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Yellow Emperor asked: If the ascending and descending [of Qi] do not proceed as they should, and the intersection of Qi undergoes changes, sudden stagnation (Baoyu, sudden accumulation/stagnation) will result. I already know this. How can one pre-emptively protect the people so that they may avoid this? Qibo bowed twice and replied:

Your question is indeed illuminating! I have heard the Master say that having understood the Heavenly Origin (Tianyuan), one must thoroughly master acupuncture methods. This allows one to break stagnation, support the movement of Qi, tonify weakness to preserve true Qi, drain excess to eliminate surplus, thereby relieving people of these sufferings. The Yellow Emperor said: I wish to hear this in detail. Qibo said: When ascending fails to proceed, there will be severe misfortune. For example, when Wood Qi desires to ascend but is obstructed by Tianzhu [Metal Qi], and Wood Qi desires to disperse its stagnation, it must wait for the appropriate time. At this point, one should puncture the Jing-Well acupoint of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian. When Fire Qi desires to ascend but is obstructed by Tianpeng [Water Qi], and Fire Qi desires to disperse its stagnation, it must wait for the appropriate time. Both Ministerial Fire and Imperial Fire should be treated by puncturing the Ying-Spring acupoint of the Pericardium. When Earth Qi desires to ascend but is obstructed by Tianchong [Wood Qi], and Earth Qi desires to disperse its stagnation, it must wait for the appropriate time. One should puncture the Shu-Stream acupoint of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. When Metal Qi desires to ascend but is obstructed by Tianying [Fire Qi], and Metal Qi desires to disperse its stagnation, it must wait for the appropriate time. One should puncture the Jing-River acupoint of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. When Water Qi desires to ascend but is obstructed by Tianrui [Earth Qi], and Water Qi desires to disperse its stagnation, it must wait for the appropriate time. One should puncture the He-Sea acupoint of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian.

The Yellow Emperor said: Regarding the obstruction of ascending Qi, preventive measures can be taken. I wish to hear about the descent of Qi; can it also be prevented in advance? Qibo said: Having understood the principles of ascent, one must necessarily comprehend descent. The laws of ascent and descent can both be treated prophylactically. When Wood Qi desires to descend but is obstructed by Dijing [referring to terrestrial constraints], and cannot enter, the suppression causes stagnation to erupt; only after dispersing can it take its position. If descent erupts due to stagnation, its violence is like waiting for the right moment in the "Heavenly Space"; if it descends but does not go down, stagnation forms rapidly. One can break it by controlling what it overcomes. One should puncture the Jing-Well (Shu-Chu) acupoint of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian, and the He-Sea (Shu-Ru) acupoint of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. When Fire Qi desires to descend but is obstructed by Dixuan [Water Qi], and cannot enter, suppression causes stagnation to erupt; once dispersed, it is resolved. One should break what it overcomes to disperse its stagnation. One should puncture the Jing-Well acupoint of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, and the He-Sea acupoint of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. When Earth Qi desires to descend but is obstructed by Dicang [Wood Qi], and does not go down, suppression causes stagnation to erupt; once dispersed, it can enter. One should break its overcome element to disperse stagnation. One should puncture the Jing-Well acupoint of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, and the He-Sea acupoint of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. When Metal Qi desires to descend but is obstructed by Ditong [Fire Qi], and does not go down, suppression causes stagnation to erupt; once dispersed, it can enter. One should break its overcome element to disperse stagnation. One should puncture the Jing-Well acupoint of the Pericardium, and the He-Sea acupoint of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian. When Water Qi desires to descend but is obstructed by Difou [Earth Qi], and does not go down, suppression causes stagnation to erupt; once dispersed, it can enter. One should break Earth Qi to disperse stagnation. One should puncture the Jing-Well acupoint of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian, and the He-Sea acupoint of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian.

The Yellow Emperor said: The arrival of the Five Movements has early and late timings, with ascents and descents involving mutual support and inhibition. May I hear the acupuncture methods regarding this? Qibo said: One should target the source of transformation. Therefore, for excess, one drains it; for deficiency, one supplements it. For excess, first suppress the stagnation, take the source of the movement's transformation, and cause the stagnant Qi to subside. For deficiency, support and supplement to aid the movement of Qi, thereby avoiding empty pathogens. These rules of supplementation and drainage are derived from the *Mi Yu* (Secret Discourse).

