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Huangdi asked, saying: "I wish to hear about the length of the meridians." Qibo replied, saying: "The six Yang meridians of the hand extend from the hand to the head, each measuring five chi; six times five equals three zhang. The six Yin meridians of the hand [and foot, as per text context implying lower limb length] measure eight chi; six times eight equals four zhang and eight chi. The six Yin meridians of the foot extend from the foot to the chest, each measuring six chi and five cun; six times six equals three zhang and six chi, plus three chi [from fractional calculation], totaling three zhang and nine chi. The Qiào Mai (Shimmering Vessels, a pair of extraordinary vessels) extend from the foot to the eyes, each measuring seven chi and five cun; two times seven equals one zhang and four chi, plus one chi [from fractional calculation], totaling one zhang and five chi. The Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) each measure four chi and five cun; two times four equals eight chi, plus one chi, totaling nine chi. Altogether, they sum up to sixteen zhang and two chi. These are the great tunnels for the flow of Qi. The Jing Mai (Primary Meridians) lie deep within; branches that run horizontally are called Luo Mai (Connecting Vessels); further subdivisions of the Luo Mai are called Sun Luo (Fine Connecting Vessels). Where Sun Luo are abundant and contain blood stasis, they should be promptly purged. Those that are excess should be drained by reducing methods, and those that are deficient should be supplemented with medicinal decoctions."

Huangdi asked, saying: "The Zang Organs (Solid Organs) store the Spirit, Hun, Po, Shen, and Yi. The Fu Organs (Hollow Organs) receive water and grain and transform them. Their Qi circulates internally through the Zang Organs and externally connects to the joints and limbs. The floating Qi that does not follow the meridians is called Wei Qi (Defensive Qi); the refined Qi that travels within the meridians is called Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi). Yin and Yang follow each other, penetrating inside and outside like a circle without beginning or end, profound and pure—who can fathom its limits? However, in distinguishing Yin and Yang among the Twelve Primary Meridians, there are specific locations where Biao (Branches/Manifestations) and Ben (Roots/Origins) diverge, and where Excess and Deficiency manifest. One who can distinguish the Yin and Yang of the Twelve Meridians knows the origin of disease. One who observes the location of Excess and Deficiency knows the depth and level of the disease. One who understands the Qi Jie (Meridian Streets/Gates) of the Six Meridians knows how to untie knots and open the gates. One who knows the hardness and softness of Excess and Deficiency knows where to apply tonification and reduction. One who understands the Biao and Ben of the Six Meridians will have no confusion in the world." Qibo replied, saying: "Truly profound is the discourse of the Sage Emperor! Allow me to explain it in detail:

The Ben (Root) of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian is located five cun above the heel; its Biao (Branch) is at the two collaterals near Mingmen (which refers to the eyes).
The Ben of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian is located three cun above the lower inner ankle; its Biao is at the Back-Shu points on the back and the two vessels under the tongue.
The Ben of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian is between the Qiaoyin point; its Biao is in front of Chuanglong (which refers to the ear). (*Qianjin Fang* states: Chuanglong refers to the pulsating vessels above and below the ear, which can be felt when pressed.)
The Ben of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian is at Lidui; its Biao is above Yingmen, extending to the cheek and Hangsang (nasopharynx).
The Ben of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian is five cun above Xingjian; its Biao is at the Back-Shu points on the back.
The Ben of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian is four cun in front of Zhongfeng; its Biao is at the Back-Shu points on the back and the root of the tongue.
The Ben of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian is behind the outer malleolus [Note: Textual error likely, usually refers to wrist bone]; its Biao is one cun above Mingmen (*Qianjin Fang* states: Mingmen is one cun above the heart).
The Ben of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian is three cun above the space between the little finger and the ring finger (another version says two cun); its Biao is below the upper outer angle behind the ear.
The Ben of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian is in the elbow bone, extending up to Bieyang; its Biao is above the axilla and clamp area.
The Ben of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian is at the Cun Kou pulse; its Biao is at the internal arterial pulse in the axilla.
[Note: The text repeats Hand-Shaoyang here, likely a textual corruption for another meridian, but translated as written:] The Ben of the Hand-Shaoyang [Meridian] is at the end of the Dui bone; its Biao is at the Back-Shu points on the back.
The Ben of the Heart Conduit (Pericardium) Meridian is between the two tendons behind the palm; its Biao is three cun in the axilla. In examining these sites, deficiency in the lower part leads to Jue (cold extremities), excess in the lower part leads to heat, deficiency in the upper part leads to dizziness, and excess in the upper part leads to heat and pain. Therefore, in cases of Excess, stop the pathogenic factor; in cases of Deficiency, guide and raise the healthy Qi.

Let us speak of the Qi Jie (Meridian Streets): There is a Qi Jie in the chest, in the abdomen, in the head, and in the legs. Thus, Qi in the head ascends to the brain. Qi in the chest ascends to the Ying (chest) and the Back-Shu points. Qi in the abdomen ascends to the Back-Shu points and connects with the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) at the arterial pulses on both sides of the navel. Qi in the legs ascends to the Qi Jie, as well as Chengshan and the areas below the ankle. When needling these points, use fine needles, and must press and retain the needle for a long time. If there is no pain upon pressing, the condition is difficult to cure."