之，盖指上、中、下而言，上即膻中，中即中脘，下即脐下，故任脉之阴交穴为三焦募也。）其支者，循
胸出胁，下腋三寸，（胁上际为腋，腋下三寸，天池也，手厥阴经穴始此。）上抵腋下，循 内，行太阴、
少阴之间，（上抵腋下之天泉，循 内，行太阴、少阴之间，以手之三阴厥阴在中也。）入肘中，下臂，
行两筋之间，（入肘中，曲泽也。下臂行两筋之间， 门、间使、内关、大陵也。）入掌中，循中指出其端。
（入掌中，劳宫也。中指端，中冲也。手厥阴经止于此。）其支者，别掌中，循小指次指出其端。（小指次
指，谓小指之次指，即无名指也。其支者，自劳宫别行名指端，而接乎手少阳经也。）三焦手少阳之脉，起
于小指次指之端，（三焦，手少阳经也，起于无名指端关冲穴。）上出两指之间，（即小指次指之间，液门、
中渚穴也。）循手表腕，出臂外两骨之间，（手表之腕，阳池也。臂外两骨间，外关、支沟等穴也。）上贯
肘，循 外，上肩，而交出足少阳之后，（上贯肘之天井，循 外，行手太阳之前，手阳明之后，历清冷渊、
消泺、 会，上肩 ，过足少阳之肩井，自天 而交出足少阳之后也。）入缺盆，布膻中，散络心
包，下膈，循属三焦。（其内行者入缺盆，复由足阳明之外下布膻中，散络心包，相为表里，乃自上焦下膈，
循中焦下行，并足太阳之正入络膀胱，以约下焦，故足太阳经委阳穴为三焦下辅俞也。）其支者，从膻中
上出缺盆，上项，系耳后，直上出耳上角，以屈下颊至 。（其支行于外者，自膻中上行，出缺盆，循天 上
项，会于督脉之大椎，循天牖，系耳后之翳风、 脉、颅息，出耳上角之角孙，过足少阳之悬厘，
颔厌，下行耳颊至 ，会于手太阳颧 之分。）其支者，从耳后入耳中，出走耳前，过客主人前，交颊，至
目锐 。（此支从耳后翳风入耳中，过手太阳之听宫，出走耳前之耳门，过足太阳之客主人，交颊
循和 ，上丝竹空，至目锐 ，会于瞳子 穴，手少阳经止于此而接乎足少阳经也。）胆足少阳之脉，
起于目锐 ，（胆为足少阳经也，起于目锐
瞳子 穴。目之外角曰锐 。）上抵头角，下耳后，（自目锐 ，由听会、客主人上抵头角，循颔厌，下
悬颅、悬厘，从耳上发际，入曲鬓、率谷，历手少阳之角孙外折，下耳后，行天冲、浮白、窍阴、完骨，
又自完骨外折上行，循本神，前至阳白，复内折上行，循临泣、目窗、正营、承灵、脑空，由风池而下行也。）
循颈，行手少阳之前，至肩上，却交出手少阳之后，入缺盆。（自风池循颈，过手少阳之天牖，行少阳之前，
下至肩上，循肩井，复交出手少阳之后，过督脉之大椎，会于手太阳之秉风，而前入于足阳明缺盆之外。）
其支者，从耳后入耳中，出走耳前，至目锐 后。（其支者，从耳后颞 间过手少阳之翳风，入耳中，
过手太阳之听宫，出走耳前，复自听会至目锐 后瞳子 之分。）其支者，别锐 ，下大迎，合于手少阳，
抵于 ，（其支者，别自目外 瞳子 ，下足阳明大迎之次，由手少阳之丝竹、和 而下抵于 也。）下加
颊车，下颈，合缺盆，（其下于足阳明者，合于下关，乃自颊车下颈，循本经之前，与前之入缺盆者相合，
以下胸中。）以下胸中，贯膈，络肝，属胆，循胁里，出气街，绕毛际，横入髀厌中。（其内行
者，由缺盆下胸，当手厥阳天池之分贯膈，足厥阴期门之分络肝；本经日月之分属胆，而相为表里，乃循
胁里，由足厥阴之章门下行，出足阳明之气街，绕毛际，合于足厥阴，以横入髀厌中之环跳穴也。）其直者，
从缺盆下腋，循胸，过季胁，下合髀厌中，（其直下而行于外者，从缺盆下腋，循胸，历渊腋、辄筋、日月，
过季胁，循京门、带脉等穴下行，由居 入足太阳之上 、中 、下 下行，复与前之入髀厌者相合。）以下
循髀阳，出膝外廉，下外辅骨之前，（髀阳，髀之外侧也。辅骨，膝下两旁高骨也。由髀阳行太阳、阳
明之中，历中渎、阳关，出膝外廉，下外辅骨之前，自阳陵泉以下阳交等穴也。）直下抵绝骨之端，下出
外踝之前，循足跗上，入小指次指之间。（外踝上骨际曰绝骨，绝骨之端，阳辅穴也。下行悬钟，
循足面上之丘墟、临泣等穴，乃入小指
次指之间，至窍阴穴，足少阳经止于此。）其支者，别跗上，入大指之间，循大指歧骨内出其端，还贯爪甲，
出三毛。（足大指次指本节后骨缝为歧骨，大指爪甲后二节间为二毛。其支者，自足跗上别行，
入大指，循歧骨内，出大指端，还贯入爪甲，出三毛，而接乎足厥阴经也。）肝足厥阴之脉，起于大指丛
毛之际，（肝为足厥阴经也，起于足大指，去爪甲横纹后丛毛际大敦穴。丛毛，即三毛也。）上循足跗上廉，
去内踝一寸，（足跗上廉，行间、太冲也。内踝前一寸，中封也，）上踝八寸，交出太阴之后，上 内廉，（
上踝，过足太阴之三阴交，历蠡沟、中都，复上一寸，交出太阴之后，上 内廉，至膝关、曲泉也。）循
股阴，入毛中，过阴器，（股阴，内侧也。循股内之阴包、五里、阴廉，上会于足太阴之冲门，府舍，入阴
毛中之急脉，遂左右相交，环绕阴器而会于任脉之曲骨。）抵小腹，挟胃，属肝，络胆，（自阴上入少
腹，会于任脉之中极、关元，循章门至期门之所，挟胃，属肝，下足少阳日月之所络胆，而肝胆相为表里也。）
上贯膈，布胁肋，（自期门上贯膈，行足太阴食窦之外，大包之里，散布胁肋，上足少阳渊液，手太阴云
门之下，足厥阴经穴止于此。）循喉咙之后，上入颃颡，连目系，上出额，与督脉会于巅。（颃颡，咽颡也。
目内深处为目系。其内行而上者，自胁肋间，由足阳明人迎之外，循喉咙之后，入颃颡，行足阳明大
迎、地仓、四白之外，内连目系，上出足少阳阳白之外，临泣之里，与督脉相会于顶巅之百会。）其支者，
从目系，下颊里，环唇内。（此支者，从前目系之分，下行任脉之外，本经之里，下颊里，交环于口唇之内。）
其支者，复从肝别贯膈，上注肺。（又其支者，从前期门属肝所行足太阴食窦之外，本经之里，别贯膈，上
注于肺，下行至中焦，挟中院之分，复接于手太阴肺经，以尽十二经之一周，终而复始也。）
十二经脉者，人之所以生，病之所以成，人之所以治，病之所以起；学之所始，工之所止也。
粗之所易，上之所难
也。（经脉者，脏腑之枝叶，脏腑者，经脉之根本。凡人之生，病之成，人之所以治，病之所以起，莫不由
之，故初学人必始于此，工之良者亦止于此而已。第粗工忽之，谓其寻常易知耳，上工难之，谓其应变无穷也，
故将十二经脉上下离合、内外出入之道，复详明之。）足太阳之正，别入于 中，其一道下尻五寸，别入于肛，
