功能作用：吸湿降浊。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
18承灵足少阳阳维之会。
名解：1）承灵。承，承受也。灵，神灵也，天部之气也。承灵名意指头之天部的寒湿水气由此汇入胆经。本穴物质为正营穴传来的天部阳气，至本穴后，此气散热并吸湿冷降，头之天部的寒湿之气亦随之汇入穴内，本穴如有承受天部寒湿水气的作用，故名承灵。
2)足少阳阳维之会。本穴的气血变化为吸湿冷降，阳维脉满溢之气随之汇入穴内，故本穴为足少阳阳维之会。
运行规律：散热吸湿冷降并交于脑空穴。
功能作用：吸湿降浊。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
19脑空足少阳阳维之会。
别名：颞颥。
名解：1）脑空。脑，首也，首为阳、尾为阴，此指穴内的天之上部。空，空虚也。脑空名意指胆经经气在此冷降归地，天部气血为空虚之状。本穴物质为承灵穴传来的水湿之气，至本穴后，水湿之气化雨冷降归于地部，穴内的天部层次气血为空虚之状，故名脑空。
2)颞颥。颞颥皆指颅骨之一，此指穴内气血为寒湿水气，其运行变化亦为润下特征的冷降变化。理同脑空名解。足少阳阳维之会。本穴气血的运行变化为云化雨降，阳维脉的满溢阳气随之汇入穴内，故本穴为足少阳阳维之会。
运行规律：大部分水气化雨冷降，小部分水气下传风池穴。
功能作用：降浊分清。
治法：寒则先泻后补或补之灸之或点刺出血，热则泻针出气。
20风池足少阳阳维之会。
别名：热府。
名解：1）风池。风，指穴内物质为天部的风气。池，屯居水液之器也，指穴内物质富含水湿。风池名意指有经气血在此化为阳热风气。本穴物质为脑空穴传来的水湿之气，至本穴后，因受外部之热，水湿之气胀散并化为阳热风气输散于头颈各部，故名风池。
2)热府。热，指本穴气血性热温高。府，府宅也。热府名意指本穴气血的变化为受热膨胀。理同风池名解。
3)足少阳阳维之会。本穴吸热胀散的阳热风气不光传输胆经，同时亦输向阳维脉所在的天部层次，故为足少阳阳维之会。
运行规律：循胆经输向头之各部及外走阳维脉。
功能作用：壮阳益气。
治法：寒则点刺出血或先泻后补或灸之，热则泻针出气。
21肩井手少阳阳维之会。
名解：1）肩井。肩，指穴在肩部也。井，地部孔隙也。肩井名意指胆经的地部水液由此流入地之地部。本穴物质为胆经上部经脉下行而至的地部经水，至本穴后，经水由本穴的地部孔隙流入地之地部，故名肩井。
2)肩解。肩，指穴在肩部。解，散也。肩解名意指胆经的地部经水在此散解分流。本穴物质为胆经上部经脉下行而至的地部经水，至本穴后，经水一是循本穴的地部孔隙流入地之地部，二是未能流入地之地部的经水循地之表部溢流胆经之外，经水在此如同散解一般，故名肩解。
3)膊井。膊，膀子，大肉块之意。井，地部孔隙也。膊井名意指胆经下行至此的经水一部分渗入脾土肌肉之中。本穴位于肩上肌肉丰满之处，为人体局部重力场的最高点，脾土中的水湿容易渗流外出，穴内的肌肉层中水湿因而稀少，由胆经上部经脉下行至此的地部经水也就不断地渗入其中，故名膊井。
4)手少阳阳维之会。本穴气血为地部经水，气血主要集中在地之表部，天部层次气血因而处于空虚之状，阳维脉的气血及手少阳经天髎穴吸热上行的气血因此汇入穴内，故本穴为手少阳阳维之会。
运行规律：天部之气化雨冷降，地部经水一是循本穴的地部孔隙流入体内，二是渗入穴内的脾土之中，三是溢流穴外。
功能作用：疏导水液。
治法：寒则通之或先泻后补或灸之，热则泻针出气或水针。
22渊腋
名解：渊液。渊，深渊也。腋，指穴位所在的部位为腋部也。渊腋名意指胆经的地部经水在此循胸侧肋部从上落下。本穴内物质为肩井穴溢流而至的地部经水，至本穴后，水液在地球重力场的作用下由胸侧上部直落腰侧下部，经水如同落入无底深渊一般，故名渊腋。泉液、涧渊名意与渊腋同。
运行规律：大部分经水由胸侧上部流落胸侧下部，小部分气化之气横传辄筋穴。
功能作用：排泄水液。
治法：寒则通之导之或先泻后补或灸之，热则泻针出气。
注：人体何以胸侧部位肌肉组织不够丰满？其原因就在于胆经渊腋穴的下行经水及脾经大包穴的下行经水冲涮了地部的脾土物质之故。
23辄筋
别名：神光。
穴义：胆经的湿冷水气在此吸湿后冷降归地。
