窃闻人之生也。藉五行而化育。仗四大以成形。是故灵素视形容。观体态。内则以脏分五行。外则以形合
五脏。如肺合皮。脾合肉。心合脉。肝合筋。肾合骨。皮者肺之部。肉者脾之部。脉者心之部。筋者肝之部。骨者
肾之部。皆以形体分脏腑也。然脏腑之经络。营运于形体。则形体之部位。又当分脏腑之经络。谨按灵枢
经脉篇曰。肺手太阴之脉。起于中焦。下络大肠。还循胃口。上膈。属肺。从肺系横出腋下。下循 内。行少阴
心主之前。下肘中。循臂内。上骨下廉。入寸口。上鱼。循鱼际。出大指之端。其支者。从腕后直出次指内廉。出
其端。大肠手阳明之脉。起于大指次指之端。循指上廉。出合谷两骨之间。上入两筋之中。循臂上廉。入肘
外廉。上 外前廉。上肩出 骨之前廉。上出于柱骨之会上。下入缺盆。络肺。下膈。属大肠。其支者。从缺盆
上颈。贯颊。入下齿中。还出挟口。交人中。左之右。右之左。上挟鼻孔。胃足阳明之脉。起于鼻之交 中。旁约
太阳之脉。下循鼻外。上入齿中。还出挟口环唇。下交承浆。却循颐后下廉。出大迎。循颊车。上耳前。过客主
人。循发际。至额颅。其支者。从大迎前下人迎。循喉咙。入缺盆。下膈。属胃。络脾。其直者。从缺盆下乳内廉。下
挟脐。入气街中。其支者。起于胃口。下循腹里。下至气街中。而合以下脾关。抵伏兔。下膝膑中。下循胫外廉。
下足跗。入中趾内间。其支者。下廉三寸。而别下入中趾外间。其支者。别跗上。入大趾间。出其端。脾足太阴
之脉。起于大趾之端。循指内侧白肉际。过核骨后。上内踝前廉。上 内。循胫骨后。交出厥阴之前。上膝股
内前廉。入腹。属脾。络胃上膈。挟咽。连舌本。散舌下。其支者。复从胃。别上膈。注心中。心手少阴之脉。起于心
中。出属心系。下膈。络小肠。其支者。从心系上挟咽。系目系。其直者。复从心系却上肺。下出腋下。下循 内
后廉。行手太阴心主之后。下肘内。循臂内后廉。抵掌后锐骨之端。入掌内后廉。循小指之内。出其端。小肠
手太阳之脉。起于小指之端。循手外侧。上腕出踝中。直上循臂骨上廉。出肘内侧两筋之间。上循 外后
廉。出肩解。绕肩胛。交肩上。入缺盆。络心。循咽下膈抵胃。属小肠。其支者。从缺盆。循颈上颊。至目锐 。却入
耳中。其支者。别颊上 抵鼻。至目内 。斜络于颧。膀胱足太阳之脉。起于目内 。上额交巅。其支者。从巅
至耳上角。其直者。从巅入络脑。还出别下项。循肩膊。内挟脊。抵腰中。入循膂。络肾。属膀胱。其支者。从腰中
下挟脊。贯臀入 中。其支者。从膊内左右。别下贯胛。挟脊内过髀枢。循髀外。从后廉。下合 中。以下贯
内。出外踝之后。循京骨至小指外侧。肾足少阴之脉。起于小趾之下。斜趋足心。出于然骨之下。循内踝之
后。别入跟中。以上 内。出 内廉。上股内后廉。贯脊。属肾络膀胱。其直者。从肾上贯肝膈。入肺中。循喉咙。
挟舌本。其支者。从肺出络心。注胸中。心主手厥阴心包络之脉。起于胸中。出属心包络。下膈历络三焦。其
支者。循胸中。出胁下腋三寸。上抵腋下。循 内。行太阴少阴之间。入肘中。下臂行两筋之间。入掌中。循中
指。出其端。其支者。别掌中。循小指次指出其端。三焦手少阳之脉。起于小指次指之端。上出两指之间。循
手表腕。出臂外两骨之间。上贯肘。循 外上肩。而交出足少阳之后。入缺盆。布膻中。散络心包。下膈。循属
三焦。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 。其支者。从耳后入耳中。出走
耳前。过客主人前。交颊至目锐 。胆足少阳之脉。起于目锐 。上抵头角。下耳后。循颈行手少阳之前。至
肩上。却交出手少阳之后。入缺盆。其支者。从耳后入耳中。出走耳前。至目锐 后。其支者。别锐 。下人迎。
合手少阳。抵于 下。加颊车。下颈合缺盆。以下胸中。贯膈络肝属胆。循胁里。出气街。绕毛际。入髀厌中。其
直者。从缺盆下腋。循胸过季胁。下合髀厌中。以下循髀阳出膝外廉。下外辅骨之前。直下抵绝骨之端。下
出外踝之前。循足跗上入小指次指之间。其支者。别跗上入大指之间。循大指歧骨内。出其端。还爪甲。出
三毛。肝足厥阴之脉。起于大趾丛毛之际。上循足跗上廉。去内踝一寸。上踝八寸。交出太阴之后。上 内