属于膀胱，散之肾，循膂，当心入散；直者从膂上出于项，复属于太阳，此为一经也。足少阴之正，至 中别
走太阳，而合上至肾，当十四椎出属带脉；直者系舌本，复出于项，合于太阳，此为一
合。成以诸阴之别，皆为正也。（此膀胱与肾为表里，故其经脉相为一合也。足太阳之正，入 中，与少
阴合而上行，其别一道，下尻五寸，当承扶之次，上入肛门，内行腹中，属于膀胱，散于肾，循膂，当心入
散，上出于项，而复属于本经太阳，此内外同为一经也。足少阴之正，自 中合于太阳内行，上至肾，当
十四椎旁肾俞之次，出属带脉，其直者上系舌本，复出于项，合于太阳，是为六合之一也。然有表必有里，有
阳必有阴，故诸阳之正，必成于诸阴之别，此皆正脉相为离合，非旁通交会之谓也。余仿此。）足少阳之
正，绕髀，入毛际，合于厥阴；别者入季胁之间，循胸里，属胆，散之上肝贯心，以上挟咽，出颐
颔中，散于面，系目系，合少阳于外 也。足厥阳之正，别跗上，上至毛际，合于少阳，与别俱行，此为
二合也。（此胆肝二经为表里，经脉相为一合也。足少阳绕髀阳，入毛际，与足厥阴合。其内行而别者，
乃自季胁入胸属胆，散之上肝，由肝之上系贯心，上挟咽，自颐颔中出散于面，上系目系，复合少阳本经
于目外 瞳子 也。足厥阴之正，别足跗内行，上至阴毛之际，合于足少阳，与别者俱行，上布
胁肋，是为六合之二也。）足阳明之正，上至髀，入于腹里，属胃，散之脾，上通于心，上循咽，出于口，
上 ，还系目，合于阳明也。足太阴之正，上至髀，合于阳明，与别俱行，上
结于咽，贯舌中，此为三合也。（此胃脾二经表里相为一合也。足阳明上至髀关，其内行者由气街入腹里，
属于胃，散于脾，上通于心，循咽出于口，上 ，入承泣之次，系目系，为目下纲，以合于阳明本经也。
足太阴之正，上股内，合于足阳明，与别者俱行，上咽贯舌，是为六合之三也。）手太阳之正，指地，别于
肩解，入腋走心，系小肠也。手少阴之正，别入于渊腋两筋之间，属于心，上走喉咙，出
于面，合目内 ，此为四合也。（此小肠与心表里经脉相为一合也。指地者，地属阴，居天之内。手太阳内行
之脉，别于肩解，入腋走心，系于小肠，皆自上而下，自外而内，故曰“指地”。手少阴之正，自腋下三寸
足少阳渊腋之次，行两筋之间，内属于心，与手太阳入腋走心者合，乃上行挟于咽，出于面，合于目内 ，
是当与足太阳睛明相会矣，此六合之四也。）手少阳之正，指天，别于巅，入缺盆，下走三焦，散于
胸中也。手心主之正，别下渊腋三寸，入胸中，别属三焦，出循喉咙，出耳后，合少阳完骨之下，此为五
合也。（此三焦，心主表里经脉相为一合也。指天者，天属阳，运于地之外。手少阳之正，上别于巅，
入缺盆，下走三焦，散于胸中，包罗脏腑之外，故曰“指天”。手厥阴之正，其别而内行者，与少阴之脉同
自腋下三寸足少阳渊腋之次入胸中，属于三焦，乃出循喉咙，行耳后，合手、足少阳于完骨之下，
此六合之五也。）手阳明之正，从手循膺乳，别于肩 ，入柱骨，下走大肠，属于肺，上循喉咙，出缺盆，
合于阳明也。手太阴之正，别入渊腋少阴之前，入走肺，散之大肠。上出缺盆，循喉咙，复合阳明，
此六合也。（此大肠与肺为表里，经脉相为一合也。手阳明之正，循胸前膺乳之间，其内行者别于肩 ，入
柱骨，由缺盆下走大肠，属于肺，其上者循喉咙，复出缺盆，而合于阳明本经也。手太阴之正，其内行者自
天府别入渊腋，由手少阴心经之前入内走肺，散之大肠，其上行者出缺盆，循喉咙，复合于手阳明经。
以上共十二经，是为
六合也。）
十二经筋者，足太阳之筋起于足小指，上结于踝，邪上，结于膝，（足太阳之筋起于足小指爪甲之侧，
即足太阳经脉所止之处至阴穴次也。循足跗外侧上结于外踝昆仑之分，乃邪上跗阳而结于膝 之分。
结，聚也。按，十二经脉之外，而复有所谓经筋者何也？盖经脉营行表里，故出入脏腑，以次相传，经筋连
缀百骸，维络周身，各有定位，虽经筋所行之部多与经脉相同，然其所结所盛之处，则惟四肢溪谷之间为最，
以筋会于节也。筋属木，其华在爪，故十二经筋皆起于四肢指爪之间，而后盛于辅骨，结于肘腕，系于膝关，
联于肌肉，上于颈项，终于头面，此人身经筋之大略也。筋有刚柔，刚者所以束骨，柔者所以相维，亦犹
经之有络，纲之有纪，故手足项背，直行附骨之筋皆坚大，而胸腹头面，支别横络之筋皆柔细也。但手、足
十二经之筋又各有不同者，如手、足三阳行于外，其筋多刚，手、足三阴行于内，其筋多柔，皆肝之所生，
而经脉、经筋之所以异也。）其下循足外踝，结于踵上，循跟，结于 。（其下，足跗之下也。踵，即足跟
之突出者，跟，即踵上之硬筋处也，乃仆参、申脉之分。结于 ，委中也。）其别者结于 外，上 中内廉，
与中并，（此即大筋之旁出者别为柔 短筋，亦犹木之有枝也。后言别者、支者仿此。此支自外踝别行，
由足 肚之下尖处行少阳之后，结于 之外侧络穴飞阳之分，乃上 内廉，合大筋于委中而一之也。）上结
于臀，尾 骨旁，会阳之分也。）上挟脊，上项。（挟脊背，分左右上项，会于督脉之陶道、大椎，此皆附
脊之刚筋也。）其支者别入，结于舌本。（其支者，自项别入内行，与手少阳之筋结于舌本，散于舌下。
自此以上皆柔 之筋而散于头面。）其直者结于枕骨，上头下颜，给于鼻。（其直者自项而上，与足少
阴之筋合于脑后枕骨间，由是而上过于头，前下于颜，以结于鼻下之两旁也。额上曰颜。）其支者为目上
网，下给于 。（网，纲维也，所以约束目睫，司开阖者也。目下曰 ，即颧也。此支自通
