十五别络者，手太阴之别，名曰列缺，起于腕上分间，并太阴之经，直入掌中，散入于鱼际。（此下即十
五络穴也。不曰络而曰别者，以本经由此穴而别走邻经也。手太阴之络名列缺，在腕后一寸五分上侧分肉间，
太阴自此别走阳明者。其太阴本经之脉，由此直入掌中，散于鱼际也。人或有寸关尺三部脉不见，自列缺至阳
溪见者，俗谓之反关脉，此经脉虚而络脉满，《千金翼》谓阳脉逆，反大于气口三倍者是也。）其病实则手
锐掌热，虚则欠KT ，小便遗数，取之去腕半寸，别走阳明也。（掌后高骨为手锐骨。实为邪热有余，故手
锐掌热。欠KT ，张口伸腰也。虚因肺气不足，故为欠KT 及小便遗而且数。体倦则
呻，志倦则KT 也。治此者取列缺，实可泻之，虚可补之。诸经准此。半寸，当作寸半，此太阴之络，
别走阳明，而阳明之络曰偏历，亦入太阴，以其相为表里，故互为注络以相通也。他经皆然。KT ，音去。）
手少阴之别，名曰通里，去腕一寸半，别而上行，循经入于心中，系舌本，属目系。其实则支膈，虚则
不能言，取之掌后一寸，别走太阳也。（手少阴之络名通里，在腕后一寸陷中，别走手太阳者也。
此经入心下膈，故邪实则支膈，谓膈间若有所支而不畅也。其支者上系舌本，故虚则不能言，当取通里以治之
也。）手心主之别，名曰内关，去腕二寸，出于两筋之间。循经以上，系于心包，络心系。
实则心痛，虚则为头强，取之两筋间也。（手厥阴之络名内关，在
掌后去腕二寸两筋间，别走手少阳者也。此经系心包，络心系，又出耳
后，合少阳完骨之下，故邪实则心痛，虚则头强不利也。皆取内关以治之。）手太阳之别，名曰支正，上
腕五寸，内注少阴，其别者上走肘，络肩 。实则节弛肘废，虚则生 ，小者如指痂
疥，取之所别也。（手太阳之络名支正，在腕后五寸，走臂内侧，注手少阴者也。此经走肘络肩，故邪实
则脉络壅滞而节弛肘废，正虚则血气不行，大则为 ，小则为指间痂疥之类，取之所别，即支正也。 ，
音尤，赘瘤也。）手阳明之别，名曰偏历，去腕三寸，别入太阴，其别者上循臂，乘肩 ，上曲颊偏齿，
其别者入耳，合于宗脉。实则龋聋，虚则齿寒痹膈，取之所别也。（手阳明之络名偏历，
在腕后三寸上侧间，别走手太阴者也。按，本经筋脉，皆无“入耳”、“上目”之文，惟此别络有之。
宗脉者，脉聚于耳目之间者也。龋齿，蠹病也。此经上曲颊偏齿，入耳，络肺，下膈，故实则为齿龋耳聋，
虚则为齿寒内痹而膈。治此者，当取所别之偏历。龋，耳雨切。）手少阳之别，名曰
外关，去腕二寸，外绕臂，注胸中，合心主。病实则肘挛，虚则不收，取之所别也。（手少阳之络名外关，
在腕后二寸两筋间，别走手厥阴心主者也。此经绕臂，故为肘挛及不收之病。治此者，当取所
别之外关。）足太阳之别，名曰飞扬，去踝七寸，别走少阴。实则鼽窒，头背痛，虚则鼽衄，取之所别也。（
足太阳之络名飞扬，在足外踝上七寸，别走足少阴者也。此经起于目内 ，络脑，行头背，故
其为病如此。治此者，当取所别之飞扬。鼽，音求，鼻塞也。）足少阳之
别，名曰光明，去踝五寸，别走厥阴，下络足跗。实则厥，虚则痿 ，坐不能起，取之所别也。（足少
阳之络名光明，在外踝上五寸，别走足厥阴者也。此经下络足跗，故为厥，为痿 ，治此者，当
取所别之光明。 ，音璧，足不能行也。）足阳明之别，名曰丰隆，去踝八寸，别走太阴，其别者循胫骨
外廉，上络头项，合诸经之气，下络喉嗌。其病气逆则喉痹瘁喑，实则狂癫，虚则
足不收，胫枯，取之所别也。（足阳明之络名丰隆，在外踝上八寸，别走足太阴者也。此经循喉咙，入缺盆，
胃为五脏六腑之海，而喉嗌缺盆为诸经之孔道，故合诸经之气下络喉嗌而为病如此。治之者，当取所别之
丰隆也。）足太阴之别，名曰公孙，去本节之后一寸，别走阳明，其别者入络肠胃。厥气上逆则霍乱，实则
肠中切痛，虚则鼓胀，取之所别也。（足太阴之络名公孙，在足大指本节后一寸，别走足阳明者也。厥气者，
脾气失调而或寒或热，皆为厥气；逆而上行，则为霍乱。本经入腹，属脾入胃，故其所病如此。治此者，当
取所别之公孙也。）足少阴之别，名曰大钟，当踝后绕跟，别走太阳，其别者并经上走于心包下，外贯腰脊。
其病气逆则烦闷，实则闭癃，虚则腰痛，取之所别也。（足少阳之络名大钟，在足跟后骨上两
筋间，别走足太阳者也。前十二经脉，言本经从肺出络心，此言上走心包，下外贯腰脊，故其为病如此。而
治此者，当取所别之大钟也。）足厥阴之别，名曰蠡沟，去内踝五寸，别走少阳，其别者循胫上
睾，结于茎。其病气逆则睾肿卒疝，实则挺长，虚则暴痒，取之所别也。（足厥阴之络名蠡沟，在足内踝上
五寸，别走足少阳者也。本经络阴器，上睾，结于茎，故其所病如此。而治此者，当取所别之蠡
沟。茎，阴茎也。）任脉之别，名曰尾翳，下鸠尾，散于腹。实则腹皮痛，虚则痒瘙，取之所别也。（尾，
当作“屏”，任脉之络名屏翳，即会阴穴，在大便前，小便后，两阴之间，任、督、冲三脉所起之
处。此经由鸠尾下行，散于腹，故其为病如此。而治之者，当取所别之会阴。）督脉之别，名曰长强，挟膂
上项，散头上下，当肩胛左右别走太阳，入贯膂。实则脊强，虚则头重高摇之，挟脊之
有过者，取之所别也。（督脉之络名长强，在尾 骨端，别走任脉、足少阴者也。此经上头项，走肩背，
故其病如此。头重高摇之，谓力弱不胜而颤掉也。治此者，当取所别之长强。）脾之大络，名曰大包，出
渊腋下三寸，布胸胁。实则身尽痛，虚则百节尽皆纵，此脉若罗络之血者，皆取之脾之大络脉也。（脾之大
络名大包，在渊腋下三寸，布胸胁，出九肋间，总统阴阳诸络，由脾灌溉五脏者也。故其为
病如此。罗络之血者，言此大络包罗诸络之血，故皆取脾之大络以去之。大络，即大包也。）凡此十五络者，
实则必见，虚则必下，视之不见，求之上下，人经不同，络脉异所别也。（十二经共十二络，而外有任、督二
络，及脾之大络，是为十五络也。凡人之十二经脉，伏行分肉之间，深不可见，其脉之浮而可见者，皆络脉
也。然又必邪气盛者脉乃壅盛，故实则必见，正气虚者脉乃陷下，而视之不见矣。故当求上下诸
穴，以相印证而察之也。盖以人经有肥、瘦、长、短之不同，络脉亦异其所别，故不可执一而求也。按，
足太阴之别名曰公孙，络名大包，足阳明之别名曰丰隆，络名虚里，诸经之络唯一，脾胃之络各二，盖以
脾胃为脏腑之本，而十二经皆以受气者也。经脉筋络，本明针灸之理，而行药治病之要一以贯之。至于气穴、
溪谷，井、荥、 、合等法，专言针灸者，另有全书祖述之，此不备焉。）
