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The Divine Needle states: If the qi sensation floats on the skin surface, do not insert the needle deeply; use the Yang-Raising Method (Sheng Yang Fa). If the pulse is floating but not slippery, lift the needle and rapidly flick the handle several times to raise yang qi. If the pulse is slippery and the needle sensation is prominent, the Yang-Raising Method can be used upon withdrawal. If there is slipperiness without floating, first press, lift, and twirl the needle; when a trembling sensation (De Qi) occurs, withdraw the needle. If the qi sensation is astringent, twirl the needle. If the qi comes and goes, with a sticky sensation under the needle, withdraw it. If the pathology is in the upper body and the qi sensation is sinking, with a fluctuating sensation at the subcutaneous level but no other changes, apply the Twirling (Cuo) and Pressing (An) methods. If the qi sensation is tense, whether using Tonification (Bu), Sedation (Xie), Lifting, Pressing, Scraping, or Searching methods, if the tension persists, the Yang-Raising Method can be employed. If the qi sensation is subtle, alternating between tightness and looseness within its subtlety, one may again employ methods to guide qi up or down. If the qi comes or does not come, perform one cycle of tonification and sedation. If the qi arrival is intermittent, use flicking combined with twirling and grasping. If the qi moves to both sides, apply pressure. If the qi flows counter-currently, extend and lift the needle with force.

For qi moving up and down, twirl several times, then press once; lift and twirl, then press once; lift once again; twirl several more times; upon trembling, apply mild tonification while pressing; fix the pressure and withdraw the needle; then twirl and scrape seven times, and follow the meridian three times. When qi movement accompanies trembling and lifting, press and apply sedation, coordinating with the patient's respiration (inhaling). The fire from the Haidi point burns heavenward urgently, while water and fire blend warmly in the center; gently manipulate this area, much like a boatman holding the rudder.

Human skin that is old and hard belongs to Wood; a pulse that is deep, astringent, and subtle belongs to Yang, corresponding to Metal in the West.
If the needle feels slippery but qi has not arrived, it belongs to Taiyin, corresponding to Water in the North.
If neither tight nor slow, and qi arrives immediately, it belongs to Taiyang, corresponding to Fire in the South.
If qi is excess and astringent, it belongs to Shaoyang, corresponding to Wood in the East.
If the skin is hard and flesh sparse, with qi sensation weak and unarrived, this indicates Metal overcoming Wood; if Water overcomes Fire, it is certainly a fatal case.
If the muscle is tight and hard, it belongs to Spleen Earth, indicating the generation cycle of the Five Elements.
However, if there is overcoming (clashing), life and death are determined; all other months, days, and hours indicate great misfortune.
If the skin is floating/soft and the flesh is tight, and qi arrives immediately, this is the precious state of heavy needling, suggesting rest or resolution.
If a woman's skin and flesh are both tight, she will definitely give birth to twins, even if they are male; if the skin is soft and flesh tight, she will definitely give birth to a single child; if both skin and flesh are sparse, it indicates the form of a daughter.