廉。循股阴。入毛中。过阴器。抵小腹。挟胃属肝络胆。上贯膈。布胁肋。循喉咙之后。上入颃颡。连目系。上出额。
与督脉会于巅。其支者。从目系下颊里。环唇内。其支者。复从肝。别贯膈。上注肺。阴阳相贯。如环无端。其流
溢之气。入于奇经。转相灌溉。奇经凡八脉。阴维、阳维、阴跷、阳跷、冲也、任也、督也、带也。阳维起于诸阳之会。
由外踝而上行于卫分。阴维起于诸阴之交。由内踝而上行于营分。所以为一身之纲维也。阳跷起于跟
中。循外踝而上行于身之左右。阴跷起于跟中。循内踝而上行于身之左右。所以使机关之跷捷也。督脉
起于会阴。循背而行于身之后。为阳脉之总督。故曰阳脉之海。任脉起于会阴。循腹而行于身之前。为阴
脉之承任。故曰阴脉之海。冲脉起于会阴。夹脐而行。直冲于上。为诸脉之冲要。故曰十二经脉之海。带脉
则横围于腰。状如束带。所以总约诸脉者也。于是乎因经络以分部位。按部位而知经络。或以经络分脏
腑。或以形体分脏腑。而凡证候之殊。形容之异。与夫痘疹痈疽一切病患。皆可由是而察焉。黄帝曰。经脉
者。所以能决死生。处百病。调虚实。不可不通。谚曰。不熟十二经络。开口动手便错。医寄死生。可不加之意乎。
我听说人的生存，依靠五行的化育，凭借地、水、火、风“四大”要素来形成形体。因此，《灵枢》和《素问》观察人的容貌体态，内在以五脏对应五行，外在以形体合于五脏。例如：肺合应于皮，脾合应于肉，心合应于脉，肝合应于筋，肾合应于骨。皮是肺的所属部位，肉是脾的所属部位，脉是心的所属部位，筋是肝的所属部位，骨是肾的所属部位。这都是通过形体来区分脏腑的方法。然而，脏腑的经络在形体中运行，所以形体的部位又应当根据脏腑的经络来划分。谨按照《灵枢·经脉篇》记载：手太阴肺经，起于中焦，向下联络大肠，回过来沿着胃的上口，穿过膈肌，属于肺；从肺系（气管喉咙部）横出腋下，沿上臂内侧下行，行在手少阴心经和手厥阴心包经的前面，下至肘窝中，沿前臂内侧下行，入寸口，上达鱼际，沿鱼际边缘，出大拇指尖端；其支脉，从腕后直出食指内侧边缘，出其尖端。手阳明大肠经，起于食指尖端，沿食指上侧边缘，出于合谷穴两骨之间，上行进入两筋之中，沿前臂上侧边缘，入肘外侧边缘，沿上臂外侧前侧边缘，上肩，出肩峰前缘，向上出于颈椎大椎穴会合处，向下入缺盆，联络肺，穿过膈肌，属于大肠；其支脉，从缺盆上颈，穿过面颊，进入下齿龈中，回转出来夹着口唇，交叉于人中穴，左边的经脉向右，右边的经脉向左，上行夹着鼻孔。足阳明胃经，起于鼻翼两侧交睛明穴处，旁侧约略与足太阳膀胱经相交，沿鼻外侧下行，进入上齿龈中，回转出来夹着口唇环绕嘴唇，在下部交会于承浆穴，退后沿下颌后下缘，出大迎穴，沿颊车穴，上行耳前，经过客主人穴（上关穴），沿发际，至额颅；其支脉，从大迎穴前下方出人迎穴，沿喉咙，入缺盆，穿过膈肌，属于胃，联络脾；其直行者，从缺盆下行乳内侧面，下行夹脐两旁，入气街（腹股沟动脉搏动处）；其支脉，起于胃的下口，沿腹腔内下行，至气街中，与直行脉会合，下行经过髀关穴，抵伏兔穴，下至膝盖髌骨中，沿胫骨外侧边缘下行，下至足背，入中趾内侧间隙；其支脉，从膝下三寸处分出，别行向下进入中趾外侧间隙；其支脉，从足背上分出，进入大趾间，出其尖端。足太阴脾经，起于大趾尖端，沿趾内侧白肉际，过核骨（第一跖骨基底）后方，上内踝前缘，沿小腿内侧前缘，沿胫骨后侧，交出足厥阴肝经之前，上膝大腿内侧前缘，入腹部，属于脾，联络胃，穿过膈肌，夹咽喉两旁，连舌根，散布舌下；其支脉，又从胃部分出，上穿膈肌，注入心中。手少阴心经，起于心内，出而归属于心系（心脏与其他脏器相连的组织），穿过膈肌，联络小肠；其支脉，从心系上挟咽喉，联系目系（眼球连系脑部的脉络）；其直行者，又从心系退回上行肺，下出腋下，沿上臂内侧后缘，行在手太阴肺经和手厥阴心包经之后，下至肘内，沿前臂内侧后缘，抵掌后高骨（豌豆骨）端，入掌内后侧边缘，沿小指内侧，出其尖端。手太阳小肠经，起于小趾尖端，沿手外侧，上腕，出尺骨茎突中，直上沿前臂骨上侧边缘，出肘内侧两筋之间，沿上臂外侧后侧边缘，出肩关节解溪处，绕肩胛，交会肩上，入缺盆，联络心，沿食管下行穿过膈肌，抵胃，属于小肠；其支脉，从缺盆沿颈上颊，至目外眦，却入耳中；其支脉，从面颊部分出，上行颧骨，抵鼻，至目内眦，斜络于颧骨。