（《灵枢·本输篇》《四时气篇》《素问·水热穴论》《灵枢·寒热病篇》《终始篇》）
春取络脉诸荥，大经分肉之间，甚者深取之，间者浅取之（《灵枢·本输篇》）。此下言经络浅深兼诸输而分主四时也。络脉者，十二经之大络，如手太阳列缺之类是也。诸荥
者，十二经之荥穴，如手太阴鱼际之类是也。络浅荥微，皆应春气。春以少阳之令，将升未升，其气在中，故刺之者在
络在荥，皆中取于大经分肉之间，因其间甚而可深可浅也。）夏取诸 孙络，肌肉皮肤之上。（诸 者，十二经之 穴，
如手太阴经太渊之类是也；络之小者为孙络，皆应夏气。夏以老阳之令，阳盛于外，故宜浅刺于诸 孙络及肌肉皮肤之
上也。）秋取诸合，余如春法。（诸合者，十二经之合穴，如手太阳尺泽之类是也。诸合应秋，故宜取之。秋以少阴之令，
将降未降，气亦在中，故余如春法，谓亦宜中取于大经分肉之间，而可浅可深也。）冬取诸井诸 之分，欲深而留之。（诸
井者，十二经之井穴，如手太阴少商之类是也。诸 者，脏腑之 ，如肺 心 之类是也，非上文五 之谓。诸井诸藏，
皆主冬气。冬以老阴之令，阳气伏藏，故宜取井 ，欲其深而久留之也。）此四时之序，气之所处，病之所舍，脏之所宜。
（处，上声，谓气之所居也。）
黄帝问于岐伯曰∶夫四时之气，各不同形，百病之起，皆有所生，灸刺之道，何者为定？（《灵枢·四时气篇》。定，
一本作宝。）岐伯答曰∶四时之气，各有所在，灸刺之道，得气穴为定。（时气所在，即
气穴也。）故春取经，血脉分肉之间，甚者深刺之，间者浅刺之。（春取经，即前篇大经分肉之间也。甚者深，间者浅，
义俱如前。）夏取盛经孙络，取分间，绝皮肤。（盛经孙络，皆阳分也。）秋取经 ，邪在腑，取之合。冬取井荥，必深以
留之。（邪在腑，谓秋阴未盛，阳邪犹在阳分也。本篇详义见下文。）
帝曰∶春取络脉分肉何也？
（《素问·水热穴论》。本论之义，即所以释前篇也。）岐伯曰∶春者木始治，肝气始生，肝气急，其风疾，经脉常深，
其气少，不能深入，故取络脉分肉间。（春属木，木应肝，肝主风。春刺络者，刺肝邪也。风木之邪虽为急疾，然春风本
柔，将达于外，经脉常深，邪非深入，故当取络脉之穴如前篇，及分肉间也。）
帝曰∶夏取盛经分腠何也？岐伯曰∶夏者火始治，心气始长，脉瘦气弱，阳气流溢，热熏分腠，内至于经，故取盛
经分腠，绝肤而病去者，邪居浅也。（夏属火，火应心，心主热。夏令阳浮于外，热熏分腠，气在盛经孙络之间。故夏取
盛经分腠者，治在阳分，所以去心邪也。）所谓盛经者，阳脉也。（谓手足三阳及十二经之经穴，如手太阴经渠之类，凡
夏气所在者，即阳脉也。）
帝曰∶秋取经俞何也？岐伯曰∶秋者金始治，肺将收杀，金将胜火，阳气在合，阴气初胜，湿气及体，（经俞者，诸
经之经穴俞穴也。俞应夏，经应长夏，皆阳分之穴。秋属金，金应肺，令主收杀。其时金将胜火，阳气尚在诸经之合。
阳气初衰，阴气初胜，故寒湿之气及体。）阴气未盛，未能深入，故取俞以泻阴邪，取合以虚阳邪，阳气始衰，故取于合。
（阴气未深，犹在阳分，故取经俞以泻阴邪。阳气始衰，邪将收敛，故取合穴以虚阳邪也。皇甫士安云∶是谓始秋之治
变。）
帝曰∶冬取井荥何也？岐伯曰∶冬者水始治，肾方闭，阳气衰，少阴气坚盛。巨阳伏沉，阳脉乃去，（井应冬，荥应
春也。冬属水，水主肾，水王于冬，其气闭藏也。少阴，肾也；巨阳，膀胱也；二经表里，阴气方盛，所以阳脉衰去。）
故取井以下阴逆，取荥以实阳气。（取井以下阴逆，抑有余也；取荥以实阳气，扶不足也。）故曰冬取井荥，春不鼽衄。
此之谓也。（皇甫士安云∶是为初冬之治变。鼽音求。）
春取络脉，夏取分腠，秋取气口，冬取经输，
（《灵枢·寒热病篇》。春夏之取，与前四时气篇、水热穴论皆同。秋取气口者，手太阴肺脉应秋金也。冬取经输者，经
穴通藏气，藏主冬也。）凡此四时，各以时为齐。（齐义见下文。）络脉治皮肤，分腠治肌肉，气口治筋脉，经输治骨髓。
（络脉浮浅，故治皮肤；分腠有理，故治肌肉；气口者脉之大会，故治筋脉；经输连脏，故治骨髓。按∶此言经输者，
总言经穴也，非上文经俞之谓。盖彼以五输言，故云秋取经俞，冬取井荥；此以内外言，故云络脉治皮肤，经输治骨髓
也。当解其意。）
春气在毛，夏气在皮肤，秋气在分肉，冬气在筋骨，
（《灵枢·终始篇》）。此言病气之中人，随时气而为深浅也。按∶《四时刺逆从论》曰∶春气在经脉，夏气在孙络，长夏
气在肌肉，秋气在皮肤，冬气在骨髓中。与本篇若异者何也？盖本篇言病邪之应时令，有表有里。四时刺逆从论言人气