名解：1）辄筋。辄，古指车箱左右板上端向外翻出的平板，其作用是防止车轮之泥水的飞溅，此指胆经气血在此的变化为冷降下行。筋，肝胆所主的风气也，此指穴内气血为水湿风气。辄筋名意指胆经的湿冷水气在此吸湿后冷降归地。本穴物质为渊腋穴传来的湿冷水气，至本穴后，因散热吸湿而从天部降至地部，气血的变化如同飞溅的泥水被挡下一般，故名辄筋。
2)神光。神，与鬼相对，指穴内气血为天部之气。光，明亮之意。神光名意指胆经气血在此冷降，天部气血虚少并变得明亮清晰。理同辄筋名解。
功能作用：收引寒浊。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻针出气。
别名：神光。
名解：1)日月。日，太阳也，阳也。月，月亮也，阴也。日月名意指胆经气血在此位于天之人部。本穴物质一为辄筋穴传来的弱小寒湿水气，所处为半表半里的天之人部，即是天部之气的阴阳寒热分界之处，故名日月。
2)神光。神，与鬼相对，指穴内气血为天部之气。光，光明也，此指穴内气血来自天之上部。神光名意指天部的冷收水气由此汇入穴内。本穴物质为辄筋穴传来的弱小寒湿水气，所处为天之人部，天之上部的水湿因本穴气血的收引特性而汇入穴内，本穴气血如同来自神所处的天之上部，故名神光。
3)胆经之募。乃本穴的气血物质性寒收引，穴外的天部水气因而汇入穴内并循胆经而传，本穴有收募充补胆经气血的作用，故为胆经募穴。
治法：寒则补之或灸，热则泻针出气。
穴义：天之下部的寒冷水气在此聚集。
名解：1）京门。京，国都也，人与物的聚集、集散之所，此指穴内物质所处为地之上部。门，出入的门户。京门名意指天之下部的寒冷水气在此聚集。本穴物质为日月穴传来的冷降水气，至本穴后，水湿之气进一步散热冷降而成为天之下部的寒冷降水云系，本穴如同地之上部水湿云气的聚散之所，故名京门。
2)气府。气，气态物也。府，府宅也。气府名意指本穴气血为天部之气。理同京门名解。气俞名意与气府同。
3)肾经募穴。本穴为天部寒冷水气的聚集与降落之处，降地后的经水由本穴的地部孔隙流入地之地部，也就是交于肾经的体内经脉，本穴有募集肾经水液的作用，故为肾经募穴。
气血特征：气血物质为天之下部的寒冷水气及水气冷降的地部经水。
运行规律：天部的寒冷水气由穴外汇入穴内，地部经水则流入地之地部。
名解：1）带脉。带，腰部的环带区域也。脉，经脉中的气血也。带脉名意指胆经的地部经水在此环腰带而行。本穴物质为京门穴传来的地部经水，至本穴后由地部环腰而行，气血所过路径如人之腰带，故名带脉。
2)足少阳带脉之会。本穴既为足少阳胆经之穴又为带脉之穴，故为足少阳带脉之会。
运行规律：运行规律与人体所处的不同体位有直接关系。当人体处于直立或坐时，穴内经水由维道穴出带脉并流向腿足下部；当人体躺卧时，穴内经水循带脉由躺卧的高位之处流向低位之处（大多数情况下是从腹部流向腰部并由膀胱经将富余的经水经上、次、中、下此八髎穴导入体内）。
功能作用：约束诸经水液。
治法：寒则通之补之灸之，热则水针或泻针出气。
注：《难经·二十八难》曰："带脉者，起于季胁，回身一周。"根据本段经文所言及上面所作的穴位解析，我们知道带脉的气血物质是地部经水。带脉的特征是"回身一周，如束带然"，其功用则为"约束诸经"，那么带脉气血的回身一周其动因是什么呢？它又是如何约束诸经的呢？如果说，人体经脉的上、下方向行走路线是在地球重力场作用下导致的结果，那么，带脉能回身一周则是在人体重力场作用下导致的结果。由于脊骨为人体整体重力场的坐标中心，因此，在人体坐标系中，离脊骨越远的腹部其位越高，而离脊骨稍近的腰侧则位置较低。在人体前腹部，随着肝脾肾三经气血的吸热上行，大量的水湿由下运往胸腹上部，在胸腹上部散热冷降后则要循地之表部向下流行，腹股沟则是地部经水的聚集之处，而由于有了人体整体的脊骨重力场的作用，聚集于腹股沟处的地部经水才会循带脉环行并流膀胱经所处的脊背部位，这就是带脉气血的产生和流行动因，也是经书所言带脉能约束诸经的机理所在。因此，带脉气血的运行规律是，在人体重力场的作用下由人体的腹部流向背脊部（平躺时），在地球重力场的作用下从人体的腰侧部流向前阴部（直立时），经水具体以何种方式运行则取决于人体的体位姿式。
别名：玉枢。
名解：1）五枢。五，代指东南西北中五方也。枢，门户的转轴，有开合功能，此指气血物质在本穴有出入的变化。五枢名意指气血物质由此出入带脉。本穴物质虽为带脉穴传来的地部经水，但它并不一定循带脉下走维道穴，气血的流行出入受人体重力场及地球重力场二方面的作用影响，它因人体所处的体位不同而表现出不同的运行特征。当人体直立时，穴内的地部经水由本穴输向人体各部，而当人体平躺时它则循带脉向脊背后侧而行，本穴如同带脉气血外出五方及五方气血进入带脉的门户，故名五枢。