足太阳膀胱经，起于目内眦，上额，交会于巅顶；其支脉，从巅顶至耳上角；其直行者，从巅顶入络脑，复出分别下行项部，沿肩膊内侧，挟脊柱，抵腰中，入循脊内肌肉，联络肾，属于膀胱；其支脉，从腰中下行，挟脊柱，穿过臀部，入腘窝中；其支脉，从膊内左右分别下行，穿过肩胛，挟脊柱内侧，过髋关节，沿大腿外侧后缘，下行合于腘窝中，以下穿过小腿肚，出外踝后方，沿京骨穴至小趾外侧。足少阴肾经，起于小趾之下，斜趋足心，出于然骨（舟骨粗隆）之下，沿内踝后方，别入跟中，以上小腿内侧，出内踝上缘，上大腿内侧后缘，穿过脊柱，属于肾，联络膀胱；其直行者，从肾上行穿过肝和膈肌，进入肺中，沿喉咙，夹舌根旁；其支脉，从肺分出联络心，注入胸中。手厥阴心包经，起于胸中，出而归属于心包络，穿过膈肌，依次联络上、中、下三焦；其支脉，沿胸中走出胁部腋下三寸处，上抵腋下，沿上臂内侧，行于手太阴肺经和手少阴心经之间，入肘中，下行前臂，行于两筋之间，入掌中，沿中指，出其尖端；其支脉，从掌中分出，沿无名指出其尖端。手少阳三焦经，起于无名指尖端，上出两指之间，沿手腕背面，出前臂外侧两骨之间，上贯肘，沿上臂外侧上肩，而交出足少阳胆经之后，入缺盆，分布于膻中，散络心包，穿过膈肌，依次属络上、中、下三焦；其支脉，从膻中上出缺盆，上项，系耳后，直上出耳上角，以屈折下颊至眶下；其支脉，从耳后入耳中，出走耳前，过客主人穴前，交颊至目外眦。足少阳胆经，起于目外眦，上抵头角，下耳后，沿颈行于手少阳三焦经之前，至肩上，却交出手少阳三焦经之后，入缺盆；其支脉，从耳后入耳中，出走耳前，至目外眦后方；其支脉，从目外眦分出，下人迎穴，合于手少阳三焦经，抵于下颌角下方，加颊车穴，下颈合缺盆，以下入胸中，穿过膈肌，联络肝，属于胆，沿胁里，出气街，绕毛际，入髋关节中；其直行者，从缺盆下腋，沿胸过季胁，下行合于髋关节中，以下沿大腿外侧，出膝外侧边缘，下外辅骨（腓骨）之前，直下抵绝骨（腓骨下端）端，下出外踝之前，沿足背入小趾次趾之间；其支脉，从足背分出入大趾之间，沿大趾歧骨内，出其尖端，还至爪甲，出丛毛处。足厥阴肝经，起于大趾丛毛处，上沿足背外侧边缘，距内踝一寸，上踝八寸，交出足太阴脾经之后，上大腿内侧边缘，沿股阴，入毛中，过阴器，抵小腹，夹胃，属于肝，联络胆，上穿过膈肌，分布胁肋，沿喉咙后面，上入颃颡（鼻咽部），连目系，上出额，与督脉会于巅顶；其支脉，从目系下行颊里，环唇内；其支脉，又从肝部分出，穿过膈肌，上注于肺。阴阳经脉相互贯通，如圆环一样没有终端。其流溢之气，进入奇经八脉，转相灌溉。奇经共有八条脉：阴维脉、阳维脉、阴跷脉、阳跷脉、冲脉、任脉、督脉、带脉。阳维脉起于诸阳经交会之处，由外踝上行于卫分；阴维脉起于诸阴经交会之处，由内踝上行于营分，用以作为一身之纲维。阳跷脉起于跟中，沿外踝上行于身体左右；阴跷脉起于跟中，沿内踝上行于身体左右，用以使关节灵活轻捷。督脉起于会阴，沿背部而行于身体后方，为阳脉之总督，故称为阳脉之海。任脉起于会阴，沿腹部而行于身体前方，为阴脉之承任，故称为阴脉之海。冲脉起于会阴，夹脐而行，直冲于上，为诸脉之冲要，故称为十二经脉之海。带脉则横围于腰部，状如束带，用以总约诸脉。于是乎通过经络来划分部位，按部位来知晓经络；或者通过经络来区分脏腑，或者通过形体来区分脏腑。而凡是证候的不同，形态的差异，以及痘疹、痈疽等一切病患，都可以由此来察知。黄帝说：经脉，能够决断死生，处理百病，调节虚实，不可不通晓。谚语说：不熟十二经络，开口动手便错。医生寄托着病人的生死，可不加意谨慎吗？
