黄帝问于岐伯曰。凡刺之道。必通。十二经脉之所终始。络脉之所别处。五输之所留。六腑之所与合。四时之所出
入。五脏之所溜处。阔数之度。浅深之状。高下所至。愿闻其解。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。溜于鱼际。鱼际者。手鱼也。为荥。注于太渊。太渊。鱼后一寸。陷者中也。为 行于经渠。经渠。
寸口中也。动而不居。为经。入于尺泽。尺泽。肘中之动脉也。为合。手太阴经也。心出于中冲。中冲者。手中指之端
也。为井木。溜于劳宫。劳宫。掌中中指本节之内间也。为荥。注于大陵。大陵。掌后两骨之间。方下者也。为 。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。入于曲泽。曲泽。肘内廉下。陷者中也。屈
而得之。为合。手少阴也。肝出于大敦。大敦者。足大趾之端。及三毛之中也。（是其穴有两处也皆可刺之经脉云起于大
指丛毛之中盖以三毛者为主矣）为井木。溜于行间。行间。足大趾间也。为荥。注于太冲。太冲。行间上二寸。陷者中
也。为 。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。（使者气之流通于经
脉者也素问曰主不明则十二官危使道闭塞而不通宛已见前篇）入于曲泉。曲泉辅骨之下。大筋之上也。屈膝而得之。为
合。足厥阴也。脾出于隐白。隐白者。足大趾之端内侧也。为井木。溜于大都。大都。本节之后下。陷者中也。为荥。
注于太白。太白。宛骨之下也。为 。行于商丘。商丘。内踝之下。陷者中也。为经。入于阴之陵泉。阴之陵泉。辅骨
之下。陷者中也。伸而得之。为合。足太阴也。肾出于涌泉。涌泉者。足心也。为井木。溜于然谷。然谷。然骨之下者
也。为荥。注于太溪。太溪。内踝之后。跟骨之上。陷者中也。为 。行于复溜。复溜。上内踝二寸。动而不休。为经。
入于阴谷。阴谷。辅骨之后。大筋之下。小筋之上者。按之应手。屈膝而得之。为合。足少阴经也。膀胱出于至阴。至
阴者。足小趾之端也。为井金。溜于通谷。通谷。本节之前。外侧也。为荥。注于束骨。束骨。本节之后。陷者中也。
为。过于京骨。京骨。足外侧大骨之下。为原。行于昆仑。昆仑。在外踝之后。跟骨之上。为经。入于委中。委中。
中央。为合。委而取之。足太阳也。胆出于窍阴。窍阴者。足小趾次趾之端也。为井金。溜于侠溪。侠溪。足小趾次
趾之间也。为荥。注于临泣。临泣。上行一寸半。（自侠溪直上行一寸半也）陷者中也。为 。过于丘墟。丘墟。外踝之
前下。陷者中也。为原。行于阳辅。阳辅。外踝之上。辅骨之前。及绝骨之端也。为经。入于阳之陵泉。阳之陵泉。在
膝外。陷者中也。为合。伸而得之。足少阳也。胃出于厉兑。厉兑者。足大趾次趾之端也。为井金。溜于内庭。内庭。
次趾外间也。为荥。注于陷谷。陷谷。者上中趾内间（中趾内间即次趾外间在两趾之中本节之后且上云次趾外间下云上
行二寸正当以内庭起数不当牵及中趾反使人无所审其处也）上行二寸。陷者中也。为 。过于冲阳。冲阳。足跗上五寸。
陷者中也。为原。摇足而得之。行于解溪。解溪。上冲阳一寸半。陷者中也。为经。入于下陵。下陵。膝下三寸。 骨
外。三里也。为合。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。是足阳明也。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。溜于液门。液门。
小指次指之间也。为荥。注于中渚。中渚。本节之后。陷中者也。为 。过于阳池。阳池。在腕上。陷者中也。为原。
行于支沟。支沟。上腕三寸。两骨之间。陷者中也。为经。入于天井。天井。在肘外大骨之上。陷者中也。为合。屈肘
乃得之。三焦下 。在于足太阳之前。少阳之后。（太阳原作大指考邪气脏腑病形篇曰三焦病者候在足太阳之外大络在足
太阳少阳之间取委阳于大指何涉）出于 中外廉名曰委阳。是太阳络也。手少阳经也。三焦者足少阳。太阴之所将太阳
之别也。（太阴之阴原注一本作阳今寻本篇前后文义非阴误阳乃太误少也少阴肾也三焦之气发于肾而通于胆故曰将将者
气化之相通相使也以脏腑之气言也其经气别行于足太阳故曰别别者经气之所分所注也）上踝五寸。别入贯 肠。出于委
阳。并太阳之正入络膀胱约下焦。（谓三焦下 非有专脉乃足少阳少阴之合气以行于太阳之别络上踝贯 出委阳遂并太阳