2)玉枢。玉，金之类也，此指穴内物质为肺金之气。枢，门户的转轴也。玉枢名意指本穴的地部经水在此不断气化。本穴物质为带脉穴传来的地部经水，经水的流行走向虽与人体的体位有关，但经水还是在穴内不停地气化并生发出肺金特性的凉性水气，故名玉枢。
3)足少阳带脉之会。本穴气血既属胆经又带脉，故为足少阳带脉之会。
运行规律：地部经水当人体直立时循胆经下行，而在人体平躺时则循带脉流向脊背，天部之气则汇入肺气所在的层次当中。
功能作用：调节经脉内外的经水。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则水针或泻针出气。
别名：外枢。
名解：1)维道。维，系物的大绳或维持之意。道，道路。维道名意指带脉气血在此又继续循胆经路线运行。本穴物质为五枢穴传来的地部经水，胆经气血在京门、五枢、维道此三穴实际上是借带脉道路而行，至本穴后才交于胆经的居髎穴，本穴如有维持胆经气血运行的连贯作用，故名维道。
2)外枢。外，带脉之外也。枢，门户的转轴也。外枢名意指带脉气血由此外输胆经。理同维道名解。
3)足少阳带脉之会。本穴气血既属带脉又属胆经，故为足少阳带脉之会。
治法：寒则通之补之灸之，热则水针或泻针出气。
29居髎足少阳阳跷脉之会。
名解：1）居髎。居，住所、居室也，此为停下之意。髎，孔隙也。居髎名意指胆经气血在此屯居并由本穴的地部孔隙注入地之地部。本穴物质为维道穴传来的地部经水，至本穴后屯居穴周并由本穴的地部孔隙流入地之地部，故名居髎。
**Functions and Effects:** Absorbs dampness and reduces turbidity.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi through needle manipulation.
**18. Chengling (GB24):** Intersection of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and the Yang-Wei Vessel.
**Acupoint Meaning:** Cold-damp water qi from the Heaven sector of the head converges here into the Gallbladder Meridian.
**Etymology:**
1) *Chengling*. "Cheng" means to bear or receive; "Ling" refers to spiritual deities, i.e., Qi of the Heaven sector. The name implies that cold-damp water qi from the Heaven sector of the head converges here into the Gallbladder Meridian. The Qi-blood substance of this acupoint originates as Heaven-sector Yang Qi transmitted from Zhengying (GB17). Upon reaching this point, this Qi dissipates heat, absorbs moisture, becomes cold, and descends. The cold-damp Qi of the Heaven sector of the head also converges into the acupoint. Since this acupoint has the function of receiving the cold-damp water qi of the Heaven sector, it is named *Chengling* (Receiving Spirit).
