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Huangdi asked: The human body has eight empty places (Ba Xu). How can they be used for diagnosis? Qibo replied: If there is pathogenic qi in the Lung and Heart, its qi remains in the two axillae; if there is pathogenic qi in the Liver, its qi remains in the two elbows; if there is pathogenic qi in the Spleen, its qi remains in the two thighs (Bai); if there is pathogenic qi in the Kidney, its qi remains in the two popliteal fossae. These eight empty places are the chambers of joint mechanisms, where Zhen Qi (True Qi) passes through, and where blood collaterals traverse. Therefore, evil qi and foul blood tend to remain here. Once retained, they damage the sinews and bones, preventing joints from flexing and extending, thus causing spasm (Ju Luan).

For sudden spasm, epilepsy with dizziness, and inability of the feet to support the body, treat with Tian Zhu (BL10). For axillary spasm, sudden urgency of the pulse, pain radiating to the hypochondrium and internally affecting the Heart and Lung, treat with Yi Xi (BL54). From the neck to the spine, and from the spine down to the twelfth thoracic vertebra, palpate for tender points and needle them immediately for cure. For muscle cramps (Zhuan Jin), stand and needle; the disease will cease immediately. For Wei Jue (Flaccidity with cold limbs), extend the limbs and guide the Qi; comfort will be restored immediately.

Huangdi asked: Why do the Five Zang Organs cause Wei Syndrome (Flaccidity)? Qibo replied: The Lung governs the skin and hair of the body; the Heart governs the blood vessels; the Liver governs the sinews and fascia; the Spleen governs the muscles; the Kidney governs the bone marrow. Thus, if Lung Heat causes the lung leaves to become scorched and dry, the skin and hair become weak, tight, thin, and adherent, leading to Wei Syndrome. If Heart Heat causes the lower vessels to reverse and ascend, the lower vessels become deficient, leading to Mai Wei (Vessel Flaccidity), characterized by a broken pivot (joint instability), swollen shins, and inability to bear weight on the ground (In *Su Wen*, "Qie" is interpreted as lifting, and "Zhong" as swelling). If Liver Heat causes Gallbladder Heat and bile leakage, bitterness in the mouth, and dryness of the sinews, the sinews become tight and contracted, leading to Jin Wei (Sinew Flaccidity). If Spleen Heat causes stomach dryness and thirst, and numbness of the muscles, it leads to Rou Wei (Flesh Flaccidity). If Kidney Heat causes inability to raise the waist and spine, withered bones, and reduced marrow, it leads to Gu Wei (Bone Flaccidity).

Another question arose: How are these conditions acquired? The answer is: The Lung is the chief of the Zang Organs and acts as a canopy for the Heart. Loss or unfulfilled desires cause Lung resonance, which generates Lung Heat and scorches the lung leaves, leading to Wei Bi (Flaccidity of the lower limbs). Excessive grief severs the Bao Luo (Pericardium Collaterals); when severed, Yang Qi moves internally, causing heart bleeding and frequent bloody urination. Thus, the Ben Bing chapter states: When the large channels are empty, Ji Bi (Muscle Bi) occurs, transmitting into Mai Wei. Endless thinking and unfulfilled wishes, with mind wandering outward and excessive sexual activity, cause relaxation of the Zong Jin (General Sinews), leading to Jin Wei and Bai Yin (White Turbidity/Leukorrhea or Spermatorrhea). Thus, *Xia Jing* states: Jin Wei arises from the Liver due to sexual indulgence. Gradual exposure to dampness, working with water, or living in damp places causes muscle soaking and numbness, leading to Rou Wei. Thus, *Xia Jing* states: Rou Wei is caused by dwelling in damp places. Long journeys and fatigue combined with extreme heat and thirst cause internal attack by Yang Qi; this heat combines with the Kidney (In *Su Wen*, "He" is interpreted as "She"). As the Kidney is the Water Organ, if Water fails to overcome Fire, bones become withered and marrow empty, causing inability to bear weight and heat, leading to Gu Wei. Thus, *Xia Jing* states: Gu Wei arises from extreme heat.

How to differentiate them? Lung Heat presents with white complexion and ruined hair; Heart Heat with red complexion and overflowing collateral vessels; Liver Heat with dark-green complexion and withered nails; Spleen Heat with yellow complexion and twitching muscles; Kidney Heat with black complexion and dry teeth.

Why does treating Wei Syndrome focus solely on the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming? The Yangming Meridian is the sea of the Five Zang and Six Fu Organs, primarily moistening the Zong Jin. The Zong Jin binds the bones and facilitates joint movement. The Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) is the sea of the twelve channels, permeating the muscle valleys, and converges with Yangming at the Zong Jin. All Yin and Yang channels converge at the Zong Jin, meeting at Qi Chong (ST30), with Yangming acting as the leader. They all belong to the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) and connect to the Du Mai (Governing Vessel). Thus, Yangming deficiency leads to Zong Jin laxity and Dai Mai failure to draw, resulting in foot flaccidity and non-use. Treatment involves tonifying Ying Qi and unshu points, regulating excess and deficiency, and harmonizing reversal and smooth flow. Treating during the appropriate months for each tissue ensures recovery.

For Wei Jue causing constriction in the four extremities, release bindings quickly, twice daily. Numbness improves within ten days; continue until cured.

For slow, unretractable feet, flaccidity preventing walking, and aphasia, with flaccid hands and feet unable to walk, treat with Di Cang (ST4). For loss of sensation in Wei syndrome (or heavy body with bone flaccidity and loss of sensation), treat with Tai Bai (SP3). For Wei Jue, body numbness, and small hands and feet, first needle Jing Gu (BL64), then Zhong Feng (LR4) and Jue Gu (GB39), using reducing methods. For cold Wei Jue, unretractable ankles, hip joint pain, and inability to rise from sitting, treat with Qiu Xu (GB40). For deficiency causing flaccidity and inability to sit up, or excess causing Jue, shin heat, elbow pain, body numbness, small hands and feet, and cheek-biting, treat with Guang Ming (GB37).