《汉书艺文志》医经者录凡七家，二百一十六卷。计《黄帝内经》十八卷、《外经》三十七卷、
《扁鹊内经》九卷、《外经》十二卷、《白氏内经》三十八卷、《外经》三十六卷、《旁
篇》二十五卷。今传于世者，只《灵枢》九卷、《素问》九卷，合为《黄帝内经》十八卷，扁鹊《难经》
二卷。其余各家，久已湮没失传。尝谓医经传自上古，其时方剂未兴，所赖以治病者，惟恃针灸而已。古圣针
灸之术，存于今之《内》、《难》两经者，已十不逮一。居今日而讲求针灸之学，断未有不读《内》、
《难》，而能洞悉原委者。以《内》、《难》诸经为一切针法所自出，方脉家尚在必读，针灸家更不可不详
考贯通。但今之习针灸者，如责其先读《内》、《难》诸经，未有不望洋而叹。兹择其最关重要，为针灸家
所万不可不知者，于《内经》选录数篇，《难经》则录自六十二难以后二十条，为学人立一基础，较之毫
无根底，以讹传讹者，固有天壤之别。倘由此而探本寻源，推求经义，其造诣更未可限量也。
此篇为医学之大本原，无论方脉针灸两家，皆不可不熟读深思，心知其意。凡人身脏腑经络，如何贯
通，如何联系，十二经之界限起止，以及分经辨症之所以然，皆历历分明，丝毫不紊。非上古之神圣，何由推
测而知。针灸家如不读此篇，非但不知辨症，且亦无从下手，真乃针灸家之金科玉律，万不可不读之大文也。
雷公问于黄帝曰∶禁服之言，凡刺之理，经脉为始，营其所行，制其度量，内次五脏，外别六腑，愿
尽闻其道。黄帝曰∶人始生，先成精，精成而脑髓生，骨为干，脉为营，筋为刚，肉为
墙，皮肤坚而毛发长，谷入于胃，脉道以通，血气乃行。雷公曰∶愿卒闻经脉之始生。黄帝曰∶经脉者，
所以能决死生，处百病，调虚实，不可不通。
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。是动则病肺胀
满膨膨而喘咳，缺盆中痛，甚则交两手而瞀，此为臂厥。是主肺所生病者，咳，上气喘渴，烦心胸满， 臂内
前廉痛厥，掌中热。气盛有余，则肩背痛，风寒汗出中风，小便数而欠。气虚则肩背痛寒，少气不足
以息，溺色变。为此诸病，盛则泻之，虚则补之，热则疾之，寒
则留之，陷下则灸之，不盛不虚，以经取之。盛者寸口大三倍于人迎，虚者则寸口反小于人迎也。
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。是动则病齿痛颈肿。是主津液
所生病者，目黄口干，鼽衄，喉痹，肩前 痛，大指次指痛不用。气有余则当脉所过者热肿，虚则寒栗不复。
为此诸病，盛则泻之，热则疾之，寒则留之，陷下则灸之，不盛不虚，以经取之。盛者人迎大三倍于
寸口，虚者人迎反小于寸口也。
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，以下髀关，抵伏兔，下膝膑中，下循胫外廉，下足跗，入中指内间，
其支者，下廉三寸而别，下入中指外间；其支者，别跗上，入大指间，出其端。是动则病洒洒振寒，
善呻数欠，颜黑，病至则恶人与火，闻木声则惕然而惊，心欲
动，独闭户塞牖而处，甚则欲上高而歌，弃衣而走，贲响腹胀，是为 厥。是主血所生病者，狂疟温淫汗出，
鼽衄，口 唇胗，颈肿喉痹，大腹水肿，膝膑肿痛，循膺、乳、气街、股、伏兔、
外廉、足跗上皆痛，中指不用。气盛则身以前皆热，其有余于胃，则消谷善饥，溺色黄。气不足则身
以前皆寒栗，胃中寒则胀满。为此诸病，盛则泻之，虚则补之，热则疾之，寒则留之，陷
下则灸之，不盛不虚，以经取之。盛者人迎大三倍于寸口，虚者人迎反小于寸口也。
脾足太阴之脉，起于大指之端，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。
是动则病舌本强，食则呕，胃脘痛，腹胀善噫，得后与气则快然如衰，身体皆重。是主脾所生病者，
舌本痛，体不能动摇，食不下，烦心，心下急痛，溏、瘕、泄、水闭、黄胆，不能卧，强立股膝内肿厥，足
大指不用。为此诸病，盛则泻之，虚则补之，热则疾之，寒则留之，陷下则灸之，不盛不虚，以经取之。盛者
寸口大三倍于人迎，虚者寸口反小于人迎也。
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。是动则病嗌干心痛，渴而欲饮，是为臂厥。是主心所生
病者，目黄胁痛， 臂内后廉痛厥，掌中热痛。为此诸病，盛则泻之，虚则补之，热
则疾之，寒则留之，陷下则灸之，不盛不虚，以经取之。盛者寸口大再倍于人迎，虚者寸口反小于人迎也。
小肠手太阳之脉，起于小指之端。循手外侧上腕，出踝中，
直上循臂骨下廉，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。是动则病嗌痛颔肿，不可以顾，肩似拔， 似折。是主液所生病者，耳聋目黄颊肿，颈颔肩 肘臂外
后廉痛。为此诸病，盛则泻之，虚则补之，热则疾之，寒则留之，陷下则灸之，不盛不虚，以经取之。盛者
人迎大再倍于寸口，虚者人迎反小于寸口也。
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 内左右，别下贯胛，扶脊内，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。是动则病冲头痛，目似脱，项如拔，脊痛腰似折，髀不可以曲， 如结， 如裂，
是为踝厥。是主筋所生病者，痔疟狂癫疾，头囟项痛，目黄泪出鼽衄，项背腰尻 脚皆痛，小指不
用。为此诸病，盛则泻之，虚则补之，热则疾之，寒则留之，陷下则灸之，不盛不虚，以经取之。盛者人迎
大再倍于寸口，虚者人迎反小于寸口也。
肾足少阴之脉，起于小指之下，邪趋足心，出于然谷之下，循内踝之后，别人跟中，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。是动则病饥不欲食，面如漆柴，咳唾则有血，喝喝而喘，坐而欲起，目KT KT 如无
所见，心如悬若饥状，气不足则善恐，心惕惕如人将捕之，是为
骨厥。是主肾所生病者，口热舌干，咽肿上气，嗌干及痛，烦心心痛，黄胆肠 ，脊股内后廉痛，痿厥嗜卧，
足下热而痛。为此诸病，盛则泻之，虚则补之，热则疾之，寒则留之，陷下则灸之，不盛不虚，以经取之。
灸则强食生肉，缓带披发，大杖重履而步。盛者寸口大再倍于人迎，虚者寸口反小于人迎也。
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。是动则病手心热，臂肘挛急，腋肿，甚则胸胁支满，心中 大
