Library

The Northern region is the domain where Heaven and Earth’s Qi are closed and stored. The terrain is high, with people dwelling on hills and mountains; the climate is cold, with biting wind and freezing ice. The inhabitants are accustomed to living in open fields and consuming dairy products, which often leads to internal cold causing distension-type diseases. Therefore, treatment is suitable for moxibustion, indicating that the practice of moxibustion also originated from the North.

When Qi is excessive, apply the draining method; when Qi is deficient, apply the tonifying method. For tonification with fire, do not blow on the flame; allow it to extinguish naturally. For draining with fire, blow vigorously to intensify the heat, quickly replace the moxa cone, and allow the fire to extinguish. If collateral vessels are full (excess) while meridians are empty (deficiency), moxa the Yin [interior] and needle the Yang [exterior]. If meridians are full while collaterals are empty, needle the Yin [interior] and moxa the Yang [exterior]. In cases of sinking [Yang Qi deficiency], apply moxibustion. Where acupuncture cannot achieve the desired effect, moxibustion is appropriate. In cases of simultaneous deficiency of both Yin and Yang, fire therapy [moxibustion] should be employed. For sunken meridians, fire therapy is indicated. For stiff and bound meridians, fire therapy is also the treatment of choice.

The method for treating cold-heat disorders: First, moxa the Dazhui (GV14) point, using one moxa cone per year of age. Frequently moxa the Jugu (coccyx tip) area, again using one cone per year of age. Observe and moxa any sunken areas among the Back-Shu points on the back. Moxa the depression above the shoulder when the arm is raised. Moxa between the two hypochondriac regions. Moxa the end of the Juegu (fibular head) above the lateral malleolus. Moxa between the little toe and the second toe. Moxa the sunken pulse below [the text implies a specific location, likely related to the lower leg or foot]. Moxa behind the lateral malleolus. Palpate above the Keyuan (supraclavicular fossa) bone; if it feels hard and pulsating like a tendon, moxa it. Moxa the depression between the bones in the chest. Moxa 3 cun below the umbilicus at the Guanyuan (CV4) point. Moxa the arterial pulse at the pubic hairline. Moxa the space between muscles three cun below the knee. Moxa the arterial pulse on the dorsum of the foot belonging to the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming. Moxa one cone on the vertex of the head.

An abscess occurring in the hypochondriac region is named "Baici" (Failed Beauty/Defect). This is a disease specific to women and should be treated with moxibustion.

For carbuncles arising in the Five Zang organs, after four or five days, apply moxibustion.

For dog bites, apply three cones of moxa at the site of the bite, and subsequently treat according to the methods for canine injuries, moxa-ing a total of twenty-nine locations.

For diseases caused by food stagnation, apply moxibustion. For those whose bodies are comfortable but whose minds are distressed, where the disease arises in the vessels, treatment involves both moxibustion and acupuncture.

The major Shu points on the back are located at the ends of the spinous processes. The Feishu (BL13) is between the third and fourth thoracic vertebrae (referred to as 'San Jiao' in this context, likely meaning the vertebral segment); Xinshu (BL15) is between the fifth and sixth; Geshushu (BL17) is between the seventh and eighth; Ganshu (BL18) is between the ninth and tenth; Pishu (BL20) is between the eleventh and twelfth; and Shenshu (BL23) is between the fourteenth and fifteenth. All these points flank the spine, approximately three cun apart. To verify the correct location, press the area; if pain is relieved or sensation radiates appropriately, it is the correct Shu point. These points are suitable for moxibustion but not for needling. Gao Wu notes: The *Lun on Blood, Qi, Form, and Spirit* and the *Lost Chapter on Needling Methods* in the *Suwen* both record needling techniques for the Five Zang Shu points, yet here it states they are suitable for moxibustion but not needling. Thus, an old scholar from Cangzhou argued that the *Suwen* was not spoken in one period nor written by one person. The character "Jiao" (scorched/burned) should be read as "Zhui" (vertebra/spine). Furthermore, according to the Biography of Hua Tuo, Fan A from Pengcheng studied under Hua Tuo. Physicians generally stated that the back and chest/abdominal viscera should not be needled recklessly, with a maximum depth of four fen. However, Fan A needled the back to a depth of one or two cun, and the Juque (CV14) point to five or six cun, resulting in complete recovery. This demonstrates the cautious nature of the statements in the *Suwen*, while also showing that skilled physicians can adapt flexibly, not strictly bound by conventional methods, yet ultimately aligning with medical principles.