起于大指次指之端。
《脉经》此下有“外侧”二字。案∶经于诸指端,皆不言何侧。然以穴求之,则《脉经
》亦得。
入肘下廉。
《脉经》“入”上有“上”字,两通。“下”作“外”。案∶阳明行身之前,不应入肘
下廉。本经肘 穴,正当肘外廉,不在下廉,当从《脉经》改正。
从缺盆上颈贯颊。
《脉经》“盆”下有“直入”二字。案经于脉之从此伏行者,通谓之入。本经自巨骨至
天鼎
无穴,明系缺盆上颈之次,是伏行也。若如今本,似缺盆以前浮行而上颈,于经隧穴道不合
。
入下齿中。
《脉经》“齿”下有“缝”字。马注及卷三寒热篇注引皆同,是明时经文尚不误。
颈肿。
《脉经》“颈”作“ ”。案∶《素·至真要大论》少阴在泉,民病齿痛 肿。新校正
引《
甲乙经》亦作“ ”。盖目下曰 ,本经脉挟鼻孔,正当目下,故有 肿一症。若缺盆上颈
之次,脉已伏行,不得复有肿症。
起于鼻之交 中。
《素》五脏生成、平人气象注两引皆无“之”字。案∶有“之”字则似,“交 ”二字
,为脉次之名。详马注云∶起于鼻之两旁迎香穴,上行而左右相交于 中。则经原不衍。
上入齿中。
《脉经》作“入上齿中”,与手阳明入下齿中相对。案∶上齿属足阳明,下齿属手阳明
,经有明文。若混言齿中,则上下莫辨。且本经自鼻至齿至口,明系下行,何得云上入?
起于胃口,下循腹里。
《脉经》“口”字在“下”字之下。《素·五脏生成》注引同。马注亦云∶起胃下口,
循腹里,则经本不误,传写倒之。
以下髀关。
王注《素·五脏生成篇》引无“关”字。
下廉三寸而别,下入中指外间。
《脉经》“廉”作“膝”。“别”下有“以”字。案∶本经自中指内间分支至外间,不
得云
下廉。马注正作下膝,则经文本不误。盖上一支入膝髌中,此支不入髌中,而从膝浮行下三
寸而别也。“以”字根据此篇通例应有。
善呻数欠。
《脉经》“呻”作“伸”。盖以善伸数欠为一症也。《礼记》云∶君子欠伸。若呻为肾
病,不应属胃。
则恶人与火。
《素》脉解及阳明脉解“则”下皆有“厥”字,义长当补。
心欲动,独闭户塞牖而处。
《脉经》“欲”字在“动”下,属为句,无“塞”字。《素·阳明脉解》同。盖古本《
灵枢》如是。且《脉解》不释“心动”二字,是上属“惊”字为说。
甚。
《素·脉解》于“病至”作“甚”,“甚”作“病至”,与此互异。释经文当从脉解改
正。
盖“闭户牖”以上,为卫气自虚之症;“上高”以下,为卫气大实之症。实者病也。如今本
则不可通。
口 唇胗。
《脉经》“胗”作“紧”。案口 属筋病,与脉病不干。“ ”当为“ ”,谓口生
疮,
与唇胗同为疡症。 本俗书,古无口旁,此经原文必作 ,盖即 之省 ,浅人误认之耳!紧
即瘕之假,谓唇疮胗紧,两通。详余所撰《证原》中。
大腹水肿。
案此经皆论症状,不及病因,何独于此言水肿也?《素·脉解》云∶所谓客孙络,则头
痛、
鼻鼽、腹肿者,阳明并于上,上者则其孙络太阴也,故头痛、鼻鼽、腹肿也。彼文是释大
腹肿,而无“水”字,亦可见此经衍也。写者以水气门中有大腹水肿之名,因致举烛之误。
得后与气,则快然如衰。
《脉经》作“得酸与热,则快然而食”。泉案∶“后”与“酸”偏旁相似;“气”或作
“”,与“热”相似;“衰”与“食”下截相似。故致抵牾。
心下急痛。
《脉经》此下有“寒疟”二字,疑衍。
不能卧。
《脉经》作“好卧不能食肉唇青”八字。案∶胃病则不能卧,脾病则好卧。以此论之,
《脉经》是也。余义未详。
股膝内肿。
《脉经》“肿”作“痛”,义长。案∶肿,卫病;痛,荣病。所生病下,不应错出卫病
之症,当从《脉经》改正。
出肘内侧两筋之间。
《脉经》“筋”作“骨”。
入缺盆。
《脉经》此下有“向腋”二字,义匝。
颊肿颈颔肩 肘臂外后廉痛。
《脉经》“颊肿颈颔”四字作“ 颔肿颈”。案∶《脉经》之文,合于脉道行次,当补
“”字,改“颔”字。
下挟脊贯臀。
《脉经》作“下会于后阴,下贯臀”。案∶本经所生病中有痔,痔为后阴病,经有生于
后之
阴症,必有会于后阴之脉。本篇云∶足太阳之正,其一道下尻五寸,别入于肛。与《脉经》
文合。此经不应脱去,此脉当从《脉经》改正。
头囟项痛。
《脉经》“囟”作“脑”,“项”作“顶”。案∶以本经从巅入络脑论之,《脉经》义
长。如马本则项痛一症,与下复,非也。
气不足则善恐。
《素·脉解》作“少气善怒”,是气不足,与善恐当平列,“则”字衍也。自饥不欲食
以下至此,皆为气不足所生,何独一善恐也?当从脉解削正。
是为骨厥。
《脉经》“骨”作“肾”。
循胸中。
《脉经》无“中”字。案本篇通例,凡言循者,皆系浮行之脉。若胸中则为脉道伏行之
次,当注云若入,不当云循也。经无“中”字,显然。马注亦无“中”字。
布膻中。
