Library

The Foot-Yangming (Stomach) channel is the sea of the five zang and six fu organs. Its pulse is large, with abundant blood and vigorous qi, characterized by strong heat. When needling this channel, if the insertion is not deep enough, the pathogenic factors will not disperse; if the needle is not retained, the healthy qi will not be properly drained.

For the Foot-Yangming channel, the needling depth is six fen, with retention for ten breaths. For the Foot-Taiyang (Bladder) channel, the depth is five fen, retained for seven breaths. For the Foot-Shaoyang (Gallbladder) channel, the depth is four fen, retained for five breaths. For the Foot-Taiyin (Spleen) channel, the depth is one fen, retained for four breaths. For the Foot-Shaoyin (Kidney) channel, the depth is two fen, retained for three breaths. For the Foot-Jueyin (Liver) channel, the depth is one fen, retained for two breaths. In the upper limbs, the yin and yang channels have a shorter pathway for receiving qi, and the arrival of qi is rapid. Therefore, the maximum needling depth for these channels should not exceed two fen, and the retention time should not exceed one breath. Regarding the patient’s age (young or old), size, and body constitution (fat or thin), one must carefully consider and adjust accordingly; this is called following the constant laws of Heaven. The same principle applies to moxibustion. If moxibustion exceeds these limits, it may cause "evil fire" (severe pathological heat), leading to dry bones and stagnant pulses. If needling exceeds these depths, it may lead to qi depletion.

The six yang channels of the hands extend from the hands to the head, each measuring five chi, totaling three zhang (ten chi) for all six. The six yin channels of the hands extend from the hands to the chest, each measuring three chi and five cun, totaling one zhang and eight chi for all six. Combined with the yang channels, the total length is two zhang and one chi. The six yang channels of the feet extend from the feet to the head, each measuring eight chi, totaling four zhang and eight chi for all six. The six yin channels of the feet extend from the feet to the chest, each measuring six chi and five cun, totaling three zhang and nine chi for all six. The Qiao vessels (Shu Vessels) extend from the feet to the eyes, each measuring seven chi and five cun, totaling one zhang and five chi for both. The Du Mai (Governor Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) are each four chi and five cun long, totaling nine chi for both. All these combined amount to sixteen zhang and two chi. These are the major meridians through which qi flows. The main meridians lie internally, while branches that run horizontally are Luo vessels (Connecting Vessels); further subdivisions of Luo vessels are Sun vessels (Sun Vessels). If a vessel is full of blood, it should be pricked immediately to release it. Excess conditions are treated by draining (reducing), while deficiency conditions are treated with herbal decoctions to tonify.

The Qiao vessels are branch vessels of the Foot-Shaoyin (Kidney) channel. They originate behind the Ran Gu point, ascend above the medial malleolus, follow the medial thigh into the genital region, continue up through the interior of the chest, enter the Que Pen area, emerge anterior to the Ying Chu point, enter the inner canthus, and merge with the Yang Qiao vessel of the Foot-Taiyang (Bladder) channel to ascend. When the qi of both vessels runs together and returns, they moisten the eyes. If the qi does not nourish them, the eyes cannot close. For men, the Yang Qiao vessel is counted as the Jing (Main) vessel, and the Yin Qiao as the Luo (Connecting) vessel. For women, the Yin Qiao is counted as the Jing vessel, and the Yang Qiao as the Luo vessel.