动，面赤目黄，喜笑不休。是主脉所生病者，烦心心痛，掌中热。为此诸病，盛则泻之，虚则补之，热则疾
之，寒则留之，陷下则灸之，不盛不虚，以经取之。盛者寸口大一倍于人迎，虚者寸口反小于人迎也。
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，散落心包，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 。是动则病耳聋浑浑 ，嗌肿喉痹。是主气所生病者，汗
出，目锐 痛，颊痛，耳后肩 肘臂外皆痛，小指次指不用。为此诸病，盛则泻之，虚则补之，热则疾之，
寒则留之，陷下则灸之，不盛不虚，以经取之。盛者人迎大一倍于寸口，虚者人迎反小于寸口也。
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 ，下大迎，合于手少阳，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，横入髀厌中；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，循大指岐骨内出其端，还贯爪甲，
出三毛。是动则病口苦，善太息，心胁痛不能转侧，甚则面微有尘，体无膏泽，足外反热，是为阳厥。是主骨
所生病者，头痛颔痛，目锐 痛，缺盆中肿痛，腋下肿，马刀侠瘿，汗出振寒，疟，胸胁肋髀膝外至胫绝骨
外踝前及诸节皆痛，小指次指不用。为此诸病，盛则泻之，虚则补之，热则疾之，寒则留之，陷下则灸之，
不盛不虚，以经取之，盛者人迎大一倍于寸口，虚者人迎反小于寸口也。
肝足厥阴之脉，起于大指丛毛之际，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，复从肝别贯隔，上
注肺。是动则为腰痛不可以俯仰，丈夫 疝，妇人少腹肿，甚则嗌干，面尘脱色。是肝所生病者，胸满呕逆
飧泄，狐疝遗溺闭癃。为此诸病，盛则泻之，虚则补之，热则疾之，寒则留之，陷下则灸之，不盛不虚，
以经取之。盛者寸口大一倍于人迎，虚者寸口反小于人迎也。
手太阴气绝则皮毛焦，太阴者行气温于皮毛者也，故气不荣则皮毛焦，皮毛焦则津液去皮节，津液
去皮节者则爪枯毛折，毛折者则毛先死，丙笃丁死，火胜金也。手少阴气绝则脉不通，脉
不通则血不流，血不流则髦色不泽，故其面黑如漆紫者，血先
死，壬笃癸死，水胜火也。足太阴气绝者则脉不荣肌肉，唇舌者肌肉之本也，脉不荣则肌肉软，肌肉软则舌
萎人中满，人中满则唇反，唇反者肉先死，甲笃乙死，木胜土也。足少阴气绝则骨枯，少阴者冬脉也，伏行而
濡骨髓者也，故骨不濡则肉不能着也，骨肉不相亲则肉软却，肉软却故齿长而垢，发无泽，发无泽
者骨先死，戊笃己死，土胜水也。足厥阴气绝则筋绝，厥阴者肝脉也，肝者筋之合也，筋者聚于阴气，而脉络
于舌本也，故脉弗荣则筋急，筋急则引舌与卵，故唇青舌卷卵缩则筋先死，庚笃辛死，金胜木也。五阴气俱
绝则目系转，转则目运，目运者为志先死，志先死则远一日半死矣。六阳气绝，则阴
与阳相离，离则腠理发泄，绝汗乃出，故旦占夕死，夕占旦死。
经脉十二者，伏行分肉之间，深而不见；其常见者，足太阴过于外踝之上，无所隐故也。诸脉之浮而常
见者，皆络脉也。六经络手阳明少阳之络，起于五指间，上合肘中。饮酒者，卫气先行皮肤，先充络脉，络脉
先盛，故卫气已平，营气乃满，而经脉大盛。脉之卒然动者，皆邪气居之，留于本末；不动则热，不坚
则陷且空，不与众同，是以知其何脉之动也。雷公曰∶何以知经脉之与络脉异也？黄帝曰∶经脉者常不
可见也，其虚实也以气口知之，脉之见者皆络脉也。雷公曰∶细子无以明其然也。黄帝曰∶诸络脉皆不能经
大节之间，必行绝道而出，入复合于皮中，其会皆见于外。故诸刺络脉者，必刺其结上，甚血者虽无结，急
《汉书·艺文志》记载，医经类著作共有七家，总计二百一十六卷。其中包括：《黄帝内经》十八卷、《外经》三十七卷；《扁鹊内经》九卷、《外经》十二卷；《白氏内经》三十八卷、《外经》三十六卷；以及《旁篇》二十五卷。如今流传在世的，只有《灵枢》九卷和《素问》九卷，合称为《黄帝内经》十八卷，加上扁鹊的《难经》二卷。其余各家的著作，早已湮没失传。我曾说过，医经传承自上古时代，那时方剂尚未兴起，人们依靠治病的手段，唯有针灸而已。古代圣人的针灸技术，保存在当今的《内经》和《难经》这两部经典中的，已经不到十分之一了。在当今讲求针灸之学，如果不读《内经》和《难经》，绝对不可能洞察其来龙去脉。以《内经》和《难经》诸经作为一切针法的源头，即使是从事方药脉诊的医生也必定要阅读，从事针灸的医生更不可不详细考察并融会贯通。但是，现在学习针灸的人，如果要求他们先读《内经》和《难经》等经典，没有不感到茫然无措而叹息的。这里我选取其中最关键重要、为针灸家所万不可不知的内容，从《内经》中选录了几篇，从《难经》中则录自第六十二难以后的二十条内容，为学习者打下基础，这比起毫无根基、以讹传讹的做法，确实有天壤之别。如果能由此探本寻源，推求经义，其造诣更是不可限量。
这一篇是医学的根本源头，无论是方药脉诊还是针灸两家，都必须熟读深思，心中明白其意。凡是人体脏腑经络，是如何贯通联系的，十二经脉的界限起止，以及分经辨症的原理所在，都清晰分明，丝毫不乱。如果不是上古的神圣之人，怎么能推测得知呢？针灸家如果不读这一篇，不仅不知道如何辨证，而且也无从下手，这真是针灸家的金科玉律，万万不可不读的大文章啊。
雷公向黄帝问道：“关于禁服的说法，大凡针刺的道理，以经脉为起始，研究其运行的规律，制定其度量标准，内部关联五脏，外部区分六腑，我希望详尽地听闻其中的道理。”黄帝说：“人开始生命时，先形成精，精形成后脑髓产生，骨作为主干，脉作为营气运行的通道，筋作为刚强的支撑，肉作为城墙，皮肤坚固而毛发生长，谷物进入胃中，脉道通畅，血气才开始运行。”雷公说：“我希望彻底听闻经脉的起始生成过程。”黄帝说：“经脉，是用来决断生死，处理各种疾病，调节虚实不平衡的，不可以不通晓。”
