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This chapter serves as the foundational text for acupuncturists to identify acupoints based on meridians and treat diseases succinctly. It elucidates the principles of the Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River, and He-Sea points of the Twelve Meridians and the Zang-Fu organs. Only a sage with wisdom akin to opening heaven and earth can fully comprehend it; it is far beyond what later anatomists could grasp even in part. All acupoints throughout the human body and methods of acupuncture treatment were gradually clarified in this chapter, making it indispensable reading for acupuncturists.

The Yellow Emperor asked Qibo: "In general, the principle of needling requires understanding the starting and ending points of the Twelve Meridians, the locations where collateral vessels branch off, the sites where the Five Shu points retain Qi, the pairing of the Six Fu organs, the entry and exit of seasonal influences, the flow paths of the Five Zang organs, the width and dimensions of vessels, the depth and state of insertion, and the high and low positions of points. I wish to hear your explanation." Qibo replied: "Please allow me to explain in order."

The Lung meridian originates at Shaoshang (Lung 1), located at the medial tip of the thumb, which is a Jing-Well point (Wood element). The Qi flows to Yuji (Lung 10), located in the thenar eminence, which is an Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Taiyuan (Lung 9), located in the depression one cun distal to the wrist crease, which is a Shu-Stream point (and Yuan-Source point). The Qi travels through Jingquan (Lung 8), located at the radial pulse position (Cunkou), where the pulse beats continuously, which is a Jing-River point. The Qi enters Chize (Lung 5), located at the midpoint of the cubital fossa's transverse crease, which is a He-Sea point. This constitutes the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian.

The Heart meridian originates at Zhongchong (Pericardium 9), located at the tip of the middle finger, which is a Jing-Well point (Wood element). The Qi flows to Laogong (Pericardium 8), located in the center of the palm between the proximal phalanx of the middle finger, which is an Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Daling (Pericardium 7), located in the depression between the two tendons at the wrist crease, which is a Shu-Stream point (and Yuan-Source point). The Qi travels through Jianshi (Pericardum 4), located between two tendons three cun proximal to the wrist crease; Qi arrives here when there is pathology and stops when there is none, which is a Jing-River point. The Qi enters Quze (Pericardium 3), located in the depression medial to the biceps tendon in the cubital fossa, found by flexing the elbow, which is a He-Sea point. This constitutes the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian.

The Liver meridian originates at Dadun (Liver 1), located at the lateral side of the nail bed of the big toe among the hair, which is a Jing-Well point (Wood element). The Qi flows to Xingjian (Liver 2), located in the webbing between the first and second toes, which is an Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Taichong (Liver 3), located in the depression two cun proximal to Xingjian, which is a Shu-Stream point (and Yuan-Source point). The Qi travels through Zhongfeng (Liver 4), located in the depression one and a half cun anterior to the medial malleolus; if Qi is stagnant, it remains blocked, but if harmonious, it flows freely, found by shaking the foot, which is a Jing-River point. The Qi enters Ququan (Liver 8), located below the medial condyle of the tibia and above the semitendinosus tendon, found by flexing the knee, which is a He-Sea point. This constitutes the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian.

The Spleen meridian originates at Yinbai (Spleen 1), located at the medial corner of the nail bed of the big toe, which is a Jing-Well point (Wood element). The Qi flows to Dabu (Spleen 2), located in the depression posterior to the first metatarsophalangeal joint, which is an Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Taibai (Spleen 3), located inferior to the navicular tuberosity, which is a Shu-Stream point (and Yuan-Source point). The Qi travels through Shangqiu (Spleen 5), located in the depression inferior to the medial malleolus, which is a Jing-River point. The Qi enters Yinlingquan (Spleen 9), located in the depression inferior to the medial condyle of the tibia, found by extending the leg, which is a He-Sea point. This constitutes the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian.

The Kidney meridian originates at Yongquan (Kidney 1), located in the depression at the center of the sole, which is a Jing-Well point (Wood element). The Qi flows to Ran Gu (Kidney 2), located inferior to the prominence of the navicular bone, which is an Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Taixi (Kidney 3), located in the depression between the medial malleolus and the calcaneus, which is a Shu-Stream point (and Yuan-Source point). The Qi travels through Fuliu (Kidney 7), located two cun superior to the medial malleolus, where the pulse beats continuously, which is a Jing-River point. The Qi enters Yingu (Kidney 10), located posterior to the medial condyle of the tibia, between the semitendinosus and semimembranosus tendons, found by flexing the knee and palpating, which is a He-Sea point. This constitutes the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian.

