Library

According to the "Bibliography" section of the *Book of Han*, there were seven schools of Medical Classics, totaling 216 volumes. These included: *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) 18 volumes, *Waijing* (External Canon) 37 volumes; *Bianque Neijing* 9 volumes, *Waijing* 12 volumes; *Baishi Neijing* 38 volumes, *Waijing* 36 volumes; and *Pangpian* 25 volumes. Those currently transmitted in the world are only the *Lingshu* (Spiritual Pivot) 9 volumes and the *Suwen* (Basic Questions) 9 volumes, combined as the *Huangdi Neijing* 18 volumes, along with Bianque's *Nanjing* (Classic of Difficult Issues) 2 volumes. The works of the other schools have long been lost and forgotten. I have said that medical classics were transmitted from ancient times, when prescriptions had not yet emerged, and the means relied upon for treating diseases were solely acupuncture and moxibustion. Of the ancient sages' acupuncture and moxibustion techniques, those preserved in the current *Neijing* and *Nanjing* account for less than one-tenth. To study acupuncture and moxibustion today, without reading the *Neijing* and *Nanjing*, it is impossible to thoroughly understand their origins and details. Since the *Neijing* and *Nanjing* are the sources of all acupuncture methods, even physicians specializing in herbal medicine and pulse diagnosis must read them, and those specializing in acupuncture should certainly examine and comprehend them in detail. However, among contemporary practitioners of acupuncture and moxibustion, if required to first read the *Neijing* and *Nanjing*, none would not sigh in bewilderment. Here, I select the most crucial content that any acupuncturist must know, extracting several chapters from the *Neijing* and twenty sections from the *Nanjing* starting from the sixty-second difficulty, to establish a foundation for learners. This is vastly superior to having no foundation and spreading errors. If one explores the roots and sources from this point and seeks the meaning of the classics, their attainments will be immeasurable.

This chapter is the fundamental origin of medicine. Regardless of whether one specializes in herbal medicine or acupuncture, one must read it carefully and think deeply to understand its meaning. It clearly explains how the internal organs and meridians of the human body are connected and linked, the boundaries and起止 (start and end points) of the twelve meridians, and the rationale behind syndrome differentiation by meridian. It is distinct and orderly, without the slightest disorder. Only the divine sages of ancient times could deduce such knowledge. If an acupuncturist does not read this chapter, they will not only fail to differentiate syndromes but also have no way to begin treatment. It is truly the golden rule for acupuncturists and a great text that must not be omitted.

Leigong asked Huangdi: "Regarding the teachings on forbidden points, the principle of acupuncture begins with the meridians. One studies their pathways, establishes their measurements, relates them internally to the five Zang organs, and distinguishes them externally among the six Fu organs. I wish to hear the complete explanation of this method." Huangdi replied: "When human life begins, essence is formed first. From essence, brain and marrow are generated. Bones serve as the framework, vessels circulate Ying (Nutritive) Qi, tendons provide strength, flesh acts as a wall, skin is firm, and hair grows. When grain enters the stomach, the vessel pathways become open, and Blood and Qi begin to flow." Leigong said: "I wish to hear completely about the initial generation of the meridians." Huangdi said: "The meridians are used to determine life and death, manage various diseases, and regulate deficiency and excess. They must not be left ununderstood."

The Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian originates in the Middle Jiao, descends to connect with the Large Intestine, returns to follow the stomach opening, passes through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Lung. From the Lung system (trachea and throat), it emerges horizontally under the armpit, descends along the medial aspect of the upper arm, running anterior to the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian and Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, descends into the elbow midpoint, follows the medial aspect of the forearm along the lower border of the radius, enters the Cun Kou (radial artery pulse point), ascends to the Thenar eminence, follows the margin of the thenar eminence, and exits at the tip of the thumb. Its branch arises from the wrist, goes straight to the medial aspect of the index finger, and exits at its tip. When this meridian is affected (Shi Dong Bing), it causes lung distension, fullness, bloating, wheezing, and coughing; pain in the supraclavicular fossa; and in severe cases, crossing both hands over the chest and visual disturbance, known as Bi Jue (Arm Jue). This meridian governs diseases produced by the Lung, including cough, asthma, thirst, vexation, chest fullness, pain and coldness in the anterior medial aspect of the arm, and heat in the palm. If Qi is excessive and surplus, there is shoulder and back pain, sweating due to wind-cold, stroke, frequent urination with small volume. If Qi is deficient, there is shoulder and back pain with coldness, shortness of breath, and changes in urine color. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Cun Kou pulse is three times larger than the Ren Ying pulse; in deficiency, the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.

