论曰刺有九变十二节，九变者，一曰输刺，谓刺诸经荥输脏俞也。二曰远道刺，谓病在
上取之下，刺腑俞也。三曰经刺，谓刺大经之结络经分也。四曰络刺，谓刺小络之血脉也。
五曰分刺，谓刺分肉之间也。六曰大泻刺，谓刺大脓以铍针也。七曰毛刺，谓刺浮痹皮肤也。
八曰巨刺，谓左取右右取左也。九曰淬刺，谓燔针取痹也，十二节者。一曰偶刺，以手直
心若背，直痛所，一刺前，一刺后，以治心痹，刺此者旁针之也。二曰报刺，刺痛无常处也，
上下行者，直内，无拔针，以左手随病所按之，乃出针复刺之也。三曰恢刺，直刺傍之举之
，前后恢筋急，以治筋痹。四曰齐刺，直入一，傍入二，以治寒气小深者，或曰三刺，治痹
气小深者也。五曰扬刺，正内一，傍内四而浮之，以治寒气之博大者也。六曰直针刺，引皮
乃刺之，以治寒气之浅者也。七曰输刺，直入直出，稀发针而深之，以治气盛而热者也。八
曰短刺，以刺骨痹，稍摇而深之，致针骨所，以上下摩骨也。九曰浮刺，傍入而浮之，以治
肌急而寒者也。十曰阴刺，左右率刺之，以治寒厥，取足踝后少阴也。十一曰傍针刺，直刺
傍刺各一，以治留痹久居者也。十二曰赞刺，直入直出，数发针而浅之出血，是谓治痈肿也
，脉所居深不见者，刺之微内针而久留之，以致其空脉气，脉浅者勿刺，按绝其脉乃刺之，
无令精出，独出其邪气尔，所谓三刺则谷气出者，先浅刺绝皮，以出阳邪，再刺则阴邪
出者，少益深绝皮，至肌肉，未入分肉间，已入分肉间，则谷气出，故刺法曰，始刺浅之，
以逐邪气而来血气，复刺深之，以致阴气之邪，最后刺极深之，以下谷气也，三刺之外，又
有五刺之法，以应五脏。一曰半刺，浅内而疾发针，无针伤肉如拔毛状，以取皮气，此肺之
应也。二曰豹纹刺，左右前后针之，中脉为故，以取经络之血，此心之应也。三曰关刺，直
刺左右尽筋上，以取筋痹，慎无出血，此肝之应也，或曰渊刺。一曰岂刺，四曰合谷刺，左
右鸡足，针于分肉之间，以取饥痹，此脾之应也，五曰输刺，直入直出，深内之至骨，以取
骨痹，此肾之应也，既别刺法，当顺四时，春夏秋冬，各有所刺，春气在经脉，宜取络脉分
肉，所谓春刺散俞，及与分理血出而止是也，夏气在孙络，宜取盛经分腠，所谓夏刺络俞见
血而止是也，秋气在皮肤，宜取经俞，所谓秋刺皮肤，循理神变而止是也，冬气在骨髓，宜
取井荥，所谓冬刺俞窍于分理是也，至于长夏气在肌肉，刺亦有分，是乃浅深之分也，又有
春刺井，夏刺荥，长夏刺俞，秋刺经，冬刺合者，是亦四时之分在穴 也，阴井木，阳井金
，播五行于四时，以此为宜，苟非其部分而刺之，皆病之招也，审此数者，然后用刺，庶乎
适当，无或失矣。
论述说：针刺有九种变化（九变）和十二种法度（十二节）。所谓“九变”，第一种叫输刺，是指针刺各经脉的荥穴、输穴以及五脏的背俞穴。第二种叫远道刺，是指病位在上部而取下部穴位，针刺六腑的背俞穴。第三种是经刺，是指针刺大经脉中结聚的络脉及经分部位。第四种是络刺，是指针刺细小的络脉中的血液。第五种是分刺，是指针刺肌肉之间的间隙。第六种是大泻刺，是指用铍针刺破大的脓包。第七种是毛刺，是指浅刺皮肤以治疗浮浅的痹证。第八种是巨刺，是指左侧有病取右侧穴位，右侧有病取左侧穴位（交叉取穴）。第九种是淬刺，是指烧红针具后迅速刺入以治疗痹证。
所谓“十二节”，第一种叫偶刺，用手按住心脏部位或背部，正对疼痛处，前胸刺一针，后背刺一针，用来治疗心痹，这种刺法是旁侧进针。第二种叫报刺，是指疼痛位置不固定，上下走窜的病症，直刺进针不拔出，用左手随着病痛移动的位置按压，然后拔出针再重新刺入。第三种叫恢刺，直刺并左右提插摇动，前后松解拘急的筋脉，用来治疗筋痹。第四种叫齐刺，直刺一针，旁边斜刺两针，用来治疗寒气深小者，也有人称为三刺，用于治疗病邪小而深的痹证。第五种叫扬刺，正中刺一针，周围刺四针且浅刺，用来治疗寒气博大者。第六种叫直针刺，牵引皮肤后进针，用来治疗寒气浅表者。第七种叫输刺（此处指另一种用法），直进直出，稀疏地深刺，用来治疗气盛而有热证的病症。第八种叫短刺，用来治疗骨痹，轻微摇动针身并深入，使针尖到达骨骼，上下摩擦骨骼。第九种叫浮刺，从旁侧进针而浅刺，用来治疗肌肉拘急兼有寒邪的病症。第十种叫阴刺，左右同时针刺，用来治疗寒厥，选取足踝后的少阴经穴位。第十一种叫傍针刺，直刺一针，旁边斜刺一针，用来治疗久留不去的痹证。第十二种叫赞刺，直进直出，多次快速浅刺出血，这是用来治疗痈肿的方法。
