2)曲节。曲，稳秘也。节，树之分叉处也。曲节名意指汇合于本穴的地部经水不断气化。本穴物质为地部经水汇合而成，经水在本穴汇合为本穴气血的主要运动变化。但因本穴的经水温度较高，水液亦同时进行气化，经血的气化如树枝分化但又不易察觉，故名曲节。
3)心经合穴。本穴物质中，它不光有地部汇合的经水，它还有自少冲穴等穴上行汇合于此的水湿云气，为心经水、气二物的共同汇合之处，故为心经合穴。
4)本穴属水。属水，指本穴气血物质表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为地部的经水与天部的云气汇合之处，水湿云气在本穴为缩合冷降，穴内气血总体特性表现出水的润下特性，故其属水。
功能作用：降浊升清。
4灵道经穴，属金。
名解：1）灵道。灵，与鬼怪相对，神灵也，指穴内气血物质为天部之气。道，道路。灵道名意指心经经水在此气化。本穴物质为少海穴传来的地部经水，在本穴处为气化散热，气化之气循心经气血通道而上行，故名灵道。
2)心经经穴。经，经过也。本穴为心经地部经水运行的通道，经水在地部无散失，故为心经经穴。
3)本穴属金。属金，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为地部经水，在本穴的变化是蒸发化气，所化之气与心经气血相比，性凉，表现出肺金的秋凉特性，故其属金。
功能作用：生发心气。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻之。
5通里络穴。
名解：1）通里。通，通道也。里，内部也。通里名意指心经的地部经水由本穴的地部通道从地之天部流入地之地部。本穴物质为灵道穴传来的地部经水，因本穴有地部孔隙通于地之地部，经水即从本穴的地之天部流入地之地部，故名通里。
2)心经络穴。本穴物质为地部流行的经水，经水由本穴的地部孔隙内走心经的体内经脉，有联络心经内外经脉气血物质的作用，故为心经络穴。
治法：寒则通之，热则泻之。
注：人体的同名经，它们的气血特性相近，所处的层次亦相近，且它们之间有气血交流的路径。心经与肾经同名，心经气血交于肾经即是通过本穴而实现的。因此，对于少阴病所出现的上寒下热或心寒肾热之症，其实质机理即是心阴太过而心气不足，在本穴针而通之则能很好地将心经之液导入肾经，心经之寒则得以除，肾经之热则得以解。
6阴郄郄穴。
名解：1）阴郄。阴，水也。郄，空隙也。阴郄名意指心经经水由本穴回流心经的体内经脉。本穴物质为通里穴传来的地部经水，因本穴有地部孔隙与心经体内经脉相通，经水即由本穴的地部孔隙回流心经的体内经脉，故名阴郄。
2)手少阴郄、少阴郄。手，手部。少阴，心经也。郄，孔隙也。穴名之意指本穴经水循地部孔隙回流地之深部。理同阴郄名解。郄穴之意与本名解同。
3)石宫。石，肾之所主也，水也。宫，宫殿也，出入的门户小而内部宽大也。石宫名意指本穴的地部经水流入地之深部的巨大场所。本穴物质为地部经水，是从地之天部流入肾骨所处的地之地部，孔隙中流下的细小水流汇入了肾水的大海之中，故名石宫。
运行规律：由地之天部注入地之地部。
治法：寒则通之或补之灸之，热则泻之。
藏象：人体的体内经脉和体外经脉就象是同一区域向同一方向流趟的地下与地面河道。地下河道与地面河道的河水来自同一发源地，这就如人体的内外两部经脉气血是来自同一脏腑。地下河道与地面河道的交汇处则如人体末端的井穴，因此地表的经水是向内注，地表下部的气态物是向上升。以通里、阴郄二穴论，它则如地下河道与地面河道的沟通孔隙，它位于地下河道与地面河道的中部区域，因此，地面河道的河水在河道的中部即会循孔隙注入地下河道之中，此即如心经体表经水的运行。
7神门俞穴，属土。
别名：兑冲，中都，锐中，兑骨。
名解：1）神门。神，与鬼相对，气也。门，出入的门户也。神门名意指心经体内经脉的气血物质由此交于心经体表经脉。本穴因有地部孔隙与心经体内经脉相通，气血物质为心经体内经脉的外传之气，其气性同心经气血之本性，为人之神气，故名神门。
2)兑冲。兑，八卦中的口也。冲，突也。兑冲名意指心经体内经脉的气血由本穴的地部孔隙向体表冲出。本穴因有地部孔隙与心经体内经脉相通，心经体内经脉的强热水湿之气由本穴向外冲出，故名兑冲。兑骨名意与兑冲同，骨为水，喻意外出的强热之气中富含水湿。
3)中都。中，内部也。都，都市也。中都名意指心经的气血物质由此聚散。本穴物质为心经体内经脉外输的强劲湿热之气，出体表经脉后气血物质由穴内向穴周扩散，如都市之物质聚散，故名中都。
4)锐中。锐，尖细之物也。中，与外相对，内部也。锐中名意指心经的气血物质外出体表时是冲射之状。
5)心经俞穴。本穴为心经气血物质的对外输出之处，故为心经俞穴。
6)本穴属土。属土，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为心经体内经脉的外输之气，其运行变化为在本穴聚集后又不断地散热蒸发，有土的固定不移之性，故本穴属土。
运行规律：由穴内向穴外传输。
功能作用：补益心气。
治法：寒则通之或补之灸之，热则泻之。
8少府荥穴，属火
别名：兑骨。
名解：1）少府。少，阴也。府，府宅也。少府名意指本心经气血在此聚集。本穴物质为少冲穴传来的高温水湿之气，至本穴后为聚集之状，如云集府宅，故名少府。
2)兑骨。兑，八卦中的口也。骨，水也。兑骨名意指本穴的气血物质中富含水湿。本穴物质为少府穴传来的高温水湿之气，在本穴为云集之状，如口中含水之象（口在人体中处于天部，即意天部之水），故名兑骨。
3)心经荥穴。荥，极小的水流也。本穴物质为少府穴传来的高温水湿云气，在本穴又为聚集之状，一方面水湿云气进一步气化上行天部，另一方面散热后的水湿又冷降于地，降地之水极为细小，为心经荥穴。
4)本穴属火。属火，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为少府穴传来的高温水湿之气，因其温高热散，所散之热上炎天部，故本穴属火。
运行规律：不断地进行散热冷降，所散热气上炎天之天部，冷降之液归落地部。