《脉经》“布”作“交”。案∶马注亦作“交”。则经本不误,否则上言布,下言散,
岂不义复。
以屈下颊至 。
《脉经》“颊”作“额”。案本经从耳上角而下,自额至 ,其势顺;自颊至 ,其势
逆。
且经果有此环回之脉,亦当云以屈下颊,复上 ,不得如是立文也。急当从《脉经》改正。
下大迎,合手少阳,抵于 。
《脉经》引此有二文∶一作“上迎手少阳于巅”,一本与此同,但无“抵”字。案马注
亦无
“抵”字,则经本不衍,当削正。至“上迎手少阳于巅”,揆之穴道甚合。盖在阳白、眼隼
、目窗、正营、承灵、脑空之次,于马本较备,必当从《脉经》改正。
入小指次指之间。
《脉经》“间”作“端”,义长。盖小指次指即无名指,非是两指,不当云“间”。
还贯爪甲,出三毛。
《脉经》“贯”下有“入”字。案“三毛”无义,根据足厥阴经经文,当为丛毛。
颔痛。
《脉经》作“角额痛”。袁校本作“头角痛,额痛”。案∶本经自颊车下颈,不及颔,
不当
有颔痛一症。其支脉自目兑 上迎手少阳于巅,必过额无疑,应有额痛一症,《脉经》义长
。至“头角痛”三字,即上“头痛”二字之异文,但三阳惟太阳居头之正,得专称头痛,少
阳止经头角,自当云头角痛,不当混言头痛也。
循股阴入毛中。
《脉经》“阴”字在“入”字下。案本篇之例,或曰前廉、后廉,或曰内侧、外侧,内
廉、外廉,从无以阴阳立
名者。根据例当云∶循股内廉”,以上文已云“上 内廉”,故省其文曰“循股”。当从《脉
经》更正。
则津液去皮节,津液去皮节者则爪枯、毛折,毛折者则毛先死。
《难经》“则津液去”句,“皮节津液去皮节者”八字,作“津液去则皮节伤,皮节伤
者”
十一字。《脉经》同。“爪”字《难经》作“皮”。《脉经》与经同。“毛先死”《难经》
与经同,《脉经》作“气先死”。案∶“津液去皮节”无义,《难经》为长。若爪则足厥阴
之候,非手太阴之候,不当列此。即《难经》“皮”字,亦与上“皮伤”义复。以经文单承
“
毛折”二字推之,“爪枯”二字当为衍文。“毛先死”与“毛折”义复。以下四段经文例
之,则作“气先死”为的,且与上“气不荣则皮毛焦”允协。又案∶上文已云“皮毛
焦”,此文复云“皮节伤”,何于皮独详也?古人恐无此重复文法。“皮节”当为“肢节”
之误。“肢”古或作“支”,与“皮”形似,故误。
则脉不通,脉不通则血不流,血不流则髦色不泽,故其面黑如漆柴者。
《脉经》“则脉不通”四字下有“少阴者心脉也,心者脉之合也”十二字。
《难经》与经同。《难经》“髦色不泽”作“色泽去”,无“髦”字。案∶以上下四节经文
例之,则十二字当有。此十二字,是释经文以脉不通,候少阴气绝之故,无者传写脱之耳!
“髦”字衍。《素·六节脏象论》云∶“心,其华在面,其充在血脉”,是候心者当在面与
脉。色不泽谓面色黑,与“故”字紧接,下若有“髦”字,则谓髦发之枯,非谓面色之黑矣
。故其以下八字,接得上否?且髦为手太阴之候,何得列此?
则脉不荣肌肉唇舌者。
《难经》、《脉经》并作“则脉不荣其,口唇者”,义长。如马本则上下皆不圆,且舌
为足厥阴之候,非足太阴之候,自是“口”字之误。
则舌萎。
《难经》、《脉经》并无“舌萎”二字。案∶当从彼削正,义见前。
故骨不濡,则肉不能着也。
《脉经》“着”下有“骨”字。案∶《难经》云“肉不着骨”,是。经文固有“骨”字
。
则筋绝。
《脉经》“绝”作“缩”,义长。
聚于阴气,而脉络于舌本也。
《难经》、《脉经》“气”并作“器”。王注《素·诊要经终论》引亦同。《难经》无
“脉”字,义长。
则筋急,筋急则引舌与卵,故唇青。
《脉经》“急”上并有“缩”字,《难经》同,义长。《难经》无“唇青”二字。案∶
唇为
足太阴之候,非足厥阴之候,虽青色属厥阴,而此篇通例,皆纪经不纪色,其为衍文无疑。
起于腕上分间,并太阴之经。
《脉经》“腕上”作“腋下”。“间”字下有“别走阳明,其支者”七字。案∶列缺穴
在腕
间寸半,不在腋下,疑《脉经》误。意者其正络出腋下,其支络之直入掌中,散入于鱼际者
,乃为列缺欤!然鱼际与列缺位不相当,阙疑可也。(案∶以他络例之,别走太阴,当从《脉
经》次于此。)
取之去腕半寸,别走阳明也。
《脉经》“半寸”作“一寸半”,无“别走阳明也”五字。案考古针灸家说,列缺穴在
腕间
寸半,于此知经文误倒也,当从《脉经》改正。《脉经》“别走阳明”在“腕上分间”下,
故于此无之。
虚则为头强。
《脉经》“头强”作“烦心”。案∶手心主脉并无至头者,不得有头强一症。且头强是
项筋
所生,当属足太阳,列此非也。若“烦心”,则于经“络心系”三字允协,当从《脉经》改
正
去内踝五寸。
《脉经》“踝”下有“上”字。案∶据马注,则经文本有“上”字,今本传写脱之耳!
