名解：阴，指阴性水湿。廉，收廉之意。阴廉名意指肝经的水湿风气在此散热吸湿冷缩。本穴物质为急脉穴扩而至的水湿风气，至本穴后此水湿风气散热吸湿冷缩并聚集穴内，本穴如同肝经水湿的收廉之处，故名阴廉。
运行规律：化雨冷降并下传足五里穴。
功能作用：收引水湿。
12急脉
别名：羊矢。
名解：1）急脉。急，急速也。脉，脉气也。急脉名意指肝经气血在此吸热后化为强劲的风气。本穴物质为阴廉穴吸热上行的弱小阴湿水气，至本穴后，因受冲脉的外散之热，此阴湿水气胀散并化为强劲的风气循肝经而行，故名急脉。
2)羊矢。羊，动物也。矢，通屎。羊矢名意指穴内气血如羊屎般饱满坚实。理同急脉名解。
功能作用：生风化湿。
治法：寒则微灸，热则逆经推按。
名解：1）章门。章，大木材也。门，出入的门户也。章门名意指肝经的强劲风气在此风停气息。本穴物质为急脉穴传来的强劲风气，至本穴后，此强劲风气风停气息，风气如同由此进入门户一般，故名章门。后章门名意与章门同，后是与脾经冲门穴的别称前章门相对而言的。
2)长平。长，长远也。平，平坦也。长平名意指随肝经强劲风气扬散的脾土尘埃在此降落使腰侧腹部肌肉变为平坦之状。
3)胁髎。胁，指穴在胁部。髎，孔隙之意。胁髎名意指随肝经风气扬散的脾土微粒由胁肋部位降落腰腹下部。
4)季胁。季胁，小胁之意，此指本穴所在的部位，无它意。
5)肘髎、肘尖。古有用肘尖点墨寻穴之法，肘髎、肘尖之名即来自该法。
6)脾募。募，募集也。本穴为天部的脾土尘埃归降之处，故为脾经募穴。
7)脏会。脏，指五脏的各种气血物质也。会，会合也。本穴物质为天部的弱小风气，此弱小风气中包含有五脏特性的五种气血物质，有属肾的水、属脾的土，还有其它脏腑传来的各种精微，为五脏气血的混合之物，故为脏会。
8)足厥阴少阳之会。本穴物质不光为急脉穴传来的强劲风气，还有胆经辄筋穴冷降而至的水湿之气，故为足厥阴少阳之会。
功能作用：降浊固土。
14期门肝募。
别名：肝募。
名解：1）期门。期，期望、约会之意。门，出入的门户。期门名意指天之中部的水湿之气由此输入肝经。本穴为肝经的最上一穴，由于下部的章门穴无物外传而使本穴处于气血物质的空虚状态。但是，本穴又因其位处于人体前正中线及侧正中线的中间位置，既不阴又不阳、既不高亦不低，因而既无热气在此冷降也无经水在此停住，所以，本穴作为肝经募穴，尽管其穴内气血空虚，但却募集不到气血物质，唯有期望等待，故名期门。
2)肝经募穴。理同其门名解。
运行规律：由穴外进入穴内后循肝经下行。
十三、任脉
十三、任脉
别名：下阴别，屏翳，金门，下极，平翳，海底。
名解：1）会阴。会，交会也。阴，阴液也。会阴名意指由人体上部降行的地部阴液在此交会。本穴物质来自人体上部的降行水液，至本穴后为交会状，故名会阴。
2)下阴别。下，指本穴位于人体下部。阴，阴液。别，别走。下阴别名意指上部降行至此的地部阴液由本穴的地部孔隙别走体内。本穴物质为汇聚的地中经水，因本穴有地部孔隙与体内相通，汇聚的经水则循本穴的地部孔隙别走体内，故名下阴别。
3)屏翳。屏，屏障也。翳，羽毛做的华盖也。屏翳名意指本穴的气血物质中不光为地部经水，亦有大量的天部之气。本穴物质为人体上部降行的地部经水，性温热，在由本穴回流体内时亦蒸发出大量水湿之气，此水湿之气如同人体的卫外屏障一般，故名屏翳。平翳名意与屏翳同。
4)金门。金，肺金特性之气也。门，出入的门户也。金门名意指本穴有大量凉性水气循任脉上行。理同屏翳名解。
5)下极。下，下部也。极，极点也。下极名意指本穴位于人体的最下部。海底名意与下极同。
6)任脉别络侠督脉冲脉之会。本穴物质一是任脉上部经脉的下行经水，二为督脉上部经脉的下行经水，三为冲脉之气的冷降之液，故为任脉别络侠督脉冲脉之会。
运行规律：地部经水由本穴的地部孔隙回流体内，天部之气则吸热上行。
别名：尿胞，骨端，屈骨端，回骨，耳骨。
名解：1）曲骨。曲，隐秘也。骨，肾主之水也。曲骨名意指任脉的水湿在此云集于天之下部。本穴物质为会阴穴提供的阴湿水气，至本穴后，水湿之气聚集于天之下部，如隐藏于天部的肾水一般，故名曲骨。
2)尿胞。尿胞，膀胱腑也。尿胞名意指本穴为膀胱腑水液的聚集之地。本穴与膀胱募穴中极穴相邻，中极穴募集的膀胱尿液主要由本穴提供，故名尿胞。
