黄帝问曰∶余闻缪刺，未得其意，何谓缪刺？岐伯对曰∶夫邪客于皮毛，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（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？曰
∶邪客于经，左盛则右病，右盛则左病，亦有移易者（谓病易且移），左痛未已而右脉先病，
如此者，必巨刺之，必中其经，非络脉也。故络病者，其痛与经脉缪处，故命曰缪刺。
帝曰∶愿闻缪刺奈何？取之何如？对曰∶邪客于足少阴之络，令人卒心痛，暴胀，胸胁支
满，无积者，刺然骨之前出血，如食顷而已。不已，左取右，右取左。病新发者，取五日已
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，刺手小指次
指爪甲上，去端如韭叶，各一 （关冲穴， 疮也），壮者立已，老者有顷已，左取右，右
取左，此新病数日已。
邪客于足厥阴之络，令人卒疝暴痛，刺足大趾爪甲上与肉交者，各一 ，（大敦穴
，两脚俱刺，故曰各一 ），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，刺足小趾爪甲上与肉交者，各一 ，立已（至阴，
一云小指外侧）。不已，刺外踝下三 ，左取右，右取左，如食顷已（金门）。
邪客于手阳明之络，令人气满胸中，喘息而支 ，胸中热，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（商阳，一云次指内侧）。
邪客于臂掌之间，不可得屈，刺其踝后（人手本节踝），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 （月半以前为生
，月半以后为死）。
邪客于足阳跷之脉，令人目痛从内 始。刺外踝之下半寸所各二 ，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，刺足跗上动脉（冲阳），不已，刺三毛上各一
，见血立已，左刺右，右刺左（三毛大敦穴）。善悲惊不乐，刺如上方。
邪客于手阳明之络，令人耳聋，时不闻音，刺手大指次指爪甲上去端如韭叶，各一 ，
立闻（商阳）；不已，刺中指爪甲上与肉交者，立闻（中冲）；其不时闻者，不可刺也（络气已
绝，故不刺）。耳中生风者，亦刺之如此数。左刺右，右刺左。
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
。月生一日一 ，二日二 ，渐多之；十五日十五 ，十六日十四 ，渐少之。
邪客于足阳明之络，令人鼽衄，上齿寒，刺足大趾次趾爪甲上与肉交者，各一 。左
刺右，右刺左（厉兑）。
邪客于足少阳之络，令人胁痛不得息，咳而汗出，刺足小指次指爪甲上与肉交者，各一
（窍阴），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（贲谓气贲也，一云
贲鬲也，谓气上走鬲上），刺足下中央之脉（涌泉），各三 ，凡六刺，立已，左刺右，右
刺左，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。
邪客于足太阴之络，令人腰痛，引少腹控 ，不可以仰息、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（一云腰俞无左右，当是下 穴）。
邪客于足太阳之络，令人拘挛背急，引胁而痛，刺之从项始，数脊椎侠脊，疾按之应手
如痛，刺之旁三 ，立已。
邪客于足少阳之络，令人留于枢中痛，髀不可举，刺枢中以毫针，寒则久留针，以月死
生为数，立已（环跳）。
