人身之有经络，犹地理之有界分。治病不知经络，犹捕贼不知界分，其能无诛伐无
过之咎乎。况手足十二经络。有血气多少之分，如手少阳三焦、足少阴肾、太阴脾多
气少血，手厥阴心包络、太阳小肠，足太阳膀胱多血少气，手阳明大肠，足阳明胃多气
多血，此其大较也。多血少气者易愈，多气少血者难疗，气多之经可行其气，血多之经
可破其血，不可执一也。 丹溪曰∶六阴经六阳经分布周身，有多气少血者，有多血少
气者，有多气多血者，不可一概论也。若夫要害处，近虚处，怯薄处，前哲已曾论及，惟
分经之言未闻也。何则？诸经惟少阳、厥阴经之生痈疽，理宜预防，以其多气少血也。其
血本少，肌肉难长，疮久未合，必成危证。又云∶少阳经多气少血与厥阴经同，少阳有相
火，尤甚于厥阴经者，其有不思本经少血，遽用驱毒利药，以伐其阴分之血，祸不旋踵矣。
请述一二成败之迹，以告来者。予族叔父，平生多虑，质弱神劳，年近五十，忽右膊外侧
廉上生结核，身微寒热而易怒，食味颇浓。脉之，俱浮大弦数，而重似涩。予曰∶此多虑
而忧伤血，时在初秋，勿轻视之，宜急补以防变证，以人参一斤作膏，下以竹沥。病者
吝费，招一外科，以十宣、五香散相间与服。旬日后，一日大风拔木，病者发热，神思不
佳。急召予视之，核稍高硕，似有脓，于中起一红线，延过肩后，斜走绕背脊，过入右
胁下，不痛，觉肩背重而急迫，食有呕意，脉同前但弦多耳。急作人参膏，入芎、术、生
姜汁饮之，用人参三斤，疮溃脓干。又与四物汤，加参术、陈皮、甘草、半夏、生姜，百
余帖而安。此等若在春令，虽神仙不治也。幸而在秋金之令，不幸因时下暴风，激起木中
相火而致此，自非参膏骤补，何由得免。（此正涓子所谓补填脏腑之法也。又一人腿外廉生红肿；一
人胁下生红肿，皆由庸医误下之而死，详见后条。）或曰∶太阴经非多血少气者乎，何臀疽之生，
初无甚苦，往往间有不救者，吾子其能治之乎？予曰∶臀居小腹之后，而又在其下，此
阴中之阴也，其道远，其位僻，虽曰多血，气运不到，气既不到，血亦罕来，中年以后，不
可生痈，才有痛肿，参之脉证，但见虚弱，便与滋补，血气无亏，可保终吉。若用寻常驱
热、拔毒、舒气之药，虚虚之祸，如指诸掌，可不慎欤！ 东阳李兄，年逾三十，形瘦肤
浓，连得忧患，又因作劳，且过于色，忽左
腿外廉侧上，发一红肿，其大如栗。一医闻其大腑坚实，与承气汤二帖下之，不效。又
一医教与大黄、朱砂、生粉草。麒麟竭，又二三帖，半月后，召予视之。曰∶事去矣。又
一李兄，四十余，面稍白，神甚劳，忽胁下生一红肿如桃。一人教用补剂，众笑且排，于
是以流气饮、十宣散杂进之，旬余后，召予视之。予曰∶非惟不与补剂，抑且多得解利，
气血俱备难矣，已而果然。（此二者皆由不预防本经，少阳少血，遽猛浪用大黄攻里而死之者也。）
一男子年近六十，形素肥，初夏于左膊外廉侧生一核，方圆二寸余，不甚痛，召予治。诊
其脉息，缓大而弱。予曰∶此因忧闷而生，当气升散之时，须急与人参膏五六斤。又看作
何应。病家召他外科，以十宣散五六帖而疮甚。予曰∶此太虚也，勿以轻小视之。病家
不信，一外科仍以十宣散进之，又五六帖，疮平陷，出清水而死。此可为因虚而生痈疽者
之例。 胡经历女，及笄，性急而形实，未许嫁，浓味积毒已深。髀骨中痛者年余，医
以气药杂治之，愈而复发。至秋冬令，忽大痛发热，医者方悟髀枢穴上生附骨疽，在外
廉侧少阳之分。其浓味性急自若，自首至尾悉是五香汤、十宣散，服至疮溃，犹与五香
汤者月余，忽一日恶寒发热膈满，医者不悟升散太多，阴血已绝，孤阳狂越于上，犹恨
服五香饮欠多，致膈间有滞，大服以进，一夕喘汗而死。（此二者由不预防本经，少阳血少，遽
猛浪用十宣、五香表散而死之者也，可不戒哉。）刘宗浓曰∶以上病例，不系膏粱、丹毒、火
热之变，因虚劳气郁所致，止宜补形气，调经脉，其疮当自消散，盖不待汗之、下之而
已也。其不详脉证、经络受病之异者，下之先犯病禁、经禁，故致失手如此。丹溪又曰∶
才得肿痛，参之脉证，但有虚弱，便与滋补，血气无亏，可保终吉。若用寻常驱热、拔毒
及气药，虚虚之祸，不旋踵矣。且夫火热为病，亦有微甚，所谓君火、相火是也。疮疡
所发，有痈疽疖 ，轻重浅深不同，或止发于一经，或兼二经者，止当求责于一二经，不
可干扰余经也，若东垣处方用药是已。矧有兼风、兼湿、兼痰、兼气、兼血、兼阴虚等
证者，病本不同，治当求责。前论虽略，比之世俗外科等书，图人形疮样而不分经络者，
此则大有径庭矣。
头部 巅（足太阳、厥阴、督脉。）头角直耳上（中是少阳）。中行（前直鼻上巅，后直须中上巅，督脉。）
第二行（足太阳，一寸五分各开两傍，为头第三行。）第三行（足少阳。）
面部 额（足少阳、阳明。）鼻（手阳明、太阳，足阳明，督脉。）人中督脉，（手、足阳明。）唇（足阳明。）
唇内（足厥阴。）承浆（足阳明，任脉。）上齿（足阳明。）下齿（手阳明。）舌（足太阴、少阴。）
目内 （手足阳明，手足太阳。）目锐 （手太阳，手、足少阳。）眉至额（直鼻而上督脉，直目内 而上