之正经入络膀胱约下焦也）实则闭癃。虚则遗溺。遗溺则补之。闭癃则泻之。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。溜于前谷。前谷。在手外廉。本节前。陷者中也。为荥。注于后溪。后溪。在手外侧。本节
之后也。为 。过于腕骨。腕骨。在手外侧。腕骨之前。为原。行于阳谷。阳谷。在锐骨之下。陷者中也。为经。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。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。溜于本节之前二间。为荥。注于本节之后三间。为 。过于合谷。合谷。在大指歧骨
之间。为原。行于阳溪。阳溪。在两筋间。陷者中也。为经。入于曲池。在肘外辅骨陷者中也。屈臂而得之。为合。手
阳明也。是谓五脏六腑之 。五五二十五 。六六三十六 也。六腑皆出足之三阳上合于手者也。（总释前文上合之义即
巨虚上廉下廉及三焦下 之事也。以上叙十二经之终始而五脏所溜即在其中是就各经直叙之）缺盆之中。任脉也。名曰
天突。一次任脉侧之动脉。足阳明也。名曰人迎。二次脉。手阳明也。名曰扶突。三次脉。手太阳也。名曰天窗。四次
脉。足少阳也。名曰天容。五次脉。手少阳也。名曰天牖。六次脉。足太阳也。名曰天柱。七次脉。颈中央之脉。督脉
也。名曰风府。腋内动脉。手太阴也。名曰天府。腋下三寸。手心主也。名曰天池。刺上关者 不能欠刺下关者欠不能
刺犊鼻者屈不能伸刺两关者伸不能屈。（以上叙络脉别处阔数之度是合各经而横排之）足阳明挟喉之动脉也。其 在膺
中。手阳明。次在其 外。不至曲颊一寸。（谓膺中稍外上直于面在下至曲颊一寸之前也下文均如此说）手太阳。当曲颊。
足少阳。在耳下。曲颊之后。手少阳。出耳后。上加完骨之上。足太阳。挟项大筋之中。发际。阴尺动脉。在五里。五
之禁也。（以上叙五输所留）肺合大肠。大肠者传道之府。心合小肠。小肠者受盛之府。肝合胆。胆者中精之府。脾合
胃。胃者五谷之府。肾合膀胱。膀胱者津液之府也。少阳属肾。肾上连肺故将两脏。（少阳二字前人皆以三焦为解经固明
言三焦属膀胱矣但揆此处上下文义似当作太阳并无深义盖果指三焦则少阳之上必有脱字两脏之下必有一腑也明于文理者
试详思之将义见前节）三焦者中渎之府也。水道出焉。属膀胱是孤之府也。（谓属膀胱而同合于肾无专合之脏故曰孤也）
是六腑之所与合者。（以上作六腑之合以下作四时出入深浅之义）春取络脉诸荥大经分肉之间甚者深取之。间者浅取之。
夏取诸 孙络肌肉皮肤之上。秋取诸合。余如春法。冬取诸井诸 之分。欲深而留之。此四时之序。气之所处。病之所
舍。藏之所宜也。转筋者立而取之可令遂已痿厥者张而刺之可令立快也。
内经此等文本直是天造地设。其广大博浓直是天无不覆地无不载。非三代上不能作。非三代上之圣人不能作读者须
细玩其板处繁复处接换处。再总观其大处雄处。略无变化却无处不变化。如汪洋大海鱼龙百怪隐见出没于其中而人莫能
测也。又如青天无云平沙万里一望无际不见邱壑而人处其中自觉气清神旺浩然而百骸俱畅。此篇叙十二经气穴之所在。
以明脏腑之气相灌输也。
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点、络脉的分支处、五输穴的留止处、六腑相合的关系、四时气的出入规律，以及五脏经气灌注的部位。还要了解经脉宽窄的尺度、针刺深浅的状态、穴位高低的位置。我希望听听您的解说。
岐伯说：请让我按次序来说明。肺经的井穴出于少商穴。少商穴，位于手大拇指尖端内侧。属木，为井穴。经气流注于鱼际穴。鱼际穴，在手部大鱼际处。属火，为荥穴。经气灌注于太渊穴。太渊穴，在鱼际穴后一寸，凹陷之中。属土，为输穴。经气运行于经渠穴。经渠穴，在寸口部位。脉搏跳动不停息。属金，为经穴。经气汇入尺泽穴。尺泽穴，在肘中动脉处。属水，为合穴。这是手太阴肺经。
心经的井穴出于中冲穴。中冲穴，手中指指尖端。属木，为井穴。经气流注于劳宫穴。劳宫穴，在手掌中，中指本节内侧之间。属火，为荥穴。经气灌注于大陵穴。大陵穴，在掌后两骨之间，方正下方的凹陷处。属土，为输穴。经气运行于间使穴。间使穴的路径，在两筋之间，距腕横纹三寸处。有病邪则经气至，无病邪则经气止。属金，为经穴。经气汇入曲泽穴。曲泽穴，在肘内廉下方，凹陷处，屈肘可得。属水，为合穴。这是手少阴心经。