经脉十二，而手太阴、足少阴、阳明独动不休，是明胃脉也。胃为五脏六腑之海，其清气上注于肺，
肺气从太阴而行之。其行也以息往来，故人一呼脉再动，一吸脉亦再动，呼吸不已，故动而不止。（手足之
脉，共十二经，然惟手太阴、足少阴、足阳明三经独多动脉，而三经之脉则手太阴之太渊，足少阴之太溪。
足阳明上则人迎，下则冲阳，皆动之尤甚者也。是明胃脉者，言三经之动，皆因于胃气也。）气之过于寸口也，
上十息，下八伏，盛衰不等，难穷往还。（寸口，手太阴脉也。上、下，言进退之势也。十、
八，喻盛衰之形也。此其往还之道，真有难穷者。）而气之离脏也，卒然如弓弩之发，如水之下岸，上于
鱼以反衰，其余气衰散以逆上，故其行微。（凡脉气之内发于脏，外达于经，其卒然如弓弩之
发，如水之下岸，言其劲锐之气不可遏也。然强弩之末，其力必柔，急流之末，其势必缓，故脉由寸口以上
鱼际，盛而反衰，其余气以衰散之势而逆上，故其行微。此脉气之盛衰所以不等也。）足阳明之动，胃气上
注于肺，其悍气上冲头者，循咽上走空窍，循眼系入络脑，出 ，下客主人，循牙车，合阳明，并下人迎，
此胃气别走于阳明者也。（胃气上注于肺，而其悍气之上头者，循咽喉上行，从眼系入络脑，出 下，会于足
少阳之客主人以及牙车，乃合于阳明之本经，并下人迎之动脉。此内为胃气之所发，而外为阳明之动也。
牙车，即曲牙，颊车也。 痛刺足阳明曲周动脉，见血立已。治狂者取头两 ，当在脑之下，鬓之前，客
主人之上，其即鬓骨之上，两太阳之间为 也。 ，音坎，又海敢切。）阴阳上下，其动也若一，故阳病
而阳脉小者为逆，阴病而阴脉大者为逆，阴阳俱静俱动，若引绳相倾者病。（阴阳上下者，统上文手太阴而
言也。盖胃气上注于肺，本出一原，虽胃为阳明，脉上出于人迎，肺为太阴，脉下出于寸口，而其气本相贯，
故彼此之动，其应若一也。然人迎属腑为阳，阳病则阳脉宜大，而反小者为逆；寸口属脏为阴，阴病则阴
脉宜小，而反大者为逆，故气口候阴，人迎候阳也。是以阴阳大小，脉各有体。设阴阳不分而或为俱静，或
为俱动，若引绳之匀者，则其阴阳之气，非此即彼，必有偏倾而致病者矣。）足少阴之动冲脉者，十二经
之海也，与少阴之大络起于肾下，出于气街，循阴股内廉，斜入 中，循胫骨内廉，并少阴之经，
下入内踝之后，入足下；其别者斜入踝，出属跗上，入大指之间，注诸络，以温足胫，此脉之常动者也。（
足少阴之脉动者，以冲脉与之并行也。冲脉亦十二经之海，与少阴之络同起于肾下，出于足
阳明之气冲，循阴股、 中、内踝等处，以入足下，其别者斜出属跗，上注诸络，以温足胫，此太溪等脉所
以常动不已也。）营卫之行也，上下相贯，如环之无端，今有其卒然遇邪气及逢大寒，手足懈
惰，其脉阴阳之道，相输之会，行相失也，气何由还？（营卫之行，阴阳有度，若邪气居之，则其营运之道，
宜相失也，又何能往还不绝？）夫四末阴阳之会者，此气之大络也，四街者，气之径路也，故络绝则径通，
四末解则气从合，相输如环，终而复始也。（四末，四肢也。十二经皆终始于四肢，故曰“阴阳之会”而为
气之大络也。然大络虽会于四肢，复有气行之径路，谓之“四街”，所谓“气街”者是也。凡邪之中人，多在大
络，故络绝则径通，及邪已行而四末解，彼绝此通，气从而合，回环转输，何能相失？此所以如环无端也。）
夫人之常数，太阳常多血少气，少阳常少血多气，阳明常多气多血，少阴常少血多气，厥阴常多血少气，
太阴常多气少血，此天之常数。（十二经血气，各有多少不同，乃天禀之常数，凡治病当详察血气而为之补泻
也。按，屡言血气之数，三阳皆同，三阴皆异，考之他条，微有舛误，当以此节为正。）足太阳与少阴为
表里，少阳与厥阴为表里，阳明与太阴为表里，是为足阴阳也；（足太阳，膀胱也，足少阴，肾也，是为一
合；足少阳，胆也，足厥阴，肝也。是为二合；足阳明，胃也，足太阴，脾也，是为三合。阳为腑经，行于足
之外侧，阴为脏经，行于足之内侧，此足之表里也。）手太阳与少阴为表里，少阳与心主为表里，阳明与太阴
为表里，是为手之阴阳也。（手太阳，小肠也，手少阴，心也，是为四合；手少阳，三焦也，
手心主，厥阴也，是为五合；手阳明，大肠也，手太阴，肺也，是为六合。阳为腑经，行于手之外侧，阴
为脏经，行于手之内侧，此手之表里也。）知手足阴阳所苦，去其苦，伺所欲，泻有余，补不足，燮理铮铮矣。
诸脉者皆属于目，（目者，宗脉之所聚也，故诸脉者皆属于目。）诸髓者皆属于脑，（脑为髓海，故
诸髓皆属之。）诸筋者皆属于节，（筋力坚强，所以连属骨节。久行伤筋，以诸筋皆属于节故也。诸血者
皆属于心，（心生血，主血脉，故诸血皆属于心。）诸气者皆属于肺，（肺藏气，其大气之搏而不行者积于
胸中，命曰“气海”，出于肺，循喉咽，故呼则出，吸则入，此诸气之皆属于肺也。）此四肢八溪之朝夕也。
（四肢，两手、两足也。八溪者，手有肘与腋，足有胯与 也，此四肢之关节，故称为“溪”。朝夕者，言
人之诸脉、髓、筋、血、气，无不由此出入而朝夕营运不离也。）故人卧血归于肝，（人寤则动，动则血随气
行阳分，而运于诸经；人卧则静，静则血随气行阴分，而归于肝，以肝为藏血之脏也。故人凡寐者，其面色
多白，以血藏故耳。）肝受血而能视，（肝开窍于目，肝得血则神聚于目，故能视。）足受血而能步，（
足得之则神在足，故步履健矣。）掌受血而能握，（掌得之则神在手，故把握固矣。）
十五别络，是手太阴肺经的别络，名叫列缺，起始于手腕上方的分肉之间，与手太阴经脉并行，直接进入手掌中，散布在鱼际部位。（以下即十五个络穴。不称为“络”而称为“别”，是因为本经由此穴别行走向邻近的经脉。手太阴的别络名叫列缺，位于手腕后一寸半的上侧分肉间，手太阴经从此处别行走向手阳明大肠经。其手太阴本经的脉气，由此直接进入掌中，散布于鱼际。人如果寸、关、尺三部脉搏摸不到，而从列缺到阳溪部位能摸到的，俗称反关脉，这是经脉虚弱而络脉充盈，《千金翼方》所说的阳脉逆行，反而比气口大三倍的情况。）其病症表现为实证时，手锐骨及手掌发热；虚证时，则出现呵欠、小便失禁且频数。治疗应取去腕横纹半寸处的穴位，因其别走手阳明大肠经。（掌后高骨称为手锐骨。实证为邪热有余，所以手锐骨和手掌发热。呵欠，即张口伸腰。虚证因肺气不足，所以出现呵欠以及小便失禁且频数。身体疲倦则呻吟，精神疲倦则呵欠。治疗此病取列缺穴，实证可用泻法，虚证可用补法。其他经络的治疗原则与此相同。这里的“半寸”，应当是“寸半”之误。这是手太阴的别络，别走手阳明经，而手阳明的别络名叫偏历，也进入手太阴经，因为它们互为表里，所以互相注通络脉以相通。其他经络都是这样。KT，读音同“去”。）
