承刺要、刺齐而复申明刺禁也。禁者，脏有要害，不可不察也。
中伤脏气，则死，中伤经脉，或病或死。刺之所禁，不可不知。盖从之则有福，逆之则有咎也。
黄帝问曰∶愿闻禁数。
数，条目也。帝承上二篇之意，谓刺要、刺齐，其中必有所禁，故愿闻禁数。
岐伯对曰∶脏有要害，不可不察。
五脏之气，从内达外，由经隧而出于孙络皮肤，有紧要为害之处，不可不察也。
肝生于左，肺藏于右，心部于表，肾治于里，脾为之使，胃为之市。
藏，如字，为使，皆去声。人身面南，左东右西。肝主春生之气，位居东方，故肝生于左。肺主
秋收之气，位居西方，故肺藏于右。心为阳中之太阳，故心部于表。肾为阴中之少阴，故肾治于里。脾主
为胃行其津液，以灌四旁，故脾为之使。胃为水谷之海，众物所聚，故胃为之市。
膈肓之上，中有父母。七节之旁，中有小心。从之有福，逆之有咎。
膈，胸膈也。肓，脐旁肓俞穴也。膈之上，肺也，天也。肓之上，脾也，地也。天为父、地为母，故
膈肓之上，中有父母。七节之旁，乃自上而下，第七节之两旁，膈俞穴也，小，微细也。中有
小心，言心气出于膈俞之穴，极微极细也。从，顺也。从之者，刺得其宜，顺其上父下母，以及心气之所出，
则神转不回，故有福。逆之者，刺失其宜。逆其上父下母，以及心气之所出，乃回则不转，故有咎。
刺中心，一日死，其动为噫。
中，去声，下同。《诊要经终》论云∶中心者环死。故刺失其
宜，中伤心气，周时一日而死。《宣明五气篇》云，心为噫。故其动为噫。噫，心气虚也。
刺中肝，三日死，其动为语。
三，旧本讹五，今改。刺失其宜，中伤肝气，则三日死。三者，水之生数也。《宣明五气篇》云∶肝
为语。故其动为语。语，肝气虚也。
刺中肾，六日死，其动为嚏。
刺失其宜，中伤肾气，则六日死。六者，水之成数也，宣明五气篇云，肾为欠为嚏。嚏，肾气虚也。
刺中肺，五日死，其动为咳。
五，旧本讹三，今改。《诊要经终》论云∶中肺者五日死。故刺失其宜，中伤肺气，则五日死。宣明五
气篇云∶肺为咳。故其动为咳。咳、肺气虚也。
刺中脾，十日死，其动为吞。
刺失其宜，中伤脾气，则十日死。十者、土之成数也。《宣明五气篇》云∶脾为吞。故其动为吞。
吞，脾气虚也。
刺中胆，一日半死，其动为呕。
刺失其宜，中伤胆气，则一日半死。六节脏象论云∶十一脏取决于胆。胆主生阳上升，今一日之间，
生阳不升，复逾半日，生气并绝，故死，灵枢邪气脏腑论云∶胆病者呕宿汁。故其动为呕。呕，胆气虚也。
刺跗上，中大脉，血出不止，死。
胃足阳明之脉，下足跗。其支者，别跗上，入足大趾，交于足太阴。刺跗上，刺胃脉也。中大脉，
中伤大指之经脉也。中大脉而血出不止，则太阴之脉，不能循大指而上，故死。
刺面，中溜脉，不幸为盲。
溜脉，阴阳相过之脉也。盲目不明也。手少阴之脉系目系，手
太阳之脉上 抵鼻，至目内 。刺面，中溜脉，刺面上目鼻之间，
中伤阴阳相过之溜脉也。中伤溜脉，有不病者，今也目盲，则不幸矣，故曰不幸为盲。
刺头，中脑户、入脑，至死。
肾脉上额交巅，入络于脑。刺头，中脑产，刺头额之间，中伤
脑户也。中伤脑户。邪入于脑，真阳不下，故玄死。
刺舌下，中胀太过，血出不止，为喑。
舌下，廉泉穴也。灵枢根结论云∶少阴根于廉泉，结于廉泉，刺舌下，刺舌下之廉泉也。刺舌下而中伤
经脉太过，血出不止，则少阴之气，不交于阳，故为喑。
刺足下，布络，中脉血不出为肿。
凡刺络脉，则宜出血。凡刺经脉，不宜出血。刺足下布络，言
刺足下之病，当从络脉以布散。若布络而中其经脉，致血不出，则经脉有伤，故为肿。
刺 ，中大脉，令人仆，脱色。
，浮 穴也。刺浮 穴者，宜浅。若刺深而中伤大脉。大脉，足太阳，贯臀入 之脉也。中大脉，
则太阳之气，不能为外，故令人仆，当仆之时，阳气不充，故脱色。
刺气街，中脉，血不出，为肿鼠仆。
气街，胫气之街。《灵枢·卫气》论云∶气在胫者，止之于气街，与承山踝上以下。刺气街，中脉，刺
胫中之气街，中伤足太阳阳明之经脉也，中伤其脉，致血不出，则为肿鼠仆者。伤阳明之
脉，则肿在鼠鼷，伤太阳之脉，则肿在仆参也。
刺脊间，中髓，为伛。
刺要论云∶刺骨无伤髓。刺脊间，中髓，刺脊骨而中伤其精髓
也。脊髓内伤，则背屈肩随，故为伛。伛，伛偻也。
刺乳上，中乳房，为肿，根蚀。
乳上之穴，名曰乳中，内为乳房，下为乳根穴。刺乳上，中乳房，言刺乳中穴，而中伤其乳房也。中伤
乳房，则为肿。其下乳根，