之合天地，有升有降。义本不同，非矛盾也。详见下章。）刺此病者，各以其时为齐。（齐，剂同，药曰药剂，针曰砭剂
也。春夏阳气在上，故取毫毛皮肤，则浅其针；秋冬阳气在下，故取分肉筋骨，则深其针，是以时为齐也。）故刺肥人者，
以秋冬之齐；刺瘦人者，以春夏之齐。（此又于四时之中，而言肥瘦之异也。肥人肉浓，浅之则不及，故宜秋冬之齐。瘦
人肉薄，深之则太过，故宜春夏之齐也。）
（《灵枢·本输篇》《四时气篇》《素问·水热穴论》《灵枢·寒热病篇》《终始篇》）
春季针刺选取络脉及各经的荥穴（荣穴，五行属火，位于掌指或跖趾关节之前），以及大经脉与肌肉之间的间隙。病情严重的深刺，病情轻浅的浅刺。（出自《灵枢·本输篇》）。以下论述经络深浅及各类腧穴随四季变化而主治不同。络脉，是十二经脉的大络，例如手太阳小肠经的列缺穴等。诸荥穴，是十二经脉的荥穴，例如手太阴肺经的鱼际穴等。络脉位置浅表，荥穴经气微细，都顺应春气。春季由少阳之气主令，阳气将升发 yet 尚未完全升发，其气处于半表半里之中，所以针刺的部位在络脉和荥穴，都是取于大经脉与肌肉之间的中间层次，根据病情的轻重来决定深刺还是浅刺。
夏季针刺选取各经的孙络（细小的络脉），位于肌肉和皮肤之上。（诸俞穴，是十二经脉的俞穴，例如手太阴肺经的太渊穴等；络脉中细小者为孙络，都顺应夏气。夏季由老阳之气主令，阳气旺盛于体表，所以适宜浅刺于各俞穴、孙络以及肌肉皮肤之上。）
秋季针刺选取各经的合穴（合穴，五行属土，位于肘膝关节附近），其余方法如同春季。（诸合穴，是十二经脉的合穴，例如手太阳小肠经的尺泽穴等——注：此处原文举例有误，尺泽属手太阴，但义理为合穴。诸合穴顺应秋气，所以适宜选取。秋季由少阴之气主令，阳气将下降 yet 尚未完全下降，气也处于中间状态，所以其余方法同春季，谓也是适宜取于大经脉与肌肉之间的中间层次，可浅可深。）
冬季针刺选取各井穴（井穴，五行属木，位于四肢末端）及各脏的募穴（募穴，脏腑之气汇聚于胸腹部的穴位），要求深刺并久留针。（诸井穴，是十二经脉的井穴，例如手太阴肺经的少商穴等。诸募穴，是脏腑的募穴，例如肺募中府、心募巨阙之类，并非上文五输穴中的俞穴。诸井穴和各脏募穴，都主应冬气。冬季由老阴之气主令，阳气伏藏于内，所以适宜取井穴和募穴，要求深刺且长久留针。）这是四季的顺序，气所处的位置，病邪所停留的地方，脏腑所适宜的治疗原则。
（“处”读上声，意为气所居之处。）
黄帝向岐伯问道：四季的气，形态各不相同，百病的产生，都有其所由生的原因，灸刺的方法，以什么为定准？（出自《灵枢·四时气篇》。“定”，另一版本作“宝”。）岐伯回答说：四季的气，各有其所在部位，灸刺的方法，以得到气穴为定准。（时气所在的部位，就是气穴。）
所以春季取经穴、血脉和分肉之间，病情严重的深刺，病情轻浅的浅刺。（春季取经，即前篇所说的大经脉与分肉之间。严重则深刺，轻浅则浅刺，道理与前文相同。）
夏季选取盛经（气血充盛的经脉，主要指阳经）和孙络，取于分肉间隙，穿透皮肤。（盛经和孙络，都属于阳分。）
秋季取经穴和俞穴，邪气在腑，取合穴。（邪气在腑，是说秋季阴气未盛，阳邪仍在阳分。本篇详细含义见下文。）
皇帝说：春季为什么取络脉和分肉？
（出自《素问·水热穴论》。本段论述的意义，就是解释前一篇的内容。）岐伯说：春季木气开始主事，肝气开始生发，肝气急迫，风气疾速，经脉通常位置较深，经气较少，不能深入，所以取络脉和分肉之间。（春属木，木对应肝，肝主风。春季刺络脉，是刺肝之邪。风木之邪虽然急疾，但春风本性柔和，将要达于体外，经脉位置常深，邪气并未深入，所以应当取络脉的穴位如前篇所述，以及分肉之间。）
皇帝说：夏季为什么取盛经和分腠（皮肤纹理与肌肉间隙）？岐伯说：夏季火气开始主事，心气开始生长，脉道瘦弱，经气衰弱，阳气流溢扩散，热气熏蒸分腠，内至于经脉，所以取盛经和分腠，穿透皮肤而病邪去除，是因为邪气居于浅表。（夏属火，火对应心，心主热。夏令阳气浮越于外，热气熏蒸分腠，气在盛经和孙络之间。所以夏季取盛经和分腠，治疗在于阳分，以此来去除心之邪气。）所谓盛经，是指阳脉。（指手足三阳经及十二经的经穴，例如手太阴肺经的经渠穴等，凡是夏气所在的部位，就是阳脉。）