治诸经刺之，所过者不病，则缪刺之。耳聋，刺手阳明，不已，刺其通脉出耳前者（听
会）。齿龋，刺手阳明，不已，刺其脉入齿中者，立已（龈交）。
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。缪传引上齿，齿
唇寒痛，视其手背脉血者去之，足阳明中指爪甲上一 （厉兑），手大指次指爪甲上各一
（商阳），立已，左取右，右取左。
邪客于手足少阴、太阴、足阳明之络，此五络皆会于耳中，上络左额角，五络俱竭，令
人身脉皆动，而形无知也，其状若尸，或曰尸厥。刺足大趾内侧爪甲上，去端如韭叶（隐白）
。后刺足心（涌泉），后刺足中趾爪甲上各一 （厉兑），后刺少商、中冲、神门，各一
，立已。不已，以竹管吹其两耳， 其左角之发方一寸，燔治，饮以美酒一杯，立已。
凡刺之数，先视其经脉，切而从之，审其虚实而调之。不调者，经刺之，有痛而经不病
者，缪刺之。因视其皮部有血络者尽取之，此缪刺之数也。
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：邪气侵犯皮毛，进入孙络，停留不去，导致闭塞不通，不能进入经脉，而流溢于大络，从而产生奇病（大络指十五络脉）。邪气侵犯大络时，向左注入右侧，向右注入左侧，上下左右与经脉相互干扰，并分布于四肢末端，其气流没有固定位置，不进入经穴，这种刺法称为缪刺（四肢末端指四肢）。黄帝说：我想了解缪刺，即左病取右、右病取左的方法，具体如何操作？它与巨刺有什么区别？岐伯说：邪气侵犯经脉，左侧盛实则右侧发病，右侧盛实则左侧发病，也有病情转移变化的（指病情变化且移动），左侧疼痛尚未停止而右侧脉象先出现病变，这种情况，必须用巨刺法，必须刺中经脉，而不是络脉。所以络脉生病，其疼痛部位与经脉交错不同，因此称为缪刺。
黄帝说：我想了解缪刺的具体操作方法，取穴有什么讲究？岐伯回答说：邪气侵犯足少阴肾经的络脉，使人突然心痛，急剧腹胀，胸胁支撑胀满，体内无积滞的，刺然骨之前的穴位出血，大约一顿饭的时间就好了。如果没好，左病取右，右病取左。新发的病，经过五天邪气自去。
邪气侵犯手少阳三焦经的络脉，使人喉痹，舌体卷缩，口干，心烦，手臂外侧疼痛，手举不到头，刺手小指和无名指指甲角上方，距离指尖如韭菜叶宽的地方，各刺一针（关冲穴，针刺出血），体质强壮的人立刻见效，年老体弱的人过了一会儿见效，左病取右，右病取左，新病几天可愈。
邪气侵犯足厥阴肝经的络脉，使人突发疝气剧痛，刺足大趾指甲角与肉交界处，各刺一针（大敦穴，双脚都刺，所以说各一针），男性立刻见效，女性过了一会儿见效，左病取右，右病取左。
邪气侵犯足太阳膀胱经的络脉，使人头项肩背疼痛，刺足小趾指甲角与肉交界处，各刺一针，立刻见效（至阴穴，一说在小趾外侧）。如果没好，刺外踝下方三寸处，左病取右，右病取左，大约一顿饭的时间见效（金门穴）。
邪气侵犯手阳明大肠经的络脉，使人气满胸中，喘息支撑胀闷，胸中发热，刺手大拇指和食指指甲角上方，距离指尖如韭菜叶宽的地方，各刺一针，左病取右，右病取左，大约一顿饭的时间见效（商阳穴，一说在食指内侧）。
邪气侵犯臂掌之间，导致关节不可屈伸，刺其踝后部（人手本节处的踝），先用手指按压，感到疼痛的地方，再施针。根据月亮的盈亏来确定针刺次数，月亮初生第一天刺一针，第二天刺两针，第十五天刺十五针，第十六天刺十四针（半月以前为月生，半月以后为月死）。
邪气侵犯足阳跷脉，使人眼睛疼痛从内眼角开始。刺外踝下半寸处，每侧二针，左刺右，右刺左，大约行走十里路的时间见效。
人如果有坠跌受伤，恶血留滞体内，腹部胀满，大小便不通，先服用通利药物，这是上伤厥阴之脉，下伤少阴之络，刺足内踝下方，然骨之前的血脉出血，刺足背上的动脉（冲阳穴），如果没好，刺足大趾丛毛处各一针，见血立刻见效，左刺右，右刺左（丛毛处即大敦穴）。如果患者悲伤惊恐不乐，针刺方法同上。
