（灵枢本输篇）
黄帝问于岐伯曰∶凡刺之道，必通十二经络之所终始，（谓如十二经脉之，（起止有序也。）络脉之所别处，（如十五
络脉各有所别也。）五输之所留，（如下文井荥 经合穴，各有所留止也。）六腑之所与合，（如藏象类脏腑有相合也。）四
时之所出入，（如针刺类四时之刺也。）五脏之所溜处，（言脏气所流之处，即前篇所出为井，所溜为荥也。）阔数之度，
浅深之状，高下所至，愿闻其解。（阔数以察巨细，浅深以分表里，高下以辨本末。凡此者，皆刺家之要道，不可不通者
也。）岐伯曰∶请言其次也。
肺出于少商，少商者，手大指端内侧也，为井木。（少商穴，乃肺经脉气所出为井也，其气属木。此下凡五脏之井，
皆属阴木，故六十四难谓之阴井木也。）溜于鱼际，鱼际者手鱼也，为荥。（此肺之所溜为荥也，属阴火。手鱼义详前二，
肺经条下。按∶本篇五脏止言井木，六腑止言井金，其他皆无五行之分。考之六十四难，分析阴阳十变，而滑氏详注谓
阴井木生阴荥火，阴荥火生阴俞土，阴俞土生阴经金，阴经金生阴合水，此言五脏之俞也。六腑则阳井属金，阳井金生
阳荥水，阳荥水生阳俞木，阳俞木生阳经火，阳经火生阳合土，而五行始备矣。下仿此。）注于太渊，太渊鱼后一寸陷者
中也，为 。（此肺经之所注为 也，属阴土。）行于经渠，经渠寸口中也，动而不居，为经。（此肺经之所行为经也，属
阴金。经渠当寸口陷中，动而不止，故曰不居。居，止也。）入于尺泽，尺泽肘中之动脉也，为合。（此肺经所入为合也，
属阴水。）手太阴经也。（以上肺之五 ，皆手太阴经也。）
心出于中冲，中冲手中指之端也，为井木。（此心主之所出为井也，属阴木。按∶此下五 ，皆属手厥阴之穴，而本
经直指为心 者，正以心与心胞，本同一脏，其气相通，皆心所主，故诸邪之在于心者，皆在于心之包络。包络者，心
主之脉也。邪客篇曰∶手少阴之脉独无 。正此之谓。详义见前章及图翼四卷十二原解中。）溜于劳宫，劳宫掌中中指本
节之内间也，为荥。（此心主之所溜为荥也，属阴火。）注于大陵，大陵掌后两骨之间方下者也，为 。（此心主之所注为
也，属阴土。方下，谓正当两骨之下也。）行于间使，间使之道，两筋之间，三寸之中也，有过则至，无过则止，为经。
（此心主之所行为经也，属阴金。有过，有病也。此脉有病则至，无病则止也。）入于曲泽，曲泽肘内廉下陷者之中也，
屈而得之，为合。（此心主之所入为合也，属阴水。）手少阴也。（以上心主五 ，皆心所主，故曰手少阴也。）
肝出于大敦，大敦者足大趾之端及三毛之中也，为井木。（此肝经之所出为井也，属阴木。）溜于行间，行间足大趾
间也，为荥。（此肝经之所溜为荥也，属阴火。）注于太冲，太冲行间上二寸陷者之中也，为 。（此肝经之所注为 也，
属阴土。）行于中封，中封内踝之前一寸半陷者之中，使逆则宛，使和则通，摇足而得之，为经。（此肝经之所行为经也，
属阴金。使逆则宛，使和则通，言用针治此者，逆其气则郁，和其气则通也。宛，郁同。）入于曲泉，曲泉辅骨之下，大
筋之上也，屈膝而得之，为合。（此肝经之所入为合也，属阴水。）足厥阴也。（以上肝之五 ，皆足厥阴经也。）
脾出于隐白，隐白者足大趾之端内侧也，为井木。（此脾经之所出为井也，属阴木。）溜于大都，大都本节之后下陷
者之中也，为荥。（此脾经之所溜为荥也，属阴火。）注于太白，太白腕骨之下也，为 。（此脾经之所注为 也，属阴土。）
行于商丘，商丘内踝之下陷者之中也，为经。（此脾经之所行为经也，属阴金。）入于阴之陵泉，阴之陵泉，辅骨之下，
陷者之中也，伸而得之，为合。（此脾经之所入为合也，属阴水。）足太阴也。（以上脾之五 ，皆足太阴经也。）
肾出于涌泉，涌泉者足心也，为井木。（此肾经之所出为井也，属阴木。）溜于然谷，然谷然骨之下者也，为荥。（此
肾经之所溜为荥也，属阴火。）注于太溪，太溪内踝之后，跟骨之上陷中者也，为 。（此肾经之所注为 也，属阴土。）
行于复留，复留上内踝二寸，动而不休，为经。（此肾经之所行为经也，属阴金。）入于阴谷，阴谷辅骨之后，大筋之下，
小筋之上也，按之应手，屈膝而得之，为合。（此肾经之所入为合也，属阴水。）足少阴经也。（以上肾之五 ，皆足少阴
经也。）
膀胱出于至阴，至阴者足小趾之端也，为井金。（此膀胱经所出为井也。以下凡六腑之井皆属阳金，故六十四难谓之
阳井金也。）溜于通谷，通谷本节之前外侧也，为荥。（此膀胱经所溜为荥也，属阳水。）注于束骨，束骨本节之后陷者中
也，为 。（此膀胱经所注为 也，属阳木。）过于京骨，京骨足外侧大骨之下，为原。（本篇惟六腑有原而五脏则无，前
十二原篇所言五脏之原，即本篇五脏之 ，然则阴经之 即原也。阳经之原自 而过，本为同气，亦当属阳木。下仿此。
详义见图翼四卷十二原解中。）行于昆仑，昆仑在外踝之后，跟骨之上，为经。（此膀胱经所行为经也，属阳火。）入于委
中，委中 中央，为合，委而取之。（此膀胱经所入为合也，属阳土。）足太阳也。（以上膀胱六 ，皆足太阳经也。）
胆出于窍阴，窍阴者足小趾次趾之端也，为井金。（此胆经之所出为井也，属阳金。）溜于侠 ，侠 足小趾次趾之
间也，为荥。（此胆经之所溜为荥也，属阳水。）注于临泣，临泣上行一寸半陷者中也，为 ；（此胆经之所注为 也，属
阳木。）过于丘墟，丘墟外踝之前下陷者中也，为原。（此胆经之所过为原也，亦属阳木。）行于阳辅，阳辅外踝之上，辅
骨之前，及绝骨之端也，为经。（此胆经之所行为经也，属阳火。）入于阳之陵泉，阳之陵泉在膝外陷者中也，为合，伸
而得之。（此胆经之所入为合也，属阳土。）足少阳也。（以上胆之六 ，皆足少阳经也。）
胃出于厉兑，厉兑者足大趾内次趾之端也，为井金。（此胃经之所出为井也，属阳金。）溜于内庭，内庭次趾外间也，
为荥。（此胃经之所溜为荥也。属阳水。）注于陷谷，陷谷者上中趾内间上行二寸陷中者也，为 。（此胃经之所注为 也，
属阳木。）过于冲阳，冲阳足跗上五寸陷者中也，为原，摇足而得之。（此胃经之所过为原也，亦当属木。）行于解 ，解
上冲阳一寸半陷者中也，为经。（此胃经之所行为经也，属阳火。）入于下陵，下陵膝下三寸 骨外三里也，为合。（此
胃经之所入为合也，属阳土。）复下三里三寸为巨虚上廉，复下上廉三寸为巨虚下廉也，大肠属上，小肠属下，足阳明胃
脉也，大肠小肠皆属于胃，（三里下三寸为上廉，上廉下三寸为下廉，大肠属上廉，小肠属下廉。盖胃为六腑之长，而大
肠小肠皆与胃连，居胃之下，气本一贯，故皆属于胃，而其下 亦合于足阳明经也。）是足阳明也。（以上皆胃之 ，即
足阳明经也。）
三焦者，上合手少阳，出于关冲，关冲者手小指次指之端也，为井金。（此三焦之所出为井也，属阳金。按∶诸经皆
不言上合，而此下三经独言之者，盖以三焦并中下而言，小肠大肠俱在下而经则属手，故皆言上合某经也。）溜于液门，
液门小指次指之间也，为荥。（此三焦之所溜为荥也，属阳水。）注于中渚，中渚本节之后陷者中也，为 。（此三焦之所
