功能作用：除湿降浊。
治法：寒则先泻后补或灸之，热则泻针出气。
名解：1）臑会。臑，动物的前肢也，此指穴内物质为天部的阳气。会，会合也。臑会名意指手少阳、手阳明的天部阳气同会于本穴。本穴物质为消泺穴传来的天部阳气，性干燥，量弱小，在本穴的变化为散热冷缩。由于穴内气血的变化是冷降收引，多气多血的手阳明经天部阳气因而汇入穴内，而本穴又位于手臂，故名臑会。臑交名意与臑会同。
2)臑窌。臑，动物的前肢也，此指穴内物质为天部的阳气。窌，地窖也。臑窌名意指汇入穴天部阳气在此冷降为地部经水。理同臑会名解。
功能作用：降浊除湿。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻之。
14肩髎
穴义：三焦经经气在此化雨冷降归于地部。
名解：肩，指穴在肩部也。髎，孔隙也。肩髎名意指三焦经经气在此化雨冷降归于地部。本穴物质为臑会穴传来的天部阳气，至本穴后因散热吸湿而化为寒湿的水湿云气，水湿云气冷降后归于地部，冷降的雨滴如从孔隙中漏落一般，故名肩髎。
功能作用：升清降浊。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
穴义：三焦经吸热上行的水气在此散热冷降。
名解：1）天髎。天，指穴内物质所在为天部。髎，孔隙也。天髎名意指三焦经吸热上行的水气在此散热冷降。本穴物质为肩髎穴传来的水湿之气，至本穴后，水湿之气散热而化雨冷降为地部经水，冷降的雨滴如从孔隙中漏落一般，故名天髎。
2)手少阳阳维之会。本穴因其位处肩胛，穴内气血所在的层次为天部，但其气血的变化为收引冷降，气血冷降后天部层次就为空虚之状，阳维脉的气血则随之汇入本穴，故本穴为手少阳阳维之会。
功能作用：收引天部湿浊。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
16天牖
别名：天听。
名解：1)天牖。天，天部也，阳气也。牖，窗户也。天牖名意指三焦经气血在此吸热后上行天部。本穴物质一为肩髎穴吸热上行的少许水气，二为穴外天部汇入的少许水气，水湿之气吸热后循三焦经直上天部，本穴如同三焦经气血上行天部的窗户，故名天牖。
2)天听。天，天部也，阳气也。听，闻声也。天听名意指穴内上行天部的阳气为强劲的风气。如天牖名解，本穴上行天部的阳气势强速快，如风之声响，故名天听。
运行规律：循三焦经快速上传。
功能作用：补阳化湿。
治法：寒则补之，热则泻之。
名解：1）翳风。翳，用羽毛做的华盖也，为遮蔽之物，此指穴内物质为天部的卫外阳气。风，穴内之气为风行之状也。翳风名意指三焦经经气在此化为天部的阳气。本穴物质为天牖穴传来的热胀风气，至本穴后，热胀风气势弱缓行而化为天部的卫外阳气，卫外阳气由本穴以风气的形式输向头之各部，故名翳风。
2)手足少阳之会。本穴气血为天部的阳热风气，其性同于足少阳胆经气血，故为手足少阳之会。
运行规律：由本穴输向头之各部。
功能作用：益气补阳。
治法：寒则补之，热则泻针出气。
18瘈脉
穴义：三焦经冷缩收引的下行水气在此急速胀散。
名解：1）瘈脉。瘈，指犬的发狂之状，此指穴内气血为急速运行之状。脉，脉气也，经脉中的气血也。瘈脉名意指三焦经冷缩收引的下行水气在此急速胀散。本穴物质为颅息穴下传而来的水湿之气和翳风穴上传的阳热风气，二者相会后，水湿之气吸热并急速胀散冲出穴外，气之外冲如犬发狂时的狂奔之状，故名瘈脉。
2)资脉。资，供给、资助也。脉，脉气也，经脉中的气血也。资脉名意指三焦经有名无实的经气在此得到资助。本穴物质本应由翳风穴提供，而翳风穴传来的为阳热风气，气性干燥，有名而无实，但因有颅息穴下行的水气本穴的气血才得到充实，如同被资助一般，故名资脉。资生名意与资脉同。
3)体脉。体身体也。脉，经脉中的气血也。体脉名意指三焦经经气在此得到充实，身体的经脉气血才得以连贯畅通。理同资脉名解。
运行规律：大部分胀散于经穴之外的天部，小部分则循经传输于颅息穴。
功能作用：燥湿化气。
治法：寒则补而灸之或点刺出血，热则泻针出气。
19颅息
别名：颅骢。
穴义：三焦经的天部之气在此收引冷降。
名解：1）颅息。颅，头盖骨也、肾主之水也，此指天部的冷降水气。息，停息也。颅息名意指三焦经的天部之气在此收引冷降。本穴物质为角孙穴传来的天部水湿之气，至本穴后其变化为进一步的散热冷降，如风停气止之状，故名颅息。
2)颅骢。颅，头盖骨也、肾主之水也，此指天部的冷降水气。骢，同囟，囟为连合胎儿或新生儿颅顶各骨间的膜质部，亦即间隙也。颅骢名意指天部的水湿之气在本穴由天之上部降至天之下部。理同颅息名解。
运行规律：散热冷降后下传瘈脉穴。
功能作用：清热降浊。
治法：寒则点刺出血或先泻后补或灸之，热则泻针出气。
