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[Ping An]: This section, from the beginning of the chapter to "who can...", is found in *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot), Volume 6, Chapter 38, "Ni Shun Fei Shou" (Reverse and Smooth, Fat and Thin); it is also found in *Jia Yi Jing* (Classified Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), Volume 2, Chapter 2. From "Huang Di said: I wish to hear about..." to the end, it is found in *Su Wen* (Basic Questions), Volume 11, Chapter 39, "Ju Tong Lun" (Discussion on Pain).

Huang Di asked: What is the reverse and smooth direction of pulse Qi flow? (Blood and Qi circulate continuously like a ring without end; how do we understand their reverse and smooth paths through the body?)

Qi Bo replied: The three Yin meridians of the hand originate from the Zang organs and travel to the hands. (The Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) also originates from the Bao Zhong (uterus/pelvic cavity), travels upward along the abdomen, and connects to the lips and mouth. Therefore, the classics state: The Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and Chong Mai both originate from the Bao Zhong and ascend to connect with the lips and mouth. This indicates that the ascending path of the Chong Mai is the same as that of the Ren Mai. *Su Wen* states that the Chong Mai originates at Guan Yuan (CV4) and ascends straight up the abdomen. Lü Guang's commentary on the *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues) originally stated: The Chong Mai originates at Guan Yuan and ascends straight up within the abdominal cavity to the throat. Huangfu Mi recorded in *Su Wen*: The Chong Mai originates at Qi Jie (St30) and runs parallel to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, flanking the navel upward, dispersing in the chest. This is the description from the *Nan Jing*; checking *Su Wen*, this text is absent, so it may come from another version. Qi Jie is located just below Guan Yuan; when Chong Mai Qi enters Qi Jie, it ascends into Guan Yuan. Although reaching the throat is not explicitly stated here, the meaning is the same. *Su Wen* further states: The Chong Mai meets the Zong Jin (tendons) of the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian at Qi Jie. After meeting at Qi Jie, the Chong Mai ascends with the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, which is consistent in meaning. The *Jiu Juan Jing* (Nine Scrolls Classic, referring to *Ling Shu*) further states: The Chong Mai is the Sea of the Twelve Meridians. It originates below the kidneys with the root collateral of the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, emerges at Qi Jie, follows the medial aspect of the thigh, obliquely enters the pubic region, follows the medial aspect of the tibia, runs parallel to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, descends behind the medial malleolus, and enters the sole of the foot; its branch obliquely enters the ankle, emerges on the dorsum of the foot, and enters between the great toe, pouring into the various collaterals to warm the shins and feet. This is the normal pulsation of this vessel. Previously, it was stated that the Chong Mai is the sea of the twelve meridians; Huang Di considered the pulsation on the dorsum of the foot to belong to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, but Qi Bo distinguished it as the normal pulsation of the Chong Mai. Previously, it was stated that it connects to the lips and mouth above; here it is stated that it emerges from the Xiang Sang (nasopharynx). Here it is stated that it pours into the large collateral of the Foot Shaoyin and emerges at Qi Jie; previously it was stated that it originates below the kidneys and emerges at Qi Jie. Here it is stated that it descends to the 'Shu' point near the medial malleolus and branches; previously it was stated that it enters behind the medial malleolus and goes to the sole. Previously it was stated that it emerges on the dorsum and enters between the toes; here it is stated that it emerges from the dorsum, descends along the foot, and enters between the toes. Their meanings are identical. 'Chong' means vigorous or flourishing. Its vessel originates below the navel; one path descends to the toes, and another ascends to connect with the lips and mouth. Because its Qi is vigorous, it is called the Chong Mai. Pulse flow from the trunk to the limbs is 'smooth' (Shun); flow from the limbs to the trunk is 'reverse' (Ni). 'Zang' refers to the Heart and Lungs. Since the Heart and Lungs are internal, they are Yin. The Yin of the Heart and Lungs originates from the three Yin meridians traveling to the hands; therefore, it is said that the Three Yin Meridians of the Hand travel from the Zang organs to the hands. This is moving from Yin to Yang, ultimately becoming Yang within Yin. [Ping An]: The character 'Qi' (originate) in *Ling Shu* and *Jia Yi Jing* is written as 'Zou' (travel). In the commentary, 'Xing' (travel) is missing in the Yuan edition after 'Shang Xing Xun Fu'. 'Zhong' (middle) is missing in the Yuan edition after 'Zhi Yan Hou'. 'Zhu' (pour/inject) is missing in the Yuan edition after 'Shao Yin Da Luo'. 'Chu' (emerge) is missing in the Yuan edition after 'Chu Qi Jie'. 'Chong Zhuang Sheng Er' is written as 'Ze Chong Zhuang Sheng Shi' in the Yuan edition. 'Shen' (body) is written as 'Xing' (walk) in the Yuan edition for 'Shang Shen Wei Ni'.)