注为 也，属阳水。）过于阳池，阳池在腕上陷者之中也，为原。（此三焦之所过为原也，亦属阳木。）行于支沟，支沟上
腕三寸两骨之间陷者中也，为经。（此三焦之所行为经也，属阳火。）入于天井，天井在肘外大骨之上陷者中也，为合，
屈肘乃得之。（此三焦之所入为合也，属阳土。）三焦下 ，在于足大趾之前，少阳之后，出于 中外廉，名曰委阳，是
太阳络也。（足大趾当作足小趾，盖小趾乃足太阳脉气所行，而三焦下 ，则并足太阳经出小趾之前，上行足少阳经之后，
上出 中外廉，委阳穴，是足太阳之络也。按邪气脏腑病形篇曰∶三焦病者，候在足太阳之外大络，大络在太阳少阳之
间。则此为小趾无疑，详针刺类二十四。愚按∶三焦者，虽经属手少阳，而下 仍在足，可见三焦有上中下之分，而通
身脉络无所不在也。详注见藏象类第三及本类后二十三，俱当互考。）手少阳经也。（以上三焦之 皆手少阳经也。）三焦
者，足少阳太阴之所将，（阳阴二字互谬也，当作少阴太阳，盖三焦属肾与膀胱也。义详藏象类三。）太阳之别也，上踝
五寸别入贯 肠，出于委阳，并太阳之正入络膀胱，约下焦，实则闭癃，虚则遗溺，遗溺则补之，闭癃则泻之。（此复言
三焦下 之所行及其所主之病也。将，领也。三焦下 ，即足太阳之别络，故自踝上五寸间别入 阳，以出于委阳穴，
乃并太阳之正脉，入络膀胱以约束下焦，而其为病如此。癃，良中切。溺，娘吊切。）
手太阳小肠者，上合于太阳，出于少泽，少泽小指之端也，为井金。（此小肠经所出为井也，属阳金。）溜于前谷，
前谷在手外廉本节前陷者中也，为荥。（此小肠经所溜为荥也，属阳水。）注于后 ，后 者在手外侧本节之后也，为 。
（此小肠经所注为 也，属阳木。）过于腕骨，腕骨在手外侧腕骨之前，为原。（此小肠经所过为原也，亦属阳木。）行于
阳谷，阳谷在锐骨之下陷者中也，为经。（此小肠经所行为经也，属阳火。）入于小海，小海在肘内大骨之外，去端半寸
陷者中也，伸臂而得之，为合。（此小肠经所入为合也，属阳土。）手太阳经也。（以上小肠之六 ，皆手太阳经也。）
大肠上合手阳明，出于商阳，商阳大指次指之端也，为井金。（此大肠经所出为井也，属阳金。）溜于本节之前二间，
为荥。（此大肠经所溜为荥也，属阳水。）注于本节之后三间，为 。（此大肠经所注为 也，属阳木。）过于合谷，合谷
在大指岐骨之间，为原。（此大肠经所过为原也，亦属阳木。）行于阳 ，阳 在两筋间陷者中也，为经。（此大肠经所行
为经也，属阳火。）入于曲池，在肘外辅骨陷者中，屈臂而得之，为合。（此大肠经所入为合也，属阳土。）手阳明也。（以
上大肠之六 ，皆手阳明经也。）是谓五脏六腑之 ，五五二十五 ，六六三十六 也。（五脏各有井荥 经合五穴，共
计二十五 ，六腑复多一原穴，故共计三十六 也。）六腑皆出足之三阳，上合于手者也。（凡五脏六腑之经，脏皆属阴，
腑皆属阳。虽六腑皆属三阳，然各有手足之分。故足有太阳膀胱经，则手有太阳小肠经；足有阳明胃经，则手有阳明大
肠经；足有少阳胆经，则手有少阳三焦经，此所谓上合于手者也。不惟六腑，六脏亦然。如足有太阴脾经，则手有太阴
肺经；足有少阴肾经，则手有少阴心经；足有厥阴肝经，则手有厥阴心主，此脏腑阴阳，手足皆相半也。然其所以分手
足者，以经行有上下，故手经之 在手，足经之 在足也。）
（《灵枢·本输》篇）
黄帝向岐伯问道：大凡针刺的道理，必须通晓十二经脉的起止始末，（意思是如十二经脉的起止有固定的顺序。）络脉的分流之处，（如十五络脉各自有不同的分支。）五输穴的气血留止之处，（如下文所述的井、荥、经、合穴，各有其气血停留的位置。）六腑与五脏相配合的关系，（如藏象类中脏腑之间的表里配合关系。）四季气候对人体的影响及相应的针刺变化，（如针刺类中关于四时不同刺法的内容。）五脏之气流注的部位，（指脏气流动的地方，即前篇所说的“所出为井，所溜为荥”。）穴位间距的大小、针刺深浅的程度、穴位位置的高低，希望听听您的解释。（通过间距大小来察知穴位的巨细，通过深浅来区分病位的表里，通过高低来辨别病变的本末。凡是这些内容，都是针灸医生必须掌握的要道，不可不通晓。）
岐伯说：请让我按次序来说明。
肺经的气血出于少商穴，少商穴位于手大拇指内侧端，是井穴，属木。（少商穴，是肺经脉气所出为井的地方，其气属木。以下所有五脏的井穴，都属阴木，所以《难经·六十四难》称之为“阴井木”。）气血流注于鱼际穴，鱼际穴位于手掌大鱼际处，是荥穴。（这是肺经气血所流注为荥的地方，属阴火。手鱼的含义详见前文第二条肺经条目下。按：本篇只讲了五脏井穴属木，六腑井穴属金，其他穴位没有明确五行属性。考察《难经·六十四难》，分析了阴阳十变，滑寿氏详细注解认为阴井木生阴荥火，阴荥火生阴俞土，阴俞土生阴经金，阴经金生阴合水，这是讲五脏的腧穴。六腑则是阳井属金，阳井金生阳荥水，阳荥水生阳俞木，阳俞木生阳经火，阳经火生阳合土，这样五行才完备。以下类推。）气血灌注于太渊穴，太渊穴位于鱼际后一寸凹陷处，是经渠穴之前的输穴，属土。（这是肺经气血所灌注为输的地方，属阴土。）气血运行于经渠穴，经渠穴位于寸口脉搏动处，跳动不停止，是经穴，属金。（这是肺经气血所运行经过的地方，属阴金。经渠位于寸口凹陷处，跳动不止，所以说“不居”。居，就是停止的意思。）气血深入尺泽穴，尺泽穴位于肘窝中间的动脉处，是合穴，属水。（这是肺经气血所入为合的地方，属阴水。）这属于手太阴肺经。（以上肺经的五输穴，都属于手太阴经。）
心包经的气血出于中冲穴，中冲穴位于手中指末端，是井穴，属木。（这是心主之脉所出为井的地方，属阴木。按：以下五个穴位，都属于手厥阴经的穴位，而本篇直接称为心经穴位，正是因为心和心包本属同一脏器，其气相通，都由心所主宰，所以凡是邪气侵犯心脏的，都侵犯心包络。心包络，就是心主的经脉。《灵枢·邪客》篇说：“手少阴心经独无腧穴”，正是这个意思。详细义理见前章及《图翼》四卷十二原解中。）气血流注于劳宫穴，劳宫穴位于手掌心中，中指本节内部的间隙处，是荥穴，属火。（这是心主之脉所流注为荥的地方，属阴火。）气血灌注于大陵穴，大陵穴位于掌后两骨之间正下方的凹陷处，是输穴，属土。（这是心主之脉所灌注为输的地方，属阴土。方下，指正当两骨之下。）气血运行于间使穴，间使穴位于两筋之间，腕横纹上三寸处，有病则脉动明显，无病则静止，是经穴，属金。（这是心主之脉所运行经过的地方，属阴金。有过，指有病。此脉若有病则搏动明显，若无病则静止。）气血深入曲泽穴，曲泽穴位于肘内侧下方凹陷处，屈肘时可取到，是合穴，属水。（这是心主之脉所入为合的地方，属阴水。）这属于手少阴心经（实为手厥阴心包经，因心主所主，故称手少阴）。（以上心主之五输穴，皆由心所主宰，所以称为手少阴经。）
