Library

Yellow Emperor asked, saying: I have heard that there are 365 Qi acupoints in the human body, corresponding to the days of a year. However, I do not know their specific locations and wish to hear you explain them in detail. (Acupoints are places where Qi infuses, hence called Qi acupoints; this section discusses the locations of these points rather than the meridians themselves. "Zu" means complete or exhaustive.) The *Needle Classic* states: Heaven is extremely high and cannot be measured; Earth is extremely vast and cannot be quantified. Humans live between Heaven and Earth, within the Six Directions. This represents the height of Heaven and the breadth of Earth, which are beyond the reach of human measurement. As for an eight-chi tall person, their skin and flesh are on the surface, perceivable by touch; after death, they can be dissected for observation. However, the firmness or fragility of the Zang organs, the size of the Fu organs, the quantity of food in the stomach, the length of the vessels, the clarity or turbidity of the blood, and the amount of Qi—unless one is a Sage, who could exhaustively understand these principles? Therefore, Qi Bo bowed deeply and replied twice, "This question is indeed difficult to answer." Mo Zhongchao said: Understanding the origin of Blood and Qi and the connectivity of meridians is the foundation of medicine. Students should seek answers within various theories of acupuncture.

The Yellow Emperor held his hands together and stepped back, saying: The principles you have explained to me have made my eyes see clearly and my ears hear distinctly, even though I have not yet seen the specific locations or heard the exact numbers. ("Qunxun" refers to retreating or yielding. Seeing and hearing nothing, yet achieving clarity of vision and hearing, indicates a spiritual connection and understanding.)

Qi Bo said: This is what is meant by saying that Sages are easy to communicate with, and fine horses are easy to control.

The Yellow Emperor said: I am not such an easy-to-communicate Sage. It is said in the world that true numbers can open people's minds. What I am asking now concerns these true numbers, aiming to enlighten the ignorant and resolve doubts, but this alone is insufficient for discussing the Great Dao. Nevertheless, I wish to hear you speak fully and exhaustively about the locations of these acupoints so that I may understand their significance. I will store this knowledge in the Golden Casket and dare not reveal it to others. ("True numbers" refer to the count of meridian acupoints. Storing in the Golden Casket implies that instruction should only be given to worthy individuals and true teachings only to those ready to receive them; this is the true word of the Golden Casket, valued by the Supreme Emperor.)

Qi Bo bowed deeply again and rose, saying: Your subject requests permission to explain. When pain involves mutual traction between the back and the chest/heart region, treatment should target the Tiantu (Heavenly Metropolis) point, the Tenth Vertebra (the seventh vertebra below Dazhui), and Shangji (Upper Pivot, i.e., the epigastrium). Shangji refers to the epigastrium (Zhongwan point), and Xiaji (Lower Pivot) refers to Guanyuan. (Heart here refers to the chest and heart area. The back is Yang, and the chest/abdomen is Yin. The Du Meridian runs along the back, commanding all Yang in the body; the Ren Meridian runs along the abdomen, governing all Yin. "Kong" means traction. Pain from mutual traction between the back and heart is caused by the mutual attraction of Yin and Yang Qi. This first discusses how Yin and Yang Qi are primarily governed by the Ren and Du meridians, followed by the specific acupoints where the Yin and Yang Qi of the Zang and Fu organs infuse. Tiantu is located centrally below the laryngeal prominence, being the intersection of the Yin Linking Vessel and the Ren Meridian. The Tenth Vertebra is the seventh vertebra below Dazhui, which is the Zhiyang point of the Du Meridian, also an intersection of the Du and Yang Linking vessels. Since there are three vertebrae above Dazhui, counting them totals ten. The epigastrium is Zhongwan, the Front-Mu point of the Stomach. Wang Bing stated: The Qi of the Hand-Taiyang, Hand-Shaoyang, and Foot-Yangming meridians emanates here. Guanyuan is three cun below the umbilicus, an intersection of the Foot-Taiyin, Foot-Shaoyin, Foot-Jueyin, and Ren meridians. These four points are intersections of Yin and Yang Qi. Zhang Zhaohuang said: First distinguish Yin and Yang by chest and back, then by upper and lower.)

