次指爪甲上与肉交者,各一 ,不得息立已,汗出立止,咳者,温
衣饮食,一日已,左刺右,右刺左,病立已,不已,复刺如法。
《经脉》论云∶胆足少阳之脉,合缺盆以下胸中,循胁里,邪客于足少阳之络,循胁里,故令人胁痛,
合缺盆以下胸中,故不得息,不得息则咳,不得息而咳,故咳则汗出,当刺足小趾,之次指爪甲
上与肉交者,足少阳窍阴井穴也,刺其左右各一 ,不得息当立已,汗出当立止,咳不能已,故云咳者当
温其衣,温其饮食,勿使形寒饮冷,则一日气机环转,其咳可已,其胁痛未愈,当缪刺以治
之,左刺右、右刺左,其痛病当立已,不能立已,复为缪刺,亦如左刺右,右刺左之法。
邪客于足少阴之络,令人嗌痛,不可内食,无故善怒,气上走
贲上,刺足下中央之脉各三 ,凡六刺立已,【左刺右右刺左】嗌中肿,不能内唾,时不能
出唾者,刺然谷之前,出血,立已,左刺右,右刺左。
内,音纳。贲,音奔。前左刺右右刺左六字衍文。《经脉》论云∶肾足少阴之脉,从肾上贯肝膈,
入肺中,病则饥不能食,气上,嗌干及痛,邪客于足少阴之络,令人嗌痛,即嗌干及痛也,不可内
食,即饥不欲食也,无故善怒,即上贯肝膈也,气上走,即入肺中也,贲上,即气上也,如是之病,当
刺足下中央之脉,肾足少阴涌泉井穴也,中央,及中央之前,中央之后,左右各三 ,凡六刺,
其病立已。若嗌痛不已,致嗌中肿,肿则不能内唾,内,犹咽也。其时亦不能唾者,当刺足少阴然谷之
前,然谷之前,然骨穴也,刺出其血,其病立。邪客少阴之络,故当左刺右,右刺左,而为缪刺以治之。
邪客于足太阴之络,令人腰痛引少腹,控 ,不可以仰息,刺
腰尻之解,两胂之上,是腰俞,以月死生为 数,发针立已,左刺右,右刺左。
《经脉》论云∶脾之大络名曰大包,出渊液,布胸胁,实则身尽痛,虚则百节尽皆纵。邪客于足太
阴之络,令人腰痛引少腹,身尽痛之意也。控 ,不可以仰息,布胸胁,百节尽皆纵之意也。此络
脉虚实之病,当刺腰尻之解,以及两胂之上。解,骨缝也。胂上,髁胂之上,即髀股也。申明腰尻之解,两
胂之上,腰俞是也。盖腰尻之解,属于腰俞,两胂之上,即腰俞两旁之下也,刺法当以月死
生为 数,发针立已,邪客于络,故当左刺右,右刺左,而为缪刺以治之。
邪客于足太阳之络,令人拘挛背急,引胁而痛,刺之从项始,数脊椎,侠脊,疾按之,应手
如痛刺之,旁三 ,立已。
数,上声。上文邪客于足太阳之络,令人头项肩痛。此不但头项肩痛,且背拘挛而急,引胁而痛。上
文刺足外踝而刺其下,此刺从项始,数脊椎,侠脊,而刺其上。上文刺足小趾井穴,此随痛应
手而刺之。上文刺外踝下三 ,而缪刺,此刺旁脊椎三 ,而不缪刺,所以不同于上文,举一以例其余也。
邪客于足少阳之络,令人留于枢中,痛髀不可举,刺枢中,以
毫针,寒则久留针,以月死生为数,立已。
上文邪客于足少阳之络,刺足少阳之井穴,此邪客于足少阳之络,则随其痛之所在而刺之,亦举一以例
其余也。少阳主枢,行身之侧,其脉循季胁,下合髀厌中,邪客于足少阳之络,令人留于枢
中,痛髀不可举者,少阳经脉不和,枢转不利也,即刺其枢中。枢中,髀枢中也,以毫针刺其络也,寒
则久留针,及于经也,少阳主初生之气,故以月死生为 数,痛当立已。
治诸经刺之,所过者不病,则缪刺之。
此结上文刺法之意,治诸经刺之,谓治诸经之病,则正刺其经也,所过者不病,谓诸经所过之道,不
为邪客而不病也。不病,则但在于络,故缪刺之,所以申明上文刺穴俞,与左右交刺不同者,以此故也。
邪客于五脏之间,其病也,脉引而痛,时来时止,视其病,缪刺之,于手足爪甲上视其
脉,出其血,间日一刺,一刺不已,五刺已。