3)骨端。骨，水也。端，顶端也。骨端名意指任脉的天部水湿吸热上行后在本穴达到了天部的最高点。本穴物质为会阴穴传来的水湿之气，在运行至本穴的过程中是吸热而上行，至本穴后则达到了其所能上行的天部最高点，故名骨端。屈骨端名意与骨端同，屈为亏缺之意，指任脉经气由此开始冷缩下行。
4)回骨。回，回来也。骨，水也。回骨名意指任脉下行至会阴穴的经水气化后又回流而上。
5)耳骨。耳，肾之主也。骨，水也。耳骨名意指穴内气血为天之下部的寒湿水气。
6)任脉足厥阴之会。本穴气血不光有任脉吸热上行的水湿之气，同时亦有厥阴肝经飘散而至的水湿风气，故为任脉足厥阴之会。
功能作用：收降浊气。
别名：气原，玉泉，膀胱募，气鱼。
名解：1）中极。中，与外相对，指穴内。极，屋之顶部横梁也。中极名意指任脉气血在此达到了天部中的最高点。本穴物质为曲骨穴传来的阴湿水气，上升至中极穴时己达到其所能上升的最高点，故名中极。
2)气原。气，气态物也。原，源也。气原名意指本穴的水湿之气为任脉气血的生发之源。本穴物质为天部的水湿之气，水湿浓度大，吸热后可胀散为强劲的天部阳气，本穴如同人体之气的生发之源，故名气原。玉泉名与气原同，玉指金性之气，泉指气血输出为源源不断。
3)气鱼。气，气态物也。鱼，阴中之阳也。气鱼名意指一穴的水湿之气亦有一定的温热之性。
4)膀胱募。本穴气血为天部的高浓度水湿之气，散热冷缩后则外走膀胱经所处的天部层次，为膀胱经经气的募集之地，故为膀胱募。
5)任脉足三阴经之会。本穴物质不光为任脉的天部水湿，还有足三阴经飘行至此有天部水湿，故本穴为任脉足三阴经之会。
运行规律：大部分别走膀胱经所处的天部层次，小部分吸热后循任脉上行。
别名：下纪，次门，三结交，丹田，大中极，关原，中大，大海，溺水，大涃，昆仑，持枢，五城，产门，脖秧，子处，血海，命门，血室，下肓，精露，利机，子户，胞门，子宫，子肠，肓之原，气海。
名解：1）关元。关，关卡也。元，元首也。关元名意指任脉气血中的滞重水湿在此关卡不得上行。本穴物质为中极穴吸热上行的天部水湿之气，至本穴后，大部分水湿被冷降于地，只有小部分水湿之气吸热上行，本穴如同天部水湿的关卡一般，故名关元。关原名意与关元同。
2)下纪。下，指任脉的下部气血。纪，为头绪、整理之意。下纪名意指任脉上传的气血物质在此得到整顿。本穴为任脉水湿之气的降浊升清之地，任脉气血如同在此得到整顿一般，故名下纪。
3)次门。次门，此是与石门穴相对而言。石门穴是任脉上行的水湿之气中滞重水湿的主要关卡，本穴相对于石门穴来说其关卡滞重水湿的功用则处于次要位置，故名次门。
4)三结交。本穴位处腹正中线的隆起部位，在以脊骨为人体重力场中心的横剖面中其位最高，腹股沟处足三阴经及胃经热胀后的高温态湿热水气都会向本穴的方向聚集（热往上部、高处走），足三阴经及胃经有气血物质交于本穴，故名三结交。
5)丹田。此为道家术语，道家称此部位为丹田，故名。
6)大中极。参看膀胱募中极穴之名解，本穴气血所处的天部层次比中极穴要高，故名大中极。
7)大海。大，巨大也。海，大水也。大海名意指穴内气血为天部大范围的水湿之气。
8)溺水。溺水，处于水的围困之中也。本穴气血为天部的水湿之气，其范围巨大，身处其中如溺水之状，故名溺水。大涃名意与溺水同，涃指被困于水中之状。
9)昆仑。昆仑，广漠无垠之意，此指穴内气血充斥大范围内的各个天部层次。
10)持枢。持，把持也。枢，门户的转轴也。持枢名意指任脉气血由此输向人体各部。
11)五城。五，数量词，此指五脏六腑。城，城市也。五城名意指本穴气血包含了五脏六腑的各部物质。
12)产门。产，生产也。门，门户也。产门名意指任脉本穴的气血旺盛女子才可受孕生产。子处、子户、胞门、子宫、子肠名意与产门同。
13)脖胦。脖，脖子。胦，中央。脖胦名意指任脉气血循人体前正中线而上行。
14)血海。血，受热后变成的红色液体也。海，大水也。血海名意指本穴的天部水气为温热之性。血室名意与血海同。
15)命门。命，生命也。门，门户也。命门名意指任脉本穴的气血盛衰关系到人的性命生死。
16)下肓。下，下部也。肓，心下膈膜中的膏脂之物。下肓名意指腹内的膏脂之物由本穴外输体表。肓之原名意与下肓同。
17)精露。精，气也。露，暴露也。精露名意指任脉上行水气外露于滞重水湿之上。