When evil qi links to Yin and Yang on both left and right sides of the back and chest, as described above, the symptoms include pain and astringency in the front and back, pain in the chest and hypochondrium with difficulty breathing, inability to lie flat, rebellious Qi, shortness of breath, and unilateral pain. (This explains the previous statement regarding the linking of back and chest evil qi to Yin and Yang, extending to the left and right. Unilateral pain follows this pattern, with the left being Yang and the right being Yin. Pain and astringency in the front and back result from the linking of back and chest evil qi to Yin and Yang. Chest meridian pain occurs because the meridians pass through the chest and hypochondrium, affecting both sides. Difficulty breathing, inability to lie flat, rebellious Qi, and shortness of breath occur because the Du Meridian passes upward through the heart and diaphragm into the throat, and the Ren Meridian enters the Shanzhong and ascends through the throat. Unilateral pain occurs because its meridians slant out from the coccyx, connect to the hypochondrium, ascend to the shoulder, and slant downward.)

When vessel Qi is full, it slants out from the sacrum, the collateral networks pass through the chest and hypochondrium, support the heart and penetrate the diaphragm, ascend to the shoulder adding to Tiantu, and slant down to the shoulder to intersect below the tenth vertebra. (This describes how Yin and Yang linked evil qi causes mutual traction between chest and back, originating from the intersection and convergence of the Ren and Du meridians, and further through the great collateral of the Du Meridian communicating with the Ren Meridian. The great collateral of the Du Meridian is named Changqiang, running alongside the spine up to the neck, scattering over the head, descending to the left and right of the shoulder blades, diverging to the Taiyang meridian, and entering to penetrate the paraspinal muscles. A great collateral is like a river having additional tributaries. When meridians are full, Qi overflows into the great collaterals. Thus, when the Du Meridian is full, it slants out from the sacral region. The branch of the Du Meridian slants out from the sacrum to network the chest and hypochondrium. Its collateral branches support the heart, penetrate the diaphragm, ascend to the scapula, and intersect with the Ren Meridian at Tiantu, then slant down to the shoulder to merge with the Du Meridian below the tenth vertebra. Hence, the mutual traction pain between chest and back is treated at Tiantu and between the tenth vertebra, which are the communication points of the great collateral. Zhang Zhaohuang said: Yang is often in excess while Yin is often deficient; therefore, "add" is used instead of "intersect," implying Yang adds to Yin, carrying the meaning of Yang giving and Yin receiving.)

There are fifty Back-Shu points of the Zang organs. (Zang refers to the five Zang organs. Shu refers to Jing-Shu points. Each Zang organ has five Shu points. Five times five equals twenty-five; combined with the bilateral sides, there are fifty points in total. These five points are Jing-River, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River, and He-Sea. Where Qi exits is the Jing-River, located near the nail bed of the fingers and toes. Where Qi enters is the He-Sea, located between the elbows and knees, not exceeding them. This applies to all five Zang and six Fu organs. The Jing-River of the Liver is Dadun, Ying-Spring is Xingjian, Shu-Stream is Taichong, Jing-River is Zhongfeng, and He-Sea is Ququan. The Jing-River of the Heart is Shaochong, Ying-Spring is Shaofu, Shu-Stream is Shenmen, Jing-River is Lingdao, and He-Sea is Shaohai. The Jing-River of the Spleen is Yinbai, Ying-Spring is Dadu, Shu-Stream is Taibai, Jing-River is Shangqiu, and He-Sea is Yinlingquan. The Jing-River of the Lung is Shaoshang, Ying-Spring is Yuji, Shu-Stream is Taiyuan, Jing-River is Jingqu, and He-Sea is Chize. The Jing-River of the Kidney is Yongquan, Ying-Spring is RanGu, Shu-Stream is Taixi, Jing-River is Fuliou, and He-Sea is YinGu. These five Shu points of the five Zang organs originate from Wood (Jing-River), flow into Fire (Ying-Spring), pour into Earth (Shu-Stream), travel through Metal (Jing-River), and enter Water (He-Sea).)

