病无常处，或左或右，既非一证之可名，则治自不得执一定之法。略病之形，而直探病之本，指东击西，
兵之奇者，其缪刺之谓乎。
黄帝问曰∶余闻缪刺，未得其意，何谓缪刺？岐伯对曰∶夫邪之客于形也，必先舍于皮毛，留而不去，入舍于
孙脉，留而不去，入舍于络脉，留而不去，入舍于经脉，内连五脏，散于肠胃，阴阳俱感，五脏乃伤，此邪之
从皮毛而入，极于五脏之次也，如此则治其经焉。今邪客皮毛，入舍于孙络，留而不去，闭塞不通，不得入于
经，流溢于大络而生奇病也。（病在血络，是谓奇邪。按∶新校正云∶“全元起云∶大络，十五络也。”）夫邪
客大络者，左注右，右注左，上下左右，与经相干，而布于四末，其气无常处，不入于经俞，命曰缪刺。（四
末谓四肢也。）帝曰∶愿闻缪刺，以左取右，以右取左，奈何？其与巨刺何以别之？岐伯曰∶邪客于经，左盛
则右病，右盛则左病，亦有移易者，左痛未已而右脉先病，如此者，必巨刺
之，必中其经，非络脉也。（先病者，谓彼病未止，而此先病以承之。按∶必中其经，谓必中其病之所在也。）
故络病者，其痛与经脉缪处，故命曰缪刺。（络谓正经之旁支，非正别也，亦兼公孙飞扬等之别络也。按∶新
校正云∶“王氏云非正别也，本论邪客足太阴络令人腰痛，注引从髀合阳明上络嗌贯舌中，乃太阴之正也，亦
是兼脉之正，安得谓之非正别也。”）帝曰∶愿闻缪刺奈何？取之何如？岐伯曰∶邪客于足少阴之络，令人卒心
痛，暴胀，胸胁支满。（以其络支别者并正经，从肾，上贯肝膈，走于心包，故邪客之则病如是。）无积者刺
然骨之前出血，如食顷而已。（然骨之前，然谷穴也，在足内踝前起大骨下，陷者中，足少阴荥也。刺三分，
留三呼，灸三壮，刺此多见血，令人立饥欲食。）不已，左取右，右取左。（言痛在左，取之右；痛在右，
取之左。余如此例。按∶注痛字不若病字浑成。）病新发者，取五日已。（素有此病而新发，先刺之五日乃尽已。）
邪客于手少阳之络，令人喉痹，舌卷，口干，心烦，臂外廉痛，手不及头。（以其脉循手表，出臂外，上肩，入
缺盆，布膻中，散络心包。其支者，从膻中上出缺盆，上项。又心主其舌。故病如是。）刺手中指次指爪甲
上，去端如韭叶，各一 。（谓关冲穴，少阳之井也。刺一分，留三呼，灸三壮。左右皆刺之，故言各一 。
，疮也。按∶新校正云∶“甲乙经关冲出手小指次指之端，今言中指者误也。” 音委，疮也，谓灸刺之而成
疮。）壮者立已，老者有顷已，左取右，右取左，新病数日已。邪客于足厥阴之络，
令人卒疝暴痛。（以其络去内踝上五寸，别走少阳。其支别者，循胫上睾，结于茎。故令人卒疝暴痛。睾，阴
丸也。按∶睾音皋。）刺足大趾爪甲上与肉交者各一 。（谓大敦穴，足大趾之端，去爪
甲角如韭叶，厥阴之井也。刺三分，留十呼，灸三壮。）男子立已，女子有顷已，左取右，右取左。邪客于足
太阳之络，令人头项肩痛。（以其经之正者，从脑出别下项。支别者，从 内左右别下。又其络自足上行，循
背上头。故头项肩痛也。按∶新校正云∶“甲乙经云∶其支者，从巅入络脑，还出别下项。王氏云经之正者，
正当作支。”）刺足小趾爪甲上与肉交者各一 ，立已。（谓至阴穴，太阳之井也。刺一分，留五呼，灸三壮。
按∶甲乙经云∶“在足小趾外侧，去爪甲角如韭叶。”）不已，刺外踝下三 ，左取右，右取左，如食顷已。
（谓金门穴，足太阳 也。在外踝下，刺三分，灸三壮。）邪客于手阳明之络，令人气满胸中，喘息而支 ，
胸中热。（以其经，自肩端，入缺盆，络肺。其支别者，从缺盆上颈。故病如是。）刺手大指次指爪甲上，
去端如韭叶，各一 ，左取右，右取左，如食顷已。（谓商阳穴，手阳明之井也。刺一分，留一呼，灸一壮。
按∶甲乙经云∶“商阳在手大指次指内侧，去爪甲角如韭叶。”）邪客于臂掌之间，不可得屈。刺其踝后，
（按∶新校正云∶“全元起云∶是人手之本节踝也。”）先以指按之，痛乃刺之，以月死生为数，月生一日一
，二日二 ，十五日十五 ，十六日十四 。（随日数也。月半以前谓之生，月半以后谓之死，盈亏而异也。）
邪客于足阳跷之脉，令人目痛从内 始。（以其脉起于足，上行至头而属目内 ，故病令人目痛从内 始也。
何以明之？八十一难曰∶“阳跷脉者，起于跟中，循外踝，上行入风池。”针经曰∶“阴跷入鼽，属目内 ，
合于太阳阳跷而上行。”寻此则至于目内 也。）刺外踝之下半寸所，各二 。（谓申脉穴，阳跷之所生也。
在外踝下，陷中容爪甲。刺三分，留六呼，灸三壮。）左刺右，右刺左，如行十里顷而已。人
有所堕坠，恶血留内，腹中满胀，不得前后，先饮利药，此上伤厥阴之脉，下伤少阴之络。刺足内踝之下，然
骨之前，血脉出血，（此少阴之络也。按∶新校正云∶“详血脉出血，脉字疑是络字。”）刺足跗上动脉。
（谓冲阳穴，胃之原也。刺三分，留十呼，灸三壮。主腹大不嗜食，以腹胀满故取之。）不已，刺三毛上各一
，见血立已，左刺右，右刺左。（谓大敦穴，厥阴之井也。）善悲惊不乐，刺如上方。（亦如上法刺之。）
邪客于手阳明之络，令人耳聋，时不闻音。（以其经支者，从缺盆，上颈，贯颊。又其支别者，入耳，会于宗
脉。故病如是。）刺手大指次指爪甲上，去端如韭叶，各一 ，立闻。（亦同前商阳穴。）不已，刺中指爪甲
上与肉交者，立闻。（谓中冲穴，手心主之井也。在中指之端，去爪甲如韭叶，陷者中。刺一分，留三呼，灸
三壮。古经脱简，无络可寻，恐是刺小指爪甲上与肉交者也。何以言之？下文云手少阴络会于耳中也。若小指
之端，是谓少冲，手少阴之井也。刺一分，留一呼，灸一壮。按∶新校正云∶“王氏云恐是小指爪甲上少冲穴，
按甲乙经手心主之正，上循喉咙，出耳后，合少阳完骨之下，如是则安得不刺中冲而疑为少冲也。”）其不时
闻者，不可刺也。（不时闻者，络气已绝，故不可刺。）耳中生风者，亦刺之如此数，左刺右，右刺左。（按∶
生风谓耳中自响，如闻风声也。其刺法亦如上。）凡痹往来，行无常处者，在分肉间，痛而刺之，以月死生为
数，用针者，随气盛衰以为 数，针过其日数则脱气，不及日数则气不泻，左刺右，右刺左，病已，止。不已，
复刺之如法。（言所以约月死生为数者何，以随气之盛衰也。）月生一日一 ，二日二 ，渐多之；十五日十
五，十六日十四 ，渐少之。（如是刺之，则无
过数，无不及也。）邪客于足阳明之经，令人鼽衄，上齿寒。（以其脉起于鼻交额中，下循鼻外，入上齿中，
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，故病令人鼽衄，上齿寒也。复以其脉左
右交于面部，故举经脉之病，以明缪处之类，故下文云。按∶新校正云∶“全元起本与甲乙经，阳明之经作阳
明之络。”）刺足中趾次趾爪甲上与肉交者，各一 ，左刺右，右刺左。（中当为大，传写误也。据灵枢经、孔
穴图经，中趾次趾爪甲上无穴，当言大趾次趾爪甲上，乃厉兑穴，阳明之井。刺一分，留一呼，灸一壮。）邪
客于足少阳之络，令人胁痛不得息，咳而汗出。（以其脉支别者，从目锐 ，下大迎，合手少阳于 ，下加颊车，
下颈，合缺盆，以下胸中，贯膈络肝胆，故令人胁痛，咳而汗出。）刺足小趾次趾爪甲上与肉交者，各一 。
（谓窍阴穴，少阳之井也。刺一分，留一呼，灸三壮。按∶窍阴在足小趾次趾之端，去爪甲角如韭叶。）不得
息立已，汗出立止，咳者温衣饮食，一日已，左刺右，右刺左，病立已，不已，复刺如法。邪客于足少阴之络，
令人嗌痛不可内食，无故善怒，气上走贲上。（以其经支别者，从肺出络心，注胸中。又其正经，从肾上贯肝膈，
入肺中，循喉咙，挟舌本。故病令人嗌干，痛不可内食，无故善怒，气上走贲上也。贲谓气奔也。按∶新校正
云∶“详王氏以贲上为气奔者非。杨玄操云∶‘贲，膈也。’是气上走膈上也。经既云气上走，安得又以贲为
气奔耶。”）刺足下中央之脉各三 ，凡六刺，立已，左刺右，右刺左。（谓涌泉穴，少阴之井也。在足心陷者
中。刺三分，留三呼，灸三壮。）嗌中肿，不能内唾，时不能出唾者，刺然骨之前出血，立已，左刺右，右刺
左。（亦足少阴之络也。以其络并大经循喉咙，故尔刺之。此二十九字，本错简在邪客手足少阴太阴足阳明之
络前，今迁于此。按∶新校正云∶“详王注以其络并大经循喉咙差互。甲乙经足少阴之络，并经上走心包。少
阴之经，循喉咙。今王
氏之注，经与络交互，当以甲乙经为正也。”）邪客于足太阴之络，令人腰痛，引少腹，控 ，不可以仰息。
（足太阴之络，从髀合阳明，上贯尻骨中，与厥阴少阳结于下 ，而循尻骨内入腹，上络嗌，贯舌中，故腰痛
则引少腹，控于 中也。 谓季胁之空软处也。受邪气则络拘急，故不可以仰伸而喘息也。刺腰痛篇中无息字。
按∶新校正云∶“详王氏注云足太阴之络，甲乙经乃太阴之正，非络也。王氏谓之络者，未详其旨。”）
刺腰尻之解，两胂之上，是腰俞，以月死生为 数，发针立已，左刺右，右刺左。（腰尻骨间曰解，当中有腰
俞，刺二寸，留七呼。中诰孔穴图经云∶“左取右，右取左。”穴当中，不应尔也。次腰下挟尻有骨空各四，
皆主腰痛，下 主与经同，是足太阴厥阴少阳所结。刺二寸，留十呼，灸三壮。HT 谓两踝胂也。腰俞髁胂，皆
当取之也。按∶新校正云∶“此邪客足太阴之络并刺法一项，已见刺腰痛篇中，彼注甚详，此特多是腰俞三字
耳。别按全元起本，原无此三字。王氏颇知腰俞无左右取之理而注之，而不知全元起本旧无也。”）邪客于足
太阳之络，令人拘挛，背急，引胁而痛。（以其经从踝内左右，别下贯胂，合 中，故病令人拘挛背急，引胁
而痛。按∶新校正云∶“全元起本及甲乙经，引胁而痛下，更云内引心而痛。”）刺之从项始，数脊椎挟脊疾
按之，应手如痛，刺之旁三 ，立已。（从项始数脊椎者，谓从大椎数之，至第二椎两旁各一寸五分，内循脊
两旁，按之有痛应手，即邪客之处也。随痛应手深浅，即而刺之。邪客在脊骨两旁，故言刺之旁也。）邪客于
足少阳之络，令人留于枢中痛，髀不可举。（以其经出气街，绕髦际，横入髀厌中，故痛，令人留于髀枢，后痛
解不可举也。枢谓髀枢也。）刺枢中以毫针，寒则久留针，以月死生为数，立已。（……髀枢之后，则环跳穴
也，以在髀枢后，故言刺髀枢后也。环跳者，足少阳脉气所发，刺一寸，留二十呼，灸三壮。毫针者，第七针
也。按∶新校正云∶“甲乙经云环跳穴在髀枢中，气穴论云在两髀厌
分中，此经云刺枢中，而王氏以谓在髀枢之后者，误也。”）耳聋，刺手阳明，不已，刺其通脉出耳前者。（手
阳明前，谓手大指次指去端如韭叶者也，是谓商阳。据中诰孔穴图经，手阳明脉中，商阳、合谷、阳溪、偏
历四穴并主耳聋，今经所指谓前商阳，不谓此合谷等穴也。耳前通脉，手阳明脉正当听会之分。刺四分，灸三
壮。）齿龋，刺手阳明，不已，刺其脉入齿中，立已。（据甲乙、流注图经，手阳明脉中，商阳、二间、三间、
合谷、阳溪、偏历、温溜七穴并主齿痛，手阳明贯颊，入下齿中，足阳明脉循鼻外，入上齿中也。按∶龋音渠，
齿腐也。）邪客于五脏之间，其病也脉引而痛，时来时止，视其病，缪刺之于手足爪甲上。（各刺其井，左取
右，右取左。）视其脉，出其血，间日一刺，一刺不已，五刺已。（有血脉者，则刺之如此数。）缪传引上齿，
齿唇寒痛，视其手背脉血者去之。（若病缪传而引上齿，齿唇寒痛者，刺手背阳明络也。）足阳明中指爪甲上