功能作用：发散心火。
治法：寒则补之或灸之，热则泻之。
9少冲井穴，属木。
别名：经始。
名解：1）少冲。少，阴也。冲，突也。少冲名意指本穴的气血物质由体内冲出。本穴为心经体表经脉与体内经脉的交接之处，体内经脉的高温水气以冲射之状外出体表，故名少冲。
2)经始。经始，即言本穴为少阴心经的起始之处，无它意。
3)心经井穴。井，地部孔隙也。本穴因有地部孔隙交通心经体内与体表经脉，气血物质是由地部井孔而出，故为心经井穴。
4)本穴属木。属木，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为心经体内经脉外出的高温水湿之气，其运行是由内向外、由下向上，因其水湿含量大，虽为上行但上行不高，只有木的生发特性，故其属木。
运行规律：由心经的体内经脉外出体表经脉。
功能作用：生发心气。
治法：点刺出血。
六、手太阳小肠经多血少气
六、手太阳小肠经多血少气
手太阳小肠经多血少气，气血物质的变化是由气态向液态的散热冷缩变化。
1少泽井穴，属金。
别名：小吉，少吉。
穴义：小肠经体内经脉的高热水气由此外输体表。
名解：1）少泽。少，阴也，浊也。泽，沼泽也。少泽名意指穴内的气血物质为天部的湿热水气。本穴因有地部孔隙连通小肠经体内经脉，穴内物质为小肠经体内经脉外输的经水，经水出体表后气化为天部的水湿之气，如热带沼泽气化之气一般，故名少泽。
2)小吉、少吉。小、少，阴也、浊也。吉，吉祥也。小吉、少吉名意指本穴中的气化之气为无火的炎上特性的水湿之气。本穴物质虽为小肠经体内经脉的外输湿热水气，但因其从体内出体表后水液气化散去了较多热量，成为天部的水湿之气后其温度并不算高，无火的炎上特性，因而对于天部中的金性之气来说是吉祥之事，故名小吉、少吉。
3)小肠经井穴。井，地部孔隙也。本穴属井，是因本穴有地部孔隙直通地之地部，故为小肠经井穴。
4)本穴属金。属金，指本穴的气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为小肠经体内经脉外输体表的水湿之气，其运行变化为散热冷疑缩合，表现出肺金的秋凉特性，故其属金。
运行规律：水湿之气不断地散热液化，所散之热上传天部，液化之液归于地部。
功能作用：生发金气。
治法：寒则点刺出血或通之，热则泻之。
2前谷荥穴，属水
穴义：小肠经气血物质在此冷降。
名解：1）前谷。前，与后相对，指本穴气血作用于人体的前面也。谷，两山的中空部位也。前谷名意指小肠经经气在此散热冷降。本穴物质少泽穴传来的天部湿热水气，至本穴后其变化为散热化雨冷降，所作用的人体部位为胸腹前部，故名前谷。
2)小肠经荥穴。荥，极小的水流也。本穴气血物质的变化为水湿之气从天部散热冷降归于地部，冷降之雨如极细小的水流，故为小肠经荥穴。
3)本穴属水。属水，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴气血物质的运行变化为水湿之气从天部冷降地部，表现出水的润下特性，故其属水。
运行规律：由天部冷降后归于地部。
功能作用：降浊升清。
治法：寒则点刺出血或补之，热则泻之。
3后溪督脉手太阳之会，俞穴，属木。
穴义：小肠经气血由此上行督脉。
名解：1）后溪。后，与前相对，指穴内气血运行的人体部位为后背督脉之部。溪，穴内气血流行的道路。后溪名意指穴内气血外行于腰背的督脉之部。本穴物质为前谷穴传来的天部湿热之气，至本穴后其外散的清阳之气上行督脉，运行的部位为督脉所属之部，故名后溪。
2)督脉手太阳之会。因本穴有清阳之气上行督脉，故为督脉手太阳之会。
3)小肠经俞穴。俞，输也。本穴气血由前谷穴传来，在本穴的运行变化为进一步的散热缩合，热散后的部分清阳之气上走督脉，缩合后的水湿之气则循经上行腕骨穴，本穴无气血物质的收藏转变，单纯为小肠经气血物质的传输之处，故为小肠经俞穴。
4)本穴属木。属木，指本穴气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴的气血物质除别走督脉的气血为上行外，循小肠经传输的气血则为横向下行腕骨穴，表现出风木的横行特征，故本穴属木。
运行规律：纯阳之气循天之上部外走督脉，水湿风气横走腕骨穴。
功能作用：强化督脉阳气。
治法：寒则补之或灸之，热则泻之或水针。
4腕骨手太阳经原穴。
穴义：小肠经经气在此冷降。
名解：1）腕骨。腕，穴所在部位为手腕部也。骨，水也。腕骨名意指小肠经经气行在此冷降为地部水液。本穴物质为后溪穴传来的天部水湿之气，行至本穴后散热冷降为地部的水液，故名腕骨。
2)手太阳经原穴。因本穴位处南方炎热之地，小肠经冷降地部之水因受外部所传之热复又气化，气化之气性湿热，同合于小肠经气血特性，为小肠经气血的重要来源，故本穴为小肠经原穴。
运行规律：经水循地部内注地之地部，湿热水气则循小肠经上行。
功能作用：生发小肠经气。
治法：寒则通之或补之灸之，热则泻之。
5阳谷经穴，属火。
穴义：小肠经经气在此吸热胀散上炎天部。
2) 曲节。曲，稳固隐秘之意。节，树木的分叉处。曲节穴的名称含义是指汇聚于此穴的地部经水不断发生气化现象。本穴的物质基础是由地部经水汇聚而成，经水在本穴的汇聚是本穴气血主要运动变化的来源。但由于本穴的经水温度较高，水液同时也进行气化，经血的气化过程如同树枝分叉却又难以察觉，因此命名为曲节。
3) 心经合穴。本穴的物质中，不仅有从地部汇聚而来的经水，还有自少冲穴等穴位上行汇聚于此的水湿云气，是心经水、气两种物质的共同汇聚之处，因此被称为心经合穴。
4) 本穴属水。属水，指本穴气血物质表现出的五行属性。本穴是地部经水与天部云气汇聚的地方，水湿云气在本穴发生缩合冷降，穴内气血总体特性表现出水的润下特性，因此其五行属水。
功能作用：降浊升清。
治法：寒证时点刺出血或采用补法并施灸，热证时采用泻法出气或用水针疗法。
4 灵道经穴，属金。