肝经的井穴出于大敦穴。大敦穴，足大趾尖端，及丛毛之中。（此处穴位有两处，皆可针刺，经文说起于大指丛毛之中，大概以丛毛为主了）。属木，为井穴。经气流注于行间穴。行间穴，在足大趾间。属火，为荥穴。经气灌注于太冲穴。太冲穴，在行间穴上二寸，凹陷处。属土，为输穴。经气运行于中封穴。中封穴，在内踝前一寸半，凹陷处。若气机逆乱则郁结不通，若气机调和则通畅，摇动足部可得。属金，为经穴。（“使”指气在经脉中流通。《素问》说：主不明则十二官危，使道闭塞而不通，“宛”字已见前篇）。经气汇入曲泉穴。曲泉穴，在辅骨之下，大筋之上，屈膝可得。属水，为合穴。这是足厥阴肝经。
脾经的井穴出于隐白穴。隐白穴，足大趾尖端内侧。属木，为井穴。经气流注于大都穴。大都穴，在本节之后下方，凹陷处。属火，为荥穴。经气灌注于太白穴。太白穴，在宛骨之下。属土，为输穴。经气运行于商丘穴。商丘穴，在内踝之下，凹陷处。属金，为经穴。经气汇入阴陵泉穴。阴陵泉穴，在辅骨之下，凹陷处，伸腿可得。属水，为合穴。这是足太阴脾经。
肾经的井穴出于涌泉穴。涌泉穴，在足心。属木，为井穴。经气流注于然谷穴。然谷穴，在然骨之下。属火，为荥穴。经气灌注于太溪穴。太溪穴，在内踝之后，跟骨之上，凹陷处。属土，为输穴。经气运行于复溜穴。复溜穴，在内踝上二寸，跳动不息。属金，为经穴。经气汇入阴谷穴。阴谷穴，在辅骨之后，大筋之下，小筋之上，按压有应手感，屈膝可得。属水，为合穴。这是足少阴肾经。
膀胱经的井穴出于至阴穴。至阴穴，足小趾尖端。属金，为井穴。经气流注于通谷穴。通谷穴，在本节之前，外侧。属水，为荥穴。经气灌注于束骨穴。束骨穴，在本节之后，凹陷处。属木，为输穴。经过京骨穴。京骨穴，在足外侧大骨之下。属土，为原穴。经气运行于昆仑穴。昆仑穴，在外踝之后，跟骨之上。属火，为经穴。经气汇入委中穴。委中穴，在腘窝中央。属水，为合穴。屈膝取之。这是足太阳膀胱经。
胆经的井穴出于窍阴穴。窍阴穴，足小趾次趾（第四趾）尖端。属金，为井穴。经气流注于侠溪穴。侠溪穴，在足小趾次趾之间。属水，为荥穴。经气灌注于临泣穴。临泣穴，上行一寸半。（从侠溪直上行一寸半），凹陷处。属木，为输穴。经过丘墟穴。丘墟穴，在外踝前下方，凹陷处。属土，为原穴。经气运行于阳辅穴。阳辅穴，在外踝之上，辅骨之前，及绝骨之端。属火，为经穴。经气汇入阳陵泉穴。阳陵泉穴，在膝外侧，凹陷处。属水，为合穴，伸腿可得。这是足少阳胆经。
胃经的井穴出于厉兑穴。厉兑穴，足大趾次趾尖端。属金，为井穴。经气流注于内庭穴。内庭穴，在次趾外间。属水，为荥穴。经气灌注于陷谷穴。陷谷穴，在上中趾内间（注：中趾内间即次趾外间，在两趾之中，本节之后。且上文说次趾外间，下文说上行二寸，正当以内庭起算，不应牵涉中趾，否则使人无法确定位置）。上行二寸，凹陷处。属木，为输穴。经过冲阳穴。冲阳穴，在足背上方五寸，凹陷处，摇足可得。属土，为原穴。经气运行于解溪穴。解溪穴，在冲阳上一寸半，凹陷处。属火，为经穴。经气汇入下陵穴。下陵穴，在膝下三寸，胫骨外侧，即足三里穴。属水，为合穴。再向下三里三寸为巨虚上廉，再向下上廉三寸为巨虚下廉。大肠归属于上廉，小肠归属于下廉。这是足阳明胃脉。大肠和小肠都隶属于胃。这是足阳明经。
三焦经上合于手少阳经。井穴出于关冲穴。关冲穴，手小指次指（无名指）尖端。属金，为井穴。经气流注于液门穴。液门穴，在小指次指之间。属水，为荥穴。经气灌注于中渚穴。中渚穴，在本节之后，凹陷处。属木，为输穴。经过阳池穴。阳池穴，在手腕上，凹陷处。属土，为原穴。经气运行于支沟穴。支沟穴，在腕上三寸，两骨之间，凹陷处。属火，为经穴。经气汇入天井穴。天井穴，在肘外大骨之上，凹陷处。属水，为合穴，屈肘可得。
三焦的下合穴，在足太阳膀胱经之前，足少阳胆经之后。（原文“太阳”原作“大指”，考《邪气脏腑病形篇》说：三焦的病候在足太阳之外的大络，在足太阳和少阳之间，取委阳穴。与大拇指有什么关系呢？）出于委中外侧廉，名叫委阳。这是太阳经的络脉，也是手少阳经的气别行于此。三焦属于足少阳胆经，是足太阴脾经所统摄的太阳之别络。（“太阴”原注一本作“阳”，今寻本篇前后文义，非“阴”误“阳”，乃是“太”误“少”。少阴指肾。三焦之气发于肾而通于胆，所以说“将”。“将”者，气化相通相使，是从脏腑之气而言。其经气别行于足太阳，所以说“别”。“别”者，是经气所分注的地方）。向上过踝五寸，别入贯穿膂肠，出于委阳，并入太阳正经，入络膀胱，约束下焦。（意思是三焦下合穴并非有专脉，而是足少阳和少阴的合气，行于太阳之别络，上踝，贯膂，出委阳，遂并太阳之正经，入络膀胱，约束下焦）。实证则小便闭癃，虚则遗尿。遗尿则补之，闭癃则泻之。
