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Acupuncture practice by a physician is like a commander using troops. Herbs have curative effects, and acupuncture has therapeutic efficacy; a commander has strategy, and the army naturally prevails. A physician understands the properties of herbs, while a commander observes military intelligence. To treat diseases, one must first unblock the meridians and collaterals (Jingluo), just as in warfare, one sends out vanguard scouts to probe ahead. Treating Cold Damage (Shanghan) is like going into battle, while treating miscellaneous diseases requires maintaining one's merit. Entering the battlefield, soldiers move according to the command seal; treating disease, herbs act according to guiding agents (Yinjing). In marching armies, victory or defeat can be known by observing the wind; in treating disease, auspiciousness or ominous signs can be known by observing the physical form. A victorious commander receives rewards in the palace, while a successful physician accumulates merit at home. If there are no light bows and short arrows in the palace, the physician masters herbs, moxibustion, and divine needles; if a commander leads thousands of troops, the physician treats millions of people. If the people suffer from illness, how can the physician and commander remain at peace? Therefore, whether conducting warfare, using medicine, or practicing acupuncture, both the physician and the commander must be proficient.

To perform acupuncture, one must first observe the patient's Shen (Spirit) to stabilize one's own mind and will, then carefully examine the Shuxue (Transporting Points), clearly determining which disease each point treats and which meridian it connects. Once the point is identified, hold a needle weighing four liang with the right hand, and press the acupoint with the left hand with a weight of seven jin (describing steady pressure), causing the Qi in the point's pulse to open. Ask the patient to cough once, then insert the needle immediately, slowly promoting the needle sensation. When the needle reaches the specified depth (cun), stop and wait for Deqi (arrival of Qi). Rotate the needle handle to the left to accord with Heaven (Yang), inhale and rotate to the right to emulate Earth (Yin), then inhale again and lift the needle to harmonize with Man (Zhong). This is the Dao of the Three Realms (Sancai) in acupuncture. Rotating left is Tonification (Bu), rotating right is Sedation (Xie), both responding to the arrival of Qi. If the Qi descends, continue needling according to the previous method. After withdrawing the needle, press the acupoint with fingers to prevent leakage of True Qi. Inserting the needle during inhalation and withdrawing during exhalation, without pressing the acupoint, allows pathogenic Qi to escape through the needle aperture.

Generally, deficiency and emaciation due to overwork, along with itching and numbness, require Tonification only, not Sedation. Cold Damage, summerheat-dampness, and pain caused by external pathogens require Sedation only, not Tonification. In spring and summer, needling should be shallow; in autumn and winter, needling should be deep. These are the manual techniques for tonification and sedation.

The stars of destiny may be calculated but are hard to fix; physiognomy is wondrous but difficult to master. If one wishes to be a virtuous person in life, nothing compares to the hidden merit gained through the medical arts.

Zusanli (ST36) and Neiting (ST44); Quchi (LI11) and Hegu (LI4) to intercept the disease; Weizhong (BL40) paired with Chengshan (BL57), extending down to Kunlun (BL60); Huantiao (GB30) and Yanglingquan (GB34); Tongli (HT5) alongside Lieque (LU7). Use the "Dan" (Shoulder/Support) method when covering broad areas, and the "Jie" (Intercept/Cut) method when targeting specific points. These are strategic methods; do not share them with idle talkers. The three hundred and sixty bone joints [acupoints] are inferior to these eleven Heavenly Star points. Few know this method; mastering it unlocks the golden lock completely. If taught to someone, why need other decisions? This is the Divine Needle Method, benefiting all beings and bringing joy.