手少阴心经的别络，名叫通里，距离腕横纹一寸半，别行向上，沿着经脉进入心中，联系舌根，归属于目系。其实证表现为胸膈支撑胀满，虚证则不能说话。治疗应取腕后一寸处的穴位，因其别走手太阳小肠经。（手少阴的别络名叫通里，位于腕后一寸的凹陷中，别行走向手太阳经。这条经脉入心下膈，所以邪气盛实则导致胸膈支撑胀满，意思是膈间好像有东西支撑而不通畅。它的支脉上行联系舌根，所以虚证时不能说话，应当取通里穴来治疗。）
手厥阴心包经的别络，名叫内关，距离腕横纹二寸，出于两筋之间。沿着经脉向上，联系心包，联络心系。其实证表现为心痛，虚证则头部僵硬。治疗应取两筋之间的穴位。（手厥阴的别络名叫内关，位于掌后距离腕横纹二寸的两筋间，别行走向手少阳三焦经。这条经脉联系心包，联络心系，又出耳后，汇合于足少阳胆经完骨穴之下，所以邪气盛实则心痛，虚证则头部僵硬不利。都取内关穴来治疗。）
手太阳小肠经的别络，名叫支正，在腕上五寸处，向内注入手少阴经。其分支向上走到肘部，联络肩髃。其实证表现为关节松弛、肘部废用，虚证则生赘瘤，小的像手指上的痂疥。治疗应取该别络之处。（手太阳的别络名叫支正，位于腕后五寸，沿臂内侧行走，注入手少阴经。这条经脉走肘部、络肩髃，所以邪气盛实则脉络壅滞而导致关节松弛、肘部废用，正气虚则气血不行，大的形成赘瘤，小的形成指间痂疥之类，取该别络之处，即支正穴。 ，音尤，意为赘瘤。）
手阳明大肠经的别络，名叫偏历，距离腕横纹三寸，别行进入手太阴经。其分支向上沿手臂，经过肩部，上至曲颊偏齿处；另一分支进入耳朵，汇合于宗脉。其实证表现为龋齿、耳聋，虚证则牙齿寒冷、胸膈痹阻。治疗应取该别络之处。（手阳明的别络名叫偏历，位于腕后三寸的上侧间，别行走向手太阴经。按，本经的筋脉都没有“入耳”、“上目”的文字记载，只有这个别络有。宗脉，是指汇聚在耳目之间的脉。龋齿，是蛀牙病。这条经脉上至曲颊偏齿，入耳，络肺，下膈，所以实证表现为齿龋耳聋，虚证表现为牙齿寒冷、内痹而胸膈不适。治疗此病，应当取该别络的偏历穴。龋，读音为耳雨切。）
手少阳三焦经的别络，名叫外关，距离腕横纹二寸，向外绕过手臂，注入胸中，汇合于心主（心包）。其实证表现为肘部拘挛，虚证则手部不能收持。治疗应取该别络之处。（手少阳的别络名叫外关，位于腕后二寸的两筋间，别行走向手厥阴心主经。这条经脉绕过手臂，所以导致肘部拘挛及不能收持的病。治疗此病，应当取该别络的外关穴。）
足太阳膀胱经的别络，名叫飞扬，距离外踝七寸，别行走向足少阴肾经。其实证表现为鼻塞、头背痛，虚证表现为鼻塞、鼻出血。治疗应取该别络之处。（足太阳的别络名叫飞扬，位于足外踝上七寸，别行走向足少阴经。这条经脉起于目内眦，络脑，行于头背部，所以它导致的病症如此。治疗此病，应当取该别络的飞扬穴。鼽，音求，意为鼻塞。）
足少阳胆经的别络，名叫光明，距离外踝五寸，别行走向足厥阴肝经，向下联络足背。其实证表现为四肢厥冷，虚证表现为痿软无力，坐起困难。治疗应取该别络之处。（足少阳的别络名叫光明，位于外踝上五寸，别行走向足厥阴经。这条经脉向下联络足背，所以导致厥冷、痿软的病症，治疗此病，应当取该别络的光明穴。 ，音璧，意为足不能行走。）
足阳明胃经的别络，名叫丰隆，距离外踝八寸，别行走向足太阴脾经。其分支沿胫骨外侧缘，向上联络头项，汇合各经之气，向下联络咽喉。其病症表现为气逆则喉痹声哑，实证表现为狂癫，虚证表现为足部不能收持、小腿枯瘦。治疗应取该别络之处。（足阳明的别络名叫丰隆，位于外踝上八寸，别行走向足太阴经。这条经脉循喉咙，入缺盆，胃是五脏六腑的海，而喉嗌、缺盆是各经的孔道，所以汇合各经之气向下联络咽喉而致病如此。治疗者，应当取该别络的丰隆穴。）
足太阴脾经的别络，名叫公孙，距离足大趾本节之后一寸，别行走向足阳明胃经。其分支进入联络肠胃。厥气上逆则发生霍乱，实证表现为肠中剧烈疼痛，虚证表现为腹胀。治疗应取该别络之处。（足太阴的别络名叫公孙，位于足大趾本节后一寸，别行走向足阳明经。厥气，是指脾气失调而或寒或热，都称为厥气；逆而上行，则成为霍乱。本经入腹，属脾入胃，所以它导致的病症如此。治疗此病，应当取该别络的公孙穴。）
足少阴肾经的别络，名叫大钟，位于脚踝后方绕跟骨，别行走向足太阳膀胱经。其分支并同本经向上走到心包下方，向外贯穿腰脊。其病症表现为气逆则烦闷，实证表现为小便闭塞不通，虚证表现为腰痛。治疗应取该别络之处。（足少阴的别络名叫大钟，位于足跟后骨上两筋间，别行走向足太阳经。前十二经脉，说本经从肺出络心，这里说向上走到心包，向下外贯腰脊，所以它导致的病症如此。治疗此病，应当取该别络的大钟穴。）
足厥阴肝经的别络，名叫蠡沟，距离内踝五寸，别行走向足少阳胆经。其分支沿胫骨向上走到睾丸，结聚于阴茎。其病症表现为气逆则睾丸肿胀、突然疝痛，实证表现为阴茎挺长，虚证表现为突然瘙痒。治疗应取该别络之处。（足厥阴的别络名叫蠡沟，位于足内踝上五寸，别行走向足少阳经。本经络阴器，上睾，结于茎，所以它导致的病症如此。治疗此病，应当取该别络的蠡沟穴。茎，指阴茎。）
任脉的别络，名叫尾翳（屏翳），下行至鸠尾，散布于腹部。其实证表现为腹皮疼痛，虚证表现为皮肤瘙痒。治疗应取该别络之处。（尾，应当作“屏”。任脉的别络名叫屏翳，即会阴穴，在大便前、小便后，两阴之间，是任、督、冲三脉起始的地方。这条经脉由鸠尾下行，散布于腹，所以它导致的病症如此。治疗者，应当取该别络的会阴穴。）
督脉的别络，名叫长强，挟脊柱上行至颈部，散布于头部上下，在肩胛左右别行走向足太阳膀胱经，进入贯穿脊柱。其实证表现为脊柱强直，虚证表现为头重、头部摇晃不定。挟脊部位有病变的，取该别络之处治疗。（督脉的别络名叫长强，位于尾骨端，别行走向任脉、足少阴经。这条经脉上头项，走肩背，所以它导致的病症如此。头重高摇，是指力量弱不胜任而颤抖。治疗此病，应当取该别络的长强穴。）
脾的大络，名叫大包，出于渊腋下三寸，布散于胸胁。其实证表现为全身疼痛，虚证表现为所有关节松弛无力。这脉如同罗网般络束血液，都取脾的大络脉来治疗。（脾的大络名叫大包，位于渊腋下三寸，布散于胸胁，出于九肋间，总统阴阳诸络，由脾灌溉五脏。所以它导致的病症如此。罗络之血，是说这个大络包罗诸络的血，所以都取脾的大络来去除病邪。大络，即大包穴。）