下间去声。承上文邪客经络之意,而言周身经络,不外五脏,故举五脏五络,以终缪刺之义。五脏之
脉,行于周身,邪客于五脏之间,其病也,经脉络脉相引而痛,有时来出于络脉,有时但止于
经脉,故时来时止,视其病在络脉,则缪刺之,更于手足爪甲上视其孙络之脉,而出其血,若邪客五脏之
经脉,须间日一刺,一刺不已,至五刺而五脏始周,故五刺已。
邪客于手足少阴、太阴、足阳明之络,此五络,皆会于耳中,上络左角,五络竭竭,令
人身脉皆动,而形无知也,其状若尸,或曰尸厥,刺其足大趾内侧爪甲上,去端如韭叶,
后刺足中指爪甲上,各一 ,后刺手大指内侧,去端如韭叶,后刺手心主少阴锐骨
之端,各一 ,立已,不已,以竹管吹其两耳, 其左角之发,方
一寸,燔治,饮以美酒一杯,不能饮者,灌之立已。
, 同,俗作剃。承上文邪客五脏之意,而言五络会于耳中,合卫气而行于皮肤也,手足少阴心肾,
水火之络也,手足太阴肺脾,天地之络也,足阳明胃,中土之络也,心肾开窍于耳;犹天
地水火,会于中土之义,故凡此五络,皆会于耳中,从耳而上,则上络左角,若五络俱竭,不相交会,则令
人身脉皆动,而形无知也,动而无知,其状如尸,或曰尸厥者是也,刺其足大趾内侧爪甲上,去端如韭叶,
脾足太阴隐白井穴也,后刺足心,肾足少阴涌泉穴也,后刺足中指爪甲上各一 ,足阳明厉兑井穴也,后
刺手大指内侧去端如韭叶,肺手太阴少商井穴也,后刺手心主少阴锐骨之端各一 ,心手少阴掌后高骨大陵
俞穴也,心者君主之宫,故曰心主,刺其五络,病当立已,如不已,则以竹管吹其两耳,以通五络
之会于耳中者,更剃其左角之发,方一寸,燔治,使耳中之络,上
络于左角也,更饮以美酒一杯,不能饮者,灌之,使络脉与卫气相通,周于一身,出于皮肤,则其病立已。
凡刺之数,先视其经脉,切而从之,审其虚实而调之,不调
者,经刺之,有痛而经不病者,缪刺之,因视其皮部有血络者,尽取之,此缪刺之数也。
此举刺数,以结缪刺之义。经脉在里,络脉在中,孙络脉在外,故凡刺之数,先当视其在里之经脉
切而从之,审其虚实而调之,不调者,刺其经脉,故曰经刺之,有痛在于络脉而经不痛者,
则缪刺之,如病在孙络,因视其周身皮部有血络者,尽取刺之而出其血,此所以为缪刺之数也。
The acupoint located at the junction of the nail and flesh on the side of the second finger (index finger), needle one point on each side. The patient should hold their breath for a moment, and recovery will be immediate; sweating will stop instantly. If accompanied by coughing, keep the patient warm with clothing and diet, and recovery will occur within one day. The needling principle is to treat the left side by needling the right, and the right side by needling the left. The disease will resolve immediately; if not, repeat the needling according to this method.
