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The Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian originates in the middle jiao (located at the epigastrium, four cun above the umbilicus). It descends to connect with the Large Intestine ("connect" implies linking; organs connected to this meridian are termed "luo", while those belonging to it are termed "shu"). Returning along the upper opening of the stomach, it ascends through the diaphragm and belongs to the Lung (the diaphragm is located below the heart and lungs, level with the Jiutui point anteriorly and the 11th thoracic vertebra posteriorly, surrounding and adhering to isolate turbid qi from steaming upwards to the heart and lungs). "Belongs" refers to the area governed by this meridian. From the lung system (i.e., the trachea/throat), it emerges horizontally from under the axilla (beside the Zhongfu point). Descending along the medial aspect of the arm (passing Tianfu and Xiabai), it runs anterior to the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian and Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian (among the three hand yin meridians, the Taiyin Lung is anterior, Jueyin Pericardium is intermediate, and Shaoyin Heart is posterior). It descends into the elbow, then along the medial aspect of the forearm (from Chize, passing Kongzui, Lieque, Jingqu). Ascending to the lower margin of the styloid process of the radius, it enters the Cun Kou (the high bone behind the palm is the styloid process; "lower margin" refers to the lateral side of the bone; Cun Kou is the location of the Taiyuan point). Ascending along the Thenar eminence (the fleshy prominence anterior to the wrist resembling a fish is collectively called "fish"; the posterior border of the fish is the Yuji point), it exits at the tip of the thumb (tip refers to the fingertip; the Hand-Taiyin meridian ends at the Shaoshang point). Its branch arises from behind the wrist (Lieque), goes straight out to the medial side of the index finger, and exits at its tip (branches are like twigs on a tree; this is a collateral vessel connecting outside the main channel, going from Lieque to the tip of the index finger, intersecting at Shaoshang to connect with the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian).

When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, it causes lung distension, fullness, wheezing, and coughing ("change" refers to alteration). Pain in the supraclavicular fossa (although the supraclavicular fossa is a pathway for all twelve meridians, the Lung meridian is particularly close here). In severe cases, the patient crosses their hands over the chest and experiences dizziness or confusion (Mao, pronounced Mao, means numbness and insensitivity). This is called Arm Jue. This meridian governs diseases generated by the Lung (In this chapter, for the five zang organs, each describes diseases generated by that organ; for the six fu organs, it mentions qi, blood, vessels, sinews, bones, or body fluids according to the case. The diseases generated have specific dominances). Cough, asthma, thirst, irritability, chest fullness, pain along the anterior medial aspect of the arm, and heat in the palms (Thirst should be read as "he," meaning coarse and urgent breathing. The divergent branch of the Hand-Taiyin enters the palm directly, hence causing pain, Jue, and palm heat). If Lung Qi is excessive, there is shoulder and back pain, sweating, and susceptibility to wind-cold (wind-cold is on the exterior). Frequent and scanty urination (pathogenic factors damage Lung Qi). If Lung Qi is deficient, there is shoulder and back pain, aversion to cold, shortness of breath, and changes in urine color (Metal deficiency leads to Water depletion). For these various conditions: excess is treated with draining, deficiency with tonifying, heat with rapid needling (qi arrives quickly), cold with retained needle (qi arrives slowly), sinking pulse with moxibustion (internal decline of Yang qi, pulse does not rise), and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by taking from the meridian itself (if the disease is not due to qi/blood excess or deficiency but merely rebellion within the meridian, one should follow the meridian's location, using herbs or acupuncture/moxibustion). An excess pulse shows the Cun Kou larger than the Ren Ying by three times; a deficient pulse shows the Cun Kou smaller than the Ren Ying (Cun Kou governs Yin; thus, when Lung Qi is excessive, Cun Kou is three times larger than Ren Ying; when deficient, it is smaller. Ren Ying is located 1.5 cun lateral to the laryngeal prominence, where the Qi of the three Yang meridians converges).

The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian originates at the tip of the index finger (Shangyang point). It follows the radial side of the finger (passing Erjian and Sanjian). It emerges between the two bones at Hegu (Hegu is between the metacarpals of the thumb and index finger). It ascends between the two tendons (Yangxi point). Following the radial aspect of the forearm, it enters the lateral aspect of the elbow (passing Quchi, Wuli, Binao). Ascending the shoulder, it emerges anterior to the acromion (Jianyu, Gugu points). Ascending further to the intersection of the vertebral column (the root of the neck is the Tian Zhu bone; the six Yang meridians converge at Dazhui of the Du Meridian, called "Huishang"). Descending into the supraclavicular fossa, it connects with the Lung, passes through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Large Intestine (at the Tianshu level lateral to the umbilicus, belonging to the Large Intestine, interior-exterior paired with the Lung). Its branch ascends from the supraclavicular fossa through the neck to the cheek (Tianding, Futu points). Entering the lower teeth, it returns to encircle the lips, crossing at the Philtrum (intersecting left and right at the Philtrum). Ascending to flank the nostrils (from Heliao to Yingxiang).

