运行规律：大部分外走三焦经所在的天部层次，小部分循任脉上行。
6气海
别名：脖胦，丹田，下肓，下言，气泽，膊胦，季胦。
穴义：任脉水气在此吸热后气化胀散。
名解：1）气海。气，气态物也。海，大也。气海名意指任脉水气在此吸热后气化胀散。本穴物质为石门穴传来的弱小水气，至本穴后，水气吸热胀散而化为充盛的天部之气，本穴如同气之海洋，故名气海。气泽名意与气海同，泽指穴内的天部之气为混浊之状。
2)脖胦。脖，脖子也。胦，中央也。脖胦名意指任脉气血在此循腹正中线而行。
4)下肓。下，下部也。肓，心下肓膜也，此指穴内物质为脂类物质。下肓名意指任脉气血中的膏脂之物在此随水气的胀散而输向人体各部。
5)下言。下，下部也。言，肺之声也。下言名意指穴内气血为肺金之性的凉性水气。
6)膊胦。膊，大膀子也，肉之聚也，此指脾土。胦，中央也。膊胦名意指本穴的天部水气中亦含有一定的脾土尘埃。
7)季胦。季，季肋也。胦，中央也。季胦名意指任脉的强劲之气由此亦会输向气血较少季肋部位。
功能作用：生发阳气。
别名：少关，横户，少目，丹田，小关。
名解：1）阴交。阴，阴水之类也。交，交会也。阴交名意指任脉冲脉的上行水气在此交会。本穴物质中有气海穴传来的热胀之气，有冲脉夹肾经而行的水湿之气外散传至本穴，二气交会后形成了本穴的天部湿冷水气，故名阴交。
2)少关。少，与老相对，阴也。关，关卡也。少关名意指任脉上行的气血中滞重的水湿之气被关卡于下不得上行。小关名意与少关同。
3)横户。横，横向而行也。户，户门也。横户名意指任脉的天部水气在此为横向上行。本穴物质为气海穴传来的天部水气，至本穴后水气散热冷缩而处天之下部，此冷缩之气只能横向下传神阙穴，故名横户。
4)少目。少，小也。目，肝所主之风也。小目名意指任脉气血在此以微弱的风气向上传输。
6)任脉冲脉之会。本穴气血不光有任脉上行的水湿之气，亦有冲脉外散的水湿之气，故为任脉冲脉之会。
运行规律：散热冷缩后横向下行神阙穴。
功能作用：收引浊气。
8神阙
别名：脐中，脐孔，气合，气舍，气寺，维会，命蒂。
穴义：人体与生俱来的先天标记。
名解：1）神阙。神，尊也、上也、长也，指父母或先天。阙，牌坊也。神阙名意指先天或前人留下的标记。
2)脐中、脐孔。指本穴位置在脐中。
3)气合。气，气态物也。合，会合也。气合名意指任脉气血在此会合。本穴为人体体表重力场的中心，对人体中的外表物质有强大的收引作用，任脉之气至此后皆缩合而降，故名气合。
4)气舍。气，气态物也。合，来源也。气舍名意指本穴为任脉上部经脉气血的来源之处。本穴为人体体表重力场的中心部位，由于人体引力场的作用，体表的气血物质在此皆为缩合变化，但本穴气血并非全部缩合冷降，而是仍有小部分水气循任脉上行，此部分上行水气为任脉上部经脉气血的重要来源，故名气舍。
5)气寺。气，气态物也。寺，寺院也。气寺名意指本穴为任脉之气的聚集之地。
6)维会。维，维持也。会，会合也。维会名意指促使任脉气血在此会合的作用。理同气合名解。
7)命蒂。命，性命也。蒂，蒂结也。命蒂名意指本穴为胎儿与母体相连的性命纽带。
功能作用：收降浊气。
治法：寒则灸之，热则凉药敷之。
9水分
别名：中守，中管，分水。
穴义：任脉的冷降水液在此分流。
名解：1）水分。水，地部水液也。分，分开也。水分名意指任脉的冷降水液在此分流。本穴物质神阙穴传来的冷降经水及下脘穴传来的地部经水，至本穴后，经水循地部分流而散，故名水分。分水名意与水分同。
2)中守。中，与外相对，指中间。守，把守也。中守名意指本穴的地部经水循腹正中线的任脉下行。本穴物质为神阙穴冷降而至的地部经水及下脘穴传来的地部经水，由于地球重力场的作用，经水循任脉直流而下，本穴如同在经脉道路中间有关卡把守一般，故名中守。
3)中管。中，中间也。管，管道也。中管名意指任脉的地部经水大部分循任脉向下流行。本穴为任脉气血由气向液的转化之地，转化后的液态物则循任脉道路向下而流，任脉如同经水下行的管道一般，故名中管。
功能作用：分流水湿。
别名：下管。
穴义：任脉的上部经水在此向下而行。
名解：1）下脘。下，下部也。脘，空腔，空管也。下脘名意指任脉的上部经水在此向下而行。本穴物质为任脉上部经脉下行而至的地部经水，至本穴后则继续循脉而下行，如同流向下部的巨大空腔，故名下脘。下管名意与下脘同。
2)足太阴任脉之会。本穴物质为胸腹上部下行而至的地部经水，它包括任脉的冷降之液，包括脾经的冷降之液，故为足太阴任脉之会。
运行规律：循任脉下行。
功能作用：疏导水湿。
11建里
名解：建，建设也。里，与表相对，此指肚腹内部也。建里名意指任脉的地部经水由此注入肚腹内部。本穴物质为中脘穴传来的地部经水，至本穴后，经水循本穴的地部孔隙注入体内，注入体内的经水有降低体内温压的作用，故名建里。
运行规律：由体表注入体内。