手太阳小肠经上合于太阳经。井穴出于少泽穴。少泽穴，小指尖端。属金，为井穴。经气流注于前谷穴。前谷穴，在手外侧，本节前，凹陷处。属水，为荥穴。经气灌注于后溪穴。后溪穴，在手外侧，本节之后。属木，为输穴。经过腕骨穴。腕骨穴，在手外侧，腕骨之前。属土，为原穴。经气运行于阳谷穴。阳谷穴，在锐骨之下，凹陷处。属火，为经穴。经气汇入小海穴。小海穴，在肘内大骨之外，去端半寸，凹陷处，伸臂可得。属水，为合穴。这是手太阳小肠经。
大肠经上合于手阳明经。井穴出于商阳穴。商阳穴，大指次指尖端。属金，为井穴。经气流注于本节之前的二间穴。属水，为荥穴。经气灌注于本节之后的三间穴。属木，为输穴。经过合谷穴。合谷穴，在大指歧骨之间。属土，为原穴。经气运行于阳溪穴。阳溪穴，在两筋间，凹陷处。属火，为经穴。经气汇入曲池穴。在肘外辅骨凹陷处，屈臂可得。属水，为合穴。这是手阳明大肠经。
这叫做五脏六腑的五输穴。五五二十五穴，六六三十六穴。六腑皆出于足之三阳经，上合于手经。（总释前文“上合”之义，即巨虚上廉、下廉及三焦下合穴之事。以上叙述十二经的终始，而五脏经气灌注之处也就在其中了，这是就各经直接叙述的）。
缺盆中间，任脉也，名叫天突。第一次在任脉侧的动脉，足阳明经，名叫人迎。第二次脉，手阳明经，名叫扶突。第三次脉，手太阳经，名叫天窗。第四次脉，足少阳经，名叫天容。第五次脉，手少阳经，名叫天牖。第六次脉，足太阳经，名叫天柱。第七次脉，颈中央之脉，督脉也，名叫风府。腋内动脉，手太阴经，名叫天府。腋下三寸，手厥阴心包经，名叫天池。刺上关穴，口不能张开；刺下关穴，口不能闭合；刺犊鼻穴，膝不能弯曲；刺两关穴，膝不能伸展。（以上叙述络脉分支处、宽窄尺度，是将各经横向排列叙述的）。
足阳明经挟喉的动脉，其脉在膺中。手阳明经，其次在其脉外，不到曲颊一寸。（意思是膺中稍外上，直于面，在下至曲颊一寸之前。下文均如此说）。手太阳经，当曲颊。足少阳经，在耳下，曲颊之后。手少阳经，出耳后，上加完骨之上。足太阳经，挟项大筋之中，发际，阴尺动脉，在五里，这是五里的禁忌。（以上叙述五输穴的留止处）。
肺合大肠，大肠是传导之府。心合小肠，小肠是受盛之府。肝合胆，胆是中精之府。脾合胃，胃是五谷之府。肾合膀胱，膀胱是津液之府。少阳属肾，肾上连肺，所以将两脏。（“少阳”二字前人皆以三焦解释，经文明言三焦属膀胱，但揆度此处上下文义，似乎当作“太阳”，并无深义。如果果指三焦，则少阳之上必有脱字，两脏之下必有一腑。明白文理的人仔细思考，将字的意义在前一节可见）。三焦是中渎之府，水道由此而出，隶属于膀胱，是孤之府。（意思是隶属于膀胱而同合于肾，没有专门相合的脏，所以叫孤）。这就是六腑相合的情况。（以上讲六腑之合，以下讲四时出入深浅的意义）。
春季取络脉和各荥穴、大经分肉之间，病重的深取，病轻的浅取。夏季取各孙络、肌肉皮肤之上。秋季取各合穴，其余像春法一样。冬季取各井穴和荥穴之分，要深刺并久留针。这是四时的顺序，气所处的位置，病所停留的地方，脏所适宜的治疗。转筋者，站立而取穴，可以使病立即痊愈。痿厥者，伸展肢体而刺，可以使病立即好转。
《内经》这样的文本，简直是天造地设。其广大浓厚，简直是无天不覆盖、无地不承载。不是三代以上的时代不能作成，不是三代以上的圣人不能作成。读者须细细玩味它的板滞处、繁复处、接换处。再总观它的大处、雄处，看似毫无变化，却无处不变化。如同汪洋大海，鱼龙百怪隐现出没其中，而人们不能测度。又如青天无云，平沙万里，一望无际，不见山丘沟壑，而人处在其中，自觉气清神旺，浩然之气使百骸舒畅。这篇叙述十二经气穴所在，以说明脏腑之气相互灌输的道理。
Huangdi asked Qibo: In general, the principles of acupuncture must encompass the starting and ending points of the twelve meridians, the branching locations of the collateral vessels, the retention points of the Five Shu points, the pairing relationships of the Six Fu organs, the entry and exit patterns of the Four Seasons, and the infusion sites of the Zang organs. One must also understand the width and narrowness of the meridians, the depth and shallowness of needling, and the high and low positions of the acupoints. I wish to hear your explanation.
Qibo replied: Please allow me to explain in order. The Lung meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Shaoshang (Shao Shang). Shaoshang is located on the medial side of the tip of the thumb. It belongs to Wood and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Yuji (Yu Ji), which is located on the thenar eminence of the hand. It belongs to Fire and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Taiyuan (Tai Yuan), located one cun posterior to Yuji, in a depression. It belongs to Earth and is the Shu-Stream point. The Qi travels through Jingquan (Jing Quan), located at the Cun Kou position. The pulse beats continuously here. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Chize (Chi Ze), located at the arterial pulse in the center of the elbow. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian.
The Heart meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Zhongchong (Zhong Chong), located at the tip of the middle finger. It belongs to Wood and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Laogong (Lao Gong), located between the inner aspect of the proximal phalanx of the middle finger in the palm. It belongs to Fire and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Daling (Da Ling), located between the two bones behind the palm, in a square depression. It belongs to Earth and is the Shu-Stream point. The Qi travels through Jianshi (Jian Shi), located between the two tendons, three cun from the wrist crease. If there is pathogenic Qi, the Qi arrives; if not, it stops. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Quze (Qu Ze), located below the medial border of the elbow, in a depression obtained by flexing the arm. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian.