There are seventy-two Back-Shu points of the Fu organs. (Each of the six Fu organs has six points. Six times six equals thirty-six; combined bilaterally, there are seventy-two points. These also originate from the tips of the fingers and toes and enter the He-Sea points at the elbows and knees. These six points are Jing-River, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Yuan-Source, Jing-River, and He-Sea. The Jing-River of the Gallbladder is Qiaoyin, Ying-Spring is Xiaxi, Shu-Stream is Linqi, Yuan-Source is Qiuxu, Jing-River is Yangfu, and He-Sea is Yanglingquan. The Jing-River of the Stomach is Lidui, Ying-Spring is Neiting, Shu-Stream is Xiangu, Yuan-Source is Chongyang, Jing-River is Jiexi, and He-Sea is Zusanli. The Jing-River of the Large Intestine is Shangyang, Ying-Spring is Erjian, Shu-Stream is Sanjian, Yuan-Source is Hegu, Jing-River is Yangxi, and He-Sea is Quchi. The Jing-River of the Small Intestine is Shaoze, Ying-Spring is Qiangu, Shu-Stream is Houxi, Yuan-Source is Wangu, Jing-River is Yanggu, and He-Sea is Shaohai. The Jing-River of the Sanjiao is Guanchong, Ying-Spring is Yemen, Shu-Stream is Zhongzhu, Yuan-Source is Yangchi, Jing-River is Zigou, and He-Sea is Tianjing. The Jing-River of the Bladder is Zhiyin, Ying-Spring is Tonggu, Shu-Stream is Shugu, Yuan-Source is Jinggu, Jing-River is Kunlun, and He-Sea is Weizhong. These Shu points of the six Fu organs originate from Metal (Jing-River), flow into Water (Ying-Spring), pour into Wood (Shu-Stream), travel through Fire (Yuan/Jing), and enter Earth (He-Sea). Heaven is Yang, Earth is Yin; Fu organs are Yang, Zang organs are Yin. Therefore, Zang organs correspond to the Five Elements of Earth, and Fu organs correspond to the Six Qi of Heaven. Among the Six Qi, there are two Fires, hence the extra Yuan-Source point. Yuan-Source refers to the origin of Fire, born from the Lesser Yang within Yin. Zhang Zhaohuang said: Zang Qi originates from Wood (Jing-River), Fu Qi originates from Metal (Jing-River). Spring and Summer are the Yin and Yang of Heaven; Autumn and Winter are the Yin and Yang of Earth. Zang begins with Wood of Spring in Heaven and ends with Water of Winter; Fu begins with Metal of Autumn in Earth and reconnects with Spring and Summer. These are the subtle interactions of Yin and Yang between Zang and Fu. Thus it is said: Heaven has Yin and Yang, and Earth also has Yin and Yang. Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water are the Yin and Yang of Earth, responding to Growth, Flourishing, Transformation, Harvesting, and Storage below. Therefore, Yang contains Yin, and Yin contains Yang. Growth, Flourishing, Transformation, Harvesting, and Storage are the Qi of the four seasons in Heaven, corresponding to the Five Zang and Five Elements. Thus it is said: Yang contains Yin, and Yin contains Yang.)

There are fifty-nine Heat-Shu points. (Five rows of five points each on the head, totaling twenty-five points. Dazhu, Yingyu, Quepen, and Beishu, two each, totaling eight points. Qichuan, Zusanli, Shangjuxu, and Xiajuxu, two each, totaling eight points. Yunmen, Gugu, Weizhong, and Suikong, two each, totaling eight points. Five points beside each of the five Zang Back-Shu points, totaling ten points. Grand total: fifty-nine points.)

There are fifty-seven Water-Shu points. (Five rows of five points each above the sacrum, totaling twenty-five points. Two rows of five points each above Futu, totaling twenty points. One row of six points each above the malleoli, totaling twelve points. Grand total: fifty-seven points. The above one hundred sixteen points are detailed in the *Treatise on Water and Heat Acupoints*.)

