必欲治病,莫如用针。巧运神机之妙,功开圣理之深。外取砭针,能蠲邪而辅正;中含
水火,善回阳而倒阴。
原夫络别支殊,经交错综。或沟渠溪谷以岐异,或山海丘陵而隙共。斯流派以难暌,在
条纲而有统。理繁而昧,纵补泻有何功,法捷而明,曰迎随而得用。
且如行步难移,太冲最奇。人中除脊膂之强痛,神门去心性之呆痴。伤风项急,始求于
风府;头晕目眩,要觅于风池。耳闭须听会而治也,眼痛则合谷以推之。胸结身黄
,泻涌泉而即可;脑昏目赤,泻攒竹以便宜。若两肘之拘挛,仗曲池而平扫。牙齿痛吕细堪
治,头项强承浆可保。太白宣导于气冲,阴陵开通于水道。腹膨而胀,夺内庭以休迟;筋转
而疼,泻承山而在早。
大抵脚腕痛,昆仑解围;股膝疼,阴市能医。痫发颠狂兮,凭后 而疗理;疟生寒热兮
,仗间使以扶持。期门罢胸满血膨而可已,劳宫退胃翻心痛以何疑。
嵇夫大敦,去七疝之偏坠,王公谓此,三里去五劳之羸瘦,华佗言斯。固知腕骨祛黄。
然谷
井除两臂之难任,攒竹疗头疼之不忍。咳嗽寒痰,列缺堪治;眵昏冷泪,临泣尤准。髋骨并
腿痛以祛残,肾俞腰痛而泻泄。以见越人治尸厥于维会,随手而苏;文伯能泻死胎于阴交,
应针而殒。
圣人于是察麻与痛,分实与虚。实则自外而入也,虚则自内而出之。是故济母而裨其不
足,
,跻斯民于寿域。机微已判,彰往古之玄尽。
抑又闻心胸病,求掌后之大陵;肩背疼,责肘前之三里。冷痹肾余,取定阳阴之上。连
脐腹
后以安然;腰背疼,在委中而已矣。夫用针之士,于此理苟明者焉。收祛邪之功,而在乎
捻指。
If one wishes to treat diseases, nothing is better than the use of acupuncture. Skillfully manipulating the divine mechanism of needle insertion, its efficacy can open up the profound principles revealed by the sages. Externally utilizing bian stones and needles can eliminate pathogenic factors and assist healthy qi; internally containing the properties of water and fire, it is adept at restoring yang and reversing yin conditions.
Tracing the meridians, collaterals branch out distinctly while channels interweave intricately. Some diverge like ditches, streams, and valleys, while others have gaps akin to mountains, seas, and hills. Although these flow lines are difficult to separate, they are unified under a systematic framework. If the principles are complex and obscure, what benefit do tonification and sedation techniques offer? However, if the methods are swift and clear, the Ying-Sui (following and opposing) technique becomes applicable.
For instance, when walking is difficult and movement is impaired, Taichong (LR3) is most miraculous. Renzhong (GV26) eliminates stiffness and pain in the spine and back, while Shenmen (HT7) removes mental dullness and stupidity. For wind-strike causing neck stiffness, Fengfu (GV16) is sought first; for dizziness and blurred vision, Fengchi (GB20) is located. For ear blockage affecting hearing, Tinghui (GB2) is used for treatment; for eye pain, Hegu (LI4) is applied. For chest stagnation with yellowing of the body, draining Yongquan (KI1) yields immediate results; for brain dizziness and red eyes, draining Cuanzhu (BL2) is convenient. For spasms in both elbows, Quchi (LI11) is relied upon to resolve them. For toothache, Lüxi (Taixi, KI3) is suitable for treatment; for head and neck stiffness, Chengjiang (CV24) provides protection. Toubai (SP3) guides Qi movement, while Yinlingquan (SP9) opens water pathways. For abdominal distension and bloating, Neiting (ST44) should be drained without delay; for muscle cramps and pain, Chengshan (BL57) should be drained promptly.
Generally speaking, for ankle pain, Kunlun (BL60) resolves the siege; for thigh and knee pain, Yinshi (ST32) can cure. For epilepsy manifesting as mania, Houxi (SI3) is relied upon for therapy; for malaria with alternating chills and fever, Jianshi (PC5) supports recovery. Qimen (LR14) can alleviate chest fullness and blood distension, while Laogong (PC8) can retreat stomach reversal and heart pain, leaving no room for doubt.
Furthermore, Dadun (LR1) removes unilateral hernia associated with the seven types of hernias, as stated by Wang Gong; Zusanli (ST36) removes emaciation caused by the five chronic exhaustions, as said by Hua Tuo. It is indeed known that Wan Gu (SI4) dispels jaundice. Ran Gu (KI2), the Jing-Well point, relieves the inability to bear weight on both arms; Cuanzhu (BL2) treats unbearable headaches. For cough with cold phlegm, Lieque (LU7) is effective; for excessive eye discharge, blurred vision, and cold tears, Linqi (GB15) is particularly accurate. For hip and leg pain, it dispels residual ailments; Shenshu (BL23) treats lower back pain and diarrhea. Thus, Yué Rén (Bian Que) treated corpse-like coma at Weihui (likely referring to a specific location or technique involving Huizong GV19 or similar), resulting in immediate revival; Wen Bo could expel a dead fetus at Yinjiao (CV7), achieving success with needle insertion.
The Sages observed numbness and pain, distinguishing between excess and deficiency. Excess conditions enter from the exterior, while deficiency conditions emerge from the interior. Therefore, tonifying the mother point supplements insufficiency, bringing the people into an era of longevity. The subtle mechanisms have been discerned, revealing the profound completeness of ancient wisdom.
It is also heard that for heart and chest diseases, Dalíng (PC7) behind the palm is sought; for shoulder and back pain, Sanlí (LI10 or ST36, contextually LI10 often implied in upper body contexts but text says 'elbow front') is responsible. For cold bi syndrome and residual kidney pathogens, Dingyang and Yinsang (specific points or locations) above are selected. Abdominal issues connected to the navel become peaceful subsequently; for lower back pain, only Weizhong (BL40) is needed. For practitioners of acupuncture, if they understand this principle, the efficacy of eliminating pathogens lies within the turning of the fingers.