名解：1)中脘。中，指本穴相对于上脘、下脘二穴而为中也。脘，空腔也。中脘名意指任有脉的地部经水由此向下而行。本穴物质为任脉上部经脉的下行经水，至本穴后，经水继续向下而行，如流入任脉下部的巨大空腔，故名中脘。中管、中碗名意与中脘同，碗通脘。
2)上纪。上，上部也。纪，纲纪之意。上纪名意指本穴对胸腹体表的气血有抓总提纲的作用。本穴物质为胸腹上部下行而至的地部经水，在本穴为先聚集后下行，本穴如有对胸腹体表气血抓总提纲的作用，故名上纪。
3)胃脘。胃，胃腑也。脘，空腔也。胃脘名意指本穴气血直接作用于胃腑。本穴气血为地部经水，性温，与胃经气血同性，可直接调控胃腑气血的阴阳虚实，故名胃脘。胃管名意与胃脘同，管通脘。
4)大仓。大，与小相对，大也。仓，仓库也。大仓名意指本穴为地部经水汇聚的大仓库。理同中脘名解。太仓名意与大仓同。
5)三管。三，指手太阳、手少阳、足阳明三经也。管，孔也。三管名意指手太阳手少阳足阳明三经的冷降之水皆由本穴聚集下流。
6)手太阳手少阳足阳明任脉之会。本穴物质为地部经水，它不光来自于任脉上部经脉的冷降之水，还有手太阳手少阳足阳明三经的冷降水液，故为手太阳手少阳足阳明任脉之会。
运行规律：循任脉下行。
功能作用：聚集及传导地部水液。
穴义：胸腹上部的地部经水在此聚集。
名解：1）上脘。上，上部也。脘，空腔也。上脘名意指胸腹上部的地部经水在此聚集。本穴物质为胸腹上部下行而至的地部经水，聚集本穴后再循任脉下行，经水如由此进入任脉的巨空腔，故名上脘。上管名意与上脘同。
2)胃管。胃，胃腑也。管，管道也。胃管名意指穴内的地部经水可直接作用于胃腑气血的阴阳虚实。本穴物质为胸腹上部下行而至的地部经水，性温热，与胃腑气血同性，能直接作用于胃腑，故名胃管。胃脘名意与胃管同，脘通管。
3)上纪。上，上部也。纪，纲纪之意。上纪名意指本穴对胸腹体表的气血有抓总提纲的作用。本穴物质为胸腹上部下行而至的地部经水，在本穴为先聚集后下行，本穴如有对胸腹体表气血抓总提纲的作用，故名上纪。
4)足阳明手太阳任脉之会。本穴物质为地部经水，它不光来自于任脉上部经脉的冷降之水，还有手太阳足阳明二经的冷降水液，故为足阳明手太阳任脉之会。
运行规律：循任脉下行。
功能作用：聚集及传导地部水液。
注：上、中、下三脘穴的气血运行变化基本相同，气血物质皆是汇聚胸腹上部的地部经水，且皆为循任脉下行，所不同的是，上、下脘穴汇聚的经水稍少，中脘穴汇聚的经水量大，上脘穴汇聚的经水温稍高，中脘穴则次之，下脘穴的经水温度最低。
别名：巨缺，巨送。
穴义：胸腹上部的湿热水气在此聚集。
名解：1）巨阙。巨，大也。阙，通缺，亏缺也。巨阙名意指胸腹上部的湿热水气在此聚集。本穴位处胸腹交接处的凹陷部位，任脉上、下二部皆无气血传至本穴，穴内气血为来自胸腹上部的天部湿热水气，此气因其热，既不能升又不能降，在本穴为聚集之状，本穴如同巨大的空缺一般将外部的水气聚集，故名巨阙。巨缺名意与巨阙同。
2)巨送。巨，大也。送，送出也。巨送名意指本穴聚集的天部之气全部输向心经所在的天部层次。本穴物质为来自胸腹上部的湿热水气，因其性湿热，既不能循任脉上行又不能循任脉下行，唯有输向与此气血同性的心经天部层次，本穴气血的变化特点是来多少送多少，故名巨送。
别名：尾翳，骭，神府，骬，尾，骭鹘，骬骬，臆前。
名解：1）鸠者鸟之一种，其习性特征与鹃相近，鸠与鹃最大的不同之处即是不自营巢，而是在其它同类鸟巢内下蛋并由它鸟代为孵化。尾者余也，指鸠鸟余下之物。鸠尾名意指任脉热散的天部之气在此会合。本穴物质为任脉热散于天部的浮游之气，至本穴后为聚集之状，此气如同鸠鸟之余物一般，故名鸠尾。
2)尾翳。尾，余也。翳，羽毛做的华盖也。尾翳名意指本穴气血为天部的浮游之气。理同鸠尾名解。
3)骭，胸前骨也。骭，小腿骨或肋骨。骭名意指任脉天部层次的络脉之气在此为收引冷降的变化。本穴物质为任脉的络脉之气，所处为天之天部，其变化为收引冷降，表现出肾水的收引特征，故名骭。
4)神府。神，与鬼相对，指天部之气也。府，府宅也。神府名意指任脉的天部之气在此聚集。理同鸠尾名解。
5)骬，胸前骨也。
6)尾，余也，黄色分泌物也，脾土尘埃也。尾名意指本穴的天部之气中亦有一定的脾土尘埃。
7)骭鹘。骭，小腿骨也。鹘，鸟科动物，隼类，似山鹤而小，短尾，青黑色，多声。鹘指穴内气血为天部之气，青黑色指穴内气血有肾气的收引冷降之性。骭鹘名意指任脉气血在此为散热冷降的变化。理同鸠尾名解。
8)骬骬。
9)臆前。臆，胸也。前，前面也。臆前名意指本穴位于胸前，无它意。
10)任脉络穴。本穴物质为任脉天部的浮游之气聚集而成，本穴有联络任脉各部气血的作用，故为任脉络穴。（鸠尾别名中有二个未作解释，原因是查不到词意的出处，待查到字意后再补充上去。）
运行规律：散热冷降后下行中庭穴。
功能作用：收引水湿。
16中庭