则如月蚀。蚀，缺伤也。
刺缺盆，中内陷，气泄，令人喘咳逆。
刺之过深，则为内陷，下俱仿此。缺盆之穴，其缺如盆，若刺
缺盆，刺之过深、中伤内陷，则肺气虚泄，且令人喘咳而气机内逆。
刺手鱼腹，内陷，为肿。
鱼腹在手大指下，如鱼之腹，手太阴、鱼际穴也。刺手鱼腹、中伤内陷，内陷伤径，故为肿。
无刺大醉，令人气乱；无刺大怒，令人气逆；无刺大劳人，无
刺新饱人、无刺大饥人，无刺大渴人，无刺大惊人。
不但身形有禁刺，而人亦有禁刺。酒性 悍，行皮肤，充络脉，故无刺大醉，刺之则令人之气乱，
怒则乘戾，色不和，气不平、故无刺大怒，刺之则令人气逆。大劳之人，阳气外张，故无刺。新饱
之人，谷气盛满，故无刺。大饥之人，经脉空虚，故无刺。大渴之人，津液燥竭，故无刺。大惊之人，气血
未和，故无刺。凡此禁刺而刺之，则有害矣。
刺阴股，中大脉，血出不止，死。
厥阴之脉起于足大趾，循阴股而上，刺阴股，中伤大趾之径股，致血出不止，则厥阴之脉不能上行，故死。
刺客主人，内陷，中脉，为内漏，为聋。
客主人之穴，在耳前开口陷中。刺客主人，若刺之过深，则内
陷中脉。中脉，中伤手足少阳所过之脉也。中脉伤脑，则为内漏。中脉伤耳，则为耳聋。
刺膝髌，出液，为跛。
膝髌，膝上筋骨交会处也。刺膝髌出液，则筋骨无以濡养，屈伸不利，故为跛。
刺臂太阴脉，出血多，立死。
臂太阴脉，手太阴肺脉也。肺主行营卫阴阳之气。刺臂太阴脉，若出血多，致血气不相交接，一息
相离，穹壤分判，故立死。
刺足少阴脉，重虚出血，为舌难以言。
重，平声。足少阴脉，肾脉也。肾主藏精，刺足少阴脉，出血，则精血皆虚，故曰重虚。重虚
出血，犹言出血而重虚也。少阴之脉，循喉咙，挟舌本，精血皆虚，故为舌难以言。
刺膺，中陷，中肺，为喘逆仰息。
膺，胸前，膺窗穴也。刺膺窗之穴，刺之过深，中伤内陷，则
中伤肺气，中陷中肺，则膺胸之气，不和于肺，故为喘逆仰息。
刺肘，中内陷，气归之，为不屈伸。
肺脉下肘，循臂，刺肘过深，中伤内陷，邪气归之，则机关不利，故为不屈伸。
刺阴股下三寸、内陷，令人遗溺。
溺，鸟去声，下同，阴股下三寸，乃下含 中，足太阳循行之经脉也。刺阴股下三寸，刺之过深，中
伤内陷，则太阳之脉，不能循经外出，故令人遗溺。遗溺，膀胱不约也。
刺腋下胁间，内陷，令人咳。
腋，旧本讹掖，今改。手厥阴心包之脉，循胸出胁，上抵腋
下，刺腋下胁间，刺心包之脉也，刺之过深，中伤内陷，脉不循经，上迫于肺，故令人咳。
刺少腹，中膀胱，溺出，令人少腹满。
膀胱居少腹之中，刺少腹而中伤其膀胱，致膀胱之气下泄，故
溺出，令人少腹满。少腹满，膀胱之气不行于肤表也。
刺 肠，内陷，为肿。
肠，足肚也。刺 肠而内陷，伤其经脉故为肿，与上文刺平鱼腹内陷为肿，其义一也。
刺匡上陷骨，中脉，为漏，为盲。
匡上，目匡之上，眉间也。陷骨，丝竹空穴，眉后陷骨也。刺匡上陷骨，中伤其脉，则泪流不止，
故为漏。视无所见，故为盲。
刺关节，中液出，不得屈伸。
关节，骨节交会之机关。液，淖泽注于骨，骨属屈伸。若刺关
节，中死其液，致液出，而不能淖泽注骨，故不得屈伸。此举刺之要害，皆为刺禁者，如此。
承接《刺要》、《刺齐》两篇，进一步阐明针刺的禁忌。所谓禁忌，是因为五脏有要害部位，不可不仔细审察。
如果刺伤脏腑之气，就会致死；如果刺伤经脉，或致病或致死。针刺所禁忌的情况，是不可不知道的。顺应这些原则就能得福，违背它们就会招致灾祸。
“数”，指条目。黄帝承袭前两篇的意思，认为在《刺要》和《刺齐》中必然有所禁忌，所以希望听闻禁忌的具体条目。
岐伯回答说：五脏有要害部位，不可不仔细审察。
五脏之气，从体内通达体外，经由经络隧道出于孙络和皮肤，其中有紧要且容易受伤害的地方，不可不仔细审察。
肝气生于左侧，肺气藏于右侧，心气布散于体表，肾气治理于体内，脾脏作为胃输送津液的使者，胃作为容纳水谷的集市。
“藏”字读原音，“使”字读去声。人体面向南方时，左边是东方，右边是西方。肝主春季生发之气，位居东方，所以说肝气生于左侧。肺主秋季收敛之气，位居西方，所以说肺气藏于右侧。心为阳中之太阳，所以心气布散于体表。肾为阴中之少阴，所以肾气治理于体内。脾主为胃运行津液，以灌溉四肢百骸，所以脾作为（胃的）使者。胃是水谷之海，各种食物聚集之处，所以胃作为（容纳万物的）集市。
膈膜与肓俞穴之上，中有父母（心肺）。第七节脊椎旁，中有小心（心气所出之处）。顺应它就有福，违背它就有灾祸。
