《黃帝內經素問補註釋文》Vol. 33

There are seventy-eight points at which the Qi of the Foot Taiyang meridian flows outward.

If the points where the Qi lies shallow and connects with one another are also included, there should be ninety-three points, not merely seventy-eight. There are seventy-eight points where the main meridians intersect and release meridian Qi; another fifteen lie where the Qi is shallow and connects with the meridians, making ninety-three in all.

There is one point at each brow, the Zanzhu points (at the inner ends of the eyebrows). Their locations, needling and moxibustion methods, and number of moxa cones should all follow the instructions in the “Qi Points” chapter.

From the hairline, measure three cun toward the crown of the head. Beside this line are five rows of points, with three cun between each row.

The commentary here holds that in the passage “from the hairline to the nape, three and a half cun; five rows to the side, three cun apart,” later writers mistakenly changed the character “crown” to “nape” and added the character “and a half.” This led them to think the passage referred to the Dazhu and Fengmen points. Dazhu lies on either side below the first thoracic vertebra, while Fengmen lies on either side below the third thoracic vertebra; their locations do not match “three cun from the hairline to the crown.”

The commentator argues that the passage refers to points in the superficial layer of the skin, which connect with meridian Qi. From Xinhui, at the hairline (a point at the front of the crown), to Baihui (at the center of the crown) is about three cun; from Baihui back to Houding is also about three cun. “Five rows to the side” means that there are five rows in all, including the central line, with five points in each row. “Three cun apart” means that the rows are three cun apart. There are therefore twenty-five points in total.

The Qi that flows beneath the skin is divided into five lines, with five acupoints on each line, for a total of twenty-five acupoints.

“Floating Qi” here refers to the channel Qi that flows at the body’s surface and can be dispersed by needling to relieve heat. The “five lines” are five rows of acupoints running from the midpoint of the hairline at the front of the head, back over the crown to the occiput.

Of the twenty-five acupoints, the five in the middle row lie on the Governor Vessel: Xinhui, Qianding, Baihui, Houding, and Qiangjian. The two rows beside it contain five acupoints each on the Foot Taiyang channel: Wuchu, Chengguang, Tongtian, Luoque, and Yuzhen. The two outer rows contain five acupoints each on the Foot Shaoyang channel: Linqi, Muchuang, Zhengying, Chengling, and Naokong. The four rows on either side have five acupoints apiece, making twenty in all; together with the five in the middle row, this gives twenty-five. The locations for needling and moxibustion, and the number of moxa cones, follow the method for the “Water-Heat acupoints.”

Beside the large tendons on either side of the nape is one acupoint on each side: these are the two Tianzhu acupoints. The methods and number of moxa cones for needling and moxibustion follow those for the “Qi acupoints.”

There is one acupoint on either side of Fengfu. The commentary identifies these as the two Fengchi acupoints. The methods and number of moxa cones for needling and moxibustion likewise follow those for the “Qi acupoints.”

The Newly Collated Corrections notes that, according to the Jia Yi Jing, Fengchi is where the Foot Shaoyang channel meets the Yangwei Vessel, and does not belong to the Foot Taiyang channel. The text’s phrase “on either side of Fengfu” should refer to the location of Tianzhu, repeating the earlier reference to the acupoints “beside the large tendons in the middle of the nape.” The commentary lists two additional acupoints here, Fengchi. If these are counted beyond the ninety-three acupoints, then the two Dazhu and two Fengmen acupoints mentioned earlier, along with these two Fengchi acupoints, bring the total excess to six.

Along either side of the spine, down to the sacrum, there are twenty-one vertebrae. Fifteen of the spaces between them each have one acupoint. The surviving Illustrated Canon of Acupoint Openings of the Central Realm records thirteen such acupoints, twenty-six in total when both sides are counted: Fufen, Pohu, Shentang, Yixi, Geguan, Hunmen, Yanggang, Yishe, Weicang, Huangmen, Zhishi, Baohuang, and Zhibian.

Fufen lies below the second thoracic vertebra, on either side of the spine, toward the inner side of the nape, about two body inches from the spine. It is a meeting point of the Foot Taiyang channel. Needling may reach a depth of eight body inches; moxibustion may be applied with five cones.