Five rows of five points each on the head, totaling twenty-five points. (These heat-shu points mentioned again indicate that heat-shu are essentially Qi acupoints, capable of extracting Qi, draining heat, and allowing heat pathogens to exit with Qi. Hence, the following text states heat-shu are in Qi acupoints.)

Liangpan (sides of the spine) each have five points, totaling ten points. (Liao is synonymous with Lv, located one inch and five fen lateral to the spinous processes, belonging to the Five Zang Back-Shu points of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Feishu is between the third and fourth thoracic vertebrae, Xinshu between the fifth and sixth, Ganshu between the ninth and tenth, Pishu between the eleventh and twelfth, and Shenshu between the fourteenth and fifteenth.)

Above Dazhui, one point on each side, totaling two points. (Bilateral to Dazhui are the Dazhu points of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. The prominent part of the spinal bone is called a vertebra. "Above Dazhui" refers to the sides of the prominent Dazhui, not the vertebra above it. Master Wang mistakenly identified it as the vertebra above, stating it is not recorded in the *Jia Yi Jing* or *Meridian Flow Acupoint Atlas*, leaving its identity unknown. Wang Fanghou said: "One point on each side, totaling two" serves as the general outline for the first section; subsequent sections omit this phrase as they follow the same pattern.)

Tongzizi and Fu Bai, two points. (Tongzizi is at the outer canthus of the eye. Fu Bai is one cun inside the hairline behind the ear. Bilateral, totaling four points, all belonging to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.)

Liangbi Yanfenzhong, two points. (Refers to the Huantiao point in the hip joint, belonging to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.)

Dubi, two points. (Dubi is located in the depression lateral to the patellar ligament, below the knee cap, belonging to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian.)

Erzhong Duosuo Wen, two points. (Also known as Tinggong, located in the ear, the size of a red bean, belonging to the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian.)

Meiben, two points. (Canzhu is located in the depression at the inner end of the eyebrow, belonging to the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian.)

Wangu, two points. (Wangu is located four fen inside the hairline behind the ear, belonging to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.)

Xiang Zhongyang, one point. (Fengfu is located one cun inside the hairline at the back of the neck, within the depression between the large tendons, an intersection of the Du and Yang Linking vessels. The muscle rises sharply when speaking quickly and settles when speech stops.)

Zhen Gu, two points. (Zhen Gu, also known as Qiaoyin, is located above Wangu and below the occipital bone, with a palpable gap upon movement, belonging to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.)

Shangguan, two points. (Also known as Keyezhuren, located on the upper border of the bone rising before the ear, with a gap when opening the mouth. Must be accessed with the mouth open, belonging to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.)

Daying, two points. (Daying is located one inch and three fen anterior to the angle of the jaw, in the bony depression where the artery pulses, belonging to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian.)

Xiaguan, two points. (Xiaguan is below Shangguan, under the arterial pulse before the ear. There is a gap when the mouth is closed, which closes when opened. Accessible with the mouth closed, belonging to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian.)

Tianzhu, two points. (Tianzhu is located in the depression lateral to the large tendons at the nape, outside the hairline, belonging to the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian.)

Juxu Shangxia Lian, four points. (Shangjuxu is three cun below Zusanli, accessed by lifting the foot. Xiajuxu is three cun below Shangjuxu, accessed by squatting and lifting the foot. Bilateral, totaling four points, all belonging to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian.)

Quya, two points. (Also known as Jiache, or Jiguan, located in the depression near the anterior end of the curved jawbone below the ear. Accessible with the mouth open, belonging to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian.)

Tiantu, one point. (Tiantu is located in the depression four cun below the laryngeal prominence, belonging to the Ren Meridian.)

Tianfu, two points. (Tianfu is located three cun below the axilla, in the depression of the arterial pulse on the medial aspect of the arm, belonging to the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian.)

Tianyou, two points. (Tianyou is located between the neck tendons, above the clavicle, posterior to Tiānróng, anterior to Tianzhu, below Wangu, and above the hairline, belonging to the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian.)

Futu, two points. (Futu is located one cun below the large tendons of the neck, one and a half cun posterior to Renying. Accessed with the head tilted back, belonging to the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian.)

