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There are also methods of Daoyin (guided breathing and movement) and Tunai (spitting out stale air and swallowing fresh air), which serve to supplement the limitations of acupuncture therapy.

For example, in a Bing-Yin year, if there is a failure in the coordination between the rigid Heavenly Stem and the flexible Earthly Branch, and the upper rigid Stem fails to maintain its position, the lower flexible Branch cannot govern alone. The central Water phase is not excessive, so one cannot determine the treatment based on standard rules. If the Heaven-distributing Qi (Si Tian Qi) is in excess but fails to guard the correct position, and Heaven and Earth do not harmonize, then the pitch pipes (Lü-Lv) will produce discordant sounds. In such cases, the Heavenly cycle loses order, and an epidemic will break out three years later. By examining the severity, differences in magnitude can be observed; if the onset is slow, it arrives in the third year; if severe, it arrives in the first year. One should first tonify the Xin Shu (Heart Back-Shu point), and five days later, puncture the "entering" point (Jing-Well point) of the Kidney meridian.

Another scenario involves the lower Earthly Jiazi of Xin-Si year, where the flexible Stem does not adhere to the rigid Stem, also termed "failure to maintain." This results in a deficiency of the Earthly phase, leading to a Water Li (water-related pestilence) three years later. The acupuncture methods are all similar.

After acupuncture is completed, one must be cautious against excessive joy or uncontrolled emotions within. If the mind is unsettled, the Qi will dissipate again. One must remain calm for seven days to solidify Heart Qi and reduce overthinking, as excessive thinking damages the Heart.

Bing is a rigid Stem, and Yin is a rigid Branch. In a Bing-Yin year, Bing belongs to the Water phase and combines with Xin; Yin-Shen years have Shaoyang Ministerial Fire governing Heaven, while Si-Hai years have Jueyin Wind Wood governing Earth. If rigid and flexible fail to coordinate, and the upper rigid Stem has failed, the lower flexible Stem cannot govern alone and also fails. Bing represents Yang Water, which theoretically should be excessive. However, due to the failure of the upper rigid Stem, the central Water phase is not excessive. Since Bing is a rigid Stem but the Water phase is not excessive, standard rules cannot be applied. "Bu Tian" refers to the Si Tian Qi. In Yin years, if the Bu Tian Qi is excessive yet fails to hold the correct position, the Qi of Heaven and Earth will not harmonize, causing the sounds of Yang Lü and Yin Lv to become abnormal. Such abnormalities in the Si Tian Five Phases indicate that the Heavenly cycle has lost order, leading to epidemics among the people in the subsequent Bing, Ding, and Wu years. Detailed analysis shows that severe cases manifest strongly, while mild cases are subtle. If the disease progresses slowly, it arrives in the third year (Wu); if severe, it arrives immediately in the first year (Bing). Wu corresponds to the Fire phase, so one should tonify Xin Shu. Bing corresponds to the Water phase, so after five days, one may puncture the "entering" point of the Kidney meridian.

The "lower position" refers to the Zai Quan (Earthly) position. In Yin-Shen years, Si-Hai are Zai Quan. Both Bing and Xin belong to the Water phase. Thus, in the lower Earthly Jiazi of Xin-Si year, if the flexible Stem does not adhere to the rigid Stem, it is also called "failure to maintain," meaning the upper rigid Stem has failed, and the lower flexible Stem cannot govern alone. In this case, both Si Tian and Zai Yun are deficient, leading to a Water Li three years later. The acupuncture method is the same as for Bing-Yin, hence stated as "all are like this."

After acupuncture, one must guard against excessive joy and restrain internal desires. Neglecting this, even after tonifying Xin Shu, the Qi will dissipate again. One must remain still for seven days. To solidify Heart Qi, one should minimize thinking, as thinking injures the Heart.