肝经的气血出于大敦穴，大敦穴位于足大拇指末端及趾甲周围毛发处，是井穴，属木。（这是肝经所出为井的地方，属阴木。）气血流注于行间穴，行间穴位于足大拇指两趾之间，是荥穴，属火。（这是肝经所流注为荥的地方，属阴火。）气血灌注于太冲穴，太冲穴位于行间穴上方二寸凹陷处，是输穴，属土。（这是肝经所灌注为输的地方，属阴土。）气血运行于中封穴，中封穴位于内踝前一寸半凹陷处，若逆其气则郁结，顺其气则通畅，摇动足部可取到，是经穴，属金。（这是肝经所运行经过的地方，属阴金。使逆则宛，使和则通，意思是使用针刺治疗此穴时，逆其经气则郁滞，和其经气则通畅。宛，同郁。）气血深入曲泉穴，曲泉穴位于辅骨之下，大筋之上，屈膝时可取到，是合穴，属水。（这是肝经所入为合的地方，属阴水。）这属于足厥阴肝经。（以上肝经的五输穴，都属于足厥阴经。）
脾经的气血出于隐白穴，隐白穴位于足大拇指内侧端，是井穴，属木。（这是脾经所出为井的地方，属阴木。）气血流注于大都穴，大都穴位于足大拇指本节之后下方凹陷处，是荥穴，属火。（这是脾经所流注为荥的地方，属阴火。）气血灌注于太白穴，太白穴位于足内侧核骨（舟骨粗隆）下方，是输穴，属土。（这是脾经所灌注为输的地方，属阴土。）气血运行于商丘穴，商丘穴位于内踝下方凹陷处，是经穴，属金。（这是脾经所运行经过的地方，属阴金。）气血深入阴陵泉穴，阴陵泉穴位于胫骨内侧髁下方凹陷处，伸腿时可取到，是合穴，属水。（这是脾经所入为合的地方，属阴水。）这属于足太阴脾经。（以上脾经的五输穴，都属于足太阴经。）
肾经的气血出于涌泉穴，涌泉穴位于足心，是井穴，属木。（这是肾经所出为井的地方，属阴木。）气血流注于然谷穴，然谷穴位于然骨（舟骨粗隆）下方，是荥穴，属火。（这是肾经所流注为荥的地方，属阴火。）气血灌注于太溪穴，太溪穴位于内踝后方，跟骨上方的凹陷处，是输穴，属土。（这是肾经所灌注为输的地方，属阴土。）气血运行于复溜穴，复溜穴位于内踝上二寸，跳动不停止，是经穴，属金。（这是肾经所运行经过的地方，属阴金。）气血深入阴谷穴，阴谷穴位于腘窝内侧辅骨之后，大筋之下，小筋之上，按压有应手感，屈膝时可取到，是合穴，属水。（这是肾经所入为合的地方，属阴水。）这属于足少阴肾经。（以上肾经的五输穴，都属于足少阴经。）
膀胱经的气血出于至阴穴，至阴穴位于足小趾外侧端，是井穴，属金。（这是膀胱经所出为井的地方。以下所有六腑的井穴都属阳金，所以《难经·六十四难》称之为“阳井金”。）气血流注于通谷穴，通谷穴位于足小趾本节之前外侧，是荥穴，属水。（这是膀胱经所流注为荥的地方，属阳水。）气血灌注于束骨穴，束骨穴位于足小趾本节之后凹陷处，是输穴，属木。（这是膀胱经所灌注为输的地方，属阳木。）气血经过京骨穴，京骨穴位于足外侧第五跖骨粗隆下方，是原穴。（本篇只有六腑有原穴而五脏没有，前文《十二原》篇所言五脏的原穴，其实就是本篇五脏的输穴，那么阴经的输穴即原穴。阳经的原穴自输穴经过，本来同气，也应属阳木。以下类推。详细义理见《图翼》四卷十二原解中。）气血运行于昆仑穴，昆仑穴位于外踝后方，跟骨上方，是经穴，属火。（这是膀胱经所运行经过的地方，属阳火。）气血深入委中穴，委中穴位于腘窝中央，是合穴，屈膝时可取到。（这是膀胱经所入为合的地方，属阳土。）这属于足太阳膀胱经。（以上膀胱经的六穴，都属于足太阳经。）
胆经的气血出于窍阴穴，窍阴穴位于足小趾次趾（第四趾）末端，是井穴，属金。（这是胆经所出为井的地方，属阳金。）气血流注于侠溪穴，侠溪穴位于足小趾次趾之间，是荥穴，属水。（这是胆经所流注为荥的地方，属阳水。）气血灌注于足临泣穴，足临泣穴位于上行一寸半凹陷处，是输穴，属木。（这是胆经所灌注为输的地方，属阳木。）气血经过丘墟穴，丘墟穴位于外踝前下方凹陷处，是原穴，属木。（这是胆经所经过为原的地方，亦属阳木。）气血运行于阳辅穴，阳辅穴位于外踝之上，腓骨之前，以及绝骨（腓骨下端）的末端，是经穴，属火。（这是胆经所运行经过的地方，属阳火。）气血深入阳陵泉穴，阳陵泉穴位于膝外侧凹陷处，是合穴，伸腿时可取到。（这是胆经所入为合的地方，属阳土。）这属于足少阳胆经。（以上胆经的六穴，都属于足少阳经。）
胃经的气血出于厉兑穴，厉兑穴位于足第二趾内侧端，是井穴，属金。（这是胃经所出为井的地方，属阳金。）气血流注于内庭穴，内庭穴位于足第二趾外侧间隙，是荥穴，属水。（这是胃经所流注为荥的地方，属阳水。）气血灌注于陷谷穴，陷谷穴位于足第二、三趾间，向上二寸凹陷处，是输穴，属木。（这是胃经所灌注为输的地方，属阳木。）气血经过冲阳穴，冲阳穴位于足背上方五寸凹陷处，是原穴，摇足时可取到。（这是胃经所经过为原的地方，也应属木。）气血运行于解溪穴，解溪穴位于冲阳穴上方一寸半凹陷处，是经穴，属火。（这是胃经所运行经过的地方，属阳火。）气血深入下陵穴（足三里），下陵穴位于膝下三寸，胫骨外侧三里处，是合穴，属土。（这是胃经所入为合的地方，属阳土。）再向下三里是三里穴，再向下三寸为巨虚上廉，再向下三寸为巨虚下廉。大肠对应上廉，小肠对应下廉。足阳明胃经，大肠和小肠都归属于胃，（三里下三寸为上廉，上廉下三寸为下廉，大肠对应上廉，小肠对应下廉。因为胃是六腑之长，而大肠小肠都与胃相连，位于胃之下，气本是一贯的，所以都归属于胃，而其下的腧穴也合于足阳明经。）这属于足阳明胃经。（以上都是胃经的腧穴，即足阳明经。）
三焦经，上部合于手少阳经，气血出于关冲穴，关冲穴位于手小指次指（无名指）末端，是井穴，属金。（这是三焦经所出为井的地方，属阳金。按：各经都不提“上合”，唯独下面这三条经提到，大概是因为三焦涵盖上中下三焦而言，小肠大肠都在下部但经脉属于手部，所以都说“上合某经”。）气血流注于液门穴，液门穴位于手小指次指之间，是荥穴，属水。（这是三焦经所流注为荥的地方，属阳水。）气血灌注于中渚穴，中渚穴位于本节之后凹陷处，是输穴，属木。（这是三焦经所灌注为输的地方，属阳木。）气血经过阳池穴，阳池穴位于手腕上凹陷处，是原穴，属木。（这是三焦经所经过为原的地方，亦属阳木。）气血运行于支沟穴，支沟穴位于腕上三寸两骨之间凹陷处，是经穴，属火。（这是三焦经所运行经过的地方，属阳火。）气血深入天井穴，天井穴位于肘外大骨之上凹陷处，是合穴，屈肘才可取到。（这是三焦经所入为合的地方，属阳土。）三焦的下行腧穴，位于足小趾之前，足少阳经之后，出于腘窝中外侧，名叫委阳，这是足太阳膀胱经的络穴。（足大趾应当是足小趾，因为小趾是足太阳脉气所行的部位，而三焦下行腧穴，并行足太阳经出于小趾之前，上行经过足少阳经之后，向上出于腘窝中外侧，即委阳穴，是足太阳之络。按《灵枢·邪气脏腑病形》篇说：“三焦的病，候诊在足太阳之外的大络，大络在太阳和少阳之间。”那么这里说是小趾无疑，详见针刺类二十四。我认为：三焦虽然经脉属于手少阳，但其下行腧穴仍在足部，可见三焦有上中下之分，且通身脉络无所不在。详细注解见藏象类第三及本类后二十三，都应互相参考。）这属于手少阳三焦经。（以上三焦经的腧穴都属于手少阳经。）三焦经，是由足少阳和足太阴（此处原文有误，应为足少阴和足太阳）所统领，（阳阴二字互误，应当作少阴太阳，因为三焦隶属于肾与膀胱。义理详见藏象类三。）是足太阳膀胱经的别络，从内踝上五寸处分出，进入并贯穿膂肠（骶骨旁肌肉），出于委阳穴，并入足太阳膀胱经的正脉，入络膀胱，约束下焦。实证表现为小便闭塞不通（闭癃），虚证表现为遗尿。遗尿则用补法，小便闭塞则用泻法。（这是再次说明三焦下行腧穴的运行路径及其所主治的疾病。将，统领之意。三焦下行腧穴，即足太阳之别络，所以从内踝上五寸处分出进入膂阳，出于委阳穴，乃并入太阳之正脉，入络膀胱以约束下焦，而其发病情况如此。癃，音良中切。溺，音娘吊切。）