**Course of Qi and Blood:** Most of it moves outward to the heavenly level where the Sanjiao Meridian (Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian) is located; a small portion ascends along the Ren Meridian (Conception Vessel).
**Functions and Actions:** It gathers the Qi and blood of the Sanjiao Meridian.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, apply draining first followed by tonification, or directly use tonification combined with moxibustion; for heat patterns, use aquacupuncture or needle-draining to expel pathogenic factors.
**6. Qihai (CV6)**
**Aliases:** Boyang, Dantian, Xiahuang, Xiayan, Qize, Boyang, Jiyang.
**Acupoint Meaning:** The water-Qi of the Ren Meridian absorbs heat here, vaporizes, and expands.
**Name Explanation:**
1) **Qihai.** "Qi" refers to gaseous substances. "Hai" means vast. The name Qihai indicates that the water-Qi of the Ren Meridian absorbs heat here, vaporizes, and expands. The material basis of this acupoint is the weak water-Qi transmitted from the Shimen acupoint. Upon reaching this point, the water-Qi absorbs heat, expands, and transforms into abundant Qi at the heavenly level. This acupoint is like an ocean of Qi, hence named Qihai. The name Qize has the same meaning as Qihai; "Ze" refers to the turbid state of the Qi at the heavenly level within the acupoint.
2) **Boyang.** "Bo" refers to the neck. "Yang" refers to the center. The name Boyang indicates that the Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian flow here along the midline of the abdomen.
3) **Dantian.** This is a Daoist term. Daoism regards the abdomen below the navel as the Dantian, hence the name.
4) **Xiahuang.** "Xia" refers to the lower part. "Huang" refers to the diaphragm below the heart, indicating here that the substance in the acupoint is lipid material. The name Xiahuang indicates that the fatty substances in the Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian are distributed to various parts of the body here as the water-Qi expands.