皇帝说：秋季取经穴和俞穴为什么？岐伯说：秋季金气开始主事，肺脏将要收敛肃杀，金气将胜过火气，阳气在合穴，阴气初胜，湿气波及身体，（经穴和俞穴，是各经的经穴和俞穴。俞穴应夏，经穴应长夏，都是阳分的穴位。秋属金，金对应肺，令主收杀。此时金将胜火，阳气尚在诸经的合穴。阳气初衰，阴气初胜，所以寒湿之气波及身体。）阴气尚未强盛，不能深入，所以取俞穴以泻阴邪，取合穴以虚阳邪，阳气开始衰退，所以取于合穴。（阴气不深，仍在阳分，所以取经穴和俞穴以泻阴邪。阳气开始衰退，邪气将收敛，所以取合穴以虚损阳邪。皇甫士安说：这叫初秋的治疗变化。）
皇帝说：冬季为什么取井穴和荥穴？岐伯说：冬季水气开始主事，肾脏方始闭藏，阳气衰退，少阴之气坚盛。巨阳（膀胱经）伏沉，阳脉乃去，（井穴应冬，荥穴应春。冬属水，水主肾，水旺于冬，其气闭藏。少阴，指肾；巨阳，指膀胱；二经表里，阴气正盛，所以阳脉衰退离去。）所以取井穴以抑制阴逆，取荥穴以充实阳气。（取井穴以抑制阴逆，是抑制有余；取荥穴以充实阳气，是扶助不足。）所以说冬季取井穴和荥穴，春季就不会发生鼻衄（qiú nǜ，鼻塞流涕或鼻出血）。就是这个意思。（皇甫士安说：这是初冬的治疗变化。鼽音求。）
春季取络脉，夏季取分腠，秋季取气口（寸口脉，即桡动脉搏动处，此处代指经穴），冬季取经输（经穴和俞穴），
（出自《灵枢·寒热病篇》。春夏的取穴，与前《四时气篇》、《水热穴论》都相同。秋季取气口，是因为手太阴肺脉应秋季的金气。冬季取经输，是因为经穴通连脏气，脏主冬。）凡此四季，各自以时令为准绳。（“齐”的含义见下文。）络脉治疗皮肤，分腠治疗肌肉，气口治疗筋脉，经输治疗骨髓。
（络脉浮浅，所以治皮肤；分腠有纹理，所以治肌肉；气口是脉之大会，所以治筋脉；经输连系脏腑，所以治骨髓。按：这里说的经输，总称经穴，并非上文所说的经俞。因为上文是以五输穴而言，所以说秋取经俞，冬取井荥；这里是以内外而言，所以说络脉治皮肤，经输治骨髓。应当理解其意。）
春气在毫毛，夏气在皮肤，秋气在分肉，冬气在筋骨，
（出自《灵枢·终始篇》）。这说的是病气侵入人体，随着时令气的变化而有深浅之别。按：《四时刺逆从论》说：春气在经脉，夏气在孙络，长夏气在肌肉，秋气在皮肤，冬气在骨髓中。这与本篇似乎不同，为什么呢？大概本篇说的是病邪顺应时令，有表有里。《四时刺逆从论》说的是人气合于天地，有升有降。义理本不相同，并不矛盾。详见下章。）针刺这些病症，各自以时令为准绳。（“齐”通“剂”，药称为药剂，针称为砭剂。春夏阳气在上，所以取毫毛皮肤，则针宜浅；秋冬阳气在下，所以取分肉筋骨，则针宜深，这就是以时令为准绳。）所以针刺肥人，用秋冬的准绳（深刺）；针刺瘦人，用春夏的准绳（浅刺）。（这又是在四季之中，说明肥瘦体质的差异。肥人肌肉浓厚，浅刺则达不到病所，所以适宜用秋冬的准绳。瘦人肌肉单薄，深刺则太过，所以适宜用春夏的准绳。）
(The *Ling Shu: Ben Shu Chapter*, *Si Shi Qi Chapter*; *Su Wen: Shui Re Xue Lun Chapter*, *Ling Shu: Han Re Bing Chapter*, *Zhong Shi Chapter*)
In spring, acupuncture targets the collateral vessels (Luo Mai, major collaterals of the twelve meridians) and the Ying-Spring acupoints (Ying-Spring points, Five-Shu points corresponding to Fire, located proximal to metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal joints), as well as the spaces between the large meridians and muscles. For severe conditions, deep needling is applied; for mild conditions, shallow needling is used. (From *Ling Shu: Ben Shu Chapter*). The following discusses how the depth of meridians and various acupoints are governed by the