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，属于肺脏，从肺系（气管喉咙部）横出腋下，向下沿上臂内侧下行，行在手少阴心经和手厥阴心包经之前，下行至肘窝中，沿前臂内侧桡骨下缘，进入寸口（桡动脉搏动处），上行至大鱼际，沿鱼际边缘，出大拇指尖端；它的支脉，从手腕后方直出食指内侧边缘，到达指尖。这条经脉发生病变（是动病），会出现肺胀满，膨膨胀喘咳，缺盆中疼痛，严重时甚至两手交叉捂住胸口而视物模糊，这叫做臂厥。这条经脉主治肺所生的疾病，包括咳嗽，上气喘促口渴，心烦胸满，手臂内侧前缘疼痛厥冷，掌心发热。如果气盛有余，则肩背痛，风寒汗出中风，小便频数且量少。如果气虚，则肩背痛怕冷，气短不足以呼吸，尿液颜色改变。对于这些疾病，实证用泻法，虚证用补法，热证用疾刺法（快进快出），寒证用留针法，脉气下陷的用灸法，不虚不实的情况，取本经穴位治疗。实证表现为寸口脉搏比人迎脉搏大三倍，虚证则寸口脉搏反而小于人迎脉搏。
手阳明大肠经，起于食指指尖，沿食指上缘，出于合谷穴两骨之间，向上进入两筋之中，沿前臂上缘，进入肘外侧上缘，沿上臂外侧前缘，上肩，出于肩峰前缘，向上出于颈椎大椎穴会合处，向下进入缺盆，联络肺脏，穿过膈肌，属于大肠；它的支脉，从缺盆上颈，贯穿面颊，进入下齿中，回出来夹口两旁，交叉于人中部，左边到右边，右边到左边，上行夹鼻孔。这条经脉发生病变，会出现牙痛颈肿。这条经脉主治津液所生的疾病，包括目黄口干，鼻塞流涕或鼻出血，喉痹，肩前部疼痛，食指疼痛不能活动。如果气有余，则在经脉经过的地方出现热肿，如果气虚则出现寒战不能恢复。对于这些疾病，实证用泻法，热证用疾刺法，寒证用留针法，脉气下陷的用灸法，不虚不实的情况，取本经穴位治疗。实证表现为人迎脉搏比寸口脉搏大三倍，虚证则人迎脉搏反而小于寸口脉搏。
足阳明胃经，起于鼻翼两侧交睛明穴处，旁边约束太阳经脉，向下沿鼻外侧，进入上齿中，回出来夹口环绕嘴唇，向下交于承浆穴，退后沿下颌后下缘，出大迎穴，沿颊车穴，上耳前，过客主人穴，沿发际，至额颅；它的支脉，从大迎前下方到人迎穴，沿喉咙，进入缺盆，穿过膈肌，属于胃络脾；它的直行脉，从缺盆下乳内缘，向下夹脐，进入气街（腹股沟动脉处）；它的支脉，起于胃下口，向下沿腹里，下行至气街中与直行脉会合，向下经过髀关，抵伏兔穴，下至膝盖髌骨中，向下沿胫骨外侧缘，下行至足背，进入中趾内侧间；它的支脉，从膝下三寸处分出，向下进入中趾外侧间；它的支脉，从足背分出，进入大趾间，出其尖端。这条经脉发生病变，会出现洒洒恶寒，经常呻吟呵欠，面色发黑，病发作时厌恶人和火，听到木声就惊恐心动，想独自关闭门窗独处，严重时想登上高处唱歌，脱衣奔跑，肠鸣腹胀，这叫做骭厥。这条经脉主治血所生的疾病，包括狂疟温病汗出，鼻塞流涕或鼻出血，口唇生疮，颈肿喉痹，大腹水肿，膝盖髌骨肿痛，沿胸部、乳房、气街、大腿、伏兔、小腿外侧、足背等处都疼痛，中趾不能活动。如果气盛，则身体前面都发热，如果在胃方面有余，则消化食物快容易饥饿，尿液颜色黄。如果气不足，则身体前面都寒冷战栗，胃中有寒则胀满。对于这些疾病，实证用泻法，虚证用补法，热证用疾刺法，寒证用留针法，脉气下陷的用灸法，不虚不实的情况，取本经穴位治疗。实证表现为人迎脉搏比寸口脉搏大三倍，虚证则人迎脉搏反而小于寸口脉搏。
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，上内踝前缘，上小腿内侧，沿胫骨后缘，交出足厥阴肝经之前，上膝大腿内侧前缘，入腹属于脾络胃，上穿膈肌，夹咽，连舌根，散舌下，它的支脉，又从胃别出上穿膈肌，注入心中。这条经脉发生病变，会出现舌根强直，进食则呕吐，胃脘痛，腹胀喜欢嗳气，大小便排气后感觉轻松症状减轻，身体沉重。这条经脉主治脾所生的疾病，包括舌根痛，身体不能动摇，饮食不下，心烦，心下急痛，大便溏泄、瘕聚、泄泻、尿闭、黄疸，不能仰卧，强行站立则大腿膝盖内侧肿胀厥冷，足大趾不能活动。对于这些疾病，实证用泻法，虚证用补法，热证用疾刺法，寒证用留针法，脉气下陷的用灸法，不虚不实的情况，取本经穴位治疗。实证表现为寸口脉搏比人迎脉搏大三倍，虚证则寸口脉搏反而小于人迎脉搏。
手少阴心经，起于心中，出来属于心系（心脏与其他脏器相连的组织），向下穿过膈肌，联络小肠；它的支脉，从心系上夹咽喉，联系目系（眼球连系脑的脉络）；它的直行脉，又从心系退回上行入肺，向下出腋下，沿上臂内侧后缘，行在手太阴肺经和手厥阴心包经之后，下行至肘内，沿前臂内侧后缘，抵掌后豌豆骨端，入掌内后缘，沿小指内侧出其尖端。这条经脉发生病变，会出现咽喉干燥心痛，口渴想饮水，这叫做臂厥。这条经脉主治心所生的疾病，包括目黄胁痛，手臂内侧后缘疼痛厥冷，掌心发热疼痛。对于这些疾病，实证用泻法，虚证用补法，热证用疾刺法，寒证用留针法，脉气下陷的用灸法，不虚不实的情况，取本经穴位治疗。实证表现为寸口脉搏比人迎脉搏大二倍，虚证则寸口脉搏反而小于人迎脉搏。
手太阳小肠经，起于小指尖端。沿手外侧上腕，出踝中，直上沿尺骨下缘，出肘内侧两筋之间，上沿上臂外侧后缘，出肩关节，绕肩胛，交肩上，入缺盆，联络心脏，沿咽喉向下穿过膈肌，抵胃属于小肠；它的支脉，从缺盆沿颈上颊，至目外眦，却入耳中；它的支脉，从颊部分出上颧抵鼻，至目内眦，斜络于颧骨。这条经脉发生病变，会出现咽喉痛下巴肿，不能回顾，肩像被拔除一样痛，腋像折断一样痛。这条经脉主治液所生的疾病，包括耳聋目黄脸颊肿，颈颌肩肘臂外侧后缘疼痛。对于这些疾病，实证用泻法，虚证用补法，热证用疾刺法，寒证用留针法，脉气下陷的用灸法，不虚不实的情况，取本经穴位治疗。实证表现为人迎脉搏比寸口脉搏大二倍，虚证则人迎脉搏反而小于寸口脉搏。
足太阳膀胱经，起于目内眦，上额交巅顶；它的支脉，从巅顶至耳上角；它的直行脉，从巅顶入络脑，回出来分别下行项部，沿肩膊内，挟脊柱抵腰中，入循膂肌肉，联络肾脏属于膀胱；它的支脉，从腰中下行挟脊柱贯臀，入腘中；它的支脉，从腘内左右别出，下贯胛，扶脊内，过髀枢，沿髋关节外侧从后缘下行合于腘中，以下贯腓肠肌，出外踝之后，沿京骨穴，至小趾外侧。这条经脉发生病变，会出现冲头痛，眼睛像要脱出，项部像被拔除，脊痛腰像折断，大腿不能弯曲，腘窝像结扎一样，小腿肚像撕裂一样，这叫做踝厥。这条经脉主治筋所生的疾病，包括痔疾疟疾狂癫疾，头囟项痛，目黄泪出鼻塞流涕或鼻出血，项背腰尻脚皆痛，小趾不能活动。对于这些疾病，实证用泻法，虚证用补法，热证用疾刺法，寒证用留针法，脉气下陷的用灸法，不虚不实的情况，取本经穴位治疗。实证表现为人迎脉搏比寸口脉搏大二倍，虚证则人迎脉搏反而小于寸口脉搏。