2) *Intersection of Foot-Shaoyang and Yang-Wei Vessels*. The Qi-blood changes at this acupoint involve absorbing moisture and cold descent. The overflowing Qi of the Yang-Wei Vessel converges here, making this point the intersection of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and the Yang-Wei Vessel.
**Qi-Blood Characteristics:** The Qi-blood substance is cool, damp water qi in the Heaven sector.
**Movement Pattern:** Dissipates heat, absorbs moisture, undergoes cold descent, and connects with Naokong (GB21).
**Functions and Effects:** Absorbs dampness and reduces turbidity.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, first sedate then tonify, or apply tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi through needle manipulation.
**19. Naokong (GB21):** Intersection of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and the Yang-Wei Vessel.
**Aliases:** Nieruo.
**Acupoint Meaning:** Gallbladder Meridian Jing-Qi undergoes cold descent here and returns to the Earth sector; the Qi-blood in the Heaven sector appears empty.
**Etymology:**
1) *Naokong*. "Nao" refers to the head; the head is Yang, while the tail is Yin, referring here to the upper part of the Heaven sector within the acupoint. "Kong" means empty. The name implies that Gallbladder Meridian Jing-Qi undergoes cold descent here and returns to the Earth sector, leaving the Qi-blood in the Heaven sector empty. The Qi-blood substance comes from Shuilin (GB23) as water-damp Qi. Upon reaching this point, the water-damp Qi transforms into rain, undergoes cold descent, and returns to the Earth sector. The Qi-blood in the Heaven sector level of the acupoint is thus empty, hence the name *Naokong* (Brain Empty).
2) *Nieruo*. Both "Nie" and "Ruo" refer to parts of the skull. Here, it indicates that the Qi-blood within the acupoint is cold-damp water qi, and its movement characteristics are also those of moistening downward cold descent. The rationale is the same as for *Naokong*. *Intersection of Foot-Shaoyang and Yang-Wei Vessels*. The Qi-blood movement involves cloud transformation and rain descent. The overflowing Yang Qi of the Yang-Wei Vessel converges here, making this point the intersection of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and the Yang-Wei Vessel.
**Qi-Blood Characteristics:** The Qi-blood substance is precipitating cloud qi in the lower Heaven sector.
**Movement Pattern:** Most water qi transforms into rain and undergoes cold descent; a small portion transmits downward to Fengchi (GB20).
**Functions and Effects:** Reduces turbidity and separates clear from turbid.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, first sedate then tonify, or tonify and moxibustion, or pricking bloodletting; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi through needle manipulation.
**20. Fengchi (GB20):** Intersection of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and the Yang-Wei Vessel.
**Alias:** Refu.
**Acupoint Meaning:** Gallbladder Meridian Qi-blood absorbs heat here and transforms into Yang-hot wind Qi.
**Etymology:**
1) *Fengchi*. "Feng" refers to wind Qi in the Heaven sector within the acupoint. "Chi" is a vessel for storing fluids, indicating that the substance within contains abundant water-dampness. The name implies that meridian Qi-blood transforms here into Yang-hot wind Qi. The substance comes from Naokong (GB21) as water-damp Qi. Upon reaching this point, due to external heat, the water-damp Qi expands, scatters, and transforms into Yang-hot wind Qi, which is distributed to various parts of the head and neck. Hence, it is named *Fengchi* (Wind Pool).
2) *Refu*. "Re" (Heat) indicates that the Qi-blood here is hot and warm. "Fu" means residence. The name implies that the Qi-blood change here involves expansion due to heat absorption. The rationale is the same as for *Fengchi*.
3) *Intersection of Foot-Shaoyang and Yang-Wei Vessels*. The Yang-hot wind Qi, expanded by heat absorption, not only transmits to the Gallbladder Meridian but also flows to the Heaven sector level where the Yang-Wei Vessel resides, making it the intersection of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and the Yang-Wei Vessel.
**Qi-Blood Characteristics:** The Qi-blood substance is Yang-hot wind Qi expanded by heat absorption.
**Movement Pattern:** Transmits along the Gallbladder Meridian to various parts of the head and outward to the Yang-Wei Vessel.