The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian originates at the tip of the index finger, follows the radial border of the finger, emerges between the two bones at He Gu, enters between the two tendons, follows the radial border of the forearm, enters the lateral border of the elbow, ascends along the anterior border of the lateral aspect of the upper arm, reaches the shoulder, emerges anterior to the acromion, ascends to meet at the Dazhui point (confluence of vertebrae), descends into the Que Pen (supraclavicular fossa), connects with the Lung, passes through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Large Intestine. Its branch arises from the Que Pen, ascends the neck, penetrates the cheek, enters the lower teeth, returns to flank the mouth, crosses at the Philtrum (Ren Zhong), left to right and right to left, and ascends to flank the nostrils. When affected, it causes toothache and neck swelling. This meridian governs diseases produced by Jin Ye (Body Fluids), including yellow eyes, dry mouth, rhinorrhea or epistaxis, throat obstruction, pain in the anterior shoulder, and pain and immobility of the index finger. If Qi is surplus, heat and swelling occur along the meridian pathway; if deficient, chills occur that do not resolve. For these diseases, excess is drained, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Ren Ying pulse is three times larger than the Cun Kou pulse; in deficiency, the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.

The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at the side of the nose at Jing Ming, beside constraining the Taiyin meridian, descends along the lateral nose, enters the upper teeth, returns to flank the mouth and encircle the lips, descends to cross at Cheng Jiang, retreats along the posterior lower border of the jaw, emerges at Da Ying, follows Jia Che, ascends anterior to the ear, passes through Gu Xi Men, follows the hairline to the forehead. Its branch arises from Da Ying, descends anteriorly to Ren Ying, follows the throat, enters the Que Pen, passes through the diaphragm, belongs to the Stomach, and connects with the Spleen. Its direct branch arises from the Que Pen, descends along the medial aspect of the breast, descends flanking the umbilicus, and enters the Qi Chong (inguinal region). Another branch arises from the stomach opening, descends along the interior of the abdomen to the Qi Chong where it merges with the direct branch, descends to Bi Guan, reaches Fu Tu, descends into the knee patella, follows the lateral border of the tibia, descends to the dorsum of the foot, and enters the space between the middle toes. A branch diverges three cun below the knee, entering the lateral space of the middle toe. Another branch diverges from the dorsum of the foot, entering the space between the big toe and exiting at its tip. When affected, it causes aversion to cold, shivering, frequent groaning and yawning, darkened complexion, aversion to people and fire upon onset, startle at the sound of wood, palpitations, desire to close doors and windows and stay alone, and in severe cases, climbing high to sing, discarding clothes and running, borborygmus, and abdominal distension, known as Gan Jue. This meridian governs diseases produced by Blood, including manic malaria, warm pathogen sweating, rhinorrhea or epistaxis, oral ulcers, neck swelling, throat obstruction, massive abdominal edema, knee and patellar swelling and pain, pain along the chest, breast, Qi Chong, thigh, Fu Tu, lateral leg, and dorsum of the foot, and immobility of the middle toe. If Qi is surplus, the anterior body is hot; if excess in the Stomach, digestion is rapid with easy hunger, and urine is yellow. If Qi is deficient, the anterior body is cold and shivering; cold in the Stomach causes distension. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Ren Ying pulse is three times larger than the Cun Kou pulse; in deficiency, the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.

The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian originates at the tip of the big toe, follows the medial white flesh margin, passes posterior to the nuclear bone (first metatarsal base), ascends anterior to the medial malleolus, ascends the medial aspect of the lower leg, follows the posterior border of the tibia, crosses anterior to the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, ascends the anterior medial aspect of the knee and thigh, enters the abdomen, belongs to the Spleen, and connects with the Stomach. It ascends through the diaphragm, flanks the pharynx, connects to the root of the tongue, and scatters under the tongue. Its branch arises from the Stomach, crosses the diaphragm, and pours into the Heart. When affected, it causes stiffness of the tongue root, vomiting after eating, epigastric pain, abdominal distension with frequent belching, relief after defecation and passing gas, and heaviness of the body. This meridian governs diseases produced by the Spleen, including tongue root pain, inability to move the body, inability to eat, vexation, urgent pain in the epigastrium, loose stools, masses, diarrhea, urinary retention, jaundice, inability to lie flat, swelling and coldness in the inner thigh and knee upon standing forcibly, and immobility of the big toe. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Cun Kou pulse is three times larger than the Ren Ying pulse; in deficiency, the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.