The *Jingmai* (Meridian) chapter states: The meridian of Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder converges at Quepen (LI 15) and descends into the chest, following the interior of the hypochondrium. When pathogenic factors invade the collaterals of Foot-Shaoyang, they follow the hypochondrium, causing pain in the hypochondrium. Because the meridian converges at Quepen and descends into the chest, it causes dyspnea (difficulty breathing). Dyspnea leads to coughing; when dyspnea is accompanied by coughing, sweating occurs during coughing. One should needle the junction of the nail and flesh on the second finger next to the little toe, which is the Jing-Well point Yaojin (GB 44) of Foot-Shaoyang. Needle one point on the left and one on the right. Dyspnea should resolve immediately, and sweating should stop immediately. If the cough does not resolve, it is said that those with coughing should keep their clothes and food warm, avoiding cold exposure and cold drinks. Within one day, as the Qi mechanism circulates, the cough can be resolved. If the hypochondriac pain persists, Miao Needling (counterpart needling) should be used: needle the right for left-sided pain, and the left for right-sided pain. The pain should resolve immediately; if not, repeat Miao Needling following the same principle.
When pathogenic factors invade the collaterals of Foot-Shaoyin Kidney, it causes sore throat, inability to swallow food, spontaneous anger, and Qi rushing upward to the upper part of Ben (cardia/epigastrium). Needle the vessels in the center of the sole, three times on each side, totaling six needles, and the condition will resolve immediately. [Note: The characters "needle left treat right, treat right needle left" are redundant]. If there is swelling in the throat, inability to swallow saliva, or frequent attempts to expectorate without success, needle anterior to Ran Gu (KI 2), induce bleeding, and the condition will resolve immediately. Apply counterpart needling: left for right, right for left.
"Nei" sounds like "Na". "Ben" sounds like "Ben". The six characters "needle left treat right, treat right needle left" in the text are redundant. The *Jingmai* chapter states: The meridian of Foot-Shaoyin Kidney ascends from the kidney, passes through the liver and diaphragm, and enters the lung. Disease manifests as hunger but lack of desire to eat, Qi rushing upward, dry and painful throat. Pathogenic factors invading the collaterals of Foot-Shaoyin cause sore throat, i.e., dry and painful throat; inability to eat means hunger without desire to eat; spontaneous anger corresponds to Qi passing through the liver and diaphragm; Qi moving upward corresponds to entering the lung; "Ben Shang" refers to Qi rushing upward. For such conditions, needle the vessel in the center of the sole, which is Yong Quan (KI 1), the Jing-Well point of Foot-Shaoyin. Center, anterior to center, and posterior to center, three times on each side, totaling six needles, and the condition will resolve immediately. If sore throat persists leading to swelling, preventing swallowing ("Nei" implies swallowing), and inability to expectorate, needle anterior to Ran Gu (KI 2) of Foot-Shaoyin, which is the Ran Gu bone area, induce bleeding, and the condition will resolve. Since pathogens reside in the Shaoyin collaterals, apply counterpart needling: left for right, right for left, using Miao Needling.
When pathogenic factors invade the collaterals of Foot-Taiyin Spleen, it causes lower back pain radiating to the lower abdomen, pulling and stiffness, making supine breathing difficult. Needle the cleft of the lumbosacral region and above the two Sheng (buttock muscles); this is Yaoshu (BL 23). Determine the number of needle insertions based on the waxing and waning of the moon. Recovery follows immediately upon insertion. Apply counterpart needling: left for right, right for left.
