possessing the immovable quality of Earth, hence its belonging to Earth.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is water-damp cloud Qi.
Movement Pattern: Continuously gasifies and dissipates heat, descending from the upper Heaven Level to the lower Heaven Level.
Functional Role: Dissipates heat, generates Qi, and descends turbidity.
Treatment Principle: For Cold patterns, sedate first then tonify, or prick to bleed, or use tonification plus moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use lifting-thrusting thorough sedation.
11 Qinglengyuan (SJ 11)
Aliases: Qingling, Qinglengquan, Qinghao.
Acupoint Meaning: The Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian, after dissipating heat and descending coldly, is located at the lower Heaven Level here.
Name Explanation: 1) Qinglengyuan. "Qing" means clear and quiet; "Leng" means cold; "Yuan" means abyss. The name Qinglengyuan implies that the Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian, after dissipating heat and descending coldly, is located at the lower Heaven Level here. The Qi and Blood substance here is water-damp cloud Qi transmitted from the Tianjing acupoint. Upon arriving here, it further dissipates heat and descends coldly. The cooled water-damp cloud Qi is located at the lower Heaven Level, like a fixed, cold abyss, hence the name Qinglengyuan. The meaning of Qinglengquan is the same as Qinglengyuan.
2) Qingling. "Qing" is the color of the Liver, here referring to the wind-like movement of Qi and Blood within the acupoint; "Ling" means agile. The name Qingling implies that the movement of Qi and Blood within the acupoint is in a horizontal wind-like manner. The Qi and Blood substance here is water-damp cloud Qi at the lower Heaven Level. Since the absorption and diffusion of its thermal energy are in a balanced state, the outward output is in a horizontal wind-like manner, moving with great agility, hence the name Qingling.
3) Qinghao. "Qing" means clear and quiet; "Hao" means vast. The name Qinghao implies that the Qi and Blood within the acupoint is water-damp Qi at the Heaven Level, with a huge coverage range of the Qi and Blood field.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is large-scale wet-cold water vapor at the Heaven Level.
Movement Pattern: Transmits horizontally along the Sanjiao Meridian to the Xiaoluo acupoint.
Functional Role: Transforms and transports water-dampness.
Treatment Principle: For Cold patterns, sedate first then tonify or use moxibustion; for Heat patterns, apply suppression/patting (clearing heat methods).
12 Xiaoluo (SJ 12)
Aliases: Naoliu, Naojiao, Naoshu.
Acupoint Meaning: The Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian descends coldly here to become channel water at the Earth Level.
Name Explanation: 1) Xiaoluo. "Xiao" means dissolve or consume; "Luo" is a river name, meaning lake. The name Xiaoluo implies that the Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Meridian descends coldly here to become channel water at the Earth Level. The Qi and Blood substance here is heavy water-damp cloud Qi transmitted from the Qinglengyuan acupoint. Upon arriving here, the water-damp cloud Qi dissolves and transforms into rain descending to the Earth. The descending rain forms lakes on the surface of the Earth, hence the name Xiaoluo.
2) Naoliu. "Na" refers to the forelimb of an animal; front is Yang, back is Yin, here referring to the Qi at the Heaven Level within the acupoint; "Liu" means cellar. The name Naoliu implies that the Qi at the Heaven Level within the acupoint transforms into channel water at the Earth Level here. The reasoning is the same as for the name Xiaoluo.
3) Naojiao. "Na" refers to the forelimb of an animal, here referring to the Qi at the Heaven Level within the acupoint; "Jiao" means intersection. The name Naojiao implies that the Yang Qi at the Heaven Level of the arm outside the acupoint intersects at this acupoint. The Qi and Blood substance here is water-damp cloud Qi at the lower Heaven Level, with cold-damp nature, undergoing cold descent. The Qi and Blood within the acupoint draws in the Yang Qi at the Heaven Level outside, causing the dispersed Yang Qi of the arm to merge into the acupoint, hence the name Naojiao. The meaning of Naoshu is the same as Naojiao, with "Shu" referring to the input of Yang Qi from outside the acupoint to this acupoint.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance includes water-damp cloud Qi at the lower Heaven Level and channel water at the Earth Level resulting from cold descent.
Movement Pattern: Water-damp cloud Qi dissipates heat and descends coldly; externally dispersed heat ascends to the Nuhui acupoint; cold-descending rain returns to the Earth Level; channel water at the Earth Level descends along the Sanjiao Meridian.