足少阴肾经，起于小趾之下，斜趋足心，出于然谷穴之下，沿内踝之后，别入脚跟中，以上小腿内侧，出小腿内侧后缘，上大腿内侧后缘，贯穿脊柱属于肾联络膀胱，它的直行脉，从肾上行贯穿肝膈，入肺中，沿喉咙，夹舌本；它的支脉，从肺出联络心脏，注入胸中。这条经脉发生病变，会出现饥不欲食，面色像漆柴一样枯黑，咳唾则有血，喘息有声，坐起想站起，眼睛昏花视物不清，心里像悬空一样像饥饿的感觉，气不足则容易恐惧，心神惕惕不安像有人要捕捉一样，这叫做骨厥。这条经脉主治肾所生的疾病，包括口热舌干，咽肿上气，咽喉干燥及疼痛，心烦心痛，黄疸肠澼，脊股内侧后缘疼痛，痿厥嗜卧，足下发热而痛。对于这些疾病，实证用泻法，虚证用补法，热证用疾刺法，寒证用留针法，脉气下陷的用灸法，不虚不实的情况，取本经穴位治疗。如果用灸法，则要强迫进食以生肌肉，松开腰带披散头发，拄大杖穿重鞋行走。实证表现为寸口脉搏比人迎脉搏大二倍，虚证则寸口脉搏反而小于人迎脉搏。
手厥阴心包经，起于胸中，出来属于心包络，向下穿过膈肌，依次联络上、中、下三焦；它的支脉，沿胸出胁，下腋三寸，上抵腋下，沿上臂内侧，行手太阴肺经和手少阴心经之间，入肘中，下臂行两筋之间，入掌中，沿中指指出其尖端，它的支脉，从掌中分出，沿无名指出其尖端。这条经脉发生病变，会出现手心热，臂肘挛急，腋肿，严重时胸胁胀满，心中悸动不安，面赤目黄，喜笑不休。这条经脉主治脉所生的疾病，包括心烦心痛，掌心发热。对于这些疾病，实证用泻法，虚证用补法，热证用疾刺法，寒证用留针法，脉气下陷的用灸法，不虚不实的情况，取本经穴位治疗。实证表现为寸口脉搏比人迎脉搏大一倍，虚证则寸口脉搏反而小于人迎脉搏。
手少阳三焦经，起于无名指尖端，上出两指之间，沿手表腕，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，布散膻中，散落心包，下穿过膈肌，循行属于三焦；它的支脉，从膻中上出缺盆，上项，系耳后直上，出耳上角，以屈曲下颊至颧骨；它的支脉，从耳后入耳中，出走耳前，过客主人穴前，交颊，至目外眦。这条经脉发生病变，会出现耳聋耳鸣嗡嗡作响，咽喉肿喉痹。这条经脉主治气所生的疾病，包括汗出，目外眦痛，颊痛，耳后肩肘臂外侧都痛，无名指不能活动。对于这些疾病，实证用泻法，虚证用补法，热证用疾刺法，寒证用留针法，脉气下陷的用灸法，不虚不实的情况，取本经穴位治疗。实证表现为人迎脉搏比寸口脉搏大一倍，虚证则人迎脉搏反而小于寸口脉搏。
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；它的支脉，从耳后入耳中，出走耳前，至目外眦后；它的支脉，别出目外眦，下大迎，合于手少阳三焦经，抵于颧骨下，下加颊车，下颈合缺盆以下胸中，贯穿膈络肝属胆，循胁里，出气街，绕毛际，横入髋关节中；它的直行脉，从缺盆下腋，沿胸过季胁，下合髋关节中，以下沿大腿外侧，出膝外侧缘，下外辅骨之前，直下抵绝骨端，下出外踝之前，沿足背，入小趾次趾之间，它的支脉，别足背，入大趾之间，沿大趾歧骨内出其尖端，还贯爪甲，出丛毛。这条经脉发生病变，会出现口苦，喜欢叹气，心胁痛不能转侧，严重时面色微有尘垢，身体无光泽，足外侧反热，这叫做阳厥。这条经脉主治骨所生的疾病，包括头痛颔痛，目外眦痛，缺盆中肿痛，腋下肿，马刀侠瘿（淋巴结肿大），汗出恶寒，疟疾，胸胁肋髀膝外至胫绝骨外踝前及诸节都痛，小趾次趾不能活动。对于这些疾病，实证用泻法，虚证用补法，热证用疾刺法，寒证用留针法，脉气下陷的用灸法，不虚不实的情况，取本经穴位治疗，实证表现为人迎脉搏比寸口脉搏大一倍，虚证则人迎脉搏反而小于寸口脉搏。
足厥阴肝经，起于大趾丛毛之际，上循足背上缘，距内踝一寸，上踝八寸，交出足太阴脾经之后，上大腿内侧缘，循股阴入毛中，过生殖器，抵小腹，夹胃属于肝络胆，上贯穿膈，布胁肋，循喉咙之后，上入鼻咽部（颃颡），连目系，上出额，与督脉会于巅顶；它的支脉，从目系下颊里，环唇内；它的支脉，又从肝别出贯穿膈，上注肺。这条经脉发生病变，会出现腰痛不可以俯仰，男子疝气，妇人少腹肿，严重时咽喉干燥，面色尘垢脱落失色。这是肝所生的疾病，包括胸满呕逆完谷不化的泄泻，狐疝遗尿闭癃。对于这些疾病，实证用泻法，虚证用补法，热证用疾刺法，寒证用留针法，脉气下陷的用灸法，不虚不实的情况，取本经穴位治疗。实证表现为寸口脉搏比人迎脉搏大一倍，虚证则寸口脉搏反而小于人迎脉搏。
手太阴肺气绝，则皮毛干枯。太阴经是运行气气温煦皮毛的，所以气不能滋养则皮毛干枯，皮毛干枯则津液离开皮节，津液离开皮节则指甲枯槁毛发折断，毛发折断说明毛先死，丙日加重丁日死亡，因为火克金。手少阴心气绝，则脉不通，脉不通则血不流，血不流则毛发色泽不润，所以面色黑如漆紫的是血先死，壬日加重癸日死亡，因为水克火。足太阴脾气绝，则脉不能滋养肌肉，唇舌是肌肉的根本，脉不能滋养则肌肉松软，肌肉松软则舌萎人中满，人中满则唇反，唇反说明肉先死，甲日加重乙日死亡，因为木克土。足少阴肾气绝，则骨枯，少阴经是冬脉，潜行而濡养骨髓，所以骨不濡养则肉不能附着，骨肉不相亲则肉软退缩，肉软退缩所以牙齿显得长且垢腻，头发无光泽，头发无光泽说明骨先死，戊日加重己日死亡，因为土克水。足厥阴肝气绝，则筋绝，厥阴经是肝脉，肝是筋的汇聚处，筋汇聚于阴器而脉络于舌根，所以脉不荣养则筋急，筋急则牵引舌和睾丸，所以唇青舌卷睾丸收缩说明筋先死，庚日加重辛日死亡，因为金克木。五阴气都绝，则目系扭转，扭转则目眩，目眩说明神志先死，神志先死则一天半后死亡。六阳气绝，则阴与阳分离，分离则腠理发泄，绝汗乃出，所以早上占测晚上死，晚上占测早上死。
十二经脉，潜伏运行在分肉之间，深而不见；那些常见的，是足太阴脾经经过外踝之上，没有什么隐蔽所以可见。所有浮露而常见的脉，都是络脉。六经的络脉，手阳明和手少阳的络脉，起于五指间，上合于肘中。饮酒的人，卫气先行于皮肤，先充盈络脉，络脉先盛，所以卫气已平复，营气才充满，而经脉盛大。脉突然跳动的，都是邪气停留，留在根本和末端；不跳动则有热，不坚实则下陷且空虚，不与其它脉相同，因此知道是哪条脉在动。雷公说：“怎么知道经脉和络脉不同呢？”黄帝说：“经脉通常看不见，它们的虚实通过气口（寸口）知道，看到的脉都是络脉。”雷公说：“学生无法明白其中的道理。”黄帝说：“所有的络脉都不能经过大关节之间，必须行于捷径而出，进入又复合于皮中，它们的交会点都见于外面。所以刺络脉的人，必须刺其结聚之处，血多的即使没有结聚，也要紧急”