The Bladder meridian originates at Zhiyin (Bladder 67), located at the lateral corner of the nail bed of the fifth toe, which is a Jing-Well point (Metal element). The Qi flows to Tonggu (Bladder 65), located anterior-lateral to the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint, which is an Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Shugu (Bladder 64), located posterior to the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint in the depression, which is a Shu-Stream point (and Yuan-Source point). The Qi passes through Jinggu (Bladder 64 - *Note: Text says Jinggu is Yuan, standard is Shugu is Shu, Jinggu is Yuan*), located inferior to the prominent bone on the lateral aspect of the foot, which is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Kunlun (Bladder 60), located posterior to the lateral malleolus and superior to the calcaneus, which is a Jing-River point. The Qi enters Weizhong (Bladder 40), located in the center of the popliteal fossa, found by flexing the knee, which is a He-Sea point. This constitutes the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian.

The Gallbladder meridian originates at Qiaoyin (Gallbladder 44), located at the lateral corner of the nail bed of the fourth toe, which is a Jing-Well point (Metal element). The Qi flows to Xiaxi (Gallbladder 43), located in the webbing between the fourth and fifth toes, which is an Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Linqi (Gallbladder 41), located in the depression one and a half cun proximal to Xiaxi, which is a Shu-Stream point (and Yuan-Source point). The Qi passes through Qiuxu (Gallbladder 40), located in the depression anterior-inferior to the lateral malleolus, which is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Yangfu (Gallbladder 38), located superior to the lateral malleolus, anterior to the fibula, and at the end of the fibular styloid process, which is a Jing-River point. The Qi enters Yanglingquan (Gallbladder 34), located in the depression anterior-inferior to the head of the fibula, found by extending the leg, which is a He-Sea point. This constitutes the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.

The Stomach meridian originates at Lidui (Stomach 45), located at the lateral corner of the nail bed of the second toe, which is a Jing-Well point (Metal element). The Qi flows to Neiting (Stomach 44), located in the webbing between the second and third toes, which is an Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Xangu (Stomach 43), located in the depression two cun proximal to the second metatarsophalangeal joint on the dorsum of the foot, which is a Shu-Stream point (and Yuan-Source point). The Qi passes through Chongyang (Stomach 42), located in the depression five cun proximal to the ankle joint on the dorsum of the foot, which is the Yuan-Source point, found by moving the foot. The Qi travels through Jie Xi (Stomach 41), located one and a half cun proximal to Chongyang in the depression, which is a Jing-River point. The Qi enters Xiaguan (Stomach 36, i.e., Zusanli), located three cun distal to the patella and one finger-breadth lateral to the tibial crest, which is a He-Sea point. Three cun distal to Zusanli is Shangjuxu (Stomach 37), and three cun distal to Shangjuxu is Xiajuxu (Stomach 39). The Large Intestine connects to Shangjuxu, and the Small Intestine connects to Xiajuxu. This is the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian; the Large and Small Intestines are subordinate to the Stomach, hence called the Foot-Yangming.

The Sanjiao (Triple Energizer) meridian, upper portion, corresponds to the Hand-Shaoyang. It originates at Guanchong (Sanjiao 1), located at the lateral corner of the nail bed of the fourth finger, which is a Jing-Well point (Metal element). The Qi flows to Yemen (Sanjiao 2), located in the webbing between the fourth and fifth fingers, which is an Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Zhongzhu (Sanjiao 3), located in the depression posterior to the fourth metacarpophalangeal joint, which is a Shu-Stream point (and Yuan-Source point). The Qi passes through Yangchi (Sanjiao 4), located in the depression dorsal to the wrist, which is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Zhigou (Sanjiao 6), located three cun proximal to the wrist crease between the radius and ulna, which is a Jing-River point. The Qi enters Tianjing (Sanjiao 10), located in the depression superior to the olecranon of the humerus, found by flexing the elbow, which is a He-Sea point. The lower portion of the Sanjiao is located anterior to the big toe and posterior to the Shaoyang meridian, emerging at Wai Lian, named Weiyang (Bladder 39), which is a collateral vessel of the Taiyang meridian, belonging to the Hand-Shaoyang. The Sanjiao is commanded by the Foot-Shaoyang and Foot-Taiyin, and is a branch of the Taiyang. It ascends five cun above the ankle, branches off, penetrates the popliteal fascia, emerges at Weiyang, merges with the main channel of the Taiyang, enters to connect with the Bladder, and regulates the Lower Jiao. Excess manifests as urinary retention, deficiency as enuresis. Enuresis is treated with tonification; urinary retention is treated with sedation.

The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine meridian, upper portion, corresponds to the Hand-Taiyang. It originates at Shaoze (Small Intestine 1), located at the radial corner of the nail bed of the little finger, which is a Jing-Well point (Metal element). The Qi flows to Qian Gu (Small Intestine 2), located in the depression anterior to the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint on the ulnar side, which is an Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Houxi (Small Intestine 3), located posterior to the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint on the ulnar side, which is a Shu-Stream point (and Yuan-Source point). The Qi passes through Wanggu (Small Intestine 4), located anterior to the pisiform bone on the ulnar side, which is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Yanggu (Small Intestine 5), located in the depression inferior to the styloid process of the ulna, which is a Jing-River point. The Qi enters Xiao Hai (Small Intestine 8), located in the depression lateral to the medial epicondyle of the humerus, half a cun from the tip, found by extending the arm, which is a He-Sea point. This constitutes the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian.

