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This "Ode to the Golden Needle" (Jinzhen Fu) is a crucial technique secretly transmitted by my former master. Those who obtain it often keep it private and do not show it to others; it can only be acquired when met with "gold of high price" (metaphorically referring to those worthy or willing to pay dearly). I was fortunate enough to see it, and thus, all the principles of needle manipulation are contained herein.

In the second month of Gengchen year during the Hongwu era of the Great Ming Dynasty (1340), I began learning acupuncture techniques. Initially, I studied under Master Dongxuan, Meng Zhongni. The following year, after the master passed away in Weiyang, I continued my studies at the secluded residence of East Lake, yet failed to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. In the Jichou year of the Yongle era (1409), unfortunately, I was falsely accused and exiled to live among farmers in Minle. Consequently, I retreated to Xihe, establishing a hall named "Zishen" (Deepening Proficiency) and adopting the pseudonym "Quanshi" (Spring and Stone). I found joy in seclusion and self-cultivation; passersby remarked that this was the dwelling of a scholar-farmer. Whenever patients sought treatment, I did not employ needles but mostly used moxibustion. Thus, the methods of Qibo and Fenggu (metaphors for acupuncture and herbal medicine) fell into disuse, and my name went unheard. This was not due to a lack of compassion for saving people, but rather because I did not desire fame in the contemporary world. Now, as I approach old age, with gray hair and beard, fearing that these techniques might be lost over time, I hold them dear in my heart. In the late spring of Jiwei year during the Zhengtong era (1439), while recovering from illness, I reviewed the books on acupuncture techniques transmitted by my master. Their content was abundant but lacked organization. Therefore, I extracted the essentials, disregarding my own scholarly inadequacy, compiled them into a text, and named it "Ode to the Golden Needle." "Gold" is a treasure of the world; it cannot be obtained by the poor and humble, nor is it accessible to the lowly. Naming it "Gold" signifies its preciousness. A precious needle can dispel disease in an instant. Thus, I begin with this introduction and conclude with sighs of admiration for its rapid and extraordinary efficacy. The chapter first discusses treating head diseases by selecting foot points, treating left-sided diseases by selecting right-sided points, the rhythms of Qi and blood in men and women at different times of day, and the principles of smooth and reverse flow in hand and foot meridians; next, it discusses tonification and sedation techniques, as well as methods for inserting needles and withdrawing them to regulate Qi; finally, it elaborates on the subtleties of driving Qi and blood to treat diseases and connecting to the most minute aspects of the body. It repeatedly urges and encourages learners to strive for utmost sincerity and precision, thereby enabling the cure of severe illnesses. Although the language is straightforward and concise, the meaning is detailed and clear. Moreover, the progression is logical and orderly, making it easy for future students to memorize and ensuring that this transmission does not fade. When Dou Hanqing reappears in the future, mastering these techniques through diligent study and profound attainment, internalizing them so that they manifest effortlessly upon his hands, he will surely recall who it was that deleted the superfluous and summarized the essential to create this text today. This is also my legacy to posterity; let learners respect it.
On the 16th day of the eighth month, in the year Jiwei of the Zhengtong era (1439).