凡是这十五络，实证必然显现于外，虚证必然陷下。视而不见的，要在上下寻找。人的经脉不同，络脉别出的位置也不同。（十二经共有十二络，外加任、督二络，以及脾的大络，共十五络。凡是人的十二经脉，伏行在分肉之间，深不可见，那些浮浅可见的，都是络脉。然而又必须是邪气旺盛的脉才壅盛，所以实证必然显现；正气虚的脉才陷下，所以视而不见。因此应当在上下诸穴寻求印证来观察。因为人的经脉有肥、瘦、长、短的不同，络脉别出的位置也各异，所以不可固执一端去求索。按，足太阴的别名叫做公孙，络名大包；足阳明的别名叫做丰隆，络名虚里。诸经的络只有一个，脾胃的络各有两个，大概因为脾胃是脏腑的根本，而十二经都依赖它们受气。经脉筋络，本是明晓针灸的道理，而行药治病的关键也是一以贯之的。至于气穴、溪谷，井、荥、输、合等法则，专门论述针灸的另有全书阐述，这里不再详尽列举。）
经脉十二条，而手太阴、足少阴、足阳明这三条经脉独自跳动不停，这明显是胃脉的表现。胃是五脏六腑的海，其中的清气上注于肺，肺气跟随太阴经运行。它的运行随着呼吸往来，所以人每呼一次脉动两次，每吸一次脉也动两次，呼吸不停，所以脉动不止。（手足的脉，共十二经，然而只有手太阴、足少阴、足阳明三条经独自有很多动脉，而这三条经的脉则是手太阴的太渊，足少阴的太溪，足阳明上则为人迎，下则为冲阳，都是跳动特别明显的。说是明胃脉，意思是这三经的跳动，都是因为胃气。）
气经过寸口的时候，向上十息，向下八伏，盛衰不等，难以穷尽往还的过程。（寸口，是手太阴脉。上、下，说的是进退的趋势。十、八，比喻盛衰的形态。这往还的道理，确实难以穷尽。）
而气离开脏的时候，突然像弓弩发射，像水从岸上流下，上行到鱼际后反而衰退，其余的气衰散而逆上，所以它的运行微弱。（凡脉气内发于脏，外达于经，那突然像弓弩发射，像水从岸上流下，说的是那股劲锐之气不可遏制。然而强弩之末，力量必然柔和，急流之末，势头必然缓慢，所以脉由寸口以上到鱼际，盛了反而衰退，其余的气以衰散的势头逆上，所以它的运行微弱。这就是脉气盛衰不等的原因。）
足阳明经的跳动，是胃气上注于肺，其中悍气上冲头部的，循着咽部向上走入空窍，循着眼系进入络脑，出颧下，下客主人穴，循牙车，汇合阳明经，并下行人迎，这是胃气别走于阳明经的表现。（胃气上注于肺，而其悍气上头的，循咽喉上行，从眼系入络脑，出颧下，会合于足少阳胆经的客主人以及牙车，乃汇合于阳明本经，并下行人迎动脉。这是内为胃气所发，而外为阳明经的跳动。牙车，即曲牙，颊车穴。 痛刺足阳明曲周动脉，见血立愈。治狂病取头部两侧的 ，应当在脑之下，鬓之前，客主人之上，也就是鬓骨之上，两太阳之间为 。 ，音坎，又读海敢切。）
阴阳上下，它们的跳动是一致的，所以阳病而阳脉小的是逆证，阴病而阴脉大的是逆证，阴阳都静或都动，像拉紧的绳子一样匀齐的，是有病。（阴阳上下，统指上文的手太阴而言。大概胃气上注于肺，本出一源，虽然胃为阳明，脉上出于人迎，肺为太阴，脉下出于寸口，但它们的气本是相贯通的，所以彼此的跳动，反应一致。然而人迎属腑为阳，阳病则阳脉宜大，反而小的是逆证；寸口属脏为阴，阴病则阴脉宜小，反而大的是逆证，所以气口候阴，人迎候阳。因此阴阳大小，脉各有体性。假设阴阳不分而或者都静，或者都动，像拉直的绳子一样匀齐，那么它们的阴阳之气，非此即彼，必有偏倾而致病了。）
足少阴经的跳动，与冲脉有关，冲脉是十二经的海，与足少阴的大络起于肾下，出于气街，循大腿内侧，斜入腘中，循胫骨内侧，并足少阴经，下入内踝之后，入足底；其分支斜入踝，出属于足背，入大趾之间，注入诸络，以温暖足胫，这是脉常动的情况。（足少阴脉动，是因为冲脉与之并行。冲脉也是十二经的海，与足少阴的络同起于肾下，出于足阳明的气冲，循阴股、腘中、内踝等处，以入足底，其分支斜出属于足背，上注诸络，以温暖足胫，这是太溪等脉所以常动不已的原因。）
营卫的运行，上下贯通，如环无端。现在如果有突然遇到邪气及遭受大寒，手足懈怠无力，它们的脉阴阳之道，相互输送交会的地方，运行就错乱了，气怎么能回还？（营卫的运行，阴阳有度，如果邪气居之，那么营运之道，就会错乱，又怎能往还不绝？）
四肢是阴阳交会的地方，这是气的大络；四街，是气的径路。所以络绝则径通，四肢舒缓则气从合，相互输送如环，终而复始。（四末，指四肢。十二经都终始于四肢，所以说“阴阳之会”而为气的大络。然而大络虽会于四肢，又有气运行的径路，称为“四街”，所谓“气街”就是。凡邪气中人，多在大络，所以络绝则径通，等到邪气已行而四肢舒缓，彼绝此通，气从而合，回环转输，怎么会错乱？这就是如环无端的原因。）
人的常数，太阳经常多血少气，少阳经常少血多气，阳明经常多气多血，少阴经常少血多气，厥阴经常多血少气，太阴经常多气少血，这是天的常数。（十二经的血气，各有多少不同，是天禀赋的常数，凡治病应当详察血气而为之补泻。按，屡言血气之数，三阳皆同，三阴皆异，考之他条，微有舛误，应当以此节为正。）
足太阳与足少阴为表里，少阳与厥阴为表里，阳明与太阴为表里，这是足的阴阳；（足太阳，膀胱也，足少阴，肾也，这是一合；足少阳，胆也，足厥阴，肝也。这是二合；足阳明，胃也，足太阴，脾也。这是三合。阳为腑经，行于足的外侧，阴为脏经，行于足的内侧，这是足的表里关系。）
手太阳与手少阴为表里，少阳与心主为表里，阳明与太阴为表里，这是手的阴阳。（手太阳，小肠也，手少阴，心也，这是四合；手少阳，三焦也，手心主，厥阴也，这是五合；手阳明，大肠也，手太阴，肺也，这是六合。阳为腑经，行于手的外侧，阴为脏经，行于手的内侧，这是手的表里关系。）
知道手足阴阳所苦的病症，去除那些苦楚，观察所欲，泻有余，补不足，调理就能做得很好了。
所有的脉都归属于目，（目，是宗脉汇聚的地方，所以所有的脉都归属于目。）所有的髓都归属于脑，（脑为髓海，所以所有的髓都归属于它。）所有的筋都归属于节，（筋力坚强，所以连接骨节。久行伤筋，因为所有的筋都归属于节。所有的血都归属于心，（心生血，主血脉，所以所有的血都归属于心。）所有的气都归属于肺，（肺藏气，其大气搏动而不行的积于胸中，名为“气海”，出于肺，循喉咽，所以呼则出，吸则入，这是所有的气都归属于肺。）这是四肢八溪朝夕营运的情况。（四肢，两手、两足。八溪，手有肘与腋，足有胯与腘，这是四肢的关节，所以称为“溪”。朝夕，是说人的诸脉、髓、筋、血、气，无不由此出入而朝夕营运不离。）