According to the "Bibliography" section of the *Book of Han*, there were seven schools of Medical Classics, totaling 216 volumes. These included: *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) 18 volumes, *Waijing* (External Canon) 37 volumes; *Bianque Neijing* 9 volumes, *Waijing* 12 volumes; *Baishi Neijing* 38 volumes, *Waijing* 36 volumes; and *Pangpian* 25 volumes. Those currently transmitted in the world are only the *Lingshu* (Spiritual Pivot) 9 volumes and the *Suwen* (Basic Questions) 9 volumes, combined as the *Huangdi Neijing* 18 volumes, along with Bianque's *Nanjing* (Classic of Difficult Issues) 2 volumes. The works of the other schools have long been lost and forgotten. I have said that medical classics were transmitted from ancient times, when prescriptions had not yet emerged, and the means relied upon for treating diseases were solely acupuncture and moxibustion. Of the ancient sages' acupuncture and moxibustion techniques, those preserved in the current *Neijing* and *Nanjing* account for less than one-tenth. To study acupuncture and moxibustion today, without reading the *Neijing* and *Nanjing*, it is impossible to thoroughly understand their origins and details. Since the *Neijing* and *Nanjing* are the sources of all acupuncture methods, even physicians specializing in herbal medicine and pulse diagnosis must read them, and those specializing in acupuncture should certainly examine and comprehend them in detail. However, among contemporary practitioners of acupuncture and moxibustion, if required to first read the *Neijing* and *Nanjing*, none would not sigh in bewilderment. Here, I select the most crucial content that any acupuncturist must know, extracting several chapters from the *Neijing* and twenty sections from the *Nanjing* starting from the sixty-second difficulty, to establish a foundation for learners. This is vastly superior to having no foundation and spreading errors. If one explores the roots and sources from this point and seeks the meaning of the classics, their attainments will be immeasurable.
This chapter is the fundamental origin of medicine. Regardless of whether one specializes in herbal medicine or acupuncture, one must read it carefully and think deeply to understand its meaning. It clearly explains how the internal organs and meridians of the human body are connected and linked, the boundaries and起止 (start and end points) of the twelve meridians, and the rationale behind syndrome differentiation by meridian. It is distinct and orderly, without the slightest disorder. Only the divine sages of ancient times could deduce such knowledge. If an acupuncturist does not read this chapter, they will not only fail to differentiate syndromes but also have no way to begin treatment. It is truly the golden rule for acupuncturists and a great text that must not be omitted.