名解：1）灵道。灵，与鬼怪相对，指神灵，此处指穴内气血物质为天部之气。道，道路。灵道的名称含义是指心经经水在此处气化。本穴的物质基础为少海穴传来的地部经水，在本穴处进行气化散热，气化产生的气体沿心经气血通道上行，因此命名为灵道。
2) 心经经穴。经，经过之意。本穴是心经地部经水运行的通道，经水在地部运行过程中无散失，因此为心经经穴。
3) 本穴属金。属金，指本穴气血物质运行变化所表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为地部经水，在本穴的变化是蒸发化气，所化之气与心经其他部位的气血相比，性质偏凉，表现出肺金的秋凉特性，因此其五行属金。
功能作用：生发心气。
5 通里络穴。
名解：1）通里。通，通道之意。里，内部之意。通里的名称含义是指心经的地部经水由本穴的地部通道从“地之天部”流入“地之地部”。本穴物质为灵道穴传来的地部经水，因本穴有地部孔隙连通至“地之地部”，经水即从本穴的“地之天部”流入“地之地部”，因此命名为通里。
2) 心经络穴。本穴物质为地部流行的经水，经水由本穴的地部孔隙进入心经的体内经脉，具有联络心经内外经脉气血物质的作用，因此为心经络穴。
运行规律：由“地之天部”注入“地之地部”（即由心经交于肾经）。
注：人体的同名经脉，其气血特性相近，所处的层次亦相近，且它们之间存在气血交流的路径。心经与肾经同名，心经气血交于肾经即是通过本穴实现的。因此，对于少阴病出现的上寒下热或心寒肾热等症状，其实质机理是心阴太过而心气不足，在本穴针刺以疏通经络，能很好地将心经之液导入肾经，从而消除心经之寒，解除肾经之热。
6 阴郄郄穴。
名解：1）阴郄。阴，水之意。郄，空隙之意。阴郄的名称含义是指心经经水由本穴回流至心经的体内经脉。本穴物质为通里穴传来的地部经水，因本穴有地部孔隙与心经体内经脉相通，经水即由本穴的地部孔隙回流至心经的体内经脉，因此命名为阴郄。
2) 手少阴郄、少阴郄。手，手部之意。少阴，指心经。郄，空隙之意。穴名的意指是本穴经水循地部孔隙回流至地的深部。原理同阴郄名解。郄穴的含义与本名解相同。
3) 石宫。石，肾之所主，即水之意。宫，宫殿之意，指出入门户小而内部宽大之处。石宫的名称含义是指本穴的地部经水流入地的深部的巨大场所。本穴物质为地部经水，是从“地之天部”流入肾骨所处的“地之地部”，孔隙中流下的细小水流汇入了肾水的大海之中，因此命名为石宫。
运行规律：由“地之天部”注入“地之地部”。
藏象：人体的体内经脉和体外经脉就像同一区域向同一方向流淌的地下河道与地面河道。地下河道与地面河道的河水来自同一发源地，这就如同人体的内外两部经脉气血是来自同一脏腑。地下河道与地面河道的交汇处则如人体末端的井穴，因此地表的经水是向内注入，地表下部的气态物是向上升腾。以通里、阴郄二穴为例，它们如同地下河道与地面河道的沟通孔隙，位于地下河道与地面河道的中部区域，因此，地面河道的河水在河道的中部即会循孔隙注入地下河道之中，这正如心经体表经水的运行规律。
7 神门俞穴，属土。
别名：兑冲，中都，锐中，兑骨。
名解：1）神门。神，与鬼相对，指气之意。门，出入的门户之意。神门的名称含义是指心经体内经脉的气血物质由此交于心经体表经脉。本穴因有地部孔隙与心经体内经脉相通，气血物质为心经体内经脉外传之气，其气性同心经气血之本性，为人之神气，因此命名为神门。
2) 兑冲。兑，八卦中的口之意。冲，突之意。兑冲的名称含义是指心经体内经脉的气血由本穴的地部孔隙向体表冲出。本穴因有地部孔隙与心经体内经脉相通，心经体内经脉的强热水湿之气由本穴向外冲出，因此命名为兑冲。兑骨的名意与兑冲相同，骨为水，喻指意外出的强热之气中富含水湿。
3) 中都。中，内部之意。都，都市之意。中都的名称含义是指心经的气血物质由此聚散。本穴物质为心经体内经脉外输的强劲湿热之气，出体表经脉后气血物质由穴内向穴周扩散，如都市之物质聚散，因此命名为中都。
4) 锐中。锐，尖细之物之意。中，与外相对，指内部之意。锐中的名称含义是指心经的气血物质外出体表时呈冲射之状。
5) 心经俞穴。本穴为心经气血物质的对外输出之处，因此为心经俞穴。
6) 本穴属土。属土，指本穴气血物质运行变化所表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为心经体内经脉的外输之气，其运行变化为在本穴聚集后又不断地散热蒸发，具有土的固定不移之性，因此本穴属土。
运行规律：由穴内向穴外传输。
功能作用：补益心气。
8 少府荥穴，属火。
别名：兑骨。
名解：1）少府。少，阴之意。府，府宅之意。少府的名称含义是指本心经气血在此聚集。本穴物质为少冲穴传来的高温水湿之气，至本穴后呈聚集状态，如云集聚于府宅，因此命名为少府。
2) 兑骨。兑，八卦中的口之意。骨，水之意。兑骨的名称含义是指本穴的气血物质中富含水湿。本穴物质为少府穴传来的高温水湿之气，在本穴呈云集之状，如口中含水之象（口在人体中处于天部，即意指天部之水），因此命名为兑骨。
3) 心经荥穴。荥，极小的水流之意。本穴物质为少府穴传来的高温水湿云气，在本穴又呈聚集状态，一方面水湿云气进一步气化上行至天部，另一方面散热后的水湿又冷降于地，降地之水极为细小，因此为心经荥穴。
4) 本穴属火。属火，指本穴气血物质运行变化所表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为少府穴传来的高温水湿之气，因其温热高热散，所散之热上炎天部，因此本穴属火。
运行规律：不断地进行散热冷降，所散热气上炎天之天部，冷降之液归落地部。
功能作用：发散心火。
9 少冲井穴，属木。
别名：经始。
名解：1）少冲。少，阴之意。冲，突之意。少冲的名称含义是指本穴的气血物质由体内冲出。本穴为心经体表经脉与体内经脉的交接之处，体内经脉的高温水气以冲射之状外出体表，因此命名为少冲。
2) 经始。经始，即言本穴为少阴心经的起始之处，无其他含义。
3) 心经井穴。井，地部孔隙之意。本穴因有地部孔隙交通心经体内与体表经脉，气血物质是由地部井孔而出，因此为心经井穴。