邪气侵犯手阳明大肠经的络脉，使人耳聋，时常听不见声音，刺手大拇指和食指指甲角上方，距离指尖如韭菜叶宽的地方，各刺一针，立刻能听见（商阳穴）；如果没好，刺中指指甲角与肉交界处，立刻能听见（中冲穴）；如果不时常失聪而是持续耳聋，不可针刺（因为络气已绝，所以不刺）。耳中有风声者，也按此法针刺。左刺右，右刺左。
凡是痹症往来不定，疼痛位置无常的，在分肉间疼痛处针刺，根据月亮的盈亏确定针刺次数。使用针具的人，随着气血的盛衰来决定次数，针刺超过天数会耗气，少于天数则邪气不能排出，左刺右，右刺左，病好了就停止；如果没好，再次按此法针刺。月亮初生第一天一针，第二天两针，逐渐增加；第十五天十五针，第十六天十四针，逐渐减少。
邪气侵犯足阳明胃经的络脉，使人鼻塞流涕或鼻出血，上齿发冷，刺足大趾和第二趾指甲角与肉交界处，各刺一针。左刺右，右刺左（厉兑穴）。
邪气侵犯足少阳胆经的络脉，使人胁痛呼吸困难，咳嗽出汗，刺足小趾和第二趾指甲角与肉交界处，各刺一针（窍阴穴），呼吸困难立刻缓解，出汗立刻停止，咳嗽者注意保暖穿衣饮食，一天痊愈，左刺右，右刺左，病立刻好转；如果没好，再次按此法针刺。
邪气侵犯足少阴肾经的络脉，使人咽喉疼痛，无法进食，无故容易发怒，气向上冲到贲门之上（贲指气冲之意，一说指膈膜，谓气向上冲到膈膜之上），刺足底中央的脉（涌泉穴），各刺三针，共六刺，立刻见效，左刺右，右刺左。如果咽喉肿胀，不能吞咽唾液，时常想吐却吐不出来的，刺然骨之前出血，立刻见效，左刺右，右刺左。
邪气侵犯足太阴脾经的络脉，使人腰痛，牵引少腹及季胁，不可以仰身呼吸，刺腰尻部的缝隙，两胂之上的位置是腰俞穴，根据月亮的盈亏决定针刺次数，拔针立刻见效，左刺右，右刺左（一说腰俞穴不分左右，应当是下髎穴）。
邪气侵犯足太阳膀胱经的络脉，使人拘挛背急，牵引胁肋疼痛，针刺从颈部开始，数脊椎旁挟脊处，用力按压感到疼痛的地方，在其旁边刺三针，立刻见效。
邪气侵犯足少阳胆经的络脉，使人枢骨中部疼痛，大腿无法抬起，用毫针刺枢中，寒证则久留针，根据月亮的盈亏决定次数，立刻见效（环跳穴）。
治疗各经的刺法，所经过的经脉没有病变的，就用缪刺法。耳聋，刺手阳明经，没好，刺其通向耳朵前方的经脉（听会穴）。牙齿龋痛，刺手阳明经，没好，刺其进入牙齿中的经脉，立刻见效（龈交穴）。
邪气侵犯五脏之间，其病症是脉道牵引疼痛，时而发作时而停止，观察病症，在手脚指甲角上方进行缪刺（各刺其井穴，左取右，右取左），观察脉象，放出血液，隔日刺一次，一次没好，五次即可痊愈。如果缪传导致上齿牵引唇部寒冷疼痛，观察手背血脉有瘀血的去除它，刺足阳明经中指爪甲上一针（厉兑穴），手大拇指和食指爪甲上各一针（商阳穴），立刻见效，左取右，右取左。
邪气侵犯手足少阴、太阴、足阳明这五条络脉，这五条络脉都汇聚于耳中，上行联络左额角，五络全部衰竭，使人全身脉搏跳动但形体无知觉，其状态像尸体，有的称为尸厥。刺足大趾内侧指甲角上方，距离指尖如韭菜叶宽的地方（隐白穴）。后刺足心（涌泉穴），后刺足中趾指甲角上方各一针（厉兑穴），后刺少商、中冲、神门穴，各一针，立刻见效。如果没好，用竹管吹双耳，剪取左角方一寸的头发，烧成灰，用一杯美酒送服，立刻见效。
凡是用针的原则，先观察其经脉，切按并顺着经脉走向，审察虚实并进行调理。不调和的，用经刺法；有疼痛但经脉本身无病的，用缪刺法。同时观察其皮部有血络的，全部取之，这就是缪刺的原则。
Yellow Emperor asked, saying: I have heard of Miao Ci (Mysterious Pricking), but do not understand its meaning. What is Miao Ci?