In a Geng-Chen year, if rigid and flexible fail to coordinate, the upper position fails, and the lower position lacks coordination. The Yi-Geng Metal phase is completely absent, so they do not attract each other. The Si Tian Qi has not receded, while the Central Yun (intermediate phase) arrives aggressively, causing upper and lower dislocation, termed "failure to maintain." The pitch pipes Gu Xian (Yang Lü) and Lin Zhong (Yin Lv) will not resonate with the Shang (Metal) tone. In such cases, the Heavenly cycle changes, and an epidemic breaks out three years later. Analyzing the general pattern, recovery varies in severity. Mild cases are mild and arrive in three years; severe cases are severe and arrive in three years. One should first tonify Gan Shu (Liver Back-Shu point), and three days later, puncture the "traveling" point (Shu-Stream point) of the Lung meridian. After acupuncture, calm the spirit for seven days and avoid extreme anger, as anger causes True Qi to scatter.

Alternatively, in the lower Earthly Jiazi of Yi-Wei year, if there is a failure to maintain, the Heavenly cycle governs alone, leading to a Li three years later, named Jin Li (Metal Pestilence). Its arrival depends on timing. By analyzing the gradations of Earthly numbers, one can deduce the severity and speed of onset. For all Yi-Geng failures, the acupuncture method is the same. The Liver prefers peace, so one should avoid anger.

If Geng-Chen year has both rigid Stem and rigid Branch, Geng combines with Yi, where Geng is rigid and Yi is flexible. Rigid-flexible failure means if the upper rigid Stem fails, the lower flexible Stem has no coordination. This is the Yi-Geng Metal phase, so they do not attract. The previous year's Si Tian Qi has not receded, and the Central Yun arrives aggressively. Specifically, the Ji-Mao year's Si Tian Earth Qi has not receded; Ji is Earth in the center, and the Central Yun overcomes Chen year's Taiyang Water, causing upper-lower dislocation and failure to maintain. Gu Xian is Yang Lü, Lin Zhong is Yin Lü. Geng is Metal phase, corresponding to Shang tone. Due to upper-lower dislocation, the Shang tone does not resonate. Thus, the Heavenly cycle changes abnormally, leading to a major epidemic in Geng, Xin, and Ren years. Detailed calculation shows variations in severity. Mild heavenly Qi leads to mild illness, arriving in three years. Severe heavenly Qi leads to severe illness, also arriving in three years. Ren year governs Wood, so one should first tonify Gan Shu. Geng year governs Metal, so after three days, one may puncture the "traveling" point of the Lung meridian ("traveling" refers to Jing-Stream points). After acupuncture, calm the spirit for seven days and avoid extreme anger, as anger scatters True Qi.

Alternatively, in the lower Earthly Jiazi of Yi-Wei year, Geng combines with Yi. Chen year Taiyang governs Heaven, Wei year Taiyin governs Earth. Geng is rigid, Yi is flexible. Rigid-flexible failure means Geng governs alone, and Yi also fails. The Wei Earth and Yi phase govern alone. Three years later, people develop Jin Li. It takes three years to arrive, so it waits for the right time. Analyzing Earthly number gradations allows deduction of severity: mild implies slow onset, severe implies fast onset. For all Earth positions with Yi-Geng failure, the acupuncture method is the same. Avoiding anger is crucial because three years later enters Ren year, governed by Wood and the Liver. The Liver prefers peace, so avoid anger.