**Functions and Effects:** Strengthens Yang and benefits Qi.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, prick bloodletting, or first sedate then tonify, or moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi through needle manipulation.
**21. Jianjing (GB21):** Intersection of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian and the Yang-Wei Vessel.
**Aliases:** Jianjie, Bojing.
**Acupoint Meaning:** Earth-sector fluid of the Gallbladder Meridian flows here into the inner Earth sector.
**Etymology:**
1) *Jianjing*. "Jian" indicates the location on the shoulder. "Jing" refers to a pore in the Earth sector. The name implies that Earth-sector fluid of the Gallbladder Meridian flows here into the inner Earth sector. The substance is Earth-sector Jing-water descending from the upper Gallbladder Meridian. Upon reaching this point, the Jing-water flows into the inner Earth sector through the Earth-sector pore of this acupoint, hence the name *Jianjing* (Shoulder Well).
2) *Jianjie*. "Jie" means to scatter. The name implies that Earth-sector Jing-water of the Gallbladder Meridian scatters and divides here. Upon reaching this point, the Jing-water either flows into the inner Earth sector through the Earth-sector pore or, if unable to enter, overflows along the surface of the Earth outside the Gallbladder Meridian. The Jing-water scatters like a split, hence the name *Jianjie* (Shoulder Split).
3) *Bojing*. "Bo" refers to the arm or large muscle mass. "Jing" refers to an Earth-sector pore. The name implies that part of the Jing-water descending here infiltrates the Spleen Earth muscles. Located on the full flesh of the shoulder, which is the highest point of the local gravitational field, water-dampness in Spleen Earth easily seeps out. Consequently, water-dampness in the muscle layer of the acupoint is scarce, and Earth-sector Jing-water descending from the upper Gallbladder Meridian continuously infiltrates here, hence the name *Bojing* (Arm Well).
4) *Intersection of Hand-Shaoyang and Yang-Wei Vessels*. The Qi-blood here is Earth-sector Jing-water, concentrated mainly at the surface of the Earth, leaving the Heaven sector Qi-blood empty. Thus, Qi-blood from the Yang-Wei Vessel and ascending Qi-blood from Tianliao (SJ10) of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian converge here, making it the intersection of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian and the Yang-Wei Vessel.
**Qi-Blood Characteristics:** The Qi-blood substance is cool, damp water qi in the Heaven sector and Earth-sector Jing-water.
**Movement Pattern:** Heaven sector Qi transforms into rain and undergoes cold descent. Earth-sector Jing-water either flows into the body through the Earth-sector pore, infiltrates the Spleen Earth within the acupoint, or overflows outside the acupoint.
**Functions and Effects:** Dredges and guides fluids.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, dredge meridians, or first sedate then tonify, or moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi through needle manipulation, or use aquapuncture.
**22. Yuanye (GB22)**
**Aliases:** Quan Ye, Jian Yuan.
**Acupoint Meaning:** Earth-sector Jing-water of the Gallbladder Meridian falls from above along the lateral chest and ribs here.
**Etymology:** *Yuan Ye*. "Yuan" means abyss. "Ye" indicates the location in the axilla. The name implies that Earth-sector Jing-water of the Gallbladder Meridian falls from above along the lateral chest and ribs here. The internal substance is Earth-sector Jing-water overflowing from Jianjing (GB21). Under the influence of the Earth's gravitational field, the fluid falls directly from the upper lateral chest to the lower lumbar side, like falling into a bottomless abyss, hence the name *Yuanye* (Abyss Armpit). The aliases *Quan Ye* and *Jian Yuan* have the same meaning.
**Qi-Blood Characteristics:** The Qi-blood substance is Earth-sector Jing-water.
**Movement Pattern:** Most Jing-water flows from the upper lateral chest to the lower lateral chest; a small portion of vaporized Qi transmits horizontally to Zhejin (GB23).
**Functions and Effects:** Excretes fluids.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, dredge and guide, or first sedate then tonify, or moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi through needle manipulation.
**Note:** Why is the muscle tissue in the lateral chest area not plump? This is because the descending Jing-water of Yuanye (GB22) of the Gallbladder Meridian and the descending Jing-water of Dabao (SP21) of the Spleen Meridian scour the Earth-sector Spleen Earth substance.