名解：1）角孙。角，耳也，肾也，此指穴内物质为天部的收引之气。孙，火也，角为之水，则孙为之火也（肾之子为肝，肝之子为火），此指穴内物质为天之天部的气态物。角孙名意指天之天部的收引冷降之气由此汇入三焦经。本穴为三焦经经脉中的最高点，三焦经无气血传至本穴，本穴气血为空虚之状，足太阳膀胱经外散的寒湿水气夹带着足少阳胆经的外散水湿风气因而汇入穴内，穴内气血既处火所在的天之天部又表现出肾水的润下特征，故名角孙。
功能作用：吸湿降浊。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
21耳门
穴义：三焦经经气中的滞重水湿在此冷降后由耳孔流入体内。
名解：耳，穴内气血作用的部位为耳也。门，出入的门户也。耳门名意指三焦经经气中的滞重水湿在此冷降后由耳孔流入体内。本穴物质为角孙穴传来的水湿之气，至本穴后，水湿之气化雨冷降为地部经水并循耳孔流入体内，本穴如同三焦经气血出入耳的门户，故名耳门。
运行规律：大部分水气冷降为地部经水，小部分水气吸热后循三焦经上行禾髎穴，经水则下行并循耳孔流入体内。
功能作用：降浊升清。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
穴义：三焦经经气及穴外汇入的寒湿水气在此化雨冷降。
名解：1）禾髎。禾，五谷之代称也，此指气血中的脾土微粒。髎，孔隙也。禾髎名意指三焦经经气及穴外汇入的寒湿水气在此化雨冷降。本穴物质中一方面是耳门穴传来的水湿之气，其量少，其性收引，另一方面是足少阳胆经和手太阳小肠经传入本穴的湿冷水气，两气交会后在本穴的变化为化雨冷降，所降之雨如从孔隙中漏落一般，故名禾髎。（《腧穴临证指要》一书的本穴名称为"耳和髎"，本书将其改为"禾髎"。）
功能作用：清热降浊。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
23丝竹空
名解：1)丝竹空。丝竹，古指弦乐器，八音之一，此指气血的运行有如声音飘然而至。空，空虚也。丝竹穴名意指穴外天部的寒湿水气由此汇入三焦经后冷降归地。本穴为三焦经终点之穴，由于禾髎穴传至本穴的气血极为虚少，穴内气血为空虚之状，穴外天部的寒湿水气因而汇入穴内，穴外的寒水水气如同天空中的声音飘然而至，故名丝竹空。
2)巨窌。巨，巨大也。窌，地窖也，此指穴内气血为地部水液。巨窌名意指本穴天部大范围的水湿之气皆化雨冷降。本穴物质为穴外天部层次中的寒湿水气汇合而成，在本穴的变化为化雨冷降，所降之雨覆盖的范围巨大，故名巨窌。目窌名意与巨窌同，目指本穴位于目旁。
运行规律：从穴外汇入穴内后化雨冷降为地部水液。
功能作用：降浊除湿。
治法：寒则补针多留，热则泻之，莫灸。
十一、足少阳胆经少血多气
十一、足少阳胆经少血多气
足少阳胆经少血多气，气血物质的运行变化是不断地吸湿冷降变化。
名解：1）瞳子髎。瞳子，指眼珠中的黑色部分，为肾水所主之处，此指穴内物质为肾水特征的寒湿水气。髎，孔隙也。瞳子髎名意指穴外天部的寒湿水气在此汇集后冷降归地。本穴为胆经头面部的第一穴，胆及其所属经脉主半表半里，在上焦主降，在下焦主升，本穴的气血物质即是汇集头面部的寒湿水气后从天部冷降至地部，冷降的水滴细小如从孔隙中散落一般，故名瞳子髎。
2)太阳。太，大也。阳，天部的阳气也。太阳名意指穴内物质为天部之气。本穴为胆经第一穴，位处头面的天部，而胆经气血所处为半表半里，胆经体内经脉无物外传本穴，穴内气血为空虚之状，穴外的天部之气因而汇入本穴，本穴物质来自天之上部，故名太阳。
3)前关。前，与后相对，指人头面的前面部分，前为阴、后为阳，此指穴内气血为寒湿之性。关，关卡也。前关名意指穴内的寒湿水气被关卡于内，不得吸热外行。理同瞳子髎名解。
4)后曲。后，与前相对，指人头面的后面部分，后为阳、前为阴，此指穴内气血为阳热之性。曲，隐秘也。后曲名意指穴内外散的阳热之气隐而不见。本穴物质为穴外天部的寒湿水气汇集而成，气血的运行变化主要是散热冷降，而在穴内同时进行的吸热蒸发则如隐而不见，故名后曲。
5)手太阳手足少阳之会。由穴外汇集本穴的气血物质主要为手太阳经上行外散的阳热之气、手少阳经向外飘散的湿冷之气，故本穴为手太阳手足少阳之会。
运行规律：大部分寒湿水气散热后化雨冷降地部，小部分循胆经下传于听会穴。
功能作用：降浊去湿。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之，热则泻针出气。
2听会
穴义：胆经经气在此化雨冷降。