The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian originates in the Heart, emerges to belong to the Heart System, descends through the diaphragm, and connects with the Small Intestine. Its branch arises from the Heart System, ascends to flank the pharynx, and connects to the Eye System. Its direct branch returns from the Heart System, ascends to the Lung, emerges under the armpit, descends along the posterior medial aspect of the upper arm, runs posterior to the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, descends into the medial elbow, follows the posterior medial aspect of the forearm, reaches the tip of the styloid process of the ulna at the wrist, enters the posterior medial aspect of the palm, follows the medial aspect of the little finger, and exits at its tip. When affected, it causes dry throat, heart pain, thirst with desire to drink, known as Bi Jue. This meridian governs diseases produced by the Heart, including yellow eyes, hypochondriac pain, pain and coldness in the posterior medial aspect of the arm, and heat and pain in the palm. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Cun Kou pulse is twice as large as the Ren Ying pulse; in deficiency, the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.

The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian originates at the tip of the little finger. It follows the lateral aspect of the hand up to the wrist, emerges at the ankle, goes straight up along the lower border of the ulnar bone, emerges between the two tendons at the medial elbow, ascends along the posterior lateral border of the upper arm, emerges from the shoulder joint, winds around the scapula, crosses the shoulders, enters the Que Pen, connects with the Heart, follows the pharynx down through the diaphragm, reaches the Stomach, and belongs to the Small Intestine. Its branch arises from the Que Pen, follows the neck to the cheek, reaches the outer canthus, and enters the ear. Another branch diverges from the cheek, ascends to the nose, reaches the inner canthus, and obliquely connects to the zygomatic arch. When affected, it causes sore throat, chin swelling, inability to look back, shoulder pain like being pulled out, and axillary pain like breaking. This meridian governs diseases produced by Body Fluids, including deafness, yellow eyes, cheek swelling, and pain in the neck, chin, shoulder, elbow, and lateral posterior arm. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Ren Ying pulse is twice as large as the Cun Kou pulse; in deficiency, the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.

The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian originates at the inner canthus, ascends to the forehead and crosses the vertex. Its branch arises from the vertex to the upper angle of the ear. Its direct branch enters from the vertex to connect with the Brain, returns to descend separately from the nape, follows the medial shoulder blade, flanks the spine to reach the waist, enters to follow the paraspinal muscles, connects with the Kidney, and belongs to the Bladder. Its branch descends from the waist, flanks the spine, penetrates the buttocks, and enters the popliteal fossa. Another branch arises from the popliteal fossa, diverges laterally, penetrates the scapula, supports the spine, passes the hip pivot, follows the lateral thigh from the posterior border, merges into the popliteal fossa, descends through the calf muscle, emerges posterior to the lateral malleolus, follows Jing Gu, and reaches the lateral side of the little toe. When affected, it causes headache striking upward, eyes feeling like they are falling out, neck feeling like being pulled out, back pain, waist feeling like breaking, inability to bend the thigh, popliteal fossa feeling like tied, calf feeling like torn, known as Huai Jue (Ankle Jue). This meridian governs diseases produced by Tendons, including hemorrhoids, malaria, mania, epilepsy, head and occipital pain, yellow eyes, tearing, rhinorrhea or epistaxis, pain in the neck, back, waist, sacrum, and feet, and immobility of the little toe. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Ren Ying pulse is twice as large as the Cun Kou pulse; in deficiency, the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.

The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian originates below the little toe, slants towards the sole of the foot, emerges below Ran Gu, follows posterior to the medial malleolus, diverges into the heel, ascends the medial aspect of the lower leg, emerges from the posterior medial aspect of the calf, ascends the posterior medial aspect of the thigh, penetrates the spine, belongs to the Kidney, and connects with the Bladder. Its direct branch rises from the Kidney, penetrates the Liver and Diaphragm, enters the Lung, follows the throat, and flanks the root of the tongue. Its branch arises from the Lung, connects with the Heart, and pours into the Chest. When affected, it causes hunger without desire to eat, face dark like lacquered wood, blood in coughed sputum, asthmatic breathing, desire to sit up, blurred vision as if seeing nothing, heart feeling suspended like hunger, fearfulness due to Qi deficiency, and palpitations as if someone is about to catch you, known as Gu Jue (Bone Jue). This meridian governs diseases produced by the Kidney, including heat in the mouth and dry tongue, swollen throat, rising Qi, dry and painful throat, vexation and heart pain, jaundice, intestinal dysentery, pain in the posterior medial aspect of the spine and thigh, wasting-thirst with lethargy, heat and pain in the soles of the feet. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. With moxibustion, one should force food intake to generate flesh, loosen belts, let hair down, use a large staff, wear heavy shoes, and walk. In excess, the Cun Kou pulse is twice as large as the Ren Ying pulse; in deficiency, the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.