膈，指胸膈。肓，指脐旁的肓俞穴。膈之上，是肺，象征天。肓之上，是脾，象征地。天为父、地为母，所以说膈与肓俞穴之上，中有父母（心肺）。第七节脊椎的旁边，是从上往下的第七节脊椎两旁，即膈俞穴。“小”，意为微细。所谓“中有小心”，是说心气出于膈俞穴，极其微细。顺，即顺应。顺应的人，针刺得当，顺应其上部的父（肺）、下部的母（脾），以及心气所出的规律，那么神机运转不息，所以有福。违背的人，针刺失当，违背其上部父、下部母以及心气所出的规律，导致神机回转而不运转，所以有灾祸。
“中”读去声，以下同。《诊要经终论》说：“中心者环死。”所以针刺失当，中伤心气，一周时（一日）而死。《宣明五气篇》说：“心为噫。”所以其表现为嗳气。噫，是心气虚的表现。
“三”，旧本误作“五”，今改正。针刺失当，中伤肝气，则三天后死亡。三是水的生数。《宣明五气篇》说：“肝为语。”所以其表现为多言。语，是肝气虚的表现。
针刺失当，中伤肾气，则六天后死亡。六是水的成数。《宣明五气篇》说：“肾为欠为嚏。”喷嚏，是肾气虚的表现。
“五”，旧本误作“三”，今改正。《诊要经终论》说：“中肺者五日死。”所以针刺失当，中伤肺气，则五天后死亡。《宣明五气篇》说：“肺为咳。”所以其表现为咳嗽。咳，是肺气虚的表现。
针刺失当，中伤脾气，则十天后死亡。十是土的成数。《宣明五气篇》说：“脾为吞。”所以其表现为吞咽动作频繁。吞，是脾气虚的表现。
针刺失当，中伤胆气，则一天半后死亡。《六节脏象论》说：“十一脏取决于胆。”胆主生发阳气上升，如今一天之内，生阳不升，再过半天，生气彻底断绝，所以死亡。《灵枢·邪气脏腑病形》说：“胆病者呕宿汁。”所以其表现为呕吐。呕，是胆气虚的表现。
足阳明胃经下行至足背。其支脉，从足背分出，进入足大趾，与足太阴脾经相交。刺足背上方，是刺胃经。中伤大脉，是中伤足大趾的经脉。中伤大脉而血液不止，则足太阴脾经不能沿足大趾上行，所以死亡。
刺面部，中伤溜脉，不幸会导致失明。
溜脉，是阴阳经脉交汇经过的脉络。盲，指眼睛看不见。手少阴心经联系目系，手太阳小肠经上行抵鼻，至目内眦。刺面部，中伤溜脉，是指刺面部的眼鼻之间，中伤了阴阳交汇经过的溜脉。中伤溜脉，有的人可能不发病，但如果导致目盲，就是不幸了，所以说“不幸为盲”。
肾经上行至额部交于巅顶，入络于脑。刺头部，中伤脑户穴，是刺头额之间，中伤了脑户穴。中伤脑户，邪气侵入脑部，真阳之气不能下降，所以致死。
舌下，即廉泉穴。《灵枢·根结》说：“少阴根于廉泉，结于廉泉。”刺舌下，是刺舌下的廉泉穴。刺舌下而中伤经脉太过，血液不止，则少阴之气不能与阳气交接，所以导致失音。
凡是刺络脉，应当出血。凡是刺经脉，不宜出血。刺足底散布的络脉，意思是刺足底的病证，应当通过络脉来布散气血。如果刺络脉却中伤了经脉，导致血不出，则经脉受伤，所以导致肿胀。
浮郄穴，位于膝后腘窝外侧。刺浮郄穴，宜浅刺。如果刺得太深而中伤大脉。大脉，指足太阳膀胱经，贯臀入腘窝的经脉。中伤大脉，则太阳之气不能外达，所以使人跌倒。当跌倒之时，阳气不充盛，所以面色脱失。
气街，指胫部气机通行的街道。《灵枢·卫气》说：“气在胫者，止之于气街，与承山踝上以下。”刺气街，中伤经脉，是刺胫中的气街，中伤了足太阳、足阳明经脉。中伤其脉，导致血不出，则为肿胀。伤及阳明经脉，则肿胀在鼠鼷（腹股沟）；伤及太阳经脉，则肿胀在仆参穴处。
刺脊间，中伤脊髓，导致驼背。
《刺要论》说：“刺骨无伤髓。”刺脊间，中伤脊髓，是刺脊骨而中伤了精髓。脊髓内伤，则背部弯曲、肩膀下垂，所以导致驼背。伛，即伛偻。
乳上的穴位，名叫乳中，内部为乳房，下方为乳根穴。刺乳上，中伤乳房，是指刺乳中穴，而中伤了乳房。中伤乳房，则导致肿胀。其下方的乳根穴，则像月蚀一样缺损。蚀，指缺损损伤。
刺之过深，则为内陷，下文仿此。缺盆穴，其形状如盆。若刺缺盆，刺之过深、中伤内陷，则肺气虚泄，并且使人喘咳而气机内逆。
鱼腹在手大拇指下方，像鱼的腹部，即手太阴肺经的鱼际穴。刺手鱼腹，中伤内陷，内陷伤及经脉，所以导致肿胀。
不要在大醉时针刺，令人气机紊乱；不要在大怒时针刺，令人气机上逆；不要在大劳倦时针刺，不要在新饱食时针刺，不要在大饥饿时针刺，不要在大口渴时针刺，不要在大惊恐时针刺。