**23. Zhejin (GB23)**
**Alias:** Shenguang.
**Acupoint Meaning:** Damp-cold water qi of the Gallbladder Meridian absorbs moisture here, undergoes cold descent, and returns to the Earth sector.
**Etymology:**
1) *Zhejin*. "Zhe" anciently referred to the flat plate flipping outward at the upper end of the left and right boards of a carriage box, preventing mud and water from splashing from wheels. Here, it indicates that the Qi-blood of the Gallbladder Meridian undergoes cold descent here. "Jin" refers to wind Qi governed by the Liver and Gallbladder, indicating that the Qi-blood here is water-damp wind Qi. The name implies that damp-cold water qi of the Gallbladder Meridian absorbs moisture here, undergoes cold descent, and returns to the Earth sector. The substance comes from Yuanye (GB22) as damp-cold water qi. Upon reaching this point, due to heat dissipation and moisture absorption, it descends from the Heaven sector to the Earth sector. The Qi-blood change is like splashing mud being blocked, hence the name *Zhejin* (Instant Tendon).
2) *Shenguang*. "Shen" (Spirit) contrasts with ghosts, referring to Heaven sector Qi within the acupoint. "Guang" means bright. The name implies that Gallbladder Meridian Qi-blood undergoes cold descent here, becoming sparse and bright/clear in the Heaven sector. The rationale is the same as for *Zhejin*.
**Qi-Blood Characteristics:** The Qi-blood substance is cool, damp water qi in the Heaven sector.
**Movement Pattern:** Cold descent, contraction, and aggregation, returning from the Heaven sector to the Earth sector.
**Functions and Effects:** Draws in cold turbidity.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi through needle manipulation.
**24. Riyue (GB24):** Mu-Alarm Point of the Gallbladder Meridian.
**Alias:** Shenguang.
**Acupoint Meaning:** Gallbladder Meridian Qi-blood is located in the Human sector of the Heaven.
**Etymology:**
1) *Riyue*. "Ri" (Sun) is Yang. "Yue" (Moon) is Yin. The name implies that Gallbladder Meridian Qi-blood is located in the Human sector of the Heaven here. One source of the substance is the weak cold-damp water qi transmitted from Zhejin (GB23), located in the semi-exterior/semi-interior Human sector of the Heaven, which is the boundary of Yin-Yang and cold-heat in the Heaven sector Qi. Hence, it is named *Riyue* (Sun Moon).
2) *Shenguang*. "Shen" refers to Heaven sector Qi. "Guang" means light/bright, indicating Qi-blood coming from the upper Heaven. The name implies that cold-contracting water qi from the Heaven sector converges here. The substance is weak cold-damp water qi from Zhejin (GB23), located in the Human sector of the Heaven. Water-dampness from the upper Heaven converges here due to the contracting nature of this acupoint's Qi-blood. The Qi-blood seems to come from the upper Heaven where spirits reside, hence the name *Shenguang* (Divine Light).
3) *Mu-Alarm Point of the Gallbladder Meridian*. Since the Qi-blood substance here is cold and contracting, external Heaven sector water qi converges here and transmits along the Gallbladder Meridian. This acupoint has the function of gathering and replenishing Gallbladder Meridian Qi-blood, thus serving as the Mu-Alarm Point of the Gallbladder Meridian.
**Qi-Blood Characteristics:** The Qi-blood substance is water-damp wind Qi in the Human sector of the Heaven.
**Movement Pattern:** Transmits downward along the Gallbladder Meridian to Jingmen (GB25).
**Functions and Effects:** Gathers and stores Gallbladder Meridian Qi-blood.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, apply tonification or moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply sedation to release pathogenic qi through needle manipulation.
**25. Jingmen (GB25):** Mu-Alarm Point of the Kidney Meridian.
**Aliases:** Qifu, Qishu.
**Acupoint Meaning:** Cold water qi from the lower Heaven sector gathers here.
**Etymology:**
1) *Jingmen*. "Jing" means capital, a place of gathering and dispersal for people and things, referring here to the upper Earth sector. "Men" means gate. The name implies that cold water qi from the lower Heaven sector gathers here. The substance is cold-descending water qi from Riyue (GB24). Upon reaching this point, water-damp Qi further dissipates heat and undergoes cold descent to become cold precipitating clouds in the lower Heaven sector. This acupoint acts as a gathering and dispersing place for water-damp clouds in the upper Earth sector, hence the name *Jingmen* (Capital Gate).
