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Huangdi asked: Why does the Shaoyin meridian govern the Kidney? Why does the Kidney govern water metabolism? Qibo replied: The Kidney belongs to Supreme Yin (Zhiyin, the yin aspect that is most profound), and Supreme Yin implies the abundance of water. The Lung belongs to Taiyin. The Shaoyin meridian corresponds to the pulse of Winter. Therefore, the root of edema lies in the Kidney, while its branch extends to the Lung; both involve the accumulation of water. Huangdi asked: Why can the Kidney accumulate water and cause disease? Qibo said: The Kidney acts as the gatekeeper of the Stomach. If this gate is not functioning properly, water accumulates and spreads according to the principle of similarity. Overflowing upward and downward into the skin, it results in edema (swelling). Edema is a disease caused by the accumulation of water. Huangdi asked: Do all cases of swelling originate from the Kidney? Qibo said: The Kidney is a Yin organ (Pinzang). Earthly qi ascending belongs to the Kidney, which generates fluid; thus, it is called Supreme Yin. If one exerts oneself vigorously and works excessively hard, Kidney sweat may occur. If this sweat encounters wind pathogen, it cannot enter the Zang-Fu organs internally, nor can it diffuse through the skin externally. It lodges in the Xuanguan (sweat pores) and travels within the subcutaneous tissue, transforming into edema. Its root is in the Kidney, and this condition is named Fengshui (Wind Edema). What is referred to as Xuanguan are the sweat pores. Huangdi asked: Regarding the fifty-seven acupoints for treating water diseases, what do they primarily govern? Qibo said: These fifty-seven Shushu points are where accumulated Yin gathers and where water enters and exits. The five rows above the sacrum, with five points in each row, constitute the Shushu points. Therefore, when patients with water diseases present with lower body edema and abdominal distension, and upper body symptoms such as panting, calling out, and inability to lie flat, it indicates that both the root and the branch are diseased. Thus, the Lung manifests as panting, the Kidney as edema, and the Lung as rebellious Qi causing inability to lie flat. These two interact and transmit to each other, and both are affected by the retention of Water Qi. Above the Futu point, there are two rows on each side, with five points in each row; these form the pathway of the Kidney, where the three Yin meridians intersect at the feet. Above each ankle, there is one row with six points; this is the descending path of the Kidney meridian, named Taichong. In total, these fifty-seven points are all the Yin collaterals of the Zang organs and the places where Water Qi resides. Huangdi asked: Why are Luomai (Collateral vessels) and Fenrou (intermuscular spaces) selected in Spring? Qibo said: In Spring, Wood begins to govern, and Liver Qi starts to generate. Liver Qi becomes urgent, and Wind moves swiftly. The Jingmai (Main meridians) are deep, and the Zhengqi (Upright Qi) is scant, unable to penetrate deeply. Therefore, points between the Luomai and Fenrou are selected. Huangdi asked: Why are Shengjing (Full Meridians, i.e., Yang meridians) and Fencou (muscle intervals) selected in Summer? Qibo said: In Summer, Fire begins to govern, and Heart Qi starts to grow. The vessels are slender, and Qi is weak. Yang Qi remains abundant and overflows, with heat steaming the Fencou and penetrating inward to the Jingmai. Therefore, Shengjing and Fencou are selected. Puncturing the skin allows the pathogen to depart because the pathogen resides superficially. What is called Shengjing refers to the Yang meridians. Huangdi asked: Why are Yingxue (Spring points) and Shuxue (Stream points) selected in Autumn? Qibo said: In Autumn, Metal begins to govern, and Lung Qi begins to gather and purge. Metal Qi will overcome Fire Qi. Yang Qi is at the He-sea points, and Yin Qi has just begun to prevail. Dampness affects the body, but Yin Qi is not yet strong enough to penetrate deeply. Therefore, Shuxue are used to drain Yin pathogens, and Hexue (He-sea points) are used to empty Yang pathogens, as Yang Qi is beginning to decline. Huangdi asked: Why are Jingwell (Jingxi) and Yingxue points selected in Winter? Qibo said: In Winter, Water begins to govern, and Kidney Qi begins to store. Yang Qi is declining and scant, while Yin Qi is firm and abundant. Juyang (Taiyang) Qi sinks and hides, and Yang meridian Qi departs. Therefore, Jingwell points are used to descend rebellious Yin, and Yingxue points are used to tonify Yang Qi. Thus it is said: Selecting Jingwell and Yingxue points in Winter prevents Biqiu (epistaxis/nosebleed) in Spring. This is what is meant. Huangdi asked: You mentioned fifty-nine acupoints for treating Feibing (Heat diseases). I have pondered their meaning but cannot distinguish their locations. I wish to know their locations and thereby understand their rationale. Qibo said: The five rows on the head, with five points in each row, are used to disperse the rebellious heat of all Yang meridians. Dazhu, Yingxu, Quepen, and Beishu—these eight points—are used to drain heat from the chest. Qijie, Zusanli, Shangjuxu, and Xiajuxu—these eight points—are used to drain heat from the Stomach. Yunmen, Lianqu (shoulder joint), Weizhong, and Suikong—these eight points—are used to drain heat from the four limbs. Wushubangwu (the five points beside each of the Five Zang Shu points)—ten points in total—are used to drain heat from the Five Zang organs. All these fifty-nine points are located adjacent to where Heat resides. Huangdi asked: Why does an invasion by Cold transform into Heat? Qibo said: When Cold is excessive, it generates Heat.

*Gu Kong Lun*: (pronunciation Bo) Jian (pronunciation Jian) Nie (pronunciation Ruo Jie Qie)
*Shui Re Xue Lun*: (pronunciation Mi) Tu (pronunciation Tu) Liu (pronunciation Li Jiu Qie) Xi (pronunciation Xi) Zhi (pronunciation Chi Er Qie)