Qibo replied: When pathogenic factors invade the skin and hair, they enter the Sun Luo (Collaterals of the Skin) and remain there without departing. This causes blockage and obstruction, preventing them from entering the Meridians. Instead, they overflow into the Da Luo (Large Collaterals), giving rise to strange diseases (The Large Collaterals refer to the fifteen major collaterals). When pathogenic factors invade the Large Collaterals, they flow from the left to the right, and from the right to the left. They interact with the meridians above and below, on the left and right, and distribute to the four extremities. Their Qi has no fixed location and does not enter the Shu points of the meridians. This method of needling is called Miao Ci (The four extremities refer to the arms and legs).
The Emperor said: I wish to hear about Miao Ci, specifically taking the left to treat the right and the right to treat the left. How should this be done? How does it differ from Ju Ci (Giant Pricking)?
Qibo said: When pathogenic factors invade the meridians, excess on the left causes disease on the right, and excess on the right causes disease on the left. There are also cases where the condition shifts and moves (meaning the disease changes and migrates). If pain on the left persists while the pulse on the right shows signs of disease first, in such cases, one must use Ju Ci. One must needle the meridian itself, not the collateral vessels. Therefore, when a collateral vessel is diseased, its pain is located differently from the meridian's pathway; thus, it is called Miao Ci.
The Emperor said: I wish to know how to perform Miao Ci and what the principles for selecting points are.
Qibo replied: When pathogenic factors invade the collateral of the Foot Shaoyin (Kidney) meridian, it causes sudden heart pain, acute abdominal distension, and fullness/supporting sensation in the chest and hypochondrium. If there is no accumulation, needle the point anterior to Ran Gu (Rangu, KI2) until bleeding occurs. Recovery takes approximately the time it takes to eat a meal. If not recovered, take the left to treat the right, and the right to treat the left. For newly onset diseases, the pathogenic factor will depart after five days.
When pathogenic factors invade the collateral of the Hand Shaoyang (Sanjiao) meridian, it causes throat obstruction (Hou Bi), tongue retraction, dry mouth, and vexation. It also causes pain along the lateral aspect of the arm and inability to raise the hand to the head. Needle the point on the nail corner of the fourth finger (ring finger), at a distance from the tip like the width of a leek leaf, one needle each side (Guanchong, SJ1, bleed). In vigorous individuals, recovery is immediate; in elderly individuals, it takes a short while. Take the left to treat the right, and the right to treat the left. Newly onset diseases resolve within a few days.
When pathogenic factors invade the collateral of the Foot Jueyin (Liver) meridian, it causes sudden hernia and acute pain. Needle the point where the nail meets the flesh on the big toe, one needle each side (Dadun, LR1, needle both feet, hence "one each"). In men, recovery is immediate; in women, it takes a short while. Take the left to treat the right, and the right to treat the left.
When pathogenic factors invade the collateral of the Foot Taiyang (Bladder) meridian, it causes pain in the head, neck, and shoulder. Needle the point where the nail meets the flesh on the little toe, one needle each side, immediately effective (Zhiyin, BL64, or on the lateral side of the little toe). If not effective, needle three cun below the lateral malleolus, take the left to treat the right, and the right to treat the left. Recovery takes approximately the time it takes to eat a meal (Jinmen, BL63).