名解：1）听会。听会者即耳能听闻声音也，此指穴内的天部气血为空虚之状，无物阻隔声音的传递也。本穴物质为瞳子髎穴下传的天部寒湿水气，至本穴后，此气吸附了更多的天部寒湿水气并化雨冷降于地，天部气血因而变得虚静，如远处声音听亦能明，故名听会（除上述解释之外另有一解，此即是从阴阳的角度来解释听会之名。听的感官过程为耳朵接收外部声音，也就是从外入内、从阳入阴。由于声音传递的这一过程是从阳入阴，因此，它要求耳部的气血运行变化也要与此同步，表现出由阳向阴的变化转变，如此，人体外部的声音之阳才能进入体内的阴部，声音感受器才能听之而会。）
2)耳门。耳，穴在耳部也。门，出入的门户也。耳门名意指胆经气血由此进入耳腔。如听会之解，本穴的气血变化为气态物散热冷降并化为地部经水，经水则循本穴的地部孔隙进入耳腔，本穴如同胆经气血出入耳的门户，故名耳门。
3)听呵。听，闻也。呵，大声喝叱之意，此指体表外部的声场强度大于体表内部。听呵名意指体表外部的声场强度要大于体表内部耳朵才能听受。听诃名意与听呵同，诃为呵的异体字。
Functions and Effects: Expelling dampness and lowering turbidity.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reducing method first followed by reinforcing method, or moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply reducing method to vent pathogenic qi.
13 Naohui (SJ13): Intersection of the collaterals of Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Channel and Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel.
Aliases: Naoliu, Naojiao.
Acupoint Meaning: The heavenly-level yang qi of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Channel and Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel converge at this acupoint.
Etymology: 1) Naohui. "Nao" refers to the forelimb of an animal, here indicating that the substance within the acupoint is the heavenly-level yang qi. "Hui" means convergence. The name Naohui implies that the heavenly-level yang qi of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel and Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Channel converge at this acupoint. The substance of this acupoint is the heavenly-level yang qi transmitted from Xiaoluo (SJ12), which is dry in nature, small in quantity and weak in strength. Its transformation at this acupoint involves cooling and contraction due to heat dissipation. Due to the cooling descent and contraction of the qi and blood within the acupoint, the abundant qi and blood heavenly-level yang qi of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Channel thus flows into the acupoint. Since this acupoint is located on the arm, it is named Naohui. The meaning of Naojiao is identical to Naohui.