The three Yang meridians of the hand travel from the hands to the head. (The meridians of the Three Yin of the hand receive Blood and Qi from the Zang organs; when they reach the fingertips, they transform into Yang, named the Three Yang Meridians of the Hand. They travel from the hands to the head. This is moving from Yang to Yang, ultimately becoming Yang within Yang. [Ping An]: 'Zhi' (to) is written as 'Zou' (travel) in *Ling Shu* and *Jia Yi Jing*.)

The three Yang meridians of the foot travel from the head to the feet. (The Three Yang Meridians of the Hand reach the head, curve downward toward the feet, reach the tips of the toes, moving from Yang to Yin, ultimately becoming Yang within Yin. [Ping An]: 'Tou' (head) is written as 'Xiang' (neck) in *Jia Yi Jing*.)

The three Yin meridians of the foot travel from the feet to the abdomen. (After the Three Yang Meridians of the Foot descend to the extreme of the toes, they transform and generate the Three Yin Meridians of the Foot. These ascend to the chest and abdomen, moving from Yin to Yin, ultimately becoming Yin within Yin. Then they re-travel from the Zang organs to the hands, forming a circle without end.)

Huang Di asked: Why does the Foot Shaoyin Meridian alone travel downward? (The Three Yin Meridians of the Foot travel upward from the feet. The arterial pulsation on the dorsum of the foot is commonly seen and attributed to the descending Foot Shaoyin Meridian, hence this question. [Ping An]: In the commentary, 'Shao' (Lesser) in 'Zu Shao Yin' is mistakenly written as 'San' (Three) in the Yuan edition.)

Qi Bo replied: Not so. (The pulsating Qi between the kidneys below the umbilicus is the root of human life and the foundation of the Twelve Meridians. The Chong Mai is the Sea of Blood and the Sea of the Twelve Meridians of the Five Zang and Six Fu organs. It seeps into the Yang meridians and irrigates the Essence. Thus, all Five Zang and Six Fu organs rely on it. Therefore, the pulsating Qi below the umbilicus resides in the Bao Zhong. The Chong Mai originates from the Bao Zhong and serves as the Sea of the Meridians. One should know that the Chong Mai arises from this pulsating Qi; its ascending and descending paths constitute the Chong Mai. Although the descending part pours into the large collateral of the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, it is not actually the Foot Shaoyin Meridian itself; therefore, it is said 'not so.' [Ping An]: In the commentary, 'Ben' (root) is written as 'Zuo' (author/act) in the Yuan edition. Also, eighteen characters from 'Chong Mai qi yu Bao Zhong' to 'Cong Dong Qi Sheng' are missing in the Yuan edition.)

The Chong Mai is the Sea of the Five Zang and Six Fu organs; all Five Zang and Six Fu organs rely on it. Its ascending branch emerges from the Xiang Sang (nasopharynx), seeps into the Yang meridians, and irrigates the Essence. (The Chong Mai: Qi seeps into the Yang meridians, Blood irrigates the Essence. Essence refers to the essence of the five Zang organs in the eyes. [Ping An]: 'Jing' (Essence) is written as 'Yin' in *Jia Yi Jing*.)