足太阳，直目瞳子而上足少阳，直锐 而上手、足少阳。）颊（直目内 而下足阳明，直目瞳子而下足阳明。）
颊车（足少阳、阳明。）耳（手足少阳，手太阳。）目系（手少阴，足太阳。）
颈项部 项中间（督脉）。拔项大筋中（足太阳）。当完骨下（手少阳，项大筋之前，耳之后也。）当
耳下（足少阳。）当曲颊下（手太阳。）曲颊前（一寸手阳明。）挟喉两旁动脉（足太阳、阳明。）缺盆中
（任脉。）咽（手太阴、少阴、足太阴。）喉咙（足少阴、阳明。）喉咙后（足厥阴。）
肩 前廉（手阳明。）后廉（手太阳。）上廉（手、足少阳。）
背部 中行（督脉。）第二行（足太阳。）第三行（足太阳。）
膺输部 中行（任脉。）第二行（足少阴。）第三行（足阳明。）第四行（足太阴。）
腹部 中间行（任脉。）第二行（足少阴。）第三行（足阳明。）第四行（足太阴。）
腋下 中间（手厥阴。）前（手太阳。）后（手太阴。）
胁部 腋直下髀枢（足少阳。）
部（自肩至肘曰 。） 前廉（手阳明。）后廉（手太阳。）外廉（手太阳。）内廉（手少阴。）
内前廉（手少太阴。）内后廉（手少阴。）
臂部 上廉（手阳明。）下廉（手太阴。）外廉（手少阳。）内廉（手厥阴。）内上廉（手太阴。）
内下廉（手少阴。）
股胫部 前廉（足阳明。）后廉（足太阳。）外廉（足少阳。）内廉（足厥阴。）内前廉（足太阴。）
诸经向导药
太阳经 上羌活，下黄柏。
阳明经 上白芷、升麻，下石膏。
少阳经 上柴胡，下青皮。
太阴经 上桔梗，下白芍药。
厥阴经 上柴胡，下青皮。
手太阴肺 （南星 款冬花 升麻 桔梗 山药 檀香 五味子 粳米 阿胶 葱白 麦门冬
杏仁 白茯苓 麻黄 益智 丁香 桑白皮 知母 天门冬 栀子 黄芩 石膏 白豆蔻 砂仁。
檀香、豆蔻为使。）
足太阴脾 （茱萸 草豆蔻 砂仁。人参、益智为使。防风 代赭石 益智 甘草 半夏 赤茯
苓当归 苍术 白术 麻子仁 黄 胶饴。）
通入手足太阴肺脾 （白芍药酒浸 升麻 芍药 木瓜 玄胡索 藿香 砂仁。）
手阳明大肠 （升麻 麻子仁 秦艽 薤白 石膏 白芷 肉豆蔻 白石脂 砂仁。白石脂为
使。）
足阳明胃 （丁香 草豆蔻 砂仁 防风 石膏 知母 白术 神曲 葛根 乌药 半夏 升
麻葱白 苍术 白芷。）
通入手足阳明 （麻黄、酒 连翘 升麻 白术 大黄、酒 葛根 石膏 白芷 檀香。佐以他
药。）
手少阳三焦 （川芎 大黄、酒 柴胡 青皮 白术 黄 熟地黄 石膏 细辛 附子 地骨
皮。）
足少阳胆 （半夏 草龙胆 柴胡。）
通入手足少阳 （青皮 柴胡 川芎 连翘。）
手厥阴心包络 （牡丹皮 白术 沙参 柴胡 熟地 败酱。）
足厥阴肝 （草龙胆 山茱萸 阿胶 瞿麦 桃仁 蔓荆子 代赭石 当归 甘草 青皮 羌
活吴茱萸 白术 紫石英。）
通入手足厥阴 （青皮 熟地 柴胡 川芎 皂角 苦茶 桃仁。）
手太阳小肠 （白术 生地黄 赤石脂 羌活 赤茯苓 砂仁。赤石脂为使。）
足太阳膀胱 （滑石 蔓荆子 猪苓 泽泻 桂枝 茵陈 白茯苓 黄柏 羌活 麻黄。）
通入手足太阳 （蔓荆子 防风 羌活 本 大黄酒 黄柏 白术 泽泻 防己 茴香。）
手少阴心 （麻黄 代赭石 桂心 当归 生地 黄连 紫石英 栀子 独活 赤茯苓。）
足少阴肾 （知母 地骨皮 黄柏 阿胶 猪肤 玄参 牡丹皮 败酱 牡蛎 乌药 山茱萸
猪苓 白茯苓 檀香 甘草 益智 天门冬 泽泻 五味子 丁香 独活、或用梢 吴茱萸 砂仁，
黄柏 茯苓为使。桔梗 或用梢。）
通入手足少阴 （五味子 细辛 熟地 泽泻 地榆 附子 知母 白术。）
命门 （附子 沉香 益智 黄 。）
人体有经络，就像地理上有疆界划分一样。治病如果不了解经络，就像抓贼不知道活动范围一样，难道能避免误伤无辜（诛伐无过）的罪责吗？何况手足十二经络，还有气血多少的区别。比如手少阳三焦经、足少阴肾经、足太阴脾经，是多气少血的；手厥阴心包络经、手太阳小肠经、足太阳膀胱经，是多血少气的；手阳明大肠经、足阳明胃经，是多气多血的，这是大概的情况。多血少气的经脉容易治愈，多气少血的经脉难治。气多的经脉可以行气，血多的经脉可以破血，不能拘泥于一种方法。
朱丹溪说：六条阴经和六条阳经分布在全身，有的多气少血，有的多血少气，有的多气多血，不能一概而论。至于要害部位、靠近虚损之处、体质怯弱薄弱之处，前代名医已经论述过，但专门按经络区分讨论的却很少听到。为什么呢？因为各经中只有少阳经和厥阴经发生痈疽时，理应预防，因为它们多气少血。既然血液本来就少，肌肉难以生长，疮口久不愈合，必然成为危重证候。又说：少阳经多气少血与厥阴经相同，但少阳经有相火，比厥阴经更严重。如果不考虑本经血少的特点，匆忙使用驱毒利湿的药物，来攻伐阴分的血液，灾祸很快就会降临。请讲述一两个成功或失败的案例，以告知后来者。