2) Naoliu. "Nao" refers to the forelimb of an animal, here indicating that the substance within the acupoint is the heavenly-level yang qi. "Liu" refers to a cellar. The name Naoliu implies that the heavenly-level yang qi flowing into the acupoint cools and descends here to become the channel water at the earthly level. The rationale is the same as the etymology of Naohui.
3) Intersection of the collaterals of Hand-Yangming and Shaoyang. The rationale is the same as the etymology of Naohui.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is the heavenly-level yang qi.
Movement Pattern: It cools and descends from the heavenly level and returns to the earthly level.
Functions and Effects: Lowering turbidity and expelling dampness.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reducing method first followed by reinforcing method, or apply reinforcing method with moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply reducing method.
14 Jianliao (SJ14)
Acupoint Meaning: The Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Channel transforms into rain here, cools and descends, and returns to the earthly level.
Etymology: "Jian" indicates the acupoint is located on the shoulder. "Liao" indicates a pore. The name Jianliao implies that the Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Channel transforms into rain here, cools and descends, and returns to the earthly level. The substance of this acupoint is the heavenly-level yang qi transmitted from Naohui (SJ13). Upon reaching this acupoint, due to heat dissipation and moisture absorption, it transforms into cold-damp cloud qi. After the cloud qi cools and descends to return to the earthly level, the descending raindrops fall like leaking through a pore, hence the name Jianliao.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance consists of earthly-level channel water and sparse moist qi at the heavenly level.
Movement Pattern: Channel water flows downward along the Sanjiao Channel, while moist qi absorbs heat and flows upward along the Sanjiao Channel.
Functions and Effects: Raising clear qi and lowering turbidity.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reducing method first followed by reinforcing method, or apply reinforcing method with moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply reducing method to vent pathogenic qi.
15 Tianliao (SJ15): Intersection of Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel and Yangwei Vessel.
Acupoint Meaning: The moist qi of the Sanjiao Channel that ascends after absorbing heat dissipates heat and cools down here.
Etymology: 1) Tianliao. "Tian" refers to the heavenly level where the substance within the acupoint resides. "Liao" indicates a pore. The name Tianliao implies that the moist qi of the Sanjiao Channel that ascends after absorbing heat dissipates heat and cools down here. The substance of this acupoint is the moist qi transmitted from Jianliao (SJ14). Upon reaching this acupoint, the moist qi dissipates heat, transforms into rain, cools down, and becomes earthly-level channel water. The descending raindrops fall like leaking through a pore, hence the name Tianliao.
2) Intersection of Hand-Shaoyang and Yangwei. This acupoint is located at the scapula, and the qi and blood within reside at the heavenly level. However, the transformation of its qi and blood involves contraction, traction, and cooling descent. After the qi and blood cool and descend, the heavenly level appears empty. The qi and blood of the Yangwei Vessel then flow into this acupoint, making it the intersection of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel and the Yangwei Vessel.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance consists of the yang qi transmitted from the Yangwei Vessel and the earthly-level channel water after cooling descent.
Movement Pattern: The yang qi flows into the acupoint from outside, dissipates heat, cools down, and becomes earthly-level channel water.
Functions and Effects: Contracting and drawing in the turbid dampness of the heavenly level.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reinforcing method with moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply reducing method to vent pathogenic qi.
16 Tianyou (SJ16)
Alias: Tianting.
Acupoint Meaning: The qi and blood of the Sanjiao Channel absorb heat here and ascend to the heavenly level.
Etymology: 1) Tianyou. "Tian" refers to the heavenly level and yang qi. "You" refers to a window. The name Tianyou implies that the qi and blood of the Sanjiao Channel absorb heat here and ascend to the heavenly level. The substance of this acupoint consists of two parts: a small amount of moist qi ascending after heat absorption from Jianliao (SJ14), and a small amount of moist qi converging from the heavenly level outside the acupoint. The moist qi absorbs heat and ascends directly to the heavenly level along the Sanjiao Channel. This acupoint acts as a window for the ascent of Sanjiao Channel qi and blood to the heavenly level, hence the name Tianyou.
2) Tianting. "Tian" refers to the heavenly level and yang qi. "Ting" refers to hearing sound. The name Tianting implies that the yang qi ascending to the heavenly level within the acupoint is strong wind qi. As explained in the etymology of Tianyou, the yang qi ascending to the heavenly level at this acupoint is powerful and fast-moving, resembling the sound of wind, hence the name Tianting.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is the heavenly-level yang qi.
