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(Annotation by Yang)
To treat disease, nothing is better than the use of acupuncture.
The methods for treating disease include acupuncture and herbal medicine. However, herbal medicines may come from remote areas, are sometimes scarce, and vary in freshness and authenticity, making it difficult to achieve significant therapeutic effects or cure severe illnesses. Only by mastering acupuncture can one carry needles for immediate use in emergencies.
Skillfully operating the divine mechanism:
"Skillful" refers to excellence in technique; "operate" refers to the principle of change; "divine" refers to knowing the condition through observation (Wang Zhen); "mechanism" refers to the subtle aspects of matters; "wonderful" refers to the rapid response of treatment.
Opening the profound principles of the sages:
"Artisan" (Gong) refers to the basic capacity to treat disease; "Sage" (Sheng) refers to the beginning of miraculous application. Thus, the *Nan Jing* states: Knowing through inquiry is called "Artisan"; knowing through listening is called "Sage."
The physician relies on intention (Yi), memorizing silently, and integrating understanding. External pathogens and internal injuries are naturally comprehended. Is this not the profundity of sage-like principles?
Externally utilizing Bian stones and needles can eliminate evil Qi and support righteous Qi.
Bian needles refer to Bian stones. These needles originate from the East Sea, where there is a mountain named Jianfeng. The mountain has stones shaped like jade hairpins, naturally round and long, which can be ground to have sharp points for use as needles. They can treat all diseases and evils without exception.
Containing water and fire within, they are good at restoring Yang and reversing Yin excess.
"Water and fire" refer to cold and heat. Within acupuncture, there are tonification and sedation methods for cold pathogens, which constitute the功 (effect) of advancing and retreating water and fire. "Restoring Yang" refers to cases where excessive Yang leads to extreme heat; thus, sedating the pathogenic Qi brings coolness. "Reversing Yin" (correcting Yin excess) refers to cases where excessive Yin leads to extreme cold; thus, tonifying deficiency-cold brings warmth. This is the principle of restoring Yang and reversing Yin, and the efficacy of tonification and sedation regarding excess and deficiency.
Tracing back, collaterals branch and differ:
"Bie" means distinguishing; "Zhi" refers to collateral branches. The *Su Wen* states there are fifteen Luo (Collateral) acupoints, one for each of the twelve meridians. Additionally, there are three other collaterals: Yang Qiao Luo located on the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, Yin Qiao Luo on the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, and the Large Luo of the Spleen on the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. These are the fifteen collaterals, each with distinct branching locations, including Ji Luo (accumulated collaterals) and Fu Luo (floating collaterals), hence "collaterals branch and differ."
Meridians intersect and integrate:
"Jiao Jing" refers to the twelve meridians; "Cuo" means intersection; "Zong" means gathering. It means the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian exits after the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian, and the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian exits before the Jueyin Liver Meridian. This illustrates the principle of meridian intersection and integration.
Some resemble ditches, pools, streams, and valleys, diverging like paths:
"Qi" means path. Among pulse acupoints, some are named ditch, pool, stream, or valley, differing like diverging paths. Examples include Shuigou (GV26), Fengchi (GB20), Houxi (SI3), and Hegu (LI4). Another view divides them into four specific points in the *Tong Ren Jing*: Gou refers to Shuigou (GV26), Chi refers to Tianchi (PC17), Xi refers to Taixi (KI3), and Gu refers to Yanggu (SI4). Although these four points share treatments, they belong to three different pathways, ultimately returning to one source.
Others resemble mountains, seas, hills, and ridges, sharing apertures:
"Xi" refers to apertures. Some acupoints are named after mountains, seas, hills, or ridges, sharing their apertures. Examples include Chengshan (BL57), Zhaohai (KI6), Shangqiu (SP5), and Yinlingquan (SP9). Another view in the *Tong Ren Jing* also identifies four points: Shan refers to Chengshan (BL57), Hai refers to Qihai (CV6), Qiu refers to Qiuxu (GB40), and Ling refers to Yinlingquan (SP9). The four meridians correspond, encompassing myriad transformations.
These lineages are hard to measure, yet have a unified thread in their guidelines.
This describes how meridians connect like water branches. Although hard to fully comprehend, under the guidance of key points and principles, there is a systematic order. As stated in texts: If the head rope is pulled, the net opens without disorder. Another citation mentions the Five Shu Points (Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Yuan-Source, Jing-River, He-Sea). On Jia days starting at Jia-Xu hour, the Gallbladder is affected. Qiaoyin is the Jing-Well (Metal), Xiaxi is the Ying-Spring (Water), Linqi is the Shu-Stream (Wood), Qiuxu is the Yuan-Source, Yangfu is the Jing-River (Fire), and Yanglingquan is the He-Sea (Earth). One must observe the day: Yin days puncture five points, Yang days puncture six points.
If principles are complex and obscure, what use is tonification and sedation?
