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(Commonly known as the belly, divided by the Zhongwan (CV12) acupoint, which belongs to the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner))

Primarily governed by the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian (The *Ling Shu* states: The meridian of the Foot-Taiyin follows the anterior aspect of the inner knee and thigh into the abdomen. When this meridian is affected, it causes abdominal distension and frequent belching; relief is felt after defecation or passage of flatus. It also states: At the termination of the Taiyin, there is abdominal fullness and closure, inability to breathe, frequent belching and vomiting; if vomiting occurs, qi rebels upward, causing redness of the face; if it does not rebel, there is obstruction between the upper and lower parts; such obstruction leads to a black complexion, with dry skin and hair, marking the end of life. Furthermore: The collateral branch of the Foot-Taiyin is named Gongsun (SP4), located one cun posterior to the root of the first metatarsal bone, diverging to connect with the Yangming meridian, with its branches entering and connecting to the intestines and stomach. Rebellious Qi upwards results in Huoluan (cholera-like syndrome); excess conditions manifest as severe cutting pain in the intestines, while deficiency conditions manifest as drum-like distension; treatment should target this collateral branch. Additionally: For abdominal fullness, food stagnation, audible borborygmi, and constipation, points on the Foot-Taiyin should be selected. The *Su Wen* states: The Yin within Yin is the Spleen. The abdomen is the residence of the Ultimate Yin. It further states: Spleen disease internally affects the heart and abdomen, and externally affects muscles and limbs. Also: When the Huang Mai (Yellow Pulse, associated with Earth/Spleen) is large and empty, it indicates Jue Qi (rebellious/cold Qi) residing in the abdomen. This Jue Qi is called Shan Jue (Hernia Jue), following the same pattern in women. It arises from exerting the limbs vigorously while sweating and exposed to wind. Moreover: Insufficiency of Middle Qi is termed Spleen Deficiency, leading to abdominal fullness, borborygmi, undigested stool diarrhea, and food stagnation. It is also stated: In the tenth day of Shanghan (Cold Damage), when the Taiyin disease declines, abdominal distension subsides to normal, and appetite returns. Regarding Taiyin Jue (Jue Syndrome of Taiyin): abdominal fullness and distension, difficulty in bowel movements, anorexia, postprandial vomiting, and insomnia occur. Regarding Pi Nue (Spleen Malaria): chills cause abdominal pain, heat causes intestinal rumbling, accompanied by sweating. Li Dongyuan states: Pain at Zhongwan is a Taiyin condition, treated with Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction), Jianzhong Tang (Build the Middle Decoction), or Caodoukou Wan (Cardamom Pill)).

It also belongs to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian (The *Ling Shu* states: A branch of the Foot-Yangming meridian originates from the stomach opening and descends along the interior of the abdomen. Diseases generated by this meridian include massive abdominal edema. The *Su Wen* states: Borborygmi in the abdomen originates from the Stomach. If pathogenic factors encroach upon the Spleen, irritability and anorexia occur; difficulty swallowing food indicates obstruction at the epigastrium. It also states: Patients with Wei Nue (Stomach Malaria) feel hungry but cannot eat; upon eating, they experience chest/flank fullness and abdominal enlargement. Yang Shangshan states: The Foot-Yangming meridian begins at the nose, descends through the throat, dividing into four channels, combined with the main and collateral meridians totaling six paths, traveling up and down the abdomen to regulate the body).

It serves as a confluence for the Hand-Taiyin Small Intestine Meridian and the Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian (The *Su Wen* states: For sudden abdominal fullness that does not depress upon pressure, select the Luo-connecting point of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, which is the Mu-Alarm point of the Stomach. Note: The Mu-Alarm point of the Stomach is Zhongwan (CV12), located midway between the xiphoid process and the umbilicus, where the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine and Foot-Yangming Stomach meridians originate).

It also belongs to the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and the Jueyin Liver Meridian (The *Ling Shu* states: For abdominal fullness, difficulty in defecation, abdominal enlargement, and Qi rushing upward to the chest and throat causing panting and thirst, select points on the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It also states: The three Yin meridities of the foot travel from the foot to the abdomen. The *Su Wen* states: Kidney disease manifests as abdominal swelling and leg edema; deficiency presents as chest pain, and pain in the great and small abdomen. It also states: Heat disease of the Liver presents with yellow urine first, abdominal pain, lethargy, and fever).

It is a confluence of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) (The *Ling Shu* states: The superficial and external branches of the Chong and Ren meridians ascend along the right side of the abdomen and converge at the throat. It also states: The collateral branch of the Ren Mai scatters over the abdomen. Excess conditions cause pain in the abdominal skin, while deficiency causes itching; treatment targets this collateral branch. The *Su Wen* states: The Chong Mai ascends alongside the umbilicus, dispersing in the chest. Therefore, Chong Mai pathology manifests as rebellious Qi and internal tension/pain. Shen Chengzhi states: Abdominal meridians are divided into four rows. The central row, five cun above the umbilicus, is named Shangwan (CV13), a confluence of the Foot-Yangming Stomach, Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine, and Ren meridians. Four cun above the umbilicus is named Zhongwan (CV12), also called Shangji, a confluence of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine, Shaoyang Sanjiao, Foot-Yangming Stomach, and Ren meridians. Two cun above the umbilicus is named Xiawan (CV10), a confluence of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen and Ren meridians. The second row, 0.5 cun lateral to the center on both sides, is a confluence of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney and Chong meridians. The third row, two cun lateral to the center on both sides, belongs to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. The fourth row, 3.5 cun lateral to the center on both sides, is a confluence of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen and Yinwei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel)).