The Yellow Emperor asked: Regarding the acupuncture for ascent and descent, I understand the essentials. I wish to hear about the situation where the Si Tian (Heavenly Ruler) Qi fails to migrate to its proper position (Qian Zheng), causing the governing Qi of transformation to lose its regular administration, leading to chaotic transformations of all things. Although this brings disease to the people, can it be eliminated in advance? To save the living, I wish to hear your explanation. Qibo bowed twice and said: Your question is extremely detailed! You speak of supreme principles. The Sage’s mind is filled with compassion, desiring to save all beings. I shall fully expound this Dao, which can reveal profound subtleties. If Taiyang (Solar Cold-Water) Qi re-manifests, then Jueyin (Wind-Wood) cannot migrate to its proper position. Failure to migrate causes righteous Qi to block above. One should drain the Liu-Xue (Ying-Spring) acupoint of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian. If Jueyin Qi re-manifests, then Shaoyin (Imperial Fire) cannot migrate to its proper position. Failure to migrate causes Qi to block above. One should puncture the Liu-Xue acupoint of the Pericardium Meridian. If Shaoyin Qi re-manifests, then Taiyin (Damp-Earth) cannot migrate to its proper position. Failure to migrate causes Qi to stagnate above. One should puncture the Liu-Xue acupoint of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. If Taiyin Qi re-manifests, then Shaoyang (Ministerial Fire) cannot migrate to its proper position. Failure to migrate causes Qi to block and not flow. One should puncture the Liu-Xue acupoint of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian. If Shaoyang Qi re-manifests, then Yangming (Dryness-Metal) cannot migrate to its proper position. Failure to migrate causes Qi not to flow upward. One should puncture the Liu-Xue acupoint of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. If Yangming Qi re-manifests, then Taiyang (Cold-Water) cannot migrate to its proper position. Failure to migrate causes Qi to block again. One should puncture the Liu-Xue acupoint of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian.

The Yellow Emperor said: Regarding failure to migrate to the proper position, I understand the key to unblocking it. I wish to hear about "non-retreat" (Bu Tui Wei), where one wishes to curb the surplus and prevent errors. Can you clarify this? Qibo said: When Qi is excessive and continues to govern as the regular force, this is called "Non-Retreat." This prevents Earth Qi from following in transformation, so the new Si Tian Qi cannot migrate to its proper position, and the old Qi continues to manifest as before. In years of Si and Hai, the heavenly numbers are in surplus, so Jueyin does not retreat. Wind moves above, Wood transformation spreads across Heaven. One should puncture the He-Sea acupoint of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian. In years of Zi and Wu, heavenly numbers are in surplus, so Shaoyin does not retreat. Heat moves above, residual Fire transformation spreads across Heaven. One should puncture the He-Sea acupoint of the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian. In years of Chou and Wei, heavenly numbers are in surplus, so Taiyin does not retreat. Dampness moves above, Rain transformation spreads across Heaven. One should puncture the He-Sea acupoint of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. In years of Yin and Shen, heavenly numbers are in surplus, so Shaoyang does not retreat. Heat moves above, Fire transformation spreads across Heaven. One should puncture the He-Sea acupoint of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian. In years of Mao and You, heavenly numbers are in surplus, so Yangming does not retreat. Dryness moves above, Dryness transformation spreads across Heaven. One should puncture the He-Sea acupoint of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. In years of Chen and Xu, heavenly numbers are in surplus, so Taiyang does not retreat. Cold moves above, severe Water transformation spreads across Heaven. One should puncture the He-Sea acupoint of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. Thus, when Heaven and Earth Qi rebel and transform into folk diseases, one applies acupuncture methods to preemptively pacify them.

The Yellow Emperor asked: If the Gang (Yang) and Rou (Yin) Heavenly Stems lose their positions, causing the Qi of Heavenly Movement to become deficient? Can diseases brought to the people be pacified? Qibo said: Your question is profound! Understand its deep meaning. Heaven and Earth shift alternately; after three years, an epidemic transforms. This root is visible, and there must be a way out.