“之”字，大概是指上、中、下三焦而言。上部即膻中穴，中部即中脘穴，下部即脐下部位，所以任脉的阴交穴是三焦的募穴。）其分支，沿着胸部出于胁肋，下行至腋下三寸处，（胁部上际为腋窝，腋下三寸处是天池穴，手厥阴心包经的穴位从此开始。）向上抵达腋下，沿着臂内侧，行于手太阴肺经和手少阴心经之间，（向上抵达腋下的天泉穴，沿着臂内侧，行于手太阴、手少阴二经之间，因为手三阴经中，厥阴经位于中间。）进入肘窝中，下行于前臂，行于两条肌腱之间，（进入肘窝中的曲泽穴。下行于前臂行于两条肌腱之间，分别是郄门、间使、内关、大陵等穴。）进入手掌中，沿着中指直达其末端。（进入掌中的劳宫穴。中指端是中冲穴。手厥阴心包经终止于此。）其另一分支，从掌中分出，沿着无名指直达其末端。（无名指，即小指旁边的次指。其分支，自劳宫穴别出，行至无名指端，与手少阳三焦经相接。）手少阳三焦经的经脉，起于无名指的末端，（三焦经属于手少阳经，起于无名指端的关冲穴。）向上出于两指之间，（即小指与无名指之间，是液门、中渚穴所在处。）沿着手背腕部，出于前臂外侧两根骨头之间，（手背处的腕部是阳池穴。前臂外侧两骨之间，是外关、支沟等穴所在处。）向上贯穿肘部，沿着臂外侧，上行至肩部，然后交叉走在足少阳胆经之后，（向上贯穿肘部的天井穴，沿着臂外侧，行于手太阳小肠经之前，手阳明大肠经之后，经过清冷渊、消泺、臑会等穴，上行至肩部，经过足少阳胆经的肩井穴，从天髎穴处交叉走在足少阳胆经之后。）进入缺盆，散布于膻中，散络于心包，向下穿过横膈，归属于三焦。（其内部行走的经脉进入缺盆后，又由足阳明胃经的外侧下行，散布于膻中，散络于心包，二者互为表里，乃是从上焦向下穿过横膈，沿着中焦下行，并伴随足太阳膀胱经的正气入络于膀胱，以约束下焦，所以足太阳膀胱经的委阳穴是三焦的下辅俞穴。）其分支，从膻中向上出于缺盆，上行至颈部，系于耳后，直上出于耳上角，然后弯曲下行至面颊至颧骨。（其外部行走的分支，自膻中上行，出于缺盆，沿着天牖穴上行至颈部，会合于督脉的大椎穴，沿着天牖穴，系于耳后的翳风、颅息等穴，出于耳上角的角孙穴，经过足少阳胆经的悬厘、颔厌穴，下行至耳颊至地仓穴，会合于手太阳小肠经的颧髎穴分部。）其另一分支，从耳后进入耳中，走出耳前，经过客主人穴前方，交叉于面颊，到达目外眦。（此分支从耳后的翳风穴进入耳中，经过手太阳小肠经的听宫穴，走出耳前的耳门穴，经过足太阳膀胱经的客主人穴，交叉于面颊，沿着和髎穴，上行至丝竹空穴，到达目外眦，会合于瞳子髎穴，手少阳三焦经终止于此并与足少阳胆经相接。）足少阳胆经的经脉，起于目外眦，（胆经属于足少阳经，起于目外眦的瞳子髎穴。眼外角称为锐眦。）向上抵达头角，下行至耳后，（自目外眦，经由听会、客主人穴向上抵达头角，沿着颔厌穴，下行至悬颅、悬厘穴，从耳上发际处，进入曲鬓、率谷穴，经过手少阳三焦经的角孙穴外侧折返，下行至耳后，行于天冲、浮白、窍阴、完骨穴，又从完骨穴外侧折返上行，沿着本神穴，前行至阳白穴，再向内折返上行，沿着临泣、目窗、正营、承灵、脑空穴，由风池穴下行。）沿着颈部，行于手少阳三焦经之前，到达肩部，却交叉走在手少阳三焦经之后，进入缺盆。（自风池穴沿着颈部，经过手少阳三焦经的天牖穴，行于少阳经之前，下行至肩部，沿着肩井穴，又交叉走在手少阳三焦经之后，经过督脉的大椎穴，会合于手太阳小肠经的秉风穴，然后向前进入足阳明胃经缺盆穴的外侧。）其分支，从耳后进入耳中，走出耳前，到达目外眦后方。（其分支，从耳后颞部间经过手少阳三焦经的翳风穴，进入耳中，经过手太阳小肠经的听宫穴，走出耳前，再从听会穴至目外眦后方瞳子髎穴的分部。）其另一分支，从目外眦分出，下行至大迎穴，与手少阳三焦经相合，抵达颊车穴，（其分支，自行于目外眦瞳子髎穴处分出，下行至足阳明胃经大迎穴的旁边，由手少阳三焦经的丝竹空、和髎穴下行抵达颊车穴。）下行加于颊车穴，下行至颈部，与缺盆相合，（其下行于足阳明胃经的分支，会合于下关穴，乃是从颊车穴下行至颈部，沿着本经的前方，与前文所述进入缺盆的分支相合，以下行入胸中。）以下行入胸中，穿过横膈，联络肝脏，归属于胆，沿着胁肋内部，出于气街，环绕阴毛边缘，横向进入髋关节中。（其内部行走的分支，由缺盆下行入胸，当手厥阴心包经天池穴的分部穿过横膈，足厥阴肝经期门穴的分部联络肝脏；本经日月穴的分部归属于胆，二者互为表里，乃沿着胁肋内部，由足厥阴肝经的章门穴下行，出于足阳明胃经的气街穴，环绕阴毛边缘，会合于足厥阴肝经，以横向进入髋关节中的环跳穴。）其直行者，从缺盆下行至腋下，沿着胸部，经过季胁，下行会合于髋关节中，（其直行向下行于外侧的分支，从缺盆下行至腋下，沿着胸部，历经渊腋、辄筋、日月穴，经过季胁，沿着京门、带脉等穴下行，由居髎穴进入足太阳膀胱经的上髎、中髎、下髎穴下行，再与前文所述进入髋关节的分支相合。）以下沿着大腿外侧，出于膝盖外侧廉，下行于外辅骨之前，（大腿外侧称为髀阳。辅骨，指膝盖两旁的高骨。由髀阳行于足太阳、足阳明二经之中，历经中渎、阳关穴，出于膝盖外侧廉，下行于外辅骨之前，自阳陵泉穴以下有阳交等穴。）直下抵达绝骨的末端，下行出于外踝之前，沿着足背，进入小指与无名指之间。（外踝上方的骨际称为绝骨，绝骨的末端是阳辅穴。下行经过悬钟穴，沿着足面上的丘墟、足临泣等穴，乃进入小指与无名指之间，至足窍阴穴，足少阳胆经终止于此。）其分支，从足背分出，进入大脚趾之间，沿着大脚趾歧骨内侧出其末端，回转贯通爪甲，出于丛毛。（足大趾与次趾本节后骨缝称为歧骨，大趾爪甲后二节间称为三毛。其分支，自足背别出，进入大脚趾，沿着歧骨内侧，出大脚趾端，回转贯通入爪甲，出于三毛，与足厥阴肝经相接。）足厥阴肝经的经脉，起于大脚趾丛毛处，（肝经属于足厥阴经，起于足大趾，距爪甲横纹后丛毛际的大敦穴。丛毛，即三毛。）向上沿着足背内侧缘，距离内踝一寸，（足背内侧缘，是行间、太冲穴。内踝前一寸，是中封穴，）上行至踝上八寸处，交叉走在足太阴脾经之后，上行至膝股内侧廉，（上行过踝，经过足太阴脾经的三阴交穴，历经蠡沟、中都穴，再上一寸，交叉走在足太阴脾经之后，上行至膝股内侧廉，至膝关、曲泉穴。）沿着大腿内侧，进入阴毛中，经过生殖器，（大腿内侧称为股阴。沿着股内侧的阴包、五里、阴廉穴，上行会合于足太阴脾经的冲门、府舍穴，进入阴毛中的急脉穴，遂左右相交，环绕生殖器而会合于任脉的曲骨穴。）抵达小腹，挟持胃部，归属于肝，联络胆，（自阴部上行入少腹，会合于任脉的中极、关元穴，沿着章门穴至期门穴所在处，挟持胃部，归属于肝，下行至足少阳胆经日月穴所联络的胆，肝胆二者互为表里也。）向上穿过横膈，散布于胁肋，（自期门穴向上穿过横膈，行于足太阴脾经食窦穴之外，大包穴之内，散布于胁肋，上行至足少阳胆经的渊液穴，手太阴肺经云门穴之下，足厥阴肝经穴位终止于此。）沿着喉咙后面，上行进入颃颡，连接目系，上行出于额部，与督脉会合于头顶。（颃颡，即咽部深处。目内深处为目系。其内部上行者，自胁肋间，由足阳明胃经人迎穴的外侧，沿着喉咙后面，进入颃颡，行于足阳明胃经大迎、地仓、四白穴的外侧，向内连接目系，上行出于足少阳胆经阳白穴的外侧，足临泣穴的内侧，与督脉相会于顶巅的百会穴。）其分支，从目系分出，下行至颊里，环绕口唇内。（此分支，从前目系的分部，下行至任脉之外，本经之内，下行至颊里，交叉环绕于口唇之内。）其另一分支，又从肝部分出，穿过横膈，上行注入肺脏。（又其分支，从前期门穴归属于肝所行的足太阴脾经食窦穴之外，本经之内，别出穿过横膈，上行注入于肺，下行至中焦，挟持中院穴的分部，再接续于手太阴肺经，以完成十二经的一周循环，终而复始也。）