不仅身形有禁刺，人的状态也有禁刺。酒性悍烈，行于皮肤，充盈络脉，所以不要在大醉时针刺，刺之则令人气机紊乱。怒则气机乖戾，面色不和，气机不平，所以不要在大怒时针刺，刺之则令人气机上逆。大劳倦之人，阳气外张，所以不要刺。新饱食之人，谷气盛满，所以不要刺。大饥饿之人，经脉空虚，所以不要刺。大口渴之人，津液燥竭，所以不要刺。大惊之人，气血未和，所以不要刺。凡此禁刺而刺之，则有害了。
厥阴肝经起于足大趾，沿大腿内侧上行。刺大腿内侧，中伤足大趾的大腿经脉，致血液不止，则厥阴经脉不能上行，所以死亡。
客主人穴，在耳前开口处的凹陷中。刺客主人穴，如果刺之过深，则内陷中伤经脉。中伤经脉，是中伤手足少阳经经过的经脉。中伤经脉伤及脑，则导致耳内漏脓。中伤经脉伤及耳，则导致耳聋。
膝髌，是膝上筋骨交会处。刺膝髌流出积液，则筋骨失去濡养，屈伸不利，所以导致跛行。
刺手太阴脉，出血过多，立即死亡。
臂太阴脉，即手太阴肺经。肺主运行营卫阴阳之气。刺臂太阴脉，若出血过多，致血气不相交接，一息之间分离，如同天地分判，所以立即死亡。
“重”读平声。足少阴脉，即肾经。肾主藏精，刺足少阴脉出血，则精血皆虚，所以叫重虚。重虚出血，犹言出血而导致双重虚弱。少阴经脉，循喉咙，挟舌本，精血皆虚，所以导致舌头僵硬难以言语。
膺，胸前，即膺窗穴。刺膺窗穴，刺之过深，中伤内陷，则中伤肺气，中陷中肺，则胸膺之气，与肺不和，所以导致气喘逆乱、仰面呼吸。
肺经下行至肘，循行于臂。刺肘过深，中伤内陷，邪气归聚于此，则关节机关不利，所以导致不能屈伸。
溺，读鸟去声，以下同。阴股下三寸，乃下髎穴中，足太阳膀胱经循行的经脉。刺大腿内侧下三寸，刺之过深，中伤内陷，则太阳经脉不能循经外出，所以导致遗尿。遗尿，是膀胱约束无力。
腋，旧本误作“掖”，今改正。手厥阴心包经，循胸出胁，上抵腋下。刺腋下胁间，是刺心包经。刺之过深，中伤内陷，经脉不循常道，上迫于肺，所以导致咳嗽。
膀胱居小腹之中，刺小腹而中伤其膀胱，致膀胱之气下泄，所以尿液流出，导致小腹胀满。小腹胀满，是膀胱之气不行于肤表。
腨肠，即小腿肚。刺腨肠而内陷，伤及其经脉所以导致肿胀，与上文刺手鱼腹内陷导致肿胀，道理是一样的。
匡上，眼眶之上，眉间。陷骨，丝竹空穴，眉后陷骨处。刺眼眶上陷骨，中伤其脉，则泪流不止，所以导致漏泪。视物不见，所以导致失明。
关节，是骨节交会的机关。液，注入骨骼，使骨骼能够屈伸。如果刺关节，中伤使其液流出，导致液不能注入骨骼滋润，所以不能屈伸。以上列举的都是针刺的要害，都是针刺禁忌，如此而已。
Following the chapters on "Needling Essentials" (Ci Yao) and "Needling Uniformity" (Ci Qi), this text further elucidates the contraindications of acupuncture. The term "contraindication" refers to the fact that the Zang organs have critical vital points that must be carefully examined.
If the Qi of the Zang organs is injured, death ensues; if the meridians are injured, disease or death may result. One must not be unaware of what is contraindicated in needling. Adhering to these principles brings fortune, while violating them brings disaster.
The Yellow Emperor asked: I wish to hear about the specific items or categories of contraindications.