18)利机。利，便利也。机，巧也。利机名意指本穴气血为阴柔的水气，有通利、濡润人体全身关节的作用。
19)气海。气，气态物也。海，大水也。气海名意指本穴气血为天部大范围的水湿之气。
运行规律：大部分外走小肠经所处的天部层次，小部分循任脉上行。
别名：利机，精露，丹田，命门，端田。
名解：1）石门。石，肾主之水也。门，出入的门户也。石门名意指任脉气血中的水湿在此再一次冷缩。本穴物质为关元穴传来的水湿云气，至本穴后再一次散热冷缩为天之下部的水湿云气，只有少部分水湿吸热后循任脉上行，本穴如同任脉水湿之关卡，故名石门。
2)利机。利，便利之意。机，古指弩箭的发动机关，为至巧之物。利机名意指本穴承传的阴柔水湿之气有通利、濡润人体全身关节的作用。
3)精露。精，水化之气也。露，显见之意。精露名意指本穴有明显的水湿之气循任脉上行。
4)丹田。此为道家术语，道家视脐下部位为丹田。
5)命门。命，性命也。门，出入的门户也。命门名意指本穴的上行气有维系人体性命的作用。
6)端田。端，尽头也。田，地也。端田名意指任脉的滞重水湿之气在此上升至尽头，维有清气方可上行。
[Noun Explanation]: Yin refers to yin-type dampness and water. Lian means the meaning of gathering or contracting. The name Yinlian (Yin Lian, Acupoint LR11) implies that the dampness and wind qi of the Liver Meridian dissipate heat, absorb moisture, and contract here. The substance of this acupoint is the dampness and wind qi expanding from Jimai (Ji Mai, Acpoint LR12), and upon reaching this acupoint, this dampness and wind qi dissipate heat, absorb moisture, contract, and gather within the acupoint. This acupoint serves as the gathering place for the contraction of dampness and water in the Liver Meridian, hence named Yinlian.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance of Qi and blood is yin-damp qi located in the lower part of the Heavenly Realm.
Movement Pattern: It transforms into rain, cools and descends, and transmits downward to Wuli (Wu Li, Acupoint LR10).
Functions and Actions: Contracts and draws in dampness and water.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use draining followed by tonifying, or direct tonification, or moxibustion; for heat patterns, use needle-draining to release Qi or aquapuncture.
12 Jimai (Ji Mai)
Aliases: Yangshi (Sheep Excrement).
Acupoint Meaning: The Qi and blood of the Liver Meridian absorb heat here and transform into vigorous wind qi.