When pathogenic factors invade the collateral of the Hand Yangming (Large Intestine) meridian, it causes fullness of Qi in the chest, wheezing with a supporting sensation, and heat in the chest. Needle the point on the nail corner of the index finger, at a distance from the tip like the width of a leek leaf, one needle each side. Take the left to treat the right, and the right to treat the left. Recovery takes approximately the time it takes to eat a meal (Shangyang, LI1, or on the medial side of the index finger).
When pathogenic factors invade the area between the arm and palm, causing inability to flex, needle the posterior aspect of the ankle (the ankle joint of the hand). First, press with the finger to locate the painful spot, then needle. Determine the number of needles based on the waxing and waning of the moon. On the first day of the waxing moon, one needle; on the second day, two needles; on the fifteenth day, fifteen needles; on the sixteenth day, fourteen needles. (Before the middle of the month is considered waxing/sheng; after the middle of the month is considered waning/si).
When pathogenic factors invade the Foot Yangqiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel), it causes eye pain starting from the inner canthus. Needle two needles each side below the lateral malleolus, half cun down. Left needle right, right needle left. Recovery takes approximately the time it takes to walk ten li.
If a person suffers a fall, leaving evil blood inside, causing abdominal fullness and distension, and inability to pass urine or stool, first administer purgative medicines. This injury damages the Jueyin meridian above and the Shaoyin collateral below. Needle the blood vessels anterior to Ran Gu below the medial malleolus until bleeding occurs. Also needle the arterial pulse on the dorsum of the foot (Chongyang, ST42). If not effective, needle one point each side on the pubic hair (Dadun, LR1). See blood, and recovery is immediate. Left needle right, right needle left. For symptoms of sadness, fright, and unhappiness, needle according to the method above.
When pathogenic factors invade the collateral of the Hand Yangming (Large Intestine) meridian, it causes deafness and intermittent inability to hear sounds. Needle the point on the nail corner of the index finger, at a distance from the tip like the width of a leek leaf, one needle each side. Hearing returns immediately (Shangyang, LI1). If not effective, needle the point where the nail meets the flesh on the middle finger. Hearing returns immediately (Zhongchong, PC9). If hearing loss is constant, do not needle (because the collateral Qi is exhausted). For wind sensation in the ear, needle in the same manner. Left needle right, right needle left.
For all types of Bi syndrome that move around with no fixed location, needle the painful areas between the muscle layers. Determine the number of needles based on the waxing and waning of the moon. The practitioner should adjust the number according to the flourishing and declining state of Qi. Needling beyond the appropriate number depletes Qi; needling fewer than the appropriate number fails to drain the pathogen. Left needle right, right needle left. Stop when the disease is cured. If not cured, repeat according to the method. On the first day of the waxing moon, one needle; on the second day, two needles; gradually increase. On the fifteenth day, fifteen needles; on the sixteenth day, fourteen needles; gradually decrease.
When pathogenic factors invade the collateral of the Foot Yangming (Stomach) meridian, it causes nasal congestion, epistaxis, and coldness in the upper teeth. Needle the point where the nail meets the flesh on the second toe, one needle each side. Left needle right, right needle left (Lidui, ST45).
When pathogenic factors invade the collateral of the Foot Shaoyang (Gallbladder) meridian, it causes hypochondriac pain with difficulty breathing, coughing, and sweating. Needle the point where the nail meets the flesh on the fourth toe, one needle each side (Qiaoyin, GB44). Difficulty breathing resolves immediately; sweating stops immediately. For coughing, keep warm, dress warmly, and eat warm food; recovery occurs within one day. Left needle right, right needle left. The disease resolves immediately. If not cured, repeat according to the method.
