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The *Neijing* states that when the meridians are full, the collateral vessels overflow. When the collateral vessels overflow, "Miu Ci" (erratic acupuncture) should be employed to regulate the collateral vessels, restoring the physical appearance to its original state without swelling. Thus it is said: Perform Miu Ci at the affected site to restore the form. Note: Miu Ci refers to needling without distinguishing specific acupoints. The *Suwen: Shuire Xuelun* chapter outlines the general principles for selecting acupoints to treat water diseases. If water qi overflows to the exterior, presenting with abdominal distension, or if although the limbs are swollen, the vital qi is slightly substantial and the pulse is floating and surging, this method is suitable. However, in cases where the pathogenic qi is isolated and critical, the pulse is faint, the limbs are small, yet the pathogen is excess and solid, people nowadays often erroneously apply Miu Ci, bringing disaster upon themselves instantly. This is because they fail to examine the principle in the classics that Miu Ci is indicated only when the pulse is full and collaterals overflow.

Sun Simiao (Sun Zhenren) stated: In ancient times, there was no such disease. Since the southward migration during the Yongjia era, many members of the gentry suffered from it. It is caused by dampness flowing into the lower legs and shanks, resulting from sexual indiscretion. Faming stated: Which meridians originate from the three Yin and three Yang meridians of the foot? Yang Taishou said: Hong Kong Jiao (a disease characterized by swelling and weakness of the lower legs and feet) is a type of obstructive disease. It should be treated with agents that promote circulation and unblocking, so that Qi does not become stagnant. Once established and vigorous, bad blood should be discharged using Bian stones (stone needles) to reduce swelling. The classics state: Accumulation leads to swelling and heat; therefore, Bian stone therapy should be used to release it.

The *Yuanbing Shi* states: Bi (obstruction) means numbness and insensitivity, commonly written as "Bi" (closure). Bi means obstruction. Fire governs swelling; thus, when hot pathogens lodge in the Upper Jiao, the throat and pharynx swell. Zhang Dairen listed conditions including Ru E (Gooseberry Throat), Double Ru E, Single Bi Hou (Closed Throat), Double Bi Hou, Zi She Zhang (Child Tongue Swelling), Mu She Zhang (Wooden Tongue Swelling), Chan Hou Feng (Swallowing Throat Wind), and Zou Ma Hou Bi (Running Horse Sore Throat). Hot qi ascends and transmits to both sides of the throat, causing external swelling. Due to their similar shape, they are called Ru E. They are classified as single or double. Those smaller than Ru E are named Bi Hou. Heat accumulation under the tongue generates a small extra tongue, known as Zi She Zhang. Heat accumulation in the middle of the tongue causes swelling, known as Mu She Zhang. "Mu" implies stiffness and lack of flexibility. Heat accumulation in the throat causes swelling around the exterior, accompanied by numbness and itching; when severe, it is called Chan Hou Feng. Sudden onset with rapid death is called Zou Ma Hou Bi. Although these eight names are detailed, they all fall under the category of Fire. Mild cases are treated with salty substances to soften hardness; severe cases are treated with purgatives to scatter accumulation. Regarding Zou Ma Hou Bi, life and death hang in the balance; bleeding via Bian stone therapy cures the disease. I once treated a woman suffering from Mu She Zhang, where her tongue filled her mouth. I instructed her to use a sharp, fine needle for Bian stone therapy five to seven times. It took three days to subside. The amount of blood extracted nearly filled a bushel. Liu Shi stated: In Shaoyin disease of Shanghan (Cold Damage), if there is sore throat, ulceration, inability to speak, and loss of voice, sweet, bitter, pungent, and warm herbs should be used to control the branch symptoms and unblock the throat. However, in cases of latent Shanghan qi developing internally, accompanied by sore throat and diarrhea with undigested food, interior cold with exterior heat, red face, and faint pulse, pungent and hot drugs should be used to attack the root cause, harmonizing Yin and Yang. Once diarrhea stops, Water ascends and Fire descends, and the sore throat resolves spontaneously. This differs from the throat conditions caused by the knotting of one Yin and one Yang in miscellaneous diseases; one must not recklessly apply needle, Bian stone, or cold-cooling medications. The above describes fire-heat induced Hou Bi. Urgently apply blowing powders and puncture acupoints Shaoshang (LU11), Hegu (LI4), Fenglong (ST40), Yongquan (KI1), and Guanchong (SJ1).