The Liver meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Dadun (Da Dun), located at the tip of the big toe and among the hair follicles. (There are two locations for this acupoint, both can be needled; the text states it starts among the hair follicles of the big toe, taking the hair follicles as the primary reference). It belongs to Wood and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Xingjian (Xing Jian), located between the big toe and the second toe. It belongs to Fire and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Taichong (Tai Chong), located two cun above Xingjian, in a depression. It belongs to Earth and is the Shu-Stream point. The Qi travels through Zhongfeng (Zhong Feng), located 1.5 cun anterior to the medial malleolus, in a depression. If Qi flow is reversed, it stagnates; if harmonized, it flows freely; obtainable by moving the foot. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-River point. ("Shi" refers to the circulation of Qi in the meridians. *Su Wen* states: "If the ruler is unclear, the twelve officials are in danger; if the pathway of the envoy is blocked, it does not flow." The character "Wan" was seen in the previous chapter.) The Qi enters Ququan (Qu Quan), located below the condyle of the tibia, above the large tendon, obtainable by flexing the knee. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian.
The Spleen meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Yinbai (Yin Bai), located on the medial side of the tip of the big toe. It belongs to Wood and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Dabu (Da Bu), located posterior and inferior to the proximal phalanx, in a depression. It belongs to Fire and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Taibai (Tai Bai), located below the tuberosity of the navicular bone. It belongs to Earth and is the Shu-Stream point. The Qi travels through Shangqiu (Shang Qiu), located below the medial malleolus, in a depression. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Yinlingquan (Yin Ling Quan), located below the condyle of the tibia, in a depression, obtainable by extending the leg. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian.
The Kidney meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Yongquan (Yong Quan), located in the center of the sole of the foot. It belongs to Wood and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Ran Gu (Ran Gu), located below the prominence of the calcaneus. It belongs to Fire and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Taixi (Tai Xi), located posterior to the medial malleolus, above the calcaneus, in a depression. It belongs to Earth and is the Shu-Stream point. The Qi travels through Fuliou (Fu Liu), located two cun above the medial malleolus, where the pulse beats continuously. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Yingu (Yin Gu), located posterior to the condyle of the tibia, below the large tendon and above the small tendon, palpable upon pressure, obtainable by flexing the knee. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian.
The Bladder meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Zhiyin (Zhi Yin), located at the tip of the little toe. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Tonggu (Tong Gu), located anterior to the proximal phalanx, on the lateral side. It belongs to Water and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Shugu (Shu Gu), located posterior to the proximal phalanx, in a depression. It belongs to Wood and is the Shu-Stream point. It passes through Jinggu (Jing Gu), located below the large bone on the lateral side of the foot. It belongs to Earth and is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Kunlun (Kun Lun), located posterior to the lateral malleolus, above the calcaneus. It belongs to Fire and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Weizhong (Wei Zhong), located in the center of the popliteal fossa. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point, obtained by flexing the knee. This is the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian.
The Gallbladder meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Qiaoyin (Qiao Yin), located at the tip of the fourth toe. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Xiaxi (Xia Xi), located between the fourth and fifth toes. It belongs to Water and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Linqi (Lin Qi), located 1.5 cun superiorly from Xiaxi, in a depression. It belongs to Wood and is the Shu-Stream point. It passes through Qiuxu (Qiu Xu), located anteroinferior to the lateral malleolus, in a depression. It belongs to Earth and is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Yangfu (Yang Fu), located above the lateral malleolus, anterior to the fibula, and at the end of the Jieggu. It belongs to Fire and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Yanglingquan (Yang Ling Quan), located laterally at the knee, in a depression. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point, obtained by extending the leg. This is the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.
The Stomach meridian's Jing-Well point originates at Lidui (Li Dui), located at the tip of the second toe. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Neiting (Nei Ting), located in the space between the second and third toes. It belongs to Water and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Xangu (Xan Gu), located in the space between the second and third toes, two cun superiorly (Note: The space between the second and third toes is the lateral side of the second toe. The text mentions "superior two cun," counting from Neiting, not involving the third toe to avoid confusion). It belongs to Wood and is the Shu-Stream point. It passes through Chongyang (Chong Yang), located five cun above the dorsum of the foot, in a depression, obtainable by shaking the foot. It belongs to Earth and is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through JieXi (Jie Xi), located 1.5 cun above Chongyang, in a depression. It belongs to Fire and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Xialing (Xia Ling), located three cun below the knee, lateral to the tibia, which is Zusanli (Zu San Li). It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. Three cun below Zusanli is Shangjiaoxu (Shang Jiao Xu); three cun below that is Xiajiaoxu (Xia Jiao Xu). The Large Intestine connects to the upper point, and the Small Intestine connects to the lower point. This is the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. The Large Intestine and Small Intestine both belong to the Stomach. This is the Foot-Yangming Meridian.