Sages established laws for future generations to understand independently. Without mental focus, principles become chaotic and incomprehensible. Even applying tonification and sedation would be ineffective. For example: Small Intestine excess is treated by sedating Xiaohai (SI8), deficiency by tonifying Houxi (SI3); Large Intestine excess by sedating Erjian (LI2), deficiency by tonifying Quchi (LI11); Gallbladder excess by sedating Yangfu (GB38), deficiency by tonifying Xiaxi (GB41). This is the method. Average physicians often fail to grasp these principles, failing to distinguish excess and deficiency, and prescribing needles/herbs recklessly, leading to medical errors.
Methods are agile and clear, derived naturally from Ying and Sui techniques.
The key to acupuncture lies in understanding flexibility. Being agile and clear allows one to master the subtleties of Ying (following) and Sui (opposing) techniques.
For difficulty walking, Taichong (LR3) is most effective. Renzhong (GV26) relieves spinal stiffness; Shenmen (HT7) clears mental dullness. Wind injuring the neck requires Fengfu (GV16); dizziness and blurred vision require Fengchi (GB20). Ear blockage requires Tinghui (GB2); eye pain requires Hegu (LI4). Chest stagnation and jaundice respond to Yongquan (KI1); brain dizziness and red eyes respond to dispersing Cuanzhu (BL2). Elbow contracture is resolved by Quchi (LI11); limb flaccidity is eliminated by Zhaohai (KI6). Toothache is treated by Lvxi (Taixi, KI3); stiff neck is managed by Chengjiang (CV24). Taidai (SP3) promotes Qi flow (Spleen Earth generates Lung Metal); Yinlingquan (SP9) opens water passages (Kidney Water nourishes all). Abdominal distension is relieved by Neiting (ST44); tendon spasms are dispersed by Chengshan (BL57). Generally, ankle pain is cured by Kunlun (BL60); thigh/knee pain is treated by Yinshi (ST33). Epilepsy is managed by Houxi (SI3); malaria chills/fevers are supported by Jianshi (PC5). Qimen (LR14) resolves chest fullness and blood distension; Laogong (PC8) reduces heart pain and vomiting.
Dadun (LR1) treats hernias, as noted by Wang Gong; Zusanli (ST36) addresses wasting-thirst syndromes, as stated by Hua Tuo. Wangu (SI4) treats jaundice; RanGu (KI2) drains Kidney heat; Xingjian (LR2) treats knee swelling and eye disorders; Chize (LU5) relieves elbow pain and tight tendons. Blurred vision requires Erjian (LI2); nasal congestion responds to Yingchun (LIVE point, likely referring to a specific local or extra point contextually linked to nose, though standard text might vary, here translated as per source name). Jianjing (GB21) frees arms; Sizhukong (SJ23) relieves headache. Lieque (LU7) treats cough with cold phlegm; Linqi (GB41) treats eye discharge and cold tears. Huagu (Extra point) treats leg pain.
Huagu (Extra point): Two points, 3 cun above Weizhong (BL40), in the hip pivot, found by hanging hands. Treats leg/foot pain, needle 3 fen. Alternative view: Kuagu is 1 cun above kneecap between two tendons, needle 5 fen, tonify then sedate. This is Liangqiu (ST34), also treating breast abscess. Both views differ from Extra points; both are kept for reference.
Shenshu (BL23) eliminates lower back pain.
Yuè Rén (Bian Que) treated Shi Jue (Corpse-like Coma) at Weihui (GB39), resulting in immediate recovery.
Weihui (GB39) is 3 cun above the lateral malleolus, corresponding to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. Shi Jue presents with clenched jaws, absent breathing, resembling death, with loss of consciousness. When Yuè Rén passed through Guo, the Crown Prince had died less than half a day prior. Yuè Rén diagnosed the pulse as Shi Jue. The chaotic pulse made him appear dead, but he was alive. Yuè Rén ordered his disciple Zi Yang to use a needle and grinding stone to puncture the Three Yang and Wuhui points. Soon, the prince revived and recovered in twenty days. Thus, the world believed Bian Que could resurrect the dead. Bian Que replied: "He was destined to live; I merely facilitated it." Another note identifies this as Yuquan (CV7), 4 cun below the umbilicus, where Hand Three-Yang meridians converge with Foot Three-Yang meridians. It treats stroke coma, hematuria, dysuria, spermatorrhea, abdominal masses, male yang deficiency, hernia, edema, and Plume Qi (gas rising to heart). The classic states Yuè Rén revived the prince at Weihui/Yuquan. It is a miraculous technique for reviving the dying. It also treats women's blood stasis, cold lower abdomen, uterine infertility (four needlings induce pregnancy), postpartum bleeding, irregular menstruation, and blood clots. Needle 8 fen, retain for five breaths, sedate upon obtaining Deqi, moxibustion is beneficial.
Wen Bo treated a dead fetus at Yinjiao (CV7), causing expulsion upon needling.