所以人卧则血归于肝，（人醒则动，动则血随气行阳分，而运于诸经；人卧则静，静则血随气行阴分，而归于肝，因为肝是藏血的脏。所以人凡是睡觉的，面色多白，因为血藏的缘故。）
肝受血而能视，（肝开窍于目，肝得血则神聚于目，所以能视。）
足受血而能步，（足得到血则神在足，所以步履健矣。）
掌受血而能握，（掌得到血则神在手，所以把握固矣。）
The fifteen collateral vessels are as follows: The collateral of the Hand-Taiyin [Lung] meridian is named Lieque (LU-7). It originates from the space between the muscles above the wrist, runs parallel with the Hand-Taiyin meridian, enters directly into the palm, and scatters into the thenar eminence (Yuji area). (Below are the fifteen collateral acupoints. They are called "Bie" (separate) rather than "Luo" (collateral) because the main meridian diverges from this point to travel to adjacent meridians. The collateral of the Hand-Taiyin is named Lieque, located in the intermuscular space on the dorsal-radial side, one and a half cun distal to the wrist crease. From here, the Hand-Taiyin diverges to connect with the Hand-Yangming [Large Intestine] meridian. The main channel of the Hand-Taiyin proceeds directly into the palm and scatters at Yuji. In some individuals, the pulse cannot be felt at the Cun, Guan, and Chi positions but can be palpated from Lieque to Yangxi; this is commonly known as the "reverse-guan pulse." This indicates deficiency of the main meridian and fullness of the collateral vessels, as described in the *Qianjin Yi Fang* regarding the reversal of Yang pulses, which are three times larger than the Qi Kou.) When the condition is excess, there is heat in the hand-sharp bone (styloid process) and palm; when it is deficiency, there is yawning and frequent, involuntary urination. Treatment involves selecting the point half a cun from the wrist, as it diverges to the Hand-Yangming meridian. (The high bone behind the palm is called the hand-sharp bone. Excess refers to surplus pathogenic heat, causing heat in the hand-sharp bone and palm. Yawning involves opening the mouth and extending the waist. Deficiency due to insufficient Lung Qi causes yawning and urinary incontinence with frequency. Fatigue leads to groaning; mental fatigue leads to yawning. To treat this, select Lieque; apply reducing methods for excess and tonifying methods for deficiency. Other meridians follow this principle. "Half a cun" should likely be "one and a half cun." This is the collateral of the Hand-Taiyin, diverging to the Hand-Yangming. The collateral of the Hand-Yangming is named Pianli (LI-6), which also enters the Hand-Taiyin, as they are exterior-interior paired, thus connecting via mutual collateral circulation. This applies to other meridians as well. KT, pronounced "qu".)