The Sanjiao (Triple Burner) meridian connects superiorly with the Hand-Shaoyang meridian. Its Jing-Well point originates at Guanchong (Guan Chong), located at the tip of the ring finger. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Yemen (Ye Men), located between the ring and little fingers. It belongs to Water and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Zhongzhu (Zhong Zhu), located posterior to the proximal phalanx, in a depression. It belongs to Wood and is the Shu-Stream point. It passes through Yangchi (Yang Chi), located on the wrist, in a depression. It belongs to Earth and is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Zhigou (Zhi Gou), located three cun above the wrist, between the two bones, in a depression. It belongs to Fire and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Tianjing (Tian Jing), located above the olecranon process, in a depression. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point, obtained by flexing the elbow.
The lower He-Sea point of the Sanjiao is located anterior to the Foot-Taiyang meridian and posterior to the Foot-Shaoyang meridian. (Original text says "Taiyang," corrected from "Big Toe"; *Xieqi Zangfu Bingxing Pian* states the Sanjiao disease manifestation is in the large collateral of the Foot-Taiyang, between the Foot-Taiyang and Foot-Shaoyang, taking Weiyang. What does this have to do with the big toe?). It emerges from the lateral margin of Weiyang, named Weiyang (Wei Yang). This is the collateral of the Taiyang meridian and also the distinct pathway of the Hand-Shaoyang meridian. The Sanjiao belongs to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder and is governed by the Foot-Taiyin Spleen as a branch of the Taiyang. (Commentary: "Taiyin" in original note is likely a typo for "Shaoyin". Shaoyin refers to the Kidney. Sanjiao Qi originates from the Kidney and communicates with the Gallbladder, hence "governed". Its meridian qi branches to the Foot-Taiyang, hence "branch"). Ascending five cun above the ankle, it branches inward, penetrates the spinal muscles, emerges at Weiyang, merges with the main channel of the Taiyang, enters the Bladder, and regulates the Lower Jiao. (Meaning: The lower He-Sea point of Sanjiao is not a dedicated vessel but the combined Qi of Foot-Shaoyang and Shaoyin traveling via the Taiyang collateral, ascending, penetrating, emerging at Weiyang, merging with the Taiyang main channel, entering the Bladder, and regulating the Lower Jiao). Excess conditions result in urinary retention; deficiency results in enuresis. Enuresis is treated by tonification; urinary retention by sedation.
The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine meridian connects superiorly with the Taiyang meridian. Its Jing-Well point originates at Shaoze (Shao Ze), located at the tip of the little finger. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Qian Gu (Qian Gu), located on the ulnar side of the hand, anterior to the proximal phalanx, in a depression. It belongs to Water and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Houxi (Hou Xi), located on the ulnar side of the hand, posterior to the proximal phalanx. It belongs to Wood and is the Shu-Stream point. It passes through Wanggu (Wang Gu), located on the ulnar side of the hand, anterior to the pisiform bone. It belongs to Earth and is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Yanggu (Yang Gu), located below the styloid process, in a depression. It belongs to Fire and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Xiao Hai (Xiao Hai), located lateral to the medial epicondyle of the humerus, half a cun from the end, in a depression, obtained by extending the arm. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian.
The Large Intestine meridian connects superiorly with the Hand-Yangming meridian. Its Jing-Well point originates at Shangyang (Shang Yang), located at the tip of the index finger. It belongs to Metal and is the Jing-Well point. The Qi flows into Erjian (Er Jian), located anterior to the proximal phalanx. It belongs to Water and is the Ying-Spring point. The Qi pours into Sanjian (San Jian), located posterior to the proximal phalanx. It belongs to Wood and is the Shu-Stream point. It passes through Hegu (He Gu), located between the metacarpal bones of the thumb and index finger. It belongs to Earth and is the Yuan-Source point. The Qi travels through Yangxi (Yang Xi), located between the two tendons, in a depression. It belongs to Fire and is the Jing-River point. The Qi enters Quchi (Qu Chi), located in the depression lateral to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, obtained by flexing the arm. It belongs to Water and is the He-Sea point. This is the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian.
These are the Five Shu points of the Zang and Fu organs. Five times five equals twenty-five points; six times six equals thirty-six points. The Six Fu organs all originate from the Foot-Yangming meridians and connect superiorly with the Hand meridians. (This summarizes the meaning of "connecting superiorly" mentioned earlier, referring to Shangjiaoxu, Xiajiaoxu, and the lower He-Sea point of Sanjiao. The above narrates the beginning and end of the twelve meridians, including the infusion sites of the five Zang organs, described directly for each meridian).