Movement Pattern: Ascends rapidly along the Sanjiao Channel.
Functions and Effects: Tonifying yang and transforming dampness.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reinforcing method; for heat patterns, apply reducing method.
17 Yifeng (SJ21): Intersection of Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel and Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel.
Acupoint Meaning: The Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Channel transforms into heavenly-level yang qi here.
Etymology: 1) Yifeng. "Yi" refers to a canopy made of feathers, an object of concealment, here indicating that the substance within the acupoint is the defensive yang qi at the heavenly level. "Feng" refers to the wind-like movement of qi within the acupoint. The name Yifeng implies that the Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Channel transforms into heavenly-level yang qi here. The substance of this acupoint is the expanding wind qi transmitted from Tianyou (SJ16). Upon reaching this acupoint, the expanding wind qi weakens and slows down, transforming into defensive yang qi at the heavenly level. This defensive yang qi is distributed to various parts of the head from this acupoint in the form of wind qi, hence the name Yifeng.
2) Intersection of Hand-Shaoyang and Foot-Shaoyang. The qi and blood at this acupoint are hot wind qi at the heavenly level, sharing the same nature as the qi and blood of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel, thus forming the intersection of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel and Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is hot wind qi.
Movement Pattern: Distributed from this acupoint to various parts of the head.
Functions and Effects: Benefiting qi and tonifying yang.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reinforcing method; for heat patterns, apply reducing method to vent pathogenic qi.
18 Cimai (SJ19)
Aliases: Zimai, Timai, Zisheng.
Acupoint Meaning: The descending moist qi of the Sanjiao Channel, which has cooled, contracted, and converged, expands rapidly here.
Etymology: 1) Cimai. "Ci" refers to the state of a dog going mad, here indicating that the qi and blood within the acupoint move rapidly. "Mai" refers to pulse qi, i.e., the qi and blood in the channels. The name Cimai implies that the descending moist qi of the Sanjiao Channel, which has cooled, contracted, and converged, expands rapidly here. The substance of this acupoint consists of moist qi descending from Luxi (SJ18) and hot wind qi ascending from Yifeng (SJ21). After these two interact, the moist qi absorbs heat and expands rapidly, rushing out of the acupoint. The outward rush of qi resembles the frantic running of a mad dog, hence the name Cimai.
2) Zimai. "Zi" means supply or aid. "Mai" refers to pulse qi, i.e., the qi and blood in the channels. The name Zimai implies that the seemingly substantial but actually deficient Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Channel receives aid here. The substance of this acupoint should originally be provided by Yifeng (SJ21), but the hot wind qi transmitted from Yifeng is dry in nature, having form but no substance. However, because of the descending moist qi from Luxi (SJ18), the qi and blood of this acupoint become substantial, as if aided, hence the name Zimai. The meaning of Zisheng is identical to Zimai.
3) Timai. "Ti" refers to the body. "Mai" refers to the qi and blood in the channels. The name Timai implies that the Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Channel becomes substantial here, allowing the qi and blood of the body's channels to connect smoothly. The rationale is the same as the etymology of Zimai.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is hot-expanding damp-heat wind qi.
Movement Pattern: Most of it expands and disperses into the heavenly level outside the channel and acupoint, while a small portion is transmitted along the channel to Luxi (SJ18).
Functions and Effects: Drying dampness and transforming qi.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reinforcing method with moxibustion or pricking to bleed; for heat patterns, apply reducing method to vent pathogenic qi.
19 Luxi (SJ18)
Alias: Lucong.
Acupoint Meaning: The heavenly-level qi of the Sanjiao Channel contracts, draws in, and cools down here.
Etymology: 1) Luxi. "Lu" refers to the skull cap, also referring to the water governed by the Kidney, here indicating the cooling descending moist qi at the heavenly level. "Xi" means rest or stop. The name Luxi implies that the heavenly-level qi of the Sanjiao Channel contracts, draws in, and cools down here. The substance of this acupoint is the moist qi at the heavenly level transmitted from Jiaosun (SJ20). Upon reaching this acupoint, its transformation involves further heat dissipation and cooling descent, resembling a state where wind stops and qi ceases, hence the name Luxi.