十二经脉，是人赖以生存的基础，疾病由此形成，人体得以治疗，疾病由此好转；这是学习的起点，也是高明医生的修养终点。
庸医认为它容易掌握，高明的医生却认为它难以精通。（经脉是脏腑的枝叶，脏腑是经脉的根本。凡人的生存，疾病的形成，人体得以治疗，疾病得以好转，无不由经脉决定，所以初学者必须从这里开始，医术高明的人也止步于此罢了。只是庸医轻视它，认为它平常易知；高明医生重视它，认为它变化无穷。因此将十二经脉上下离合、内外出入的道理，再次详细阐明。）足太阳膀胱经的正脉，别入于腘窝中，其中一条道下行至尻骨五寸处，别入于肛门，归属于膀胱，散布于肾脏，沿着脊柱，当心处分散；直行者从脊柱上行出于项部，重新归属于太阳经，这是一经。足少阴肾经的正脉，至腘窝中别走太阳经，而汇合上行至肾脏，当第十四椎处外出归属于带脉；直行者系于舌根，复出出于项部，汇合于太阳经，这是一合。成以诸阴经的别络，都成为正脉。（这是膀胱与肾互为表里，所以其经脉相为一合。足太阳膀胱经的正脉，入于腘窝中，与足少阴肾经相合而上行，其另一条别道，下行至尻骨五寸处，正当承扶穴旁边，上行入肛门，内行于腹中，归属于膀胱，散布于肾脏，沿着脊柱，当心处分散，上行出于项部，又重新归属于本经太阳经，这是内外同为一经。足少阴肾经的正脉，自腘窝中汇合于太阳经内行，上行至肾脏，正当第十四椎旁肾俞穴旁边，外出归属于带脉，其直行者上行系于舌根，复出出于项部，汇合于太阳经，这是六合之一。然而有表必有里，有阳必有阴，所以诸阳经的正脉，必由诸阴经的别络来成就，这都是正脉相互离合，并非旁通交会的意思。其余仿照此例。）足少阳胆经的正脉，环绕大腿，进入阴毛际，汇合于足厥阴肝经；别行者进入季胁之间，沿着胸里，归属于胆，散布于上肝，穿过心脏，以上挟持咽喉，出于颐颔中，散布于面部，系于目系，汇合于少阳经于目外眦。足厥阴肝经的正脉，别出于足背，上行至阴毛际，汇合于足少阳胆经，与别行者共同运行，这是二合。（这是胆与肝二经互为表里，经脉相为一合。足少阳胆经环绕髀阳，进入阴毛际，与足厥阴肝经相合。其内行而别出的分支，乃自季胁入胸归属于胆，散布于上肝，由肝之上部系贯心脏，上行挟持咽喉，自颐颔中出散布于面部，上行系于目系，复合少阳本经于目外眦瞳子髎穴。足厥阴肝经的正脉，别出于足跗内行，上行至阴毛之际，汇合于足少阳胆经，与别行者共同运行，上行布散于胁肋，这是六合之二。）足阳明胃经的正脉，上行至大腿，进入腹里，归属于胃，散布于脾，上行通达于心，沿着咽喉，出于口，上行至目，还系于目，汇合于阳明经。足太阴脾经的正脉，上行至大腿，汇合于足阳明胃经，与别行者共同运行，上行结于咽喉，贯穿舌中，这是三合。（这是胃与脾二经表里相为一合。足阳明胃经上行至髀关，其内行者由气街入腹里，归属于胃，散布于脾，上行通达于心，沿着咽喉出于口，上行至承泣穴，进入承泣穴旁边，系于目系，为目下纲，以汇合于阳明本经。足太阴脾经的正脉，上行于股内侧，汇合于足阳明胃经，与别行者共同运行，上行至咽喉贯穿舌中，这是六合之三。）手太阳小肠经的正脉，指向地面，别出于肩解，进入腋窝走向心脏，系于小肠。手少阴心经的正脉，别入于渊腋两筋之间，归属于心脏，上行走喉咙，出于面部，汇合于目内眦，这是四合。（这是小肠与心表里经脉相为一合。指地，地属阴，居天之内。手太阳小肠经内行的经脉，别出于肩解，进入腋窝走向心脏，系于小肠，皆自上而下，自外而内，所以说“指地”。手少阴心经的正脉，自腋下三寸足少阳胆经渊腋穴旁边，行于两筋之间，内归属于心脏，与手太阳小肠经入腋走心的经脉相合，乃上行挟持于咽喉，出于面部，汇合于目内眦，这应当与足太阳膀胱经睛明穴相会了，这是六合之四。）手少阳三焦经的正脉，指向天空，别出于头顶，进入缺盆，下行走三焦，散布于胸中。手厥阴心包经的正脉，别出于渊腋三寸，进入胸中，别归属于三焦，出循喉咙，出于耳后，汇合于少阳经完骨穴之下，这是五合。（这是三焦与心包表里经脉相为一合。指天，天属阳，运于地之外。手少阳三焦经的正脉，上别出于头顶，进入缺盆，下行走三焦，散布于胸中，包罗脏腑之外，所以说“指天”。手厥阴心包经的正脉，其别而内行的分支，与手少阴心经的脉同自腋下三寸足少阳胆经渊腋穴旁边入胸中，归属于三焦，乃出循喉咙，行于耳后，汇合手、足少阳经于完骨穴之下，这是六合之五。）手阳明大肠经的正脉，从手沿着胸膺乳部，别出于肩贞穴，进入柱骨，下行走大肠，归属于肺，沿着喉咙，出于缺盆，汇合于阳明经。手太阴肺经的正脉，别入于渊腋手少阴心经之前，入走肺，散布于大肠。上行出于缺盆，沿着喉咙，复合于阳明经，这是六合。（这是大肠与肺为表里，经脉相为一合。手阳明大肠经的正脉，循胸前膺乳之间，其内行者别出于肩贞穴，进入柱骨，由缺盆下行走大肠，归属于肺，其上行者循喉咙，复出缺盆，而汇合于阳明本经。手太阴肺经的正脉，其内行者自天府穴别入渊腋，由手少阴心经之前入内走肺，散布于大肠，其上行者出缺盆，循喉咙，复合于手阳明经。以上共十二经，是为六合。）