我的族叔父，平生多思虑，体质虚弱且精神劳损，年近五十岁，忽然在右臂外侧上方生了一个结核，身体微有寒热且易怒，饮食口味很浓。诊脉，脉搏都浮大弦数，重按似乎涩滞。我说：这是因为多思虑而忧伤血分，当时正值初秋，不要轻视它，应当紧急进补以防变证。用人参一斤制成膏剂，配合竹沥服用。病人吝啬费用，找了一位外科医生，交替给他服用十宣散和五香散。十多天后，一天狂风拔起树木，病人发热，神志不清。急忙召我去诊治，见肿块稍高起，好像有脓，中间出现一条红线，蔓延过肩后，斜着绕过背脊，进入右胁下，不痛，只觉得肩背沉重紧迫，想呕吐，脉象与前次相同但弦象更多。急忙制作人参膏，加入川芎、白术、生姜汁让他喝下，用人参三斤，疮溃破后脓液排干。又给予四物汤，加入人参、白术、陈皮、甘草、半夏、生姜，服了一百多帖才安稳。这种情况如果在春季，即使是神仙也治不好。幸好是在秋季金气当令之时，不幸因当时的暴风，激起木中的相火而导致此病，如果不是人参膏迅速进补，怎么能免除灾难呢？（这正是涓子所说的填补脏腑的方法。）另外有一人腿外侧生红肿；另一人胁下生红肿，都是因为庸医误用泻下法而死去的，详见后面的条文。
有人问：太阴经不是多血少气的吗？为什么臀疽的发生，起初并不怎么痛苦，往往间或有治不好的，您能治好吗？我说：臀部位于小腹之后，又在下方，这是阴中之阴。其路径远，位置偏僻，虽然说是多血，但气运不到那里，气既不到，血也很少来。中年以后，不应生痈疽，一旦有痛肿，参考脉证，只要见到虚弱，就给予滋补，血气不亏损，可以保证最终吉利。如果使用常规的清热、拔毒、舒气药物，造成虚上加虚的祸患，就像看手掌一样清楚，能不谨慎吗！
东阳的李兄，年龄超过三十岁，形体瘦削但皮肤致密，接连遭遇忧患，又因劳累过度，且房事不节，忽然左腿外侧上方，发出一个如栗子大小的红肿。一位医生听说他大便坚实，给他服用了两帖承气汤进行泻下，没有效果。另一位医生教他服用大黄、朱砂、生粉草、麒麟竭，又服了两三帖。半个月后，召我去诊治。我说：没救了。还有一位李兄，四十多岁，面色稍白，精神非常劳损，忽然胁下生了一个如桃子大小的红肿。一个人教他用补剂，众人嘲笑并排斥这种做法，于是改用流气饮、十宣散混合服用。十多天后，召我去诊治。我说：不仅不给补剂，而且已经多次使用了泻下通利药物，气血都耗竭了，很难恢复了，后来果然如此。（这两个人都是因为不预防本经少阳经血少的特点，贸然猛烈使用大黄攻里而死的。）
一名男子年近六十，平时形体肥胖，初夏时在左臂外侧上方生了一个核，方圆二寸多，不太痛，召我去治疗。诊察他的脉息，缓大而弱。我说：这是因为忧闷而生，应当在气机升散的时候，急需给人参膏五六斤。再观察有什么反应。病人家属找了其他外科医生，给他服用了五六帖十宣散，导致疮势加重。我说：这是极度虚弱，不要轻视。病人家属不信，一位外科医生仍然给他进服十宣散，又服了五六帖，疮面平陷，流出清水而死。这可以作为因虚而生痈疽的案例。
胡经历的女儿，刚成年，性格急躁且形体充实，未许配人家，厚味积毒已深。大腿骨中疼痛了一年多，医生用理气药混杂治疗，好了又复发。到了秋冬季节，忽然剧烈疼痛发热，医生才明白是大腿枢穴上方生的附骨疽，位于外侧少阳经的分野。她依然保持浓味饮食和急躁性格，从头到尾都用五香汤、十宣散，服到疮溃破，还继续服用五香汤一个多月。忽然有一天恶寒发热、胸膈满闷，医生不明白是升散太过，导致阴血枯竭，孤阳狂越于上，还怨恨服用五香饮不够多，导致胸膈间有阻滞，大量服用，一夜之间喘汗而死。（这两个人都是因为不预防本经少阳经血少的特点，贸然猛烈使用十宣散、五香汤表散而死的，能不警惕吗？）刘宗浓说：以上病例，不属于膏粱厚味、丹毒、火热引起的病变，而是因虚劳气郁所致，只宜补益形气，调理经脉，疮疡自然会消散，根本不需要发汗、泻下。那些不详察脉证、经络受病差异的人，先犯了病禁、经禁，所以导致失误如此严重。丹溪又说：刚得到肿痛，参考脉证，只要见到虚弱，就给予滋补，血气不亏损，可以保证最终吉利。如果使用常规的清热、拔毒及理气药物，造成虚上加虚的祸患，灾祸很快就会降临。况且火热致病，也有轻重之分，所谓君火、相火就是这样的。疮疡所发，有痈、疽、疖、痈等，轻重浅深不同，有的只发于一经，有的兼涉两经，只应当追究责任在一两经，不可干扰其他经脉，就像东垣处方用药那样。何况有兼风、兼湿、兼痰、兼气、兼血、兼阴虚等证候的，病本不同，治疗应当分别求治。前面的论述虽然简略，比起世俗外科书籍中只画人形疮样而不分经络的做法，这就大有区别了。
头部：巅顶（足太阳经、厥阴经、督脉）。头角直耳上（此处是少阳经）。中行（前直鼻上至巅，后直须中上至巅，属督脉）。第二行（足太阳经，距中线一寸五分，两旁各一行，为头第三行）。第三行（足少阳经）。