The collateral of the Hand-Shaoyin [Heart] meridian is named Tongli (HT-5). It is located one and a half cun from the wrist, diverges and ascends, follows the meridian into the heart, connects to the root of the tongue, and attaches to the eye system. In excess conditions, there is a sensation of obstruction or distension in the diaphragm; in deficiency conditions, speech is impaired. Treatment involves selecting the point one cun behind the palm crease, as it diverges to the Hand-Taiyang [Small Intestine] meridian. (The collateral of the Hand-Shaoyin is named Tongli, located in the depression one cun behind the wrist, diverging to the Hand-Taiyang. This meridian enters the heart below the diaphragm; thus, pathogenic excess causes diaphragmatic obstruction, feeling like something is propping up the diaphragm without smoothness. Its branch ascends to connect to the root of the tongue; hence, deficiency leads to inability to speak. Treat by selecting Tongli.)
The collateral of the Hand-Jueyin [Pericardium] meridian is named Neiguan (PC-6). It is located two cun from the wrist, emerging between the two tendons. It follows the meridian upward, connects to the pericardium, and links to the heart system. In excess conditions, there is heart pain; in deficiency conditions, there is stiffness of the head. Treatment involves selecting the point between the two tendons. (The collateral of the Hand-Jueyin is named Neiguan, located two cun distal to the wrist crease between the two tendons, diverging to the Hand-Shaoyang [Sanjiao] meridian. This meridian connects to the pericardium, links to the heart system, emerges behind the ear, and converges below the Wanggu point of the Foot-Shaoyang [Gallbladder] meridian. Thus, pathogenic excess causes heart pain, and deficiency causes head stiffness and discomfort. Treat by selecting Neiguan.)
The collateral of the Hand-Taiyang [Small Intestine] meridian is named Zhizheng (SI-7). It is located five cun above the wrist, injecting inwardly into the Shaoyin [Kidney]. Its branch ascends to the elbow and connects to Jianliao (SJ-14). In excess conditions, there is flaccidity of the joints and uselessness of the elbow; in deficiency conditions, tumors grow, small ones resembling scabies or crusts on the fingers. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Hand-Taiyang is named Zhizheng, located five cun behind the wrist, traveling along the medial arm and injecting into the Hand-Shaoyin. This meridian travels to the elbow and connects to Jianliao; thus, pathogenic excess causes collateral stagnation leading to joint flaccidity and elbow dysfunction, while deficiency causes poor blood and Qi flow, resulting in large tumors or small finger scabies/crusts. Select the divergence point, i.e., Zhizheng. , pronounced "you," meaning tumor/exostosis.)
The collateral of the Hand-Yangming [Large Intestine] meridian is named Pianli (LI-6). It is located three cun from the wrist, diverging inwardly into the Taiyin [Lung]. Its branch ascends along the arm, passes over the shoulder, reaches the cheekbone and teeth obliquely; another branch enters the ear and converges with the Zong Mai (major collaterals). In excess conditions, there are dental caries and deafness; in deficiency conditions, there is cold teeth and bi-syndrome in the diaphragm. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Hand-Yangming is named Pianli, located three cun behind the wrist on the radial side, diverging to the Hand-Taiyin. Note: The main meridian's sinews and vessels do not mention "entering the ear" or "ascending to the eyes," only this collateral does. Zong Mai refers to vessels gathering around the eyes and ears. Dental caries is a rotting disease. This meridian ascends to the cheek/teeth, enters the ear, connects to the Lung, and descends through the diaphragm; thus, excess causes tooth decay and deafness, while deficiency causes cold teeth, internal bi-syndrome, and diaphragmatic discomfort. Treat by selecting the divergent Pianli. Qu, pronounced "er-yu qie".)
The collateral of the Hand-Shaoyang [Sanjiao] meridian is named Waiguan (TE-5). It is located two cun from the wrist, winding outwardly around the arm, injecting into the chest, and converging with the Xin Zhu (Pericardium). In excess conditions, there is elbow spasm; in deficiency conditions, there is inability to grasp. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Hand-Shaoyang is named Waiguan, located two cun behind the wrist between the two tendons, diverging to the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium. This meridian winds around the arm, causing elbow spasm and inability to grasp. Treat by selecting the divergent Waiguan.)
The collateral of the Foot-Taiyang [Bladder] meridian is named Feiyang (BL-58). It is located seven cun from the ankle, diverging to the Shaoyin [Kidney]. In excess conditions, there is nasal congestion (qiu) and headache/back pain; in deficiency conditions, there is nasal discharge and epistaxis. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Foot-Taiyang is named Feiyang, located seven cun above the lateral malleolus, diverging to the Foot-Shaoyin. This meridian originates at the inner canthus, connects to the brain, and travels along the head and back; thus, it causes these symptoms. Treat by selecting the divergent Feiyang. Qiu, pronounced "qiu," meaning nasal congestion.)
The collateral of the Foot-Shaoyang [Gallbladder] meridian is named Guangming (GB-37). It is located five cun from the ankle, diverging to the Jueyin [Liver], and descending to connect with the dorsum of the foot. In excess conditions, there is cold limbs (Jue); in deficiency conditions, there is flaccidity (Wei), making it difficult to rise from sitting. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Foot-Shaoyang is named Guangming, located five cun above the lateral malleolus, diverging to the Foot-Jueyin. This meridian descends to connect with the dorsum of the foot, causing Jue and Wei syndromes. Treat by selecting the divergent Guangming. , pronounced "bi," meaning inability to walk.)
The collateral of the Foot-Yangming [Stomach] meridian is named Fenglong (ST-40). It is located eight cun from the ankle, diverging to the Taiyin [Spleen]. Its branch follows the lateral border of the tibia, ascends to connect with the head and neck, converges with the Qi of all meridians, and descends to connect with the throat. In cases of Qi rebellion, there is sore throat and hoarseness; in excess conditions, there is mania and epilepsy; in deficiency conditions, there is inability to hold the feet and withered shins. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Foot-Yangming is named Fenglong, located eight cun above the lateral malleolus, diverging to the Foot-Taiyin. This meridian follows the throat, enters the clavicular fossa. The Stomach is the sea of the five zang and six fu organs, and the throat/clavicular fossa are the passages for all meridians; thus, it converges the Qi of all meridians to descend and connect with the throat, causing such diseases. Treat by selecting the divergent Fenglong.)
The collateral of the Foot-Taiyin [Spleen] meridian is named Gongsun (SP-4). It is located one cun posterior to the base of the big toe, diverging to the Yangming [Stomach]. Its branch enters and connects with the intestines and stomach. Rebellion of Jue Qi causes Huoluan (cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea); in excess conditions, there is cutting pain in the intestines; in deficiency conditions, there is鼓胀 (drum-like distension). Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Foot-Taiyin is named Gongsun, located one cun posterior to the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe, diverging to the Foot-Yangming. Jue Qi refers to spleen Qi dysfunction, either cold or hot, termed Jue Qi; rebelling upward causes Huoluan. This meridian enters the abdomen, belongs to the Spleen and enters the Stomach; thus, it causes these diseases. Treat by selecting the divergent Gongsun.)
