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Qibo said: When pathogenic factors invade the human body, they first lodge in the skin and hair (mao pi). If they remain there without being expelled, they enter the sun luo vessels (sun luo). If they continue to remain, they enter the luo vessels (luo mai). If they still do not leave, they penetrate into the main meridians (jing mai). These meridians connect internally with the five zang organs and disperse externally to the intestines and stomach. When both yin and yang aspects become excessive, the five zang organs are injured. This is the sequence by which pathogens enter from the skin and hair and ultimately reach the five zang organs; in such cases, one should treat the meridians.

The general principles of acupuncture require first observing the meridians, palpating them to follow their qi flow, carefully assessing deficiency and excess, and then regulating them. If the meridian qi is unregulated, apply Jing Ci (Meridian Needling). If there is neither deficiency nor excess, select points from the affected meridian itself.

When pain is located on the left side but the pulse on the right side shows pathology, apply Ju Ci (Giant Needling). When pathogens lodge in the meridians, an excess on the left causes disease on the right, and an excess on the right causes disease on the left; there may also be shifts in location. If pain persists on the left while the pulse on the right becomes pathological first, one must use Ju Ci. The needle must target the meridians, not the luo vessels.

If the Ren Ying pulse (carotid artery) beats once faster than the Mai Kou pulse (radial artery), the disease is in the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. If it beats once faster and is rapid and restless, the disease is in the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian. If the Ren Ying pulse beats twice as fast, the disease is in the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. If it beats twice as fast and is rapid and restless, the disease is in the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian. If the Ren Ying pulse beats three times as fast, the disease is in the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. If it beats three times as fast and is rapid and restless, the disease is in the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. If the Ren Ying pulse beats four times as fast, and is large and rapid, it is called Yi Yang (Overflowing Yang). Yin overflowing beyond Yang is termed Wai Ge (External Grid).

If the Mai Kou pulse beats once faster than the Ren Ying pulse, the disease is in the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian. If it beats once faster and is rapid and restless, the disease is in the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian. If the Mai Kou pulse beats twice as fast, the disease is in the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. If it beats twice as fast and is rapid and restless, the disease is in the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian. If the Mai Kou pulse beats three times as fast, the disease is in the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian. If it beats three times as fast and is rapid and restless, the disease is in the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian. If the Mai Kou pulse beats four times as fast, and is large and rapid, it is called Yi Yin (Overflowing Yin). Yang trapped inside is termed Nei Guan (Internal Closure). If Nei Guan is blocked, death ensues and cannot be cured.

If both the Ren Ying and Mai Kou pulses are more than four times excessive, it is called Guan Ge (Gridlock). Patients with Guan Ge have a short life expectancy.

If the Ren Ying pulse is excessive by one degree, drain the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and tonify the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, using a method of two drains and one tonification, performed once daily. One must palpate the pulse to verify effects, disperse the qi, and stop when the upper qi harmonizes. If the Ren Ying pulse is excessive by two degrees, drain the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and tonify the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, using two drains and one tonification, performed every two days. One must palpate the pulse to verify effects, disperse the qi, and stop when the upper qi harmonizes. If the Ren Ying pulse is excessive by three degrees, drain the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian and tonify the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, using two drains and one tonification, performed twice daily. One must palpate the pulse to verify effects, disperse the qi, and stop when the upper qi harmonizes.

If the Mai Kou pulse is excessive by one degree, drain the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian and tonify the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, using two tonifications and one drain, performed once daily. One must palpate the pulse to verify effects, disperse the qi, and stop when the upper qi harmonizes. If the Mai Kou pulse is excessive by two degrees, drain the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and tonify the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, using two tonifications and one drain, performed every two days. One must palpate the pulse to verify effects, disperse the qi, and stop when the upper qi harmonizes. If the Mai Kou pulse is excessive by three degrees, drain the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian and tonify the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, using two tonifications and one drain, performed twice daily. One must palpate the pulse to verify effects, disperse the qi, and stop when the upper qi harmonizes. The reason for treating twice daily is that the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian governs Stomach Qi and is rich in grain qi, so it can tolerate twice-daily treatment.

If both the Ren Ying and Mai Kou pulses are more than three times excessive, it is called Yin Yang Ju Yi (Yin and Yang Both Overflowing). In such cases, if not opened and released, blood vessels will become blocked, qi will fail to circulate, and it will flow wildly within, injuring the five zang organs internally. If moxibustion is applied in such cases, it will transform into other diseases.