必欲治病,莫如用针,巧运神机之妙,工开圣理之深。外取砭针,能蠲邪而扶正;中含
,善回阳而倒阴。原夫络别支殊,经交错综,或沟池溪谷以歧异,或山海丘陵而隙共。斯流派
以难揆,在条纲而有统。理繁而昧,纵补泻以何功;法捷而明,日迎随而得用。且如行步难
移,太冲最奇。人中除脊膂之强痛,神门去心性之呆痴。风伤项急,始求于风府;头晕目眩
,要觅于风池。耳闭须听会而治也,眼痛则合谷以推之。胸结身黄,取涌泉而即可;脑昏目
赤,泻攒竹以偏宜。但见苦两肘之拘挛,仗曲池而平扫;四肢之懈惰,凭照海以消除。牙齿
痛吕细堪治,头项强承浆可保。太白宣导于气冲,阴陵开通于水道。腹痛而胀,夺内庭以休
迟;筋转而疼,泻承山而在早。大抵脚腕痛,昆仑解愈;股膝疼,阴市能医。痫发颠狂兮,
凭后溪而疗理;疟生寒热兮,仗间使以扶持。期间罢胸满血膨而可已,劳宫退胃翻心痛以何
疑。稽夫大敦去七疝之偏坠,王公谓此;三里却五劳之羸瘦,华佗言斯。固知腕骨祛黄,然骨
泻肾。行间治膝肿目疾,尺泽去肘疼筋紧。目昏不见,二间宜取;鼻窒无闻,迎香可引。肩
井除两臂难任,丝竹疗头疼不忍。咳嗽寒痰,列缺堪治;眵 冷泪,临泣尤准。髋骨将腿痛
以祛残,肾俞把腰疼而泻尽。
越人治尸厥于维会,随手而苏;文伯泻死胎于阴交,应针而殒。圣人于是察麻与痛,分实与
虚,实则自外而入也,虚则自内而出欤。以故济母而裨其不足,夺子而平其有余。观二十七
经络,一一明辨;据四百四之疾证,件件皆除。故得夭枉都无,跻斯民于寿域;几微已判,
彰往古之玄书。抑又闻心胸病,求掌后之大陵;肩背患,责肘前之三里。冷痹肾收,取足阳
明之土;连脐腹痛,泻足少阴之水。脊间心后者,针中渚而立痊;胁下肋边者,刺阳陵而即
止。头项痛,拟后溪以安然;腰脚疼,在委中而已矣。夫用针之士,于此理苟能明焉,收祛
邪之功而在乎捻指。
To treat diseases, there is no method superior to acupuncture. Skillfully manipulating the subtle mechanisms of the spirit (Shen), one delves deeply into the profound principles of the sages. Externally utilizing bian stones and needles can eliminate pathogenic factors and support healthy qi; internally [text missing], it is good at restoring yang qi and reversing yin cold.
Tracing the branches and distinctions of collaterals, meridians interlace and intertwine. Some diverge like ditches, pools, streams, and valleys, while others have gaps akin to mountains, seas, and hills. Although these flowing sources are difficult to fathom, they have a unified system within their guidelines. If the principles are complex and obscure, what use is tonification or sedation? But if the methods are swift and clear, daily application of following and opposing (Ying-Sui) techniques will be effective.
For instance, for difficulty in walking and moving, Taichong (LR3) is most miraculous. Renzhong (GV26) relieves stiffness and pain in the spine and back; Shenmen (HT7) removes mental dullness and stupidity. When wind damages the neck causing stiffness, seek treatment at Fengfu (GV16); for dizziness and blurred vision, look for Fengchi (GB20). For ear blockage and deafness, treat with Tinghui (GB2); for eye pain, push and guide using Hegu (LI4). For chest congestion and yellowing of the body, taking Yongquan (KI1) can cure it immediately; for dizziness and red eyes, draining Zanzhu (BL2) is more appropriate. If suffering from spasms in both elbows, rely on Quchi (LI11) to smooth them out; for flaccidity and weakness in the four limbs, depend on Zhaohai (KI6) to eliminate them. For toothache, Lüxi (Taixi, KI3) is suitable for treatment; for stiffness in the head and neck, Chengjiang (CV24) can ensure relief. Tàibái (SP3) guides Qi Chong (ST30), and Yinlingquan (SP9) opens Shuidao (ST28). For abdominal pain and distension, depriving Neiting (ST44) stops the delay; for muscle cramps and pain, draining Chengshan (BL57) should be done early.
Generally speaking, ankle pain is resolved by Kunlun (BL60); thigh and knee pain is treated by Yinshi (ST32). For epilepsy and mania, rely on Houxi (SI3) for therapy; for malaria with alternating chills and fever, depend on Jianshi (PC5) for support. Qimen (LR14) can resolve chest fullness and blood distension; Laogong (PC8) retreats stomach reversal and heart pain without doubt. Examining Dadun (LR1), it removes hernias and unilateral testicular swelling, as stated by Wang Gong; Zusanli (ST36) overcomes emaciation from five types of exhaustion, as spoken by Hua Tuo. It is known that Wan Gu (SI4) dispels jaundice, and Ran Gu (KI7) drains kidney fire. Xingjian (LR2) treats knee swelling and eye diseases; Chi Ze (LU5) removes elbow pain and tight tendons. For dim vision, Er Jian (LI2) is suitable; for nasal obstruction and loss of smell, Ying Xiang (LI20) can guide. Jian Jing (GB21) removes the burden of the arms; Sizhukong (SJ23) treats unbearable headaches. For cough with cold phlegm, Lie Que (LU7) is suitable; for eye discharge and cold tears, Lin Qi (GB15) is particularly accurate. The hip bone removes residual leg pain; Shenshu (BL23) drains away lower back pain.
Yuèrén (Bian Que) treated corpse-jue (syncope) at Weihui (GV16), reviving instantly upon needling; Wenbo drained a dead fetus at Yinjiao (CV7), expelling it upon needle insertion. The sages thus observed numbness and pain, distinguishing excess from deficiency. Excess comes from outside, while deficiency arises from inside. Therefore, nourishing the mother organ supplements insufficiency, while reducing the child organ balances excess. Observing the twenty-seven meridians, distinguish each clearly; addressing the four hundred and forty diseases, remove each case. Thus, avoiding premature death, elevating the people to an age of longevity; discerning the subtle details, revealing the profound ancient texts.
Furthermore, it is heard that for heart and chest diseases, seek Da Ling (PC7) behind the palm; for shoulder and back ailments, assign responsibility to San Li (likely referring to Shang Sanli LI10 or general elbow area) in front of the elbow. For cold bi syndrome with kidney contraction, take the earth element points of the Foot Yangming Meridian; for periumbilical abdominal pain, drain the water element points of the Foot Shaoyin Meridian. For pain between the spine and behind the heart, needle Zhong Zhu (TE3) for immediate recovery; for pain under the ribs and along the sides, puncture Yang Ling Quan (GB34) for immediate cessation. For headache and neck pain, propose Houxi (SI3) for peace; for lower back and foot pain, it lies in Wei Zhong (BL40). Those who practice acupuncture, if they can understand these principles, can achieve the merit of eliminating pathogens merely by twisting their fingers.