Tianchuang, two points. (Also known as Chuanglong, located anterior to the large neck tendons, below the cheekbone, posterior to Futu, in the depression felt by hand, belonging to the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian.)

Jianjie, two points. (Also known as Jianjing, located in the depression on the shoulder, above the clavicle, one and a half cun anterior to the acromion. Pressed with three fingers, the middle finger sinks into the depression, belonging to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.)

Guanyuan, one point. (Located three cun below the umbilicus, belonging to the Ren Meridian.)

Weiyang, two points. (Weiyang is located one inch and six fen below Chengfu. Accessed with the body bent forward, belonging to the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian.)

Jianzhen, two points. (Jianzhen is located below the scapula, between the separation of the two bones, in the depression posterior to the shoulder, belonging to the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian.)

Yinmen, one point. (Also known as Yinmen or Sheyan, located one cun posterior to Fengfu at the back of the neck, five fen inside the hairline, in the central depression of the neck, connecting to the root of the tongue. An intersection of the Du and Yang Linking vessels.)

Qi (Umbilicus), one point. (Shenque is located in the center of the umbilicus, also known as Qishe. Prohibited for needling, belonging to the Ren Meridian.)

Xiongyu, twelve points. (Refers to the points of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian: Yufu, Shencang, Lingxu, Shenfeng, and Bulang. Bilateral, totaling twelve points, each two cun lateral to the midline. Yufu is below Jugu, two cun lateral to Xuanji, in the depression. The subsequent five points descend sequentially, one and six fen deep according to proportional Cun.)

Beishu, two points. (Refers to the Ge Shu point, located between the seventh thoracic vertebra below Dazhui, one inch and five fen lateral to the midline.)

Yingyu, twelve points. (The sides of the chest are called Ying. Yingyu refers to Yunmen and Zhongfu of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian, and Zhourong, Xiongxiang, Tianxi, and Shidou of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. Bilateral, totaling twelve points. Yunmen is below Jugu, two cun lateral to Qihu, in the depression, six cun lateral to the Ren Meridian on both sides, where the arterial pulse is felt. Zhongfu is one cun below Yunmen. The remaining five points descend sequentially, one and six fen deep according to proportional Cun.)

Fenrou, two points. (Also known as Yangfu, located four cun above the lateral malleolus, at the end of the fibula anterior to the auxiliary bone, belonging to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.)

Huai Shang Heng, two points. (Refers to Jiaoxin above the medial malleolus, two cun above the medial malleolus, anterior to the Shaoyin, posterior to the Taiyin, between the sinews and bones, the birthplace of the Yin Qiao Mai, belonging to the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. Shuyang above the lateral malleolus is two cun above the lateral malleolus, anterior to the Taiyang, posterior to the Shaoyang, between the sinews and bones, the birthplace of the Yang Qiao Mai, belonging to the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Bilateral, totaling four points.)

Yin Yang Qiao, four points. (Yin Qiao point is below the medial malleolus, known as Zhaohai, the birthplace of the Yin Qiao Mai. Yang Qiao is five fen below the lateral malleolus, known as Shenmai, the birthplace of the Yang Qiao Mai. According to the *Mai Du* chapter, the total length of vessels is sixteen zhang and two chi, encompassing the Ren, Du, and Qiao vessels. Thus, the number of acupoints corresponds similarly. Acupoints are where vessel Qi infuses.)

Water-Shu are in the various Fen (muscle intervals), Heat-Shu are in the Qi acupoints, and Cold-Heat-Shu are in the Liang Haiyanzhong (two points between the knee joints). (This states that cold and heat pathogens emerge from the Qi level. All diseases begin from wind, rain, cold, and heat. Wind and heat are Yang heat of Heaven; rain and water are Yin cold of Earth. Contracting heaven-earth cold and heat affects the Yin and Yang of the body. These are Qi-level pathogens and should exit via the Qi level. Hence the name *Treatise on Qi Acupoints*, indicating the 365 points correspond to the celestial Qi cycle, used to extract Qi and drain pathogens. "Various Fen" refers to the intervals between large and small muscles, the Qi level of skin and interstices. "Qi acupoints" are where Ying and Wei Blood and Qi infuse. The knee joint is called Hai. The two points between the Hai are Yanglingquan of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. The Qi of the eleven Zang and Fu organs depends on the Gallbladder, as Shaoyang governs the initial generation of Qi. Therefore, cold and heat are uniquely treated at the two points between the Hai, implying that regardless of whether the pathogen is in Zang or Fu, its cold or heat exits via the ascending and dispersing Qi of Shaoyang. Thus, the *Chapter on Pathogens, Zang-Fu, and Disease Forms* states: For cold and heat, select Yanglingquan.)

