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Observation, listening and smelling, inquiry, and palpation (pulse-taking) are used to deduce and clarify the origin of disease; tonification (Bu) and sedation (Xie), along with Ying-Sui techniques, reveal the essentials of needle application. I have studied this discipline from ancient times to the present; although I often pondered deeply to explore its subtleties, I ultimately failed to uncover its profound mysteries. During leisure time following my studies, and bearing the instructions of my father-in-law, I escaped worldly distractions and continued to deduce principles akin to military strategy. This person’s spirit lacked foundation and his mind was unsettled; or when afflicted by illness, his Jing (Essence) would inevitably be depleted and his Qi (Vital Energy) weakened. Furthermore, due to war and division among states, barriers were distinct, and medicinal herbs were cut off from merchants, making them inaccessible. Visiting markets to seek prescriptions is inferior to relying on medical skill to rapidly eliminate pathological conditions. Having received instruction, I diligently sought a teacher. For seventeen years, I encountered not one or two genuine masters. Later, while taking refuge in Cai County, I finally received the true secrets from Master Li (named Yuan, courtesy name Juchuan). He employed acupuncture and moxibustion to cure diseases, removing pain before the eyes and healing consumption (Lao disease) under his fingers. He was indeed as described: still like a drawn crossbow, responsive like releasing a trigger, successful ten thousand times out of ten thousand attempts, hitting the mark a hundred times out of a hundred shots. Moreover, he possessed a compassionate heart and never harbored thoughts of illicit gain. He once said to me, "Heavenly treasures (profound medical knowledge) are not bestowed upon the unrighteous, and the Sacred Dao must be transmitted to the virtuous." Presuming upon myself, I extended my earnest request, and received his sincere generosity without hesitation. He imparted forty-two secret points for treating ailments; among thousands of cases treated, not a single one failed to heal. Thus, I engraved them in my heart and marrow, striving to save those in distress and support those in critical condition. Thereafter, eliminating pain became swift as if plucking something with one's hand, and breaking up accumulations dispersed as easily as ice melting. Truly, the art of acupuncture is miraculous! However, considering that these acupoints might occasionally be forgotten, utilizing rhythmic verse makes them easier to memorize. Therefore, I composed a poem in eight rhymes. I dare not keep this to myself, but hope to share it with like-minded colleagues.
Inscribed two days before the Double Ninth Festival in the Renchen year.