手太阳小肠经，上部合于足太阳经，气血出于少泽穴，少泽穴位于手小指末端，是井穴，属金。（这是小肠经所出为井的地方，属阳金。）气血流注于前谷穴，前谷穴位于手外侧本节（小指掌指关节）前凹陷处，是荥穴，属水。（这是小肠经所流注为荥的地方，属阳水。）气血灌注于后溪穴，后溪穴位于手外侧本节之后，是输穴，属木。（这是小肠经所灌注为输的地方，属阳木。）气血经过腕骨穴，腕骨穴位于手外侧腕骨之前，是原穴，属木。（这是小肠经所经过为原的地方，亦属阳木。）气血运行于阳谷穴，阳谷穴位于锐骨（尺骨茎突）下方凹陷处，是经穴，属火。（这是小肠经所运行经过的地方，属阳火。）气血深入小海穴，小海穴位于肘内侧大骨（肱骨内上髁）之外，距端点半寸凹陷处，伸臂时可取到，是合穴，属土。（这是小肠经所入为合的地方，属阳土。）这属于手太阳小肠经。（以上小肠经的六穴，都属于手太阳经。）
大肠经，上部合于手阳明经，气血出于商阳穴，商阳穴位于手大拇指次指（食指）末端，是井穴，属金。（这是大肠经所出为井的地方，属阳金。）气血流注于二间穴，位于本节（食指掌指关节）之前，是荥穴，属水。（这是大肠经所流注为荥的地方，属阳水。）气血灌注于三间穴，位于本节之后，是输穴，属木。（这是大肠经所灌注为输的地方，属阳木。）气血经过合谷穴，合谷穴位于大拇指和第二指歧骨（第一掌骨与第二掌骨之间）之间，是原穴，属木。（这是大肠经所经过为原的地方，亦属阳木。）气血运行于阳溪穴，阳溪穴位于两筋之间凹陷处，是经穴，属火。（这是大肠经所运行经过的地方，属阳火。）气血深入曲池穴，曲池穴位于肘外侧辅骨凹陷处，屈臂时可取到，是合穴，属土。（这是大肠经所入为合的地方，属阳土。）这属于手阳明大肠经。（以上大肠经的六穴，都属于手阳明经。）
这就叫做五脏六腑的腧穴，五脏各有井、荥、输、经、合五穴，共计二十五穴；六腑多一个原穴，所以共计三十六穴。（五脏各有井荥输经合五穴，共计二十五穴，六腑复多一原穴，故共计三十六穴也。）六腑的经气都出于足部的三阳经，而上合于手部的经脉。（凡五脏六腑的经脉，脏都属阴，腑都属阳。虽然六腑都属三阳，然而各有手足之分。所以足有太阳膀胱经，则手有太阳小肠经；足有阳明胃经，则手有阳明大肠经；足有少阳胆经，则手有少阳三焦经，这就是所谓的“上合于手”。不仅六腑是这样，五脏也是如此。如足有太阴脾经，则手有太阴肺经；足有少阴肾经，则手有少阴心经；足有厥阴肝经，则手有厥阴心主，这是脏腑阴阳，手足各占一半。然而之所以分出手足，是因为经脉行走有上下之分，所以手经的腧穴在手，足经的腧穴在足。）
(Ling Shu: Ben Shu Chapter)
Huangdi asked Qibo: In general, the principles of acupuncture require a thorough understanding of the starting and ending points of the twelve meridians, (meaning that the twelve meridians have fixed sequences of origin and termination.) the branching points of the collaterals, (such as the fifteen collaterals each having their own distinct branches.) the locations where the Qi of the Five Shu points accumulates, (as described below regarding the Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Jing-River, and He-Sea points, each having specific sites where Qi resides.) the relationships between the Zang organs and Fu organs, (such as the exterior-interior pairing relationships among Zang and Fu organs as detailed in the Zang-Xiang category.) the influence of the four seasons on the human body and corresponding acupuncture variations, (such as different needling techniques according to the four seasons as discussed in the Acupuncture category.) the sites where the Qi of the Zang organs flows, (referring to the places where organ Qi circulates, i.e., "what emerges is Jing-Well, what flows is Ying-Spring" mentioned in the previous chapter.) the distances between points, the depth of needle insertion, and the high or low positions of the points. I wish to hear your explanation. (By measuring distances, one can discern the size of points; by determining depth, one can distinguish superficial from deep pathologies; by assessing height and position, one can identify the root and branch of diseases. All these contents are essential knowledge for acupuncturists and must be thoroughly understood.)