The collateral of the Foot-Shaoyin [Kidney] meridian is named Dazhong (KI-4). It is located behind the ankle, wrapping around the heel, diverging to the Taiyang [Bladder]. Its branch travels upward along the meridian to below the pericardium and externally penetrates the lumbar spine. In cases of Qi rebellion, there is irritability and oppression; in excess conditions, there is stranguria (Bi Long); in deficiency conditions, there is lower back pain. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Foot-Shaoyin is named Dazhong, located between the two tendons on the bone behind the heel, diverging to the Foot-Taiyang. The previous twelve meridians state that the main meridian exits the Lung and connects to the Heart; here it states ascending to the pericardium and externally penetrating the lumbar spine, causing these diseases. Treat by selecting the divergent Dazhong.)
The collateral of the Foot-Jueyin [Liver] meridian is named Ligou (LR-5). It is located five cun from the medial malleolus, diverging to the Shaoyang [Gallbladder]. Its branch follows the tibia upward to the testis, knotting at the penis. In cases of Qi rebellion, there is testicular swelling and sudden hernia; in excess conditions, there is priapism; in deficiency conditions, there is sudden itching. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Foot-Jueyin is named Ligou, located five cun above the medial malleolus, diverging to the Foot-Shaoyang. This meridian connects to the genitalia, ascends to the testis, and knots at the penis, causing these diseases. Treat by selecting the divergent Ligou. Penis, refers to the phallus.)
The collateral of the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) is named Wei Yi (Pingyi). It descends from Jiwei (CV-15) and scatters in the abdomen. In excess conditions, there is pain in the abdominal skin; in deficiency conditions, there is itching. Treatment involves selecting the site of divergence. ("Wei" should be "Ping." The collateral of the Ren Mai is named Pingyi, which is the Huiyin (CV-1) acupoint, located between the anus and urethra, where the Ren, Du, and Chong meridians originate. This meridian descends from Jiwei and scatters in the abdomen, causing these diseases. Treat by selecting the divergent Huiyin.)
The collateral of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) is named Changqiang (GV-1). It runs alongside the spine to the neck, scatters above and below the head, and at the left and right of the shoulder blades diverges to the Taiyang [Bladder], entering and penetrating the spine. In excess conditions, there is spinal rigidity; in deficiency conditions, there is heavy head and uncontrolled shaking. For lesions along the spine, select the site of divergence. (The collateral of the Du Mai is named Changqiang, located at the tip of the coccyx, diverging to the Ren and Foot-Shaoyin meridians. This meridian ascends to the head and neck, travels along the shoulders and back, causing these diseases. Heavy head and shaking refer to weakness and tremors. Treat by selecting the divergent Changqiang.)
The great collateral of the Spleen is named Dabao (SP-21). It emerges three cun below Yuanxia (axilla) and spreads over the chest and hypochondrium. In excess conditions, there is pain throughout the body; in deficiency conditions, all joints become flaccid. This vessel resembles a net enclosing blood; all such conditions are treated by selecting the great collateral of the Spleen. (The great collateral of the Spleen is named Dabao, located three cun below Yuanxia, spreading over the chest and hypochondrium, emerging between the ninth ribs. It commands the Yin and Yang collaterals and irrigates the five zang organs from the Spleen. Thus, it causes these diseases. "Net-enclosing blood" means this great collateral encloses the blood of all collaterals; therefore, select the Spleen's great collateral to remove the pathology. Great collateral refers to Dabao.)
All these fifteen collaterals manifest visibly in excess conditions and sink/disappear in deficiency conditions. If not visible, seek them above and below. Human meridians differ, and collateral divergence points vary. (There are twelve collaterals from the twelve meridians, plus the Ren and Du collaterals, and the Spleen's great collateral, totaling fifteen. The twelve meridians of humans run deep within the muscle spaces and are invisible; those that float and are visible are the collateral vessels. However, only when pathogenic Qi is abundant do the vessels become congested and visible; thus, excess manifests visibly. When Zheng Qi is deficient, the vessels sink and are invisible. Therefore, one must seek verification among various acupoints above and below. Since human meridians vary in fat/thinness and length/shortness, collateral divergence points also vary; thus, one cannot rely on a single fixed approach. Note: The alternate name for Foot-Taiyin is Gongsun, its collateral is Dabao; the alternate name for Foot-Yangming is Fenglong, its collateral is Xuli. Each of the other meridians has one collateral, but the Spleen and Stomach have two each, likely because Spleen and Stomach are the root of the zang-fu organs, and all twelve meridians receive Qi from them. Meridians, sinews, and collaterals clarify acupuncture principles, while herbal treatment follows the same logic. As for Qi acupoints, Xi Gu, Jing-Ru-Shu-Jing methods, dedicated acupuncture texts elaborate on these separately; they are not detailed here.)
There are twelve meridians, but the Hand-Taiyin, Foot-Shaoyin, and Foot-Yangming move continuously alone, clearly indicating the Stomach pulse. The Stomach is the sea of the five zang and six fu organs. Its clear Qi ascends to the Lung, and Lung Qi travels via the Taiyin meridian. Its movement depends on respiration; thus, with each exhalation, the pulse moves twice, and with each inhalation, it moves twice. Continuous breathing results in continuous pulsation. (Among the twelve meridians of hands and feet, only the Hand-Taiyin, Foot-Shaoyin, and Foot-Yangming have distinct arterial pulses: Taiyuan (LU-9) for Hand-Taiyin, Taixi (KI-3) for Foot-Shaoyin, and Yingchang (ST-9)/Chongyang (ST-42) for Foot-Yangming, which beat most prominently. Saying "clearly indicates Stomach pulse" means these three pulsations are due to Stomach Qi.)
When Qi passes through the Cun Kou, it goes up ten breaths and down eight伏 (submerges/pauses), with unequal abundance and decline, making it hard to trace its往返 (round-trip). (Cun Kou is the Hand-Taiyin pulse. Up/down refer to advancing/retreating trends. Ten/eight metaphorize abundance/decline forms. The way of its往返 is truly hard to fathom.)
When Qi leaves the Zang organs, it suddenly shoots forth like a bowstring release or water cascading down a bank. It rises to the Yuji (thenar) and then declines; the remaining Qi dissipates and rebels upward, so its movement is subtle. (When pulse Qi originates internally from the Zang and reaches externally to the meridians, it is sudden and sharp like a released bow or falling water, unstoppable. But the end of a strong arrow is soft, and the end of a rapid current is slow. Thus, the pulse rises from Cun Kou to Yuji, peaks, and then declines; the remaining Qi rebels upward with dissipating force, so its movement is weak. This explains the inequality of pulse abundance and decline.)
The movement of the Foot-Yangming meridian involves Stomach Qi ascending to the Lung. Its Han Qi (fierce Qi) rushes upward to the head, following the pharynx to enter the orifices, following the eye system into the brain, exiting below the cheekbone, descending to the Keyrenman (ST-5) point, following the Jiache (ST-6) point, converging with the Yangming meridian, and descending together to Yingchang (ST-9). This is Stomach Qi diverging to the Yangming meridian. (Stomach Qi ascends to the Lung, and its fierce Qi rushing to the head follows the throat upward, enters the brain via the eye system, exits below the cheekbone, meets the Foot-Shaoyang Keyrenman and Jiache points, then converges with the main Yangming meridian and descends to the Yingchang artery. This is the internal emission of Stomach Qi and external movement of the Yangming meridian. Jiache is Quya/Jiache. Painful stabbing of the Foot-Yangming curved artery stops bleeding immediately. Treating madness involves selecting the two areas on the head, located below the brain, before the hairline, above Keyrenman, i.e., above the temporal bone, between the two Taiyang points. , pronounced "kan," also "hai-gan qie".)