5) **Xiayan.** "Xia" refers to the lower part. "Yan" refers to the sound of the Lung (in Five Elements theory, the Lung belongs to Metal, and its sound is Shang; here it refers to the nature of Lung Metal). The name Xiayan indicates that the Qi and blood in the acupoint are cool water-Qi with the nature of Lung Metal.
6) **Boyang.** "Bo" refers to the upper arm, where muscles gather, referring here to Spleen Earth. "Yang" refers to the center. The name Boyang indicates that the water-Qi at the heavenly level of this acupoint contains a certain amount of Spleen Earth dust.
7) **Jiyang.** "Ji" refers to the costal margin (the end of the ribs on the side). "Yang" refers to the center. The name Jiyang indicates that the strong Qi of the Ren Meridian is also transported here to the costal margin area, which has less Qi and blood.
**Characteristics of Qi and Blood:** The Qi and blood substance is abundant Qi at the heavenly level.
**Course of Qi and Blood:** It ascends along the Ren Meridian to the Yinjiao acupoint.
**Functions and Actions:** It generates and raises Yang Qi.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, use tonification combined with moxibustion; for heat patterns, use needle-draining to expel pathogenic factors.
**7. Yinjiao (CV7)**
**Aliases:** Shao Guan, Heng Hu, Shao Mu, Dantian, Xiao Guan.
**Acupoint Meaning:** The ascending water-Qi of the Ren Meridian and the Chong Meridian intersect here.
**Name Explanation:**
1) **Yinjiao.** "Yin" refers to Yin water types. "Jiao" means intersection. The name Yinjiao indicates that the ascending water-Qi of the Ren Meridian and the Chong Meridian intersect here. The substance of this acupoint includes the heat-expanded Qi transmitted from the Qihai acupoint and the damp-wet Qi from the Chong Meridian traveling alongside the Kidney Meridian and dispersing outward to this acupoint. After these two Qi types intersect, they form the cool, damp water-Qi at the heavenly level of this acupoint, hence named Yinjiao.
2) **Shao Guan.** "Shao" is opposite to old and belongs to Yin. "Guan" means checkpoint. The name Shao Guan indicates that the heavy, damp-wet Qi in the ascending Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian is blocked at the lower level and cannot ascend. The name Xiao Guan has the same meaning as Shao Guan.
3) **Heng Hu.** "Heng" means moving horizontally. "Hu" means door/gate. The name Heng Hu indicates that the heavenly water-Qi of the Ren Meridian moves horizontally upward here. The substance of this acupoint is the heavenly water-Qi transmitted from the Qihai acupoint. Upon reaching this point, the water-Qi dissipates heat, cools, and shrinks, residing in the lower part of the heavenly level. This cooled and contracted Qi can only move horizontally downward to transmit to the Shenque acupoint, hence named Heng Hu.
4) **Shao Mu.** "Shao" means small. "Mu" is governed by the Liver and represents wind Qi. The name Shao Mu indicates that the Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian transmit upward here with weak wind Qi.
5) **Dantian.** This is a Daoist term. Daoism regards the lower abdomen as the Dantian, hence the name.
6) **Intersection of the Ren and Chong Meridians.** The Qi and blood of this acupoint include not only the damp-wet Qi ascending from the Ren Meridian but also the damp-wet Qi dispersing from the Chong Meridian; thus, it is the intersection of the Ren and Chong Meridians.
**Characteristics of Qi and Blood:** The Qi and blood substance is Yin-damp water-Qi in the lower part of the heavenly level.
**Course of Qi and Blood:** After dissipating heat and cooling/contracting, it moves horizontally downward to the Shenque acupoint.
**Functions and Actions:** It draws in and contracts turbid Qi.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, use tonification combined with moxibustion; for heat patterns, use aquacupuncture or needle-draining to expel pathogenic factors.
**8. Shenque (CV8)**
**Aliases:** Qizhong, Qikong, Qi He, Qi She, Qi Si, Wei Hui, Ming Di.
**Acupoint Meaning:** The innate mark present since birth in the human body.
**Name Explanation:**
1) **Shenque.** "Shen" refers to respect, above, elder, indicating parents or the innate constitution. "Que" refers to a paifang (archway). The name Shenque indicates the mark left by the innate constitution or ancestors.
2) **Qizhong, Qikong.** These refer to the location of this acupoint at the center of the umbilicus.
3) **Qi He.** "Qi" refers to gaseous substances. "He" means convergence. The name Qi He indicates that the Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian converge here. This acupoint is the center of the gravitational field of the human body surface, exerting a strong drawing-in effect on external substances. The Qi of the Ren Meridian contracts and descends upon reaching here, hence named Qi He.