Suppose in the Jiazi year, Gang and Rou lose their positions. The Gang stem does not assume its proper role, and the Rou stem stands alone and deficient. The seasonal order is not harmonious, and pitch-pipes do not align. After three years, a great epidemic arises. Examine its severity and depth. When the disease is about to arrive, it can be treated with acupuncture. First, tonify the Shushu (Kidney Back-Shu) acupoint. Three days later, puncture the Zhu-Stream acupoint of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. If the lower Earthly Branch Jiazi (Ji Mao) does not arrive, leaving Jiazi isolated, after three years, a Earth Li (pestilence) will occur. The method of tonification and drainage is exactly the same as for Jiazi. After acupuncture is completed, one must avoid night travel and long journeys. Maintain purity for seven days and observe fasting and abstinence. For those who already have chronic kidney disease, at Yin hour, face South, keep the spirit calm and undisturbed, contemplate holding the breath without breathing for seven cycles, stretch the neck and swallow Qi smoothly, as if swallowing a very hard object. After seven cycles, swallow the saliva under the tongue without limit.

Suppose in the Bingyin year, Gang and Rou lose their positions. The upper Gang stem loses its position, and the lower Rou stem cannot govern alone. The central Water Movement is not excessive, so fixed rules cannot determine it. The Heaven Qi is in surplus, losing the upper proper position. Heaven and Earth do not harmonize, so pitch-pipes sound different. Thus, Heavenly Movement loses order, and after three years, an epidemic transforms. Examine its severity; differences exist in size. Slow arrival means epidemic in three years; severe arrival means epidemic in the first three years. First, tonify Xinshu (Heart Back-Shu). Five days later, puncture the Ru-Sea acupoint of the Kidney Meridian. If the lower Earth Jiazi, Xin Si, has the Rou stem not attaching to the Gang stem, this is also named Loss of Position, causing Earth Movement to be deficient. After three years, Water Li occurs. The acupuncture methods are all like this. After acupuncture, be careful not to allow great joy or emotion within. If not cautious, Qi will scatter again. Keep quiet for seven days. Heart Qi should be substantial; reduce thinking.

Suppose in the Gengchen year, Gang and Rou lose their positions. The upper position loses control, and the lower position has no combination. Yi-Geng Metal Movement, therefore, does not attract each other. Heaven Qi has not retreated, and central Movement winning Qi arrives. Upper and lower conflict, called Loss of Position. Guxian and Linzhong pitch-pipes, Shang tone does not respond. Thus, Heavenly Movement transformation changes, and after three years, a great epidemic arises. Examine the heavenly numbers; differences exist in slightness and severity. Slight is slight, arriving in three years; severe is severe, arriving in three years. First, tonify Ganshu (Liver Back-Shu). Three days later, puncture the Xing-River acupoint of the Lung Meridian. After acupuncture, calm the spirit for seven days. Do not get angry; anger will surely scatter True Qi.

If in the lower Earth Jiazi Yiwu year, position is lost, Yi is the Rou stem, and the upper Geng governs alone. This is also named Loss of Position, where Heavenly Movement is governed alone. After three years, pestilence transforms, named Jin Li (Metal Pestilence). Its arrival waits for the time. Examine the earth numbers' gradations, deduce slightness and severity, to know speed. For all positions of Yi-Geng loss of position, acupuncture methods are the same. Liver desires peace, so do not be angry.

Suppose in the Renwu year, Gang and Rou lose their positions. The upper Ren has not migrated to the proper position, while the lower Ding stands alone. Although it is a Yang year, deficiency differs. Upper and lower lose position, attracting each other has a set time. Differences in slightness and severity have their own numbers. Lvlü Erjiao tones lose harmony. Same tone appears on certain days. Slightness and severity appear. After three years, a great epidemic arises. Puncture Pishu (Spleen Back-Shu). Three days later, puncture the Chu-Well acupoint of the Liver Meridian. After acupuncture, calm the spirit for seven days. Do not get drunk or sing/laugh loudly, or Qi will scatter again. Do not eat until full; do not eat raw/uncooked food. Desire Spleen Qi to be solid; Qi should not be stagnant from fullness. Do not sit for too long. Food should not be too sour. Do not eat any raw/uncooked food. Prefer sweet and bland flavors. If in the lower Earth Jiazi Dingyou year, position is lost, failing to obtain the central governance, Qi is not in the proper position, and the lower does not combine with Ren to serve. This is also named Loss of Position, not named Harmony of Virtue. Thus Rou does not attach to Gang, Earth Movement does not harmonize. After three years, pestilence transforms. Acupuncture methods are exactly like those for Wood Epidemic.