In a Ren-Wu year, rigid and flexible fail to coordinate. The upper Ren has not taken office, and the lower Ding governs alone. Although it is a Yang year, the deficiency differs. Upper and lower failure to maintain means their mutual attraction has a specific timeline, and the severity of recovery has specific numerical patterns. The Lü-Lv Er Jiao (Wood) tones fail to harmonize. Although the same tone appears, the severity of the current failure is visible. A major epidemic will occur within three years (Ren, Gui, Jia years). Jia governs Earth, so one should puncture Pi Shu (Spleen Back-Shu) to balance Earth, and after three days, puncture the "exiting" point (Jing-Well) of the Liver meridian to balance Wood. After acupuncture, calm the spirit for seven days. Avoid drunkenness and singing, which cause Qi to dissipate. Avoid overeating and raw/cold food. To solidify Spleen Qi, avoid stagnation and fullness. Do not sit for long periods. Avoid sour foods, as Sour is Wood flavor; excessive Sour makes Wood excessive and Earth weak. Raw/cold food damages the Spleen. Prefer sweet and bland foods to nourish.

Alternatively, in the lower Earthly Jiazi of Ding-You year, if the position is not maintained and the Central Yun does not take charge, the Qi is misplaced, and the lower does not combine with Ren. This is also "failure to maintain," not "combined virtue." Thus, flexible does not adhere to rigid, Earthly phase does not harmonize, leading to a Li three years later. The acupuncture method is identical to that for Wood Epidemic.

If Ren-Wu year has rigid Stem and Branch, Ren combines with Ding, where Ren is rigid and Ding is flexible. Rigid failure means Ren has not taken office; flexible failure means Ding governs alone. Rigid Stem combining with Yang Branch indicates excess; flexible Stem combining with Yin Branch indicates deficiency. Even in a Yang year, deficiencies differ. Upper-lower failure means disease attraction has a timeline, and severity has numerical patterns. Lü-Lv should resonate with Jiao (Wood) tone. Now, Lü-Lv Er Jiao fails to harmonize. Within three years, a major epidemic will occur. Jia governs Earth, so puncture Pi Shu to balance Earth, and after three days, puncture Liver exiting point to balance Wood. Calm the spirit for seven days. Avoid drunkenness. Avoid overeating and raw food. Sitting long and eating impedes limb movement. Avoid excessive sour food. Avoid raw food. Prefer sweet and bland.

Alternatively, in Ding-You year, if Wood phase is deficient and Central Yun does not take charge, Heaven's Qi is misplaced, and Earth does not combine with Ren. This is "failure to maintain." Without failure, Heaven and Earth have combined virtue; with failure, they do not. Lack of combined virtue means flexible does not adhere to rigid, Earthly phase does not harmonize, leading to a Li three years later. Acupuncture follows the Ren Dry Wood Epidemic method.

In a Wu-Shen year, rigid and flexible fail to coordinate. Wu-Gui is Fire phase, but although it is a Yang year, it is not excessive. Upper loses rigidity, flexible Earth governs alone, Qi is incorrect, allowing evil to interfere. Positions shift repeatedly. When Qi intends to combine, pitch pipes resonate first. If not, Heavenly cycle loses timing. Within three years (Wu, Ji, Geng years), Fire Epidemic arrives. Geng governs Metal, so puncture Fei Shu (Lung Back-Shu). After acupuncture, calm the spirit for seven days. Avoid excessive grief, as grief moves the Lungs and scatters Qi. To solidify Lung Qi, focus on regulating breath.

Alternatively, in Gui-Hai year, flexible fails to maintain position, meaning upper loses rigidity. Wu-Gui fail to combine virtue. Central Yun and Earth are deficient. Three years later, Fire Li occurs.

Wu-Shen year has rigid Stem and Branch. Wu combines with Gui, Wu is rigid, Gui is flexible. Failure to maintain means Wu-Gui Fire phase, Shen is Yang year, but due to failure, it is not excessive. Upper Si Tian Yang loses rigidity, lower flexible governs alone. Upper loss of rigidity and lower sole governance mean Qi is unstable and incorrect, allowing evil interference and positional shifts. Evil interference causes depth variations. Normally, when upper and lower Qi intend to combine, pitch pipes resonate. Here, they do not. Si Tian and Central Yun lose timing. Within three years, major epidemic arrives. Geng governs Metal, so puncture Lung Metal Shu. Calm spirit for seven days. Avoid grief. Regulate breath to solidify Lung Qi.