4) **Qi She.** "Qi" refers to gaseous substances. "She" refers to source. The name Qi She indicates that this acupoint is the source of Qi and blood for the upper meridians of the Ren Meridian. As the center of the gravitational field of the human body surface, due to the action of the human gravitational field, Qi and blood substances on the body surface undergo contraction changes here. However, not all Qi and blood in this acupoint contract and descend coldly; a small portion of water-Qi still ascends along the Ren Meridian. This ascending water-Qi is an important source of Qi and blood for the upper meridians of the Ren Meridian, hence named Qi She.
5) **Qi Si.** "Qi" refers to gaseous substances. "Si" refers to a temple. The name Qi Si indicates that this acupoint is the gathering place of Qi of the Ren Meridian.
6) **Wei Hui.** "Wei" means maintain. "Hui" means convergence. The name Wei Hui indicates the function of promoting the convergence of Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian here. The principle is the same as the explanation of Qi He.
7) **Ming Di.** "Ming" refers to life. "Di" refers to the stem/tip connecting a fruit. The name Ming Di indicates that this acupoint is the lifeline connecting the fetus to the mother.
**Characteristics of Qi and Blood:** The Qi and blood substance is Qi at the heavenly level.
**Course of Qi and Blood:** Most of it cools and contracts, descending from the heavenly level to the earthly level; a small portion ascends along the Ren Meridian.
**Functions and Actions:** It draws down and contracts turbid Qi.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, apply moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply cooling herbal compresses.
**9. Shuifen (CV9)**
**Aliases:** Zhong Shou, Zhong Guan, Fenshui.
**Acupoint Meaning:** The cold-descending fluids of the Ren Meridian diverge here.
**Name Explanation:**
1) **Shuifen.** "Shui" refers to fluids at the earthly level. "Fen" means separate. The name Shuifen indicates that the cold-descending fluids of the Ren Meridian diverge here. The substance of this acupoint consists of the cold-descending meridian water transmitted from the Shenque acupoint and the earthly-level meridian water transmitted from the Xiawan acupoint. Upon reaching this point, the meridian water diverges and scatters along the earthly level, hence named Shuifen. The name Fenshui has the same meaning as Shuifen.
2) **Zhong Shou.** "Zhong" is opposite to outside, referring to the middle. "Shou" means to guard. The name Zhong Shou indicates that the earthly-level meridian water of this acupoint flows downward along the Ren Meridian at the midline of the abdomen. The substance of this acupoint consists of the earthly-level meridian water cold-descended from the Shenque acupoint and the earthly-level meridian water transmitted from the Xiawan acupoint. Due to the action of the Earth's gravitational field, the meridian water flows straight down along the Ren Meridian. This acupoint acts like a checkpoint guarding the middle of the meridian pathway, hence named Zhong Shou.
3) **Zhong Guan.** "Zhong" means middle. "Guan" means pipe/channel. The name Zhong Guan indicates that most of the earthly-level meridian water of the Ren Meridian flows downward along the Ren Meridian here. This acupoint is the place where Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian transform from gas to liquid. The transformed liquid flows downward along the pathway of the Ren Meridian, which acts like a pipe for the downward flow of meridian water, hence named Zhong Guan.
**Characteristics of Qi and Blood:** The Qi and blood substance is meridian water at the earthly level.
**Course of Qi and Blood:** Most of it flows downward along the Ren Meridian; a small portion scatters outside the Ren Meridian.
**Functions and Actions:** It separates and drains dampness and water.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, unblock the meridians and apply moxibustion; for heat patterns, use aquacupuncture.
**10. Xiawan (CV10)**
**Aliases:** Xia Guan.
**Acupoint Meaning:** The upper meridian water of the Ren Meridian flows downward here.
**Name Explanation:**
1) **Xiawan.** "Xia" refers to the lower part. "Wan" refers to a cavity or hollow tube. The name Xiawan indicates that the upper meridian water of the Ren Meridian flows downward here. The substance of this acupoint is the earthly-level meridian water descending from the upper meridians of the Ren Meridian. Upon reaching this point, it continues to flow downward along the meridian, resembling a huge cavity flowing downward, hence named Xiawan. The name Xia Guan has the same meaning as Xiawan.
2) **Intersection of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian and the Ren Meridian.** The substance of this acupoint is the earthly-level meridian water descending from the upper chest and abdomen. It includes the cold-descending fluid of the Ren Meridian and the cold-descending fluid of the Spleen Meridian; thus, it is the intersection of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian and the Ren Meridian.