The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian originates in the Chest, emerges to belong to the Pericardium, descends through the diaphragm, and sequentially connects with the San Jiao (Triple Burner). Its branch follows the chest out to the hypochondrium, descends three cun under the armpit, ascends to the axilla, descends along the medial aspect of the upper arm, running between the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian, enters the elbow midpoint, descends the forearm between the two tendons, enters the palm, follows the middle finger to its tip. Its branch diverges from the palm, follows the ring finger to its tip. When affected, it causes heat in the palm, spasms and stiffness of the arm and elbow, axillary swelling, chest and hypochondriac fullness, violent palpitations, red face, yellow eyes, and incessant laughter. This meridian governs diseases produced by the Vessels, including vexation and heart pain, and heat in the palm. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Cun Kou pulse is one time larger than the Ren Ying pulse; in deficiency, the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.

The Hand-Shaoyang San Jiao Meridian originates at the tip of the ring finger, emerges between the two fingers, follows the dorsal wrist, emerges between the two bones of the forearm, ascends through the elbow, follows the lateral aspect of the upper arm to the shoulder, crosses posterior to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, enters the Que Pen, spreads in the Tan Zhong (Chest Center), scatters in the Pericardium, descends through the diaphragm, and belongs to the San Jiao. Its branch arises from the Tan Zhong, emerges from the Que Pen, ascends the neck, ties behind the ear, goes straight up to the upper angle of the ear, curves down to the cheekbone. Its branch arises from behind the ear, enters the ear, exits anterior to the ear, passes anterior to Gu Xi Men, crosses the cheek, and reaches the outer canthus. When affected, it causes deafness with humming sounds, swollen throat, and throat obstruction. This meridian governs diseases produced by Qi, including sweating, pain in the outer canthus, cheek pain, pain in the ear, shoulder, elbow, and lateral arm, and immobility of the ring finger. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Ren Ying pulse is one time larger than the Cun Kou pulse; in deficiency, the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.

The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian originates at the outer canthus, ascends to the head corner, descends behind the ear, follows the neck anterior to the Hand-Shaoyang San Jiao Meridian. Reaching the shoulder, it crosses posterior to the Hand-Shaoyang San Jiao Meridian, and enters the Que Pen. Its branch arises from behind the ear, enters the ear, exits anterior to the ear, and reaches the posterior outer canthus. Its branch diverges from the outer canthus, descends to Da Ying, merges with the Hand-Shaoyang San Jiao Meridian, reaches the cheekbone, descends to add to Jia Che, descends the neck, merges with the Que Pen, descends into the chest, penetrates the diaphragm, connects with the Liver, and belongs to the Gallbladder. It follows the interior of the hypochondrium, emerges at Qi Chong, surrounds the pubic region, and transversely enters the hip joint. Its direct branch arises from the Que Pen, descends under the axilla, follows the chest past the costal margin, merges with the hip joint, descends along the lateral thigh, emerges at the lateral knee border, descends anterior to the lateral fibular bone, goes straight down to the end of the Jue Gu (fibular head), emerges anterior to the lateral malleolus, follows the dorsum of the foot, and enters the space between the fourth and fifth toes. Its branch diverges from the dorsum of the foot, enters the space between the big toe, follows the medial aspect of the big toe's sesamoid bone, exits at its tip, returns through the nail bed, and exits at the hair tuft. When affected, it causes bitter taste, frequent sighing, pain in the heart and hypochondrium preventing turning, darkened complexion with dust-like appearance, lack of luster in the body, heat on the lateral foot, known as Yang Jue. This meridian governs diseases produced by Bones, including headache and chin pain, pain in the outer canthus, swelling and pain in the Que Pen, axillary swelling, Hashimoto's thyroiditis-like masses (Ma Dao Xia Ying), sweating with chills, malaria, pain in the chest, hypochondrium, ribs, thigh, lateral knee, tibia, Jue Gu, lateral malleolus, and all joints, and immobility of the fourth and fifth toes. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Ren Ying pulse is one time larger than the Cun Kou pulse; in deficiency, the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.