2) *Qifu*. "Qi" means gaseous matter. "Fu" means residence. The name implies that the Qi-blood here is Heaven sector Qi. The rationale is the same as for *Jingmen*. *Qishu* has the same meaning as *Qifu*.
3) *Mu-Alarm Point of the Kidney Meridian*. This is the gathering and descending place of cold Heaven sector water qi. After descending to the Earth, Jing-water flows into the inner Earth sector through the Earth-sector pore of this acupoint, connecting to the interior meridians of the Kidney Meridian. It has the function of gathering Kidney Meridian fluids, thus serving as the Mu-Alarm Point of the Kidney Meridian.
**Qi-Blood Characteristics:** The Qi-blood substance is cold water qi in the lower Heaven sector and Earth-sector Jing-water formed by cold descent.
**Movement Pattern:** Cold water qi from the Heaven sector flows into the acupoint from outside; Earth-sector Jing-water flows into the inner Earth sector.
**Functions and Effects:** Cold-descends Heaven sector water-dampness and gathers Kidney Meridian fluids.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, first sedate then tonify, or prick bloodletting, or extensive moxibustion; for heat patterns, use aquapuncture, or deep tonification and superficial sedation.
**26. Daimai (GB26):** Intersection of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and the Dai (Belt) Vessel.
**Acupoint Meaning:** Gallbladder Meridian Jing-water circulates around the waist here.
**Etymology:**
1) *Daimai*. "Dai" refers to the belt-like region of the waist. "Mai" refers to Qi-blood in meridians. The name implies that Earth-sector Jing-water of the Gallbladder Meridian circulates around the waist here. The substance is Earth-sector Jing-water from Jingmen (GB25). Upon reaching this point, it circulates around the waist from the Earth sector. The path of Qi-blood resembles a person's belt, hence the name *Daimai* (Belt Vessel).
2) *Intersection of Foot-Shaoyang and Dai Vessels*. This acupoint belongs to both the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and the Dai Vessel, making it their intersection.
**Qi-Blood Characteristics:** The Qi-blood substance is Earth-sector Jing-water.
**Movement Pattern:** Directly related to body posture. When upright or sitting, Jing-water exits the Dai Vessel at Weidao (GB28) and flows down to the legs and feet. When lying down, Jing-water flows along the Dai Vessel from higher to lower positions (usually from the abdomen to the waist, and excess Jing-water is guided into the body via the Eight Baoliao points [Shangliao, Ciliao, Zhongliao, Xialiao] of the Bladder Meridian).
**Functions and Effects:** Constrains fluids of all meridians.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, dredge, tonify, and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use aquapuncture or apply sedation to release pathogenic qi through needle manipulation.
**Note:** *Nan Jing · Chapter 28* states: "The Dai Vessel originates from the hypochondrium and encircles the body once." Based on this text and the acupoint analysis above, we know the Qi-blood substance of the Dai Vessel is Earth-sector Jing-water. Its characteristic is "encircling the body once, like a belt," and its function is "constraining all meridians." What is the motive force for its circumferential flow? How does it constrain the meridians? If the vertical flow of meridians is caused by the Earth's gravitational field, the circumferential flow of the Dai Vessel is caused by the human body's gravitational field. Since the spine is the coordinate center of the body's overall gravitational field, in the human coordinate system, the abdomen farther from the spine is higher, while the waist closer to the spine is lower. In the anterior abdomen, as Qi-blood of the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney meridians ascends after absorbing heat, large amounts of water-dampness move upward to the upper chest and abdomen. After dissipating heat and undergoing cold descent there, they flow downward along the surface of the Earth. The inguinal region is the gathering place for Earth-sector Jing-water. Due to the gravitational field of the entire body's spine, the Jing-water gathered at the inguinal region circulates along the Dai Vessel to the back where the Bladder Meridian resides. This is the origin and motive force of Dai Vessel Qi-blood, and the mechanism by which it constrains the meridians. Therefore, the movement pattern of Dai Vessel Qi-blood is: flowing from the abdomen to the dorsal spine under the human body's gravitational field (when lying down), and from the lateral waist to the anterior genitalia under the Earth's gravitational field (when standing). The specific mode of Jing-water flow depends on body posture.