一，手大指次指爪甲上各一 ，立已，左取右，右取左。（谓第二指厉兑穴也。于大指次指谓商阳穴，手阳明
井也。针经曰∶“齿痛不恶清饮，取足阳明；恶清饮，取手阳明。”按∶新校正云∶“详前文邪客足阳明，刺
中指次指爪甲上，是误剩次指二字，当如此只言中指爪甲上，乃是也。”）邪客于手足少阴太阴足阳明之络，
此五络皆会于耳中，上络左角。（手少阴真心脉，足少阴肾脉，手太阴肺脉，足太阴脾脉，足阳明胃脉，此
五络皆会于耳中，而出络左额角也。）五络俱竭，令人身脉皆动而形无知也，其状若尸，或曰尸厥。（言其卒
冒闷而如死尸，身脉犹如常人而动也，然阴气盛于上，则下气熏上而邪气逆，邪气逆则阳气乱，阳气乱则五络
病位没有固定之处，有时在左，有时在右，既然不能用一种证候来命名，那么治疗自然不能拘泥于固定的方法。略去疾病的表象，而直接探求疾病的根本，指东击西，这是兵法中的奇招，说的就是缪刺吧。
黄帝问道：我听说缪刺，但还没理解它的含义，什么是缪刺？岐伯回答说：邪气侵犯人体，一定先停留在皮毛，停留不去，就进入孙脉；停留不去，就进入络脉；停留不去，就进入经脉，向内连及五脏，散布于肠胃，阴阳都受到感应，五脏就会受伤。这就是邪气从皮毛进入，极至于五脏的次序。像这种情况，就治疗其经脉。现在邪气客居在皮毛，进入孙络，停留不去，闭塞不通，不能进入经脉，流溢于大络而产生奇特的疾病。（病在血络，称为奇邪。按语：新校正说：“全元起说：‘大络，就是十五络。’”）邪气客居在大络，左边注入右边，右边注入左边，上下左右，与经脉相互干扰，而分布于四肢末端，其气机没有固定位置，不进入经穴，命名为缪刺。（四肢末端指四肢。）黄帝说：我想听听缪刺，为什么以左取右，以右取左，怎么做呢？它与巨刺有什么不同？岐伯说：邪气客居在经脉，左侧盛则右侧发病，右侧盛则左侧发病，也有转移变化的，左侧疼痛未好而右侧脉先病，像这种情况，必须用巨刺，一定要中取其经脉，而不是络脉。（先病的，是指彼病未止，而此先病来承接它。按语：必中其经，意思是必须中取病邪所在之处。）所以络病，其疼痛与经脉交错分布，所以命名为缪刺。（络是指正经的旁支，不是正别络，也兼指公孙、飞扬等的别络。按语：新校正说：“王氏说不是正别络，本论中邪客足太阴络导致腰痛，注引从髀合阳明上络嗌贯舌中，那是太阴的正脉，也是兼脉的正脉，怎么能叫非正别呢。”）黄帝说：我想听听缪刺怎么做？取穴如何？岐伯说：邪气客居在足少阴之络，使人突然心痛，暴胀，胸胁支撑满闷。（因为它的络支别者并正经，从肾，上贯肝膈，走于心包，所以邪气客居它就出现这样的病。）没有积滞的，刺然骨之前出血，大约一顿饭的时间就好了。（然骨之前，是然谷穴，在足内踝前起大骨下，陷者中，是足少阴荥穴。刺三分，留针三呼，灸三壮，刺此穴多见血，能让人立刻感到饥饿想吃东西。）如果不好，左取右，右取左。（意思是痛在左，取右；痛在右，取左。其余以此类推。按语：注中的“痛”字不如“病”字浑成。）病是新发的，取五天可愈。（素来有此病而新发，先刺五天才能痊愈。）邪气客居在手少阳之络，使人喉痹，舌卷缩，口干，心烦，臂外侧痛，手举不到头。（因为它的脉循行手腕背面，出臂外，上肩，入缺盆，布散膻中，散络心包。它的支者，从膻中上出缺盆，上项。又心主舌。所以病像这样。）刺手中指次指（无名指）爪甲上，距离端部如韭菜叶宽处，各一 。（指的是关冲穴，少阳的井穴。刺一分，留针三呼，灸三壮。左右都刺，所以说各一 。 ，是疮的意思。按语：新校正说：“《甲乙经》关冲穴出手小指次指之端，这里说中指是错误的。” 音委，是疮的意思，指灸刺后形成疮口。）壮年人立刻就好，老年人过了一会儿就好，左取右，右取左，新病几天就好。邪气客居在足厥阴之络，使人突然疝气暴痛。（因为它的络离开内踝上五寸，别走少阳。它的支别者，循胫上睾，结于茎。所以使人突然疝气暴痛。睾，是阴丸。按语：睾音皋。）刺足大趾爪甲上与肉交接处各一 。（指的是大敦穴，足大趾之端，距离爪甲角如韭菜叶宽，是厥阴的井穴。刺三分，留针十呼，灸三壮。）男子立刻就好，女子过了一会儿就好，左取右，右取左。邪气客居在足太阳之络，使人头项肩痛。（因为它的经的正者，从脑出别下项。支别者，从 内左右别下。又它的络自足上行，循背上头。所以头项肩痛。按语：新校正说：“《甲乙经》说：‘其支者，从巅入络脑，还出别下项。’王氏说经的正者，正当作支。”）刺足小趾爪甲上与肉交接处各一 ，立刻就好。（指的是至阴穴，太阳的井穴。刺一分，留针五呼，灸三壮。按语：《甲乙经》说：“在足小趾外侧，距离爪甲角如韭菜叶宽。”）如果不好，刺外踝下三 ，左取右，右取左，大约一顿饭时间就好。（指的是金门穴，足太阳 穴。在外踝下，刺三分，灸三壮。）邪气客居在手阳明之络，使人气满胸中，喘息而支 ，胸中热。（因为它的经，自肩端，入缺盆，络肺。它的支别者，从缺盆上颈。所以病像这样。）刺手大指次指爪甲上，距离端部如韭菜叶宽处，各一 ，左取右，右取左，大约一顿饭时间就好。（指的是商阳穴，手阳明的井穴。刺一分，留针一呼，灸一壮。按语：《甲乙经》说：“商阳在手大指次指内侧，距离爪甲角如韭菜叶宽。”）邪气客居在臂掌之间，不可得屈。刺其踝后，（按语：新校正说：“全元起说：‘是人手之本节踝也。’”）先用手指按压，痛了才刺，以月亮的盈亏为针刺次数，月亮生长期第一天刺一 ，第二天刺二 ，第十五天刺十五 ，第十六天刺十四 。（随日数而定。月半以前叫生，月半以后叫死，盈亏不同。）邪气客居在足阳跷之脉，使人目痛从内眦开始。（因为它的脉起于足，上行至头而属目内眦，所以病使人目痛从内眦开始。怎么证明呢？《八十一难经》说：“阳跷脉者，起于跟中，循外踝，上行入风池。”《针经》说：“阴跷入鼽，属目内眦，合于太阳阳跷而上行。”寻究这些文字，则是至于目内眦。）刺外踝之下半寸处，各二 。（指的是申脉穴，阳跷所生之处。在外踝下，陷中容爪甲。刺三分，留针六呼，灸三壮。）左刺右，右刺左，大约走十里路的时间就好。人有跌坠伤，恶血留在体内，腹中满胀，大小便不通，先喝泻利药，这是上伤厥阴之脉，下伤少阴之络。刺足内踝之下，然骨之前，血脉出血，（这是少阴之络。按语：新校正说：“详血脉出血，脉字疑是络字。”）刺足跗上动脉。（指的是冲阳穴，胃的原穴。刺三分，留针十呼，灸三壮。主治腹大不嗜食，因腹胀满故取此穴。）如果不好，刺三毛上各一 ，见血立刻就好，左刺右，右刺左。（指的是大敦穴，厥阴的井穴。）容易悲伤惊恐不乐，刺法如上。（也像上面的方法刺。）邪气客居在手阳明之络，使人耳聋，时常听不见声音。（因为它的经支者，从缺盆，上颈，贯颊。又它的支别者，入耳，会于宗脉。所以病像这样。）刺手大指次指爪甲上，距离端部如韭菜叶宽处，各一 ，立刻能听见。（也同前面的商阳穴。）如果不好，刺中指爪甲上与肉交接处，立刻能听见。（指的是中冲穴，手心主的井穴。在中指之端，距离爪甲如韭菜叶宽，陷者中。刺一分，留针三呼，灸三壮。古经脱简，无络可寻，恐怕是刺小指爪甲上与肉交接处。为什么这么说？下文说手少阴络会于耳中也。如果是小指之端，是谓少冲，手少阴的井穴。刺一分，留针一呼，灸一壮。按语：新校正说：“王氏说恐怕是小指爪甲上少冲穴，按《甲乙经》手心主之正，上循喉咙，出耳后，合少阳完骨之下，像这样那为什么不刺中冲而怀疑是少冲呢。”）不时常听见的，不可刺。（不时常听见，是络气已绝，所以不可刺。）耳中生风（耳鸣），也这样刺，左刺右，右刺左。（按语：生风指耳中自响，如闻风声。其刺法也像上面那样。）凡是痹症往来，行无常处，在分肉间，痛而刺之，以月亮的盈亏为针刺次数，用针的人，随气盛衰来决定 数，针刺超过日数则耗气，不及日数则气不泻，左刺右，右刺左，病好了，停止。如果不好，再刺如法。（意思是为什么以月盈亏为次数，是因为随气的盛衰。月亮生长期第一天刺一 ，第二天刺二 ，逐渐增多；第十五天十五 ，第十六天十四 ，逐渐减少。（像这样刺，就没有过数，也没有不及。）邪气客居在足阳明之经，使人鼻渊衄血，上齿寒。（因为它的脉起于鼻交额中，下循鼻外，入上齿中，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，所以病使人鼻渊衄血，上齿寒。又因为它的脉左右交于面部，所以列举经脉的病，来说明缪处的类别，所以下文说。按语：新校正说：“全元起本与《甲乙经》，阳明之经作阳明之络。”）刺足中趾次趾爪甲上与肉交接处各一 ，左刺右，右刺左。（中当为大，传写错误。据《灵枢经》、孔穴图经，中趾次趾爪甲上无穴，应当是大趾次趾爪甲上，乃是厉兑穴，阳明的井穴。刺一分，留针一呼，灸一壮。）邪气客居在足少阳之络，使人胁痛不得息，咳而汗出。（因为它的脉支别者，从目锐眦，下大迎，合手少阳于 ，下加颊车，下颈，合缺盆，以下胸中，贯膈络肝胆，所以使人胁痛，咳而汗出。）刺足小趾次趾爪甲上与肉交接处各一 。（指的是窍阴穴，少阳的井穴。刺一分，留针一呼，灸三壮。按语：窍阴在足小趾次趾之端，距离爪甲角如韭菜叶宽。）不得息立刻就好，汗出立刻停止，咳嗽者穿暖衣服饮食，一天就好，左刺右，右刺左，病立刻就好，如果不好，再刺如法。邪气客居在足少阴之络，使人咽痛不可进食，无故易怒，气上走贲上。（因为它的经支别者，从肺出络心，注胸中。又它的正经，从肾上贯肝膈，入肺中，循喉咙，挟舌本。所以病使人咽干，痛不可进食，无故易怒，气上走贲上。贲谓气奔。按语：新校正说：“详王氏以贲上为气奔者不对。杨玄操说：‘贲，膈也。’是气上走膈上也。经既云气上走，怎么能又以贲为气奔呢。”）刺足下中央之脉各三 ，共六刺，立刻就好，左刺右，右刺左。（指的是涌泉穴，少阴的井穴。在足心陷者中。刺三分，留针三呼，灸三壮。）咽中肿，不能吞咽唾液，时常不能吐出唾液的，刺然骨之前出血，立刻就好，左刺右，右刺左。（也是足少阴之络。因为它的络并大经循喉咙，所以这样刺。这二十九个字，原本错简在邪客手足少阴太阴足阳明之络前，现在迁于此。按语：新校正说：“详王注以其络并大经循喉咙差互。《甲乙经》足少阴之络，并经上走心包。少阴之经，循喉咙。今王氏之注，经与络交互，应当以《甲乙经》为正。”）邪气客居在足太阴之络，使人腰痛，牵引少腹，控 ，不可以仰身呼吸。（足太阴之络，从髀合阳明，上贯尻骨中，与厥阴少阳结于下 ，而循尻骨内入腹，上络嗌，贯舌中，所以腰痛则牵引少腹，控于 中。 谓季胁之空软处。受邪气则络拘急，所以不可以仰伸而喘息。《刺腰痛篇》中无息字。按语：新校正说：“详王氏注云足太阴之络，《甲乙经》乃太阴之正，非络也。王氏称之为络，不详其意。”）刺腰尻之解，两胂之上，是腰俞，以月盈亏为 数，发针立刻就好，左刺右，右刺左。（腰尻骨间曰解，当中有腰俞，刺二寸，留七呼。《中诰孔穴图经》说：“左取右，右取左。”穴在当中，不应如此。其次腰下挟尻有骨空各四，都主腰痛，下 主与经同，是足太阴厥阴少阳所结。刺二寸，留十呼，灸三壮。HT 谓两踝胂也。腰俞髁胂，都应当取。按语：新校正说：“此项邪客足太阴之络并刺法，已在《刺腰痛篇》中，彼注很详细，这里特多是腰俞三字罢了。另外按全元起本，原本无此三字。