In the center of the Clavicle fossa is the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), named Tiantu (Tian Tu). The first pulse lateral to the Ren Mai is the Foot-Yangming meridian, named Renying (Ren Ying). The second pulse is the Hand-Yangming meridian, named Futu (Fu Tu). The third pulse is the Hand-Taiyang meridian, named Tianchuang (Tian Chuang). The fourth pulse is the Foot-Shaoyang meridian, named Tianrong (Tian Rong). The fifth pulse is the Hand-Shaoyang meridian, named Tianyou (Tian You). The sixth pulse is the Foot-Taiyang meridian, named Tianzhu (Tian Zhu). The seventh pulse is the central vessel of the neck, the Du Mai (Governing Vessel), named Fengfu (Feng Fu). The arterial pulse in the axilla is the Hand-Taiyin meridian, named Tianfu (Tian Fu). Three cun below the axilla is the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium meridian, named Tianchi (Tian Chi). Needling Shangguan requires the mouth to be open; needling Xiaguan requires the mouth to be closed; needling Dubi requires the knee to be bent; needling both Guan points requires the knee to be straight. (The above describes the branching locations and dimensions of collaterals, arranged horizontally across meridians).
The Foot-Yangming meridian has an arterial pulse flanking the throat, located in the Yingzhong area. The Hand-Yangming meridian is next, outside this pulse, not reaching one cun before the angle of the jaw. (Meaning: Slightly external and superior to Yingzhong, vertical to the face, down to one cun before the angle of the jaw. The following descriptions are similar). The Hand-Taiyang meridian is at the angle of the jaw. The Foot-Shaoyang meridian is below the ear, posterior to the angle of the jaw. The Hand-Shaoyang meridian emerges posterior to the ear, ascending above the temporal bone. The Foot-Taiyang meridian is within the large tendons of the nape, at the hairline, the Yinchi arterial pulse, located at Wuli (Wu Li), which is contraindicated. (The above describes the retention sites of the Five Shu points).
The Lung pairs with the Large Intestine; the Large Intestine is the Fu organ of transmission. The Heart pairs with the Small Intestine; the Small Intestine is the Fu organ of reception and containment. The Liver pairs with the Gallbladder; the Gallbladder is the Fu organ of pure essence. The Spleen pairs with the Stomach; the Stomach is the Fu organ of the five grains. The Kidney pairs with the Bladder; the Bladder is the Fu organ of fluids. Shaoyang belongs to the Kidney; the Kidney connects superiorly to the Lung, thus governing two organs. (Commentary: Previous scholars interpreted "Shaoyang" as Sanjiao. The text explicitly states Sanjiao belongs to the Bladder. However, contextually, it seems to refer to "Taiyang" without deep meaning. If it referred to Sanjiao, there would be missing characters above "Shaoyang" and a Fu organ below "two organs". Those familiar with textual logic will see the meaning in the previous section.) The Sanjiao is the Fu organ of water channels; water pathways emerge from it. It belongs to the Bladder and is the solitary Fu organ. (Meaning: It belongs to the Bladder and combines with the Kidney, having no specific paired Zang organ, hence "solitary"). These are the pairings of the Six Fu organs. (The above discusses the pairing of Six Fu organs; the following discusses the entry, exit, depth, and shallowness of the Four Seasons).
In Spring, select collateral vessels, Ying-Spring points, major meridians, and intermuscular spaces. For severe cases, needle deeply; for mild cases, needle shallowly. In Summer, select minor collaterals, muscles, and skin. In Autumn, select He-Sea points, following the Spring method. In Winter, select Jing-Well points and Ying-Spring divisions, needling deeply and retaining the needle. This is the sequence of the Four Seasons, the location of Qi, where diseases reside, and what is suitable for the Zang organs. For muscle spasms, needle while standing to achieve immediate relief. For Wei-Jue (flaccidity and cold limbs), needle with extended limbs for immediate improvement.
Texts like those in the *Neijing* are naturally formed. Their vastness and richness cover heaven and earth. They could only be created in the era of the Three Dynasties and by sages of that time. Readers must carefully study their rigidities, complexities, and transitions. Observe their grandeur and power; seemingly unchanging, yet changing everywhere. Like a vast ocean where fish and dragons appear and disappear, unfathomable. Or like a cloudless blue sky and endless desert, without hills or valleys, yet one feels clear Qi, vigorous spirit, and smooth bodily functions within. This chapter narrates the locations of Qi acupoints of the twelve meridians to illustrate the mutual infusion of Zang and Fu organ Qi.