4) 本穴属木。属木，指本穴气血物质运行变化所表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为心经体内经脉外出的高温水湿之气，其运行是由内向外、由下向上，因其水湿含量大，虽为上行但上行不高，只有木的生发特性，因此其属木。
运行规律：由心经的体内经脉外出至体表经脉。
功能作用：生发心气。
治法：点刺出血。
六、手太阳小肠经多血少气
六、手太阳小肠经多血少气
手太阳小肠经多血少气，气血物质的变化是由气态向液态的散热冷缩变化。
1 少泽井穴，属金。
别名：小吉，少吉。
穴义：小肠经体内经脉的高热水气由此外输至体表。
名解：1）少泽。少，阴之意，亦指浊。泽，沼泽之意。少泽的名称含义是指穴内的气血物质为天部的湿热水气。本穴因有地部孔隙连通小肠经体内经脉，穴内物质为小肠经体内经脉外输的经水，经水出体表后气化为天部的水湿之气，如热带沼泽气化之气一般，因此命名为少泽。
2) 小吉、少吉。小、少，阴之意、浊之意。吉，吉祥之意。小吉、少吉的名称含义是指本穴中的气化之气为无火的炎上特性的水湿之气。本穴物质虽为小肠经体内经脉的外输湿热水气，但因其从体内出体表后水液气化散去了较多热量，成为天部的水湿之气后其温度并不算高，无火的炎上特性，因而对于天部中的金性之气来说是吉祥之事，因此命名为小吉、少吉。
3) 小肠经井穴。井，地部孔隙之意。本穴属井，是因本穴有地部孔隙直通地之地部，因此为小肠经井穴。
4) 本穴属金。属金，指本穴的气血物质运行变化所表现出的五行属性。本穴物质为小肠经体内经脉外输体表的水湿之气，其运行变化为散热冷疑缩合，表现出肺金的秋凉特性，因此其属金。
运行规律：水湿之气不断地散热液化，所散之热上传天部，液化之液归于地部。
功能作用：生发金气。
2 前谷荥穴，属水。
穴义：小肠经气血物质在此冷降。
名解：1）前谷。前，与后相对，指本穴气血作用于人体的前面也。谷，两山的中空部位之意。前谷的名称含义是指小肠经经气在此散热冷降。本穴物质为少泽穴传来的天部湿热水气，至本穴后其变化为散热化雨冷降，所作用的人体部位为胸腹前部，因此命名为前谷。
2) 小肠经荥穴。荥，极小的水流之意。本穴气血物质的变化为水湿之气从天部散热冷降归于地部，冷降之雨如极细小的水流，因此为小肠经荥穴。
3) 本穴属水。属水，指本穴气血物质运行变化所表现出的五行属性。本穴气血物质的运行变化为水湿之气从天部冷降地部，表现出水的润下特性，因此其属水。
运行规律：由天部冷降后归于地部。
功能作用：降浊升清。
3 后溪督脉手太阳之会，俞穴，属木。
穴义：小肠经气血由此上行至督脉。
名解：1）后溪。后，与前相对，指穴内气血运行的人体部位为后背督脉之部。溪，穴内气血流行的道路。后溪的名称含义是指穴内气血外行于腰背的督脉之部。本穴物质为前谷穴传来的天部湿热之气，至本穴后其外散的清阳之气上行督脉，运行的部位为督脉所属之部，因此命名为后溪。
2) 督脉手太阳之会。因本穴有清阳之气上行督脉，因此为督脉手太阳之会。
3) 小肠经俞穴。俞，输之意。本穴气血由前谷穴传来，在本穴的运行变化为进一步的散热缩合，热散后的部分清阳之气上走督脉，缩合后的水湿之气则循经上行至腕骨穴，本穴无气血物质的收藏转变，单纯为小肠经气血物质的传输之处，因此为小肠经俞穴。
4) 本穴属木。属木，指本穴气血物质运行变化所表现出的五行属性。本穴的气血物质除别走督脉的气血为上行外，循小肠经传输的气血则为横向下行至腕骨穴，表现出风木的横行特征，因此本穴属木。
运行规律：纯阳之气循天之上部外走督脉，水湿风气横走腕骨穴。
功能作用：强化督脉阳气。
4 腕骨手太阳经原穴。
穴义：小肠经经气在此冷降。
名解：1）腕骨。腕，穴所在部位为手腕部之意。骨，水之意。腕骨的名称含义是指小肠经经气行在此冷降为地部水液。本穴物质为后溪穴传来的天部水湿之气，行至本穴后散热冷降为地部的水液，因此命名为腕骨。
2) 手太阳经原穴。因本穴位处南方炎热之地，小肠经冷降地部之水因受外部所传之热复又气化，气化之气性湿热，同合于小肠经气血特性，为小肠经气血的重要来源，因此本穴为小肠经原穴。
运行规律：经水循地部内注地之地部，湿热水气则循小肠经上行。
功能作用：生发小肠经气。
5 阳谷经穴，属火。
穴义：小肠经经气在此吸热胀散上炎天部。
2) Qujie (Qujie, EX-UE 10). "Qu" implies stability and secrecy. "Jie" refers to the branching point of a tree. The name Qujie indicates that the fluid channel water from the Earth level converging at this acupoint undergoes continuous qi transformation. The material basis of this acupoint is formed by the convergence of fluid channel water from the Earth level; the convergence of water here constitutes the primary movement and change of qi and blood in this acupoint. However, because the temperature of the fluid channel water in this acupoint is relatively high, the liquid simultaneously undergoes qi transformation. The qi transformation of blood and fluids resembles the branching of tree limbs yet is imperceptible, hence the name Qujie.