Noun Explanation: 1) Jimai. Ji means rapid. Mai means pulse qi. The name Jimai implies that the Qi and blood of the Liver Meridian absorb heat here and transform into vigorous wind qi. The substance of this acupoint is the weak yin-damp qi ascending after absorbing heat from Yinlian, and upon reaching this acupoint, due to the external dissipating heat of the Chong Vessel, this yin-damp qi expands and diffuses, transforming into vigorous wind qi that travels along the Liver Meridian, hence named Jimai.
2) Yangshi. Yang refers to the animal sheep. Shi is a homophone for feces. The name Yangshi implies that the Qi and blood within the acupoint are full and solid like sheep excrement. The rationale is the same as the explanation for Jimai.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance of Qi and blood is vigorous yang-heat wind qi.
Movement Pattern: Transmits upward along the Liver Meridian to Zhangmen (Zhang Men, Acupoint LR13) and Yinlian.
Functions and Actions: Generates wind and transforms dampness.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, apply mild moxibustion; for heat patterns, push and press against the direction of the meridian flow.
13 Zhangmen (Zhang Men, Acupoint LR13) [Shu-Mu Point of Spleen, Meeting Point of Zang Organs, Meeting of Foot-Jueyin and Foot-Shaoyang]
Aliases: Changping, Xieliao, Jixie, Pimu, Zhouliao, Zhoujian, Houzhangmen, Jili.
Acupoint Meaning: The vigorous wind qi of the Liver Meridian stops and dissipates here.
Noun Explanation: 1) Zhangmen. Zhang refers to large timber. Men refers to the portal of entry and exit. The name Zhangmen implies that the vigorous wind qi of the Liver Meridian stops and dissipates here. The substance of this acupoint is the vigorous wind qi transmitted from Jimai, and upon reaching this acupoint, this vigorous wind qi stops and dissipates, resembling entering a portal, hence named Zhangmen. "Houzhangmen" has the same meaning as "Zhangmen"; "Hou" (Posterior) contrasts with "Qian" (Anterior), the alias for Chongmen (Chong Men, Acupoint SP12) of the Spleen Meridian.
2) Changping. Chang means long-lasting. Ping means flat. The name Changping implies that spleen earth dust scattered by the vigorous wind qi of the Liver Meridian settles here, causing the muscles of the lateral waist and abdomen to become flat.
3) Xieliao. Xie refers to the hypochondriac region. Liao means pore. The name Xieliao implies that spleen earth particles scattered by the Liver Meridian wind qi descend from the hypochondriac region to the lower waist and abdomen.
4) Jixie. Jixie means small hypochondrium, referring to the location of this acupoint without other special meanings.
5) Zhouliao, Zhoujian. In ancient times, there was a method of using the elbow tip to mark ink for locating acupoints; the names Zhouliao and Zhoujian originate from this method.
6) Pimu. Mu means gathering. This acupoint is where heaven-level spleen earth dust returns and settles, thus it is the Shu-Mu point of the Spleen Meridian.
7) Zanghui. Zang refers to the various Qi and blood substances of the five zang organs. Hui means meeting. The substance of this acupoint is the weak wind qi in the heavenly realm, which contains five types of Qi and blood substances reflecting the characteristics of the five zang organs, including water belonging to Kidney, earth belonging to Spleen, and various essences transmitted from other zang-fu organs. It is a mixture of Qi and blood of the five zang organs, hence called Zanghui (Meeting of Zang Organs).
8) Meeting of Foot-Jueyin and Foot-Shaoyang. The substance of this acupoint not only includes the vigorous wind qi from Jimai but also the dampness qi descending coldly from Zhenjin (Zhen Jin, Acupoint GB24) of the Gallbladder Meridian, thus it is the meeting point of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian and Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance of Qi and blood is the gentle qi in the heavenly realm.
Movement Pattern: Dissipates heat, cools, and descends, returning to the Earthly Realm.
Functions and Actions: Descends turbidity and consolidates earth.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, drain then tonify, or prick to bleed, or apply moxibustion; for heat patterns, use aquapuncture or needle-draining to release Qi.
14 Qimen (Qi Men, Acupoint LR14) [Shu-Mu Point of Liver]
Aliases: Ganmu (Liver Shu-Mu).
Acupoint Meaning: Dampness qi from the middle part of the Heavenly Realm enters the Liver Meridian here.