four seasons. Collateral vessels are the major collaterals of the twelve meridians, such as Lieque (LU7) of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian—*Note: Lieque is actually LU7, a Confluent point of the Conception Vessel, often associated with Lung/Large Intestine, but textually cited here as an example of Luo*. The Ying-Spring points are the Ying-Spring points of the twelve meridians, such as Yuji (LU10) of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. Collaterals are superficial, and Ying-Spring points have subtle qi; both correspond to Spring Qi. In spring, Shaoyang Qi governs; Yang Qi is about to ascend but has not fully risen, residing in the middle layer. Therefore, needling at collaterals and Ying-Spring points involves taking the middle level between large meridians and muscles, determining depth based on the severity of the condition.
In summer, acupuncture targets the Sun-Luo vessels (fine collaterals) located above the muscles and skin. The Shu-Stream points (Shu points, e.g., Taiyuan (LU9) of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian); the smallest collaterals are called Sun-Luo, all corresponding to Summer Qi. In summer, Lao-Yang Qi governs; Yang Qi is abundant on the exterior. Thus, shallow needling is appropriate at Shu points, Sun-Luo vessels, and above the muscle-skin interface.
In autumn, acupuncture targets the He-Sea points (He-Sea points, Five-Shu points corresponding to Earth, located near elbow/knee joints). The remaining methods follow those of spring. He-Sea points correspond to Autumn Qi and are thus selected. In autumn, Shaoyin Qi governs; Yang Qi is about to descend but has not fully descended, residing in the middle layer. Thus, similar to spring, needling targets the middle level between large meridians and muscles, allowing for variable depth.