Pohu lies below the third thoracic vertebra, on either side of the spine and vertically aligned with Fufen. It is a point where the Qi of the Foot Taiyang channel emerges. The same method of locating the point applies to the twelve acupoints that follow: have the patient sit upright. Needling may reach a depth of five body inches; moxibustion follows the method used for Fufen.

The locations of the points on the back are determined by reference to the vertebrae. “Body-cun” is a unit of measurement based on the proportions of the patient’s own body.

Shentang is below the fifth vertebra, on either side of the spine, directly below Pohu. The needle may be inserted three fen. Moxibustion is performed in the same way as at Fufen.

Yixi is below the sixth vertebra, on either side of the spine, directly below Shentang. The Newly Revised Commentary quotes the note to “Treatise on Bone Hollows,” which says: Press the point with a hand and ask the patient to call out “Yixi”; a pulsation will then be felt beneath the finger. The needle may be inserted six fen and left in place for the time it takes to breathe seven times. Moxibustion is performed in the same way as at Fufen.

Geguan is below the seventh vertebra, on either side of the spine, directly below Yixi. Have the patient sit upright and spread the shoulders to locate the point. The needle may be inserted five fen; apply three moxa cones. The Newly Revised Commentary quotes the Classic of the Systematic Correspondences, which says to apply five cones.

Hunmen is below the ninth vertebra, on either side of the spine, directly below Geguan. Have the patient sit upright to locate the point. The needling depth and number of moxa cones are the same as for Geguan.

Yanggang is below the tenth vertebra, on either side of the spine, directly below Hunmen. Have the patient sit upright to locate the point. The needling depth and number of moxa cones are the same as for Hunmen.

Yishe is below the eleventh vertebra, on either side of the spine, directly below Yanggang. Have the patient sit upright to locate the point. The needling depth and number of moxa cones are the same as for Yanggang.

Weicang is below the twelfth vertebra, on either side of the spine, directly below Yishe. The needling depth and number of moxa cones are the same as for Yishe.

Huangmen is below the thirteenth vertebra, on either side of the spine, directly below Weicang. Needling is performed in the same way as at Weicang; apply thirty moxa cones. The Newly Revised Commentary says that thirty cones here agrees with the Classic of the Systematic Correspondences, while the Commentary on Water Points records three cones.

Zhishi is below the fourteenth vertebra, on either side of the spine, directly below Huangmen. Have the patient sit upright to locate the point. The needling depth and number of moxa cones are the same as for Pohu.

Baohuang is below the nineteenth vertebra, on either side of the spine, directly below Zhishi. Have the patient lie prone to locate the point. The needling depth and number of moxa cones are the same as for Pohu. The Newly Revised Commentary says that the number of cones for Zhishi and Baohuang follows that for Pohu: five cones. The Classic of the Systematic Correspondences and the Commentary on Water Points record three cones. The Commentary on Heat Points also records three cones for Zhishi.

Zhibian is below the twenty-first vertebra, on either side of the spine, directly below Baohuang. Have the patient lie prone to locate the point. The needling depth and number of moxa cones are the same as for Pohu.

The characters in “Yixi” are written with “clothing” above and “joy” below.

Each of the five Zang organs has five transport points, and each of the six Fu organs has six transport points.

Feishu is below the third vertebra, on either side of the spine, flanking it; the distance between the points on the two sides is measured according to the patient’s own body proportions…

For acupuncture, the needle may be inserted to a depth of three fen, measured in the patient’s own body proportions, and left in place for seven breaths. If moxibustion is used, each point may receive three cones; one cone means a single treatment using a piece of ignited moxa floss.

Xinshu, the Back-Shu point associated with the heart, lies below the fifth vertebra, with one point on each side. The distance between the two points and the needling method follow those for Feishu; retain the needles for seven breaths. Ganshu lies below the ninth vertebra, on both sides. Its location, spacing, and needling method follow those for Xinshu; retain the needles for six breaths. Pishu lies below the eleventh vertebra, on both sides. Follow the spacing and needling method for Ganshu; retain the needles for seven breaths. Shenshu lies below the fourteenth vertebra, on both sides. Follow the instructions for Pishu; retain the needles for seven breaths.