十二经筋，足太阳膀胱经的筋起于足小趾，向上结于踝部，斜向上行，结于膝部，（足太阳膀胱经的筋起于足小趾爪甲之侧，即足太阳经脉所止之处至阴穴旁边。循足跗外侧上行结于外踝昆仑穴的分部，乃斜向上至跗阳穴而结于膝膑的分部。结，聚也。按，在十二经脉之外，又有所谓的经筋，为什么呢？大概经脉营行于表里，所以出入脏腑，依次相传；经筋连缀百骸，维络周身，各有定位，虽然经筋所行的部位多与经脉相同，然而其所结聚所旺盛之处，则惟四肢溪谷之间最为显著，因为筋会聚于关节。筋属木，其荣华表现在爪甲，所以十二经筋都起于四肢指爪之间，而后旺盛于辅骨，结于肘腕，系于膝关，联于肌肉，上行于颈项，终于头面，这是人身经筋的大略。筋有刚柔之分，刚性的用来束缚骨骼，柔性的用来相互维系，也犹如经有络，纲有纪，所以手足项背，直行附骨的筋都坚大，而胸腹头面，支别横络的筋都柔细。但是手、足十二经的筋又各有不同，如手、足三阳行于外侧，其筋多刚；手、足三阴行于内侧，其筋多柔，皆由肝所生，这就是经脉、经筋之所以不同的原因。）其下行者循足外踝，结于脚跟上方，循跟腱，结于腘窝。（其下行，指足跗之下。踵，即足跟之突出者，跟，即踵上之硬筋处也，乃仆参、申脉穴的分部。结于腘窝，即委中穴。）其别行者结于腘窝外侧，上行至腘窝中内侧，与主筋并行，（此即大筋之旁出者别为柔短筋，亦犹树木有枝也。后文所言别者、支者仿照此例。此支自外踝别行，由足肚之下尖处行于少阳经之后，结于腘窝外侧络穴飞阳穴的分部，乃上行至腘窝内侧廉，合大筋于委中穴而一之也。）上行结于臀部，尾骶骨旁，会阳穴的分部。）上行挟持脊柱，上行至项部。（挟持脊背，分左右上行至项，会合于督脉的陶道、大椎穴，此皆附着于脊柱的刚筋。）其分支别入内行，结于舌根。（其分支，自项部别入内行，与手少阳三焦经的筋结于舌根，散布于舌下。自此以上皆柔短之筋而散布于头面。）其直行者结于枕骨，上头下颜，结于鼻旁。（其直行者自项而上，与足少阴肾经的筋会合于脑后枕骨间，由是而上过于头，前下于颜，以结于鼻下之两旁也。额上称为颜。）其分支为目上纲，下行结于颧骨。（网，纲维也，所以约束目睫，司开阖者也。目下称为颧，即颧骨。此分支自通
The term "Zhi" (之) generally refers to the Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiao (Triple Burner). The Upper refers to the Shanzhong (Chest Center) acupoint, the Middle refers to the Zhongwan (Middle Elixir) acupoint, and the Lower refers to the area below the umbilicus. Therefore, the Yinjiao (Intersection of Yin) acupoint on the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) is the Mu (Alarm) point of the Sanjiao (Triple Burner). Its branch follows the chest, emerges from the hypochondrium, and descends three cun below the axilla. (The upper boundary of the hypochondrium is the axilla; three cun below the axilla is the Tianchi (Heavenly Pool) acupoint, where the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Channel begins.) It ascends to reach the axilla, follows the medial aspect of the arm, and runs between the Hand-Taiyin Lung Channel and the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Channel. (Ascending to reach Tianquan in the axilla, it follows the medial aspect of the arm, running between the Hand-Taiyin and Hand-Shaoyin channels, as among the Three Yin Channels of the Hand, the Jueyin is situated in the middle.) It enters the cubital fossa, descends along the forearm, and runs between the two tendons. (Entering the cubital fossa is Quze; descending along the forearm between the two tendons are Ximen, Jianshi, Neiguan, and Daling.) It enters the palm, follows the middle finger to its tip. (Entering the palm is Laogong; the tip of the middle finger is Zhongchong. The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Channel terminates here.) Another branch diverges from the palm, follows the ring finger to its tip. (The "ring finger" refers to the finger next to the little finger, i.e., the fourth finger. This branch diverges from Laogong, travels to the tip of the ring finger, and connects with the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel.)
