典藏书目

Maozhen (Fine Needle) primarily treats Bi syndrome (obstruction syndrome) caused by deficiency of healthy Qi, nourishing the righteous and eliminating pathogenic factors through slow manipulation. For cold, heat, and painful Bi syndromes with superficial locations, one should wait quietly for the arrival of Qi, insert slowly, and withdraw slowly to ensure the balance of righteous and pathogenic factors.

[Note] Item 7: Diagram of Maozhen (Fine Needle)
[1] The Classic states in Item 7: Maozhen (Fine Needle), whose tip resembles the proboscis of a mosquito or horsefly, is modeled after fine body hair and has a length of 1 cun 6 fen.
[2] The reason the tip must resemble that of a mosquito or horsefly is to utilize its minute, fine, and slow characteristics.
[3] Maozhen (Fine Needle) derives its name from being modeled after fine body hair.
[4] It is mainly used to puncture pathogenic factors lodged in the meridians, presenting as mild and superficial painful Bi syndrome.
[5] For individuals with insufficient righteous Qi, using this needle involves waiting quietly for Qi arrival, inserting slowly to gradually dissipate pathogens, retaining it slightly for a long time to gently nourish righteous Qi. Thus, cold pathogens and Bi syndromes located superficially in the collaterals can be resolved.

Changzhen (Long Needle) primarily treats deficiency pathogens affecting Yang, where pathogens sink internally into the bones, joint spaces, and interstices (Couli). To extract deep-seated pathogens and eliminate distant Bi syndromes, proper needling techniques are required for recovery.

[Note] Item 8: Diagram of Changzhen (Long Needle)
[1] The Classic states in Item 8: Changzhen (Long Needle) is modeled after Qizhen (Qi Needle) and has a length of 7 cun.
[2] This is because it can reach deep-seated pathogens and distant Bi syndromes.
[3] Changzhen (Long Needle) is equivalent to the modern Huantiao needle, primarily treating deep invasion of deficiency pathogens lodging in the bones, lumbar spine, joints, and interstices.
[4] Whenever one intends to treat deep and distant painful pathogens, a long needle with a sharp tip must be used according to proper methods, so that deep pathogens may exit, distant Bi syndromes may resolve, and health may be restored.

Dazhen (Large Needle) primarily treats systemic diseases where excessive pathogens overflow into the musculature and body. These manifest as wind or water-dampness causing joint Bi syndromes; once the joints are unblocked, the Great Qi (vital energy) circulates freely.

Commentary: These nine needles all originate from the regulations regarding size and length in the *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot) chapter of the *Huang Di Nei Jing*, with no differences.
However, upon careful study of the uses of the nine needles in the Classic, what is addressed are all excess-type solid pathogens.
Therefore, it can be inferred that needling is not suitable for treating deficiency conditions.

[Note] Item 9: Diagram of Dazhen (Large Needle)
[1] The Classic states in Item 9: Dazhen (Large Needle) is modeled after Fengzhen (Sharp Needle), with a slightly rounded tip, and has a length of 4 cun.
[2] Its tip shape resembles a rod, being thick and large, capable of draining and unblocking the joints (mechanisms).
[3] Dazhen (Large Needle) is the ancient Fire Needle (Fanzhen).
[4] For any excessive pathogens throughout the body, whether wind or water-dampness, overflowing into the musculature and stagnating without passing through the joints, causing illness due to obstruction, this needle is used to make the joints smooth and the Great Qi circulate. Thus, excessive pathogens obstructing the meridians, and injuries to the musculature by wind, deficiency, swelling, and toxins can all be eliminated.