王氏颇知腰俞无左右取之理而注之，却不知道全元起本原本就没有。”）邪气客居在足太阳之络，使人拘挛，背急，牵引胁而痛。（因为它的经从踝内左右，别下贯胂，合 中，所以病使人拘挛背急，牵引胁而痛。按语：新校正说：“全元起本及《甲乙经》，引胁而痛下，更云内引心而痛。”）刺之从项开始，数脊椎挟脊疾按之，应手如痛，刺之旁三 ，立刻就好。（从项开始数脊椎，是从大椎数之，至第二椎两旁各一寸五分，内循脊两旁，按之有痛应手，即邪客之处。随痛应手深浅，即而刺之。邪客在脊骨两旁，所以说刺之旁。）邪气客居在足少阳之络，使人留于枢中痛，髀不可举。（因为它的经出气街，绕髦际，横入髀厌中，所以痛，使人留于髀枢，后痛解不可举。枢谓髀枢。）刺枢中以毫针，寒则久留针，以月盈亏为 数，立刻就好。（……髀枢之后，则是环跳穴，因为在髀枢后，所以说刺髀枢后。环跳者，足少阳脉气所发，刺一寸，留二十呼，灸三壮。毫针者，第七针。按语：新校正说：“《甲乙经》说环跳穴在髀枢中，《气穴论》说在两髀厌分中，此经说刺枢中，而王氏以为在髀枢之后，是错误的。”）耳聋，刺手阳明，如果不好，刺其通脉出耳前者。（手阳明前，指手大指次指去端如韭菜叶宽处，是谓商阳。据《中诰孔穴图经》，手阳明脉中，商阳、合谷、阳溪、偏历四穴并主耳聋，现在经所指谓前商阳，不谓此合谷等穴。耳前通脉，手阳明脉正当听会之分。刺四分，灸三壮。）龋齿，刺手阳明，如果不好，刺其脉入齿中，立刻就好。（据《甲乙》、《流注图经》，手阳明脉中，商阳、二间、三间、合谷、阳溪、偏历、温溜七穴并主齿痛，手阳明贯颊，入下齿中，足阳明脉循鼻外，入上齿中也。按语：龋音渠，齿腐。）邪气客居在五脏之间，其病脉引而痛，时来时止，视其病，缪刺之于手足爪甲上。（各刺其井穴，左取右，右取左。）视其脉，出其血，隔日一刺，一刺不好，五刺好。（有血脉者，则刺法如此。）缪传引上齿，齿唇寒痛，视其手背脉血者去之。（如果病缪传而引上齿，齿唇寒痛者，刺手背阳明络。）足阳明中指爪甲上一 ，手大指次指爪甲上各一 ，立刻就好，左取右，右取左。（指的是第二指厉兑穴。于大指次指谓商阳穴，手阳明井穴。《针经》说：“齿痛不恶清饮，取足阳明；恶清饮，取手阳明。”按语：新校正说：“详前文邪客足阳明，刺中指次指爪甲上，是误剩次指二字，应当只言中指爪甲上，才是对的。”）邪气客居在手足少阴太阴足阳明之络，这五络都交会于耳中，上络左角。（手少阴真心脉，足少阴肾脉，手太阴肺脉，足太阴脾脉，足阳明胃脉，这五络都交会于耳中，而出络左额角。）五络俱竭，使人全身脉皆动而形体无知，其状若尸，或叫尸厥。（说其突然冒闷而死如尸体，身脉犹如常人而动，然而阴气盛于上，则下气熏上而邪气逆，邪气逆则阳气乱，阳气乱则五络
The location of the disease is not fixed; it may be on the left or on the right. Since it cannot be named as a single syndrome, treatment naturally cannot adhere to a fixed method. By overlooking the form of the disease and directly probing its root, pointing east while striking west—this is the unconventional tactic in warfare, which refers to Miao Ci (Mysterious Puncture).
The Yellow Emperor asked: I have heard of Miao Ci but do not yet understand its meaning. What is Miao Ci? Qi Bo replied: When pathogenic factors invade the body, they first lodge in the skin and hair. If they remain and do not depart, they enter the Sun vessels (fine collateral branches); if they remain and do not depart, they enter the Luo vessels (collaterals); if they remain and do not depart, they enter the Jing vessels (main meridians), internally connecting to the Five Zang organs and spreading to the stomach and intestines. When both Yin and Yang are affected, the Five Zang organs are injured. This is the sequence by which pathogens enter from the skin and reach the extreme of the Five Zang organs. In such cases, one should treat the Jing vessels. Now, if pathogens lodge in the skin and enter the Sun collaterals, remaining and not departing, causing blockage and obstruction so that they cannot enter the Jing vessels, they overflow into the Da Luo vessels (large collaterals) and produce strange diseases. (Disease in the blood collaterals is called Qi Xie [Strange Pathogen]. Note: The New Correction states: "Quan Qiyuan said: 'Da Luo refers to the fifteen collaterals.'") When pathogens lodge in the Da Luo vessels, they flow from left to right and from right to left, interacting with the meridians above and below, left and right, and distributing to the four extremities. Their qi has no fixed location and does not enter the acupoints of the meridians; this is called Miao Ci. (Four extremities refer to the four limbs.) The Emperor said: I wish to hear about Miao Ci. Why take the left to treat the right, and the right to treat the left? How is it done? How does it differ from Ju Ci (Giant Puncture)? Qi Bo said: When pathogens lodge in the Jing vessels, excess on the left causes disease on the right, and excess on the right causes disease on the left. There are also cases of shifting; if pain on the left persists while the pulse on the right becomes diseased first, in such cases, one must use Ju Ci, ensuring to penetrate the Jing vessel, not the Luo vessel. (The "first diseased" refers to the condition where the disease on one side has not ceased, while the other side begins to show signs of disease in succession. Note: "Must penetrate the Jing vessel" means must hit the site of the pathology.) Therefore, for Luo vessel diseases, the pain is distributed contrary to the Jing vessels, hence it is called Miao Ci. (Luo vessels refer to the branch collateral of the regular meridians, not the Zheng Bie [regular divergent collaterals], but also include the divergent collaterals such as Gongsun and Feiyang. Note: The New Correction states: "Wang Shuhe said it is not the Zheng Bie. In this chapter, when pathogens lodge in the Foot Taiyin Luo causing lower back pain, the commentary cites 'from the thigh merging with Yangming, ascending through the diaphragm, connecting to the throat, and piercing the tongue,' which is the regular meridian of Taiyin, also a combined regular vessel. How can it be called non-regular?" ) The