Leigong asked Huangdi: "Regarding the teachings on forbidden points, the principle of acupuncture begins with the meridians. One studies their pathways, establishes their measurements, relates them internally to the five Zang organs, and distinguishes them externally among the six Fu organs. I wish to hear the complete explanation of this method." Huangdi replied: "When human life begins, essence is formed first. From essence, brain and marrow are generated. Bones serve as the framework, vessels circulate Ying (Nutritive) Qi, tendons provide strength, flesh acts as a wall, skin is firm, and hair grows. When grain enters the stomach, the vessel pathways become open, and Blood and Qi begin to flow." Leigong said: "I wish to hear completely about the initial generation of the meridians." Huangdi said: "The meridians are used to determine life and death, manage various diseases, and regulate deficiency and excess. They must not be left ununderstood."
The Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian originates in the Middle Jiao, descends to connect with the Large Intestine, returns to follow the stomach opening, passes through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Lung. From the Lung system (trachea and throat), it emerges horizontally under the armpit, descends along the medial aspect of the upper arm, running anterior to the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian and Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, descends into the elbow midpoint, follows the medial aspect of the forearm along the lower border of the radius, enters the Cun Kou (radial artery pulse point), ascends to the Thenar eminence, follows the margin of the thenar eminence, and exits at the tip of the thumb. Its branch arises from the wrist, goes straight to the medial aspect of the index finger, and exits at its tip. When this meridian is affected (Shi Dong Bing), it causes lung distension, fullness, bloating, wheezing, and coughing; pain in the supraclavicular fossa; and in severe cases, crossing both hands over the chest and visual disturbance, known as Bi Jue (Arm Jue). This meridian governs diseases produced by the Lung, including cough, asthma, thirst, vexation, chest fullness, pain and coldness in the anterior medial aspect of the arm, and heat in the palm. If Qi is excessive and surplus, there is shoulder and back pain, sweating due to wind-cold, stroke, frequent urination with small volume. If Qi is deficient, there is shoulder and back pain with coldness, shortness of breath, and changes in urine color. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Cun Kou pulse is three times larger than the Ren Ying pulse; in deficiency, the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.
The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian originates at the tip of the index finger, follows the radial border of the finger, emerges between the two bones at He Gu, enters between the two tendons, follows the radial border of the forearm, enters the lateral border of the elbow, ascends along the anterior border of the lateral aspect of the upper arm, reaches the shoulder, emerges anterior to the acromion, ascends to meet at the Dazhui point (confluence of vertebrae), descends into the Que Pen (supraclavicular fossa), connects with the Lung, passes through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Large Intestine. Its branch arises from the Que Pen, ascends the neck, penetrates the cheek, enters the lower teeth, returns to flank the mouth, crosses at the Philtrum (Ren Zhong), left to right and right to left, and ascends to flank the nostrils. When affected, it causes toothache and neck swelling. This meridian governs diseases produced by Jin Ye (Body Fluids), including yellow eyes, dry mouth, rhinorrhea or epistaxis, throat obstruction, pain in the anterior shoulder, and pain and immobility of the index finger. If Qi is surplus, heat and swelling occur along the meridian pathway; if deficient, chills occur that do not resolve. For these diseases, excess is drained, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Ren Ying pulse is three times larger than the Cun Kou pulse; in deficiency, the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.
The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at the side of the nose at Jing Ming, beside constraining the Taiyin meridian, descends along the lateral nose, enters the upper teeth, returns to flank the mouth and encircle the lips, descends to cross at Cheng Jiang, retreats along the posterior lower border of the jaw, emerges at Da Ying, follows Jia Che, ascends anterior to the ear, passes through Gu Xi Men, follows the hairline to the forehead. Its branch arises from Da Ying, descends anteriorly to Ren Ying, follows the throat, enters the Que Pen, passes through the diaphragm, belongs to the Stomach, and connects with the Spleen. Its direct branch arises from the Que Pen, descends along the medial aspect of the breast, descends flanking the umbilicus, and enters the Qi Chong (inguinal region). Another branch arises from the stomach opening, descends along the interior of the abdomen to the Qi Chong where it merges with the direct branch, descends to Bi Guan, reaches Fu Tu, descends into the knee patella, follows the lateral border of the tibia, descends to the dorsum of the foot, and enters the space between the middle toes. A branch diverges three cun below the knee, entering the lateral space of the middle toe. Another branch diverges from the dorsum of the foot, entering the space between the big toe and exiting at its tip. When affected, it causes aversion to cold, shivering, frequent groaning and yawning, darkened complexion, aversion to people and fire upon onset, startle at the sound of wood, palpitations, desire to close doors and windows and stay alone, and in severe cases, climbing high to sing, discarding clothes and running, borborygmus, and abdominal distension, known as Gan Jue. This meridian governs diseases produced by Blood, including manic malaria, warm pathogen sweating, rhinorrhea or epistaxis, oral ulcers, neck swelling, throat obstruction, massive abdominal edema, knee and patellar swelling and pain, pain along the chest, breast, Qi Chong, thigh, Fu Tu, lateral leg, and dorsum of the foot, and immobility of the middle toe. If Qi is surplus, the anterior body is hot; if excess in the Stomach, digestion is rapid with easy hunger, and urine is yellow. If Qi is deficient, the anterior body is cold and shivering; cold in the Stomach causes distension. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Ren Ying pulse is three times larger than the Cun Kou pulse; in deficiency, the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.
The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian originates at the tip of the big toe, follows the medial white flesh margin, passes posterior to the nuclear bone (first metatarsal base), ascends anterior to the medial malleolus, ascends the medial aspect of the lower leg, follows the posterior border of the tibia, crosses anterior to the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, ascends the anterior medial aspect of the knee and thigh, enters the abdomen, belongs to the Spleen, and connects with the Stomach. It ascends through the diaphragm, flanks the pharynx, connects to the root of the tongue, and scatters under the tongue. Its branch arises from the Stomach, crosses the diaphragm, and pours into the Heart. When affected, it causes stiffness of the tongue root, vomiting after eating, epigastric pain, abdominal distension with frequent belching, relief after defecation and passing gas, and heaviness of the body. This meridian governs diseases produced by the Spleen, including tongue root pain, inability to move the body, inability to eat, vexation, urgent pain in the epigastrium, loose stools, masses, diarrhea, urinary retention, jaundice, inability to lie flat, swelling and coldness in the inner thigh and knee upon standing forcibly, and immobility of the big toe. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Cun Kou pulse is three times larger than the Ren Ying pulse; in deficiency, the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.