I have heard that human life is nurtured by the Five Elements (Wu Xing) and takes shape through the "Four Great Elements" (Earth, Water, Fire, Wind). Therefore, the *Ling Shu* and *Su Wen* observe facial features and body posture: internally, Zang organs are divided according to the Five Elements; externally, physical forms correspond to the Five Zang organs. For instance, the Lung corresponds to the skin, the Spleen to the muscles, the Heart to the vessels, the Liver to the sinews, and the Kidney to the bones. The skin is the domain of the Lung, the muscles the domain of the Spleen, the vessels the domain of the Heart, the sinews the domain of the Liver, and the bones the domain of the Kidney. These are all methods of distinguishing Zang organs by physical form. However, since the meridians and collaterals of the Zang organs circulate within the physical form, the regions of the physical form should also be classified according to the meridians and collaterals of the Zang organs. According to the *Ling Shu: Meridian Channels* chapter:
The Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian originates in the Middle Jiao, descends to connect with the Large Intestine, returns along the upper opening of the stomach, passes through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Lung. From the lung system (trachea and larynx), it emerges horizontally below the axilla, descends along the medial aspect of the upper arm, anterior to the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian and Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, reaches the cubital fossa, descends along the medial aspect of the forearm, enters the Cun Kou pulse point, ascends to the Thenar eminence, follows the radial border of the thenar eminence, and exits at the tip of the thumb. Its branch arises from behind the wrist, goes directly to the radial side of the index finger, and exits at its tip.