When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, it causes toothache and neck swelling. This meridian governs diseases generated by Body Fluids (diarrhea or constipation are diseases generated by fluid metabolism). Yellow eyes, dry mouth, nasal bleeding, throat obstruction, pain in the anterior shoulder, and pain/immobility of the thumb and index finger (The divergent branch of the Hand-Yangming merges with the Zong Mai, causing yellow eyes; other diseases are covered by this meridian). Excess Qi causes heat and swelling along the meridian path; deficiency causes chills that do not resolve easily. For these conditions: excess is drained, deficiency is tonified, heat is rapidly needled, cold retains the needle, sinking pulse uses moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency takes from the meridian (as explained before). An excess pulse shows Ren Ying larger than Cun Kou by three times; a deficient pulse shows Ren Ying smaller than Cun Kou (Ren Ying governs Yang; thus, Hand-Yangming pulse is observed at Ren Ying).

The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at the nose, crossing at the nasal root (meridians cross left and right). It receives Qi from the Taiyang Meridian. Descending along the lateral nose (Chengqi, Sibai, Juliao). Entering the upper teeth, it returns to encircle the lips, crossing at Chengjiang (Ren Meridian point). Retreating along the mandible to Daying (from Dicang to Daying). Along Jiache, ascending anterior to the ear (Xiaguan). Passing Gueman (Foot-Shaoyang point). Along the hairline (Touwei). Reaching the forehead (Shenting of Du Meridian anterior to hairline). Its branch descends from Daying anterior to Renying (Jing-Main point). Along the throat, entering the supraclavicular fossa, descending through the diaphragm, belonging to the Stomach and connecting with the Spleen (this branch enters internally from Qupen, passes the diaphragm at Shangwan/Zhongwan, belongs to Stomach, exterior-interior with Spleen). Its main trunk descends from the supraclavicular fossa along the medial breast (descending externally from Qupen via Qihu to Ruzhong, Rugen). Descending flanking the umbilicus (Tianshu). Entering the Qijie (from Wailing downwards). Its branch originates from the lower stomach (Xiaowan). Descending along the abdominal interior (lateral to Hushu of Foot-Shaoyin). Descending to Qijie to merge with the main trunk. Descending to Biguan, reaching Futu, descending to the knee patella, following the lateral tibia, descending to the dorsum of the foot, entering the medial space of the middle toe (Biguan, Futu are knee points; passing Yingshi, Dubi, Zusanli, Chongyang, Neiting, exiting at Lidui; Foot-Yangming ends here). Another branch separates at three cun below the knee (Fenglong), entering the lateral space of the middle toe. Another branch separates from the dorsum (Chongyang), entering the space between the big toes, exiting at the tip (connecting to Foot-Taiyin Liver Meridian at Xingjian).

When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, it causes aversion to cold and shivering (Wind excess). Groaning and frequent yawning (Stomach Qi stagnation). Blackened face (Earth disease allows Water to dominate, so black appears on the face). Fear of people and fire (Pathogen in Yangming causes intense heat). Startle at the sound of wood (Earth fears Wood). Palpitations, desire to stay alone with doors/windows closed (Yin-Yang conflict, Yang exhausted, Yin dominant). Climbing high and singing (Yang excess makes limbs solid). Discarding clothes and running (Heat excess in body). Bowel sounds and abdominal distension, called Gan Jue (Gan refers to shin; Yangming covers this area, hence Jue Ni). This meridian governs diseases generated by Blood (Middle Jiao processes grain, transforms it into red blood; thus Yangming governs blood diseases). Manic malaria, warm pathogens, sweating, nasal congestion/bleeding, oral ulcers, neck swelling, throat obstruction (Yangming heat causes mania; wind causes malaria; warm qi causes sweating/nasal issues; Zhen means ulcer). Abdominal edema (Earth fails to control Water). Knee/patella swelling and pain, pain along chest, breast, Qijie, thigh, Futu, lateral leg, dorsum, immobility of middle toe (all covered by Yangming). Excess Qi causes heat in the anterior body; if Stomach Qi is excessive, digestion is fast, hunger is frequent, urine is yellow (distinguishing Yangming excess-heat in channel vs. organ). Deficient Qi causes cold/chills in the anterior body; Stomach cold causes distension (distinguishing Yang deficiency-cold in channel vs. organ). For these: excess drained, deficiency tonified, heat rapidly needled, cold retained, sinking pulse moxa, neither excess nor deficiency takes from meridian. Excess pulse: Ren Ying three times larger than Cun Kou; Deficient pulse: Ren Ying smaller than Cun Kou (pulse changes seen at Ren Ying).

