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In spring and summer, to draw in Yin, insert the needle deeply into the skin by five fen, reaching the regions of the Kidney and Liver, to induce Yin Qi to harmonize the Yin aspect; then withdraw superficially to two fen below the skin, reaching the areas of the Heart and Lung, wait for Deqi (arrival of needle sensation), and hold the needle steady.

In autumn and winter, to draw in Yang, insert the needle shallowly to harmonize the Qi; upon obtaining Deqi in the Yin region, push the needle inward to induce Yang Qi. When tonification is indicated, take Qi from the Wei (Defensive) level, and upon Deqi, push the needle inward. When sedation is indicated, take Qi from the Ying (Nutritive) level, and upon Deqi, pull the needle outward.

When Yang is deficient and Yin is excessive, one should first tonify Yang and then sedate Yin. For example, if Gallbladder Qi is deficient and Liver Qi is excessive, first tonify the Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, and then sedate it.

Rotating the thumb forward constitutes tonification, accompanied by exhalation creating a warm sensation; rotating the thumb backward constitutes sedation, accompanied by inhalation creating a cool sensation.

Rapid lifting and slow pressing naturally produces a cool sensation for sedation; slow lifting and rapid pressing naturally produces a thermal sensation for tonification.

One flight forward (insertion) brings True Qi naturally; one retreat backward with three flights forward (insertion) causes Evil Qi to diminish naturally.

For sedation: when the needle sensation feels solid and firm, apply sedation. For tonification: when the needle sensation feels empty and soft, apply tonification.

For pain symptoms, apply sedation using the sequence of inhaling first then exhaling; for itching or numbness symptoms, apply tonification using the sequence of exhaling first then inhaling.

Generally, before performing tonification or sedation, diagnose the pulses of the Five Zang Organs and determine the acupoints to be used.

Before initiating needling, observe the weather conditions, investigate the source of the disease, identify the affected meridians, ensure the acupoints are clearly defined, and keep the principles of Five Elements generation/inter-restriction and tonification/sedation in mind. Avoid days of Blood Branch and Blood Taboo, do not offend the Ren Shen (Human Spirit), and do not needle when Tai Yi is in the palace. Be cautious with cold-heat disorders, drunkenness, fullness, fatigue, weakness, wind pathogens, and Yin syndromes. Spring and summer suit warmth; autumn and winter require significant warming. Maintain a centered mind and correct demeanor, treating patients as if awaiting distinguished guests. The left hand presses and fixes the point, while the right hand holds the needle. In autumn and winter, depths may vary (three-five, two-four); in spring and summer, follow the climate characteristics. To tonify Yang and sedate Yin, when sedating Yang, have the patient exhale first; when sedating Yin, have the patient retain their breath after inhalation. Palpate and press to find acupoints, understand the cause of the disease, and remove the needle once pain is relieved. If the patient's condition persists, tonify Yin in layers. He Gu points guide each other, alleviating deep Jue (cold extremities). Practitioners must memorize these principles. The words of sages are precious as gold; swear that if leaked, ancestors will suffer punishment.

The *Zhen Wei Fu* states: Inserting the needle is like a dragon diving into the sea; withdrawing it is like a fierce tiger leaving the mountain. Needling has the merit of劫病 (snatching away disease); medicine has the strength to move mountains. If rivers and lakes are blocked, use a hoe to clear them; if Qi and Blood are stagnant, use Bian stones or needles to pierce them. The needle head is small as millet grains, and the Qi flows out like clouds and smoke.

The *Huangdi Neijing* says: The human body has 349 acupoints, including 49 single points and 310 paired points.

The *Tongren Jing* says: There are 644 acupoints, located differently. Recognizing Yin and Yang, distinguishing deficiency and excess, knowing reversal and smoothness, and understanding the changes generated by meridian Qi allows for needling. Tonify deficiency, sedate excess, and for neither deficient nor excess conditions, select points according to the meridians. The needle is fine as hair, its effects hidden and unpredictable; needling must be effective. With each breath, Qi arrives like rolling rivers; with each press and lift, force opens like an unfolding crossbow. The mystery of needling is profound and difficult to fully comprehend. Observe the celestial cycles above, vigorously guiding Qi to arrive; care for the common people below, driving away Evil Qi joyfully. Acupoints correspond to Heaven, Earth, and Humanity (San Cai), such as Yongquan (KI1), Xuanji (CV15), and Baihui (GV20). Gather the Five Great Mountains (Heng, Heng, Tai, Hua, Song). Humans have Five Zang Organs: Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, Kidney. Needling utilizes Five Shu Points: Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River, He-Sea. If ditches are blocked, water stays inside; if meridians are obstructed, Qi and Blood stagnate within. Open the ditches to let water flow, guiding Qi to move. From ancient times to now, tonifying deficiency and sedating excess, shallowing or deepening as appropriate. Though hands act skillfully, fame spreads across the four seas. Though one cannot revive dead bones, there is naturally the power to bring the dying back to life.

Reviewing these words, divine spirits will bless you.