The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian originates at the tip of the index finger, follows the radial border of the finger, emerges between the first and second metacarpal bones at Hegu (LI4), ascends into the space between the two tendons, follows the radial border of the forearm, enters the lateral aspect of the elbow, ascends along the anterolateral aspect of the upper arm, emerges anterior to the shoulder joint, ascends to emerge above the meeting point of the vertebral bones (Dazhui GV14), descends into the Supraclavicular Fossa, connects with the Lung, passes through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Large Intestine. Its branch ascends from the Supraclavicular Fossa to the neck, penetrates the cheek, enters the lower teeth, returns to cross the mouth, intersects at Renzhong (GV26), crosses from left to right and right to left, and ascends to flank the nostrils.
The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at the intersection of the nose (Jingming BL1), approximately intersecting with the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, descends along the lateral aspect of the nose, enters the upper teeth, returns to flank the mouth and encircle the lips, intersects at Chengjiang (CV24), retreats along the posterior inferior margin of the mandible, emerges at Daying (ST5), follows Jiache (ST6), ascends anterior to the ear, passes through Shangguan (GB3/Keguzhuren), follows the hairline, and reaches the forehead. Its branch descends from anterior to Daying to Renying (ST9), follows the throat, enters the Supraclavicular Fossa, passes through the diaphragm, belongs to the Stomach, and connects with the Spleen. Its main trunk descends from the Supraclavicular Fossa along the medial aspect of the nipple, descends flanking the umbilicus, and enters the Qi Street (inguinal region). Another branch originates from the lower opening of the stomach, descends within the abdominal cavity to the Qi Street, where it merges with the main trunk, descends to Bituan (ST31), reaches Futu (ST32), descends to the patella, follows the lateral aspect of the tibia, descends to the dorsum of the foot, and enters the space between the medial aspects of the second toe. A branch descends three cun below the knee, diverges to enter the lateral space of the second toe. Another branch diverges from the dorsum of the foot, enters the space between the great toe, and exits at its tip.
The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian originates at the tip of the great toe, follows the medial white flesh margin, passes posterior to the nuclear bone (base of the first metatarsal), ascends anterior to the medial malleolus, follows the anterior medial aspect of the lower leg, runs posterior to the tibia, crosses anterior to the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, ascends to the anterior medial aspect of the knee and thigh, enters the abdomen, belongs to the Spleen, connects with the Stomach, passes through the diaphragm, flanks the pharynx, connects to the root of the tongue, and spreads under the tongue. Its branch diverges from the Stomach, passes through the diaphragm, and pours into the Heart.