The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel originates at the tip of the ring finger. (The Sanjiao belongs to the Hand-Shaoyang Channel and originates at Guanchong at the tip of the ring finger.) It ascends out between the two fingers. (This is between the little and ring fingers, where Yemen and Zhongzhu acupoints are located.) It follows the dorsal aspect of the wrist, emerges from between the two bones of the forearm. (The wrist on the dorsal aspect is Yangchi; between the two bones of the forearm are Waiguan and Zhigou acupoints.) It ascends through the elbow, follows the lateral aspect of the arm, ascends to the shoulder, and crosses behind the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel. (Ascending through the elbow at Tianjing, following the lateral aspect of the arm, it runs anterior to the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Channel and posterior to the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Channel, passing Qinglengyuan, Xiaoluo, and Naohui. Ascending to the shoulder, it passes Jianjing of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel and crosses behind the Foot-Shaoyang Channel at Tianliao.) It enters the Supraclavicular Fossa (Quepen), spreads in the Shanzhong, scatters and links with the Pericardium, descends through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Sanjiao. (Its internal path enters the Quepen, then descends laterally to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel, spreading in the Shanzhong and linking with the Pericardium, forming exterior-interior pairs. From the Upper Jiao, it descends through the diaphragm, follows the Middle Jiao downward, joins the Zheng Qi of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel to link with the Bladder, thereby regulating the Lower Jiao. Thus, Weiyang of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel serves as the lower auxiliary Shu point of the Sanjiao.) Its branch arises from the Shanzhong, ascends out of the Quepen, goes up the neck, attaches behind the ear, ascends straight out above the ear to the upper corner of the head, then curves down to the cheek/jaw. (Externally, this branch ascends from the Shanzhong, exits the Quepen, follows Tiannyou up the neck, meets the Dazhui of the Du Mai, follows Tiannyou, attaches behind the ear at Yifeng and Luxi, exits above the ear at Jiaosun, passes Xuanli and Hanyan of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel, descends to the cheek/jaw at Dicang, and meets the Quanliao region of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Channel.) Another branch enters the ear from behind the ear, exits in front of the ear, passes anterior to the Guest Master (Kemaren) acupoint, crosses the cheek, and reaches the outer canthus of the eye. (This branch enters the ear from Yifeng behind the ear, passes Tinggong of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Channel, exits in front of the ear at Ermen, passes Kemaren of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel, crosses the cheek, follows He'liao, ascends to Sizhukong, reaches the outer canthus, meets Tongziliao, where the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel terminates and connects with the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel.)
The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel originates at the outer canthus of the eye. (The Gallbladder Channel is the Foot-Shaoyang Channel, originating at Tongziliao at the outer canthus. The outer angle of the eye is called Ruishi/outer canthus.) It ascends to the frontal angle, descends behind the ear. (From the outer canthus, via Tinghui and Kemaren, it ascends to the frontal angle, follows Hanyan, descends to Xuanlu and Xuanli, enters Qubin and Lvgu at the hairline above the ear, passes Jiaosun of the Hand-Shaoyang Channel laterally, descends behind the ear, runs through Tiansheng, Fu Bai, Qiaoyin, and Wanggu. From Wanggu, it turns upward laterally, follows Benshen, advances to Yangbai, then turns inward and upward, follows Linqi, Mucuang, Zhengying, Chengling, and Naokong, and descends from Fengchi.) It follows the neck, runs anterior to the Hand-Shaoyang Channel, reaches the shoulder, crosses behind the Hand-Shaoyang Channel, and enters the Quepen. (From Fengchi along the neck, passing Tiannyou of the Hand-Shaoyang Channel, running anterior to the Shaoyang Channel, descending to the shoulder, following Jianjing, crossing behind the Hand-Shaoyang Channel, passing Dazhui of the Du Mai, meeting Bingfeng of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Channel, and entering anterior to the Quepen of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel.) Its branch enters the ear from behind the ear, exits in front of the ear, and reaches behind the outer canthus. (This branch passes Yifeng of the Hand-Shaoyang Channel in the temporal region behind the ear, enters the ear, passes Tinggong of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Channel, exits in front of the ear, returns from Tinghui to behind the outer canthus at Tongziliao.) Another branch diverges from the outer canthus, descends to Daying, merges with the Hand-Shaoyang Channel, and reaches Jiache. (Diverging from the outer canthus Tongziliao, it descends beside Daying of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel, passes through Sizhukong and Heliao of the Hand-Shaoyang Channel, and descends to Jiache.) It descends to Jiache, goes down the neck, merges with the Quepen. (The branch descending along the Foot-Yangming Channel merges at Xiaguan. From Jiache, it descends the neck, follows the anterior aspect of this channel, and merges with the branch that previously entered the Quepen, descending into the chest.) It descends into the chest, penetrates the diaphragm, links with the Liver, belongs to the Gallbladder, follows the interior of the hypochondrium, emerges at the Qichong (Groin) area, surrounds the pubic region, and enters horizontally into the hip joint. (Internally, from the Quepen, it descends into the chest, penetrating the diaphragm at the level of Tianchi of the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Channel, linking with the Liver at Qimen of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Channel. Belonging to the Gallbladder at Riyue of this channel, they form an exterior-interior pair. Following the hypochondrium interior, it descends via Zhangmen of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Channel, emerges at Qichong of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel, surrounds the pubic region, merges with the Foot-Jueyin Liver Channel, and enters horizontally into the Huantiao acupoint of the hip joint.) Its straight course descends from the Quepen to the axilla, follows the chest, passes the costal margin (Jixiong), and descends to merge with the hip joint. (Externally, descending from the Quepen to the axilla, following the chest, passing Yuanye, Zhejin, and Riyue, passing the costal margin, following Jingmen and Daipmai acupoints downward, entering Juliao, descending through Shangliao, Zhongliao, and Xialiao of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel, and merging with the branch that entered the hip joint.) It descends along the lateral thigh (Bi Yang), emerges at the lateral knee, descends anterior to the lateral fibular condyle. (Bi Yang refers to the lateral aspect of the thigh. The fibular condyle refers to the prominent bones on both sides below the knee. Running through the Bi Yang between the Taiyang and Yangming channels, it passes Zhongdu and Yangguan, emerges at the lateral knee, descends anterior to the lateral fibular condyle, starting from Yanglingquan and including Yangjiao acupoints.) It goes straight down to the end of the Juegu (Fibula), emerges anterior to the lateral malleolus, follows the dorsum of the foot, and enters between the little and ring toes. (The bone junction above the lateral malleolus is called Juegu; the end of the Juegu is the Yangfu acupoint. Descending through Xuanzhong, following Qiuxu and Zulinqi on the dorsum of the foot, it enters between the little and ring toes, reaching Qiaoyin, where the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel terminates.) Its branch diverges from the dorsum of the foot, enters between the big toe, follows the interosseous space of the big toe to its tip, returns to penetrate the nail bed, and emerges at the trichiasis (hair tuft). (The joint gap between the big toe and second toe is the interosseous space; the space two segments behind the big toenail is the trichiasis. This branch diverges from the dorsum of the foot, enters the big toe, follows the interosseous space internally, emerges at the tip of the big toe, returns to penetrate the nail bed, emerges at the trichiasis, and connects with the Foot-Jueyin Liver Channel.)