面部：额部（足少阳经、阳明经）。鼻部（手阳明经、太阳经，足阳明经，督脉）。人中属督脉，（手、足阳明经经过）。唇部（足阳明经）。唇内（足厥阴经）。承浆穴（足阳明经，任脉）。上齿（足阳明经）。下齿（手阳明经）。舌（足太阴经、少阴经）。目内眦（手足阳明经，手足太阳经）。目外眦（手太阳经，手、足少阳经）。眉至额（直鼻而上属督脉，直目内眦而上属足太阳经，直目瞳子上方属足少阳经，直目外眦而上属手、足少阳经）。颊部（直目内眦而下属足阳明经，直目瞳子下方属足阳明经）。颊车穴（足少阳经、阳明经）。耳部（手足少阳经，手太阳经）。目系（手少阴经，足太阳经）。
颈项部：项中间（督脉）。拔项大筋中（足太阳经）。当完骨下（手少阳经，项大筋之前，耳之后）。当耳下（足少阳经）。当曲颊下（手太阳经）。曲颊前（一寸处属手阳明经）。挟喉两旁动脉（足太阳经、阳明经）。缺盆中（任脉）。咽部（手太阴经、少阴经，足太阴经）。喉咙（足少阴经、阳明经）。喉咙后（足厥阴经）。
肩部：前廉（手阳明经）。后廉（手太阳经）。上廉（手、足少阳经）。
背部：中行（督脉）。第二行（足太阳经）。第三行（足太阳经）。
膺输部（胸部）：中行（任脉）。第二行（足少阴经）。第三行（足阳明经）。第四行（足太阴经）。
腹部：中间行（任脉）。第二行（足少阴经）。第三行（足阳明经）。第四行（足太阴经）。
腋下：中间（手厥阴经）。前（手太阳经）。后（手太阴经）。
胁部：腋直下髀枢（足少阳经）。
臑部（自肩至肘曰臑）：前廉（手阳明经）。后廉（手太阳经）。外廉（手太阳经）。内廉（手少阴经）。内前廉（手少阴、太阴经）。内后廉（手少阴经）。
臂部：上廉（手阳明经）。下廉（手太阴经）。外廉（手少阳经）。内廉（手厥阴经）。内上廉（手太阴经）。内下廉（手少阴经）。
股胫部：前廉（足阳明经）。后廉（足太阳经）。外廉（足少阳经）。内廉（足厥阴经）。内前廉（足太阴经）。
诸经向导药（引经药）：
太阳经：上行用羌活，下行用黄柏。
阳明经：上行用白芷、升麻，下行用石膏。
少阳经：上行用柴胡，下行用青皮。
太阴经：上行用桔梗，下行用白芍药。
厥阴经：上行用柴胡，下行用青皮。
手太阴肺经引经药：南星、款冬花、升麻、桔梗、山药、檀香、五味子、粳米、阿胶、葱白、麦门冬、杏仁、白茯苓、麻黄、益智仁、丁香、桑白皮、知母、天门冬、栀子、黄芩、石膏、白豆蔻、砂仁。（檀香、豆蔻为使药。）
足太阴脾经引经药：吴茱萸、草豆蔻、砂仁。人参、益智仁为使药。防风、代赭石、益智仁、甘草、半夏、赤茯苓、当归、苍术、白术、麻子仁、黄芪、胶饴。
通入手足太阴肺脾经引经药：白芍药（酒浸）、升麻、芍药、木瓜、玄胡索、藿香、砂仁。
手阳明大肠经引经药：升麻、麻子仁、秦艽、薤白、石膏、白芷、肉豆蔻、白石脂、砂仁。（白石脂为使药。）
足阳明胃经引经药：丁香、草豆蔻、砂仁、防风、石膏、知母、白术、神曲、葛根、乌药、半夏、升麻、葱白、苍术、白芷。
通入手足阳明经引经药：麻黄（酒制）、连翘、升麻、白术、大黄（酒制）、葛根、石膏、白芷、檀香。佐以其他药物。
手少阳三焦经引经药：川芎、大黄（酒制）、柴胡、青皮、白术、黄芪、熟地黄、石膏、细辛、附子、地骨皮。
手厥阴心包络经引经药：牡丹皮、白术、沙参、柴胡、熟地黄、败酱草。
足厥阴肝经引经药：草龙胆、山茱萸、阿胶、瞿麦、桃仁、蔓荆子、代赭石、当归、甘草、青皮、羌活、吴茱萸、白术、紫石英。
通入手足厥阴经引经药：青皮、熟地黄、柴胡、川芎、皂角、苦茶、桃仁。
手太阳小肠经引经药：白术、生地黄、赤石脂、羌活、赤茯苓、砂仁。（赤石脂为使药。）
足太阳膀胱经引经药：滑石、蔓荆子、猪苓、泽泻、桂枝、茵陈、白茯苓、黄柏、羌活、麻黄。
通入手足太阳经引经药：蔓荆子、防风、羌活、藁本、大黄（酒制）、黄柏、白术、泽泻、防己、茴香。
手少阴心经引经药：麻黄、代赭石、桂心、当归、生地、黄连、紫石英、栀子、独活、赤茯苓。
足少阴肾经引经药：知母、地骨皮、黄柏、阿胶、猪肤、玄参、牡丹皮、败酱草、牡蛎、乌药、山茱萸、猪苓、白茯苓、檀香、甘草、益智仁、天门冬、泽泻、五味子、丁香、独活（或用梢）、吴茱萸、砂仁。（黄柏、茯苓为使药。桔梗，或用梢。）
The meridians of the human body are like geographical boundaries. Treating diseases without understanding the meridians is like catching thieves without knowing their operational areas; how can one avoid the blame of punishing the innocent? Moreover, the twelve meridians of the hands and feet have differences in the abundance or scarcity of Qi and Blood. For instance, the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, and Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian are characterized by abundant Qi and scarce Blood; the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, and Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian are characterized by abundant Blood and scarce Qi; the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian are characterized by abundant Qi and abundant Blood. This is the general overview. Meridians with abundant Blood and scarce Qi are easier to cure, while those with abundant Qi and scarce Blood are harder to treat. In meridians with abundant Qi, Qi-moving methods can be used; in meridians with abundant Blood, Blood-breaking methods can be employed. One must not adhere rigidly to a single approach.
Zhu Danxi said: The six Yin meridians and six Yang meridians are distributed throughout the body, some having abundant Qi and scarce Blood, some abundant Blood and scarce Qi, and some abundant Qi and abundant Blood. They cannot be generalized. As for critical areas, regions near deficiency, and areas of frail constitution, ancient physicians have discussed them, but specific discussions based on meridian differentiation are rarely heard. Why? Among all meridians, only when abscesses (Yong Ju) occur in the Shaoyang and Jueyin meridians should prevention be emphasized, because these meridians have abundant Qi and scarce Blood. Since Blood is inherently scarce, muscle tissue heals slowly, and if sores do not close for a long time, they inevitably become critical conditions. It is also stated that the Shaoyang Meridian has abundant Qi and scarce Blood, similar to the Jueyin Meridian, but the Shaoyang Meridian involves Ministerial Fire (Xiang Huo), which is even more severe than in the Jueyin Meridian. If one fails to consider the scantiness of Blood in this meridian and hastily uses drugs to expel toxins and promote urination, thereby attacking the Blood of the Yin aspect, disaster will follow swiftly. Please recount one or two cases of success or failure to inform future practitioners.