"Shu" refers to items or categories. Following the intent of the previous two chapters, the Emperor stated that there must be certain contraindications within the "Needling Essentials" and "Needling Uniformity," so he wished to learn the specific list of contraindications.
Bosi replied: The Zang organs have critical vital points that must be carefully examined.
The Qi of the Five Zang organs extends from the interior to the exterior, emerging through the meridian tunnels into the collateral vessels (Luo Mai) and skin. There are critical areas where harm can easily occur, which must be carefully examined.
The Liver's Qi arises on the left; the Lung's Qi is stored on the right; the Heart's Qi distributes to the surface; the Kidney's Qi governs the interior; the Spleen acts as the envoy; and the Stomach acts as the market.
"Zang" is pronounced as written; "Shi" is pronounced with the departing tone. When the human body faces south, the left is East and the right is West. The Liver governs the Spring generating Qi and is located in the East, hence it is said that the Liver's Qi arises on the left. The Lung governs the Autumn gathering Qi and is located in the West, hence it is said that the Lung's Qi is stored on the right. The Heart is the Taiyang (Greater Yang) among Yin organs, hence its Qi distributes to the surface. The Kidney is Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) among Yin organs, hence its Qi governs the interior. The Spleen primarily transports fluids for the Stomach to irrigate the four extremities, hence the Spleen acts as the envoy. The Stomach is the sea of water and grain, a gathering place for all substances, hence the Stomach acts as the market.
Above the diaphragm and the Huangshu acupoint, there are the Father and Mother (Heart and Lung). Beside the seventh vertebral segment, there is the "Small Heart." Adhering to this brings fortune; violating it brings disaster.