When pathogenic factors invade the collateral of the Foot Shaoyin (Kidney) meridian, it causes sore throat, inability to swallow food, unprovoked irritability, and Qi rushing upward to Fen Shang (Fen refers to the rising of Qi; or refers to the diaphragm, meaning Qi rushes above the diaphragm). Needle the vessel in the center of the sole of the foot (Yongquan, KI1), three needles each side, totaling six needles. Recovery is immediate. Left needle right, right needle left. If there is swelling in the throat, inability to swallow saliva, or inability to expectorate saliva, needle the point anterior to Ran Gu until bleeding occurs. Recovery is immediate. Left needle right, right needle left.
When pathogenic factors invade the collateral of the Foot Taiyin (Spleen) meridian, it causes lower back pain radiating to the lower abdomen and hypochondrium, with inability to extend the body or breathe deeply. Needle the gap in the lumbosacral region, above the two muscles (Shen), which is Yaoshu (BL23). Determine the number of needles based on the waxing and waning of the moon. Recovery is immediate upon withdrawing the needle. Left needle right, right needle left. (Some say Yaoshu has no left-right distinction; it may be Xia Liao, BL32).
When pathogenic factors invade the collateral of the Foot Taiyang (Bladder) meridian, it causes spasms and stiffness of the back, radiating to the hypochondrium with pain. Start needling from the neck, counting the vertebrae alongside the spine. Press firmly to find the tender spot, then needle three points beside it. Recovery is immediate.
When pathogenic factors invade the collateral of the Foot Shaoyang (Gallbladder) meridian, it causes pain in the pivot area (hip joint) and inability to lift the thigh. Needle Huantiao (GB30) with a filiform needle. For cold patterns, retain the needle for a long time. Determine the number of needles based on the waxing and waning of the moon. Recovery is immediate.
To treat various meridians by needling: if the meridian traversed is not diseased, use Miao Ci. For deafness, needle the Hand Yangming meridian. If not effective, needle the point where the meridian emerges before the ear (Tinghui, GB2). For dental caries/pain, needle the Hand Yangming meridian. If not effective, needle the vessel entering the teeth. Recovery is immediate (Yinjiao, DU28).
When pathogenic factors invade the interior of the five zang organs, the disease involves pulling pain in the meridians, coming and going intermittently. Observe the disease and apply Miao Ci at the nail corners of the hands and feet (needle each Jing-Well point, left take right, right take left). Observe the meridians and release blood. Needle every other day. If one session is not effective, five sessions will cure it. If Miao transmission causes pulling pain in the upper teeth and cold pain in the lips, observe the blood vessels on the dorsum of the hand and remove the blood. Needle one point on the nail of the second toe of the Foot Yangming meridian (Lidui, ST45), and one point each on the nail of the thumb and index finger of the Hand (Shangyang, LI1). Recovery is immediate. Left take right, right take left.
When pathogenic factors invade the collaterals of the Hand and Foot Shaoyin, Hand and Foot Taiyin, and Foot Yangming meridians, these five collaterals all converge in the ear and ascend to connect with the left frontal horn. If all five collaterals are exhausted, it causes movement of all pulses in the body while the form remains unconscious, resembling a corpse. This is sometimes called Shi Jue (Corpse Faint). Needle the point on the medial side of the big toe nail, at a distance from the tip like the width of a leek leaf (Yinbai, SP1). Then needle the center of the foot (Yongquan, KI1). Then needle one point each on the nail of the middle toe (Lidui, ST45). Then needle Shaoshang (LU11), Zhongchong (PC9), and Shenmen (HT7), one point each. Recovery is immediate. If not effective, blow air into both ears using a bamboo tube. Cut a square inch of hair from the left frontal horn, burn it to ash, and drink it with a cup of fine wine. Recovery is immediate.
The general principle of needling is to first observe the meridians, palpate and follow their course, examine their deficiency and excess, and regulate them. If regulation fails, use Jing Ci (Meridian Pricking). If there is pain but the meridian itself is not diseased, use Miao Ci. Simultaneously observe the skin regions for blood vessels (luo vessels) and treat all visible ones. This is the principle of Miao Ci.