The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian originates in the Heart, emerges to belong to the Heart System, passes through the diaphragm, and connects with the Small Intestine. Its branch ascends from the Heart System, flanks the pharynx, and connects to the Eye System (ocular connection to the brain). Its main trunk returns from the Heart System, ascends to the Lung, emerges below the axilla, follows the posterior medial aspect of the upper arm, posterior to the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, descends to the medial elbow, follows the posterior medial aspect of the forearm, reaches the end of the styloid process of the ulna (Shao Hai area), enters the posterior medial aspect of the palm, follows the medial aspect of the little finger, and exits at its tip.
The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian originates at the tip of the little finger, follows the lateral aspect of the hand, ascends the wrist, emerges from the ulnar styloid process, goes straight up along the lateral aspect of the ulna, emerges between the two tendons at the medial elbow, ascends along the posterolateral aspect of the upper arm, emerges from the shoulder joint, winds around the scapula, intersects at the shoulders, enters the Supraclavicular Fossa, connects with the Heart, follows the pharynx, passes through the diaphragm, reaches the Stomach, and belongs to the Small Intestine. Its branch arises from the Supraclavicular Fossa, follows the neck to the cheek, reaches the lateral canthus, enters the ear. Another branch diverges from the cheek, ascends to the zygomatic bone, reaches the nose, arrives at the medial canthus, and obliquely connects to the zygomatic bone.
The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian originates at the medial canthus, ascends to the forehead, and intersects at the vertex. Its branch extends from the vertex to the supra-auricular angle. Its main trunk enters from the vertex to connect with the Brain, returns to descend separately along the nape, follows the scapular region, runs medially flanking the spine, reaches the waist, enters the paraspinal muscles, connects with the Kidney, and belongs to the Bladder. Its branch descends from the waist, flanks the spine, penetrates the buttocks, and enters the popliteal fossa. Another branch diverges from the medial scapular region, penetrates the scapula, runs medially flanking the spine, passes through the hip pivot, follows the lateral posterior aspect of the thigh, descends to merge with the popliteal fossa, descends through the calf muscle, emerges posterior to the lateral malleolus, follows Jinggu (BL64) to the lateral side of the little toe.
The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian originates below the little toe,斜趋 (diagonally approaches) the center of the foot, emerges below Ran Gu (Navicular Tuberosity), follows posterior to the medial malleolus, diverges into the heel, ascends along the medial lower leg, emerges from the medial malleolus, ascends along the posterior medial aspect of the thigh, penetrates the spine, belongs to the Kidney, and connects with the Bladder. Its main trunk ascends from the Kidney, penetrates the Liver and Diaphragm, enters the Lung, follows the throat, flanks the root of the tongue. Its branch emerges from the Lung, connects with the Heart, and pours into the chest.
The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian originates in the chest, emerges to belong to the Pericardium, passes through the diaphragm, and sequentially connects with the Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiao. Its branch follows the chest, emerges three cun lateral to the axilla, ascends to the axilla, follows the medial aspect of the upper arm, running between the Hand-Taiyin and Hand-Shaoyin meridians, enters the cubital fossa, descends along the forearm between the two tendons, enters the palm, follows the middle finger, and exits at its tip. Its branch diverges from the palm, follows the ring finger, and exits at its tip.
The Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian originates at the tip of the ring finger, emerges between the two fingers, follows the dorsal aspect of the wrist, emerges between the radius and ulna of the forearm, ascends through the elbow, follows the lateral aspect of the upper arm to the shoulder, crosses posterior to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, enters the Supraclavicular Fossa, distributes in the Tan Zhong (Chest Center), scatters to connect with the Pericardium, passes through the diaphragm, and sequentially belongs to the Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiao. Its branch emerges from Tan Zhong, ascends to the Supraclavicular Fossa, ascends the neck, ties behind the ear, goes straight up to emerge above the supra-auricular angle, curves down to the cheek below the eye, and descends to the cheek. Another branch enters the ear from behind the ear, emerges anterior to the ear, passes anterior to Keguzhuren (Shangguan GB3), crosses the cheek to the lateral canthus.