Emperor said: I wish to know how to perform Miao Ci? How are points selected? Qi Bo said: When pathogens lodge in the Foot Shaoyin Luo, it causes sudden heart pain, acute distension, and fullness/supporting sensation in the chest and hypochondrium. (Because its Luo branch merges with the regular meridian, originating from the Kidney, ascending through the Liver and Diaphragm, and traveling to the Pericardium, thus when pathogens lodge there, these symptoms occur.) For those without accumulation, bleed at Ran Gu Qian (Anterior to Ran Gu), which is the Ran Gu point. It is located anterior to the medial malleolus, under the prominent bone, in the depression. It is the Ying-Spring point of the Foot Shaoyin. Insert three fen, retain the needle for three breaths, moxa three Zhu. Needling this point often produces bleeding, making the patient feel hungry and desire food immediately. If not cured, take the left to treat the right, and the right to treat the left. (Meaning: if pain is on the left, treat the right; if on the right, treat the left. Other cases follow this pattern. Note: The character "pain" in the commentary is less comprehensive than "disease".) For newly onset diseases, five days of treatment will suffice. (For chronic conditions with new exacerbations, treat for five days until resolved.) When pathogens lodge in the Hand Shaoyang Luo, it causes Bi syndrome of the throat, curled tongue, dry mouth, vexation, pain along the lateral aspect of the arm, and inability to raise the hand to the head. (Because its meridian circulates around the wrist, emerges on the lateral arm, ascends to the shoulder, enters the Clavicular fossa, distributes in the Chest center, and scatters to connect with the Pericardium. Its branch ascends from the Chest center out of the Clavicular fossa to the neck. Also, the Heart Master governs the tongue. Hence these symptoms.) Prick the nail corner of the ring finger (fourth finger) of the hand, distance from the tip like the width of a leek leaf, one prick on each side. (This refers to the Guan Chong point, the Jing-Well point of Shaoyang. Insert one fen, retain for three breaths, moxa three Zhu. Both sides are needled, hence "one each." Wei [wei] means sore/ulcer. Note: The New Correction states: "'Jia Yi Jing' says Guan Chong is at the end of the little finger's fourth finger; saying middle finger here is an error." Wei sounds like 'wei', meaning sore, referring to the sore formed by moxibustion or needling.) In robust individuals, relief is immediate; in the elderly, relief comes after a short while. Take left to treat right, right to treat left. Newly onset diseases resolve in a few days. When pathogens lodge in the Foot Jueyin Luo, it causes sudden Hernia and acute pain. (Because its Luo vessel leaves five cun above the medial malleolus and connects to Shaoyang. Its branch ascends along the shin to the testis and knots at the penis. Hence sudden Hernia and acute pain. Testis refers to the scrotal sac. Note: Testis sounds like 'gao'.) Prick the junction of the nail and flesh at the big toe of the foot, one prick on each side. (This refers to the Da Dun point, at the tip of the big toe, distance from the nail corner like the width of a leek leaf. It is the Jing-Well point of Jueyin. Insert three fen, retain for ten breaths, moxa three Zhu.) In men, relief is immediate; in women, after a short while. Take left to treat right, right to treat left. When pathogens lodge in the Foot Taiyang Luo, it causes pain in the head, neck, and shoulder. (Because its regular meridian originates from the brain, descends separately behind the neck. Its branch descends separately from the inner aspect. Also, its Luo vessel ascends from the foot, follows the back to the head. Hence head, neck, and shoulder pain. Note: The New Correction states: "'Jia Yi Jing' says: 'Its branch enters the brain from the vertex, returns and descends separately behind the neck.' Wang Shuhe said 'regular meridian' should read 'branch'.") Prick the junction of the nail and flesh at the little toe of the foot, one prick on each side, relief is immediate. (This refers to the Zhi Yin point, the Jing-Well point of Taiyang. Insert one fen, retain for five breaths, moxa three Zhu. Note: 'Jia Yi Jing' says: 'On the lateral side of the little toe, distance from the nail corner like the width of a leek leaf.') If not cured, prick three cun below the lateral malleolus, take left to treat right, right to treat left, relief after a meal time. (This refers to the Jin Men point, Foot Taiyang Xi-Cleft point. Below