Danshu lies below the tenth vertebra, on both sides. Follow Feishu for the spacing and needling method. The patient should sit upright while the points are located; the needle may be inserted to a depth of five fen, measured in the patient’s own body proportions, and retained for seven breaths. Weishu lies below the twelfth vertebra, on both sides. Follow Pishu; retain the needles for seven breaths. Sanjiaoshu lies below the thirteenth vertebra, on both sides. Follow Danshu for the spacing and needling method. Dachangshu lies below the sixteenth vertebra, on both sides. Follow Feishu; retain the needles for six breaths. Xiaochangshu lies below the eighteenth vertebra, on both sides. Follow Xinshu; retain the needles for six breaths. Pangguangshu lies below the nineteenth vertebra, on both sides. Follow Shenshu; retain the needles for six breaths. If moxibustion is used on the Back-Shu points of the Five Zang organs and Six Fu organs, each point may receive three cones.

The Corrected Edition says: Some have suspected that the characters “five each” and “six each” in the text are errors for the character “each,” but this is not so. Here, “each” means five or six points on each side; it does not mean that every organ’s Back-Shu point should receive five or six cones of moxibustion.

From Weizhong to the little-toe side of the foot there are six points, making twelve points on both sides. These are Weizhong, Kunlun, Jinggu, Shugu, Tonggu, and Zhiyin. The locations of these points and the methods of acupuncture and moxibustion follow the relevant instructions for “Qixue.”

The text says there are seventy-eight points where the Qi of the channels appears and can be accessed. Yet counting the points listed here, together with those said earlier to be missing, gives a total of ninety-three, so the numbers do not agree; there may have been a copying error. The Corrected Edition adds that Wang Bing said ninety-three points were missing. If Dazhu, Fengmen, and Fengchi are also included, the total becomes ninety-nine. It therefore appears that these three points were added by later writers.

There are sixty-two points where the Qi of the Foot Shaoyang channel emerges. Above the temples, there are three points on each side.

These are Tianchong and Qubin, one on each side. Tianchong lies above the ear, three fen forward from that point. It is where the Foot Taiyang and Foot Shaoyang channels meet. The needle may be inserted three fen. If moxibustion is used, three cones may be applied; a cone is the unit used to count one application of moxibustion.

Qubin lies above the ear, within the hairline, in the hollow at the corner of the head. When the jaw is thrust out, a depression appears there. This point is also where the Foot Taiyang and Foot Shaoyang channels meet. The needle depth and number of moxa cones are the same as for Tianchong.

From the hairline directly above the eyes, there are five points on each side, moving inward.

These are Linqi, Muchuang, Zhengying, Chengling, and Naokong, one of each on either side. Linqi is five fen inside the hairline directly above the eyes. It is where the Foot Taiyang, Foot Shaoyang, and Yangwei channels meet. After needling, retain the needle for seven breaths, an ancient unit of time measured by breathing. Muchuang lies one cun behind Linqi; Zhengying lies one cun behind Muchuang; Chengling lies one and a half cun behind Zhengying; and Naokong lies one and a half cun behind Chengling. It is behind and above the occipital bone, where the Foot Shaoyang channel meets the Yangwei vessel. The needle may be inserted four fen at Naokong and three fen at each of the other points. If moxibustion is used, five cones may be applied at each point.

The New Collation notes: According to the Jia Yi Jing, Naokong lies behind and below the occipital bone; that text says “below the jade pillow bone.”

In front of the ears and above the temples, there is one point on each side.

This is Hanyan, one on each side. It lies below the corner of the head and above the temporal region, along its upper edge. It is where the Hand Shaoyang, Foot Shaoyang, and Foot Yangming channels meet. The needle may be inserted seven fen and retained for seven breaths. If moxibustion is used, three cones may be applied. Inserting the needle too deeply can cause loss of hearing.

In front of the ears and below the temples, there is one point on each side.

This is Xuanli, one on each side. It lies above the corner of the head and below the temporal region, along its lower edge. It is where the Hand Shaoyang, Foot Shaoyang, Hand Yangming, and Foot Yangming channels meet. The needle may be inserted three fen and retained for seven breaths. If moxibustion is used, three cones may be applied.

The New Collation notes: The later section on the Hand Shaoyang records Xuanli as lying above the corner of the head, whereas this passage places it below. One of the two records must be mistaken.

Below the tips of the sideburns, there is one point on each side.