Noun Explanation: 1) Qimen. Qi means expectation or appointment. Men means portal. The name Qimen implies that dampness qi from the middle part of the Heavenly Realm enters the Liver Meridian here. This acupoint is the uppermost point of the Liver Meridian. Because the lower Zhangmen acupoint does not transmit substances outward, this acupoint is in a state of emptiness regarding Qi and blood substances. However, since this acupoint is located midway between the anterior midline and the lateral midline of the body, it is neither yin nor yang, neither high nor low. Consequently, there is no hot qi cooling and descending here, nor is there meridian water staying here. Therefore, although this acupoint, as the Shu-Mu point of the Liver Meridian, has empty Qi and blood internally, it cannot gather Qi and blood substances, leaving only expectation and waiting, hence named Qimen.
2) Liver Shu-Mu Point. The rationale is the same as the explanation for Qimen.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance of Qi and blood is warm-damp qi dispersing in the middle part of the Heavenly Realm.
Movement Pattern: Enters the acupoint from outside and descends along the Liver Meridian.
Functions and Actions: Gathers dampness and wind qi from the middle part of the Heavenly Realm.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, tonify and apply moxibustion; for heat patterns, drain.
Thirteen, Ren Meridian
Thirteen, Ren Meridian
1 Huiyin (Hui Yin, Acupoint CV1) [Divergent Collateral of Ren Meridian, Accompanying Du Meridian, Meeting of Chong Vessel]
Aliases: Xiayinbie, Pingyi, Jinmen, Xiaji, Pingyi, Haidi.
Acupoint Meaning: The Earthly Realm yin fluids descending from the upper part of the body meet here.
Noun Explanation: 1) Huiyin. Hui means meeting. Yin means yin fluid. The name Huiyin implies that the Earthly Realm yin fluids descending from the upper part of the body meet here. The substance of this acupoint comes from the descending fluids of the upper body, and upon reaching this acupoint, they form a meeting pattern, hence named Huiyin.
2) Xiayinbie. Xia refers to the lower part of the body where this acupoint is located. Yin means yin fluid. Bie means to branch off. The name Xiayinbie implies that the Earthly Realm yin fluids descending from above reach here and branch off into the interior through the Earthly Realm pores of this acupoint. The substance of this acupoint is the gathered meridian water in the Earthly Realm. Since this acupoint has Earthly Realm pores connecting to the interior, the gathered meridian water branches off into the interior through these pores, hence named Xiayinbie.
3) Pingyi. Ping means barrier. Yi means feathered canopy. The name Pingyi implies that the Qi and blood substances of this acupoint include not only Earthly Realm meridian water but also a large amount of Heavenly Realm Qi. The substance of this acupoint is the Earthly Realm meridian water descending from the upper body, which is warm in nature. When flowing back into the interior from this acupoint, it evaporates a large amount of dampness qi. This dampness qi acts like the defensive barrier of the human body, hence named Pingyi. "Pingyi" has the same meaning as "Pingyi".
4) Jinmen. Jin refers to the qi with the characteristics of Metal (Lung). Men means portal. The name Jinmen implies that a large amount of cool-type damp qi ascends along the Ren Meridian from this acupoint. The rationale is the same as the explanation for Pingyi.
5) Xiaji. Xia means lower part. Ji means extreme point. The name Xiaji implies that this acupoint is located at the lowest part of the human body. "Haidi" has the same meaning as "Xiaji".
6) Meeting of Ren Meridian Divergent Collateral, Accompanying Du Meridian, and Chong Vessel. The substance of this acupoint consists of: first, the descending meridian water from the upper Ren Meridian; second, the descending meridian water from the upper Du Meridian; and third, the cold-descending fluid of the Chong Vessel Qi. Thus, it is the meeting point of the Ren Meridian divergent collateral, accompanying the Du Meridian, and the Chong Vessel.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance of Qi and blood is Earthly Realm fluid and cool-type damp qi in the Heavenly Realm.
Movement Pattern: Earthly Realm meridian water flows back into the interior through the Earthly Realm pores of this acupoint, while Heavenly Realm Qi absorbs heat and ascends.
Functions and Actions: Guides and drains fluids, generates Ren Meridian Qi.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, unblock, tonify, and apply moxibustion; for heat patterns, use needle-draining to release Qi or aquapuncture.