Gui-Hai year: Gui is flexible Stem, Hai is flexible Branch. Flexible failure means upper loses rigidity. Wu-Gui fail to combine virtue. Central Yun and Earth are deficient. Three years later, Fire Li.

Therefore, establishing a five-year cycle clarifies failure to maintain and exhausts acupuncture methods. Epidemics and Li are names for upper and lower rigid-flexible failures, ultimately returning to one entity. Acupuncture for epidemics has only five methods, summarizing all failures under the Five Phases.

Summarizing, Six Qi are in Heaven, governed by Earthly Branches; Five Phases are on Earth, governed by Heavenly Stems. Establishing five years clarifies rigid-flexible failure and exhausts treatment methods. Epidemics and Li are names for upper-lower rigid-flexible states. Though named differently, they return to one entity: five acupuncture methods for epidemics, and Li follows the same. All preceding failures use "for example," covering sixty years, summarized under Five Phases.

Huangdi asked: I hear the Five Epidemics spread easily, affecting all ages similarly. How can one avoid infection?

Qibo replied: Those not infected have Righteous Qi stored internally, preventing evil invasion. Avoid toxic vapors. Inhale pure Qi through the nose (Tian Pin), let it descend to the Lower Dantian, and rise back to the brain. If Qi emerges from the brain, evil cannot invade. To emerge Qi from the brain, visualize the heart like the sun. Before entering an epidemic room, visualize Green Qi emerging from the Liver, moving left to the East, transforming into forests. Visualize White Qi from the Lungs, moving right to the West, transforming into weapons. Visualize Red Qi from the Heart, moving south/up, transforming into flames. Visualize Black Qi from the Kidneys, moving north/down, transforming into water. Visualize Yellow Qi from the Spleen, staying in the Center, transforming into earth. After protecting oneself with these five Qi, visualize the head shining like the Big Dipper, then enter the epidemic room.

Tian Pin is Xuan Pin, the primordial Qi of the body. Inhaling through the nose to the Lower Dantian and rising to the brain integrates with the Five Zang primordial Qi. Where evil gathers, Qi is deficient. If True Qi is internal and manifests externally, evil cannot enter, and epidemics are repelled.

Another method: On the Spring Equinox, before sunrise, spit out stale air to clear the stomach.

Another method: After Rain Water solar term, bathe three times and induce sweating with herbs to open the muscle surface.

Another method: Xiao Jin Dan formula: Cinnabar 2 liang, ground Realgar 1 liang, Leaf Realgar 1 liang, Zi Jin 0.5 liang. Mix in a box, seal with mud, bury 1 chi deep in a pit. No furnace needed, no processing. Burn with 20 jin of fire for 7 days. Cool for 7 days. Remove from box, bury medicine in earth for 7 days. Grind for 3 days. Make pills with white sand honey, size of wutong seeds. Daily, face east, inhale one mouthful of solar Qi, swallow one pill with cold water. Take 10 pills; no epidemic interference.

Zi Jin is purple gold. He is a box. Gu is sealing with mud. Le di is burying. Di bin is the pit. Shun ri is facing the sun. Bing shui is cold water. Xiao Jin Dan stabilizes Fu organs and harmonizes San Jiao. These methods prevent epidemics caused by three-year transformations. Besides acupuncture, there are formulas to repel epidemics.

Huangdi asked: When humans are deficient, Spirit wanders and loses position, allowing ghosts to invade, causing premature death. How to preserve True Qi? Please teach acupuncture methods.

Qibo bowed and said: Excellent question! Spirit wandering losing position is internal deficiency, but not fatal unless evil invades. As below, the combination of Three Deficiencies requires specific acupuncture.

If Jueyin fails to maintain, Heaven is deficient, Human Liver Qi is deficient, creating double deficiency. Hun wanders upward. Evil attacks Jueyin Great Qi. If body temperature is warm, it can be treated. Puncture the passing point of Foot Shaoyang, then puncture Liver Shu.

