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The acupoints contraindicated for needling must be clearly understood first. These include Naohu (GV17), Xinhui (GV22), and Shenting (GV24). Also Luoque (BL8), Yuzhen (BL9), and Jiaosun (TE6). Luxi (TE5), Chengqi (ST1), and Chengling (GB15) [are also to be avoided or treated with caution]. Shendao (GV11), Lingtai (GV10), and Danzhong (CV17) are taboo for needling. Women should not be needled at Hegu (LI4). Sanyinjiao (SP6) is also generally discussed [with caution in pregnancy]. Shimai (CV5) must be avoided for both needling and moxibustion; if needled, women will be unable to conceive for life. Additionally, Yunmen (LU2) and Jiutui (CV15) [are contraindicated]. Qufen (SI19) and Keyuren (ST7) must not be needled deeply. If Jianjing (GB21) is needled too deeply, the person may faint. Zusanli (ST36) requires urgent tonification to restore stability.

There are forty-five acupoints contraindicated for moxibustion. These include Chengguang (BL7), Yamen (GV15), and Fengfu (GV16). Tianzhu (BL10), Suliao (DU26), and Zulinqi (GB41) are located superiorly. Jingming (BL1), Cuanzhu (BL2), and Yingxiang (LI20) are numerous [requiring caution]. He liao (SI19), Quanliao (SI18), and Sizhukong (TE23) [are also included]. Jingqu (LU8), Tianfu (LU3), and Zhongchong (PC9). Yangguan (GV3), Yangchi (TE4), and Diwuhui (GB29). Yinbai (SP1), Lougu (SP9), and Yinlingquan (SP9). Futu (ST32), Biguan (ST31), and Weizhong (BL40). Yinmen (BL37), Shenmai (BL62), and Chengfu (BL36) are taboo for moxibustion.

If one needs to needle for Wind syndrome, first select Fengmen (BL12) and Qihai (CV6). If one needs to needle for Water retention disorders, select Shuifen (CV9), located beside the umbilicus. If one needs to needle for Qi stagnation/knots, needle Tianshu (ST25), the Front-Mu point of the Large Intestine, to drain dampness/water. If one needs to needle for Deficiency-Lao (consumptive disease), moxibustion must be used. If one needs to needle for Phlegm syndrome, first needle between Zhongwan (CV12) and Zusanli (ST36). If one needs to needle for Vomiting, apply tonification to Zhongwan (CV12), Qihai (CV6), and Danzhong (CV17). Fanwei (regurgitation/vomiting) and food vomiting are treated with the same needling method. There are profound secrets in needling that few people know.

When performing needling, tonification and sedation must distinguish between Cold and Heat. To treat Cold, use sedation; to treat Heat, use tonification; these must be distinguished clearly. Rotating the needle handle outward is the method for sedation. Rotating the needle handle inward is the secret for tonification. For left-sided manipulation, pushing the thumb forward [counter-clockwise] constitutes sedation. One must also understand the Ying-Sui (Following and Opposing) techniques. Following the meridian flow is tonification; opposing it is sedation. Ancients divided tonification and sedation by left and right hand operations; modern practitioners differentiate by gender. However, the meridians of men and women are generated similarly, circulating day and night without pause. The Yang meridians of the hands ascend to the head; the Yin meridians descend from the chest to the fingertips. The Yang meridians of the feet descend from the head to the feet; the Yin meridians ascend from the feet to the abdomen where they converge. "Sui" means the needle tip follows the direction of the meridian's Qi flow. "Ying" means the needle tip opposes the meridian's flow to seize/drive out pathogenic factors. Furthermore, there is a method of determining tonification and sedation by respiration: sedation during inhalation, tonification during exhalation, which is truly extraordinary. For tonification, withdraw the needle during exhalation and insert during inhalation. One must know the "San Fei" (Three Flights) technique: when Qi arrives, withdraw the needle; insert during inhalation; withdraw rapidly and press the acupoint immediately. For sedation, insert the needle only during inhalation. One must understand how to block healthy Qi to allow pathogenic Qi to reach the whole body. When Qi arrives, withdraw the needle during exhalation; withdraw slowly in three stages, leaving the acupoint open without closing it. Do not easily reveal this secret to others.