**Characteristics of Qi and Blood:** The Qi and blood substance is meridian water at the earthly level.
**Course of Qi and Blood:** It flows downward along the Ren Meridian.
**Functions and Actions:** It dredges and drains dampness and water.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, unblock the meridians, or apply moxibustion, or push and press downward along the meridian; for heat patterns, use aquacupuncture or needle-draining to expel pathogenic factors.
**11. Jianli (CV11)**
**Acupoint Meaning:** The earthly-level meridian water of the Ren Meridian is injected into the interior from here.
**Name Explanation:** "Jian" means construct/build. "Li" is opposite to exterior, referring here to the interior of the abdomen. The name Jianli indicates that the earthly-level meridian water of the Ren Meridian is injected into the interior of the abdomen from here. The substance of this acupoint is the earthly-level meridian water transmitted from the Zhongwan acupoint. Upon reaching this point, the meridian water is injected into the interior through the earthly pores of this acupoint. The meridian water injected into the interior helps reduce internal temperature and pressure, hence named Jianli.
**Characteristics of Qi and Blood:** The Qi and blood substance is meridian water at the earthly level.
**Course of Qi and Blood:** It flows from the body surface into the interior.
**Functions and Actions:** It harmonizes the Stomach and strengthens the Spleen.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, use tonification combined with moxibustion; for heat patterns, use aquacupuncture or needle-draining to expel pathogenic factors.
**12. Zhongwan (CV12)**
**Aliases:** Shang Ji, Wei Wan, Da Cang, Tai Cang, Wei Guan, San Guan, Zhong Guan, Zhong Wan.
**Acupoint Meaning:** The earthly-level meridian water of the Ren Meridian flows downward from here.
**Name Explanation:**
1) **Zhongwan.** "Zhong" indicates that this acupoint is located in the middle relative to the Shangwan and Xiawan acupoints. "Wan" refers to a cavity. The name Zhongwan indicates that the earthly-level meridian water of the Ren Meridian flows downward from here. The substance of this acupoint is the descending meridian water from the upper meridians of the Ren Meridian. Upon reaching this point, the meridian water continues to flow downward, as if entering a huge cavity in the lower part of the Ren Meridian, hence named Zhongwan. The names Zhong Guan and Zhong Wan have the same meaning as Zhongwan; "Wan" is interchangeable with "Wan".
2) **Shang Ji.** "Shang" refers to the upper part. "Ji" means guideline or general principle. The name Shang Ji indicates that this acupoint plays a summarizing and guiding role for the Qi and blood of the chest and abdominal surface. The substance of this acupoint is the earthly-level meridian water descending from the upper chest and abdomen. In this acupoint, it first gathers and then descends. This acupoint acts like a summarizing guide for the Qi and blood of the chest and abdominal surface, hence named Shang Ji.
3) **Wei Wan.** "Wei" refers to the Stomach organ. "Wan" refers to a cavity. The name Wei Wan indicates that the Qi and blood of this acupoint act directly on the Stomach organ. The Qi and blood of this acupoint are earthly-level meridian water, warm in nature, sharing the same nature as the Qi and blood of the Stomach Meridian. They can directly regulate the Yin-Yang and deficiency-excess of the Stomach organ's Qi and blood, hence named Wei Wan. The name Wei Guan has the same meaning as Wei Wan; "Guan" is interchangeable with "Wan".
4) **Da Cang.** "Da" is opposite to small, meaning large. "Cang" means warehouse. The name Da Cang indicates that this acupoint is a large warehouse where earthly-level meridian water gathers. The principle is the same as the explanation of Zhongwan. The name Tai Cang has the same meaning as Da Cang.
5) **San Guan.** "San" refers to the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, and Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. "Guan" means hole/passage. The name San Guan indicates that the cold-descending water from the Hand-Taiyang, Hand-Shaoyang, and Foot-Yangming meridians all gather and flow downward from this acupoint.
6) **Intersection of the Hand-Taiyang, Hand-Shaoyang, Foot-Yangming, and Ren Meridians.** The substance of this acupoint is earthly-level meridian water. It comes not only from the cold-descending water of the upper meridians of the Ren Meridian but also from the cold-descending fluids of the Hand-Taiyang, Hand-Shaoyang, and Foot-Yangming meridians; thus, it is the intersection of these four meridians.
**Characteristics of Qi and Blood:** The Qi and blood substance is meridian water at the earthly level.
**Course of Qi and Blood:** It flows downward along the Ren Meridian.
**Functions and Actions:** It gathers and conducts earthly-level fluids.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, use tonification with retained needle manipulation or apply extensive moxibustion; for heat patterns, use needle-draining to expel pathogenic factors or aquacupuncture.