The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian originates at the tip of the big toe (Yinbai). Following the medial white flesh margin, passing the nuclear bone, ascending anterior to the medial malleolus (Dadu, Taibai). Ascending the medial calf, posterior to the tibia, emerging anterior to Jueyin (Lougu, Diji, Yinlingquan). Ascending the medial thigh anterior margin (Thigh is Da Tui; anterior margin is upper side, near Xuehai, Jimen). Entering the abdomen, belonging to Spleen, connecting with Stomach (from Chongmen into abdomen, at Zhongwan/Xiawan, belongs to Spleen, connects with Stomach). Ascending through diaphragm, flanking pharynx, connecting to tongue root, spreading under tongue (ascending from stomach to pharynx, connecting tongue root, spreading under tongue). Its branch separates from the stomach, ascends through diaphragm, pours into the Heart (External path: Fushhe, Fujie, etc., disperses in chest, ends at Dabao; Internal branch: from stomach, through diaphragm, pours into Heart, connecting Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian).

When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, it causes stiff tongue root, vomiting after eating, epigastric pain, abdominal distension, frequent belching (Yi means sighing), relief after defecation/passing gas (Spleen Qi flows). Heavy body. This meridian governs diseases generated by the Spleen. Tongue root pain, immobility, inability to eat, irritability, acute pain below heart (Branch pours into Heart, hence irritability/pain). Loose stools, masses, urinary retention, jaundice, inability to lie down (Spleen cold causes loose stools; stagnation causes masses; failure to control water causes retention/jaundice/inability to sleep). Swelling/cold in thigh/knee medial side, immobility of big toe (covered by Foot-Taiyin). For these: excess drained, deficiency tonified, heat rapidly needled, cold retained, sinking pulse moxa, neither excess nor deficiency takes from meridian. Excess pulse: Cun Kou three times larger than Ren Ying; Deficient pulse: Cun Kou slightly smaller than Ren Ying (pulse changes observed at Qikou).

The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian originates in the Heart, emerging to belong to the Heart System (below the 5th thoracic vertebra; five connections: upper to Lung, middle to Heart, lower to Spleen/Liver/Kidney; thus Heart governs Qi of five Zang). Descending through diaphragm, connecting with Small Intestine (at Xiawan, 2 cun above umbilicus). Its branch ascends from Heart System, flanking pharynx, connecting to Eye System (ascends external to Ren Meridian, flanks pharynx, connects Eye System, merging at inner canthus). Its main trunk returns from Heart System, ascends to Lung, descends to emerge under axilla (Main trunk: from Heart System to Lung, via Yuan Ye of Foot-Shaoyang, emerges under axilla, ascends to Jiquan; external path of Hand-Shaoyin begins here). Descending along posterior medial arm (Qingling), posterior to Taiyin/Jueyin (Shaoyin is posterior among three hand yin). Descending elbow, along posterior medial forearm (Shaohai, Lingdao). Reaching end of sharp bone at palm rear (Shenmen). Entering posterior medial palm (Shaofu). Emerging at tip of little finger (Shaochong; Hand-Shaoyin ends here, connecting to Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine at lateral little finger).

When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, it causes dry throat, heart pain (branch flanks pharynx), thirst/desire to drink (Heart fire consumes fluids). Called Arm Jue. This meridian governs diseases generated by the Heart. Yellow eyes, costal pain, pain in posterior medial arm, heat/pain in palms (covered by Hand-Shaoyin). For these: excess drained, deficiency tonified, heat rapidly needled, cold retained, sinking pulse moxa, neither excess nor deficiency takes from meridian. Excess pulse: Cun Kou twice larger than Ren Ying; Deficient pulse: Cun Kou smaller than Ren Ying (pulse changes at Cun Kou).

The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian originates at tip of little finger (lateral Shaose). Following lateral hand, ascending wrist, emerging at ankle (Qian Gu, Houxi). Ascending lateral posterior forearm (external to Hand-Yangming/Shao Yang). Emerging at shoulder joint (Jianzhen). Circling scapula (Tianzong). Crossing shoulders (Bingfeng, Qu Yuan, meeting Dazhui of Du Meridian). Entering supraclavicular fossa, connecting Heart (internal path: from fossa to Danzhong, connects Heart). Following pharynx, descending diaphragm, reaching Stomach, belonging to Small Intestine (2 cun above umbilicus). Its branch ascends from fossa, neck to cheek (Waituo, Tianrong). To outer canthus, returning to ear (Quan, Tinggong; Hand-Taiyang ends here). Another branch from cheek, ascending to infraorbital, nose, outer canthus, obliquely connecting to Zygoma (connects Foot-Taiyang Bladder at inner canthus).