Suppose in the Wushen year, Gang and Rou lose their positions. Wu-Gui is Fire Movement, a Yang year, not excessive. The upper loses its Gang strength, and Rou Earth governs alone. Its Qi is not upright, so evil interferes. Positions shift alternately. Differences exist in depth. When arrival is about to combine, pitch-pipes first match. Thus Heavenly Movement loses timing. Within three years, Fire Epidemic arrives. Puncture Feishu (Lung Back-Shu). After acupuncture, calm the spirit for seven days. Do not grieve greatly. Grief moves the Lung, and True Qi scatters again. To solidify Human Lung Qi, the key lies in regulating breath. If in the lower Earth Jiazi Guihai year, position is lost, Rou loses its position, the upper loses its Gang strength. This is also named Wu-Gui not combining virtue. Movement and Earth are deficient. After three years, pestilence transforms, named Huo Li (Fire Pestilence).

Therefore, establishing five years of Earth observation clarifies Loss of Position and exhausts acupuncture methods. Thus, Yi and Li are names of upper and lower Gang and Rou, ultimately returning to one body. Acupuncture for epidemics has only five methods, summarizing all positions of loss of position, thus unified under the Five Elements.

The Yellow Emperor said: I have heard that when the Five Epidemics arrive, they infect each other, regardless of age, with similar symptoms. If no treatment is provided, how can one avoid transmission? Qibo said: They do not infect each other because Righteous Qi exists within, and Evil cannot invade. Avoid toxic vapors. From the nostrils (Tianbing), they come in, and return the way they came. Qi emerges from the brain, so Evil cannot invade. Qi emerging from the brain requires visualizing the heart as bright as the sun in the room. Before entering an epidemic room, first visualize Green Qi emerging from the Liver, moving left to the East, transforming into forests and trees. Next, visualize White Qi emerging from the Lungs, moving right to the West, transforming into weapons and armor. Next, visualize Red Qi emerging from the Heart, moving south to the upper region, transforming into flames and light. Next, visualize Black Qi emerging from the Kidneys, moving north to the lower region, transforming into water. Next, visualize Yellow Qi emerging from the Spleen, residing in the center, transforming into earth. After completing the protection of the Five Qi, visualize brilliance like the Big Dipper above the head, then one may enter the epidemic room.

Another method: On the day of the Spring Equinox, before sunrise, vomit/expel stale Qi. Another method: After the Rain Water solar term, bathe three times with medicinal herbs to induce sweating. Another method: Small Golden Pill Formula: Cinnabar (Chensha) two liang, water-ground Realgar (Xionghuang) one liang, leaf-shaped Orpiment (Cihuang) one liang, Purple Gold (Zijin) half a liang. Put them together in a container, seal the outside firmly. Dig a pit one chi deep and tamp the earth solid. No furnace needed, no drug processing needed. Use fire of twenty jin to roast it. End after seven days. Wait seven days for cooling, then take out. The next day, remove from the container, bury the medicine in the earth for seven days. Take out, grind along the direction of the sun for three days. Refine white sand honey into pills, size of wutong seeds. Every day, face east, inhale one mouthful of solar Qi, swallow one pill with ice water, mixing Qi and swallowing. Take ten pills; no epidemic will interfere.