The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian originates at the hair tuft of the big toe, ascends along the lateral border of the dorsum of the foot, one cun from the medial malleolus, ascends eight cun above the ankle, crosses posterior to the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian, ascends the medial aspect of the thigh, follows the genital region into the pubic area, passes the external genitalia, reaches the lower abdomen, flanks the Stomach, belongs to the Liver, and connects with the Gallbladder. It ascends through the diaphragm, spreads in the hypochondrium, follows the posterior throat, ascends to the nasopharynx (Hang Sang), connects to the Eye System, ascends to the forehead, and meets the Du Meridian at the vertex. Its branch arises from the Eye System, descends into the cheek interior, encircles the interior of the lips. Its branch arises from the Liver, penetrates the diaphragm, and pours into the Lung. When affected, it causes lower back pain preventing bending and stretching, hernia in men, lower abdominal swelling in women, severe dry throat, darkened complexion, and loss of color. These are diseases produced by the Liver, including chest fullness, vomiting and reverse flow, undigested diarrhea, fox hernia, enuresis, and urinary retention. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Cun Kou pulse is one time larger than the Ren Ying pulse; in deficiency, the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.

When the Qi of the Hand-Taiyin Meridian terminates, the skin and hair become dry. The Taiyin Meridian circulates Qi to warm the skin and hair; thus, if Qi does not nourish, the skin and hair become dry. If the skin and hair become dry, fluids leave the skin joints. If fluids leave the skin joints, nails become withered and hair breaks. If hair breaks, hair dies first. Condition worsens on Bing days and death occurs on Ding days, because Fire overcomes Metal. When the Qi of the Hand-Shaoyin Meridian terminates, vessels become blocked. If vessels are blocked, Blood does not flow. If Blood does not flow, hair loses luster. Thus, a face black like lacquer and purple indicates Blood died first. Condition worsens on Ren days and death occurs on Gui days, because Water overcomes Fire. When the Qi of the Foot-Taiyin Meridian terminates, vessels do not nourish the muscles. Lips and tongue are the root of muscles; if vessels do not nourish, muscles become soft. If muscles become soft, the tongue atrophies and the philtrum becomes full. If the philtrum becomes full, the lips evert. If lips evert, flesh dies first. Condition worsens on Jia days and death occurs on Yi days, because Wood overcomes Earth. When the Qi of the Foot-Shaoyin Meridian terminates, bones become withered. The Shaoyin Meridian is the Winter Meridian, hiding and nourishing the bone marrow. If bones are not nourished, flesh cannot adhere. If flesh and bone are not intimate, flesh becomes soft and recedes. If flesh recedes, teeth appear long and dirty, and hair lacks luster. If hair lacks luster, bone dies first. Condition worsens on Wu days and death occurs on Ji days, because Earth overcomes Water. When the Qi of the Foot-Jueyin Meridian terminates, tendons sever. The Jueyin Meridian is the Liver Meridian; the Liver is the convergence of tendons. Tendons gather at the yin organs and connect to the root of the tongue. If vessels do not nourish, tendons become tight. Tight tendons pull the tongue and testicles. Thus, blue lips, curled tongue, and retracted testicles indicate tendons died first. Condition worsens on Geng days and death occurs on Xin days, because Metal overcomes Wood. When the Qi of all five Yin Meridians terminates, the eye system twists. Twisting causes dizziness. Dizziness indicates Spirit (Zhi) dies first. If Spirit dies first, death occurs in one and a half days. When the Qi of all six Yang Meridians terminates, Yin and Yang separate. Separation causes pores to open and sweat to leak. Absolute sweat then appears. Thus, morning prediction leads to evening death, and evening prediction leads to morning death.

The twelve meridians run hidden between the muscle intervals, deep and invisible. The ones commonly seen are those of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian passing over the lateral malleolus, which has nowhere to hide. All floating and commonly visible vessels are Luo (Collateral) Vessels. The Luo Vessels of the Six Meridians, specifically the Hand-Yangming and Hand-Shaoyang, originate between the five fingers and merge into the elbow midpoint. In drinkers, Wei (Defensive) Qi moves first in the skin, first filling the Luo Vessels. Thus, when Wei Qi is calm, Ying (Nutritive) Qi fills, and the main meridians become grandly filled. Sudden movement of the pulse indicates Evil Qi resides at the root and extremities. If it does not move, there is heat. If it is not firm, it sinks and is empty. Not being like others, one knows which meridian is moving. Leigong asked: "How do we know the difference between Jing (Main) Meridians and Luo (Collateral) Vessels?" Huangdi said: "Jing Meridians are usually invisible; their deficiency and excess are known via the Qi Kou (Cun Kou). Visible vessels are all Luo Vessels." Leigong said: "Your student cannot clarify this." Huangdi said: "All Luo Vessels cannot pass through major joints; they must travel via shortcuts and emerge, entering and merging again within the skin, their intersections all visible externally. Therefore, when puncturing Luo Vessels, one must puncture at the site of knotting. Even if there is no knotting, if there is abundant blood, one must urgently..."