典藏书目

Bone setting differs from general fracture management, relying entirely on manual techniques and the practitioner's physical skill. Appropriately applying light and heavy pressure characterizes a master, while employing simultaneous intimidation and deception characterizes an elite physician. The technique should be executed suddenly so that the patient remains unaware; if the patient becomes aware, the bone has already been reduced. Herein are the manual techniques set forth in verse: mastering one method allows mastery of all methods.

Verse for Supporting the Mandible
The skull is round, called *dulu* (skull). Dislocation of the mandible presents in two forms: unilateral displacement is termed "cuo" (dislocation), bilateral dislocation is termed "luo" (falling/dropping). The maxilla resembles a curved ring, while the mandible resembles a hook. Use two fingers to press down simultaneously inside the mouth, while gently kneading both cheeks externally. Slowly support the mandible inward; after supporting, it must be secured with a bandage.

Verse for Lifting the Cervical Vertebrae
When falling from a height and suddenly startled, the head drops first, causing cervical vertebrae to tilt. If the face looks up and cannot lower, extension is required; if the head hangs low and cannot lift, elevation is needed. Insert supports into the thoracic cavity to lift, and straighten any tilted bones. Check for other contusions or impacts, and adjust treatment according to the specific circumstances at hand.

Verse for Correcting the Dorsal and Lumbar Spine
The spinal column consists of connected segments, originally without dislocation or tilting. Waist injuries from sprains make movement difficult; dorsal curvature indicates uneven bones. Generally, spinal tendons have displaced from their positions, and bone fissures may have opened. Press and knead the tendons back to their original positions; if the tendons relax, the condition lightens.

Verse for Reducing the Shoulder Joint
Injury to the shoulder and arm causes tendon spasms in the hand. The shoulder joint structure resembles a pestle and mortar. If the elbow tip bends backward, the scapula likely protrudes forward. Ordinary physicians might use two people to pull, but the swift method requires only one person to carry/support. If treating a woman where direct handling is difficult, use secret family methods involving deception mixed with intimidation.

Verse for Supporting the Elbow Tip
The middle of the arm is called the "zhoujian" (elbow tip), where convex and concave bones fit together. Straightness without flexion indicates a tendon pathology; inability to extend suggests a bone issue. If bone fissures exist, perform reduction carefully; if tendons are tense horizontally or vertically, grasp and soothe them. Subsequently, rest and suspend the arm at the neck; move the joints frequently to prevent stiffness.

Verse for Adjusting the Wrist
The wrist joints connect like the water wheel of farm equipment, capable of supination and pronation with flexion. Prevent recurrence when movement is obstructed, as riding may cause jarring. The hand must meet resistance; reversed tendons and posteriorly adhered palms indicate bone deviation. Gently grasp the bone to return it to place; once the bone is reduced, the tendon heals.

Verse for Reducing the Femur
The Huantiao point lies anterior to the hip bone. The joint separates medially like a pestle and mortar rotating on a pivot. Tendon reversal and swelling cluster at the heel; bone misalignment causes leg curling. Use hands to pull the leg and feet to brace, or apply cloth bindings and rope suspension.

Verse for Pushing the Patella
The patella is round and covers the knee, originally allowing movement via various tendons. If the patella shifts upward, waist and hip pain occur; if the bone deviates, walking becomes difficult. If dislocated laterally, tendons swell; if dislocated medially, bending is difficult. Push the tendons and press the bone back to their original positions; hugging the knee ensures peace, what is there to worry about?

Verse for Pulling the Ankle
Toes, heels, and ankles are connected; tendon and bone injuries hinder walking. Toes pointing backward indicate sprain; ankle deviation indicates twisting. Palpate bony prominences and depressions thoroughly; clarify tendon reversals and knots. Knead, pluck, and pull the tendons; if tendons are regulated, bones will level out.

Yao Shan said: "Guojia" (bone joint) refers to the site where two bones intersect and move, like a pestle in a mortar, like a door hinge, or like the mechanism of a counterpoise lever. Because of the tendons' constraint, it can rotate freely without obstruction. If the joint dislocates, the tendons must be injured; therefore, reducing the joint requires first regulating the tendons. The preceding bone-setting verse is a secret formula from the Chen family, comprehensive in method, though the original rhyme scheme was imperfect, so it was slightly polished. After completing this, I wrote ten verses on upper limb joint reduction. I dare not claim proficiency, but merely wish to facilitate memorization. The character "jia" in "jiegu jia" (setting bone joints) is pronounced "liao". It refers to the eight holes on the sacrum, called "ba jia" (eight joints). *Ye Shi Yi An* states: "Setting bone jia," where "jia" is pronounced "jia", meaning small bone. Some use it for "qiao" (aperture) or "jia", neither being precise. Xue Shi's *Zhengti Lei Yao* contains the phrase "bone joint reduced then dislocated again"; thus, I still borrow this term.