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The commentary on the *Suwen* states: "According to the classic, one must first tonify the Zhenqi (True Qi) before draining the pathogenic factors." Why is this so? The tonification method involves inserting the needle at the end of exhalation and retaining it quietly for a long time. The meaning of "tonifying first" in this passage is thus clearly evident.

The *Bacui* states: "Exhalation should not exceed three times, inhalation should not exceed five times." The *Mingtang* states: "When tonification is indicated, wait for the Deqi (arrival of Qi) at the disease site, then use the number of 'Shengxi' (breaths corresponding to the generative numbers of heaven and earth). Instruct the patient to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth until they feel warmth. When drainage is indicated, wait for Deqi at the disease site, then use the number of 'Shengxi'. Instruct the patient to exhale through the nose and inhale through the mouth according to the number corresponding to the affected Zang-Fu organs until they feel coolness."

The commentary on the *Suwen Yipian* regarding Kidney Shu (BL23) states: "Use a Yuanli needle. At the time of needling, recite the incantation: 'Wudi Shangzhen, Liujia Xuanling, Qifu Zhiyin.' Doing this three times can stabilize the Hun and Shen (Spirit)." The commentary regarding Spleen Shu (BL20) states: "Before inserting the needle, recite the incantation: 'Di Fu Tianxing, Huming Chengling.' Recite it three times, then insert the needle to a depth of 0.3 cun, retain it for seven breaths, and rapidly withdraw the needle once Qi arrives."

I consider that the method of reciting incantations does not align with the intent of the *Suwen*. These tonification commentaries were written by Wang Bing and others, and are not entirely trustworthy. However, when acupuncturists recite incantations, their mind focuses solely on the needle. Hence, it is said: "Wait as if awaiting a noble guest, forgetting the passing of the day."

The *Jisheng Bacui* states: "For the drainage method, first use the left hand to palpate and locate the acupoint. Place the needle on the point with the right hand. Ask the patient to cough once, twirl the needle into the Couli (interstitial spaces), turn the needle head towards the disease site, and use the hand to follow and press along the meridians to the disease site. Rotate the handle back and forth to guide Qi beyond the needle by three Cun. Withdraw the needle slowly during exhalation without closing the hole; this is called drainage. For the tonification method, first use the left hand to palpate and locate the acupoint. Place the needle on the point with the right hand. Ask the patient to cough once, twirl the needle into the Couli to locate the point. Ask the patient to exhale fully, then insert the needle to a depth of 0.8 cun. When heaviness and tightness are felt, retreat the needle by about 0.1 cun. If heaviness and tightness are felt again, rotate the needle head upwards towards the disease site. Follow the previous method of following and pressing the disease site. Once Qi arrives, the disease resolves. Withdraw the needle during inhalation and quickly press the hole; this is called tonification." It further states: "The practitioner should warm the needle with their mouth before insertion. First, use the left hand to palpate the Ying and Shu points, flick them to make the vessels full, mark with nails, press and follow along the meridians to access Qi. Upon the patient's cough, insert the needle with the right hand. In spring and summer, use twenty-four breaths; in autumn and winter, use thirty-six breaths. Insert and withdraw slowly. The arrival of Qi feels like a pulsating artery. For tonification, push the needle inward following the direction of the meridian flow; close the needle hole with the left hand, withdraw slowly, and press quickly. For drainage, pull the needle outward against the direction of the meridian flow; open the needle hole with the left hand, withdraw quickly, and press slowly. Tonify cases of emaciation, weak Qi, itching, and numbness. Drain cases of obesity, hardness, and pain."

Regarding the *Suwen* saying "insert the needle upon exhalation" and "withdraw the needle upon exhalation," "hou" means to wait or attend to. This implies the practitioner waits for the patient's respiration to manipulate the needle. This interpretation is highly erroneous. Nevertheless, these tonification and drainage methods still conform to the intent of the *Suwen* and *Nanjing*.

The commentary on the *Mingtang* states: "For cold-heat tonification and drainage: Suppose treating deficiency-cold with tonification. First, ask the patient to cough once to enter the Couli. Then ask the patient to blow air out once, and while doing so, insert the needle to a depth of 0.4 cun in the regions of the Heart and Lungs. Then ask the patient to inhale to insert the needle, twirl to guide Qi downward to the disease site, then externally twirl to guide Qi upward, passing one or two Cun beyond the needled point. Finally, upon inhalation, externally twirl, withdraw the needle, and quickly press the hole with the hand; this is tonification. If treating heat diseases with cold methods, how should one proceed? To induce a sensation of cold, first insert into the Yang layer. Wait for Deqi, then push deeper into the Yin layer. Then instruct the patient to let Earth Qi enter and Heaven Qi exit. Carefully count the 'Shengxi' (generative breaths) until the patient feels cool. If treating aversion-to-cold with heat methods, how should one proceed? To induce a sensation of heat, first insert into the Yin layer. Wait for Deqi, then slowly draw the needle up to the Yang layer. Then instruct the patient to let Heaven Qi enter and Earth Qi exit. Also carefully count the 'Shengxi' until the patient feels warm."