The *Jingmai* chapter states: The large collateral of the Spleen is named Dabao, originating from Yuanli, distributing across the chest and hypochondrium. Excess causes generalized body pain; deficiency causes flaccidity of all joints. Pathogenic factors invading the collaterals of Foot-Taiyin manifest as lower back pain radiating to the lower abdomen, implying generalized pain. Pulling stiffness and difficulty with supine breathing imply distribution in the chest/hypochondrium and joint flaccidity. For these excess-deficiency disorders of the collaterals, needle the cleft of the lumbosacral region and above the two Sheng. "Jie" refers to bone fissures. "Sheng Shang" refers to above the knee-thigh area, i.e., the thigh. This clarifies that the cleft of the lumbosacral region and above the two Sheng refer to Yaoshu (BL 23). Specifically, the cleft belongs to Yaoshu, and above the two Sheng refers to the area below and lateral to Yaoshu. The needling method should determine the number of insertions based on the lunar cycle. Recovery follows immediately. Since pathogens reside in the collaterals, apply counterpart needling: left for right, right for left, using Miao Needling.
When pathogenic factors invade the collaterals of Foot-Taiyang Bladder, it causes spasms and back stiffness, radiating to the hypochondrium with pain. Needling should start from the neck, count the vertebrae, along the spine, press firmly where tenderness is felt upon palpation, and needle there. Insert three needles on each side adjacent to the tender spot. Recovery follows immediately.
"Shu" is pronounced with the rising tone. Previously, it was stated that pathogens in Foot-Taiyang collaterals cause head, neck, and shoulder pain. Here, besides head/neck/shoulder pain, there is back spasm/stiffness radiating to the hypochondrium. Previously, needling was done below the lateral malleolus; here, needling starts from the neck, counting vertebrae, along the spine, needling the upper areas. Previously, the Jing-Well point of the little toe was needled; here, needling is done at the responsive tender spot. Previously, three needles were inserted below the lateral malleolus with Miao Needling; here, three needles are inserted beside the spine without Miao Needling. This difference serves as an example for other cases.
When pathogenic factors invade the collaterals of Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder, pathogens remain in the Shu Zhong (hip pivot), causing hip pain and inability to lift the leg. Needle Shu Zhong using a filiform needle. In cold patterns, retain the needle for a long time. Determine the number of insertions based on the lunar cycle. Recovery follows immediately.
Previously, for pathogens in Foot-Shaoyang collaterals, the Jing-Well point was needled. Here, for pathogens in Foot-Shaoyang collaterals, needling is done at the site of pain, again serving as an example. Shaoyang governs the pivot and runs along the side of the body; its meridian follows the costal margin and descends to combine with the hip hinge. Pathogens in Foot-Shaoyang collaterals cause stagnation in the pivot, hip pain, and inability to lift the leg, indicating disharmony of the Shaoyang meridian and impaired pivot function. Therefore, needle the pivot directly. Shu Zhong refers to the hip pivot. Use a filiform needle to treat the collateral. In cold patterns, retain the needle long-term, addressing the meridian. Shaoyang governs the nascent Qi, so use the lunar cycle to determine needle counts. Pain should resolve immediately.
For treating various meridians, if the meridian pathway itself is not diseased, apply Miao Needling.
This summarizes the intent of the previous needling methods. "Treating various meridians" means treating diseases of the meridians by direct needling. "The pathway is not diseased" means the main meridian pathways are not invaded by pathogens. Since the meridians are unaffected, the pathology lies only in the collaterals; thus, Miao Needling is applied. This explains why the previously mentioned needling points differ from standard bilateral cross-needling.
When pathogens invade between the five Zang organs, the disease manifests as pulling pain along the vessels, coming and going intermittently. Observe the condition and apply Miao Needling. Observe the collateral vessels on the nails of the hands and feet, induce bleeding, and needle every other day. If one session is ineffective, five sessions will suffice.