对于脉象位置深而看不见的，微细进针并长时间留针，以引出空虚脉道的正气；脉象浅表的不要刺，先按压阻断其脉气然后再刺，不要让精气外泄，只排出邪气罢了。所谓“三刺则谷气出”，第一次浅刺穿透表皮，以排出阳邪；第二次稍加深刺穿透表皮，到达肌肉层但未进入分肉之间时，若已进入分肉间，则谷气出现。所以针刺法则说：开始浅刺，以驱逐邪气并引导血气到来；再次深刺，以引出阴分之邪；最后极深地刺，以调动谷气。在三刺之外，又有五种刺法，以对应五脏。第一种叫半刺，浅进针并快速出针，不伤及肌肉，状如拔毛，以获取皮部之气，这是与肺相应的刺法。第二种叫豹纹刺，在左右前后多处针刺，以刺中脉络为度，以获取经络之血，这是与心相应的刺法。第三种叫关刺，直刺左右尽筋之处，以治疗筋痹，务必小心不要出血，这是与肝相应的刺法，也有人称为渊刺或岂刺。第四种叫合谷刺，呈鸡足状向左右分刺，针于分肉之间，以治疗肌痹，这是与脾相应的刺法。第五种叫输刺，直进直出，深刺至骨，以治疗骨痹，这是与肾相应的刺法。
既然区分了各种刺法，就应当顺应四季的变化。春、夏、秋、冬各有适宜的刺法。春季人气在经脉，适宜取络脉和分肉，所谓“春刺散俞，及与分理，血出而止”。夏季人气在孙络，适宜取盛经和分腠，所谓“夏刺络俞，见血而止”。秋季人气在皮肤，适宜取经俞，所谓“秋刺皮肤，循理神变而止”。冬季人气在骨髓，适宜取井穴和荥穴，所谓“冬刺俞窍于分理”。至于长夏，人气在肌肉，刺法也有分别，这是深浅的区别。又有“春刺井，夏刺荥，长夏刺俞，秋刺经，冬刺合”的说法，这也是四时与穴位的对应关系。阴经的井穴属木，阳经的井穴属金，将五行播撒于四时之中，以此为宜。如果不是按照这些部位规律而乱刺，都是招致疾病的原因。审慎考察这些原则，然后施行针刺，差不多就能恰当适当，不会失误了。
It is stated that acupuncture has nine variations (Jiu Bian) and twelve segments/methods (Shi Er Jie). The "nine variations" are as follows: First, Shu Ci (Acupuncture at Shu points), which refers to needling the Ying-Spring and Shu points of various meridians and the Back-Shu points of the Zang organs. Second, Yuan Dao Ci (Distal Acupuncture), which refers to treating diseases located in the upper part by selecting points in the lower part, specifically needling the Back-Shu points of the Fu organs. Third, Jing Ci (Meridian Acupuncture), which refers to needling the collaterals and meridian divisions where large meridians are knotted or obstructed. Fourth, Luo Ci (Collateral Acupuncture), which refers to pricking the blood vessels of small collateral networks. Fifth, Fen Ci (Compartment Acupuncture), which refers to needling between the muscle compartments. Sixth, Da Xie Ci (Major Draining Acupuncture), which refers to using a Pi needle (a flat surgical knife-like needle) to puncture large abscesses. Seventh, Mao Ci (Hair Acupuncture), which refers to superficial needling of the skin to treat floating Bi syndrome (obstruction syndrome). Eighth, Ju Ci (Great Crossing Acupuncture), which refers to cross-needling, i.e., treating the left side by needling the right and vice versa. Ninth, Cui Ci (Cauterizing Acupuncture), which refers to heating the needle until red before insertion to treat Bi syndrome.