3) He-Sea Point of the Heart Meridian. The substances within this acupoint include not only the fluid channel water converging from the Earth level but also the damp-cloud qi ascending and converging here from points such as Shaochong (Shaochong, HT 9). It serves as the common convergence point for both water and qi of the Heart Meridian, thus designated as the He-Sea Point of the Heart Meridian.
4) This acupoint belongs to Water. "Belongs to Water" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the qi and blood substances of this acupoint. This acupoint is where fluid channel water from the Earth level converges with cloud qi from the Heaven level. The damp-cloud qi undergoes condensation and cold descent at this acupoint. The overall characteristic of the qi and blood within the acupoint manifests the moistening and downward-flowing nature of Water, hence its attribution to Water.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substances consist of blood from the Earth level and qi from the Heaven level.
Movement Pattern: Blood from the Earth level descends along the Heart Meridian, while qi from the Heaven level ascends along the Heart Meridian.
Functional Role: Descending turbidity and ascending clarity.
Treatment Method: For Cold patterns, use pricking to bleed or apply tonification and moxibustion; for Heat patterns, use sedation to release qi or employ aquapuncture.
4 Lingdao (Lingdao, HT 4), Jing-River Point, belongs to Metal.
Acupoint Meaning: Heart Meridian fluid channel water passes through here and undergoes qi transformation.
Name Explanation: 1) Lingdao. "Ling" contrasts with ghosts and spirits, referring to divine spirit, indicating that the qi and blood substance in this acupoint is the qi of the Heaven level. "Dao" means path. The name Lingdao signifies that Heart Meridian fluid channel water undergoes qi transformation here. The material basis of this acupoint is the fluid channel water transmitted from Shaohai (Shaohai, HT 3); at this acupoint, it undergoes qi transformation and heat dissipation. The transformed qi ascends along the qi-blood pathway of the Heart Meridian, hence the name Lingdao.
2) Jing-River Point of the Heart Meridian. "Jing" means passing through. This acupoint serves as the channel for the movement of fluid channel water at the Earth level of the Heart Meridian. Since the fluid channel water moves at the Earth level without loss, it is designated as the Jing-River Point of the Heart Meridian.
3) This acupoint belongs to Metal. "Belongs to Metal" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the operational changes of the qi and blood substances. The substance of this acupoint is fluid channel water from the Earth level. Its change at this acupoint involves evaporation into qi. Compared to the qi and blood of other parts of the Heart Meridian, the generated qi has a cool nature, manifesting the autumn-cool characteristic of Lung Metal, hence its attribution to Metal.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substances are fluid channel water (blood) from the Earth level and the qi generated from the vaporization of this water.
Movement Pattern: Fluid channel water descends along the Heart Meridian, while the generated qi ascends along the Heart Meridian.
Functional Role: Generating Heart Qi.
Treatment Method: For Cold patterns, apply tonification and moxibustion; for Heat patterns, apply sedation.
5 Tongli (Tongli, HT 5), Luo-Connecting Point.
Acupoint Meaning: Heart Meridian fluid channel water intersects with the Kidney Meridian here.
Name Explanation: 1) Tongli. "Tong" means channel. "Li" means interior. The name Tongli signifies that the fluid channel water of the Heart Meridian flows from the "Heaven of Earth" level into the "Earth of Earth" level via the Earth-level channel of this acupoint. The material basis is the fluid channel water transmitted from Lingdao (Lingdao, HT 4). Because this acupoint has an Earth-level pore connecting to the "Earth of Earth" level, the fluid channel water flows from the "Heaven of Earth" level into the "Earth of Earth" level, hence the name Tongli.
2) Luo-Connecting Point of the Heart Meridian. The substance of this acupoint is the fluid channel water circulating at the Earth level. The fluid channel water enters the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian through the Earth-level pores of this acupoint, playing a role in connecting the qi and blood substances of the exterior and interior meridians of the Heart Meridian, thus designated as the Luo-Connecting Point of the Heart Meridian.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is fluid channel water (meridian blood) at the Earth level.
Movement Pattern: Injected from the "Heaven of Earth" level into the "Earth of Earth" level (i.e., transferring from the Heart Meridian to the Kidney Meridian).
Functional Role: Connecting the Heart and Kidney.
Treatment Method: For Cold patterns, unblock the meridian; for Heat patterns, apply sedation.
Note:同名 meridians in the human body have similar qi and blood characteristics and occupy similar levels, and there are pathways for qi and blood exchange between them. The Heart Meridian and Kidney Meridian share the same name (Shao Yin). The intersection of Heart Meridian qi and blood with the Kidney Meridian is achieved through this acupoint. Therefore, for symptoms of upper cold and lower heat or heart cold and kidney heat appearing in Shao Yin diseases, the essential mechanism is excessive Heart Yin and insufficient Heart Qi. Needling and unblocking this acupoint can effectively guide the fluid of the Heart Meridian into the Kidney Meridian, eliminating the cold of the Heart Meridian and resolving the heat of the Kidney Meridian.