Qibo replied: Let me explain them in order.
The Lung Meridian's Qi emerges at Shaoshang (LU11), which is located at the radial tip of the thumb. It is the Jing-Well point, belonging to Wood. (Shaoshang is where the Lung meridian Qi emerges as the Jing-Well point; its Qi belongs to Wood. For all five Zang organs below, the Jing-Well points belong to Yin Wood, hence Nan Jing Chapter 64 refers to it as "Yin Jing-Well Wood".) The Qi flows to Yuji (LU10), located at the thenar eminence of the hand. It is the Ying-Spring point. (This is where the Lung meridian Qi flows as the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Yin Fire. The meaning of "hand fish" is detailed in the previous section under the Lung Meridian entry. Note: This chapter only states that the Jing-Well points of the five Zang organs belong to Wood, and those of the six Fu organs belong to Metal; other points do not explicitly assign Five Element attributes. Examining Nan Jing Chapter 64, which analyzes the ten transformations of Yin and Yang, Hua Shou's detailed annotation states that Yin Jing-Well Wood generates Yin Ying-Spring Fire, Yin Ying-Spring Fire generates Yin Shu-Stream Earth, Yin Shu-Stream Earth generates Yin Jing-River Metal, and Yin Jing-River Metal generates Yin He-Sea Water. This describes the Shu points of the five Zang organs. For the six Fu organs, Yang Jing-Well belongs to Metal, Yang Jing-Well Metal generates Yang Ying-Spring Water, Yang Ying-Spring Water generates Yang Shu-Stream Wood, Yang Shu-Stream Wood generates Yang Jing-River Fire, and Yang Jing-River Fire generates Yang He-Sea Earth, thus completing the Five Elements. The following follows this pattern.) The Qi pours into Taiyuan (LU9), located in the depression one cun distal to the thenar eminence. It is the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Earth. (This is where the Lung meridian Qi pours as the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Yin Earth.) The Qi travels through Jingquan (LU8), located at the radial pulse at the wrist crease. It moves continuously without stopping. It is the Jing-River point, belonging to Metal. (This is where the Lung meridian Qi travels as the Jing-River point, belonging to Yin Metal. Jingquan is in the depression at the Cun Kou pulse, moving ceaselessly, hence called "bu ju" [not staying]. Ju means stopping.) The Qi enters Chize (LU5), located at the arterial pulse in the center of the elbow crease. It is the He-Sea point, belonging to Water. (This is where the Lung meridian Qi enters as the He-Sea point, belonging to Yin Water.) This belongs to the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. (The above five Shu points of the Lung all belong to the Hand-Taiyin Meridian.)