The "twelve segments" are as follows: First, Ou Ci (Paired Acupuncture), placing hands directly over the heart or back opposite the pain site, inserting one needle anteriorly and one posteriorly to treat Heart Bi; this involves paracentesis. Second, Bao Ci (Reporting Acupuncture), used for pain with no fixed location that migrates up and down; the needle is inserted vertically without withdrawal, while the left hand presses along the moving pain site, then the needle is withdrawn and re-inserted. Third, Hui Ci (Expanding Acupuncture), involving vertical insertion with lateral manipulation to relax tense sinews anteriorly and posteriorly, used to treat Sinew Bi. Fourth, Qi Ci (Aligned Acupuncture), consisting of one vertical needle and two oblique needles, used for shallow but deep-penetrating cold pathogens; also known as San Ci (Three Needles), used for Bi syndrome with shallow but deep-seated pathogens. Fifth, Yang Ci (Dispersing Acupuncture), involving one central needle and four surrounding superficial needles, used for extensive cold pathogens. Sixth, Zhi Zhen Ci (Direct Needle Acupuncture), pulling the skin taut before needling, used for superficial cold pathogens. Seventh, Shu Ci (Shu Acupuncture - distinct from the first variation), involving direct insertion and withdrawal with sparse needling and deep penetration, used for conditions with excess Qi and heat. Eighth, Duan Ci (Short Acupuncture), used for Bone Bi, involving slight rocking and deep insertion to reach the bone, followed by rubbing against the bone. Ninth, Fu Ci (Floating Acupuncture), inserting obliquely and superficially, used for muscle tension accompanied by cold. Tenth, Yin Ci (Yin Acupuncture), needling both sides simultaneously, used for Cold Jue (cold extremities), selecting the Shaoyin points behind the ankle. Eleventh, Bang Zhen Ci (Paralleling Needle Acupuncture), one vertical and one oblique needle, used for chronic, lingering Bi syndrome. Twelfth, Zan Ci (Assisting Acupuncture), involving direct insertion and withdrawal with frequent, shallow pricking to induce bleeding, used to treat carbuncles and swelling.
For pulses located deeply and not visible, insert the needle slightly and retain it for a long time to draw out the Qi of the empty vessel; do not needle superficial pulses; instead, press to occlude the pulse before needling, ensuring no essence escapes, only expelling the pathogenic Qi. Regarding the concept that "after three insertions, Gu Qi (Grain Qi) emerges": the first shallow insertion penetrates the epidermis to expel Yang pathogens; the second insertion goes slightly deeper, penetrating the epidermis to the muscle layer but not yet entering the muscle intervals; once inside the muscle intervals, Gu Qi emerges. Thus, the acupuncture method states: begin with shallow needling to drive out pathogenic Qi and attract healthy Blood and Qi; proceed with deeper needling to address Yin pathogens; finally, needle extremely deeply to mobilize Gu Qi. Beyond these three stages, there are five additional needling methods corresponding to the Five Zang organs. First, Ban Ci (Half Acupuncture), shallow insertion and rapid withdrawal without injuring the muscle, resembling plucking hair, to obtain Qi from the skin level; this corresponds to the Lung. Second, Bao Wen Ci (Leopard Pattern Acupuncture), needling around left, right, front, and back, aiming at the vessels to drain blood from the meridians; this corresponds to the Heart. Third, Guan Ci (Gate Acupuncture), vertical insertion at the tendons on either side to treat Sinew Bi, taking care not to cause bleeding; this corresponds to the Liver, also known as Yuan Ci or Qi Ci. Fourth, He Gu Ci (Union Valley Acupuncture), inserting in a chicken-foot pattern into the muscle compartments to treat Muscle Bi; this corresponds to the Spleen. Fifth, Shu Ci (Shu Acupuncture), direct insertion and withdrawal, deep penetration to the bone, to treat Bone Bi; this corresponds to the Kidney.
Having distinguished these needling methods, one must conform to the Four Seasons. Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter each have specific indications. In Spring, Qi resides in the meridians; it is appropriate to select collaterals and muscle compartments, described as "Spring needling disperses Shu points and tissue planes, stopping when blood appears." In Summer, Qi resides in the Sun-Luo (Plexus Collaterals); it is appropriate to select full meridians and interstices, described as "Summer needling collaterals and Shu points, stopping when blood appears." In Autumn, Qi resides in the skin; it is appropriate to select Meridian Shu points, described as "Autumn needling the skin, following the grain until spiritual transformation occurs." In Winter, Qi resides in the marrow; it is appropriate to select Jing-Well and Ying-Spring points, described as "Winter needling Shu apertures within the tissue planes." For Late Summer, Qi resides in the muscles, and needling depth varies accordingly. Additionally, the principle of "Spring needling Jing-Well, Summer needling Ying-Spring, Late Summer needling Shu, Autumn needling Jing, and Winter needling He" reflects the correspondence between seasons and acupoints. The Jing-Well point of Yin meridians belongs to Wood, and the Jing-Well point of Yang meridians belongs to Metal, distributing the Five Phases across the four seasons appropriately. If one needles without adhering to these positional rules, it will invite disease. By carefully examining these principles before applying needling, one can achieve appropriateness and avoid error.