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Huangdi asked: Heaven and Earth interact with each other, cold and heat shift alternately. Regarding the numbers of Yin and Yang, which is fewer and which is more? The number of Yin is even, while that of Yang is odd. In spring and summer, Yin Qi (vital energy) is scarce and Yang Qi is abundant; if Yin and Yang are not in harmony, what supplementation and reduction methods should be applied? In autumn and winter, Yang Qi is scarce and Yin Qi is abundant; when Yin Qi is excessive and Yang Qi is deficient, the stems and leaves of plants wither, and rain falls to return to the earth. At this time, Yin and Yang separate; what supplementation and reduction methods should be applied? If strange pathogens deviate from the meridians, their conditions are countless. Without understanding the Root and Knot theory, the Zang-Fu organs would suffer as if their hinges were broken and pivots ruined, leading to dysfunction of opening and closing, leakage of vital essence, and severe loss of Yin and Yang balance, making recovery impossible. The essence of the Nine Needles lies in knowing the "End and Beginning" (the cycle of meridian Qi). If one understands the End and Beginning, it can be summarized in a single statement; without this knowledge, the Dao of acupuncture is lost.

The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian originates at Zhiyin (BL67) and knots at Mingmen (the eyes).
The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at Lidui (ST45) and knots at Hangsang (the upper pharynx), where Hangsang connects to Qinda, which refers to the ears.
The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian originates at Qiaoyin (GB28) and knots at Chuanglong, which refers to the ears.

The Taiyang meridian governs "Opening," the Yangming meridian governs "Closing," and the Shaoyang meridian governs the "Pivot." Therefore, if the "Guan" (function of Taiyang) is fractured, muscle joints become flaccid and sudden illnesses arise; thus, for sudden illnesses, one should select points on the Taiyang meridian and assess excess or deficiency. Flaccidity refers to loose and weak skin and flesh. If the "He" (function of Yangming) is fractured, Qi has no place to rest, leading to Wei syndrome (flaccidity syndrome); thus, for Wei syndrome, one should always select points on the Yangming meridian and assess excess or deficiency. Lack of Qi resting indicates stagnation of True Qi and occupation by pathogenic factors. If the "Shu" (function of Shaoyang) is fractured, bones shake and cannot stand steadily; thus, for shaking bones, one should select points on the Shaoyang meridian and assess excess or deficiency. For joints that are lax and fail to retract, one must investigate the root cause.

The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian originates at Yinbai (SP1) and knots at Taicang (the stomach).
The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian originates at Dacun (LR1) and knots at Yuying (the xiphoid process), connecting to Danzhong (CV17).
The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian originates at Yongquan (KI1) and knots at Lianquan (CV23).

The Taiyin meridian governs "Opening," the Jueyin meridian governs "Closing," and the Shaoyin meridian governs the "Pivot." Therefore, if the "Opening" is fractured, the storage and transport functions of the spleen and stomach fail, resulting in Ge-dong (a sensation of emptiness and leakage in the chest/diaphragm); thus, for Ge-dong, one should select points on the Taiyin meridian and assess excess or deficiency. Fracture of the Opening is caused by Qi deficiency leading to disease. If the "Closing" is fractured, Qi becomes lax, causing frequent sadness; thus, for frequent sadness, one should select points on the Jueyin meridian and assess excess or deficiency. If the "Pivot" is fractured, vessel Qi becomes knotted and obstructed; thus, for obstruction, one should select points on the Shaoyin meridian and assess excess or deficiency. Any condition involving knotting should be treated accordingly.

The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian originates at Zhiyin (BL67), flows through Jinggu (BL64), pours into Kunlun (BL60), and enters Tianzhu (BL10) and Feiyang (BL58).
The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian originates at Qiaoyin (GB28), flows through Qiuxu (GB40), pours into Yangfu (GB38), and enters Tianrong (SI17) [suspected error] and Guangming (GB37).
The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at Lidui (ST45), flows through Chongyang (ST42), pours into Xialing (Zusanli ST36), and enters Renying (ST9) and Fenglong (ST40).
The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian originates at Shaoze (SI1), flows through Yanggu (SI5), pours into Shaohai (SI8), and enters Tianchuang (SI16) [suspected error] and Zhizheng (SI7).
The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian originates at Guanchong (TE1), flows through Yangchi (TE4), pours into Zhigou (TE6), and enters Tianyou (TE15) and Waiguan (TE5).
The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian originates at Shangyang (LI1), flows through Hegu (LI4), pours into Yangxi (LI5), and enters Futu (LI18) and Pianli (LI6). These are referred to as the Twelve Meridians. If the collateral vessels are full and vigorous, these points should be selected for treatment.