6 Yinxi (Yinxi, HT 6), Xi-Cleft Point.
Aliases: Hand-Shaoyin Xi, Shigong, Shaoyin Xi.
Acupoint Meaning: Heart Meridian fluid channel water returns to the interior meridians from this acupoint.
Name Explanation: 1) Yinxi. "Yin" means water. "Xi" means pore or cleft. The name Yinxi signifies that Heart Meridian fluid channel water returns to the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian from this acupoint. The material basis is the fluid channel water transmitted from Tongli (Tongli, HT 5). Because this acupoint has an Earth-level pore communicating with the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian, the fluid channel water returns to the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian through the Earth-level pore of this acupoint, hence the name Yinxi.
2) Hand-Shaoyin Xi, Shaoyin Xi. "Hand" refers to the hand. "Shaoyin" refers to the Heart Meridian. "Xi" means pore. The meaning of the name is that the fluid channel water of this acupoint returns to the deep part of the Earth via the Earth-level pore. The principle is the same as the explanation for Yinxi. The meaning of the Xi-Cleft Point is consistent with the main name explanation.
3) Shigong. "Shi" refers to what the Kidney governs, i.e., water. "Gong" means palace, referring to a place with a small entrance but large interior. The name Shigong signifies that the fluid channel water of this acupoint flows into the vast space of the deep Earth. The material basis is the fluid channel water at the Earth level, which flows from the "Heaven of Earth" level into the "Earth of Earth" level where the Kidney bone resides. The thin stream flowing down from the pore merges into the vast sea of Kidney water, hence the name Shigong.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is fluid channel water at the Earth level.
Movement Pattern: Injected from the "Heaven of Earth" level into the "Earth of Earth" level.
Functional Role: Connecting the Heart and Kidney.
Treatment Method: For Cold patterns, unblock the meridian or apply tonification and moxibustion; for Heat patterns, apply sedation.
Zang-Fu Correlation: The interior and exterior meridians of the human body are like underground and surface rivers flowing in the same direction in the same area. The water in the underground river and the surface river comes from the same source, just as the qi and blood of the interior and exterior meridians originate from the same Zang-Fu organ. The confluence of the underground river and the surface river is like the Jing-Well points at the extremities of the human body. Therefore, surface meridian water flows inward, and gaseous substances below the surface rise upward. Taking Tongli (Tongli, HT 5) and Yinxi (Yinxi, HT 6) as examples, they act like the communication pores between the underground and surface rivers. Located in the middle section of these rivers, the water of the surface river injects into the underground river at the middle section of the channel. This corresponds to the movement of surface meridian water of the Heart Meridian.
7 Shenmen (Shenmen, HT 7), Shu-Stream Point, belongs to Earth.
Aliases: Duichong, Zhongdu, Ruizhong, Duigu.
Acupoint Meaning: Qi and blood from the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian intersect with the exterior meridians of the Heart Meridian here.
Name Explanation: 1) Shenmen. "Shen" contrasts with ghosts, referring to qi. "Men" means gate or portal. The name Shenmen signifies that the qi and blood substances from the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian intersect with the exterior meridians of the Heart Meridian here. This acupoint has an Earth-level pore communicating with the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian. The qi and blood substance is the qi transmitted outward from the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian. Its nature is consistent with the intrinsic nature of the Heart Meridian's qi and blood, representing the divine qi of humans, hence the name Shenmen.
2) Duichong. "Dui" refers to the mouth in the Eight Trigrams. "Chong" means to rush or thrust. The name Duichong signifies that the qi and blood from the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian rush out from the Earth-level pore of this acupoint toward the body surface. Due to the Earth-level pore communicating with the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian, the strong hot and damp qi from the interior meridians rushes outward from this acupoint, hence the name Duichong. The name Duigu has the same meaning as Duichong; "Gu" (bone) represents water, metaphorically indicating that the strong hot qi rushing out contains abundant dampness.
3) Zhongdu. "Zhong" means interior. "Du" means metropolis. The name Zhongdu signifies that the qi and blood substances of the Heart Meridian gather and disperse here. The material basis is the strong hot and damp qi externally transported from the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian. After exiting the exterior meridian, the qi and blood substances diffuse from the center of the acupoint to its periphery, resembling the gathering and dispersing of materials in a metropolis, hence the name Zhongdu.
4) Ruizhong. "Rui" means sharp or slender object. "Zhong" contrasts with exterior, meaning interior. The name Ruizhong signifies that when the qi and blood substances of the Heart Meridian exit to the body surface, they appear in a piercing shape.
5) Shu-Stream Point of the Heart Meridian. This acupoint is the site for the external output of qi and blood substances of the Heart Meridian, thus designated as the Shu-Stream Point of the Heart Meridian.
6) This acupoint belongs to Earth. "Belongs to Earth" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the operational changes of the qi and blood substances. The substance of this acupoint is the qi externally transported from the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian. Its operational change involves gathering at this acupoint and then continuously dissipating heat and evaporating. It possesses the fixed and immovable nature of Earth, hence this acupoint belongs to Earth.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is water-damp qi at a relatively high temperature.
Movement Pattern: Transmitted from the inside of the acupoint to the outside.
Functional Role: Tonifying and benefiting Heart Qi.
Treatment Method: For Cold patterns, unblock the meridian or apply tonification and moxibustion; for Heat patterns, apply sedation.
8 Shaofu (Shaofu, HT 8), Ying-Spring Point, belongs to Fire.
Alias: Duigu.
Acupoint Meaning: Heart Meridian qi and blood gather here.
Name Explanation: 1) Shaofu. "Shao" means Yin. "Fu" means mansion or residence. The name Shaofu signifies that the qi and blood of this Heart Meridian gather here. The material basis is the high-temperature water-damp qi transmitted from Shaochong (Shaochong, HT 9). Upon reaching this acupoint, it assumes a gathered state, like clouds gathering in a mansion, hence the name Shaofu.