My clan uncle was prone to excessive worry, had a weak constitution and labored spirit, and was nearly fifty years old. Suddenly, a nodule appeared on the upper lateral aspect of his right arm. He experienced slight chills and fever and was irritable, consuming rich flavors. His pulse was floating, large, wiry, and rapid, but felt rough upon heavy pressure. I said: This is caused by excessive worry injuring the Blood. It is early autumn; do not underestimate it. Urgent tonification is needed to prevent complications. Prepare a paste from one jin (approx. 500g) of Renshen (Ginseng Root), administered with Zhuli (Bamboo Sap). The patient, stingy with expenses, hired a surgeon who alternately administered Shixuan San (Ten Acupoints Powder) and Wuxiang San (Five Fragrances Powder). Ten days later, during a storm that uprooted trees, the patient developed fever and poor mental clarity. I was summoned urgently. The nodule was slightly elevated, seemingly containing pus, with a red line originating from the center, extending over the shoulder, curving around the back, and entering the right hypochondrium. There was no pain, but a sensation of heaviness and urgency in the shoulder and back, along with nausea. The pulse remained similar but with a more prominent wiry quality. I immediately prepared a Renshen paste, added Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), and Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger Juice) for him to drink, using three jin of Renshen. After the sore ulcerated and pus dried, I prescribed Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) supplemented with Renshen, Baizhu, Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Gancao (Licorice Root), Banxia (Pinellia Tuber), and Shengjiang. After more than a hundred doses, he recovered. Had this occurred in spring, even immortals could not have saved him. Fortunately, it was in autumn when Metal energy dominates. Unfortunately, the sudden wind stirred the Ministerial Fire within Wood, causing this condition. Without the rapid tonification of Renshen paste, how could he have been spared? (This aligns with the method of filling and tonifying Zang-Fu organs described by Juanzi.) Additionally, there was a person with redness and swelling on the outer lateral leg, and another with redness and swelling under the hypochondrium; both died due to misdiagnosis and inappropriate purgation by quacks, as detailed in subsequent sections.
Someone asked: Is not the Taiyin Meridian characterized by abundant Blood and scarce Qi? Why do gluteal abscesses often cause little initial suffering, yet sometimes prove fatal? Can you treat them? I replied: The buttocks are located posterior to the lower abdomen and inferiorly, making them "Yin within Yin." The pathway is distant and the location remote. Although described as having abundant Blood, Qi circulation does not reach there easily; where Qi does not reach, Blood rarely arrives. After middle age, one should not develop abscesses. If pain and swelling occur, referring to the pulse and symptoms, if weakness is observed, immediate tonification is required. If Qi and Blood are not depleted, ultimate safety can be ensured. If common heat-clearing, toxin-purging, or Qi-regulating drugs are used, the disaster of exacerbating deficiency will be obvious. How can one not be cautious!
Brother Li from Dongyang, over thirty years old, was thin but had dense skin. After consecutive worries and overwork, plus excessive sexual activity, a red swelling the size of a chestnut suddenly appeared on the upper lateral aspect of his left leg. A physician, hearing of his solid stool, administered two doses of Chengqi Tang (Stomach-Clearing Decoction) to purge, with no effect. Another physician advised Da Huang (Rhubarb Root), Zhusha (Cinnabar), Sheng Fugcao (Raw Licorice Root), and Qilinjie (Dragon's Blood Resin), taken for two or three doses. Half a month later, I was summoned. I said: The case is hopeless. Another Brother Li, in his forties, slightly pale-faced and mentally exhausted, suddenly developed a peach-sized red swelling under the hypochondrium. Someone advised using tonics, but others mocked and opposed this. Consequently, Liuqi Yin (Qi-Flowing Decoction) and Shixuan San were mixed and administered. Over ten days later, I was summoned. I said: Not only were tonics withheld, but multiple purgative and draining treatments were given. Qi and Blood are now exhausted; recovery is difficult. This proved true. (These two cases resulted from failing to anticipate the scant Blood in the Shaoyang Meridian and rashly using Da Huang to attack the interior, leading to death.)
A man nearing sixty, usually obese, developed a nodule on the upper lateral aspect of his left arm in early summer, about two cun square, with little pain. I examined his pulse: slow, large, and weak. I said: This arose from depression. During the season when Qi ascends and disperses, urgent administration of five to six jin of Renshen paste is necessary. Observe the response. The family consulted another surgeon who administered five or six doses of Shixuan San, worsening the sore. I said: This is extreme deficiency; do not轻视 (underestimate) it. The family did not believe me. The surgeon continued Shixuan San for another five or six doses. The sore flattened, exuded clear fluid, and the patient died. This serves as an example of abscesses arising from deficiency.
