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Chapter 8 states: "The pulse at Cun Kou (Cunkou, radial artery) is peaceful, yet the patient dies. What does this mean?" The answer is: All twelve primary meridians are connected to the Origin of Vital Qi. The so-called Origin of Vital Qi refers to the root of the twelve primary meridians, which is the Moving Qi between the kidneys (Renjian Dongqi). This is the foundation of the five zang organs and six fu organs, the root of the twelve primary meridians, the gate of respiration, the source of the San Jiao (Triple Burner), and is also known as the Spirit that Guards against Evil (Shou Xie Zhi Shen). Therefore, Qi is the fundamental basis of human life; if the root is severed, the stems and leaves will wither. When the pulse at Cun Kou appears peaceful but death occurs, it signifies that the Origin of Vital Qi has alone been severed internally.

When death occurs despite a peaceful pulse at Cun Kou, it does not imply that the Grain Qi (Gu Qi) manifests changes at Cun Kou to determine life or death. Rather, it refers to the physical nature of the pulse, where the Moving Qi between the kidneys serves as the Origin of Vital Qi. As stated in *Su Wen: Yin Yang Li He Lun* (Treatise on the Separation and Union of Yin and Yang): "The place of Tai Chong is named Shao Yin." Tai Chong refers to the convergence of the Kidney Meridian and the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), which becomes vigorous and abundant, hence the name Tai Chong. The area between the kidneys is precisely where the Chong Mai originates, externally corresponding to the region of Guan Yuan (CV4). The source of Qi transformation in the San Jiao and the Qi of the twelve primary meridians are all connected here, thus it is called the root. It accompanies the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) upward to the throat to facilitate respiration, hence it is called the gate of respiration. Upward, it connects to the three Yin and three Yang meridians of the hand as branches; downward, it connects to the three Yin and three Yang meridians of the foot as roots. Thus, Yue Ren (Qin Yueren) uses the metaphor of a tree. This Qi is the Yuan Qi (Source Qi) of the twelve primary meridians and the residence of the San Jiao, primarily responsible for disseminating and circulating Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) and Wei Qi (Defensive Qi). It is also where the Spirit resides and where Yuan Qi is anchored. It is named the Spirit that Guards against Evil because the Spirit of the Ming Men (Gate of Life) firmly guards, preventing evil Qi from entering arbitrarily; if it enters, death ensues. If Kidney Qi is first severed internally, although the person may appear free of disease, their condition is critical.

Commentary: The Moving Qi between the kidneys is the Origin of Vital Qi for the twelve primary meridians and governs Ying Qi and Wei Qi. Generally, the ascending and descending of Qi and Blood in the human body must circulate through respiration: inhaling the Yang Qi of Heaven and exhaling the Yin Qi of Earth. The Heart governs Ministerial Fire; the inhaled Qi belongs to Heavenly Yang and is also associated with Fire. This Qi enters through the nose into the Lungs, passes through the Heart, guiding Heart Fire from the Heart System along the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) into the Kidneys. From there, it reaches the Lower Jiao and Bao Shi (Uterus/Bladder area), accompanying the Bladder to its lower outlet. The inhaled Heavenly Yang Qi combines with Heart Fire to steam and transform the water in the Bladder into Qi. This Qi ascends along the Chong Mai and Ren Mai, crosses the diaphragm into the Lungs, and returns out through the mouth and nose. The exhaled Qi, within the mouth, tongue, and internal organs, becomes Jin Ye (Body Fluids). Through the various Qi Passages (Qi Jie), it emerges externally to the skin and hair, steaming the skin and moistening the muscles to become sweat. This is the principle of Fire transforming into Qi within Water, which corresponds to the meaning of Qian and Kun interacting and the Three Draws (San Suo). Therefore, it is said that humans participate with Heaven and Earth.