When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, it causes sore throat, submandibular swelling, inability to look back, shoulder pain like pulling, elbow pain like breaking. This meridian governs diseases generated by Fluids (Small Intestine separates clear/turbid). Deafness, yellow eyes, cheek swelling, pain in neck/jaw/shoulder/elbow/arm lateral posterior (covered by Small Intestine). For these: excess drained, deficiency tonified, heat rapidly needled, cold retained, sinking pulse moxa, neither excess nor deficiency takes from meridian. Excess pulse: Ren Ying twice larger than Cun Kou; Deficient pulse: Ren Ying smaller than Cun Kou (pulse changes at Ren Ying).

The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian originates at inner canthus (Jingming). Ascending forehead, crossing vertex (Zanzhu, Qucha, Wuchu, Luoque to Baihui). Its branch from vertex to ear apex (Baihui lateral, passing Shao Yang points: Qubin, Lvgu, Tianchong, Fu Bai, Qiaoyin, Wanggu). Its main trunk from vertex enters Brain (Baihui, Tongtian, Luoque, Yuzhen to Brain). Exiting, descending nape, along shoulder blade, flanking spine to waist (Tianzhu, Dazhui, Daodao, Dazhu, Fengmen, Shufu to Yaozhong). Entering Paraspinal muscles, connecting Kidney, belonging to Bladder (from waist to Paraspinal, connecting Kidney, belonging to Bladder). Its branch from waist descends flanking spine (Siliao). Penetrating buttocks to Popliteal fossa (Huiyang, Chengfu, Yinmen, Fuxi, Weiyang to Weizhong). Another branch from shoulder blade, penetrating scapula, flanking spine (Dazhu lateral, Fenzhu, Pohu, Gaohuang, Zhbian, Huantiao). Passing Bitong, along lateral thigh posterior, merging at Popliteal fossa (Huantiao, 1.5 cun lateral to Chengfu, merging with previous branch). Descending through Gastrocnemius (Heyang, Chengjin, Chengshan). Emerging posterior to lateral malleolus (Kunlun, Pucan). Following Jinggu (point name) to lateral little finger (Zhiyin; Foot-Taiyang ends here, connecting to Foot-Shaoyin Kidney).

When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, it causes rushing headache (pathogen rushing up). Eyes feel like falling out, neck feels like pulling, spine/waist pain like breaking, thigh cannot bend, popliteal tendon knotted, calf feels like tearing. Called Ankle Jue (Bladder sinew knots at lateral malleolus). This meridian governs diseases generated by Sinews (Foot-Taiyang has most sinews; spasms, flaccidity, opisthotonos, fixed gaze are due to Kidney Water deficiency affecting sinews). Hemorrhoids, malaria, mania/epilepsy (Meridian enters anus -> hemorrhoids; Exterior meridian -> malaria; Pathogen in Yang -> mania/epilepsy). Head/vertex/neck pain, yellow eyes, tearing, nasal congestion/bleeding, pain in neck/back/waist/sacrum/calf/foot, immobility of little toe (covered by Foot-Taiyang). For these: excess drained, deficiency tonified, heat rapidly needled, cold retained, sinking pulse moxa, neither excess nor deficiency takes from meridian. Excess pulse: Ren Ying twice larger than Cun Kou; Deficient pulse: Ren Ying smaller than Cun Kou (pulse changes at Ren Ying).

The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian originates below little toe, slanting into sole (Yongquan). Emerging below Ran Gu, following posterior medial malleolus, separating into heel (Taixi, Datong). Ascending medial calf, emerging medial malleolus anterior (Fuliu, Jiaoxin, Sanyinjiao, Zhubing). Main trunk from Kidney ascends through Liver/Diaphragm, enters Lung, follows throat, flanks tongue root (From Huangshu, Shangqu, Shigan, Yindu, Tonggu, Youmen, Shangbu, Bulang, Feizhong, Lingxu, Shencang, Yuzhong, Shufu, throat, Renying, tongue root). Its branch from Lung connects Heart, pours into Chest (From Shencang, connects Heart, pours into Chest, ending at Shufu, connecting Hand-Jueyin Pericardium).

When this meridian undergoes pathological changes, it causes hunger without desire to eat (Kidney is Yin organ but houses Yuan Yang, Fire in Water, governing Spleen/Stomach