2) Lucong. "Lu" refers to the skull cap, also referring to the water governed by the Kidney, here indicating the cooling descending moist qi at the heavenly level. "Cong" is synonymous with "Xin", which refers to the membranous part connecting the bones of the top of the skull in fetuses or newborns, i.e., the gap. The name Lucong implies that the moist qi at the heavenly level descends from the upper part of the heavenly level to the lower part of the heavenly level at this acupoint. The rationale is the same as the etymology of Luxi.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is cool-moist qi at the heavenly level.
Movement Pattern: After dissipating heat and cooling down, it transmits downward to Cimai (SJ19).
Functions and Effects: Clearing heat and lowering turbidity.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, prick to bleed, or apply reducing method first followed by reinforcing method, or moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply reducing method to vent pathogenic qi.
20 Jiaosun (SJ20): Intersection of Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel, Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel, Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel, and Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Channel.
Acupoint Meaning: The cooling-contracted moist qi at the heavenly level of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel and Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel converges into the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel here.
Etymology: 1) Jiaosun. "Jiao" refers to the ear, also referring to the Kidney, here indicating that the substance within the acupoint is the contracting qi at the heavenly level. "Sun" refers to fire. Since Jiao (Water) generates Wood (Liver), and Wood generates Fire, Sun represents Fire. Here, it indicates that the substance within the acupoint is gaseous matter at the highest heavenly level. The name Jiaosun implies that the contracting and cooling-descending qi from the highest heavenly level converges into the Sanjiao Channel here. This acupoint is the highest point of the Sanjiao Channel meridian. No qi and blood from the Sanjiao Channel transmit to this acupoint; instead, the qi and blood within appear empty. The cold-damp water qi scattered externally by the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel, carrying the scattered moist wind qi of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel, thus flows into the acupoint. The qi and blood within exist at the highest heavenly level associated with fire yet exhibit the descending and moistening characteristics of Kidney Water, hence the name Jiaosun.
2) Intersection of Hand-Shaoyang, Foot-Shaoyang, Hand-Taiyang, and Foot-Taiyang. The rationale is the same as the etymology of Jiaosun.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is moist qi at the highest heavenly level.
Movement Pattern: After dissipating heat and cooling down, it distributes to Luxi (SJ18) and Ermen (SJ21).
Functions and Effects: Absorbing dampness and lowering turbidity.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reinforcing method with moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply reducing method to vent pathogenic qi.
21 Ermen (SJ21)
Acupoint Meaning: The heavy, stagnant moist qi in the Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Channel cools down here and flows into the body through the ear canal.
Etymology: "Er" indicates that the site of action of the qi and blood within the acupoint is the ear. "Men" refers to a gate for entry and exit. The name Ermen implies that the heavy, stagnant moist qi in the Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Channel cools down here and flows into the body through the ear canal. The substance of this acupoint is the moist qi transmitted from Jiaosun (SJ20). Upon reaching this acupoint, the moist qi transforms into rain, cools down, and becomes earthly-level channel water, which flows into the body through the ear canal. This acupoint acts as a gate for the entry and exit of Sanjiao Channel qi and blood into the ear, hence the name Ermen.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance consists of cool-moist qi at the heavenly level and earthly-level channel water after cooling descent.
Movement Pattern: Most of the moist qi cools down and becomes earthly-level channel water. A small portion of moist qi absorbs heat and ascends along the Sanjiao Channel to Heliao (SI19). The channel water flows downward and enters the body through the ear canal.
Functions and Effects: Lowering turbidity and raising clear qi.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reducing method first followed by reinforcing method, or apply reinforcing method with moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply reducing method to vent pathogenic qi.
22 Heliao (SI19): Intersection of Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel, Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel, Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Channel, and Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel.
Acupoint Meaning: The Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Channel and the cold-damp moist qi converging from outside the acupoint transform into rain and cool down here.
Etymology: 1) Heliao. "He" stands for the five grains, here referring to spleen-earth particles in the qi and blood. "Liao" indicates a pore. The name Heliao implies that the Jing-Qi of the Sanjiao Channel and the cold-damp moist qi converging from outside the acupoint transform into rain and cool down here. One aspect of the substance at this acupoint is the moist qi transmitted from Ermen (SJ21), which is small in quantity and contracting in nature. The other aspect is the cold-damp moist qi transmitted from the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel and Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Channel. After these two interact, their transformation at this acupoint involves transforming into rain and cooling down. The descending rain falls like leaking through a pore, hence the name Heliao. (The book *Shuxue Linzheng Zhiyao* names this acupoint "Erhe Liao", but this book changes it to "Heliao".)