实则挺长。
《脉经》“长”下有“热”字,义长。
起于大指次指之端。
《脉经》在此处下有“外侧”二字。考案:经文对于各手指端,均未说明是哪一侧。然而通过穴位来考证,《脉经》的说法也是成立的。
进入肘部下廉。
《脉经》在“入”字上有“上”字,两种说法皆可通。“下”字作“外”。考案:阳明经行走在身体前面,不应当进入肘下廉。本经的肘穴,正当肘外廉,不在下廉,应当依据《脉经》改正。
从缺盆上行至颈部贯穿面颊。
《脉经》在“盆”字下有“直入”二字。考案:经文对于从此处伏行的经脉,通常称为“入”。本经自巨骨穴到天鼎穴之间没有穴位,明显是缺盆上行至颈部的下一段,这是伏行。如果像现在的版本,似乎是在缺盆以前浮行而上至颈部,这与经络隧道的穴位分布不合。
进入下齿中。
《脉经》在“齿”字下有“缝”字。马注及卷三寒热篇注引用的都相同,说明明代时的经文尚且没有错误。
颈部肿胀。
《脉经》将“颈”写作“ ”(目下)。考案:《素问·至真要大论》中提到少阴在泉时,百姓患病牙齿痛、 肿。新校正引用《甲乙经》也写作“ ”。因为目下称为 ,本经脉挟持鼻孔,正当目下位置,所以有 肿这一症状。如果在缺盆上行至颈部的那一段,脉已经伏行,就不应当再有肿胀的症状。
起于鼻旁交 中。
《素问》五脏生成篇、平人气象篇注两处的引用都没有“之”字。考案:有“之”字则似乎通顺,“交 ”二字,是脉气次序的名称。详细查看马注说:起于鼻两旁迎香穴,上行而左右相交于 中。那么经文原本并没有衍文。
向上进入齿中。
《脉经》写作“进入上齿中”,与手阳明经进入下齿中相对。考案:上齿属于足阳明,下齿属于手阳明,经文有明确记载。如果混称齿中,就无法分辨上下。而且本经自鼻至齿至口,明显是下行,怎么能说是“上入”?
起于胃口,向下沿腹部内侧行走。
《脉经》“口”字在“下”字之下。《素问·五脏生成》注引用的也相同。马注也说:起于胃下口,循腹里,那么经文原本没有错误,是传写时颠倒了。
向下经过髀关。
王冰注《素问·五脏生成篇》引用的没有“关”字。
向下至膝下三寸处分出,向下进入中指外侧间隙。
《脉经》“廉”字作“膝”。“别”字下有“以”字。考案:本经自中指内间分支至外间,不能说下廉。马注正作下膝,那么经文原本没有错误。大概上一支进入膝髌中,这支不入髌中,而是从膝部浮行向下三寸处分出。“以”字根据此篇的通例应当有。
喜欢呻吟,频繁呵欠。
《脉经》“呻”字作“伸”。大概是将喜欢伸展和频繁呵欠作为一症。《礼记》说:君子呵欠伸展。如果呻是肾病,不应当归属于胃。
于是厌恶人和火。
《素问》脉解篇及阳明脉解篇在“则”字下都有“厥”字,义理更长,应当补入。
心中悸动不安,独自关门闭窗而居。
《脉经》“欲”字在“动”字下,属为一句,没有“塞”字。《素问·阳明脉解》也相同。大概古本《灵枢》就是这样。而且《脉解》不解释“心动”二字,是上承“惊”字来解说。
严重。
《素问·脉解》在“病至”处作“甚”,“甚”处作“病至”,与此互异。解释经文应当依据脉解改正。
大概“闭户牖”以上,是卫气自虚的症状;“上高”以下,是卫气大实的症状。实者是病邪。如果像现在的版本则讲不通。
口唇生疮疹。
《脉经》“胗”字作“紧”。考案口唇属于筋病,与脉病无关。“ ”当为“ ”,谓口生疮,与唇胗同为疡症。 是本俗书,古无口旁,此经原文必作 ,盖即 之省体,浅薄之人误认罢了!紧即瘕之假借,谓唇疮胗紧,两种解释都通。详见我撰写的《证原》中。
大腹水肿。
考案此经都在论述症状,不涉及病因,为何唯独在这里说水肿呢?《素问·脉解》说:所谓客孙络,则头痛、鼻鼽、腹肿的,阳明并于上,上者则其孙络太阴也,所以头痛、鼻鼽、腹肿。那篇文章是解释大腹肿,而没有“水”字,也可以看出此经有衍文。抄写的人因为水气门中有大腹水肿之名,因而导致举烛之误。
得到排便和排气后,就觉得轻松好像病势减退。
《脉经》写作“得酸与热,则快然而食”。泉考案:“后”与“酸”偏旁相似;“气”或写作“ ”,与“热”相似;“衰”与“食”下截相似。因此导致抵牾。
不能卧睡。
《脉经》写作“好卧不能食肉唇青”八字。考案:胃病则不能卧,脾病则好卧。以此论之,《脉经》是正确的。我的理解不详。
大腿膝盖内侧肿胀。
《脉经》“肿”字作“痛”,义理更长。考案:肿,是卫分病;痛,是营分病。所生病下面,不应当错出卫分的症状,应当依据《脉经》改正。
出于肘内侧两筋之间。
《脉经》“筋”字作“骨”。
进入缺盆。
《脉经》此处下有“向腋”二字,义理周全。
