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Clear Qi (Qing Qi) naturally belongs to Yang and resides superiorly, while Turbid Qi (Zhuo Qi) naturally belongs to Yin and descends. Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi, circulating within the vessels) follows the meridians in a順 (smooth/forward) direction, whereas Wei Qi (Defensive Qi, circulating outside the vessels) moves in a reverse direction on the exterior. If Clear and Turbid Qi interfere with each other and disrupt the chest, this is termed "Da Men" (severe chest oppression and stuffiness).

Therefore, if Qi disorder occurs in the Heart, it manifests as mental restlessness, muteness, bowing the head, and lying still. Treatment involves selecting points from the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian and Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian (e.g., Shenmen [HT7], Daling [PC7]). If Qi disorder occurs in the Lungs, it manifests as dyspnea, wheezing, difficulty breathing requiring leaning forward or backward, and using hands to assist respiration. Treatment involves selecting the Ying-Spring point of the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian (Yuji [LU10]) and points from the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian (Taixi [KI3]). If Qi disorder occurs in the Intestines and Stomach, it results in Huoluan (Cholera-like syndrome characterized by severe vomiting and diarrhea). Treatment involves selecting points from the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian (Taibai [SP3], XianGu [ST43]). If the condition is severe and Qi fails to descend, select Zusanli [ST36]. (Qi disorder internally: ascending affects Heart and Lungs; descending affects Intestines and Stomach.) If Qi disorder occurs in the arms and shins, it results in Si Jue (Four Coldness, i.e., cold extremities). Treatment should first involve pricking collateral vessels to release blood, followed by selecting Ying-Spring points of the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian and Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. (On the arm, select Erjian [LI2], Sanjian [LI3], Yemen [TE2], Zhongzhu [TE3]; on the foot, select Neiting [ST44], XianGu [ST43], Xiaxi [GB43], Zulinqi [GB41].) If Qi disorder occurs in the head, it results in Ni Ni (rebellious Qi leading to fainting or dizziness), heavy head, vertigo, and falling. Treatment involves selecting Tianzhu [BL10] and Dashu [BL11] (both Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian points). If ineffective, select the Ying-Spring and Shu-Stream points of the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian (Tonggu [BL65], Shugu [BL64]). (Qi disorder externally: descending affects limbs; ascending affects the head.)

Slow insertion and slow withdrawal are called "Dao Qi" (Guiding Qi). Tonification and sedation without rigid form are called "Tong Jing" (Same Essence). (In acupuncture tonification and sedation, harmony and gentleness are paramount; thus, one should insert and withdraw slowly to guide Qi and restore Yuan Qi. However, tonification guides righteous Qi, while sedation guides pathogenic Qi; both aim to preserve Essence, hence "tonification and sedation have no fixed form," referred to as Tong Jing.) This is not due to Excess or Deficiency, but rather due to the rebellion of disordered Qi. (This indicates that the condition is not caused by Excess or Deficiency, but specifically requires guiding the rebellious Qi in this manner.)

For individuals who are physically robust, with abundant Qi and Blood, and firm skin, if they contract pathogens, needling should be deep and retain the needle. This is the method for fat people. (Since Qi and Blood are vigorous, the treatment aligns with that for robust/fat individuals.) For those with broad shoulders, thin axillary and neck muscles, thick dense black skin, and thick lips, their Blood is dark and turbid, and their Qi is sluggish and slow. Such individuals tend to be greedy in taking and giving. Needling them requires deep insertion, long retention, and increased frequency of treatment. (Long needle retention.)

Thin individuals have thin skin, pale complexion, emaciated muscles, thin lips, and soft speech. Their Blood is clear, and their Qi is slippery; they easily lose Qi and damage Blood. Needling them requires shallow insertion and rapid withdrawal.

For normal individuals, adjust based on skin color. Those with white skin are treated like thin individuals; those with black skin are treated like fat individuals. Adjust depth and retention time accordingly. (White skin corresponds to thin body type; black skin corresponds to fat body type; adjust depth and count.)

Individuals with upright, solid, and plump constitutions have harmonious Qi and Blood. Needling them should follow standard protocols. (Such as the standards mentioned in the *Jing Shui* chapter: e.g., Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian needled 6 fen deep, retained for 10 breaths.)

Infants have fragile flesh, little Blood, and weak Qi. Needling infants requires shallow insertion with a fine needle and rapid withdrawal. It may be performed twice daily. (If pathogens remain...)

Why does the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian alone descend? The Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) is the sea of Qi and Blood for the Five Zang and Six Fu organs; all organs derive from it. Its ascending branch emerges from the Hangsang (nasopharynx), passes through the Qigie (inguinal region), runs along the medial aspect of the thigh, enters the popliteal fossa, travels deep within the bone, descends to behind the medial malleolus, and then branches off. Its descending branch merges with the Foot Shaoyin Meridian and permeates the Three Yin Meridians. (Permeating from Foot Shaoyin to Foot Taiyin Spleen and Foot Jueyin Liver Meridians, hence descending.) Its anterior branch travels beneath the dorsum of the foot, enters between the great toe, permeates various collaterals to warm the muscles. (All are functions of Chong Mai Qi.) Therefore, if the collateral branches of the Chong Mai become obstructed, the vessels on the dorsum of the foot will cease to move; lack of movement leads to Jue (cold extremities/fainting), which causes coldness. (If Chong Mai collaterals are obstructed by pathogens, blood flow in dorsal foot vessels stops, causing Jue and cold. While the Three Yin Meridians of the foot generally ascend toward the abdomen, the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian descends uniquely because it runs parallel with the Chong Mai.)