Jueyin governs Heaven. Failure means Heaven is deficient, Human Liver is deficient, creating double deficiency. Liver stores Hun, so Hun wanders up. Double deficiency plus external evil is "Three Deficiencies." Evil attack causes Jue (reversal), Great Qi is Liver Qi reversing upward. Warmth is floating heat. Puncture Foot Shaoyang passing point (Yuan-Source point) to treat warmth, then Liver Shu to treat reversal.

If Heart is deficient, and Jun Huo and Xiang Huo Si Tian fail to maintain, creating Three Deficiencies, and Fire is insufficient, Black Corpse Ghost attacks, causing sudden death. Puncture Hand Shaoyang passing point, then Heart Shu.

Heart deficiency plus Si Tian failure creates double deficiency. Fire insufficiency allows Water to control Fire, so Black Water Ghost attacks.

If Spleen is diseased, and Taiyin Si Tian fails to maintain, creating Three Deficiencies, and Earth is insufficient, Green Corpse Ghost attacks, causing sudden death. Puncture Foot Yangming passing point, then Spleen Shu.

Wood controls Earth, so Green Ghost attacks.

If Lung is diseased, and Yangming Si Tian fails to maintain, creating Three Deficiencies, and Metal is insufficient, Red Corpse Ghost attacks, causing sudden death. Puncture Hand Yangming passing point, then Lung Shu.

Fire controls Metal, so Red Ghost attacks.

If Kidney is diseased, and Taiyang Si Tian fails to maintain, creating Three Deficiencies, and Water transport is insufficient, Yellow Corpse Ghost attacks, sucking Soul and Spirit, causing sudden death. Puncture Foot Taiyang passing point, then Kidney Shu.

Yellow Ghost represents Earth controlling Water. Three Deficiencies combining cause sudden disease.

Huangdi asked: Regarding the twelve yearly phases, if Spirit loses position, Spirit's radiance becomes incomplete, fearing evil invasion. Treatment via acupuncture? Please explain the essentials.

Twelve meridians are governed by Zang-Fu. Spirit rotation ensures complete radiance; otherwise, evil invades.

Qibo bowed and said: Profound question! This is the true doctrine. Only the Sage Emperor explores this source. Qi and Spirit unite with the Dao, matching Heaven.

Heart is the Monarch Official, from whom Shen Ming emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source point of Hand Shaoyin.

Hand Shaoyin is Heart. Previous sections mentioned flowing points; here we puncture Source points, as exit is the basis of entry, and entry is the root of exit.

Lung is the Chancellor Official, from whom regulation emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source point of Hand Taiyin.

Liver is the General Official, from whom strategy emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source point of Foot Jueyin.

Gallbladder is the Judge Official, from whom decision emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source point of Foot Shaoyang.

Danzhong is the Envoy Official, from whom joy emerges. Puncture the Liu (Flowing) point of Pericardium.

Since Heart is punctured at Source, Pericardium is punctured at Flowing point.

Spleen is the Advisor Official, from whom wisdom emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source point of Spleen.

Stomach is the Granary Official, from whom flavors emerge. Puncture the Yuan-Source point of Stomach.

Large Intestine is the Transmission Official, from whom transformation emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source point of Large Intestine.

Small Intestine is the Receiving Official, from whom transformation emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source point of Small Intestine.

Kidney is the Strength Official, from whom skill emerges. Puncture the Yuan-Source point of Kidney.

San Jiao is the Drainage Official, from whom water passages emerge. Puncture the Yuan-Source point of San Jiao.

Bladder is the Capital Official, storing fluids, which exit upon Qi transformation. Puncture the Yuan-Source point of Bladder.

These Twelve Officials must not lose harmony. Each has its duty, transmitting to each other, so they must not fail.