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Figure of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian

The *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues) states: The lung weighs three jin and three liang, has six lobes and two auricular processes, and is primarily responsible for storing the Po (Corporeal Soul). It hangs down like a canopy, attaching to the third thoracic vertebra of the spine. Within it are twenty-four hollow spaces, arranged in rows to distribute the Qi of the various Zang organs, serving as the "Canopy of the Zang Organs" (the protective covering over the internal organs). Humans have two throat structures; the anterior one is called the Houlong (throat), which connects with the five Zang organs and governs the entry and exit of Qi. The *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot) states: The Houlong is the passage through which Qi ascends and descends. The posterior one is called the Yanwan (pharynx/esophagus), which governs the ingestion of water and food and connects with the six Fu organs. The *Ling Shu* further states: The Yanwan is the pathway for water and food. The *Nan Jing* states: The Houlong weighs twelve liang, is two and a half cun wide, one chi two cun long, and consists of nine segments. The Yanmen (opening of the pharynx) weighs twelve liang, is two and a half cun wide, and extends one chi six cun to the stomach. The *Su Wen* (Basic Questions) states: The Lung is the official of the Prime Minister (Xiangfu), from whom governance and regulation arise. The *Ling Shu* says: If the Lung is small, the person drinks little and does not suffer from asthma or panting; if the Lung is large, the person drinks much and is prone to chest bi syndrome, throat bi syndrome, and rebellious Qi; if the Lung is high, there is upward rushing Qi, shoulder breathing, and cough; if the Lung is low, it presses against the heart, causing frequent pain under the ribs; if the Lung is firm, the person does not suffer from cough or upward rushing Qi; if the Lung is fragile, they suffer from xiao-bi syndrome and are easily injured; if the Lung is upright, its functions are harmonious and difficult to injure; if the Lung is tilted, there is pain on one side of the chest. Those with white skin and fine texture have small lungs; those with coarse texture have large lungs. Those with large shoulders, protruding chests, and depressed laryngeal prominences have high lungs; those with contracted axillae and spread ribs have low lungs. Those with thick muscles on the shoulders and back have firm lungs; those with thin shoulders and backs have fragile lungs. Those with high and thick backs and chests have upright lungs; those with slanted and sparse ribs have tilted lungs.

Ma Xuantai said: To understand the meridians, one must memorize the acupoint names. However, Xu's song begins with the Jing-Well and Ying-Spring points, which does not align with the correct starting and ending principles of each meridian in this chapter. Hua's song aligns with the start and end points but seems somewhat inadequate, making it difficult for readers. Currently, the Yin meridians follow Hua's method, and the Yang meridians follow Xu's method. This aligns with the start and end points and is convenient for learners due to the mix of long and short sentences. Once the acupoint names are familiar, the meridians will be clear. Secular physicians say: "I am a physician treating major internal medicine cases; why should I, not being in the acupuncture department, need to know acupoints?" This is why they remain mediocre and cannot enter the orthodox lineage of Xuanyuan and Qibo.

There are eleven acupoints on the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian: Zhongfu, Yunmen, and Tianfu are listed first; Xiabai follows, then Chize; Kongzui and Lieque appear next; Jingqu and Taiyuan lead down to Yuji; finally, reaching Shaoshang at the tip of the finger, sized like a leek leaf.