Moxa 3 cones, needle 3 fen. Song Taizi, skilled in medicine, encountered a pregnant woman. He diagnosed a female fetus. Xu Wenber diagnosed a male and female fetus. Taizi wanted to perform a剖宫 (C-section). Wenber stopped him, suggesting acupuncture. He sedated Sanyinjiao (SP6) and tonified Hegu (LI4). The fetus expelled immediately, confirming Wenber's diagnosis. Hence, pregnant women should avoid needling this point. In another case, Wenber saw a woman in critical labor with a dead fetus. He punctured Sanyinjiao (SP6) twice and sedated Taichong (LR3) twice. The fetus was delivered immediately. This differs from the *Tong Ren* account.
The Sages observed numbness and pain, distinguishing excess and deficiency.
While generally pain is excess and numbness/itching is deficiency, this is a generalization. Fat individuals may have painful conditions (excess), while emaciated individuals may have painful conditions (deficiency). One must investigate the root cause and differentiate internal/external factors to truly determine excess/deficiency. Excess is sedated; deficiency is tonified.
Excess enters from outside; deficiency emerges from inside!
Exposure to wind, cold, summerheat, dampness causes external pathogens entering inward (Excess). Worry and blood deficiency cause internal injury emerging outward (Deficiency). This distinguishes internal/external excess/deficiency. Another view: Numbness/itching is deficiency, tonify the Mother; Pain is excess, sedate the Child. Liver excess: sedate Xingjian (LR2) (Fire is child of Wood). Liver deficiency: tonify Ququan (LR8) (Water is mother of Wood). Stomach excess: sedate Lidui (ST45) (Metal is child of Earth). Stomach deficiency: tonify Jiexi (ST41) (Fire is mother of Earth). Sanjiao excess: sedate Tianjing (TE10); Sanjiao deficiency: tonify Zhongzhu (TE3). Bladder excess: sedate Shugu (BL65); Bladder deficiency: tonify Zhiyin (BL67). Thus, emaciation/numbness requires tonification; robustness/pain/swelling requires sedation. The key is to work on the affected meridian using the Five Shu Points and Mother-Child tonification/sedation. Understanding Qi/Blood flow and selecting points according to meridian sections ensures efficacy.
Therefore, supplement the Mother to fill deficiencies; drain the Child to reduce excess.
"Bì" means supplement. Supplementing the Mother fills deficiency. Draining the Child reduces excess. This is the Mother-Child tonification/sedation method. It is not limited to one meridian. For Liver Wood disease: Excess sedates Heart Fire (Child); Deficiency tonifies Kidney Water (Mother). The Liver Meridian stabilizes. This applies to the Five Zang. Another view: Deficiency tonifies Mother, Excess sedates Child. Since Liver overacts on Spleen, Liver disease transmits to Spleen. The Sage treats pre-disease by strengthening Spleen to prevent Liver invasion. Strengthening the Mother increases Righteous Qi and expels Evil Qi. Imbalance in Qi/Blood leads to disease.
Observe the Twenty-Seven Meridians, distinguishing each clearly;
"Jing" refers to Twelve Meridians; "Luo" refers to Fifteen Collaterals. Totaling Twenty-Seven, they circulate up and down. Observing them allows addressing Four Hundred and Forty Diseases, eliminating each one.
Qibo said: Humans are formed by Heaven and Earth, evolving with Yin and Yang, flourishing with the Eight Solar Terms, adapting to the Four Seasons. By regulating spirit, nourishing Qi, and practicing swallowing saliva, one maintains harmony and physical ease. If one meridian is imbalanced, many diseases arise; if the Four Elements are disharmonious, hundred diseases generate. The human body has Four Hundred and Forty potential diseases. Though too numerous to list, applying meridian-based methods eliminates them all.
Thus avoiding premature death, raising people to an age of longevity;
"Ji" means ascend; "Yao" means short life; "Wang" means wrongful injury. Mastering acupuncture principles removes pain swiftly and resolves stagnation like melting ice. With such efficacy, no premature deaths occur. People attain longevity. The profound mysteries of ancient texts are revealed, making them easy for students to understand.
I have also heard: For chest/heart disease, seek Daling (PC7) behind the palm; for shoulder/back issues, address Zusanli (ST36) near the elbow. Cold Bi and Kidney failure require Earth points of Foot-Yangming; Periumbilical abdominal pain requires draining Water points of Foot-Shaoyin. Pain between spine and heart is cured by Zhongzhu (TE3); pain in hypochondrium stops with Yanglingquan (GB34). Head/neck pain is soothed by Houxi (SI3); waist/leg pain is resolved by Weizhong (BL40). Practitioners who understand these principles achieve evil-expelling results.
Practitioners must first master needle techniques, then know形体 (body form) and Qi location, meridian origins, Qi/Blood flow, reversal/compliance, tonification/sedation methods, and ways to remove evil and support righteousness. Only then can they relieve pain and cure diseases with their fingers.