In winter, acupuncture targets the Jing-Well points (Jing-Well points, Five-Shu points corresponding to Wood, located at the extremities) and the Mu-Alarmer points (Mu points, where Zang-Fu Qi gathers on the chest/abdomen, e.g., Zhongfu (LU1) for Lung, Juejin (CV14) for Heart—not the Shu points mentioned earlier). Deep needling with prolonged retention is required. Jing-Well points and Mu points correspond to Winter Qi. In winter, Lao-Yin Qi governs; Yang Qi is hidden within. Thus, Jing-Well and Mu points are selected, requiring deep insertion and long retention. These principles reflect the order of the four seasons, the location of Qi, the abode of pathogenic factors, and the suitability for Zang organs.
("Chu" is pronounced with the rising tone, meaning the dwelling place of Qi.)
The Yellow Emperor asked Qibo: The Qi of the four seasons differs in form; the onset of hundred diseases arises from specific causes. What is the fixed principle for moxibustion and acupuncture? (From *Ling Shu: Si Shi Qi Chapter*. "Ding" is written as "Bao" in some editions.) Qibo replied: The Qi of the four seasons has its specific locations; the principle of moxibustion and acupuncture is determined by obtaining Qi at the acupoints. (The location of seasonal Qi is the acupoint itself.)
Therefore, in spring, select Jing-River points, blood vessels, and intermuscular spaces; severe cases require deep needling, mild cases shallow needling. (Selecting Jing points in spring refers to the large meridians and intermuscular spaces mentioned previously. Severe/deep, mild/shallow follows the previous logic.)
In summer, select Sheng-Jing (Meridians with abundant Qi, primarily Yang meridians) and Sun-Luo vessels, targeting the intermuscular gaps, penetrating the skin. (Sheng-Jing and Sun-Luo belong to the Yang aspect.)
In autumn, select Jing-River and Shu-Stream points; if pathology is in the Fu organs, select He-Sea points. (Pathology in Fu organs implies Yin Qi is not yet dominant, and Yang pathogens remain in the Yang aspect. Detailed meanings are below.)
The Emperor asked: Why target collaterals and intermuscular spaces in spring?
(From *Su Wen: Shui Re Xue Lun Chapter*. This discussion explains the previous chapter.) Qibo said: In spring, Wood Qi begins to govern, and Liver Qi begins to generate. Liver Qi is urgent, Wind Qi is rapid. Meridians are typically deep, and Qi is scarce, unable to penetrate deeply. Thus, collaterals and intermuscular spaces are targeted. (Spring corresponds to Wood, which corresponds to the Liver, which governs Wind. Needling collaterals in spring treats Liver pathogens. Although Wind-Wood pathogens are rapid, Spring Wind is gentle and tends toward the exterior. Since meridians are deep and pathogens are not deeply entrenched, one should target collateral points as previously described, and intermuscular spaces.)
The Emperor asked: Why target Sheng-Jing and Fen-Cou (skin texture and muscle interspaces) in summer? Qibo said: In summer, Fire Qi begins to govern, and Heart Qi begins to grow. The pulse is thin, Qi is weak. Yang Qi flows and overflows, heat steams the Fen-Cou, reaching inward to the meridians. Thus, Sheng-Jing and Fen-Cou are targeted, penetrating the skin to remove disease, because the pathogen resides superficially. (Summer corresponds to Fire, which corresponds to the Heart, which governs Heat. In summer, Yang floats outward, heat steams Fen-Cou, and Qi resides between Sheng-Jing and Sun-Luo. Thus, targeting Sheng-Jing and Fen-Cou treats the Yang aspect to remove Heart pathogens.) "Sheng-Jing" refers to Yang pulses. (This includes the Three-Yang meridians of hands and feet, and Jing-River points of the twelve meridians, such as Jingqu (LU8) of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. Any location where Summer Qi resides is considered a Yang pulse.)
The Emperor asked: Why target Jing-River and Shu-Stream points in autumn? Qibo said: In autumn, Metal Qi begins to govern, and the Lungs begin to gather and suppress. Metal overcomes Fire. Yang Qi resides in He-Sea points, Yin Qi begins to overcome, and Dampness affects the body. (Jing-River and Shu-Stream points are the Jing and Shu points of the meridians. Shu points correspond to Summer, Jing points to Late Summer, all being Yang aspect points. Autumn corresponds to Metal, which corresponds to the Lungs, governing gathering/suppression. At this time, Metal overcomes Fire, Yang Qi remains in the He-Sea points of various meridians. Yang Qi begins to decline, Yin Qi begins to overcome, so Cold-Dampness affects the body.) Yin Qi is not yet strong and cannot penetrate deeply. Thus, Shu points are used to drain Yin pathogens, and He-Sea points are used to empty Yang pathogens. As Yang Qi begins to decline, He-Sea points are selected. (Yin Qi is not deep, remaining in the Yang aspect, so Jing and Shu points drain Yin pathogens. Yang Qi begins to decline, pathogens converge, so He-Sea points empty Yang pathogens. Huangfu Mi says: This is the treatment variation for early autumn.)