2 Qugu (Qu Gu, Acupoint CV2) [Ren Meridian, Meeting of Foot-Jueyin]
Aliases: Niaobao, Guduan, Quguduan, Huigu, Ergu.
Acupoint Meaning: The dampness of the Ren Meridian gathers in the lower part of the Heavenly Realm here.
Noun Explanation: 1) Qugu. Qu means hidden. Gu refers to water governed by the Kidney. The name Qugu implies that the dampness of the Ren Meridian gathers in the lower part of the Heavenly Realm here. The substance of this acupoint is the yin-damp qi provided by Huiyin, and upon reaching this acupoint, the dampness qi gathers in the lower part of the Heavenly Realm, resembling kidney water hidden in the Heavenly Realm, hence named Qugu.
2) Niaobao. Niaobao refers to the Bladder Fu organ. The name Niaobao implies that this acupoint is the gathering place for bladder fluids. This acupoint is adjacent to Zhongji (Zhong Ji, Acupoint CV3), the Shu-Mu point of the Bladder. The bladder urine gathered by Zhongji is mainly provided by this acupoint, hence named Niaobao.
3) Guduan. Gu refers to water. Duan means peak or top. The name Guduan implies that the Heavenly Realm dampness of the Ren Meridian reaches its highest point in the Heavenly Realm at this acupoint after absorbing heat and ascending. The substance of this acupoint is the damp qi transmitted from Huiyin. During its journey to this acupoint, it ascends by absorbing heat. Upon reaching this acupoint, it attains the highest point of ascent possible in the Heavenly Realm, hence named Guduan. "Quguduan" has the same meaning as "Guduan"; "Qu" means deficiency or decline, indicating that Ren Meridian Qi begins to cool, contract, and descend from here.
4) Huigu. Hui means return. Gu refers to water. The name Huigu implies that the meridian water descending to Huiyin on the Ren Meridian vaporizes and flows back upward.
5) Ergu. Er refers to the master of the Kidney. Gu refers to water. The name Ergu implies that the Qi and blood in the acupoint are cold-damp qi in the lower part of the Heavenly Realm.
6) Meeting of Ren Meridian and Foot-Jueyin. The Qi and blood of this acupoint not only include the damp qi ascending by absorbing heat from the Ren Meridian but also the damp-wind qi drifting in from the Jueyin Liver Meridian, thus it is the meeting point of the Ren Meridian and Foot-Jueyin.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance of Qi and blood is damp-cloud qi in the lower part of the Heavenly Realm.
Movement Pattern: Dissipates heat, cools, and descends, transmitting to Zhongji.
Functions and Actions: Collects and descends turbid qi.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, drain then tonify, or retain needle with heavy moxibustion; for heat patterns, use needle-draining to release Qi or aquapuncture.
3 Zhongji (Zhong Ji, Acupoint CV3) [Shu-Mu Point of Bladder, Meeting of Ren Meridian and Three Foot-Yin Meridians]
Aliases: Qiyuan, Yuquan, Pangguangmu, Qiyu.
Acupoint Meaning: The Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian reach the highest point in the Heavenly Realm here.
Noun Explanation: 1) Zhongji. Zhong is opposite to exterior, referring to inside the acupoint. Ji refers to the crossbeam at the top of a house. The name Zhongji implies that the Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian reach the highest point in the Heavenly Realm here. The substance of this acupoint is the yin-damp qi transmitted from Qugu. When rising to Zhongji, it has reached the highest point it can ascend, hence named Zhongji.
2) Qiyuan. Qi refers to gaseous substances. Yuan means source. The name Qiyuan implies that the damp qi of this acupoint is the generating source of Qi and blood for the Ren Meridian. The substance of this acupoint is Heavenly Realm damp qi with high concentration. After absorbing heat, it can expand into vigorous Heavenly Realm Yang Qi. This acupoint is like the source of generation of human Qi, hence named Qiyuan. "Yuquan" has the same meaning as "Qiyuan"; "Yu" refers to metal-natured qi, and "Quan" indicates continuous output of Qi and blood.
3) Qiyu. Qi refers to gaseous substances. Yu refers to Yang within Yin. The name Qiyu implies that the damp qi of this acupoint has a certain warm nature.
4) Bladder Shu-Mu. The Qi and blood of this acupoint are high-concentration damp qi in the Heavenly Realm. After dissipating heat and contracting, it moves outward to the Heavenly Realm level occupied by the Bladder Meridian, serving as the gathering place for Bladder Meridian Qi, thus it is the Shu-Mu point of the Bladder.