面颊肿胀,颈部、下巴、肩部、肘臂外侧后廉疼痛。
《脉经》“颊肿颈颔”四字作“ 颔肿颈”。考案:《脉经》的文句,符合脉道行进的次序,应当补“ ”字,改“颔”字。
向下挟脊贯穿臀部。
《脉经》写作“向下会于后阴,向下贯穿臀部”。考案:本经所生病中有痔,痔是后阴的病,经文有生于后之阴症,必定有会于后阴的脉。本篇说:足太阳之正,其中一道向下至尻五寸,别入于肛。与《脉经》文句相合。此经不应脱去,此脉应当依据《脉经》改正。
头囟项部疼痛。
《脉经》“囟”字作“脑”,“项”字作“顶”。考案:依据本经从巅入络脑来论述,《脉经》义理更长。如马本则项痛一症,与下文重复,是不对的。
气不足则容易恐惧。
《素问·脉解》写作“少气善怒”,是气不足,与善恐应当平列,“则”字是衍文。自饥不欲食以下至此,都是气不足所产生的,为何唯独一个善恐呢?应当依据脉解删削改正。
循行于胸中。
《脉经》没有“中”字。考案本篇通例,凡是说循行的,都是浮行的脉。如果是胸中则是脉道伏行的部位,应当注云若入,不应当说循也。经文没有“中”字,很明显。马注也没有“中”字。
散布于膻中。
《脉经》“布”字作“交”。考案:马注也作“交”。那么经文原本没有错误,否则上面说布,下面说散,岂不是义理重复。
弯曲向下至颊部到达 。
《脉经》“颊”字作“额”。考案本经从耳上角而下,自额至 ,其势顺;自颊至 ,其势逆。
而且经文果真有这种环回的脉,也应当说弯曲向下至颊,再向上至 ,不应当这样立文。急切应当依据《脉经》改正。
向下至大迎,与手少阳经相合,抵达于 。
《脉经》引用此句有两处文字:一处作“上迎手少阳于巅”,另一处与此相同,只是没有“抵”字。考案马注也没有“抵”字,那么经文原本没有衍文,应当删削改正。至于“上迎手少阳于巅”,揆度穴道非常吻合。大概在阳白、眼隼、目窗、正营、承灵、脑空的位置,比马本更完备,必定应当依据《脉经》改正。
进入小指次指之间。
《脉经》“间”字作“端”,义理更长。因为小指次指即无名指,不是两个指头,不应当说“间”。
回绕贯穿爪甲,出于三毛。
《脉经》“贯”字下有“入”字。考案“三毛”无意义,依据足厥阴经经文,应当为丛毛。
下颌疼痛。
《脉经》写作“角额痛”。袁校本写作“头角痛,额痛”。考案:本经自颊车下颈,不及下颌,不应当有下颌痛一症。其支脉自目兑 上迎手少阳于巅,必定经过额头无疑,应当有额痛一症,《脉经》义理更长。至于“头角痛”三字,即是上文“头痛”二字的异文,但三阳经中惟独太阳居头之正中,得专称头痛,少阳只经过头角,自然应当说头角痛,不应当混称头痛。
循行大腿内侧进入毛际中。
《脉经》“阴”字在“入”字下。考案本篇的体例,或者说前廉、后廉,或者说内侧、外侧,内廉、外廉,没有用阴阳命名的。根据体例应当说:循行股内廉”,以上文已说“上 内廉”,所以省略其文曰“循股”。应当依据《脉经》更正。
那么津液离开皮节,津液离开皮节的人就会指甲枯槁、毛发折断,毛发折断的人就是毛发先死。
《难经》“则津液去”句,“皮节津液去皮节者”八字,写作“津液去则皮节伤,皮节伤者”十一字。《脉经》相同。“爪”字《难经》作“皮”。《脉经》与经文相同。“毛先死”《难经》与经文相同,《脉经》写作“气先死”。考案:“津液去皮节”无意义,《难经》更长。如果是指爪,那是足厥阴的征候,不是手太阴的征候,不应当列在此处。即使是《难经》的“皮”字,也与上文“皮伤”义理重复。以经文单承“毛折”二字推断,“爪枯”二字应当是衍文。“毛先死”与“毛折”义理重复。参照以下四段经文的体例,则写作“气先死”确切,且与上文“气不荣则皮毛焦”相符。又考案:上文已说“皮毛焦”,此文又说“皮节伤”,为何对皮特别详细呢?古人恐怕没有这种重复的文法。“皮节”应当是“肢节”的误写。“肢”古或写作“支”,与“皮”形似,所以误写。
那么脉不通,脉不通则血不流,血不流则毫色不泽,所以他的面色黑得像漆柴一样。
《脉经》“则脉不通”四字下有“少阴者心脉也,心者脉之合也”十二字。
《难经》与经文相同。《难经》“髦色不泽”写作“色泽去”,没有“髦”字。考案:参照以上下四节经文体例,则十二字应当存在。这十二字,是解释经文以脉不通,候察少阴气绝的缘故,没有是因为传写脱漏了!“髦”字是衍文。《素问·六节脏象论》说:“心,其华在面,其充在血脉”,是候察心的应当在面与脉。色不泽谓面色黑,与“故”字紧接,下面若有“髦”字,则谓毛发之枯,就不是谓面色之黑了。所以其以下八字,接得上否?而且髦是手太阴的征候,怎么可以列在此处?