"Ge" refers to the thoracic diaphragm. "Huang" refers to the Huangshu acupoint beside the navel. Above the diaphragm is the Lung, symbolizing Heaven. Above Huang is the Spleen, symbolizing Earth. Heaven is Father, Earth is Mother, hence above the diaphragm and Huangshu, there are the Father and Mother. The side of the seventh vertebral segment refers to the sides of the seventh vertebra from top to bottom, which is the Geshu acupoint. "Xiao" means minute or subtle. "Zhong you xiao xin" (there is a Small Heart within) means that the Heart's Qi emerges from the Geshu acupoint, extremely minute and subtle. "Cong" means to follow or adhere. Those who adhere needle correctly, following the Father above (Lung), Mother below (Spleen), and the emergence of Heart Qi, ensure the Shen (Spirit) turns without stagnation, thus bringing fortune. Those who violate needle incorrectly, going against the Father above, Mother below, and the emergence of Heart Qi, cause the Shen to turn back and stagnate, thus bringing disaster.
Needling the Heart results in death after one day, with the manifestation being belching (Yi).
"Zhong" is pronounced with the departing tone, same for the following instances. The *Zhenyao Jingzhong Lun* states: "Those pierced by the Heart die within a cycle." Thus, improper needling injuring the Heart Qi leads to death within one day (a full cycle of hours). The *Xuanming Wuqi Pian* states: "The Heart manifests as belching." Hence, the manifestation is belching. Belching indicates deficiency of Heart Qi.
Needling the Liver results in death after three days, with the manifestation being excessive talking (Yu).
"San" was erroneously printed as "Wu" in old editions, now corrected. Improper needling injuring Liver Qi leads to death after three days. Three is the generative number of Water. The *Xuanming Wuqi Pian* states: "The Liver manifests as talking." Hence, the manifestation is excessive talking. Talking indicates deficiency of Liver Qi.
Needling the Kidney results in death after six days, with the manifestation being sneezing.
Improper needling injuring Kidney Qi leads to death after six days. Six is the completed number of Water. The *Xuanming Wuqi Pian* states: "The Kidney manifests as yawning and sneezing." Sneezing indicates deficiency of Kidney Qi.
Needling the Lung results in death after five days, with the manifestation being coughing.
"Wu" was erroneously printed as "San" in old editions, now corrected. The *Zhenyao Jingzhong Lun* states: "Those pierced by the Lung die after five days." Thus, improper needling injuring Lung Qi leads to death after five days. The *Xuanming Wuqi Pian* states: "The Lung manifests as coughing." Hence, the manifestation is coughing. Coughing indicates deficiency of Lung Qi.
Needling the Spleen results in death after ten days, with the manifestation swallowing frequently.
Improper needling injuring Spleen Qi leads to death after ten days. Ten is the completed number of Earth. The *Xuanming Wuqi Pian* states: "The Spleen manifests as swallowing." Hence, the manifestation is frequent swallowing. Swallowing indicates deficiency of Spleen Qi.
Needling the Gallbladder results in death after one and a half days, with the manifestation being vomiting.
Improper needling injuring Gallbladder Qi leads to death after one and a half days. The *Liujie Zangxiang Lun* states: "The eleven Zang-Fu organs depend on the Gallbladder." The Gallbladder governs the ascending of Sheng Yang (Generating Yang). If within one day the Generating Yang does not ascend, and after another half day the Generating Qi is completely exhausted, death occurs. The *Lingshu: Xieqi Zangfu Lun* states: "Patients with Gallbladder disease vomit bile." Hence, the manifestation is vomiting. Vomiting indicates deficiency of Gallbladder Qi.
Needling the dorsum of the foot, injuring a major vessel, with unceasing bleeding, results in death.
The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian descends to the dorsum of the foot. Its branch diverges on the dorsum, enters the big toe, and intersects with the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. Needling the dorsum of the foot targets the Stomach Meridian. Injuring a major vessel injures the meridian of the big toe. If a major vessel is injured and bleeding does not cease, the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian cannot ascend along the big toe, resulting in death.
Needling the face, injuring the Liumei (flowing vessels), unfortunately leads to blindness.
Liumei refers to vessels where Yin and Yang meridians intersect. "Mang" means blind or unable to see. The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian connects to the eye system; the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian ascends to the nose and reaches the inner canthus. Needling the face and injuring the Liumei means needling between the eyes and nose on the face, injuring the flowing vessels where Yin and Yang intersect. Injury to these vessels may not always cause disease, but if it leads to blindness, it is unfortunate, hence "unfortunately leading to blindness."
Needling the head, injuring the Naohu acupoint, entering the brain, leads to death.
The Kidney Meridian ascends to the forehead, crosses at the vertex, and enters the network of the brain. Needling the head and injuring the Naohu acupoint involves needling between the forehead and head, injuring the Naohu point. Injury to Naohu allows pathogenic factors to enter the brain, preventing True Yang from descending, leading to death.