The daughter of Official Hu, just coming of age, had an impatient temperament and a robust constitution. Unmarried, she had accumulated deep toxicity from rich foods. She suffered bone pain in her thigh for over a year. Physicians treated her with Qi-regulating herbs mixed with other remedies, resulting in recurrence. In autumn and winter, she suddenly experienced severe pain and fever. The physician then realized it was a Gu-Shen Ju (Bone-Deep Abscess) above the Biguan acupoint, in the lateral Shaoyang region. Maintaining her rich diet and impatience, she was treated exclusively with Wuxiang Tang and Shixuan San from start to finish. Even after ulceration, Wuxiang Tang was continued for over a month. Suddenly, she developed chills, fever, and chest fullness. The physician failed to realize that excessive ascending and dispersing had exhausted Yin Blood, leaving isolated Yang to rampage upwards. Regretting insufficient intake of Wuxiang Yin, which caused chest stagnation, he administered large doses. She died of panting and sweating overnight. (These two cases resulted from failing to anticipate the scant Blood in the Shaoyang Meridian and rashly using Shixuan San and Wuxiang Tang for exterior dispersion, leading to death. One must beware!) Liu Zongnong said: The above cases were not caused by rich food, erysipelas, or fire-heat transformations, but by deficiency labor and Qi stagnation. Treatment should focus on tonifying form and Qi, regulating meridians, allowing the sores to dissipate naturally, without needing sweating or purging. Those who fail to detail pulse/symptoms and meridian pathogenesis violate disease and meridian contraindications first, leading to such errors. Danxi also said: Upon onset of swelling and pain, if pulse and symptoms indicate weakness, immediate tonification is required. If Qi and Blood remain intact, ultimate safety is assured. Using common heat-clearing, toxin-purging, or Qi-regulating drugs leads to swift disaster from exacerbating deficiency. Furthermore, fire-heat diseases vary in severity, known as Lord Fire (Jun Huo) and Ministerial Fire. Sores manifest as Yong (carbuncle), Ju (deep abscess), Ji (boil), etc., varying in severity and depth. Some affect only one meridian, others two. Investigation should focus on one or two meridians, avoiding interference with others, as Dong Yuan did in prescribing. Moreover, with concurrent Wind, Dampness, Phlegm, Qi, Blood, or Yin deficiency patterns, the root causes differ, requiring distinct treatments. Although the preceding discussion is brief, it differs greatly from secular surgical texts that merely depict figures and sores without meridian differentiation.
Head: Vertex (Foot Taiyang, Jueyin, Du Mai). Temples straight up to ears (Shaoyang). Midline (Front straight from nose to vertex, back straight from occiput to vertex, Du Mai). Second row (Foot Taiyang, 1.5 cun lateral to midline, forming the third row of the head). Third row (Foot Shaoyang).
Face: Forehead (Foot Shaoyang, Yangming). Nose (Hand Yangming, Taiyang; Foot Yangming, Du Mai). Renzhong belongs to Du Mai, (Hand/Foot Yangming). Lips (Foot Yangming). Inside lips (Foot Jueyin). Chengjiang acupoint (Foot Yangming, Ren Mai). Upper teeth (Foot Yangming). Lower teeth (Hand Yangming). Tongue (Foot Taiyin, Shaoyin). Inner canthus (Hand/Foot Yangming, Hand/Foot Taiyang). Outer canthus (Hand Taiyang, Hand/Foot Shaoyang). Eyebrows to forehead (Straight up from nose: Du Mai; straight up from inner canthus: Foot Taiyang; straight up from pupil: Foot Shaoyang; straight up from outer canthus: Hand/Foot Shaoyang). Cheeks (Straight down from inner canthus: Foot Yangming; straight down from pupil: Foot Yangming). Jiache acupoint (Foot Shaoyang, Yangming). Ears (Hand/Foot Shaoyang, Hand Taiyang). Eye connections (Hand Shaoyin, Foot Taiyang).
Neck and Nape: Middle of nape (Du Mai). Within the large tendon of the nape (Foot Taiyang). Below Wanggu (Hand Shaoyang, anterior to the large tendon of the nape, behind the ear). Below the ear (Foot Shaoyang). Below Qujia (Hand Taiyang). Anterior to Qujia (One cun: Hand Yangming). Arteries flanking the throat (Foot Taiyang, Yangming). Quepen acupoint (Ren Mai). Pharynx (Hand Taiyin, Shaoyin; Foot Taiyin). Larynx/Throat (Foot Shaoyin, Yangming). Posterior throat (Foot Jueyin).
Shoulder: Anterior edge (Hand Yangming). Posterior edge (Hand Taiyang). Superior edge (Hand/Foot Shaoyang).
Back: Midline (Du Mai). Second row (Foot Taiyang). Third row (Foot Taiyang).
Anterior Chest (Yingshu): Midline (Ren Mai). Second row (Foot Shaoyin). Third row (Foot Yangming). Fourth row (Foot Taiyin).
Abdomen: Midline (Ren Mai). Second row (Foot Shaoyin). Third row (Foot Yangming). Fourth row (Foot Taiyin).
Axilla: Middle (Hand Jueyin). Anterior (Hand Taiyang). Posterior (Hand Taiyin).
Hypochondrium: Straight down from axilla to Bitshu (Foot Shaoyang).
Nao (Upper Arm, from shoulder to elbow): Anterior edge (Hand Yangming). Posterior edge (Hand Taiyang). Lateral edge (Hand Taiyang). Medial edge (Hand Shaoyin). Anterior-medial edge (Hand Shaoyin/Taiyin). Posterior-medial edge (Hand Shaoyin).