the lateral malleolus, insert three fen, moxa three Zhu.) When pathogens lodge in the Hand Yangming Luo, it causes fullness of Qi in the chest, panting, supporting sensation, and heat in the chest. (Because its meridian starts at the shoulder end, enters the Clavicular fossa, and connects to the Lung. Its branch ascends from the Clavicular fossa to the neck. Hence these symptoms.) Prick the nail corner of the index finger of the hand, distance from the tip like the width of a leek leaf, one prick on each side, take left to treat right, right to treat left, relief after a meal time. (This refers to the Shang Yang point, the Jing-Well point of Hand Yangming. Insert one fen, retain for one breath, moxa one Zhu. Note: 'Jia Yi Jing' says: 'Shang Yang is on the medial side of the index finger, distance from the nail corner like the width of a leek leaf.') When pathogens lodge between the arm and palm, flexion is impossible. Prick behind the ankle. (Note: The New Correction states: "Quan Qiyuan said: 'This is the ankle joint of the human hand.'") First press with the finger; when painful, then prick. Use the waxing and waning of the moon to determine the number of pricks: on the first day of the waxing moon, one prick; second day, two pricks; fifteenth day, fifteen pricks; sixteenth day, fourteen pricks. (Following the number of days. Before the half-moon is called waxing; after the half-moon is called waning, varying with fullness and emptiness.) When pathogens lodge in the Foot Yangqiao vessel, it causes eye pain starting from the inner canthus. (Because its vessel originates from the foot, ascends to the head, and belongs to the inner canthus, hence eye pain starts from the inner canthus. How to verify? The Eighty-One Difficulties states: "The Yangqiao vessel originates in the heel, follows the lateral malleolus, and ascends to Feng Chi." The Needle Classic states: "Yinqiao enters the nasal cavity, belongs to the inner canthus, and merges with Taiyang Yangqiao to ascend." Tracing this leads to the inner canthus.) Prick half a cun below the lateral malleolus, two pricks on each side. (This refers to the Shen Mai point, the origin of Yangqiao. Below the lateral malleolus, in the depression fitting the nail. Insert three fen, retain for six breaths, moxa three Zhu.) Prick left to treat right, right to treat left, relief after walking the distance of ten li. When a person suffers a fall, evil blood remains inside, causing abdominal fullness and distension, and inability to pass stool or urine. First drink purgative medicine. This injures the upper Jueyin vessel and the lower Shaoyin Luo. Prick below the medial malleolus, anterior to Ran Gu, bleed the blood vessels. (This is the Shaoyin Luo. Note: The New Correction states: "Checking 'bleed blood vessels,' the character 'vessel' is suspected to be 'Luo'.") Prick the arterial pulse on the dorsum of the foot. (This refers to the Chong Yang point, the Yuan-Source point of the Stomach. Insert three fen, retain for ten breaths, moxa three Zhu. Mainly treats abdominal enlargement and loss of appetite; taken here due to abdominal fullness.) If not cured, prick one on each side of the hair tuft (nail bed area), bleed to see blood, relief is immediate. Take left to treat right, right to treat left. (This refers to the Da Dun point, the Jing-Well point of Jueyin.) For those prone to sadness, fright, and unhappiness, prick according to the method above. (Also prick as described above.) When pathogens lodge in the Hand Yangming Luo, it causes deafness and intermittent inability to hear sounds. (Because its branch goes from the Clavicular fossa, up the neck, through the cheek. Another branch enters the ear and meets at the Zong vessels. Hence these symptoms.) Prick the nail corner of the index finger of the hand, distance from the tip like the width of a leek leaf, one prick on each side, hearing is restored immediately. (Same as the previous Shang Yang point.) If not cured, prick the junction of the nail and flesh at the middle finger, hearing is restored immediately. (This refers to the Zhong Chong point, the Jing-Well point of the Hand Jueyin. At the tip of the middle finger, distance from the nail like a leek leaf, in the depression. Insert one fen, retain for three breaths, moxa three Zhu. Ancient texts have missing bamboo slips, no Luo vessel can be found; perhaps it is pricking the junction of the nail and flesh at the little finger. Why say this? The following text says the Hand Shaoyin Luo meets in the ear. If it is the tip of the little finger, it