那么脉不荣养肌肉唇舌的。
《难经》、《脉经》都写作“则脉不荣其,口唇者”,义理更长。如马本则上下都不圆通,而且舌是足厥阴的征候,不是足太阴的征候,自然是“口”字的误写。
那么舌萎软。
《难经》、《脉经》都没有“舌萎”二字。考案:应当依据它们删削改正,义理见前。
所以骨不濡润,那么肉就不能附着。
《脉经》“着”字下有“骨”字。考案:《难经》说“肉不着骨”,是对的。经文固有“骨”字。
那么筋绝。
《脉经》“绝”字作“缩”,义理更长。
聚于阴器,而脉络于舌本。
《难经》、《脉经》“气”字都作“器”。王冰注《素问·诊要经终论》引用的也相同。《难经》没有“脉”字,义理更长。
那么筋急,筋急则牵引舌头与睾丸,所以嘴唇发青。
《脉经》“急”字上并有“缩”字,《难经》相同,义理更长。《难经》没有“唇青”二字。考案:唇是足太阴的征候,不是足厥阴的征候,虽然青色属厥阴,而此篇通例,都记录经脉不记录颜色,这肯定是衍文。
起于腕上分间,并太阴之经。
《脉经》“腕上”作“腋下”。“间”字下有“别走阳明,其支者”七字。考案:列缺穴在腕间寸半,不在腋下,怀疑《脉经》有误。意思是它的正络出腋下,它的支络直入掌中,散入于鱼际的,才是列缺吧!然而鱼际与列缺位置不相当,存疑即可。(考案:以他络为例,别走太阴,应当依据《脉经》置于此处。)
取之去腕半寸,别走阳明。
《脉经》“半寸”作“一寸半”,没有“别走阳明也”五字。考案考古针灸家说法,列缺穴在腕间寸半,由此可知经文误倒,应当依据《脉经》改正。《脉经》“别走阳明”在“腕上分间”下,所以于此没有。
虚则表现为头强。
《脉经》“头强”作“烦心”。考案:手心主脉并没有至头的,不得有头强一症。而且头强是项筋所生,当属足太阳,列在此处不对。如果“烦心”,则与经文“络心系”三字相符,应当依据《脉经》改正。
去内踝五寸。
《脉经》“踝”字下有“上”字。考案:依据马注,那么经文原本有“上”字,今本是传写脱漏了!
实则表现为挺长。
《脉经》“长”字下有“热”字,义理更长。
Originates at the end of the radial side of the second finger.
The *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic) has the characters "lateral side" below this. Examination: The classic does not specify which side for the ends of all fingers. However, verifying by acupoints, the statement in the *Mai Jing* is also valid.
Enters below the lateral aspect of the elbow.
The *Mai Jing* has the character "ascends" above "enters", both are acceptable. "Below" is written as "lateral". Examination: The Yangming channel runs on the anterior aspect of the body and should not enter below the medial aspect of the elbow. The acupoint of this channel at the elbow is exactly at the lateral aspect of the elbow, not the medial aspect; it should be corrected according to the *Mai Jing*.
From the clavicular fossa (Quepen), ascends to the neck and passes through the cheek.
The *Mai Jing* has the characters "straight enters" below "fossa". Examination: For channels that run deeply from here, the classic generally calls it "enters". There are no acupoints in this channel from Jugu to Tianding, clearly indicating the next segment after ascending from the clavicular fossa to the neck, which is a deep course. If following the current version, it seems to ascend superficially before the clavicular fossa to the neck, which does not accord with the distribution of channel pathways and acupoints.
Enters into the lower teeth.
The *Mai Jing* has the character "gap" below "teeth". Ma's commentary and the citation in Volume 3, Chapter on Cold and Heat, are identical, indicating that the text was not erroneous in the Ming Dynasty.
Swelling of the neck.
The *Mai Jing* writes "neck" as " " (infraorbital area). Examination: In *Suwen: Zhentyao Dalun*, when Shaoyin is in the泉 (subterranean position), people suffer from toothache and infraorbital swelling. The New Correction cites *Jiayi Jing* also writing " ". Since the area below the eye is called " ", and this channel flanks the nostrils, directly under the eyes, there is a symptom of infraorbital swelling. At the segment from the clavicular fossa ascending to the neck, where the channel runs deeply, swelling should not occur.
Originates at the intersection of the nose and " " (nasal alae).
Both citations in *Suwen: Wuzang Shengcheng* and *Pingren Qixiang* lack the character "of". Examination: With the character "of", it seems plausible; "intersection " refers to the name of the channel sequence. Detailed examination of Ma's commentary states: Originating from the sides of the nose at Yingxiang acupoint, ascending and intersecting left and right at " ". Thus, the original text had no redundant characters.
Ascends and enters the teeth.