This is Heliao, one on each side. It lies in front of the ear, below the tip of the sideburn, where a pulse beats laterally…

The two points where the Foot Shaoyang channels meet, one on each side, may be needled to a depth of three fen, measured according to the patient’s own body proportions. If moxibustion is used, apply three cones of moxa, lighting and applying each cone in turn.

[New Collation] states: According to the Jia Yi Jing, this is where the Hand Shaoyang and Hand Taiyang channels meet.

There is one Guest Master (Kezhuren) point on each side. Guest Master is the name of the point, located at the bone along the upper edge of the area in front of the ear. When the mouth is opened, a hollow between the bones can be felt. This point is where the Hand Shaoyang, Foot Shaoyang, and Foot Yangming channels meet. It may be needled to a depth of three fen, with the needle retained for seven breaths, a method of timing by the breath. If moxibustion is used, apply three cones.

[New Collation] states: According to the Jia Yi Jing, the Notes on the Acupoints, and the Notes on Needling Prohibitions, this point is recorded as where the Hand Shaoyang and Foot Yangming channels meet, differing from the account here.

There is one hollow behind each ear, referring to the two Wind Screen (Yifeng) points, located in the hollows behind the ears. Pressing them produces a sensation that travels into the ear. Wind Screen is where the Hand Shaoyang and Foot Shaoyang channels meet. It may be needled to a depth of three fen. If moxibustion is used, apply three cones.

There is one Lower Joint (Xiaguan) point on each side. Lower Joint is the name of the point; its location and the methods of needling and moxibustion are the same as those described in the “Acupoints” chapter.

There is one point on each side below the ear, behind the jawbone (mandible), referring to the two Cheek Vehicle (Jiache) points. The needling depth and number of moxa cones are the same as those described in the “Acupoints” chapter.

There is one Clavicular Hollow (Quepen) point on each side. Clavicular Hollow is the name of the point, located in the hollow above the transverse bone of the shoulder. It is a place where the Qi and blood of the Foot Yangming channel flow and gather. It may be needled to a depth of two fen, with the needle retained for seven breaths. If moxibustion is used, apply three cones. Needling too deeply can make breathing difficult.

[New Collation] states: According to the Notes on the Bone Hollows, this is recorded as belonging to the Hand Yangming channel.

There are eight points, one on each side, three cun below the armpit and between the area below the ribs and the flank—the lower, lateral sides of the body.

“Three cun below the armpit” means three cun measured according to the patient’s own body proportions. The points referred to below the armpit are Yuanye, Zhejin, and Tianchi. Those referred to between the area below the ribs and the flank are Riyue, Zhangmen, Daimai, Wushu, Weidao, and Juliao—nine points in all. With both sides counted, there are eighteen points.

Yuanye is located three cun below the armpit. It is a place where the Qi and blood of the Foot Shaoyang channel flow and gather, and can be found by raising the arm. It may be needled to a depth of three fen. Moxibustion is prohibited.

Zhejin is located three cun below the armpit, one cun farther forward, near the ribs.

[New Collation] states: According to the Jia Yi Jing, the character “cuo” here should be “zhu”; the same applies below.

Zhejin is a place where the Qi and blood of the Foot Shaoyang channel flow and gather. It may be needled to a depth of six fen. If moxibustion is used, apply three cones.

Tianchi is located behind the breast…

Beginning three inches below the armpit, locate the point between the ribs. This is where the Hand Jueyin Pericardium channel and the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder channel meet. The needle may be inserted three fen, measured by the patient’s own body proportions. The editorial correction states that the Jia Yi Jing gives the depth as seven fen. For moxibustion, apply three cones; one burning moxa cone counts as one cone.

Riyue is the Front-Mu point of the Gallbladder, where the Qi of the organs and bowels gathers on the chest and abdomen. It lies beside the end of the third rib, directly opposite the xiphoid process at the lower end of the sternum, two cun and five fen on either side of the midline, level with the nipples. The editorial correction states that the Jia Yi Jing places Riyue five fen below Qimen. Riyue is where the Foot Taiyin Spleen channel and the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder channel meet. The needle may be inserted seven fen; for moxibustion, apply five cones.