is called Shao Chong, the Jing-Well point of Hand Shaoyin. Insert one fen, retain for one breath, moxa one Zhu. Note: The New Correction states: "Wang Shuhe said perhaps it is the Shao Chong point at the little finger's nail junction. According to 'Jia Yi Jing', the regular Hand Jueyin ascends along the throat, exits behind the ear, and meets Shaoyang below Wan Gu. In that case, why doubt Shao Chong instead of Zhong Chong?") For those who do not hear intermittently, do not prick. (Intermittent hearing loss indicates Luo Qi exhaustion, so do not prick.) For wind generation in the ear (tinnitus), prick in the same manner, left to treat right, right to treat left. (Note: Wind generation refers to self-sounding in the ear, like hearing wind. The needling method is the same as above.) For all Bi syndromes moving back and forth with no fixed location, located between the muscle intervals, prick when painful. Use the waxing and waning of the moon to determine the number of pricks. The practitioner should adjust the number of pricks according to the flourishing and declining state of Qi. Pricking beyond the daily number depletes Qi; pricking fewer than the daily number fails to drain Qi. Prick left to treat right, right to treat left. Stop when the disease is cured. If not cured, repeat the needling as prescribed. (The reason for using the moon's phases as the number is to follow the fluctuation of Qi. On the first day of the waxing moon, one prick; second day, two pricks, gradually increasing; fifteenth day, fifteen pricks; sixteenth day, fourteen pricks, gradually decreasing. Pricking in this way ensures neither excess nor deficiency.) When pathogens lodge in the Foot Yangming Meridian, it causes rhinitis, epistaxis, and coldness in the upper teeth. (Because its vessel originates at the nose, crosses the forehead, descends along the lateral nose, enters the upper teeth, emerges beside the mouth encircling the lips, crosses Chengjiang below, follows the jawline posteriorly descending to the lower border, emerges at Da Ying, follows Jiache, ascends anterior to the ear. Hence rhinitis, epistaxis, and coldness in the upper teeth. Furthermore, since its vessel crosses on the face, listing meridian diseases illustrates the category of Miao Chu. Hence the following text. Note: The New Correction states: "Quan Qiyuan's edition and 'Jia Yi Jing' read 'Yangming Luo' instead of 'Yangming Meridian'.") Prick the junction of the nail and flesh at the second toe (middle toe) of the foot, one prick on each side, take left to treat right, right to treat left. ('Middle' should be 'Big'; a transcription error. According to 'Ling Shu' and 'Kong Xue Tu Jing', there is no acupoint at the junction of the nail and flesh of the middle and second toes; it should be the big and second toes, which is Li Dui, the Jing-Well point of Yangming. Insert one fen, retain for one breath, moxa one Zhu.) When pathogens lodge in the Foot Shaoyang Luo, it causes hypochondriac pain with difficulty breathing, coughing, and sweating. (Because its branch originates from the outer canthus, descends to Da Ying, meets Hand Shaoyang at..., adds to Jiache, descends the neck, merges at the Clavicular fossa, enters the chest below, pierces the Diaphragm, and connects to the Liver and Gallbladder. Hence hypochondriac pain, coughing, and sweating.) Prick the junction of the nail and flesh at the second toe of the foot, one prick on each side. (This refers to the Xiao Yin point, the Jing-Well point of Shaoyang. Insert one fen, retain for one breath, moxa three Zhu. Note: Xiao Yin is at the tip of the second toe of the foot, distance from the nail corner like the width of a leek leaf.) Difficulty breathing resolves immediately; sweating stops immediately. For coughing, wear warm clothes and eat warm food; resolves in one day. Take left to treat right, right to treat left; disease resolves immediately. If not cured, repeat needling as prescribed. When pathogens lodge in the Foot Shaoyin Luo, it causes sore throat with inability to swallow food, spontaneous anger, and Qi rushing upward to Ben Shang. (Because its branch originates from the Lung, connects to the Heart, and pours into the chest. Also, its regular meridian originates from the Kidney, ascends through the Liver and Diaphragm, enters the Lung, follows the throat, and clamps the base of the tongue. Hence dry throat, pain preventing swallowing, spontaneous anger, and Qi rushing upward to Ben Shang. Ben refers to Qi rushing. Note: The New Correction states: "Wang Shuhe's interpretation of Ben