The Pericardium Meridian's Qi emerges at Zhongchong (PC9), located at the tip of the middle finger. It is the Jing-Well point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Heart Master's meridian Qi emerges as the Jing-Well point, belonging to Yin Wood. Note: The following five points all belong to the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, but this chapter directly calls them Heart points because the Heart and Pericardium essentially belong to the same organ, their Qi is connected, and both are governed by the Heart. Therefore, any evil invading the Heart actually invades the Pericardium. The Pericardium is the meridian of the Heart Master. The Xie Ke chapter says: "The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian alone has no Shu points," which refers to this. Detailed meanings are found in the previous chapter and the Twelve Yuan Source explanation in Volume 4 of Tu Yi.) The Qi flows to Laogong (PC8), located in the center of the palm, within the space of the proximal interphalangeal joint of the middle finger. It is the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Fire. (This is where the Heart Master's meridian Qi flows as the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Yin Fire.) The Qi pours into Daling (PC7), located in the depression directly below between the two tendons at the back of the palm. It is the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Earth. (This is where the Heart Master's meridian Qi pours as the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Yin Earth. "Fang xia" means directly below the two bones.) The Qi travels through Jianshi (PC4), located between the two tendons, three cun above the wrist crease. When diseased, the pulse is palpable; when healthy, it stops. It is the Jing-River point, belonging to Metal. (This is where the Heart Master's meridian Qi travels as the Jing-River point, belonging to Yin Metal. "You guo" means having disease. If this meridian has disease, it becomes palpable; if not, it remains still.) The Qi enters Quze (PC3), located in the depression below the medial border of the elbow, obtained by flexing the arm. It is the He-Sea point, belonging to Water. (This is where the Heart Master's meridian Qi enters as the He-Sea point, belonging to Yin Water.) This is referred to as the Hand-Shaoyin Meridian. (The above five Shu points of the Heart Master are all governed by the Heart, hence called the Hand-Shaoyin Meridian.)
The Liver Meridian's Qi emerges at Dadun (LR14), located at the tip of the big toe and within the hair tuft. It is the Jing-Well point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Liver meridian Qi emerges as the Jing-Well point, belonging to Yin Wood.) The Qi flows to Xingjian (LR2), located between the big toe and the second toe. It is the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Fire. (This is where the Liver meridian Qi flows as the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Yin Fire.) The Qi pours into Taichong (LR3), located in the depression two cun proximal to Xingjian. It is the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Earth. (This is where the Liver meridian Qi pours as the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Yin Earth.) The Qi travels through Fengqiu (LR4), located in the depression one and a half cun anterior to the medial malleolus. If the Qi is manipulated against its flow, it becomes stagnant; if harmonized, it flows freely. It is obtained by shaking the foot. It is the Jing-River point, belonging to Metal. (This is where the Liver meridian Qi travels as the Jing-River point, belonging to Yin Metal. "Shi ni ze wan, shi he ze tong" means that when treating this point with needles, opposing the Qi causes stagnation, while harmonizing the Qi promotes flow. Wan is synonymous with Yu [stagnation].) The Qi enters Ququan (LR8), located below the condyle of the tibia and above the large tendon, obtained by flexing the knee. It is the He-Sea point, belonging to Water. (This is where the Liver meridian Qi enters as the He-Sea point, belonging to Yin Water.) This belongs to the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian. (The above five Shu points of the Liver all belong to the Foot-Jueyin Meridian.)
The Spleen Meridian's Qi emerges at Yinbai (SP1), located at the medial tip of the big toe. It is the Jing-Well point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Spleen meridian Qi emerges as the Jing-Well point, belonging to Yin Wood.) The Qi flows to Dabu (SP2), located in the depression distal to the proximal phalanx of the big toe. It is the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Fire. (This is where the Spleen meridian Qi flows as the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Yin Fire.) The Qi pours into Taibai (SP3), located below the navicular tuberosity. It is the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Earth. (This is where the Spleen meridian Qi pours as the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Yin Earth.) The Qi travels through Shangqiu (SP5), located in the depression below the medial malleolus. It is the Jing-River point, belonging to Metal. (This is where the Spleen meridian Qi travels as the Jing-River point, belonging to Yin Metal.) The Qi enters Yinlingquan (SP9), located in the depression below the medial condyle of the tibia, obtained by extending the leg. It is the He-Sea point, belonging to Water. (This is where the Spleen meridian Qi enters as the He-Sea point, belonging to Yin Water.) This belongs to the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. (The above five Shu points of the Spleen all belong to the Foot-Taiyin Meridian.)
The Kidney Meridian's Qi emerges at Yongquan (KI1), located in the depression of the sole of the foot. It is the Jing-Well point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Kidney meridian Qi emerges as the Jing-Well point, belonging to Yin Wood.) The Qi flows to Ran Gu (KI2), located below the prominence of the navicular bone. It is the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Fire. (This is where the Kidney meridian Qi flows as the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Yin Fire.) The Qi pours into Taixi (KI3), located in the depression posterior to the medial malleolus and superior to the calcaneus. It is the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Earth. (This is where the Kidney meridian Qi pours as the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Yin Earth.) The Qi travels through Fuliu (KI7), located two cun above the medial malleolus, pulsating continuously. It is the Jing-River point, belonging to Metal. (This is where the Kidney meridian Qi travels as the Jing-River point, belonging to Yin Metal.) The Qi enters Yin Gu (KI10), located posterior to the tibial condyle, below the large tendon and above the small tendon, palpable upon pressure, obtained by flexing the knee. It is the He-Sea point, belonging to Water. (This is where the Kidney meridian Qi enters as the He-Sea point, belonging to Yin Water.) This belongs to the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. (The above five Shu points of the Kidney all belong to the Foot-Shaoyin Meridian.)