"Jian" is pronounced with the departing tone. Continuing from the previous discussion on pathogens in meridians and collaterals, it states that the whole-body meridians do not exceed the five Zang. Thus, the five Zang and their five collaterals are cited to conclude the meaning of Miao Needling. The meridians of the five Zang run throughout the body. Pathogens between the five Zang cause pulling pain due to interaction between Jing and Luo vessels. Sometimes pathogens emerge into the Luo vessels, sometimes remaining in the Jing meridians, hence the intermittent nature. If the pathology is in the Luo vessels, apply Miao Needling. Further, observe the Sun-Luo vessels on the nails and induce bleeding. If pathogens reside in the Zang meridians, needle every other day. If one session fails, after five sessions, the Qi of the five Zang will circulate completely, and the disease will resolve.
When pathogens invade the collaterals of Hand-Foot Shaoyin, Hand-Foot Taiyin, and Foot-Yangming, these five collaterals all converge in the ear and ascend to connect with the left corner of the head. If these five collaterals are exhausted, the pulses of the body may move, but the form becomes insensible, resembling a corpse, known as Shi Jue (Corpse Coma). Needle the inner side of the big toe, on the nail, about the width of a leek leaf away from the corner (Yinbai SP 1). Then needle the middle toe of the foot, on the nail, one point each side (Lidui ST 45). Then needle the inner side of the thumb, about the width of a leek leaf from the corner (Shaoshang LU 11). Then needle the end of the sharp bone of the Hand Conductor (Pericardium), one point each side (Daling PC 7). Recovery follows immediately. If not, blow air into both ears using a bamboo tube. Shave a square inch of hair from the left corner of the head, burn it, and drink it mixed with a cup of fine wine. If the patient cannot drink, force-feed them. Recovery follows immediately.
"Tì" is synonymous with "Tī", commonly written as Tì. Continuing from the previous mention of pathogens in the five Zang, it states that the five collaterals converge in the ear and travel with Wei Qi in the skin. Hand-Foot Shaoyin (Heart/Kidney) are the water-fire collaterals; Hand-Foot Taiyin (Lung/Spleen) are the heaven-earth collaterals; Foot-Yangming (Stomach) is the central earth collateral. Heart and Kidney open into the ears, analogous to heaven, earth, water, and fire converging in the center. Thus, these five collaterals converge in the ear and ascend to the left corner. If all five are exhausted and fail to intersect, the body's pulses may move while the form remains insensible, resembling a corpse, called Shi Jue. Needle Yinbai (SP 1), the Jing-Well point of Foot-Taiyin Spleen, on the inner big toe nail. Then needle Yong Quan (KI 1), the Jing-Well point of Foot-Shaoyin Kidney, at the sole. Then needle Lidui (ST 45), the Jing-Well point of Foot-Yangming Stomach, on the middle toe nail. Then needle Shaoshang (LU 11), the Jing-Well point of Hand-Taiyin Lung, on the inner thumb. Then needle Daling (PC 7), the Shu-Stream point of Hand-Shaoyin Pericardium, at the proximal wrist crease. The Heart is the ruler's palace, hence "Heart Master." Needling these five collaterals should resolve the disease immediately. If not, blow into the ears with a bamboo tube to open the convergence in the ear; shave and burn the hair from the left corner to connect the ear collaterals to the left head corner; drink wine to promote circulation of Luo vessels and Wei Qi throughout the body and skin, resolving the disease.
In general needling principles, first examine the meridians, palpate and follow them, assess excess and deficiency, and regulate accordingly. If regulation fails, use Jing Needling (direct meridian needling). If there is pain but the meridian itself is not diseased, use Miao Needling. Furthermore, observe the skin regions for blood vessels; if present, drain them all. This constitutes the principles of Miao Needling.
This section outlines needling principles to summarize Miao Needling. Jing Meridians are deep, Luo Collaterals are intermediate, and Sun Collaterals are superficial. Therefore, in needling, first examine the deep Jing meridians, palpate them, assess excess/deficiency, and regulate. If unregulated, needle the Jing Meridians (Jing Needling). If pain exists in the collaterals but not the meridians, apply Miao Needling. If the pathology is in the Sun Collaterals, observe the skin regions for visible blood vessels and drain them all. This is the principle of Miao Needling.