Needling under the tongue, injuring Lianquan acupoint excessively, with unceasing bleeding, leads to aphonia.
Under the tongue is the Lianquan acupoint. The *Lingshu: Genjie* states: "Shaoyin roots at Lianquan and knots at Lianquan." Needling under the tongue targets the Lianquan acupoint. Excessive injury to the meridian under the tongue with unceasing bleeding prevents Shaoyin Qi from interacting with Yang, leading to aphonia.
Needling the sole of the foot, injuring dispersed collaterals; if the main meridian is injured and blood does not emerge, swelling occurs.
Generally, needling collateral vessels should induce bleeding. Generally, needling main meridians should not induce bleeding. Needling the dispersed collaterals of the sole implies treating diseases of the sole by dispersing via collaterals. If needling collaterals inadvertently injures the main meridian, causing blood to not emerge, the meridian is damaged, leading to swelling.
Needling the Fuxi acupoint, injuring a major vessel, causes the person to fall and lose complexion.
Fuxi is an acupoint located in the popliteal fossa lateral aspect. Needling Fuxi should be shallow. Deep needling injuring a major vessel—the major vessel being the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, which passes through the buttocks into the popliteal fossa—causes Taiyang Qi to fail to reach the exterior, making the person fall. At the time of falling, Yang Qi is insufficient, causing loss of complexion.
Needling the Qijie acupoint, injuring the meridian, with no blood emerging, causes swelling in the Shuxi (inguinal region) or Pucan area.
Qijie refers to the pathway of Qi in the lower leg. The *Lingshu: Wei Qi* states: "Where Qi is in the lower leg, it stops at Qijie, Chengshan, and below the ankle." Needling Qijie and injuring the meridian targets the Qijie in the tibia, injuring the Foot-Taiyang and Foot-Yangming meridians. Injury to the meridian prevents blood from emerging, causing swelling. Injury to the Yangming meridian causes swelling in Shuxi (inguinal region); injury to the Taiyang meridian causes swelling at Pucan.
Needling the interspinous space, injuring the spinal marrow, causes kyphosis.
The *Ci Yao Lun* states: "When needling bone, do not injure marrow." Needling the interspinous space and injuring the spinal marrow means needling the vertebral bones and damaging the essence-marrow. Internal injury to the spinal cord causes the back to curve and shoulders to droop, resulting in kyphosis. Yu refers to kyphosis.
Needling above the breast, injuring the mammary gland, causes swelling and root erosion.
The acupoint above the breast is named Ruzhong; internally it is the mammary gland, and inferiorly is the Rugen acupoint. Needling above the breast and injuring the mammary gland refers to needling the Ruzhong acupoint and injuring the mammary tissue. Injury to the mammary gland causes swelling. The Rugen acupoint below it becomes eroded like a lunar eclipse. Shi means defect or damage.
Needling the Quepen acupoint, penetrating too deeply, causes Qi leakage, leading to asthma, cough, and rebellious Qi.
Penetrating too deeply results in internal sinking, as follows. The Quepen acupoint resembles a basin. Needling Quepen too deeply and causing internal sinking injures the Lung Qi, causing it to leak, and leads to asthma, cough, and internal rebellion of Qi mechanism.
Needling the Fish Belly (Yuji acupoint), penetrating too deeply, causes swelling.
Fish Belly is below the thumb, resembling a fish's belly, corresponding to the Yuji acupoint of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. Needling the Fish Belly and penetrating too deeply damages the meridian, causing swelling.
Do not needle when greatly intoxicated, as it disorders Qi; do not needle when greatly angry, as it causes Qi rebellion; do not needle those greatly fatigued, newly satiated, greatly hungry, greatly thirsty, or greatly startled.
Not only are there physical contraindications, but also conditions of the person. Alcohol is fierce and travels through the skin, filling the collaterals; thus, do not needle the greatly intoxicated, as it disorders Qi. Anger causes Qi to become perverse, complexion to be discordant, and Qi to be uneven; thus, do not needle the greatly angry, as it causes Qi rebellion. Those greatly fatigued have Yang Qi expanding outward; do not needle. Those newly satiated have abundant Grain Qi; do not needle. Those greatly hungry have empty meridians; do not needle. Those greatly thirsty have dry and exhausted fluids; do not needle. Those greatly startled have harmonized Qi and Blood; do not needle. Violating these contraindications causes harm.
Needling the medial thigh, injuring a major vessel, with unceasing bleeding, results in death.
The Jueyin Liver Meridian originates at the big toe and ascends along the medial thigh. Needling the medial thigh and injuring the major vessel of the thigh causes unceasing bleeding, preventing the Jueyin meridian from ascending, resulting in death.