5) Meeting of Ren Meridian and Three Foot-Yin Meridians. The substance of this acupoint not only includes the Heavenly Realm dampness of the Ren Meridian but also the Heavenly Realm dampness drifting in from the Three Foot-Yin Meridians, thus this acupoint is the meeting point of the Ren Meridian and the Three Foot-Yin Meridians.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance of Qi and blood is Heavenly Realm damp qi.
Movement Pattern: Most of it branches off to the Heavenly Realm level occupied by the Bladder Meridian; a small portion absorbs heat and ascends along the Ren Meridian.
Functions and Actions: Gathers Bladder Meridian dampness.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, tonify and apply moxibustion; for heat patterns, use aquapuncture or needle-draining to release Qi.
4 Guanyuan (Guan Yuan, Acupoint CV4) [Shu-Mu Point of Small Intestine, Meeting of Three Foot-Yin, Foot-Yangming, and Ren Meridians]
Aliases: Xiaji, Cimen, Sanjiaojie, Dantian, Dazhongji, Guan yuan, Zhongda, Dahai, Nishui, Da cheng, Kunlun, Chishu, Wucheng, Chanmen, Boying, Zichu, Xuehai, Mingmen, Xueshi, Xiahuang, Jinglu, Liji, Zihu, Baomen, Zigong, Zichang, Huangzhiyuan, Qihai.
Acupoint Meaning: The heavy and stagnant dampness in the Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian is blocked here and cannot ascend.
Noun Explanation: 1) Guanyuan. Guan means checkpoint. Yuan means head or chief. The name Guanyuan implies that the heavy and stagnant dampness in the Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian is blocked here and cannot ascend. The substance of this acupoint is the Heavenly Realm damp qi ascending after absorbing heat from Zhongji. Upon reaching this acupoint, most of the dampness is cooled and descended to the Earth, while only a small portion of damp qi absorbs heat and ascends. This acupoint acts like a checkpoint for Heavenly Realm dampness, hence named Guanyuan. "Guanyuan" (Guan Yuan) has the same meaning as "Guanyuan".
2) Xiaji. Xia refers to the lower Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian. Ji means thread or organization. The name Xiaji implies that the Qi and blood substances transmitted upward by the Ren Meridian are organized here. This acupoint is the place for descending turbidity and ascending clarity for Ren Meridian dampness. The Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian seem to be organized here, hence named Xiaji.
3) Cimen. Cimen is relative to Shimen (Shi Men, Acupoint CV5). Shimen is the main checkpoint for heavy and stagnant dampness in the ascending damp qi of the Ren Meridian. Compared to Shimen, the function of this acupoint in blocking heavy and stagnant dampness is secondary, hence named Cimen.
4) Sanjiaojie. This acupoint is located at the protrusion of the abdominal midline. In a horizontal section with the spine as the center of gravity field of the human body, its position is the highest. High-temperature wet and hot qi from the Three Foot-Yin Meridians and Stomach Meridian at the inguinal region, after thermal expansion, will gather towards this acupoint (heat rises to the upper and higher parts). Qi and blood substances from the Three Foot-Yin Meridians and Stomach Meridian intersect at this acupoint, hence named Sanjiaojie (Three Intersections).
5) Dantian. This is a Daoist term. Daoists refer to this area as Dantian, hence the name.
6) Dazhongji. Refer to the noun explanation for Zhongji (Bladder Shu-Mu). The Heavenly Realm level occupied by the Qi and blood of this acupoint is higher than that of Zhongji, hence named Dazhongji.
7) Dahai. Da means huge. Hai means large water. The name Dahai implies that the Qi and blood in the acupoint is large-scale damp qi in the Heavenly Realm.
8) Nishui. Nishui means being surrounded by water. The Qi and blood of this acupoint is Heavenly Realm damp qi with a vast range. Being within it feels like drowning, hence named Nishui. "Da cheng" has the same meaning as "Nishui"; "cheng" refers to the state of being trapped in water.
9) Kunlun. Kunlun means vast and boundless, referring here to the Qi and blood in the acupoint filling all levels of the Heavenly Realm within a large range.
10) Chishu. Chi means to hold. Shu means the pivot of a door. The name Chishu implies that Ren Meridian Qi is transported to various parts of the human body from here.