The *Mai Jing* writes "enters the upper teeth", contrasting with Hand-Yangming entering the lower teeth. Examination: Upper teeth belong to Foot-Yangming, lower teeth to Hand-Yangming, explicitly stated in the classic. If simply referred to as "teeth", upper and lower cannot be distinguished. Moreover, this channel descends from the nose to the teeth and mouth; how can it be said to "ascend and enter"?
Originates at the stomach opening, descends along the abdominal interior.
In the *Mai Jing*, the character "mouth" is below "descends". The citation in *Suwen: Wuzang Shengcheng* is the same. Ma's commentary also says: Originating from the lower opening of the stomach, following the abdominal interior; thus the original text was correct, and the error lies in transposition during copying.
Descends below Bituan.
Wang Bing's commentary citing *Suwen: Wuzang Shengcheng* lacks the character "guan".
Descends three cun below the knee crease and branches off, descending into the lateral space of the middle finger.
The *Mai Jing* writes "knee" for "crease". There is the character "yi" below "branches". Examination: This channel branches from the medial space of the middle finger to the lateral space; it cannot be described as descending below the crease. Ma's commentary correctly writes "below the knee", so the original text was not erroneous. Presumably, one branch enters the patella, while this branch does not enter the patella but floats down three cun from the knee to branch off. The character "yi" should be present according to the convention of this chapter.
Prone to groaning and frequent yawning.
The *Mai Jing* writes "extend" for "groan". Probably treating frequent extending and yawning as one symptom. *Liji* states: A gentleman yawns and extends. If groaning were a kidney disease, it should not belong to the stomach.
Then aversion to people and fire.
Both *Suwen: Maijie* and *Yangming Maijie* have the character "jue" (reversal/collapse) below "ze"; the meaning is longer and it should be supplemented.
Heart desires movement, alone closing doors and blocking windows to reside.
In the *Mai Jing*, the character "yu" (desire) is below "dong" (move), forming a sentence, without the character "sai" (block). *Suwen: Yangming Maijie* is the same. Presumably, the ancient version of *Lingshu* was like this. Furthermore, *Maijie* does not explain the two characters "xindong" (heart moving), implying it connects to the previous character "jing" (startle) for explanation.
Severe.
In *Suwen: Maijie*, "bingzhi" (disease arrives) is written as "shen" (severe), and "shen" is written as "bingzhi", differing from this. Explaining the classic text should be corrected according to *Maijie*.
Generally, above "closing doors and windows" are symptoms of deficiency of Wei Qi (Defensive Qi); below "ascending high" are symptoms of excess of Wei Qi. Excess indicates pathogenic factor. If following the current version, it is incomprehensible.
Sores and ulcers on the lips and mouth.
The *Mai Jing* writes "jin" (tight) for "zhen" (ulcer/eruption). Examination: Lips and mouth belong to tendon diseases, unrelated to vessel diseases. " " should be " ", meaning sores in the mouth, which are ulcerative conditions like lip ulcers. " " is a vulgar script; ancient texts had no "mouth" radical. The original text must have been " ", likely a simplified form of " ", mistaken by shallow scholars! "Jin" is a phonetic loan for "jia" (mass), meaning lip sores and tightness; both interpretations are valid. See my *Zhengyuan* for details.
Edema of the great abdomen.
Examination: This classic discusses symptoms throughout, not etiology; why mention edema here specifically? *Suwen: Maijie* says: Regarding guest collateral vessels, headache, nasal congestion, and abdominal swelling occur because Yangming merges upward; the upward part involves its collateral vessels of Taiyin, hence headache, nasal congestion, and abdominal swelling. That text explains great abdominal swelling without the character "water", showing that this classic has redundant characters. The scribe, seeing the name "great abdominal edema" in the water gate section, made an error of unnecessary addition.
After defecation and passing gas, feeling relieved as if the illness subsides.
The *Mai Jing* writes "obtaining sour and heat, then feeling relieved and eating". Examination: "Hou" (posterior/defecation) and "Suan" (sour) have similar radicals; "Qi" (gas) or written as " ", resembles "Re" (heat); "Shuai" (subsiding) resembles the bottom part of "Shi" (food). Hence the contradiction.
Urgent pain in the epigastrium.
The *Mai Jing* has the characters "cold malaria" below this, suspected to be redundant.
Inability to lie down.
The *Mai Jing* writes "likes to lie down, unable to eat meat, blue lips" (eight characters). Examination: Stomach disease causes inability to lie down; Spleen disease causes liking to lie down. By this reasoning, the *Mai Jing* is correct. My understanding is incomplete.
Swelling of the inner thigh and knee.
The *Mai Jing* writes "pain" for "swelling"; the meaning is better. Examination: Swelling is a Wei Qi disease; pain is a Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) disease. Below "diseases generated by the channel", it should not erroneously list a Wei Qi symptom; it should be corrected according to the *Mai Jing*.
Emerges between the two tendons on the medial side of the elbow.
The *Mai Jing* writes "bone" for "tendon".
Enters the clavicular fossa.
The *Mai Jing* has the characters "towards the axilla" below this; the meaning is complete.
Swelling of the cheek, neck, jaw, shoulder, and pain on the posterior-lateral aspect of the arm and elbow.
The *Mai Jing* writes "jaw swelling neck" for "cheek swelling neck jaw". Examination: The text of the *Mai Jing* conforms to the sequence of channel circulation; " " should be added, and "han" (jaw) changed.
Descends flanking the spine and passes through the buttocks.
