典藏书目

Instruct the patient to sit upright. Flex the spine and extend the arms. Use fingers to palpate the vertebral column behind the neck, starting from the first vertebra down to the fifth vertebra, marking each with ink dots. Ensure the upper and lower endpoints are clearly distinct (after applying the ink dots, use *Gaofen* [Margarita Powder] to dry them immediately to prevent smudging). Measure the distance between the fourth and fifth vertebrae using a strip of waxed paper or bamboo slip, divide this distance into three equal parts, and mark these divisions on the spine with ink. Mark slightly more than two-thirds below the fourth vertebra and slightly less than one-third above the fifth vertebra, circling these points with dense ink. These are the moxibustion acupoints. The distance of six *cun* serves as the standard for determining the vertical and horizontal relationship between the two points. Mark the other two vertebrae; the distance between them is slightly shorter, calculated as one *cun*, three *fen*, seven *li* according to the patient's body measurement (*Tongshen Cun*), without significant segmental differences in length. Referencing the *Jia Yi Jing* (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), which states that the twenty-one vertebrae from the Da Zhui point to the sacrum have a total length of three chi. If the vertebral processes are distinct, even if there are variations, rely on the numerical proportions.

If calibrating based on the method where the distance from Da Zhui to the coccyx is one chi, instruct the person to stand upright. Take a stiff straight rod, measure from the ground to the center of the umbilicus, and cut the rod at this point. Place the rod back against the back, aligning it with the midline of the vertebral column. The end of the rod corresponds to the lower border of the fourteenth vertebra and the upper border of the fifteenth vertebra; the midpoint is the Mingmen (Gate of Life) acupoint. From Mingmen, measure upward using *Tongshen Cun* for one chi, three cun, five fen. This location corresponds to nine *fen*, seven *li* below the fourth vertebra and four *fen* above the fifth vertebra. Three *cun* lateral to either side are the Gaohuang (Bladder 43) acupoints. If measuring downward from the first vertebra, it corresponds to approximately five *cun*, one *fen* plus a remainder in *Tongshen Cun*. However, human bodies vary in proportion and length; generally, the number of vertebrae should be the primary determinant. Wang Bing, in his commentary on the *Su Wen* (Basic Questions), stated: "Vertebral segments are called 'Zhui' (vertebrae); the end of the spine is called 'Qi' (sacrum/coccyx)."

Take the previously measured waxed paper or bamboo slip equivalent to six *cun* of *Tongshen Cun*. Place it horizontally across the center of the fifth vertebra, aligned with the previously marked ink circle. Ensure the measurement boundaries reach the center of the ink circle on both sides. Keep it straight, extending three *cun* laterally from the center on each side, ensuring no stretching or shrinking. At the ends of the paper or slip, draw ink circles with a diameter of three *fen* (The *Qian Jin Fang* records: Huang Di said, "Moxibustion not reaching three *fen* deep is termed futile moxibustion"; this refers to ensuring the moxa cone is sufficiently large. For weak individuals, the cone may be made smaller, judged by discretion. 'Small' refers to children; 'weak' refers to frail persons). Half of the circle should lie inside the edge of the paper/slip, and half outside. Align these three circles vertically with the high/low position marked on the fifth vertebra, establishing the standard for the distance between the two acupoints.