Shang as Qi rushing is incorrect. Yang Xuancao said: 'Ben is the Diaphragm.' Thus Qi rushes to the Diaphragm. Since the text says Qi rushes, how can Ben mean Qi rushing?") Prick the central vessels of the sole of the foot, three pricks each, totaling six pricks, relief is immediate. Take left to treat right, right to treat left. (This refers to the Yong Quan point, the Jing-Well point of Shaoyin. In the depression of the sole of the foot. Insert three fen, retain for three breaths, moxa three Zhu.) For swelling in the throat, inability to swallow saliva, or inability to spit out saliva at times, bleed at Ran Gu Qian, relief is immediate. Take left to treat right, right to treat left. (This is also the Foot Shaoyin Luo. Because its Luo vessel runs alongside the large meridian following the throat, hence this needling. These twenty-nine characters were originally misplaced before the section on pathogens lodging in the Hand/Foot Shaoyin/Taiyin/Yangming Lues, now moved here. Note: The New Correction states: "Wang's commentary regarding the Luo vessel running with the large meridian along the throat is confused. 'Jia Yi Jing' says the Foot Shaoyin Luo ascends to the Pericardium. The Shaoyin Meridian follows the throat. Wang's commentary mixes Meridian and Luo; 'Jia Yi Jing' should be correct.") When pathogens lodge in the Foot Taiyin Luo, it causes lower back pain radiating to the lower abdomen, pulling towards the... , and inability to breathe while extending backwards. (The Foot Taiyin Luo merges with Yangming at the thigh, ascends through the sacrum, connects with Jueyin and Shaoyang below..., and follows the sacrum internally into the abdomen, connects to the throat, and pierces the tongue. Hence lower back pain radiates to the lower abdomen, pulling to the... . ... refers to the soft empty area of the costal margin. Receiving pathogenic factors causes Luo contraction and urgency, hence inability to extend backward and breathe. The 'Breathing' character is absent in the 'Lower Back Pain' chapter. Note: The New Correction states: "Wang's commentary says Foot Taiyin Luo; 'Jia Yi Jing' says Taiyin Regular Meridian, not Luo. Wang calling it Luo is unclear.") Prick the gap between the waist and sacrum, above the two gluteal muscles; this is Yao Shu. Use the waxing and waning of the moon to determine the number of pricks. Release the needle for immediate relief. Take left to treat right, right to treat left. (The gap between the waist and sacrum bones is called Jie. In the middle is Yao Shu. Insert two cun, retain for seven breaths. 'Zhong Gao Kong Xue Tu Jing' says: "Take left to treat right, right to treat left." The point is in the midline, so this is incorrect. Next, below the waist, flanking the sacrum, there are four bony voids on each side, all treating lower back pain. The lower... matches the meridian; these are where Foot Taiyin, Jueyin, and Shaoyang knot. Insert two cun, retain for ten breaths, moxa three Zhu. HT refers to the two ankle gluteal muscles. Yao Shu, Kun, and Shen should all be taken. Note: The New Correction states: "This item on pathogens lodging in Foot Taiyin Luo and its needling method appears in the 'Lower Back Pain' chapter, where the commentary is very detailed. Here, only the three characters 'Yao Shu' are added. Additionally, Quan Qiyuan's edition originally lacked these three characters. Wang Shuhe knew well that Yao Shu cannot be treated by taking left/right, so he commented, but did not know Quan Qiyuan's edition originally lacked them.") When pathogens lodge in the Foot Taiyang Luo, it causes spasms, stiffness of the back, and pain radiating to the hypochondrium. (Because its meridian descends separately from the medial malleolus, penetrates the gluteal muscles, and meets in the... Hence spasms, back stiffness, and pain radiating to the hypochondrium. Note: The New Correction states: "Quan Qiyuan's edition and 'Jia Yi Jing', after 'pain radiating to the hypochondrium', add 'internally radiating to the heart causing pain'.") Start needling from the nape, count the vertebrae flanking the spine, press firmly. Where pressing elicits pain upon touch, prick three locations beside it, relief is immediate. (Counting vertebrae from the nape means counting from Da Zhui to the second vertebra, one cun five fen on either side, following the spine laterally. Pressing reveals pain, indicating the site of pathogen lodging. Prick according to the depth of the tender spot. Since pathogens lodge beside the spinal bones, it says "prick beside it".) When pathogens lodge in the