2) Intersection of Hand-Shaoyang, Foot-Shaoyang, Hand-Taiyang, and Foot-Taiyang. The rationale is the same as the etymology of Heliao.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is moist qi at the heavenly level, cold in nature.
Movement Pattern: It cools down from the heavenly level and returns to the earthly level.
Functions and Effects: Clearing heat and lowering turbidity.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reinforcing method with moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply reducing method to vent pathogenic qi.
23 Sizhukong (SJ23)
Aliases: Juliu, Muliu.
Acupoint Meaning: The cold-damp moist qi from the heavenly level outside the acupoint converges into the Sanjiao Channel here and cools down to return to the earthly level.
Etymology: 1) Sizhukong. "Sizhu" historically refers to stringed musical instruments, one of the eight tones, here indicating that the movement of qi and blood arrives like floating sound. "Kong" means empty. The name Sizhukong implies that the cold-damp moist qi from the heavenly level outside the acupoint converges into the Sanjiao Channel here and cools down to return to the earthly level. This acupoint is the terminal point of the Sanjiao Channel. Since the qi and blood transmitted from Heliao (SI19) to this acupoint are extremely deficient, the qi and blood within appear empty. Consequently, the cold-damp moist qi from the heavenly level outside the acupoint flows into the acupoint. The external cold-water moist qi arrives like sound floating in the sky, hence the name Sizhukong.
2) Juliu. "Ju" means large. "Liu" refers to a cellar, here indicating that the qi and blood within the acupoint are earthly-level fluids. The name Juliu implies that the large area of moist qi at the heavenly level of this acupoint all transforms into rain and cools down. The substance of this acupoint is formed by the convergence of cold-damp moist qi from the heavenly level outside the acupoint. Its transformation at this acupoint involves transforming into rain and cooling down. The range covered by the descending rain is vast, hence the name Juliu. The meaning of Muliu is identical to Juliu, with "Mu" indicating that this acupoint is located beside the eye.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is cold-damp moist qi at the heavenly level.
Movement Pattern: After flowing into the acupoint from outside, it transforms into rain, cools down, and becomes earthly-level fluid.
Functions and Effects: Lowering turbidity and expelling dampness.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, reinforce the needle and retain it for a long time; for heat patterns, apply reducing method, avoid moxibustion.
XI. Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel: Less Blood, More Qi
XI. Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel: Less Blood, More Qi
The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel is characterized by less blood and more qi. The movement and transformation of qi and blood substances involve continuous moisture absorption and cooling descent.
1 Tongziliao (GB1): Intersection of Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Channel, Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel, and Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel.
Aliases: Taiyang, Qian Guan, Hou Qu.
Acupoint Meaning: The cold-damp moist qi from the heavenly level outside the acupoint converges into the acupoint here and cools down to return to the earthly level.
Etymology: 1) Tongziliao. "Tongzi" refers to the black part of the eyeball, the place governed by Kidney Water, here indicating that the substance within the acupoint is cold-damp moist qi with the characteristics of Kidney Water. "Liao" indicates a pore. The name Tongziliao implies that the cold-damp moist qi from the heavenly level outside the acupoint converges here and cools down to return to the earthly level. This acupoint is the first acupoint on the head and face of the Gallbladder Channel. The Gallbladder and its affiliated channels govern the half-exterior and half-interior. In the Upper Jiao, it governs descent; in the Lower Jiao, it governs ascent. The qi and blood substance of this acupoint gathers the cold-damp moist qi of the head and face, cools down from the heavenly level to the earthly level, and the descending water drops are fine, scattering like through a pore, hence the name Tongziliao.
2) Taiyang. "Tai" means large. "Yang" refers to the yang qi at the heavenly level. The name Taiyang implies that the substance within the acupoint is heavenly-level qi. This acupoint is the first acupoint of the Gallbladder Channel, located at the heavenly level of the head and face. The qi and blood of the Gallbladder Channel reside in the half-exterior and half-interior. No substance from the internal meridians of the Gallbladder Channel transmits to this acupoint, so the qi and blood within appear empty. The heavenly-level qi from outside the acupoint thus flows into this acupoint. Since the substance of this acupoint comes from the upper part of the heavenly level, it is named Taiyang.