Needling the Kechuren acupoint, penetrating too deeply, injuring the meridian, causes internal leakage and deafness.
The Kechuren acupoint is in the depression anterior to the ear when opening the mouth. Needling Kechuren too deeply causes internal sinking and meridian injury. Injuring the meridian means injuring the pathways of the Hand-Shaoyang and Foot-Shaoyang meridians. Injury to the meridian affecting the brain causes internal leakage (otorrhea). Injury to the meridian affecting the ear causes deafness.
Needling the patella, causing fluid discharge, leads to limping.
The patella is the junction of bone and tendon above the knee. Needling the patella and causing fluid discharge deprives the bone and tendon of nourishment, leading to difficulty in flexion and extension, resulting in limping.
Needling the Arm-Taiyin meridian, with excessive bleeding, results in immediate death.
The Arm-Taiyin meridian is the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. The Lung governs the circulation of Ying, Wei, Yin, and Yang Qi. Needling the Arm-Taiyin meridian with excessive bleeding prevents the interaction of Qi and Blood. Within one breath, they separate, like heaven and earth dividing, resulting in immediate death.
Needling the Foot-Shaoyin meridian, causing double deficiency through bleeding, leads to tongue stiffness and difficulty speaking.
"Chong" is pronounced with the level tone. The Foot-Shaoyin meridian is the Kidney Meridian. The Kidney stores Essence. Bleeding from the Foot-Shaoyin meridian causes both Essence and Blood to be deficient, hence called "double deficiency." Double deficiency through bleeding means bleeding leading to severe deficiency. The Shaoyin meridian runs along the throat and flanks the base of the tongue. With both Essence and Blood deficient, the tongue becomes stiff and difficult to move for speech.
Needling the chest (Ying window acupoint), penetrating too deeply, injuring the Lung, causes asthmatic breathing and仰息 (breathing with head thrown back).
Ying refers to the chest, specifically the Yingchuang acupoint. Needling Yingchuang too deeply and causing internal sinking injures Lung Qi. Internal sinking injuring the Lung causes disharmony of Qi in the chest with the Lung, resulting in asthmatic breathing and仰息.
Needling the elbow, penetrating too deeply, causing pathogenic Qi to gather, leads to inability to flex or extend.
The Lung Meridian descends to the elbow and runs along the arm. Deep needling of the elbow causing internal sinking allows pathogenic Qi to gather there, leading to dysfunction of the joint mechanism, resulting in inability to flex or extend.
Needling three cun below the medial thigh, penetrating too deeply, causes enuresis.
"Niao" is pronounced with the departing tone, same for the following. Three cun below the medial thigh corresponds to the Xiaoliao acupoint, where the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian runs. Needling three cun below the medial thigh too deeply and causing internal sinking prevents the Taiyang meridian from following its course outward, causing enuresis. Enuresis indicates failure of the Bladder to constrain urine.
Needling the axilla and hypochondrium, penetrating too deeply, causes cough.
"Ye" was erroneously printed as "Ye" (cover) in old editions, now corrected. The Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian runs through the chest, exits the hypochondrium, and ascends to the axilla. Needling the axilla and hypochondrium targets the Pericardium Meridian. Too deep needling causing internal sinking makes the meridian deviate from its course, pressing upward on the Lung, causing cough.
Needling the lower abdomen, injuring the Bladder, causing urine leakage, leads to lower abdominal fullness.
The Bladder resides in the lower abdomen. Needling the lower abdomen and injuring the Bladder causes Bladder Qi to leak downward, leading to urine leakage and lower abdominal fullness. Lower abdominal fullness indicates Bladder Qi failing to circulate to the skin surface.
Needling the calf muscle, penetrating too deeply, causes swelling.
"Shu Chang" refers to the calf muscle. Deep needling of the calf causing internal sinking damages the meridian, leading to swelling. This is consistent with the principle of swelling caused by deep needling of the Fish Belly mentioned earlier.
Needling the supraorbital depression, injuring the meridian, causes lacrimation and blindness.
Kuang Shang refers to above the orbital rim, between the eyebrows. Xian Gu refers to the Sibukong acupoint, in the depression behind the eyebrow. Needling the supraorbital depression and injuring the meridian causes unceasing tearing, hence lacrimation. Inability to see results in blindness.
Needling the joints, causing fluid discharge, leads to inability to flex or extend.
Joints are the mechanisms where bones intersect. Fluid lubricates the bones, enabling flexion and extension. Needling the joints and causing fluid discharge prevents fluid from lubricating the bones, leading to inability to flex or extend. These examples highlight the critical points of needling, constituting the contraindications of acupuncture.