The Bladder Meridian's Qi emerges at Zhiyin (BL67), located at the lateral tip of the little toe. It is the Jing-Well point, belonging to Metal. (This is where the Bladder meridian Qi emerges as the Jing-Well point. Below, all Jing-Well points of the six Fu organs belong to Yang Metal, hence Nan Jing Chapter 64 refers to it as "Yang Jing-Well Metal".) The Qi flows to Tonggu (BL65), located at the anterolateral aspect of the proximal phalanx of the little toe. It is the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Water. (This is where the Bladder meridian Qi flows as the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Yang Water.) The Qi pours into Shugu (BL64), located in the depression posterior to the proximal phalanx of the little toe. It is the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Bladder meridian Qi pours as the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Yang Wood.) The Qi passes through Jinggu (BL64), located below the fifth metatarsal tuberosity on the lateral side of the foot. It is the Yuan-Source point. (This chapter only mentions Yuan-Source points for the six Fu organs and not for the five Zang organs. The Yuan-Source points of the five Zang organs mentioned in the previous "Twelve Yuan" chapter are actually the Shu-Stream points of the five Zang organs in this chapter. Thus, the Shu-Stream points of Yin meridians are equivalent to Yuan-Source points. The Yuan-Source points of Yang meridians pass through the Shu-Stream points; they share the same Qi and should also belong to Yang Wood. The following follows this pattern. Detailed meanings are found in the Twelve Yuan Source explanation in Volume 4 of Tu Yi.) The Qi travels through Kunlun (BL60), located posterior to the lateral malleolus and superior to the calcaneus. It is the Jing-River point, belonging to Fire. (This is where the Bladder meridian Qi travels as the Jing-River point, belonging to Yang Fire.) The Qi enters Weizhong (BL40), located in the center of the popliteal fossa. It is the He-Sea point, obtained by flexing the knee. (This is where the Bladder meridian Qi enters as the He-Sea point, belonging to Yang Earth.) This belongs to the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. (The above six points of the Bladder all belong to the Foot-Taiyang Meridian.)
The Gallbladder Meridian's Qi emerges at Qiaoyin (GB44), located at the tip of the fourth toe. It is the Jing-Well point, belonging to Metal. (This is where the Gallbladder meridian Qi emerges as the Jing-Well point, belonging to Yang Metal.) The Qi flows to Xiaxi (GB43), located between the fourth and fifth toes. It is the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Water. (This is where the Gallbladder meridian Qi flows as the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Yang Water.) The Qi pours into Linqi (GB41), located in the depression one and a half cun proximal. It is the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Gallbladder meridian Qi pours as the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Yang Wood.) The Qi passes through Qiuxu (GB40), located in the depression anterior and inferior to the lateral malleolus. It is the Yuan-Source point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Gallbladder meridian Qi passes as the Yuan-Source point, also belonging to Yang Wood.) The Qi travels through Yangfu (GB38), located superior to the lateral malleolus, anterior to the fibula, and at the end of the Jiegǔ (fibular head). It is the Jing-River point, belonging to Fire. (This is where the Gallbladder meridian Qi travels as the Jing-River point, belonging to Yang Fire.) The Qi enters Yanglingquan (GB34), located in the depression lateral to the knee. It is the He-Sea point, obtained by extending the leg. (This is where the Gallbladder meridian Qi enters as the He-Sea point, belonging to Yang Earth.) This belongs to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. (The above six points of the Gallbladder all belong to the Foot-Shaoyang Meridian.)
The Stomach Meridian's Qi emerges at Lidui (ST45), located at the medial tip of the second toe. It is the Jing-Well point, belonging to Metal. (This is where the Stomach meridian Qi emerges as the Jing-Well point, belonging to Yang Metal.) The Qi flows to Neiting (ST44), located in the lateral space between the second and third toes. It is the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Water. (This is where the Stomach meridian Qi flows as the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Yang Water.) The Qi pours into Xangu (ST43), located in the depression two cun proximal between the second and third toes. It is the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Stomach meridian Qi pours as the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Yang Wood.) The Qi passes through Chongyang (ST42), located in the depression five cun proximal on the dorsum of the foot. It is the Yuan-Source point, obtained by shaking the foot. (This is where the Stomach meridian Qi passes as the Yuan-Source point, also belonging to Wood.) The Qi travels through Jiexi (ST41), located in the depression one and a half cun proximal to Chongyang. It is the Jing-River point, belonging to Fire. (This is where the Stomach meridian Qi travels as the Jing-River point, belonging to Yang Fire.) The Qi enters Xiageng (Zusanli ST36), located three cun below the knee, lateral to the tibia. It is the He-Sea point, belonging to Earth. (This is where the Stomach meridian Qi enters as the He-Sea point, belonging to Yang Earth.) Three cun below Zusanli is Shanglian (Stomach 37); three cun below Shanglian is Xialian (Stomach 39). The Large Intestine corresponds to Shanglian, and the Small Intestine corresponds to Xialian. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian: the Large Intestine and Small Intestine both belong to the Stomach. (Three cun below Zusanli is Shanglian; three cun below Shanglian is Xialian. Large Intestine corresponds to Shanglian, Small Intestine to Xialian. Because the Stomach is the head of the six Fu organs, and the Large and Small Intestines are connected to the Stomach, situated below it, their Qi is continuous. Thus, they both belong to the Stomach, and their lower Shu points also connect to the Foot-Yangming Meridian.) This belongs to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. (The above are all the Shu points of the Stomach, i.e., the Foot-Yangming Meridian.)