Foot Shaoyang Luo, it causes pain lingering in the pivot (Hua Tuo's term for hip joint), and inability to lift the thigh. (Because its meridian emerges from the Groin, circles the pubic region, and enters horizontally into the Hip Aperture. Hence pain lingers in the Hip Pivot, followed by resolution of pain but inability to lift the leg. Pivot refers to the Hip Pivot.) Prick the Pivot with a fine needle. If cold, retain the needle for a long time. Use the waxing and waning of the moon to determine the number of pricks. Relief is immediate. (...Posterior to the Hip Pivot is the Huan Tiao point. Because it is posterior to the Hip Pivot, it says "prick posterior to the Hip Pivot". Huan Tiao is where the Qi of the Foot Shaoyang meridian issues. Insert one cun, retain for twenty breaths, moxa three Zhu. The fine needle is the seventh needle. Note: The New Correction states: "'Jia Yi Jing' says Huan Tiao is in the Hip Pivot. 'Qi Xue Lun' says it is in the division of the two Hip Apertures. This text says 'prick the Pivot', and Wang Shuhe interprets it as posterior to the Hip Pivot, which is an error.") For deafness, prick Hand Yangming. If not cured, prick the communicating vessel emerging anterior to the ear. (The "anterior" Hand Yangming refers to the point at the index finger's nail corner, distance from the tip like a leek leaf, which is Shang Yang. According to 'Zhong Gao Kong Xue Tu Jing', in the Hand Yangming meridian, Shang Yang, He Gu, Yang Xi, and Pian Li all treat deafness. However, the text refers to the anterior Shang Yang, not He Gu etc. The communicating vessel anterior to the ear corresponds to the Ting Hui area of the Hand Yangming meridian. Insert four fen, moxa three Zhu.) For dental caries, prick Hand Yangming. If not cured, prick the vessel entering the teeth, relief is immediate. (According to 'Jia Yi' and 'Liu Zhu Tu Jing', in the Hand Yangming meridian, Shang Yang, Er Jian, San Jian, He Gu, Yang Xi, Pian Li, and Wen Liu all treat toothache. Hand Yangming passes through the cheek and enters the lower teeth; Foot Yangming follows the lateral nose and enters the upper teeth. Note: Qu sounds like 'qu', meaning decayed teeth.) When pathogens lodge between the Five Zang organs, the disease involves pain radiating along the vessels, coming and going intermittently. Observe the disease and apply Miao Ci to the nail corners of the hands and feet. (Prick their Jing-Well points on each side, take left to treat right, right to treat left.) Observe the vessels, bleed them. Prick every other day. If one prick does not cure, five pricks will cure. (If there are visible blood vessels, prick as described.) For Mu Chuan radiating to the upper teeth, with cold pain in the teeth and lips, observe the blood vessels on the dorsum of the hand and remove the blood. (If the disease transmits abnormally and radiates to the upper teeth with cold pain in teeth and lips, prick the Hand Back Yangming Luo.) One prick at the nail corner of the second toe of Foot Yangming, one prick each at the nail corner of the index finger of Hand Yangming, relief is immediate. Take left to treat right, right to treat left. (Refers to the second toe Li Dui point. For the index finger, it refers to Shang Yang, the Jing-Well point of Hand Yangming. The Needle Classic states: "For toothache not fearing cold drinks, take Foot Yangming; for toothache fearing cold drinks, take Hand Yangming." Note: The New Correction states: "Checking the earlier text 'pathogens lodge in Foot Yangming, prick the junction of the nail and flesh of the middle and second toes', the character 'second' is erroneously added. It should only say 'middle toe nail junction', which is correct.") When pathogens lodge in the Hand/Foot Shaoyin, Taiyin, and Foot Yangming Lues, these five Lues all meet in the ear and connect superiorly to the left corner of the head. (Hand Shaoyin True Heart vessel, Foot Shaoyin Kidney vessel, Hand Taiyin Lung vessel, Foot Taiyin Spleen vessel, Foot Yangming Stomach vessel. These five Lues meet in the ear and emerge to connect to the left frontal angle.) When all five Lues are exhausted, it causes movement of all body vessels while the form remains unconscious. The appearance resembles a corpse, or it is called Shi Jue (Corpse Fainting). (Describing sudden fainting resembling death, with body vessels still pulsating like normal people. However, when Yin Qi is excessive above, Lower Qi steams upward and Pathogenic Qi reverses. Reversed Pathogenic Qi causes Yang Qi to become chaotic. Chaotic Yang Qi causes the five Lues...)