Yin and Yang above and below move uniformly. Thus, if Yang disease presents with a small Yang pulse, it is contrary (Ni); if Yin disease presents with a large Yin pulse, it is contrary. If Yin and Yang are both still or both moving, like a pulled rope, there is illness. (Yin and Yang above and below refer collectively to the Hand-Taiyin mentioned earlier. Stomach Qi ascending to the Lung originates from one source. Although Stomach is Yangming with pulse at Yingchang, and Lung is Taiyin with pulse at Cun Kou, their Qi is connected, so their movements respond uniformly. Yingchang belongs to Fu/Yang; Yang disease should have a large Yang pulse, so a small one is contrary. Cun Kou belongs to Zang/Yin; Yin disease should have a small Yin pulse, so a large one is contrary. Thus, Qi Kou observes Yin, Yingchang observes Yang. Yin and Yang sizes have specific characteristics. If Yin and Yang are indistinguishable, both still or both moving evenly like a straight rope, their Qi is biased, causing disease.)
The movement of the Foot-Shaoyin meridian relates to the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), which is the sea of the twelve meridians. It originates below the Kidney with the great collateral of Shaoyin, emerges at Qichong (ST-30), follows the medial thigh,斜入 (diagonally enters) the popliteal fossa, follows the medial tibia, runs with the Shaoyin meridian, descends behind the medial malleolus, and enters the sole. Its branch diagonally enters the ankle, emerges on the dorsum of the foot, enters between the big toes, injects into the collaterals to warm the calves. This is the normal constant movement of the pulse. (Foot-Shaoyin pulses because it runs with the Chong Mai. Chong Mai is also the sea of twelve meridians, originating below the Kidney with the Shaoyin collateral, emerging at Foot-Yangming Qichong, following the thigh, popliteal fossa, medial malleolus, etc., to the sole. Its branch emerges on the dorsum, injects into collaterals to warm calves. This is why Taixi etc. pulse constantly.)
The circulation of Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi is interconnected top and bottom, like a circle without end. Now, if suddenly encountering pathogenic Qi and severe cold, causing limb flaccidity, the Yin-Yang pathways of their pulses, where they exchange and meet, lose their course. How can Qi return? (Ying and Wei circulation has Yin-Yang order. If pathogenic Qi resides, the operational path is lost, how can it continue endlessly?)
The four extremities are the meeting places of Yin and Yang, the great collaterals of Qi. Si Jie (Four Streets) are the pathways of Qi. Thus, if collaterals are blocked, pathways open; if extremities relax, Qi combines, exchanging like a circle, ending and restarting. (Four extremities refer to hands and feet. Twelve meridians begin and end at extremities, so called "meeting of Yin and Yang" and great Qi collaterals. Although collaterals meet at extremities, there are Qi pathways called "Si Jie" or "Qi Streets." Pathogens often attack great collaterals; thus, if collaterals block, pathways open. Once pathogens move and extremities relax, what blocks opens, Qi combines, circulating endlessly. This is why it is like a circle without end.)
The constant numbers of humans are: Taiyang often has much Blood and little Qi; Shaoyang often has little Blood and much Qi; Yangming often has much Qi and much Blood; Shaoyin often has little Blood and much Qi; Jueyin often has much Blood and little Qi; Taiyin often has much Qi and little Blood. These are heavenly constants. (Blood and Qi amounts in twelve meridians vary by innate constitution. Treatments must carefully observe Blood and Qi for tonification/reduction. Note: Repeated mentions of Blood/Qi numbers show Three Yang are similar, Three Yin different. Checking other sections reveals slight errors; this section is correct.)
Foot-Taiyang and Foot-Shaoyin are exterior-interior; Shaoyang and Jueyin are exterior-interior; Yangming and Taiyin are exterior-interior. These are the Foot Yin-Yang. (Foot-Taiyang is Bladder, Foot-Shaoyin is Kidney, forming one pair; Foot-Shaoyang is Gallbladder, Foot-Jueyin is Liver, forming second pair; Foot-Yangming is Stomach, Foot-Taiyin is Spleen, forming third pair. Yang are Fu meridians running on the lateral leg; Yin are Zang meridians running on the medial leg. This is Foot exterior-interior.)
Hand-Taiyang and Hand-Shaoyin are exterior-interior; Shaoyang and Xin Zhu (Pericardium) are exterior-interior; Yangming and Taiyin are exterior-interior. These are the Hand Yin-Yang. (Hand-Taiyang is Small Intestine, Hand-Shaoyin is Heart, fourth pair; Hand-Shaoyang is Sanjiao, Hand-Jueyin is Pericardium, fifth pair; Hand-Yangming is Large Intestine, Hand-Taiyin is Lung, sixth pair. Yang are Fu meridians running on lateral hand; Yin are Zang meridians running on medial hand. This is Hand exterior-interior.)
Knowing the suffering of Hand-Foot Yin-Yang, remove the suffering, observe desires, reduce excess, tonify deficiency, and regulation will be excellent.
All vessels belong to the Eyes. (Eyes are the gathering place of Zong Mai, so all vessels belong to the eyes.) All Marrow belongs to the Brain. (Brain is the Sea of Marrow, so all Marrow belongs to it.) All Sinews belong to the Joints. (Sinews provide strength to connect bones/joints. Prolonged walking injures sinews because all sinews belong to joints.) All Blood belongs to the Heart. (Heart generates Blood and governs Blood vessels, so all Blood belongs to the Heart.) All Qi belongs to the Lungs. (Lungs store Qi. The great Qi that beats but does not move accumulates in the chest, named "Sea of Qi," exits the Lungs, follows the throat, so exhalation releases it, inhalation draws it in. This is why all Qi belongs to the Lungs.) This describes the daily operation of the Four Extremities and Eight Xi (Valleys). (Four extremities: two hands, two feet. Eight Xi: elbows and axillae in hands, hips and popliteal fossae in feet. These are limb joints, called "Xi." Daily operation means all vessels, marrow, sinews, blood, and Qi enter/exit here and operate day and night without leaving.)
Thus, when people lie down, Blood returns to the Liver. (When awake, people move; movement causes Blood to follow Qi into Yang branches and circulate in meridians. When lying down, people are still; stillness causes Blood to follow Qi into Yin branches and return to the Liver, as the Liver stores Blood. Thus, sleeping people often have pale faces because Blood is stored.)
The Liver receives Blood and enables vision. (Liver opens into the eyes; receiving Blood gathers Shen in the eyes, enabling vision.)
The Feet receive Blood and enable walking. (Feet receiving Blood places Shen in the feet, enabling firm steps.)
The Palms receive Blood and enable grasping. (Palms receiving Blood places Shen in the hands, enabling firm grip.)