The Sanjiao (Triple Burner) Meridian upper part connects with the Hand-Shaoyang Meridian. Its Qi emerges at Guanchong (TE1), located at the tip of the ring finger. It is the Jing-Well point, belonging to Metal. (This is where the Sanjiao meridian Qi emerges as the Jing-Well point, belonging to Yang Metal. Note: Other meridians do not mention "upper connection," but these three meridians below do. This is likely because Sanjiao encompasses upper, middle, and lower burners. The Small and Large Intestines are in the lower burner but their meridians are in the hand, so they are said to "connect upper" to certain meridians.) The Qi flows to Yemen (TE2), located between the ring and little fingers. It is the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Water. (This is where the Sanjiao meridian Qi flows as the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Yang Water.) The Qi pours into Zhongzhu (TE3), located in the depression posterior to the proximal phalanx. It is the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Sanjiao meridian Qi pours as the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Yang Wood.) The Qi passes through Yangchi (TE4), located in the depression on the dorsal wrist. It is the Yuan-Source point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Sanjiao meridian Qi passes as the Yuan-Source point, also belonging to Yang Wood.) The Qi travels through Zigou (TE6), located in the depression between the two bones three cun above the wrist. It is the Jing-River point, belonging to Fire. (This is where the Sanjiao meridian Qi travels as the Jing-River point, belonging to Yang Fire.) The Qi enters Tianjing (TE10), located in the depression superior to the olecranon of the elbow. It is the He-Sea point, obtained by flexing the elbow. (This is where the Sanjiao meridian Qi enters as the He-Sea point, belonging to Yang Earth.) The lower Shu point of the Sanjiao is located anterior to the little toe, posterior to the Shaoyang meridian, emerging at the lateral aspect of the popliteal fossa, named Weiyang (BL39). This is the collateral of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. (The text "big toe" should be "little toe," as the little toe is where the Foot-Taiyang meridian Qi travels. The lower Shu point of the Sanjiao runs alongside the Foot-Taiyang meridian, emerging anterior to the little toe, ascending posterior to the Foot-Shaoyang meridian, and emerging laterally in the popliteal fossa at Weiyang, which is the collateral of the Foot-Taiyang. According to the Xie Qi Zang Fu Bing Xing chapter: "For Sanjiao diseases, the pulse diagnosis is observed in the large collateral outside the Foot-Taiyang, which lies between Taiyang and Shaoyang." Thus, it is undoubtedly the little toe. See Acupuncture Category 24 for details. I believe: Although the Sanjiao meridian belongs to Hand-Shaoyang, its lower Shu point is still on the foot. This shows that Sanjiao has upper, middle, and lower divisions, and its network vessels are everywhere in the body. Detailed annotations are found in Zang-Xiang Category 3 and Category 23 below, which should be cross-referenced.) This belongs to the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian. (The above Shu points of the Sanjiao all belong to the Hand-Shaoyang Meridian.) The Sanjiao is led by the Foot-Shaoyang and Foot-Taiyin (Note: Original text has error, should be Foot-Shaoyin and Foot-Taiyang, as Sanjiao relates to Kidney and Bladder. Meaning detailed in Zang-Xiang Category 3.). It is a branch of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It branches off five cun above the ankle, penetrates the paraspinal muscles, emerges at Weiyang (BL39), joins the main channel of the Foot-Taiyang, enters and connects with the Bladder, and regulates the Lower Burner. Excess patterns present as urinary retention (long), deficiency patterns present as enuresis. Enuresis is treated with tonification; urinary retention is treated with sedation. (This reiterates the pathway of the lower Shu point of the Sanjiao and the diseases it governs. Jiang means to lead/govern. The lower Shu point of the Sanjiao is the branch of the Foot-Taiyang. Thus, it branches off five cun above the ankle, enters the paraspinal region, emerges at Weiyang, joins the main Taiyang channel, enters/connects with the Bladder to regulate the Lower Burner, and presents with such diseases. Long [retention] is pronounced liang-zhong qie. Niao [urine] is pronounced niang-diao qie.)
The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian connects upper with the Foot-Taiyang. Its Qi emerges at Shaoze (SI1), located at the tip of the little finger. It is the Jing-Well point, belonging to Metal. (This is where the Small Intestine meridian Qi emerges as the Jing-Well point, belonging to Yang Metal.) The Qi flows to Qian Gu (SI2), located in the depression anterior to the proximal phalanx on the ulnar side of the hand. It is the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Water. (This is where the Small Intestine meridian Qi flows as the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Yang Water.) The Qi pours to Hou Xi (SI3), located posterior to the proximal phalanx on the ulnar side of the hand. It is the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Small Intestine meridian Qi pours as the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Yang Wood.) The Qi passes through Wangu (SI4), located anterior to the pisiform bone on the ulnar side of the hand. It is the Yuan-Source point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Small Intestine meridian Qi passes as the Yuan-Source point, also belonging to Yang Wood.) The Qi travels through Yang Gu (SI5), located in the depression below the styloid process of the ulna. It is the Jing-River point, belonging to Fire. (This is where the Small Intestine meridian Qi travels as the Jing-River point, belonging to Yang Fire.) The Qi enters Xiao Hai (SI8), located lateral to the medial epicondyle of the humerus, half cun from the end, in a depression. It is obtained by extending the arm. It is the He-Sea point, belonging to Earth. (This is where the Small Intestine meridian Qi enters as the He-Sea point, belonging to Yang Earth.) This belongs to the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian. (The above six points of the Small Intestine all belong to the Hand-Taiyang Meridian.)
The Large Intestine Meridian connects upper with the Hand-Yangming. Its Qi emerges at Shangyang (LI1), located at the tip of the index finger. It is the Jing-Well point, belonging to Metal. (This is where the Large Intestine meridian Qi emerges as the Jing-Well point, belonging to Yang Metal.) The Qi flows to Er Jian (LI2), located anterior to the proximal phalanx. It is the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Water. (This is where the Large Intestine meridian Qi flows as the Ying-Spring point, belonging to Yang Water.) The Qi pours to San Jian (LI3), located posterior to the proximal phalanx. It is the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Large Intestine meridian Qi pours as the Shu-Stream point, belonging to Yang Wood.) The Qi passes through Hegu (LI4), located between the first and second metacarpal bones. It is the Yuan-Source point, belonging to Wood. (This is where the Large Intestine meridian Qi passes as the Yuan-Source point, also belonging to Yang Wood.) The Qi travels through Yangxi (LI5), located in the depression between the two tendons. It is the Jing-River point, belonging to Fire. (This is where the Large Intestine meridian Qi travels as the Jing-River point, belonging to Yang Fire.) The Qi enters Quchi (LI11), located in the depression lateral to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. It is obtained by flexing the arm. It is the He-Sea point, belonging to Earth. (This is where the Large Intestine meridian Qi enters as the He-Sea point, belonging to Yang Earth.) This belongs to the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. (The above six points of the Large Intestine all belong to the Hand-Yangming Meridian.)
These are called the Shu points of the five Zang and six Fu organs. Each of the five Zang organs has five points (Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River, He-Sea), totaling twenty-five points. The six Fu organs have one additional Yuan-Source point, totaling thirty-six points. (Each of the five Zang organs has Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River, and He-Sea points, totaling twenty-five points. The six Fu organs have an extra Yuan-Source point, thus totaling thirty-six points.) The Qi of the six Fu organs all emerges from the three Yang meridians of the foot and connects upper with the hand meridians. (All meridians of the five Zang and six Fu organs: Zang organs belong to Yin, Fu organs belong to Yang. Although all six Fu organs belong to the three Yang meridians, they have distinctions between hand and foot. Thus, there is a Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, and correspondingly a Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian; there is a Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, and correspondingly a Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian; there is a Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, and correspondingly a Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian. This is what is meant by "connecting upper with the hand." This applies not only to the six Fu organs but also to the five Zang organs. For example, there is a Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian, and correspondingly a Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian; there is a Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, and correspondingly a Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian; there is a Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, and correspondingly a Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian. Thus, Zang and Fu, Yin and Yang, Hand and Foot are evenly distributed. However, the reason for distinguishing hand and foot is that the meridians travel up and down; therefore, the Shu points of hand meridians are on the hand, and the Shu points of foot meridians are on the foot.)