The Foot-Jueyin Liver Channel originates at the trichiasis of the big toe. (The Liver Channel is the Foot-Jueyin Channel, originating at Dadun at the trichiasis behind the nail groove of the big toe. Trichiasis is the same as the hair tuft.) It ascends along the medial border of the dorsum of the foot, one cun anterior to the medial malleolus. (The medial border of the dorsum of the foot contains Xingjian and Taichong; one cun anterior to the medial malleolus is Zhongfeng.) It ascends eight cun above the ankle, crosses behind the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Channel, and ascends along the medial aspect of the knee/thigh. (Ascending past the ankle, it passes Sanyinjiao of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Channel, passes Ligou and Zhongdu, ascends one more cun, crosses behind the Foot-Taiyin Channel, and ascends along the medial aspect of the knee/thigh to Xiguan and Ququan.) It follows the medial aspect of the thigh, enters the pubic region, passes the genitalia. (Medial thigh is Guyin. Following the medial thigh through Yinbao, Wuli, and Yinlian, it meets Chongmen and Fushé of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Channel, enters the Ji Mai in the pubic hair region, crosses left and right, surrounds the genitalia, and meets the Qugu of the Ren Mai.) It reaches the lower abdomen, flanks the Stomach, belongs to the Liver, and links with the Gallbladder. (Ascending from the yin region into the lower abdomen, it meets Zhongji and Guanyuan of the Ren Mai, follows Zhangmen to Qimen, flanks the Stomach, belongs to the Liver, and links with the Gallbladder at Riyue of the Foot-Shaoyang Channel, forming an exterior-interior relationship.) It penetrates the diaphragm, spreads in the hypochondrium. (Ascending from Qimen through the diaphragm, running outside the Shidou of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Channel and inside the Dabao, it spreads in the hypochondrium, ascending to Yuan Ye of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel and below Yunmen of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Channel, where the Foot-Jueyin Liver Channel acupoints terminate.) It follows the posterior aspect of the throat, ascends into the Hangsang (pharynx/epiglottis region), connects with the Eye System, ascends out of the forehead, and meets the Du Mai at the vertex. (Hangsang refers to the deep pharynx. The Eye System is the deep interior of the eye. Internally ascending from the hypochondrium, it runs outside the Renying of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel, follows the posterior throat, enters the Hangsang, runs outside Daying, Dicang, and Sibai of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel, internally connects with the Eye System, ascends outside Yangbai of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel and inside Linqi, and meets the Du Mai at Baihui on the vertex.) Its branch diverges from the Eye System, descends into the cheeks/lips, and circles inside the lips. (This branch descends from the Eye System region, outside the Ren Mai and inside this channel, descends into the cheeks/lips, and circles inside the oral lips.) Another branch diverges from the Liver, penetrates the diaphragm, and ascends to pour into the Lung. (Another branch diverges from the Qimen region belonging to the Liver, outside the Shidou of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Channel and inside this channel, penetrates the diaphragm, ascends to pour into the Lung, descends to the Middle Jiao, flanks the Zhongwan region, and reconnects with the Hand-Taiyin Lung Channel, completing one cycle of the Twelve Channels, ending and restarting.)
The Twelve Primary Channels are the basis of human life, the cause of disease formation, the means of treatment, and the resolution of illness; they are the beginning of learning and the limit of skilled practice.
Crude practitioners find them easy; superior practitioners find them difficult. (Channels are the branches and leaves of the Zang-Fu organs; Zang-Fu organs are the roots of the channels. Human life, disease formation, treatment, and recovery all depend on them. Thus, beginners must start here, and skilled experts also stop here. However, crude practitioners neglect them, considering them ordinary and easy to know; superior practitioners value them, considering their adaptability infinite. Therefore, the principles of ascent/descent, separation/convergence, and internal/external entry/exiting of the Twelve Channels are explained in detail again.)
The Zheng Qi (Correct Qi) of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel enters the popliteal fossa. One pathway descends five cun below the sacrum, enters the anus, belongs to the Bladder, scatters in the Kidney, follows the erector spinae muscles, and disperses at the heart level; the straight course ascends from the erector spinae to the nape, re-attaching to the Taiyang Channel. This constitutes one channel. The Zheng Qi of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Channel diverges at the popliteal fossa to join the Taiyang, ascends to the Kidney, emerges at the 14th vertebra to belong to the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); the straight course attaches to the root of the tongue, re-emerges at the nape, and merges with the Taiyang. This is one He (Union). The convergence of the Zheng Qi of the Yang channels is achieved by the divergent pathways of the Yin channels. (The Bladder and Kidney are exterior-interior pairs, so their channels form one union. The Zheng Qi of the Foot-Taiyang enters the popliteal fossa, merges with the Shaoyin and ascends. Another pathway descends five cun below the sacrum, near Chengfu, enters the anus, moves internally in the abdomen, belongs to the Bladder, scatters in the Kidney, follows the erector spinae, disperses at the heart, ascends to the nape, and re-attaches to the Taiyang, making the internal and external paths one channel. The Zheng Qi of the Foot-Shaoyin merges with the Taiyang internally at the popliteal fossa, ascends to the Kidney, emerges near the Shenshu at the 14th vertebra to belong to the Dai Mai. Its straight course attaches to the tongue root, re-emerges at the nape, and merges with the Taiyang, constituting one of the Six Unions. Since there must be exterior and interior, Yang and Yin, the Zheng Qi of the Yang channels is completed by the divergent pathways of the Yin channels. These are convergences and separations of the primary meridians, not collateral intersections. The rest follow this pattern.)
The Zheng Qi of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel circles the thigh, enters the pubic region, and merges with the Jueyin; a divergent path enters the costal margin, follows the chest interior, belongs to the Gallbladder, scatters over the Liver, penetrates the Heart, ascends to flank the throat, emerges in the jaw/cheek area, scatters on the face, attaches to the Eye System, and merges with the Shaoyang at the outer canthus. The Zheng Qi of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Channel diverges from the dorsum of the foot, ascends to the pubic region, merges with the Shaoyang, and travels together with the divergent path. This is the Second Union. (The Gallbladder and Liver are exterior-interior pairs. The Foot-Shaoyang circles the Bi Yang, enters the pubic region, and merges with the Foot-Jueyin. Its internal divergent path enters the chest from the costal margin, belongs to the Gallbladder, scatters over the Liver, penetrates the Heart from the Liver, ascends to flank the throat, emerges from the jaw/cheek to scatter on the face, attaches to the Eye System, and merges with the Shaoyang channel at the outer canthus Tongziliao. The Zheng Qi of the Foot-Jueyin diverges from the medial dorsum of the foot, ascends to the pubic hair region, merges with the Foot-Shaoyang, travels with the divergent path, spreads over the hypochondrium, constituting the Second of the Six Unions.)
The Zheng Qi of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel ascends to the thigh, enters the abdominal interior, belongs to the Stomach, scatters in the Spleen, ascends to connect with the Heart, follows the throat, emerges from the mouth, ascends to the eye, returns to attach to the eye, and merges with the Yangming. The Zheng Qi of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Channel ascends to the thigh, merges with the Yangming, travels with the divergent path, knots at the throat, penetrates the tongue, constituting the Third Union. (The Stomach and Spleen are exterior-interior pairs. The Foot-Yangming ascends to Biguan; its internal path enters the abdomen from Qichong, belongs to the Stomach, scatters in the Spleen, ascends to connect with the Heart, follows the throat, emerges from the mouth, ascends to Chengqi, enters the Chengqi region, attaches to the Eye System, forms the lower eyelid framework, and merges with the Yangming channel. The Zheng Qi of the Foot-Taiyin ascends the medial thigh, merges with the Foot-Yangming, travels with the divergent path, ascends to the throat and penetrates the tongue, constituting the Third of the Six Unions.)