The Large Intestine meridian, upper portion, corresponds to the Hand-Yangming. It originates at Shangyang (Large Intestine 1), located at the radial corner of the nail bed of the index finger, which is a Jing-Well point (Metal element). The Qi flows to Er Jian (Large Intestine 2), located anterior to the second metacarpophalangeal joint, which is an Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into San Jian (Large Intestine 3), located posterior to the second metacarpophalangeal joint, which is a Shu-Stream point (and Yuan-Source point). The Qi passes through Hegu (Large Intestine 4), located between the first and second metacarpal bones, which is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Yangxi (Large Intestine 5), located in the depression between the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons, which is a Jing-River point. The Qi enters Qu Chi (Large Intestine 11), located in the depression lateral to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, found by flexing the arm, which is a He-Sea point. This constitutes the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. These are the Five Shu points of the Five Zang and Six Fu organs: Five points per Zang organ totaling twenty-five, and six points per Fu organ (including Yuan-Source) totaling thirty-six. The Qi of the Six Fu organs all originates from the Three Yang meridians of the foot and connects superiorly with the hand meridians.

At the center of the Clavicle Fossa (Quepen) is the Ren Mai, named Tiantu (Ren 22), the first point. Next, lateral to the Ren Mai, is the artery of the Foot-Yangming, named Renying (Stomach 9), the second point. Next is the artery of the Hand-Yangming, named Futu (Stomach 59), the third point. Next is the artery of the Hand-Taiyang, named Tianchuang (Small Intestine 16), the fourth point. Next is the artery of the Foot-Shaoyang, named Tianrong (Gallbladder 17), the fifth point. Next is the artery of the Hand-Shaoyang, named Tianyou (Sanjiao 15), the sixth point. Next is the artery of the Foot-Taiyang, named Tianzhu (Bladder 10), the seventh point. Next is the vessel in the center of the neck, the Du Mai, named Fengfu (Du 16). The artery in the axilla belongs to the Hand-Taiyin, named Tianfu (Lung 3). Three cun below the axilla belongs to the Hand-Yueying (Pericardium), named Tianchi (Pericardium 1).

When needling Shangguan (Stomach 7), the patient cannot close the mouth; when needling Xiaguan (Stomach 7), the patient cannot open the mouth. When needling Dubi (Stomach 35), the leg cannot be extended; when needling both Guan points, the leg cannot be bent.

The Foot-Yangming has an artery flanking the throat, its pulsation being in the chest (Yingzhong). The Hand-Yangming artery is next lateral to it, not reaching one cun from the angle of the jaw. The Hand-Taiyang artery is directly at the angle of the jaw. The Foot-Shaoyang artery is posterior to the angle of the jaw below the ear. The Hand-Shaoyang artery emerges behind the ear and goes up to the top of the mastoid process. The Foot-Taiyang artery is in the middle of the large tendons of the nape, at the hairline. The Yin Chi artery is at Wuli (Bladder 38), which is one of the Five Prohibitions.

The Lung pairs with the Large Intestine; the Large Intestine is the Fu organ of transmission. The Heart pairs with the Small Intestine; the Small Intestine is the Fu organ of reception and transformation. The Liver pairs with the Gallbladder; the Gallbladder is the Fu organ storing essence. The Spleen pairs with the Stomach; the Stomach is the Fu organ of the five grains. The Kidney pairs with the Bladder; the Bladder is the Fu organ of fluids. The Shaoyang is subordinate to the Kidney, and the Kidney connects upward to the Lung, thus the Shaoyang commands these two organs.

The Sanjiao is the Fu organ of waterways, from which water passages emerge; it is subordinate to the Bladder and is the solitary Fu organ. These are the pairings of the Six Fu organs.

In Spring, select the Luo-connecting vessels and Ying-Spring points, located between large tendons and muscles; for severe cases, needle deeply; for mild cases, needle superficially. In Summer, select the Sun-Luo collaterals, located on the skin and muscles. In Autumn, select the He-Sea points, following the method of Spring. In Winter, select the Jing-Well and Ying-Spring points, needling deeply and retaining the needle. This follows the order of the four seasons, the location of Qi, the residence of disease, and the appropriateness for the Zang organs. For muscle spasms (Jing Jin), needle while standing to achieve immediate relief. For Wei-Jue (flaccidity and cold limbs), spread the limbs and needle to achieve immediate comfort.