2) Duigu. "Dui" refers to the mouth in the Eight Trigrams. "Gu" means water. The name Duigu signifies that the qi and blood substances of this acupoint are rich in water-dampness. The material basis is the high-temperature water-damp qi transmitted from Shaofu (Shaofu, HT 8). At this acupoint, it presents a cloud-gathering state, resembling the image of water held in the mouth (the mouth is at the Heaven level in the human body, implying water at the Heaven level), hence the name Duigu.
3) Ying-Spring Point of the Heart Meridian. "Ying" refers to a very small stream of water. The material basis is the high-temperature water-damp cloud qi transmitted from Shaofu (Shaofu, HT 8). At this acupoint, it gathers again. On one hand, the water-damp cloud qi further transforms into qi and ascends to the Heaven level; on the other hand, after heat dissipation, the water-dampness cold-descends to the Earth level. The water descending to the Earth is extremely fine, thus designating it as the Ying-Spring Point of the Heart Meridian.
4) This acupoint belongs to Fire. "Belongs to Fire" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the operational changes of the qi and blood substances. The material basis is the high-temperature water-damp qi transmitted from Shaofu (Shaofu, HT 8). Because it is warm, hot, and dissipates heat, the dissipated heat flares up to the Heaven level, hence this acupoint belongs to Fire.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is high-temperature water-damp cloud qi at the Heaven level.
Movement Pattern: Continuously undergoing heat dissipation and cold descent. The dissipated heat flares up to the highest Heaven level, while the cold-descended fluid returns to the Earth level.
Functional Role: Dispersing Heart Fire.
Treatment Method: For Cold patterns, apply tonification or moxibustion; for Heat patterns, apply sedation.
9 Shaochong (Shaochong, HT 9), Jing-Well Point, belongs to Wood.
Alias: Jingshi.
Acupoint Meaning: Internal qi and blood substances of the Heart Meridian rush outward from this acupoint.
Name Explanation: 1) Shaochong. "Shao" means Yin. "Chong" means to rush or thrust. The name Shaochong signifies that the qi and blood substances of this acupoint rush out from the interior. This acupoint is the junction between the exterior and interior meridians of the Heart Meridian. The high-temperature water qi from the interior meridines exits to the body surface in a piercing manner, hence the name Shaochong.
2) Jingshi. "Jingshi" simply states that this acupoint is the starting point of the Shaoyin Heart Meridian, with no other implication.
3) Jing-Well Point of the Heart Meridian. "Jing" means Earth-level pore. This acupoint has Earth-level pores connecting the interior and exterior meridians of the Heart Meridian. The qi and blood substances exit from the Earth-level Jing pore, thus designated as the Jing-Well Point of the Heart Meridian.
4) This acupoint belongs to Wood. "Belongs to Wood" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the operational changes of the qi and blood substances. The material basis is the high-temperature water-damp qi exiting from the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian. Its movement is from inside to outside, from bottom to top. Because it contains a large amount of water-dampness, although it ascends, it does not ascend high. It exhibits only the generating characteristic of Wood, hence it belongs to Wood.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is high-temperature water-damp qi.
Movement Pattern: Exits from the interior meridians of the Heart Meridian to the exterior meridians.
Functional Role: Generating Heart Qi.
Treatment Method: Pricking to bleed.
VI. The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian has abundant blood and scarce qi.
VI. The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian has abundant blood and scarce qi.
The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian has abundant blood and scarce qi. The changes in qi and blood substances involve the cooling, shrinking, and phase change from gas to liquid accompanied by heat dissipation.
1 Shaoze (Shaoze, SI 1), Jing-Well Point, belongs to Metal.
Aliases: Xiaoji, Shaoji.
Acupoint Meaning: High-temperature water qi from the interior meridians of the Small Intestine Meridian is externally transported to the body surface here.
Name Explanation: 1) Shaoze. "Shao" means Yin and turbid. "Ze" means swamp. The name Shaoze signifies that the qi and blood substance in the acupoint is the hot and damp water qi at the Heaven level. This acupoint has an Earth-level pore connecting to the interior meridians of the Small Intestine Meridian. The substance within is the fluid channel water externally transported from the interior meridians of the Small Intestine Meridian. After exiting the body surface, the fluid channel water transforms into water-damp qi at the Heaven level, similar to the vaporized qi of a tropical swamp, hence the name Shaoze.
2) Xiaoji, Shaoji. "Xiao" and "Shao" mean Yin and turbid. "Ji" means auspicious. The names Xiaoji and Shaoji signify that the qi-transformed gas in this acupoint is water-damp qi with an upward-flaring nature but without fire. Although the material basis is the hot and damp water qi externally transported from the interior meridians of the Small Intestine Meridian, after exiting the body surface, the liquid vaporizes and dissipates much heat. As water-damp qi at the Heaven level, its temperature is not high, lacking the upward-flaring nature of fire. Therefore, it is an auspicious event for the Metal-type qi in the Heaven level, hence the names Xiaoji and Shaoji.
3) Jing-Well Point of the Small Intestine Meridian. "Jing" means Earth-level pore. This acupoint is classified as a Jing-Well point because it has an Earth-level pore directly connecting to the "Earth of Earth" level, thus designated as the Jing-Well Point of the Small Intestine Meridian.
4) This acupoint belongs to Metal. "Belongs to Metal" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the operational changes of the qi and blood substances. The material basis is the water-damp qi externally transported from the interior meridians of the Small Intestine Meridian to the body surface. Its operational change involves heat dissipation, cooling, condensation, and contraction, manifesting the autumn-cool characteristic of Lung Metal, hence it belongs to Metal.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is warm water-damp qi.
Movement Pattern: The water-damp qi continuously dissipates heat and liquefies. The dissipated heat transmits upward to the Heaven level, while the liquefied fluid returns to the Earth level.
Functional Role: Generating Metal Qi.