The Zheng Qi of the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Channel points to the ground, diverges at the shoulder joint, enters the axilla, travels to the Heart, and attaches to the Small Intestine. The Zheng Qi of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Channel diverges into the space between two tendons at Yuanye, belongs to the Heart, ascends to the throat, emerges on the face, and merges at the inner canthus. This is the Fourth Union. (The Small Intestine and Heart are exterior-interior pairs. "Pointing to the ground" means Earth belongs to Yin, residing within Heaven. The internal path of the Hand-Taiyang diverges at the shoulder joint, enters the axilla, travels to the Heart, and attaches to the Small Intestine, all moving from top to bottom and outside to inside, hence "pointing to the ground." The Zheng Qi of the Hand-Shaoyin diverges three cun below the axilla, near Yuanye of the Foot-Shaoyang Channel, runs between two tendons, internally belongs to the Heart, merging with the Hand-Taiyang's path to the Heart. It then ascends flanking the throat, emerges on the face, and merges at the inner canthus, which should meet the Jingming of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel. This is the Fourth of the Six Unions.)
The Zheng Qi of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Channel points to the sky, diverges at the vertex, enters the Quepen, descends to travel the Sanjiao, and scatters in the chest. The Zheng Qi of the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Channel diverges three cun below Yuanye, enters the chest, diverges to belong to the Sanjiao, exits following the throat, emerges behind the ear, and merges with the Shaoyang below the Wanggu. This is the Fifth Union. (The Sanjiao and Pericardium are exterior-interior pairs. "Pointing to the sky" means Heaven belongs to Yang, operating outside the Earth. The Zheng Qi of the Hand-Shaoyang diverges at the vertex, enters the Quepen, descends to travel the Sanjiao, and scatters in the chest, encompassing the organs externally, hence "pointing to the sky." The Zheng Qi of the Hand-Jueyin, its internal divergent path, like the Shaoyin, enters the chest three cun below the axilla near Yuanye of the Foot-Shaoyang Channel, belongs to the Sanjiao, exits following the throat, runs behind the ear, and merges with the Hand and Foot Shaoyang channels below Wanggu. This is the Fifth of the Six Unions.)
The Zheng Qi of the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Channel follows the chest and breast from the hand, diverges at Jianzhen, enters the vertebral column, descends to travel the Large Intestine, belongs to the Lung, follows the throat, emerges from the Quepen, and merges with the Yangming. The Zheng Qi of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Channel diverges into Yuanye anterior to the Shaoyin, travels to the Lung, scatters in the Large Intestine. Ascending out of the Quepen, it follows the throat and merges with the Yangming. This is the Sixth Union. (The Large Intestine and Lung are exterior-interior pairs. The Zheng Qi of the Hand-Yangming follows the chest/breast; its internal path diverges at Jianzhen, enters the vertebral column, descends from the Quepen to travel the Large Intestine, belongs to the Lung. Its ascending path follows the throat, re-emerges from the Quepen, and merges with the Yangming channel. The Zheng Qi of the Hand-Taiyin, its internal path, diverges from Tianfu into Yuanye, enters the Lung anterior to the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Channel, scatters in the Large Intestine. Its ascending path exits the Quepen, follows the throat, and merges with the Hand-Yangming Channel. Together, these twelve channels constitute the Six Unions.)
The Twelve Muscle Regions (Jin):
The Jin of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel originates at the little toe, ascends to knot at the ankle, obliquely ascends to knot at the knee. (Originating at the lateral side of the nail of the little toe, near the Zhiyin acupoint where the Foot-Taiyang Channel ends. Following the lateral dorsum of the foot, it knots at Kunlun of the lateral malleolus, then obliquely ascends to Fuyang and knots at the patellar region. Knot means gather. Note: Beyond the Twelve Channels, why are there Muscle Regions? Channels circulate Ying Qi in the interior and exterior, entering and exiting Zang-Fu organs in sequence. Muscle Regions connect the skeleton, surround the body, and have fixed locations. Although their paths often overlap with channels, they are most prominent at the valleys and joints of the limbs because sinews gather at joints. Sinews belong to Wood, their luster appears in the nails, so all Twelve Muscle Regions originate at the fingertips/toenails, become prominent at the accessory bones, knot at elbows/wrists, attach at knee joints, link to muscles, ascend to the neck/nape, and end at the head/face. This is the general outline of the body's muscle regions. Sinews have hardness and softness; hard ones bind bones, soft ones support each other, just as Channels have Collaterals and Nets have Threads. Thus, sinews running straight along the bones of the hands, feet, neck, and back are large and firm, while those branching transversely in the chest, abdomen, head, and face are soft and fine. However, the sinews of the Hand and Foot Twelve Channels differ: those of the Three Yang channels run externally and are mostly hard; those of the Three Yin channels run internally and are mostly soft. All are generated by the Liver, which explains the difference between Channels and Muscle Regions.) Its descending path follows the lateral malleolus, knots at the heel, follows the Achilles tendon, and knots at the popliteal fossa. (Descending refers to the sole of the foot. Heel is the protrusion of the calcaneus; Gen is the hard tendon above the heel, corresponding to Pucan and Shenmai. Knotting at the popliteal fossa corresponds to Weizhong.) Its divergent path knots at the lateral aspect of the popliteal fossa, ascends to the medial aspect of the calf, merging with the main tendon. (This is a soft short tendon branching from the large tendon, like branches on a tree. Subsequent divergent/branch paths follow this example. This branch diverges from the lateral malleolus, runs posterior to the Shaoyang Channel at the sharp point below the calf muscle, knots at the Feiyang acupoint (Luo point) on the lateral side of the popliteal fossa, ascends to the medial aspect of the calf, and merges with the large tendon at Weizhong.) It ascends to knot at the buttocks, beside the coccyx at Huiyang. It ascends flanking the spine to the nape. (Flanking the back, ascending left and right to the nape, meeting the Dazhui and Taodao of the Du Mai, these are the firm sinews attached to the spine.) Its branch enters internally, knotting at the root of the tongue. (This branch diverges from the nape, moves internally, knots with the Hand-Shaoyang Jin at the tongue root, and scatters under the tongue. Above this point, all are soft sinews scattering on the head/face.) Its straight course knots at the occiput, ascends to the head, descends to the forehead, and knots at the nose. (Straight course ascends from the nape, merges with the Foot-Shaoyin Jin at the occiput, ascends over the head, descends anteriorly to the forehead, and knots at the sides below the nose. Forehead is Yan.) Its branch forms the upper eyelid net, descending to knot at the cheekbone. (Net refers to the framework constraining the eyelids, controlling opening and closing. Below the eye is Quan, i.e., the zygomatic bone. This branch starts from... [text cuts off])