The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian originates at the lateral canthus, ascends to the temporal angle, descends behind the ear, follows the neck anterior to the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, reaches the shoulder, crosses posterior to the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, and enters the Supraclavicular Fossa. Its branch enters the ear from behind the ear, emerges anterior to the ear, and reaches posterior to the lateral canthus. Another branch diverges from the lateral canthus, descends to Renying (ST9), merges with the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, reaches below the jaw, adds Jiache (ST6), descends the neck to merge with the Supraclavicular Fossa, descends into the chest, passes through the diaphragm, connects with the Liver, belongs to the Gallbladder, follows the hypochondrium, emerges at the Qi Street, surrounds the pubic hair region, and enters the hip joint. Its main trunk descends from the Supraclavicular Fossa to the axilla, follows the chest past the costal margin, descends to merge with the hip joint, follows the lateral aspect of the thigh, emerges at the lateral aspect of the knee, descends anterior to the lateral fibular bone, reaches the end of the Jue Gu (distal fibula), emerges anterior to the lateral malleolus, follows the dorsum of the foot, and enters the space between the fourth and fifth toes. Its branch diverges from the dorsum of the foot, enters the space between the great toe, follows the interosseous space of the great toe, exits at its tip, returns to the nail bed, and emerges at the hairy margin.
The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian originates at the hairy margin of the great toe, ascends along the lateral aspect of the dorsum of the foot, one cun from the medial malleolus, ascends eight cun above the ankle, crosses posterior to the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian, ascends along the medial aspect of the thigh, follows the genital region, enters the pubic hair area, passes over the external genitalia, reaches the lower abdomen, flanks the Stomach, belongs to the Liver, and connects with the Gallbladder. It ascends through the diaphragm, distributes in the hypochondrium, follows the posterior aspect of the throat, ascends to the nasopharynx (Hang Sang), connects to the Eye System, emerges at the forehead, and meets the Du Meridian at the vertex. Its branch descends from the Eye System to the inner cheek, encircles the inside of the lips. Another branch diverges from the Liver, penetrates the diaphragm, and pours into the Lung.
Yin and Yang meridians connect continuously like a circle without beginning or end. The overflowing qi enters the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, irrigating each other. The Eight Extraordinary Vessels are: Yin Wei Mai, Yang Wei Mai, Yin Qiao Mai, Yang Qiao Mai, Chong Mai, Ren Mai, Du Mai, and Dai Mai. Yang Wei Mai originates at the meeting of all Yang meridians, ascends from the lateral malleolus into the Wei (Defensive) level, serving as the network of the whole body. Yin Wei Mai originates at the meeting of all Yin meridians, ascends from the medial malleolus into the Ying (Nutritive) level, serving as the network of the whole body. Yang Qiao Mai originates in the heel, follows the lateral malleolus, and ascends on both sides of the body, enabling agility of the joints. Yin Qiao Mai originates in the heel, follows the medial malleolus, and ascends on both sides of the body, enabling agility of the joints. The Du Mai originates at Huiyin (CV1), follows the back, and runs along the posterior aspect of the body, commanding all Yang meridians, hence called the Sea of Yang Meridians. The Ren Mai originates at Huiyin (CV1), follows the abdomen, and runs along the anterior aspect of the body, bearing all Yin meridians, hence called the Sea of Yin Meridians. The Chong Mai originates at Huiyin (CV1), runs flanking the umbilicus, and rushes upward, being the crucial point of all meridians, hence called the Sea of the Twelve Regular Meridians. The Dai Mai encircles the waist horizontally, shaped like a belt, summarizing and binding all meridians.
Thus, one distinguishes regions by meridians, knows meridians by regions, distinguishes Zang organs by meridians, or distinguishes Zang organs by physical form. All differences in syndromes, variations in appearance, and all diseases such as smallpox, rashes, carbuncles, and sores can be observed through this method. The Yellow Emperor said: "Meridians can determine life and death, manage hundreds of diseases, and regulate deficiency and excess; they must not be ununderstood." The proverb says: "If you are not familiar with the Twelve Meridians, your words and actions will be wrong from the start." Physicians entrust lives and deaths; how can they not be cautious?