11) Wucheng. Wu is a numeral, referring here to the five zang and six fu organs. Cheng means city. The name Wucheng implies that the Qi and blood of this acupoint contains substances from all parts of the five zang and six fu organs.
12) Chanmen. Chan means childbirth. Men means portal. The name Chanmen implies that when the Qi and blood of this Ren Meridian acupoint is abundant, women can conceive and give birth. "Zichu", "Zihu", "Baomen", "Zigong", and "Zichang" have the same meaning as "Chanmen".
13) Boying. Bo means neck. Ying means center. The name Boying implies that Ren Meridian Qi ascends along the anterior midline of the human body.
14) Xuehai. Xue refers to red liquid formed after heating. Hai means large water. The name Xuehai implies that the Heavenly Realm damp qi of this acupoint has a warm nature. "Xueshi" has the same meaning as "Xuehai".
15) Mingmen. Ming means life. Men means portal. The name Mingmen implies that the abundance or decline of Qi and blood in this Ren Meridian acupoint relates to human life and death.
16) Xiahuang. Xia means lower part. Huang refers to the fatty substance in the diaphragm below the heart. The name Xiahuang implies that the fatty substances in the abdomen are transported externally to the body surface from this acupoint. "Huangzhiyuan" has the same meaning as "Xiahuang".
17) Jinglu. Jing refers to Qi. Lu means exposed. The name Jinglu implies that the ascending water qi of the Ren Meridian is exposed above the heavy and stagnant dampness.
18) Liji. Li means convenient. Ji means skillful mechanism. The name Liji implies that the Qi and blood of this acupoint is soft yin damp qi, which has the function of facilitating and moistening the joints throughout the human body.
19) Qihai. Qi refers to gaseous substances. Hai means large water. The name Qihai implies that the Qi and blood of this acupoint is large-scale damp qi in the Heavenly Realm.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance of Qi and blood is damp qi in the lower part of the Heavenly Realm, with a warm nature.
Movement Pattern: Most of it moves outward to the Heavenly Realm level occupied by the Small Intestine Meridian; a small portion ascends along the Ren Meridian.
Functions and Actions: Gathers Small Intestine Meridian Qi and blood, conducts Ren Meridian dampness.
Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, drain then tonify, or tonify and apply moxibustion; for heat patterns, use aquapuncture or needle-draining to release Qi.
5 Shimen (Shi Men, Acupoint CV5) [Shu-Mu Point of Sanjiao]
Aliases: Liji, Jinglu, Dantian, Mingmen, Duantian.
Acupoint Meaning: The dampness in the Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian contracts again here.
Noun Explanation: 1) Shimen. Shi refers to water governed by the Kidney. Men means portal. The name Shimen implies that the dampness in the Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian contracts again here. The substance of this acupoint is the damp cloud qi transmitted from Guanyuan. Upon reaching this acupoint, it dissipates heat and contracts again into damp cloud qi in the lower part of the Heavenly Realm. Only a small portion of dampness absorbs heat and ascends along the Ren Meridian. This acupoint acts like a checkpoint for Ren Meridian dampness, hence named Shimen.
2) Liji. Li means convenient. Ji refers to the trigger mechanism of a crossbow in ancient times, an extremely skillful object. The name Liji implies that the soft yin damp qi inherited by this acupoint has the function of facilitating and moistening the joints throughout the human body.
3) Jinglu. Jing refers to qi transformed from water. Lu means visible. The name Jinglu implies that there is obvious damp qi ascending along the Ren Meridian from this acupoint.
4) Dantian. This is a Daoist term. Daoists view the area below the navel as Dantian.
5) Mingmen. Ming means life. Men means portal. The name Mingmen implies that the ascending Qi of this acupoint plays a role in sustaining human life.
6) Duantian. Duan means end. Tian means earth. The name Duantian implies that the heavy and stagnant damp qi of the Ren Meridian reaches its end in ascending here, and only clear Qi can ascend.
7) Sanjiao Shu-Mu. The substance of this acupoint is heavy and stagnant damp qi with a warm nature, different from the cold-damp nature of Bladder Qi and blood. Therefore, it branches off to the Heavenly Realm level occupied by the Sanjiao, thus it is the Shu-Mu point of the Sanjiao.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance of Qi and blood is damp cloud qi in the lower part of the Heavenly Realm.