The Emperor asked: Why target Jing-Well and Ying-Spring points in winter? Qibo said: In winter, Water Qi begins to govern, and the Kidneys begin to close and store. Yang Qi declines, Shaoyin Qi becomes firm and abundant. Ju-Yang (Bladder Meridian) sinks and hides, Yang pulses depart. (Jing-Well points correspond to Winter, Ying-Spring to Spring. Winter corresponds to Water, which governs the Kidneys. Water is prosperous in winter, its Qi is storing/closing. Shaoyin refers to the Kidney; Ju-Yang refers to the Bladder. These two meridians are interior-exterior pairs; Yin Qi is abundant, so Yang pulses decline.) Thus, Jing-Well points are taken to subdue Yin rebellion, and Ying-Spring points are taken to tonify Yang Qi. (Taking Jing-Well subdues excess Yin; taking Ying-Spring supports deficient Yang.) Therefore, it is said that taking Jing-Well and Ying-Spring points in winter prevents nasal congestion and epistaxis (Qiu-Nv) in spring. This is what is meant. (Huangfu Mi says: This is the treatment variation for early winter. Qiu is pronounced 'qiu'.)
In spring, target collaterals; in summer, target Fen-Cou; in autumn, target Qi-Kou (Cunkou pulse/radial artery, representing Jing points); in winter, target Jing-Shu (Jing-River and Shu-Stream points).
(From *Ling Shu: Han Re Bing Chapter*. The selections for spring and summer are consistent with *Si Shi Qi Chapter* and *Shui Re Xue Lun Chapter*. Targeting Qi-Kou in autumn corresponds to the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian responding to Autumn Metal. Targeting Jing-Shu in winter occurs because Jing points connect to Zang Qi, and Zangs govern Winter.) For these four seasons, each uses the season as the standard ("Qi"). Collaterals treat the skin; Fen-Cou treats the muscles; Qi-Kou treats sinews and vessels; Jing-Shu treats bone marrow.
(Collaterals are superficial, treating skin; Fen-Cou has texture, treating muscles; Qi-Kou is the meeting of pulses, treating sinews/vessels; Jing-Shu connects to Zang, treating bone marrow. Note: Here "Jing-Shu" generally refers to Jing-River points, not specifically the Jing-Shu distinction mentioned earlier. The earlier text referred to Five-Shu points (Autumn Jing-Shu, Winter Jing-Ying); this text refers to interior/exterior levels (Collaterals/Skin, Jing-Shu/Bone Marrow). Understand the intent.)
Spring Qi is in the hair/fur; Summer Qi is in the skin; Autumn Qi is in the muscles; Winter Qi is in the sinews and bones.
(From *Ling Shu: Zhong Shi Chapter*). This states that pathogenic Qi invading the body varies in depth according to seasonal Qi. Note: *Si Shi Ci Ni Cong Lun* states: Spring Qi is in the meridians, Summer Qi in Sun-Luo, Late Summer Qi in muscles, Autumn Qi in skin, Winter Qi in bone marrow. How does this differ from the current chapter? The current chapter discusses pathogens adapting to seasons, having exterior and interior aspects. *Si Shi Ci Ni Cong Lun* discusses human Qi harmonizing with Heaven and Earth, having ascending and descending movements. The principles are different, not contradictory. See the next chapter for details.) When needling these conditions, use the season as the standard ("Qi"). ("Qi" is synonymous with "Ji"; medicine is Ji, needles are Bian-Ji. In spring and summer, Yang Qi is upper, so targeting hair and skin requires shallow needles; in autumn and winter, Yang Qi is lower, so targeting muscles and bones requires deep needles. This is using the season as the standard.) Therefore, when needling obese individuals, use the standard of autumn/winter (deep); when needling emaciated individuals, use the standard of spring/summer (shallow). (This further distinguishes obesity and emaciation within the four seasons. Obese individuals have thick flesh; shallow needling is ineffective, so autumn/winter standards are suitable. Emaciated individuals have thin flesh; deep needling is excessive, so spring/summer standards are suitable.)