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Huangdi asked: Why does the Shaoyin meridian belong to the Kidney? Why does the Kidney govern water metabolism? Qibo replied: The Kidney is the organ of Supreme Yin (Zhiyin); the organ of Supreme Yin accumulates abundant water; the Lung belongs to the Taiyin meridian; the Shaoyin meridian corresponds to the winter pulse. Therefore, the root of edema lies in the Kidney, while its manifestation is in the Lung; both are caused by water accumulation. Huangdi asked: Why can the Kidney accumulate water and cause disease? Qibo said: The Kidney is the gate of the Stomach. If this gate is dysfunctional, water accumulates and spreads according to its nature (water flows downward). Overflowing upward and downward into the skin, it causes swelling. Swelling is a disease caused by the accumulation of water. Huangdi asked: Do all water diseases originate from the Kidney? Qibo said: The Kidney is an Yin organ (Pinzang). Earthly Qi ascending belongs to the Kidney and generates fluid, hence it is called Supreme Yin. If one exerts oneself vigorously and works excessively, Kidney sweat may occur. If this sweat encounters wind pathogen, it cannot enter the Zang-Fu organs internally, nor can it diffuse through the skin externally. It lodges in the Xuanfu (sweat pores), moves within the subcutaneous tissue, and transforms into edema. Its root is in the Kidney, and this condition is named Fengshui (Wind Edema). The so-called Xuanfu refers to the sweat pore.

Huangdi asked: What is the primary indication for the fifty-seven acupoints for treating water diseases? Qibo said: These fifty-seven points are the Shushu points of the Kidney, where Yin Qi gathers, and through which water enters and exits. The five rows above the sacrum, with five points in each row, constitute the Kidney Shushu points. Therefore, patients with water disease present with edema in the lower body and abdominal distension, and with panting, dyspnea, and orthopnea in the upper body. This indicates simultaneous involvement of both the root (Kidney) and the branch (Lung). Thus, the Lung manifests as panting, the Kidney as edema, and the Lung as rebellious Qi causing inability to lie flat. The Lung and Kidney are connected via mutual transmission through meridians, jointly affected by pathogens, resulting in the retention of Water Qi. Above the Futu point, there are two rows on each side, with five points in each row; these are the streets of the Kidney channel, where the three Yin meridians intersect at the feet. Above each ankle, there is one row with six points; these are the descending pathways of the Kidney meridian, named Taichong. In total, these fifty-seven points are the Yin collaterals of the Zang organs, where Water Qi resides.

Huangdi asked: Why are Luo-connecting vessels and intermuscular spaces selected in spring? The answer is: In spring, Wood Qi begins to govern, and Liver Qi starts to generate. Liver Qi becomes urgent, and Wind Qi moves rapidly. The main meridians are deep, and the healthy Qi is insufficient to penetrate deeply; therefore, points in the Luo-connecting vessels and intermuscular spaces are selected. Huangdi asked: Why are Shengjing (abundant channels) and fen-cou (interstices) selected in summer? The answer is: In summer, Fire Qi begins to govern, and Heart Qi starts to grow. The vessels are slender, and Qi is weak. Yang Qi overflows, and heat steams the fen-cou, penetrating inward to the meridians. Therefore, points in the Shengjing and fen-cou are selected. Puncturing the skin removes the pathogen because the pathogen resides superficially. The so-called Shengjing refers to the Yang meridians. Huangdi asked: Why are Jing-Well and Ying-Spring points selected in winter? The answer is: In winter, Water Qi begins to govern, and Kidney Qi is stored/closed. Yang Qi is declining, while Yin Qi is firm and abundant. The Great Yang (Taiyang) Qi is latent and sunken, and Yang Qi departs. Therefore, Jing-Well points are selected to suppress rebellious Yin Qi, and Ying-Spring points are selected to tonify Yang Qi. Hence it is said: Selecting Jing-Well and Ying-Spring points in winter prevents Biu-nv (epistaxis and nasal obstruction) in spring. This is what is meant.

Huangdi asked: You mentioned fifty-nine acupoints for treating febrile diseases. I wish to know their locations and the rationale behind them. Qibo said: The five rows on the head, with five points in each row, are used to dissipate the rebellious heat of all Yang meridians. Dazhu, Ying-shu, Quepen, and Beishu—these eight points—are used to drain heat from the chest. Qijie, Zusanli, Shangjuxu, and Xiajuxu—these eight points—are used to drain heat from the Stomach. Yunmen, Bitong (or similar bone-related point contextually interpreted as limb points), Weizhong, and Suikong—these eight points—are used to drain heat from the four limbs. The five points adjacent to each of the Five Zang Shu points—ten points in total—are used to drain heat from the Five Zang organs. All these fifty-nine points are bilateral points for treating heat diseases. Huangdi asked: Why does cold invasion transform into heat disease? Qibo said: When Cold is excessive, it generates Heat.