3) Qian Guan. "Qian" is opposite to "Hou", referring to the front part of the head and face. Front is Yin, Back is Yang, here indicating that the qi and blood within the acupoint have a cold-damp nature. "Guan" means checkpoint or pass. The name Qian Guan implies that the cold-damp moist qi within the acupoint is blocked inside, unable to absorb heat and move outward. The rationale is the same as the etymology of Tongziliao.
4) Hou Qu. "Hou" is opposite to "Qian", referring to the back part of the head and face. Back is Yang, Front is Yin, here indicating that the qi and blood within the acupoint have a hot-yang nature. "Qu" means hidden. The name Hou Qu implies that the hot-yang qi scattering outside the acupoint is hidden and invisible. The substance of this acupoint is formed by the convergence of cold-damp moist qi from the heavenly level outside the acupoint. The main transformation of qi and blood movement is heat dissipation and cooling descent. Meanwhile, the heat absorption and evaporation occurring within the acupoint are hidden and invisible, hence the name Hou Qu.
5) Intersection of Hand-Taiyang, Hand-Shaoyang, and Foot-Shaoyang. The qi and blood substances gathered from outside the acupoint mainly consist of the hot-yang qi ascending and scattering externally from the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Channel, and the cold-damp qi scattering outward from the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel. Thus, this acupoint forms the intersection of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Channel, Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel, and Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is cold-damp moist qi at the heavenly level.
Movement Pattern: Most of the cold-damp moist qi dissipates heat, transforms into rain, and cools down to the earthly level. A small portion transmits downward along the Gallbladder Channel to Tinghui (GB2).
Functions and Effects: Lowering turbidity and removing dampness.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply reducing method first followed by reinforcing method, or apply reinforcing method; for heat patterns, apply reducing method to vent pathogenic qi.
2 Tinghui (GB2)
Aliases: Ermen, Ting He, Ting Ke, Hou Guan.
Acupoint Meaning: The Jing-Qi of the Gallbladder Channel transforms into rain and cools down here.
Etymology: 1) Tinghui. "Tinghui" means the ear can hear sounds, here indicating that the heavenly-level qi and blood within the acupoint are in an empty state, with no obstruction to the transmission of sound. The substance of this acupoint is the heavenly-level cold-damp moist qi transmitted downward from Tongziliao (GB1). Upon reaching this acupoint, this qi adsorbs more heavenly-level cold-damp moist qi and transforms into rain, cooling down to the earthly level. Consequently, the heavenly-level qi and blood become void and quiet, allowing distant sounds to be heard clearly, hence the name Tinghui. (Besides the above explanation, there is another interpretation of the name Tinghui from the perspective of Yin and Yang. The sensory process of hearing involves the ear receiving external sounds, i.e., moving from outside to inside, from Yang to Yin. Since this process of sound transmission is from Yang to Yin, it requires the movement and transformation of qi and blood in the ear region to synchronize with this, exhibiting a change from Yang to Yin. In this way, the Yang of external sounds can enter the Yin interior of the human body, and the auditory receptors can hear and converge.)
2) Ermen. "Er" indicates the acupoint is in the ear region. "Men" refers to a gate for entry and exit. The name Ermen implies that the qi and blood of the Gallbladder Channel enter the ear cavity here. As explained in Tinghui, the transformation of qi and blood at this acupoint involves the gas phase dissipating heat, cooling down, and becoming earthly-level channel water. The channel water then enters the ear cavity through the earthly-level pores of this acupoint. This acupoint acts as a gate for the entry and exit of Gallbladder Channel qi and blood into the ear, hence the name Ermen.
3) Ting He. "Ting" means to hear. "He" means to shout loudly, here indicating that the sound field intensity outside the body surface is greater than inside. The name Ting He implies that the sound field intensity outside the body surface must be greater than inside the ear for it to be heard. The meaning of Ting Ke is identical to Ting He, with "Ke" being a variant character of "He".
4) Hou Guan. "Hou" refers to the back of the head. Front is Yin, Back is Yang, here referring to Yang Qi. "Guan" means checkpoint. The name Hou Guan implies that the hot-yang qi outside the acupoint cannot enter the acupoint. The rationale is the same as the etymology of Tinghui.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is cold-damp moist qi at the heavenly level.