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Regardless of the disease syndrome contracted, whether it is warm, cool, hot, or cold. If illness occurs in spring, first regulate the ascending Qi, then regulate the descending Qi; if illness occurs in summer, Qi moves naturally. This ensures the source of generation and transformation is not exhausted.

The *Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states: "One must first comply with the movement of Qi and not damage the harmony of Heaven (natural constitution); this is the highest treatment." It also states: "Do not violate the seasons and damage Qi." And again: "Do not damage the generating Qi." These are all the standard principles of using acupuncture. The methods for Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter follow a cyclical pattern. If one acts contrary to these norms, the Yin and Yang Qi, specifically the ascending and descending Qi, will become chaotic.

The principle of all needling begins with the meridians (Jing-Luo). Meridians can determine life and death, and when treating disease, they regulate deficiency and excess; thus, they must be thoroughly understood. The channels internally connect to the Five Zang Organs without end. They are typically measured starting from dawn (Pingdan). The pulse qi originates from the Middle Jiao, enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Channel, emerges into the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Channel, ascends and injects into the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel, descends to the dorsum of the foot, goes between the big toe, and joins with the Hand-Taiyin, ascending to reach the Spleen, injecting into the Heart. The Heart injects into the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Channel, emerging from the axilla, descending along the arm, reaching the vertex, and descending to inject into the little finger, joining the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Channel. It follows the spine, descends to the sacrum, and injects into the tip of the little toe. Following the sole of the foot, it injects into the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Channel, ascending to the Kidneys, injecting into the Heart, and dispersing externally into the chest. It follows the Pericardium Channel, injects into the axilla, descends along the arm, enters between the two tendons, enters the palm, emerges at the tip of the middle finger, returns to inject into the tip of the ring finger, joining the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel. It ascends to the Shanzhong (Chest Center), disperses into the Triple Burner, injects into the Gallbladder, emerges from the hypochondrium, and injects into the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel. It descends to the dorsum of the foot, again from the dorsum injects between the big toes, joining the Foot-Jueyin Liver Channel, ascending to inject into the Liver, then into the Lungs, and finally re-emerges into the Hand-Taiyin Lung Channel. This is the circulation of Ying (Nutritive) Qi, the normal course of reverse and forward flow. The circulation of Ying and Wei (Defensive) Qi usually follows the meridians. The total length of the meridians throughout the body is sixteen zhang and two chi. In one day and night, it travels eight hundred eleven zhang, completing fifty circuits around the body. For Wei Qi, it follows down the meridians. During the day, it travels through the Yang aspects; at night, it travels through the Yin aspects. Traveling through Yang means circulating through the various meridians; traveling through Yin means circulating through the various Zang organs.
In general, the method of needling lies where Ying and Wei Qi reside. After the Qi has moved, employ techniques of ascending and descending Qi to open and unblock the meridians.