Its descending branch pours into the large collateral of the Foot Shaoyin, emerges at Qi Jie, follows the medial aspect of the thigh, enters the pubic region, lies deep within the thigh bone, descends to the 'Shu' point near the medial malleolus, and branches there. Another descending branch runs parallel to the Foot Shaoyin Meridian and seeps into the Three Yin meridians. The anterior branch lies deep, emerges at the dorsum of the foot ('Fu Shu'), descends along the foot into the space between the great toe, seeps into the various collaterals, and warms the muscles. Therefore, if the collateral vessels become knotted, there will be no movement on the dorsum of the foot; if there is no movement, Jue syndrome occurs, resulting in coldness. (The junction where the tibia and tarsal bones connect is called 'Shu'. Here it divides into two paths: the posterior path runs down with the Foot Shaoyin Meridian, following small collaterals and seeping into the Three Yin meridians; the anterior path reaches the 'Fu Shu', follows the foot down into the space between the great toe, seeps into the Yang collaterals, and warms the muscles of the shins and feet. Thus, if the collaterals of the Chong Mai are knotted and blocked, the Chong Mai on the dorsum of the foot will not pulse. If it does not pulse, the Defensive Qi cannot circulate, leading to Jue (reversal/cold extremities), causing cold feet. [Ping An]: 'Qi Jie' is written as 'Qi Chong' in *Jia Yi Jing*. 'Ru ... Zhong' is written as 'Xie Ru ... Zhong' in *Jia Yi Jing*. *Ling Shu* writes 'Bi', *Jia Yi Jing* writes 'Bi'. For 'Nei Huai Zhi Shu', *Ling Shu* and *Jia Yi Jing* have the character 'Hou' (behind) before 'Shu'. 'Bing Yu Shao Yin', 'Bing' is written as 'Zhi' (arrive) in *Jia Yi Jing*. The character 'Shen' (seep) was originally missing before 'San Yin' and was added based on the commentary. 'Fu Shu' is written as 'Shu Fu' in *Jia Yi Jing*. 'Ze Fu Shang Bu Dong', the character 'Shang' is missing in the Yuan edition. Also, in the commentary, 'Wei Qi' (Defensive Qi) is written as 'Chong Qi' in the Yuan edition.)

Huang Di asked: How can this be verified? (Huang Di believed that the constant pulsation at the dorsum of the foot belonged to the descending Foot Shaoyin Meridian. Qi Bo stated that the constant pulsation at the dorsum of the foot belonged to the Chong Mai. Huang Di did not know what method could be used to make this clear to people.)

Qi Bo replied: By discussing it verbally and verifying it by palpation. Only when it is confirmed that there is indeed pulsation can the reverse and smooth directions be understood. (To know that the constant pulsation of the descending Chong Mai is not the Foot Shaoyin Meridian, there are two methods: First, discuss verbally whether the Chong Mai and Foot Shaoyin Meridian have pulsations. Second, palpate with the hand; the area that pulses is the Chong Mai, and the area that does not pulse is the Foot Shaoyin Meridian. The Foot Shaoyin Meridian reverses and ascends, while the Chong Mai flows smoothly and descends; thus, the reverse and smooth directions are clarified. [Ping An]: 'Yi Yan' (by speaking) is written as 'Wu Guan' (five senses/organs) in *Ling Shu*. The character represented by '...' is written as 'Dao' in *Ling Shu*, '...' in the Daozang edition of *Ling Shu*, and 'Dao' in *Jia Yi Jing*.)

Huang Di said: Truly perplexing! The Way of the Sages is bright as the sun and moon, penetrating even to the finest hairs. Unless it is Master Qi Bo, who could explain it? ('Jiong' means urgent/difficult. The wisdom of the Sages is thorough and bright as the sun and moon, allowing them to penetrate the minutiae like fine hairs. Without the insight of Qi Bo, who could speak of this? [Ping An]: 'Che' (penetrate/thorough) is written as 'Wei' (fine/micro) in *Ling Shu*.)

Huang Di said: I wish to hear why sudden pain in the Five Zang organs occurs, and what Qi causes it? Or why some cases involve panting and palpable pulsation upon touch?

Qi Bo answered: When Cold Qi lodges in the Chong Mai, and since the Chong Mai originates at Guan Yuan and ascends straight up the abdomen, the meridians become obstructed. Consequently, Qi becomes trapped due to this obstruction, resulting in panting and a palpable pulsation upon touch. ([Ping An]: 'Dong Chuan' is written as 'Chuan Dong' in *Su Wen*. After the characters 'Zhi Shang' (straight up), *Su Wen* includes the three characters 'Han Qi Ke' (Cold Qi lodges). After 'Mai Bu Tong' (meridians not flowing), *Su Wen* repeats the three characters 'Mai Bu Tong'.)