**13. Shangwan (CV13)**
**Aliases:** Shang Guan, Wei Guan, Wei Wan, Shang Ji.
**Acupoint Meaning:** The earthly-level meridian water of the upper chest and abdomen gathers here.
**Name Explanation:**
1) **Shangwan.** "Shang" refers to the upper part. "Wan" refers to a cavity. The name Shangwan indicates that the earthly-level meridian water of the upper chest and abdomen gathers here. The substance of this acupoint is the earthly-level meridian water descending from the upper chest and abdomen. After gathering in this acupoint, it flows downward along the Ren Meridian. The meridian water enters the huge cavity of the Ren Meridian from here, hence named Shangwan. The name Shang Guan has the same meaning as Shangwan.
2) **Wei Guan.** "Wei" refers to the Stomach organ. "Guan" means pipe/channel. The name Wei Guan indicates that the earthly-level meridian water in the acupoint can directly act on the Yin-Yang and deficiency-excess of the Stomach organ's Qi and blood. The substance of this acupoint is the earthly-level meridian water descending from the upper chest and abdomen, warm and hot in nature, sharing the same nature as the Qi and blood of the Stomach organ, enabling direct action on the Stomach organ, hence named Wei Guan. The name Wei Wan has the same meaning as Wei Guan; "Wan" is interchangeable with "Guan".
3) **Shang Ji.** "Shang" refers to the upper part. "Ji" means guideline or general principle. The name Shang Ji indicates that this acupoint plays a summarizing and guiding role for the Qi and blood of the chest and abdominal surface. The substance of this acupoint is the earthly-level meridian water descending from the upper chest and abdomen. In this acupoint, it first gathers and then descends. This acupoint acts like a summarizing guide for the Qi and blood of the chest and abdominal surface, hence named Shang Ji.
4) **Intersection of the Foot-Yangming, Hand-Taiyang, and Ren Meridians.** The substance of this acupoint is earthly-level meridian water. It comes not only from the cold-descending water of the upper meridians of the Ren Meridian but also from the cold-descending fluids of the Hand-Taiyang and Foot-Yangming meridians; thus, it is the intersection of these three meridians.
**Characteristics of Qi and Blood:** The Qi and blood substance is meridian water at the earthly level.
**Course of Qi and Blood:** It flows downward along the Ren Meridian.
**Functions and Actions:** It gathers and conducts earthly-level fluids.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, use tonification with retained needle manipulation or apply extensive moxibustion; for heat patterns, use needle-draining to expel pathogenic factors or aquacupuncture.
**Note:** The changes in Qi and blood circulation for the Shang, Zhong, and Xia Wan acupoints are basically the same. The Qi and blood substance is the earthly-level meridian water gathered from the upper chest and abdomen, and all flow downward along the Ren Meridian. The differences are: the amount of meridian water gathered in the Shang and Xia Wan acupoints is slightly less, while the amount gathered in the Zhongwan acupoint is large; the temperature of the meridian water gathered in the Shangwan acupoint is slightly higher, that in Zhongwan is intermediate, and the temperature of the meridian water in the Xiawan acupoint is the lowest.
**14. Juque (CV14)**
**Aliases:** Ju Que, Ju Song.
**Acupoint Meaning:** The damp-heat Qi at the heavenly level of the upper chest and abdomen gathers here.
**Name Explanation:**
1) **Juque.** "Ju" means large. "Que" is interchangeable with "Que," meaning deficit/lack. The name Juque indicates that the damp-heat Qi at the heavenly level of the upper chest and abdomen gathers here. This acupoint is located in the depression at the junction of the chest and abdomen. No Qi and blood from the upper or lower parts of the Ren Meridian reach this acupoint. The Qi and blood within are the damp-heat Qi at the heavenly level coming from the upper chest and abdomen. Because of its heat, this Qi neither ascends nor descends and gathers in this acupoint. This acupoint acts like a huge void gathering external water-Qi, hence named Juque. The name Ju Que has the same meaning as Juque.
2) **Ju Song.** "Ju" means large. "Song" means to send out. The name Ju Song indicates that all the Qi at the heavenly level gathered in this acupoint is transported to the heavenly level where the Heart Meridian is located. The substance of this acupoint is the damp-heat Qi coming from the upper chest and abdomen. Due to its damp-heat nature, it neither ascends nor descends along the Ren Meridian; it can only be transported to the heavenly level of the Heart Meridian, which shares the same Qi and blood nature. The characteristic of Qi and blood change in this acupoint is sending out whatever comes in, hence named Ju Song.