The *Mai Jing* writes "descends to meet the posterior orifice, descends through the buttocks". Examination: Among the diseases generated by this channel are hemorrhoids, which are diseases of the posterior orifice. Since the classic mentions diseases originating from the posterior yin, there must be a channel meeting the posterior orifice. This chapter states: The proper pathway of Foot-Taiyang, one branch descends five cun below the coccyx, separately enters the anus. This matches the *Mai Jing*. This channel should not be missing; it should be corrected according to the *Mai Jing*.
Pain in the vertex, occiput, and nape.
The *Mai Jing* writes "brain" for "fontanelle", and "top of head" for "nape". Examination: Based on this channel entering the brain from the vertex, the *Mai Jing* has better meaning. If following Ma's version, nape pain duplicates the lower text, which is incorrect.
Insufficiency of Qi leads to fearfulness.
*Suwen: Maijie* writes "insufficient Qi and irritability"; thus "insufficiency of Qi" and "fearfulness" should be parallel, and "ze" (then) is redundant. From "hungry but no desire to eat" to here, all are caused by insufficiency of Qi; why only one instance of fearfulness? It should be corrected by deleting according to *Maijie*.
This is called Gu Jue (Bone Reversal).
The *Mai Jing* writes "Kidney" for "Bone".
Circulates in the chest center.
The *Mai Jing* lacks the character "zhong" (center). Examination: The convention of this chapter is that whenever "circulates" (xun) is used, it refers to superficially running channels. If it were the chest center, it would be a deep-running pathway, and should be noted as "if enters", not "circulates". The absence of "zhong" in the classic is obvious. Ma's commentary also lacks "zhong".
Spreads in Danzhong.
The *Mai Jing* writes "intersect" for "spread". Examination: Ma's commentary also writes "intersect". Thus the original text was correct; otherwise, saying "spread" above and "scatter" below would be repetitive in meaning.
Bending downwards to the cheek reaching " ".
The *Mai Jing* writes "forehead" for "cheek". Examination: This channel descends from the ear apex; from forehead to " ", the momentum is smooth; from cheek to " ", the momentum is contrary.
Moreover, if the classic truly had such a looping channel, it should say bending downwards to the cheek, then ascending to " ", not written as is. It urgently needs correction according to the *Mai Jing*.
Descends to Daying, meets Hand-Shaoyang, reaches " ".
The *Mai Jing* cites this passage in two versions: one is "ascends to welcome Hand-Shaoyang at the vertex", the other is the same as here but without the character "di" (reach). Examination: Ma's commentary also lacks "di", so the original text had no redundancy; it should be deleted. As for "ascends to welcome Hand-Shaoyang at the vertex", checking against acupoints fits well. Generally located at Yangbai, Yanguan, Muchuang, Zhengying, Chengling, Naokong positions, more complete than Ma's version; it must be corrected according to the *Mai Jing*.
Enters between the little finger and the ring finger.
The *Mai Jing* writes "end" for "between"; the meaning is better. Because the little finger and ring finger refer to the ring finger alone, not two fingers, "between" is inappropriate.
Returns and penetrates the nail bed, emerges at the tuft of hair.
The *Mai Jing* has the character "enter" below "penetrate". Examination: "Sanmao" (three hairs) has no meaning; based on Foot-Jueyin channel text, it should be "congmao" (tuft of hair).
Mandibular pain.
The *Mai Jing* writes "angle and forehead pain". Yuan's collated edition writes "temporal pain, forehead pain". Examination: This channel descends from Jiache to the neck, not reaching the mandible, so mandibular pain should not be listed. Its branch from the outer canthus ascends to welcome Hand-Shaoyang at the vertex, undoubtedly passing over the forehead; thus forehead pain should exist, and the *Mai Jing* has better meaning. As for "temporal pain", it is a variant of the earlier "headache". Among the Three Yang channels, only Taiyang occupies the center of the head and is exclusively called headache; Shaoyang only passes the temporal region, so it should be called temporal pain, not mixed as headache.
Circulates along the inner thigh entering the pubic region.
The *Mai Jing* places "yin" below "enter". Examination: The convention of this chapter uses anterior/posterior margin or medial/lateral margin, never naming by Yin/Yang. According to the convention, it should say "circulates along the medial thigh"; since the text above already said "ascends medial margin", it omits the word, saying "circulates thigh". It should be corrected according to the *Mai Jing*.
Then Jin Ye (Body Fluids) leave the skin joints; those whose Jin Ye leave the skin joints will have withered nails and broken hair; those with broken hair will die first in their hair.
In *Nanjing*, the phrase "ze jinye qu" and the eight characters "pijie jinye qu pijie zhe" are written as "jinye qu ze pi jie shang, pi jie shang zhe" (eleven characters). The *Mai Jing* is the same. The character "zhua" (nail) in *Nanjing* is written as "pi" (skin). The *Mai Jing* is the same as the classic. "Mao xian si" (hair dies first) is the same in *Nanjing* and the classic; the *Mai Jing* writes "qi xian si" (Qi dies first). Examination: "Jin Ye leaving skin joints" has no meaning; *Nanjing* is better. Nails are the sign of Foot-Jueyin, not Hand-Taiyin, and should not be listed here. Even the character "pi" in *Nanjing* repeats the meaning of "skin injury" above. Inferring from the classic solely inheriting "mao zhe" (hair breaks), "zhua ku" (nails wither) should be redundant. "Mao xian si" repeats the meaning of "mao zhe". Referring to the pattern of the following four sections, "qi xian si" is accurate and consistent with "qi bu rong ze maopi jiao" (Qi not nourishing leads to dry skin and hair). Also, the text above already said "skin and hair dry"; why repeat "skin joint injury" here, being detailed only about skin? Ancient people likely did not use such repetitive phrasing. "Pijie" (skin joint) should be a mistake for "zhijie" (limb joint). "Zhi" (limb) was anciently written as "zhi", resembling "pi" (skin), hence the error.
