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(The tibia is the bone near the foot that is thinner than the inner thigh bone, also known as the fibula). [The medial side] belongs to the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian (Luo-Connecting Vessel) (*Ling Shu* states: The meridian of the Foot-Taiyin Splein runs along the anterior margin of the medial malleolus, ascends along the medial aspect of the leg, follows the posterior border of the tibia, and crosses anterior to the Jueyin meridian. *Su Wen* states: If the spleen pulse is soft and scattered, and the complexion lacks luster, it indicates edema of the feet, resembling water retention. It further states: Inversion of Taiyin qi leads to abdominal cramping and spasm, with heart pain radiating to the abdomen). [The lateral side] belongs to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian (*Ling Shu* states: The meridian of the Foot-Yangming Stomach descends along the lateral margin of the lower leg. Diseases arising from this meridian manifest as pain in the lateral margin and the dorsum of the foot. It further states: For diseases originating in the lower leg, first treat the Yangming meridian to induce sweating. *Su Wen* states: For knee pain that feels like a fracture, treat the Zhongshu acupoint of the Yangming meridian. Note: The Zhongshu acupoint of the Yangming meridian is Zusanli (ST36), located three cun below the knee, on the lateral margin of the tibia, in the depression between the two tendons).

(The gastrocnemius muscle, commonly called the calf) [The medial side] belongs to the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian (*Su Wen* states: Kidney disease internally affects the lumbar spine and bone marrow, and externally manifests in the muscle valleys and knees. *Ling Shu* states: There are five key areas of the body: Futu (ST37) is one, the gastrocnemius is two, the gastrocnemius being the shuan (calf), the back is three, the Back-Shu points of the five zang organs are four, and the neck is five. Death occurs if carbuncles or sores develop in these five areas). [The lateral side] belongs to the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian (*Ling Shu* states: The meridian of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder runs along the posterior-lateral margin of the thigh, converges in the popliteal fossa, and descends through the gastrocnemius. Pathological changes cause symptoms feeling like tearing. It further states: The sinews of the Foot-Taiyang meridian have branches that knot at the lateral aspect of the calf. *Su Wen* states: Disease of the Three Yang meridians causes chills and fever, carbuncles and swelling in the lower part, as well as flaccidity and cold limbs. Note: Three Yang refers to the Taiyang meridian. Soreness and pain. It further states: Puncturing into the gastrocnemius causing sinking results in swelling. Note: The center of the gastrocnemius is where the Foot-Taiyang meridian resides; because the Qi of the Taiyang meridian leaks out, swelling occurs).

[The area around the medial malleolus] belongs to the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian (*Ling Shu* states: The meridian of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen runs along the medial white-flesh margin of the big toe, passes behind the navicular bone (hegu), and ascends to the anterior margin of the medial malleolus. It further states: The twelve primary meridians mostly run hidden within the intermuscular spaces, deep and invisible. The ones commonly visible are those of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen above the medial malleolus, because there is no concealment there. All meridians that float and are constantly visible are Luo-Connecting vessels). It also belongs to the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian (*Ling Shu* states: The root of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney meridian is located three and a half cun above the medial malleolus. *Su Wen* states: When puncturing the Shaoyin meridian at two cun above the medial malleolus, do not draw blood in spring; excessive bleeding cannot be replenished. Quan Yuanqi said: Above the medial malleolus is the exit of Yinjiao, connecting to the Bladder and linking to the Kidney. The Kidney is the Gate of Life; observing this area clarifies auspicious and inauspicious outcomes). It also belongs to the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian (*Ling Shu* states: The meridian of the Foot-Jueyin Liver runs along the upper margin of the dorsum of the foot, one cun away from the medial malleolus, ascending eight cun above the ankle, crossing posterior to the Foot-Taiyin meridian. Shen Chengzhi stated: From the center of the medial malleolus bone up to the waist belongs to the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian; three cun above the ankle bone is the Sanyinjiao (SP6) acupoint, which is the intersection of the three Yin meridians of the Spleen, Kidney, and Liver. The anterior-medial margin of the medial malleolus belongs to the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian; the posterior-medial margin belongs to the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian). It also belongs to the Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel) and the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) (*Ling Shu* states: The Qiao vessel is a branch of the Shaoyin, originating behind Ran Gu, and ascending above the medial malleolus. It further states: The Chong meridian travels alongside the Shaoyin meridian, entering posterior to the medial malleolus and going down into the sole of the foot. *Nan Jing* states: The Yin Qiao Mai originates in the middle of the heel, follows the medial malleolus, and ascends to the throat).