The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian originates in the Heart, emerges to belong to the Heart System, descends through the diaphragm, and connects with the Small Intestine. Its branch arises from the Heart System, ascends to flank the pharynx, and connects to the Eye System. Its direct branch returns from the Heart System, ascends to the Lung, emerges under the armpit, descends along the posterior medial aspect of the upper arm, runs posterior to the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, descends into the medial elbow, follows the posterior medial aspect of the forearm, reaches the tip of the styloid process of the ulna at the wrist, enters the posterior medial aspect of the palm, follows the medial aspect of the little finger, and exits at its tip. When affected, it causes dry throat, heart pain, thirst with desire to drink, known as Bi Jue. This meridian governs diseases produced by the Heart, including yellow eyes, hypochondriac pain, pain and coldness in the posterior medial aspect of the arm, and heat and pain in the palm. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Cun Kou pulse is twice as large as the Ren Ying pulse; in deficiency, the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.
The Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian originates at the tip of the little finger. It follows the lateral aspect of the hand up to the wrist, emerges at the ankle, goes straight up along the lower border of the ulnar bone, emerges between the two tendons at the medial elbow, ascends along the posterior lateral border of the upper arm, emerges from the shoulder joint, winds around the scapula, crosses the shoulders, enters the Que Pen, connects with the Heart, follows the pharynx down through the diaphragm, reaches the Stomach, and belongs to the Small Intestine. Its branch arises from the Que Pen, follows the neck to the cheek, reaches the outer canthus, and enters the ear. Another branch diverges from the cheek, ascends to the nose, reaches the inner canthus, and obliquely connects to the zygomatic arch. When affected, it causes sore throat, chin swelling, inability to look back, shoulder pain like being pulled out, and axillary pain like breaking. This meridian governs diseases produced by Body Fluids, including deafness, yellow eyes, cheek swelling, and pain in the neck, chin, shoulder, elbow, and lateral posterior arm. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Ren Ying pulse is twice as large as the Cun Kou pulse; in deficiency, the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.
The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian originates at the inner canthus, ascends to the forehead and crosses the vertex. Its branch arises from the vertex to the upper angle of the ear. Its direct branch enters from the vertex to connect with the Brain, returns to descend separately from the nape, follows the medial shoulder blade, flanks the spine to reach the waist, enters to follow 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 arises from the popliteal fossa, diverges laterally, penetrates the scapula, supports the spine, passes the hip pivot, follows the lateral thigh from the posterior border, merges into the popliteal fossa, descends through the calf muscle, emerges posterior to the lateral malleolus, follows Jing Gu, and reaches the lateral side of the little toe. When affected, it causes headache striking upward, eyes feeling like they are falling out, neck feeling like being pulled out, back pain, waist feeling like breaking, inability to bend the thigh, popliteal fossa feeling like tied, calf feeling like torn, known as Huai Jue (Ankle Jue). This meridian governs diseases produced by Tendons, including hemorrhoids, malaria, mania, epilepsy, head and occipital pain, yellow eyes, tearing, rhinorrhea or epistaxis, pain in the neck, back, waist, sacrum, and feet, and immobility of the little toe. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Ren Ying pulse is twice as large as the Cun Kou pulse; in deficiency, the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.
The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian originates below the little toe, slants towards the sole of the foot, emerges below Ran Gu, follows posterior to the medial malleolus, diverges into the heel, ascends the medial aspect of the lower leg, emerges from the posterior medial aspect of the calf, ascends the posterior medial aspect of the thigh, penetrates the spine, belongs to the Kidney, and connects with the Bladder. Its direct branch rises from the Kidney, penetrates the Liver and Diaphragm, enters the Lung, follows the throat, and flanks the root of the tongue. Its branch arises from the Lung, connects with the Heart, and pours into the Chest. When affected, it causes hunger without desire to eat, face dark like lacquered wood, blood in coughed sputum, asthmatic breathing, desire to sit up, blurred vision as if seeing nothing, heart feeling suspended like hunger, fearfulness due to Qi deficiency, and palpitations as if someone is about to catch you, known as Gu Jue (Bone Jue). This meridian governs diseases produced by the Kidney, including heat in the mouth and dry tongue, swollen throat, rising Qi, dry and painful throat, vexation and heart pain, jaundice, intestinal dysentery, pain in the posterior medial aspect of the spine and thigh, wasting-thirst with lethargy, heat and pain in the soles of the feet. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. With moxibustion, one should force food intake to generate flesh, loosen belts, let hair down, use a large staff, wear heavy shoes, and walk. In excess, the Cun Kou pulse is twice as large as the Ren Ying pulse; in deficiency, the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.
The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian originates in the Chest, emerges to belong to the Pericardium, descends through the diaphragm, and sequentially connects with the San Jiao (Triple Burner). Its branch follows the chest out to the hypochondrium, descends three cun under the armpit, ascends to the axilla, descends along the medial aspect of the upper arm, running between the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian, enters the elbow midpoint, descends the forearm between the two tendons, enters the palm, follows the middle finger to its tip. Its branch diverges from the palm, follows the ring finger to its tip. When affected, it causes heat in the palm, spasms and stiffness of the arm and elbow, axillary swelling, chest and hypochondriac fullness, violent palpitations, red face, yellow eyes, and incessant laughter. This meridian governs diseases produced by the Vessels, including vexation and heart pain, and heat in the palm. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Cun Kou pulse is one time larger than the Ren Ying pulse; in deficiency, the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.
The Hand-Shaoyang San Jiao Meridian originates at the tip of the ring finger, emerges between the two fingers, follows the dorsal wrist, emerges between the two bones 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 Que Pen, spreads in the Tan Zhong (Chest Center), scatters in the Pericardium, descends through the diaphragm, and belongs to the San Jiao. Its branch arises from the Tan Zhong, emerges from the Que Pen, ascends the neck, ties behind the ear, goes straight up to the upper angle of the ear, curves down to the cheekbone. Its branch arises from behind the ear, enters the ear, exits anterior to the ear, passes anterior to Gu Xi Men, crosses the cheek, and reaches the outer canthus. When affected, it causes deafness with humming sounds, swollen throat, and throat obstruction. This meridian governs diseases produced by Qi, including sweating, pain in the outer canthus, cheek pain, pain in the ear, shoulder, elbow, and lateral arm, and immobility of the ring finger. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Ren Ying pulse is one time larger than the Cun Kou pulse; in deficiency, the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.
The Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian originates at the outer canthus, ascends to the head corner, descends behind the ear, follows the neck anterior to the Hand-Shaoyang San Jiao Meridian. Reaching the shoulder, it crosses posterior to the Hand-Shaoyang San Jiao Meridian, and enters the Que Pen. Its branch arises from behind the ear, enters the ear, exits anterior to the ear, and reaches the posterior outer canthus. Its branch diverges from the outer canthus, descends to Da Ying, merges with the Hand-Shaoyang San Jiao Meridian, reaches the cheekbone, descends to add to Jia Che, descends the neck, merges with the Que Pen, descends into the chest, penetrates the diaphragm, connects with the Liver, and belongs to the Gallbladder. It follows the interior of the hypochondrium, emerges at Qi Chong, surrounds the pubic region, and transversely enters the hip joint. Its direct branch arises from the Que Pen, descends under the axilla, follows the chest past the costal margin, merges with the hip joint, descends along the lateral thigh, emerges at the lateral knee border, descends anterior to the lateral fibular bone, goes straight down to the end of the Jue Gu (fibular head), 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 big toe, follows the medial aspect of the big toe's sesamoid bone, exits at its tip, returns through the nail bed, and exits at the hair tuft. When affected, it causes bitter taste, frequent sighing, pain in the heart and hypochondrium preventing turning, darkened complexion with dust-like appearance, lack of luster in the body, heat on the lateral foot, known as Yang Jue. This meridian governs diseases produced by Bones, including headache and chin pain, pain in the outer canthus, swelling and pain in the Que Pen, axillary swelling, Hashimoto's thyroiditis-like masses (Ma Dao Xia Ying), sweating with chills, malaria, pain in the chest, hypochondrium, ribs, thigh, lateral knee, tibia, Jue Gu, lateral malleolus, and all joints, and immobility of the fourth and fifth toes. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Ren Ying pulse is one time larger than the Cun Kou pulse; in deficiency, the Ren Ying pulse is smaller than the Cun Kou pulse.
The Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian originates at the hair tuft of the big toe, ascends along the lateral border 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 the medial aspect of the thigh, follows the genital region into the pubic area, passes the external genitalia, reaches the lower abdomen, flanks the Stomach, belongs to the Liver, and connects with the Gallbladder. It ascends through the diaphragm, spreads in the hypochondrium, follows the posterior throat, ascends to the nasopharynx (Hang Sang), connects to the Eye System, ascends to the forehead, and meets the Du Meridian at the vertex. Its branch arises from the Eye System, descends into the cheek interior, encircles the interior of the lips. Its branch arises from the Liver, penetrates the diaphragm, and pours into the Lung. When affected, it causes lower back pain preventing bending and stretching, hernia in men, lower abdominal swelling in women, severe dry throat, darkened complexion, and loss of color. These are diseases produced by the Liver, including chest fullness, vomiting and reverse flow, undigested diarrhea, fox hernia, enuresis, and urinary retention. For these diseases, excess is drained, deficiency is supplemented, heat is treated with rapid needling, cold with retained needling, sinking with moxibustion, and neither excess nor deficiency is treated by selecting points from the meridian itself. In excess, the Cun Kou pulse is one time larger than the Ren Ying pulse; in deficiency, the Cun Kou pulse is smaller than the Ren Ying pulse.
When the Qi of the Hand-Taiyin Meridian terminates, the skin and hair become dry. The Taiyin Meridian circulates Qi to warm the skin and hair; thus, if Qi does not nourish, the skin and hair become dry. If the skin and hair become dry, fluids leave the skin joints. If fluids leave the skin joints, nails become withered and hair breaks. If hair breaks, hair dies first. Condition worsens on Bing days and death occurs on Ding days, because Fire overcomes Metal. When the Qi of the Hand-Shaoyin Meridian terminates, vessels become blocked. If vessels are blocked, Blood does not flow. If Blood does not flow, hair loses luster. Thus, a face black like lacquer and purple indicates Blood died first. Condition worsens on Ren days and death occurs on Gui days, because Water overcomes Fire. When the Qi of the Foot-Taiyin Meridian terminates, vessels do not nourish the muscles. Lips and tongue are the root of muscles; if vessels do not nourish, muscles become soft. If muscles become soft, the tongue atrophies and the philtrum becomes full. If the philtrum becomes full, the lips evert. If lips evert, flesh dies first. Condition worsens on Jia days and death occurs on Yi days, because Wood overcomes Earth. When the Qi of the Foot-Shaoyin Meridian terminates, bones become withered. The Shaoyin Meridian is the Winter Meridian, hiding and nourishing the bone marrow. If bones are not nourished, flesh cannot adhere. If flesh and bone are not intimate, flesh becomes soft and recedes. If flesh recedes, teeth appear long and dirty, and hair lacks luster. If hair lacks luster, bone dies first. Condition worsens on Wu days and death occurs on Ji days, because Earth overcomes Water. When the Qi of the Foot-Jueyin Meridian terminates, tendons sever. The Jueyin Meridian is the Liver Meridian; the Liver is the convergence of tendons. Tendons gather at the yin organs and connect to the root of the tongue. If vessels do not nourish, tendons become tight. Tight tendons pull the tongue and testicles. Thus, blue lips, curled tongue, and retracted testicles indicate tendons died first. Condition worsens on Geng days and death occurs on Xin days, because Metal overcomes Wood. When the Qi of all five Yin Meridians terminates, the eye system twists. Twisting causes dizziness. Dizziness indicates Spirit (Zhi) dies first. If Spirit dies first, death occurs in one and a half days. When the Qi of all six Yang Meridians terminates, Yin and Yang separate. Separation causes pores to open and sweat to leak. Absolute sweat then appears. Thus, morning prediction leads to evening death, and evening prediction leads to morning death.
The twelve meridians run hidden between the muscle intervals, deep and invisible. The ones commonly seen are those of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian passing over the lateral malleolus, which has nowhere to hide. All floating and commonly visible vessels are Luo (Collateral) Vessels. The Luo Vessels of the Six Meridians, specifically the Hand-Yangming and Hand-Shaoyang, originate between the five fingers and merge into the elbow midpoint. In drinkers, Wei (Defensive) Qi moves first in the skin, first filling the Luo Vessels. Thus, when Wei Qi is calm, Ying (Nutritive) Qi fills, and the main meridians become grandly filled. Sudden movement of the pulse indicates Evil Qi resides at the root and extremities. If it does not move, there is heat. If it is not firm, it sinks and is empty. Not being like others, one knows which meridian is moving. Leigong asked: "How do we know the difference between Jing (Main) Meridians and Luo (Collateral) Vessels?" Huangdi said: "Jing Meridians are usually invisible; their deficiency and excess are known via the Qi Kou (Cun Kou). Visible vessels are all Luo Vessels." Leigong said: "Your student cannot clarify this." Huangdi said: "All Luo Vessels cannot pass through major joints; they must travel via shortcuts and emerge, entering and merging again within the skin, their intersections all visible externally. Therefore, when puncturing Luo Vessels, one must puncture at the site of knotting. Even if there is no knotting, if there is abundant blood, one must urgently..."