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The Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) both originate from the Bao Zhong (uterus/central cavity). They ascend along the interior of the spine, serving as the Sea of the Meridians. The branches that float outward follow the right side of the abdomen upward, converging at the throat, where they branch off to connect with the lips and mouth. When Qi and Blood are abundant, they fill the skin and warm the flesh; when Blood is particularly excessive, it seeps into the skin, generating fine hair. Women have an excess of Qi but a deficiency of Blood due to frequent blood loss; consequently, the Chong and Ren vessels fail to nourish the lips and mouth, resulting in the absence of facial hair.

When Yin and Yang are harmonious, and Qi and Blood are moist, lubricated, and smooth, needle insertion causes Qi to emerge rapidly, meeting the needle quickly. If there is an excess of Yin and deficiency of Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi), which is deep, while Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), which is superficial, is dominant, the movement of Qi is difficult. This leads to "Qi blocking the upper Jiao," where food and drink are regurgitated immediately upon entry. (This occurs because the pathogenic factor is located in the upper part, so food is expelled instantly. Qi can be either Excess or Deficiency: in Excess patterns, Qi stagnation prevents food from being retained; in Deficiency patterns, Cold Qi fails to digest food. Both result in immediate regurgitation.) If parasites cause "blocking of the lower Jiao," food is vomited after some time. (This occurs because the pathology caused by parasites is located in the lower part, as detailed later.) Irregular emotions, unregulated diet, and improper exposure to cold and heat cause cold fluids to flow into the intestines. These cold fluids chill the parasites, causing them to accumulate and stay in the Xia Wan (lower stomach). This results in distension and fullness of the intestines and stomach, preventing the normal circulation of Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), allowing pathogenic factors to reside there. (Damage to Stomach Qi leads to Yang deficiency and the flow of cold fluids into the intestines. Chilled parasites cease movement and accumulate in the lower stomach, filling the gastrointestinal tract. Wei Qi is synonymous with Spleen Qi; if Spleen Qi cannot circulate, pathogens gather and reside.) When a person eats, parasites move upward to feed, leaving the lower stomach empty. Pathogenic factors then invade this emptiness and accumulate. Prolonged accumulation leads to the formation of abscesses. Once formed, the lower stomach becomes constricted. (Pathogens accumulate due to deficiency, causing obstruction in the lower stomach and impeding Qi movement, often due to Yang deficiency in the lower Jiao, leading to regurgitation after a period.) If the abscess is deep within, palpation elicits deep pain; if superficial, the abscess is visible externally but pain remains deep, with heat on the skin above the lesion. (The terms "inside" and "outside" refer to the lower stomach. Pathogens hide internally, manifesting heat on the surface.) Gently palpate the abscess to observe the direction of Qi flow. (Identify the pathway of Qi for acupuncture.) Begin with shallow needling around the area, gradually increasing depth, repeating no more than three times. (First, use shallow needling to drain circulating pathogens; then needle the primary point of the disease to remove the root of accumulation, stopping after two or three sessions to avoid excess.) Determine needle depth based on the floating or sunken nature of the pathogen. After needling, apply moxibustion or warming therapy to generate heat, penetrating inward daily to weaken pathogens until the large abscess ruptures and dissipates. Combine five appropriate precautions to eliminate internal causes. Maintain tranquility and non-action to allow Qi to flow. (Diet and lifestyle must be adjusted according to the Five Elements and seasonal appropriateness, observing taboos to prevent internal injury. Tranquility nourishes Qi, allowing righteous Qi to flow and pathogens to disperse. Since obstructive disorders are difficult to cure, such caution is essential.) Subsequently, use salty and bitter substances to transform and descend grain. (Salty flavors, associated with Water, soften hardness and promote downward movement; bitter flavors, associated with Fire, warm the Stomach. Both facilitate the descent of food. ○ Regarding lower Jiao obstruction, some cases involve prolonged regurgitation not caused by parasite blockage but by lower Jiao不通 (blockage). This chapter specifically addresses parasite-induced blockage, which is merely one type of lower Jiao obstruction.)