3) **Front-Mu Point of the Heart.** The principle is the same as the explanation of Ju Song.
**Characteristics of Qi and Blood:** The Qi and blood substance is warm-hot Qi, which is essentially blood.
**Course of Qi and Blood:** It is externally transported from this acupoint to the heavenly level where the Heart Meridian is located.
**Functions and Actions:** It gathers the Qi and blood of the Heart Meridian.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, use tonification or retain the needle and apply extensive moxibustion; for heat patterns, use needle-draining to expel pathogenic factors or aquacupuncture.
**15. Jiuwei (CV15)**
**Aliases:** Wei Yi, Gan, Shen Fu, Guo, Wei, Gan Hu, Guo Guo, Yi Qian.
**Acupoint Meaning:** The Tianbu Qi dispersed by heat from the Ren Meridian converges here.
**Name Explanation:**
1) **Jiuwei.** "Jiu" is a type of bird. Its behavioral characteristics are similar to those of the dove/cuckoo. The biggest difference between the Jiu and the cuckoo is that the Jiu does not build its own nest but lays eggs in the nests of other similar birds, which hatch them. "Wei" means remainder/leftover. The name Jiuwei indicates that the Tianbu Qi dispersed by heat from the Ren Meridian converges here. The substance of this acupoint is the floating Qi dispersed to the heavenly level by heat from the Ren Meridian. Upon reaching this point, it gathers. This Qi is like the leftover matter of the Jiu bird, hence named Jiuwei.
2) **Wei Yi.** "Wei" means remainder. "Yi" refers to a canopy made of feathers. The name Wei Yi indicates that the Qi and blood of this acupoint are floating Qi at the heavenly level. The principle is the same as the explanation of Jiuwei.
3) **Gan.** "Gan" refers to the bone in front of the chest (note: typically refers to tibia, but translated per text). "Gan" also refers to the shin bone or rib. The name Gan indicates that the collateral Qi at the heavenly level of the Ren Meridian undergoes contraction and cold descent changes here. The substance of this acupoint is the collateral Qi of the Ren Meridian, located at the highest heavenly level. Its change involves contraction and cold descent, exhibiting the contracting characteristics of Kidney Water, hence named Gan.
4) **Shen Fu.** "Shen" is opposite to Gui (ghost), referring to Qi at the heavenly level. "Fu" means mansion/residence. The name Shen Fu indicates that the Tianbu Qi of the Ren Meridian gathers here. The principle is the same as the explanation of Jiuwei.
5) **Guo.** "Guo" refers to the bone in front of the chest.
6) **Wei.** "Wei" means remainder, yellow secretion, or Spleen Earth dust. The name Wei indicates that the Qi at the heavenly level of this acupoint also contains a certain amount of Spleen Earth dust.
7) **Gan Hu.** "Gan" refers to the shin bone. "Hu" is a bird of the Falconidae family, similar to a crane but smaller, with a short tail, dark blue-black color, and many calls. "Hu" refers to the Qi at the heavenly level in the acupoint; dark blue-black refers to the contracting and cold-descent nature of Kidney Qi in the Qi and blood of the acupoint. The name Gan Hu indicates that the Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian undergo heat dissipation and cold descent changes here. The principle is the same as the explanation of Jiuwei.
8) **Guo Guo.** (No detailed explanation provided in the original text).
9) **Yi Qian.** "Yi" refers to the chest. "Qian" means front. The name Yi Qian indicates that this acupoint is located in front of the chest, with no other special meaning.
10) **Luo-Connecting Point of the Ren Meridian.** The substance of this acupoint is formed by the gathering of floating Qi at the heavenly level of the Ren Meridian. This acupoint has the function of connecting the Qi and blood of various parts of the Ren Meridian; thus, it is the Luo-Connecting Point of the Ren Meridian. (Two aliases of Jiuwei are not explained because their etymological sources could not be found; they will be supplemented once the meanings are identified.)
**Characteristics of Qi and Blood:** The Qi and blood substance is floating Qi in the upper part of the heavenly level.
**Course of Qi and Blood:** After dissipating heat and undergoing cold descent, it flows downward to the Zhongting acupoint.
**Functions and Actions:** It draws in and contracts dampness and water.
**Treatment Methods:** For cold patterns, use tonification combined with moxibustion; for heat patterns, use needle-draining to expel pathogenic factors.
**16. Zhongting (CV16)**
**Acupoint Meaning:** The Qi and blood of the Ren Meridian are located at the middle level of the heavenly level here.