Great Prohibition Twenty-Five, located five cun below Tianfu. (This refers to a prohibited point, Wuli of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, located five cun below Tianfu. The *Ling Shu: Ben Shu* chapter states: The radial artery is at Wuli, which has five prohibitions. The *Yu Ban* treatise states: Approaching Wuli, stop midway. After five approaches, it ends. Five penetrations exhaust the Qi of the Zang organs. Thus, five times five equals twenty-five, exhausting the transport points. "Five penetrations" refers to five needle insertions. Each of the five Zang organs has five Shu points. Five Shu points with five insertions, totaling twenty-five insertions, exhausts the Qi of the five Zang organs. Hence, "Great Prohibition Twenty-Five" means prohibiting twenty-five insertions. This indicates that the Blood and Qi of the 365 acupoints are infused by the great collaterals of the five Zang organs.)

In total, there are 365 acupoints, which are the pathways for acupuncture. (From Tiantu, Tenth Vertebra, Shangji, Guanyuan to Yanzhong two points, the count is 364. However, there are many repetitions, suggesting omissions or losses in transmission, hence the incomplete total.)

The Yellow Emperor said: I now know the locations of the Qi acupoints and the residence of the wandering needle. I wish to hear about the Sun Luo (Branch Collaterals) and Xi Gu (Valleys), and whether they also correspond to specific points. ("Ju" means residence or stopping place, referring to where the needle stops. "Wandering needle" refers to mastering the art of needling, encountering it with spirit, like a blade moving freely with ample space. The *Mai Du* chapter states: Meridians are the interior; branches crossing horizontally are Ge; distinct branches of collaterals are Sun. If full of blood, purge it quickly. Fullness requires draining.")

Qi Bo said: There are 365 Sun Luo intersections, also corresponding to a year. They overflow strange pathogens and unblock Ying and Wei. (Sun Luo also has 365 intersections to correspond to the Qi of a year. When Sun Luo is full, it overflows into the great collaterals, generating strange diseases. The Blood and Qi of the great collaterals emerge externally to the skin and meet the Sun Luo. Thus, the exterior Wei and interior Ying communicate between the Sun Luo and skin.)

When Ying and Wei stagnate, Wei scatters and Ying overflows, Qi exhausts and Blood stasis forms, manifesting externally as fever and internally as shortness of breath. One must drain quickly without delay to unblock Ying and Wei. Upon seeing stagnation, drain it, regardless of whether it is an intersection. (Sun Luo connects externally to the skin and internally to the meridians, facilitating Ying and Wei circulation. When pathogens invade, Ying and Wei stagnate. Unable to move together, Qi exhausts and Blood stasis forms. External pathogens cause fever; internal stagnation of Zheng Qi causes shortness of breath. Drain quickly without delay to unblock Ying and Wei. Upon seeing blood stagnation and color changes, puncture and drain, without questioning if it is an intersection. Wang Fanghou said: According to the *Mai Du* chapter, fullness of blood requires quick purging. Fullness is drained, deficiency is tonified with herbs. For diseases in the collaterals, only needling drainage is used, no tonification, hence the location of intersections is irrelevant.)

The Yellow Emperor said: Excellent. I wish to hear about the convergence of Xi Gu.

Qi Bo said: The large convergence of flesh is called Gu (Valley); the small convergence of flesh is called Xi (Brook). Between the muscle separations lies the convergence of Xi Gu, used to circulate Ying and Wei and gather Da Qi. (This discusses the interstices of muscles and skin.)