**27. Wushu (GB27):** Intersection of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and the Dai (Belt) Vessel.
**Alias:** Yushu.
**Acupoint Meaning:** Qi-blood substances enter and exit the Dai Vessel here.
**Etymology:**
1) *Wushu*. "Wu" represents the five directions (East, South, West, North, Center). "Shu" refers to the pivot of a door, having opening and closing functions, indicating Qi-blood substances enter and exit here. The name implies that Qi-blood substances enter and exit the Dai Vessel here. Although the substance is Earth-sector Jing-water from Daimai (GB26), it does not necessarily follow the Dai Vessel downward to Weidao (GB28). The movement is influenced by both the human body's and Earth's gravitational fields, showing different characteristics based on posture. When standing, Earth-sector Jing-water distributes to various body parts; when lying down, it follows the Dai Vessel to the posterior spine. This acupoint acts as a gate for Qi-blood to leave or enter the Dai Vessel from the five directions, hence the name *Wushu* (Five Pivots).
2) *Yushu*. "Yu" (Jade) refers to Metal, indicating Lung Metal Qi within. "Shu" is the door pivot. The name implies that Earth-sector Jing-water here constantly vaporizes. Although the flow direction relates to posture, Jing-water continuously vaporizes within the acupoint, generating cool water qi with Lung Metal characteristics, hence the name *Yushu* (Jade Pivot).
3) *Intersection of Foot-Shaoyang and Dai Vessels*. The Qi-blood here belongs to both the Gallbladder Meridian and the Dai Vessel, making it their intersection.
**Qi-Blood Characteristics:** The Qi-blood substance is Earth-sector Jing-water and cool water qi in the Heaven sector.
**Movement Pattern:** When standing, Earth-sector Jing-water descends along the Gallbladder Meridian; when lying down, it flows along the Dai Vessel to the back. Heaven sector Qi merges with the level of Lung Qi.
**Functions and Effects:** Regulates Jing-water inside and outside the meridians.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use aquapuncture or apply sedation to release pathogenic qi through needle manipulation.
**28. Weidao (GB28):** Intersection of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and the Dai (Belt) Vessel.
**Alias:** Waishu.
**Acupoint Meaning:** Dai Vessel Qi-blood transmits here to the Gallbladder Meridian.
**Etymology:**
1) *Weidao*. "Wei" means a large rope tying objects or maintenance. "Dao" means road. The name implies that Dai Vessel Qi-blood continues to run along the Gallbladder Meridian route here. The substance is Earth-sector Jing-water from Wushu (GB27). Qi-blood of the Gallbladder Meridian actually travels via the Dai Vessel road at Jingmen (GB25), Wushu (GB27), and Weidao (GB28). Only upon reaching this point does it connect to Juliao (GB29) of the Gallbladder Meridian. This acupoint maintains the continuity of Gallbladder Meridian Qi-blood flow, hence the name *Weidao* (Maintaining Road).
2) *Waishu*. "Wai" means outside the Dai Vessel. "Shu" is the door pivot. The name implies that Dai Vessel Qi-blood transmits outward to the Gallbladder Meridian here. The rationale is the same as for *Weidao*.
3) *Intersection of Foot-Shaoyang and Dai Vessels*. The Qi-blood here belongs to both the Dai Vessel and the Gallbladder Meridian, making it their intersection.
**Qi-Blood Characteristics:** The Qi-blood substance is Earth-sector Jing-water.
**Movement Pattern:** Transmits downward along the Gallbladder Meridian to Juliao (GB29).
**Functions and Effects:** Maintains Qi-blood flow of the Gallbladder Meridian.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, dredge, tonify, and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use aquapuncture or apply sedation to release pathogenic qi through needle manipulation.
**29. Juliao (GB29):** Intersection of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and the Yang-Qiao Vessel.
**Acupoint Meaning:** Gallbladder Meridian Qi-blood accumulates here and injects into the inner Earth sector through the Earth-sector pore of this acupoint.
**Etymology:**
1) *Juliao*. "Ju" means residence or dwelling, implying stopping here. "Liao" means pore. The name implies that Gallbladder Meridian Qi-blood accumulates here and injects into the inner Earth sector through the Earth-sector pore. The substance is Earth-sector Jing-water from Weidao (GB28). Upon reaching this point, it accumulates around the acupoint and flows into the inner Earth sector through the Earth-sector pore, hence the name *Juliao* (Accumulating Pore).