The Yellow Emperor asked: When human Qi is deficient, Spirit wanders and loses its position, allowing ghosts and spirits to invade externally, leading to premature death. How to preserve True Qi? I wish to hear the acupuncture methods. Qibo bowed twice and said: Your question is illuminating! Spirit migration and loss of position, although in the body, do not necessarily cause death. If evil invades, it leads to premature death. For instance, if Jueyin loses position, Heaven is deficient, Human Qi Liver is deficient. Feeling Heaven's double deficiency, the Soul wanders above. Evil invades the Great Qi of Jueyin. If the body is warm, it can still be treated. Puncture the Guo-Source acupoint of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, then puncture Ganshu (Liver Back-Shu). If a person suffers Heart deficiency, and encounters Ministerial and Imperial Fire Si Tian losing position, feeling creates Triple Deficiency. Encountering Fire deficiency, Black Corpse Ghost attacks, causing sudden death. Puncture the Guo-Source acupoint of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, then puncture Xinshu (Heart Back-Shu). If a person suffers Spleen disease, and encounters Taiyin Si Tian losing position, feeling creates Triple Deficiency. Encountering Earth deficiency, Green Corpse Ghost evil attacks, causing sudden death. Puncture the Guo-Source acupoint of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, then puncture Pishu (Spleen Back-Shu). If a person suffers Lung disease, and encounters Yangming Si Tian losing position, feeling creates Triple Deficiency. Encountering Metal deficiency, Red Corpse Ghost invades, causing sudden death. Puncture the Guo-Source acupoint of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, then puncture Feishu (Lung Back-Shu). If a person suffers Kidney disease, and encounters Taiyang Si Tian losing position, feeling creates Triple Deficiency. Encountering Water Movement deficiency in that year, Yellow Corpse Ghost invades Righteous Qi, sucking the Soul and Spirit, causing sudden death. Puncture the Guo-Source acupoint of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, then puncture Shenshu (Kidney Back-Shu).

The Yellow Emperor asked: The mutual enabling of the Twelve Organs, if Spirit loses position, causing spiritual radiance to be incomplete, fearing evil invasion, treatment involves acupuncture. I wish to hear the essentials. Qibo bowed twice and said: Your question is extremely detailed, reaching the ultimate principle and true doctrine. Only a Holy Emperor could explore this source. This is called Qi and Spirit merging with the Dao, matching Heaven. The Heart is the Official of the Monarch, from whom Spirit Ming emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source acupoint of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian. The Lung is the Official of the Chancellor, from whom regulation emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source acupoint of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. The Liver is the Official of the General, from whom strategy emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source acupoint of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian. The Gallbladder is the Official of Integrity, from whom decision emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source acupoint of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. The Danzhong (Chest Center) is the Official of the Envoy, from whom joy and pleasure emerge. Puncture the Liu-Xue (Ying-Spring) acupoint of the Pericardium. The Spleen is the Official of Remonstrance, from whom comprehensive knowledge emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source acupoint of the Spleen Meridian. The Stomach is the Official of the Granary, from whom the five flavors emerge. Puncture the Yuan-Source acupoint of the Stomach Meridian. The Large Intestine is the Official of Transmission, from whom transformation emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source acupoint of the Large Intestine Meridian. The Small Intestine is the Official of Reception, from whom differentiation emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source acupoint of the Small Intestine Meridian. The Kidney is the Official of Strength, from whom skill and ingenuity emerge. Puncture the Yuan-Source acupoint of the Kidney Meridian. The Sanjiao is the Official of Drainage, from whom water pathways emerge. Puncture the Yuan-Source acupoint of the Sanjiao Meridian. The Bladder is the Official of the Capital, storing essence and fluid; upon Qi transformation, it can exit. Puncture the Yuan-Source acupoint of the Bladder Meridian. All twelve officials must not fail each other. Thus, acupuncture has the purpose of preserving Spirit and nourishing True Qi, and also follows the Dao of cultivation. It is not merely treating disease; thus, the essential practice is cultivating and harmonizing Spirit. The Dao values constant preservation, tonifying Spirit and solidifying the root. Essence and Qi do not scatter; Spirit remains united. Even if Spirit does not depart, True Qi can be preserved. If Human Spirit does not remain, one has not reached the Ultimate Truth. The key to Ultimate Truth lies in Heavenly Mystery. Spirit guards Heavenly Breath, returning to the primal origin. This is called Returning to the Source.