Then the vessels are blocked; if vessels are blocked, blood does not flow; if blood does not flow, the luster of hair is lost; therefore, his face is black like lacquered charcoal.
The *Mai Jing* has twelve characters below "ze mai bu tong": "Shaoyin zhe xin mai ye, xin zhe mai zhi he ye" (Shaoyin is the heart vessel; the heart is the union of vessels).
*Nanjing* is the same as the classic. *Nanjing* writes "seze qu" (color luster departs) for "maose bu ze" (hair color not lustrous), lacking the character "mao". Examination: Referring to the pattern of the above and below four sections, the twelve characters should exist. These twelve characters explain the reason for observing Heart Qi exhaustion via vessel blockage; their absence is due to omission during copying! The character "mao" is redundant. *Suwen: Liuji Zangxiang Lun* states: "The Heart, its brilliance is in the face, its filling is in the blood vessels"; thus, observing the Heart should focus on the face and vessels. "Color not lustrous" refers to dark facial complexion, closely connected with "gu" (therefore). If "mao" followed below, it would refer to withered hair, not dark facial complexion. So, do the following eight characters connect properly? Moreover, hair is the sign of Hand-Taiyin; why is it listed here?
Then the vessels do not nourish the muscles, lips, and tongue.
*Nanjing* and *Mai Jing* both write "ze mai bu rong qi, kou chun zhe" (then vessels do not nourish it, mouth and lips); the meaning is better. If following Ma's version, the context above and below is not coherent. Furthermore, the tongue is the sign of Foot-Jueyin, not Foot-Taiyin; naturally, it is a mistake for the character "kou" (mouth).
Then the tongue atrophies.
Neither *Nanjing* nor *Mai Jing* has the two characters "she wei" (tongue atrophy). Examination: It should be deleted according to them; the reasoning is seen previously.
Therefore, the bones are not moistened, and the flesh cannot adhere.
The *Mai Jing* has the character "gu" (bone) below "zhuo" (adhere). Examination: *Nanjing* says "rou bu zhuo gu" (flesh does not adhere to bone), which is correct. The classic inherently has the character "gu".
Then the tendons sever.
The *Mai Jing* writes "suo" (contract/shrink) for "jue" (sever); the meaning is better.
Gathers at the Yin organ, and the vessels connect to the root of the tongue.
In *Nanjing* and *Mai Jing*, the character "qi" (Qi) is written as "qi" (vessel/organ). Wang Bing's commentary citing *Suwen: Zhinyaojingzhong Lun* is the same. *Nanjing* lacks the character "mai" (vessel); the meaning is better.
Then the tendons contract; contracting tendons pull the tongue and testicles, therefore the lips turn blue.
The *Mai Jing* adds the character "suo" (contract) above both "ji" (urgent/tight); *Nanjing* is the same; the meaning is better. *Nanjing* lacks the two characters "chun qing" (lips blue). Examination: Lips are the sign of Foot-Taiyin, not Foot-Jueyin. Although blue belongs to Jueyin, the convention of this chapter records channels but not colors; these are certainly redundant characters.
Originates at the interspace above the wrist, alongside the Taiyin channel.
The *Mai Jing* writes "axilla" for "above wrist". Below the character "jian" (space/interspace) are seven characters: "bie zou yangming, qi zhi zhe" (separately walks Yangming, its branch). Examination: Lieque acupoint is one and a half cun above the wrist, not in the axilla; suspecting the *Mai Jing* is in error. Perhaps its main collateral emerges from the axilla, and its branch directly enters the palm, scattering into the Thenar eminence, which is Lieque! However, Yuji and Lieque are not in corresponding positions; we should leave it as a question. (Examination: By analogy with other collaterals, "separately walks Taiyin" should be placed here according to the *Mai Jing*.)
Take it one and a half cun from the wrist, separately walking Yangming.
The *Mai Jing* writes "one and a half cun" for "half cun", lacking the five characters "bie zou yangming ye" (separately walks Yangming). Examination: Ancient acupuncture masters state Lieque is one and a half cun above the wrist; knowing from this that the classic text is inverted, it should be corrected according to the *Mai Jing*. In the *Mai Jing*, "separately walks Yangming" is below "above wrist interspace", hence absent here.
Deficiency manifests as stiff neck.
The *Mai Jing* writes "restless heart" for "stiff neck". Examination: The Pericardium channel does not reach the head; it cannot have a stiff neck symptom. Moreover, stiff neck arises from the neck tendons and should belong to Foot-Taiyang; listing it here is incorrect. If "restless heart", it aligns well with the three characters "luo xin xi" (connects to the heart system) in the classic; it should be corrected according to the *Mai Jing*.
Five cun above the medial malleolus.
The *Mai Jing* has the character "shang" (above) below "huai" (malleolus). Examination: According to Ma's commentary, the original text had the character "shang"; the current version omitted it during copying!
Excess manifests as elongation and heat.
The *Mai Jing* has the character "re" (heat) below "chang" (long); the meaning is better.