Arm: Superior edge (Hand Yangming). Inferior edge (Hand Taiyin). Lateral edge (Hand Shaoyang). Medial edge (Hand Jueyin). Superior-medial edge (Hand Taiyin). Inferior-medial edge (Hand Shaoyin).
Thigh and Leg: Anterior edge (Foot Yangming). Posterior edge (Foot Taiyang). Lateral edge (Foot Shaoyang). Medial edge (Foot Jueyin). Anterior-medial edge (Foot Taiyin).
Guiding Herbs for Various Meridians:
Taiyang Meridian: Ascending use Qianghuo; Descending use Huangbai.
Yangming Meridian: Ascending use Baizhi, Shengma; Descending use Shigao.
Shaoyang Meridian: Ascending use Chaihu; Descending use Qingpi.
Taiyin Meridian: Ascending use Jiegeng; Descending use Baishao.
Jueyin Meridian: Ascending use Chaihu; Descending use Qingpi.
Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian Guiding Herbs: Nanxing, Kuandonghua, Shengma, Jiegeng, Shanyao, Tanxiang, Wuweizi, Jingmi, Ejiao, Congbai, Maimendong, Xingren, Baifuling, Mahuang, Yizhi, Dingxiang, Sangbaipi, Zhimu, Tiandong, Zhizi, Huangqin, Shigao, Baidoukou, Sharen. (Tanxiang, Doukou as assistants.)
Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian Guiding Herbs: Zhuyu, Caodoukou, Sharen. (Renshen, Yizhi as assistants.) Fangfeng, Daizheshi, Yizhi, Gancao, Banxia, Chifuling, Danggui, Cangzhu, Baizhu, Maziren, Huangqi, Jiaoyi.
Common to Hand/Foot Taiyin Lung/Spleen Meridians: Baishao (wine-soaked), Shengma, Shaoyao, Mugua, Yanhusuo, Huoxiang, Sharen.
Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian Guiding Herbs: Shengma, Maziren, Qinjiao, Xiebai, Shigao, Baizhi, Roudoukou, Baishizhi, Sharen. (Baishizhi as assistant.)
Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian Guiding Herbs: Dingxiang, Caodoukou, Sharen, Fangfeng, Shigao, Zhimu, Baizhu, Shenqu, Gegen, Wuyao, Banxia, Shengma, Congbai, Cangzhu, Baizhi.
Common to Hand/Foot Yangming Meridians: Mahuang (wine), Lianqiao, Shengma, Baizhu, Dahuang (wine), Gegen, Shigao, Baizhi, Tanxiang. Assisted by other herbs.
Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian Guiding Herbs: Chuanxiong, Dahuang (wine), Chaihu, Qingpi, Baizhu, Huangqi, Shudihuang, Shigao, Xixin, Fuzi, Digupi.
Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian Guiding Herbs: Banxia, Caolongdan, Chaihu.
Common to Hand/Foot Shaoyang Meridians: Qingpi, Chaihu, Chuanxiong, Lianqiao.
Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian Guiding Herbs: Mudanpi, Baizhu, Shashen, Chaihu, Shudi, Baijiangcao.
Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian Guiding Herbs: Caolongdan, Shanzhuyu, Ejiao, Qumai, Taoren, Manjingzi, Daizheshi, Danggui, Gancao, Qingpi, Qianghuo, Wuzhuyu, Baizhu, Zhiwushi.
Common to Hand/Foot Jueyin Meridians: Qingpi, Shudi, Chaihu, Chuanxiong, Zaogiao, Kucha, Taoren.
Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian Guiding Herbs: Baizhu, Shengdihuang, Chishizhi, Qianghuo, Chifuling, Sharen. (Chishizhi as assistant.)
Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian Guiding Herbs: Huashi, Manjingzi, Zhuling, Zexie, Guizhi, Yinchén, Baifuling, Huangbai, Qianghuo, Mahuang.
Common to Hand/Foot Taiyang Meridians: Manjingzi, Fangfeng, Qianghuo, Gaben, Dahuang (wine), Huangbai, Baizhu, Zexie, Fangji, Huixiang.
Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian Guiding Herbs: Mahuang, Daizheshi, Guixin, Danggui, Shengdi, Huanglian, Zhiwushi, Zhizi, Duhuo, Chifuling.
Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian Guiding Herbs: Zhimu, Digupi, Huangbai, Ejiao, Zhufu, Xuanshen, Mudanpi, Baijiangcao, Muli, Wuyao, Shanzhuyu, Zhuling, Baifuling, Tanxiang, Gancao, Yizhi, Tiandong, Zexie, Wuweizi, Dingxiang, Duhuo (or tips), Wuzhuyu, Sharen. (Huangbai, Fuling as assistants. Jiegeng, or tips.)
Common to Hand/Foot Shaoyin Meridians: Wuweizi, Xixin, Shudi, Zexie, Diyü, Fuzi, Zhimu, Baizhu.
Mingmen Guiding Herbs: Fuzi, Chenxiang, Yizhi, Huangqi.