Treatment Method: For Cold patterns, prick to bleed or unblock the meridian; for Heat patterns, apply sedation.
2 Qianggu (Qianggu, SI 2), Ying-Spring Point, belongs to Water.
Acupoint Meaning: Small Intestine Meridian qi and blood substances cold-descend here.
Name Explanation: 1) Qianggu. "Qian" contrasts with posterior, referring to the anterior aspect of the human body acted upon by the qi and blood of this acupoint. "Gu" refers to the hollow space between two mountains. The name Qianggu signifies that Small Intestine Meridian qi dissipates heat and cold-descends here. The material basis is the hot and damp water qi at the Heaven level transmitted from Shaoze (Shaoze, SI 1). Upon reaching this acupoint, it changes by dissipating heat, transforming into rain, and cold-descending. The part of the human body it acts upon is the anterior chest and abdomen, hence the name Qianggu.
2) Ying-Spring Point of the Small Intestine Meridian. "Ying" refers to a very small stream of water. The change in the qi and blood substances of this acupoint involves water-damp qi dissipating heat from the Heaven level and cold-descending to return to the Earth level. The cold-descended rain is like an extremely fine stream of water, thus designated as the Ying-Spring Point of the Small Intestine Meridian.
3) This acupoint belongs to Water. "Belongs to Water" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the operational changes of the qi and blood substances. The operational change of the qi and blood substances of this acupoint involves water-damp qi cold-descending from the Heaven level to the Earth level, manifesting the moistening and downward-flowing nature of Water, hence it belongs to Water.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is water-damp qi at the Heaven level.
Movement Pattern: Cold-descends from the Heaven level and returns to the Earth level.
Functional Role: Descending turbidity and ascending clarity.
Treatment Method: For Cold patterns, prick to bleed or apply tonification; for Heat patterns, apply sedation.
3 Houxi (Houxi, SI 3), Meeting Point of the Du Meridian and Hand-Taiyang, Shu-Stream Point, belongs to Wood.
Acupoint Meaning: Small Intestine Meridian qi and blood ascend to the Du Meridian here.
Name Explanation: 1) Houxi. "Hou" contrasts with anterior, referring to the posterior back region of the Du Meridian where the qi and blood of this acupoint operate. "Xi" refers to the path of qi and blood circulation within the acupoint. The name Houxi signifies that the qi and blood within the acupoint move outward to the Du Meridian region of the waist and back. The material basis is the hot and damp qi at the Heaven level transmitted from Qianggu (Qianggu, SI 2). Upon reaching this acupoint, the clear yang qi dissipating outward ascends to the Du Meridian. The region of operation is the area governed by the Du Meridian, hence the name Houxi.
2) Meeting Point of the Du Meridian and Hand-Taiyang. Because clear yang qi ascends to the Du Meridian from this acupoint, it is designated as the Meeting Point of the Du Meridian and Hand-Taiyang.
3) Shu-Stream Point of the Small Intestine Meridian. "Shu" means transport. The qi and blood of this acupoint are transmitted from Qianggu (Qianggu, SI 2). The operational change at this acupoint involves further heat dissipation and condensation. Part of the clear yang qi after heat dissipation ascends to the Du Meridian, while the condensed water-damp qi ascends along the meridian to Wangu (Wangu, SI 4). This acupoint does not store or transform qi and blood substances but serves purely as a transmission site for the qi and blood substances of the Small Intestine Meridian, thus designated as the Shu-Stream Point of the Small Intestine Meridian.
4) This acupoint belongs to Wood. "Belongs to Wood" refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the operational changes of the qi and blood substances. Except for the qi and blood departing to ascend to the Du Meridian, the qi and blood transmitted along the Small Intestine Meridian move horizontally downward to Wangu (Wangu, SI 4). This manifests the horizontal movement characteristic of Wind-Wood, hence this acupoint belongs to Wood.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substances are pure yang qi at the Heaven level and water-damp wind qi.
Movement Pattern: Pure yang qi moves outward to the Du Meridian along the upper Heaven level, while water-damp wind qi moves horizontally to Wangu (Wangu, SI 4).
Functional Role: Strengthening the Yang Qi of the Du Meridian.
Treatment Method: For Cold patterns, apply tonification or moxibustion; for Heat patterns, apply sedation or aquapuncture.
4 Wangu (Wangu, SI 4), Yuan-Source Point of the Hand-Taiyang Meridian.
Acupoint Meaning: Small Intestine Meridian qi cold-descends here.
Name Explanation: 1) Wangu. "Wan" refers to the wrist joint, the location of this acupoint. "Gu" means water. The name Wangu signifies that Small Intestine Meridian qi cold-descends here to become fluid at the Earth level. The material basis is the water-damp qi at the Heaven level transmitted from Houxi (Houxi, SI 3). Upon reaching this acupoint, it dissipates heat and cold-descends to become fluid at the Earth level, hence the name Wangu.
2) Yuan-Source Point of the Hand-Taiyang Meridian. Because this acupoint is located in a hot southern region, the water cold-descended to the Earth level by the Small Intestine Meridian, due to heat transmitted from the exterior, undergoes re-vaporization. The vaporized qi has a hot and damp nature, consistent with the qi and blood characteristics of the Small Intestine Meridian, serving as an important source of qi and blood for the Small Intestine Meridian. Thus, this acupoint is designated as the Yuan-Source Point of the Small Intestine Meridian.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substances are fluid channel water at the Earth level and hot and damp water qi at the Heaven level.
Movement Pattern: Fluid channel water internally injects into the "Earth of Earth" level along the Earth level, while hot and damp water qi ascends along the Small Intestine Meridian.
Functional Role: Generating Small Intestine Meridian Qi.
Treatment Method: For Cold patterns, unblock the meridian or apply tonification and moxibustion; for Heat patterns, apply sedation.
5 Yanggu (Yanggu, SI 5), Jing-River Point, belongs to Fire.
Acupoint Meaning: Small Intestine Meridian qi absorbs heat, expands, dissipates, and flares up to the Heaven level here.