典藏书目

Preface states: Through the four diagnostic methods of observation (Wang), listening and smelling (Wen), inquiry (Wen), and palpation (Qie), one deduces and clarifies the root cause of disease. By employing tonification (Bu) and sedation (Xie), as well as the Ying-Sui (Following and Opposing) techniques, one reveals the principles of acupuncture. From the beginning of my study to the present, although I have often pondered deeply with my heart, my mind remained unsettled. Sometimes the pathology is subtle and complex, requiring the removal of pathogenic Qi, while the healthy Qi inevitably weakens; furthermore, due to national turmoil and geographical barriers, medical supplies are cut off, making it impossible to seek remedies in the market. Even if a prescription is effective, there is no place to procure the herbs on the streets. It is better than Bian stones or acupuncture, which can immediately resolve the disease's momentum. Thus, I accepted instruction and diligently sought a master. This process took only seventeen years. Later, while taking refuge in Caiyi, I finally received the secret teachings from Master Li. This person cured diseases with acupuncture, eliminating pain before one's eyes and healing ten thousand illnesses under his fingers. He was indeed someone whose skill was like a hidden crossbow trigger, responding as swiftly as releasing an arrow, hitting the target every time. Added to this was his benevolent intention to preserve life, and he had never harbored any selfish desire for profit. He once said to me, "Precious knowledge (Tianbao) is not revealed to the unworthy; the Sacred Dao must be transmitted to the worthy." Presuming not on my own abilities, I organized my sincere request for learning and obtained his sincere willingness to teach without hesitation. The essential points of acupoints were taught, totaling forty-three. In treating diseases, there was not a single failure out of ten thousand. I engraved these in my heart and penetrated them into my marrow, striving to save those in distress and support those in danger, so that removing pain became as swift as picking up an object with one's hand, and breaking up accumulations became as natural as ice melting.

Acupuncture, truly, is miraculous! However, considering that these acupoints might be forgotten, relying on their rhythmic verses makes them easier to memorize. Therefore, I composed eight rhymes and wrote one poem. How dare I keep this to myself? It is intended to be passed on to like-minded colleagues.

To cure disease, nothing is better than using acupuncture. Skillfully manipulating the divine mechanism, the practitioner opens the profound principles of the sages. Externally utilizing Bian stones and needles, one can dispel evil and support righteousness; internally containing the principles of Water and Fire, one is good at restoring Yang and reversing Yin conditions.

Tracing back to the origin, collaterals branch out differently, and meridians interweave and combine. Some diverge like ditches, pools, streams, and valleys; some share gaps like mountains, seas, hills, and ridges. These flows are difficult to fathom, yet within the categories and outlines, there is order. When principles are complex and obscure, what use is there even in applying tonification and sedation? But when methods are swift and clear, the application of Ying-Sui becomes effective.

For instance, regarding difficulty in walking and moving, Taichong (LR3) is most remarkable; Renzhong (GV26) eliminates stiffness and pain in the spine; Shenmen (HT7) removes mental dullness and stupidity. When wind damages the neck causing stiffness, one initially seeks Fengfu (GV16); for dizziness and blurred vision, one looks for Fengchi (GB20). For ear blockage affecting hearing, Tinghui (GB2) is required; for eye pain, Hegu (LI4) is combined for treatment. For chest stagnation and yellowing of the body, Yongquan (KI1) is taken; for brain dizziness and red eyes, dispersing Cuanzhu (BL2) is more suitable. When seeing spasms in both elbows, Quchi (LI11) relies on to smooth them out; for flaccidity and laziness in the limbs, Zhaohai (KI6) depends on to eliminate them. For toothache, Lüxi (Taixi, KI3) is capable of treating; for head and neck stiffness, Chengjiang (CV24) can ensure relief. Taibai (SP3) promotes Qi flow; Yinlingquan (SP9) opens water pathways. For abdominal distension and bloating, seizing Neiting (ST44) should not be delayed; for muscle cramps and pain, dispersing Chengshan (BL57) should be done early. Generally speaking, for ankle pain, Kunlun (BL60) resolves it; for thigh and knee pain, Yinshi (ST33) can treat it. For epilepsy manifesting as madness, Houxi (SI3) relies on for therapy; for malaria generating chills and fever, Jianshi (PC5) supports it. Qimen (LR14) can stop chest fullness and blood distension; Laogong (PC8) retreats stomach reversal and heart pain, leaving no doubt.

Examining Xingjian (LR2) treats knee swelling and eye diseases; Chize (LU5) removes elbow pain and tendon spasms. For dim vision, Erjian (LI2) is suitable to take; for nasal obstruction and loss of smell, Yingxiang (LI20) can guide. Jianjing (GB21) relieves the inability of both arms to bear weight; Sizhukong (SJ23) treats unbearable headaches. For cough with cold phlegm, Lieque (LU7) is treatable; for excessive eye discharge and cold tears, Linqi (GB15) is particularly accurate. Guangu (GB30) addresses leg pain caused by hip bone issues; Shenshu (BL23) drains lower back pain. From this, we see that Yue Ren (Bian Que) treated corpse-like coma (Shijue) at Weihui (likely referring to Baihui GV20 or similar intersection points, text says Weihui), waking up instantly; Wen Bo expelled a dead fetus at Yinjiao (CV7), delivering it upon needling. To induce abortion and calm excess, observing the twenty-seven meridians allows for clear differentiation; according to the four hundred and four types of diseases, each item is removed. Thus, premature death is avoided, raising the people to an age of longevity. The subtle distinctions are already judged, illuminating the mysterious books of antiquity.

Furthermore, I have heard that for chest and heart diseases, one seeks Daling (PC7) behind the palm; for shoulder and back ailments, one blames Sanli (ST36 or LI10, context implies ST36 generally for abdomen/back but here linked to shoulder/back via meridian connections, often interpreted as Zusanli ST36 or Quchi LI11 depending on school, text says 'Sanli' near elbow front) in front of the elbow. For cold bi syndrome and kidney failure, one takes the Earth point of the Foot-Yangming Meridian; for periumbilical abdominal pain, one disperses the Water point of the Foot-Shaoyin Meridian. For pain in the interscapular region behind the heart, needling Zhongzhu (TE3) leads to immediate recovery. For pain under the ribs and along the costal margin, puncturing Yanglingquan (GB34) stops it immediately. For head and neck pain, Houxi (SI3) is proposed to bring peace; for lower back and foot pain, it lies in Weizhong (BL40).

For those who practice acupuncture, if they can understand these principles, the merit of dispelling evil lies within the turning of a finger.