Zhangmen is the Front-Mu point of the Spleen. It lies at the end of the floating rib, where the Foot Jueyin Liver channel and the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder channel meet. To locate it, have the patient lie on their side, with the upper leg bent and the lower leg straight, and raise the arm. The needle may be inserted eight fen and retained for six breaths. For moxibustion, apply three cones.

Daimai lies one cun and eight fen below the floating rib. It is where the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder channel and the Dai Mai (Belt Vessel) meet. The needle may be inserted six fen; for moxibustion, apply five cones.

Wushu lies three cun below Daimai. It is where the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder channel and the Dai Mai meet. The needle may be inserted one cun; for moxibustion, apply five cones.

Weidao lies five cun and three fen below Zhangmen. It is where the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder channel and the Dai Mai meet. Follow the method for Zhangmen to determine needle depth and the number of moxa cones.

Juliao lies four cun and three fen below Zhangmen, above the ilium, the bone forming the upper edge of either side of the pelvis. The editorial correction states that the Jia Yi Jing describes it as “the hollow above the iliac bone.” Juliao is where the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel) and the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder channel meet. Follow the method for Weidao to determine needle depth and the number of moxa cones.

The “eight points between” refers to the eight points arranged from three inches below the armpit down to the area of the floating ribs.

There is one point beside the inner side of the hip joint on each side; these are the left and right Huantiao points. Follow the method for Qixue to determine needle depth and the number of moxa cones. The editorial correction states that the chapter “Qixue Lun” locates the point at the center of the hip hollow, which Wang Bing identifies as Huantiao. The Jia Yi Jing also says that Huantiao lies in the hip joint. The description here, placing one point beside the inner side of the hip joint on each side, presumably also refers to Huantiao, which lies at the hip joint.

“On either side” means that there is one acupoint on the left and one on the right. It does not mean that the Huantiao acupoint lies beside the hip pivot—the point where the hip joint turns.

From below the knees down to the feet, around the little toes and the toes next to them, there are six Shu acupoints: Yanglingquan, Yangfu, Qiuxu, Linqi, Xiaxi, and Qiaoyin. Shu acupoints are places where the Qi of the channels gathers and that can be needled. Counting both sides gives twelve acupoints. Their locations and the procedures and number of moxa cones for needling and moxibustion follow the instructions given under “Qi Acupoints.”

There are sixty-eight acupoints where the Qi of the Foot Yangming channel—the Foot Yangming Stomach Channel—emerges. There are three on either side of the forehead and hairline: Xuanzhu, Yangbai, and Touwei, making six in all. Counting horizontally from the front hairline, Xuanzhu lies above the temple, midway along the area of the temples. When needling this point where the Qi of the Foot Yangming channel emerges, insert the needle three fen, measured in proportional units based on the patient’s own body, and retain it for three breaths. Apply three moxa cones; each burning cone counts as one unit.

Yangbai lies above the eyebrow, directly in line with the pupil, one body-proportional unit from the eyebrow. It is where the Foot Yangming channel and the Yinwei Vessel meet. The needle may be inserted to a depth of three fen. Apply three moxa cones.

Touwei lies at the hairline at the corner of the forehead, near the Benshen acupoint and one and a half body-proportional units from it on either side. It is where the Foot Shaoyang channel and the Foot Yangming channel meet. The needle may be inserted to a depth of five fen. Moxibustion is prohibited.

The New Corrected Edition says: “On consulting the Jia Yi Jing, Yangbai is where the Foot Shaoyang channel and the Yangwei Vessel meet. Wang’s commentary here says that it is where the Foot Yangming channel and the Yinwei Vessel meet. Since this passage lists Yangbai among the acupoints where the Qi of the Foot Yangming channel emerges, the Foot Yangming identification seems closer to the original text. However, the Foot Yangming channel does not reach this point or meet the Yinwei Vessel, so Wang’s commentary is likely mistaken. The account in the Jia Yi Jing is more credible.”

There is one acupoint on each side, in the bony hollows beneath the cheekbones: the Sibai acupoint. It lies one body-proportional unit below the eye and is a point where the Qi of the Foot Yangming channel emerges. The needle may be inserted to a depth of four fen. Moxibustion is not allowed. The New Corrected Edition says: “On consulting the Jia Yi Jing, the needle depth is three fen, and seven moxa cones are applied.”

There is one acupoint on either side in the bony hollow where Daying is located. Daying is the name of the acupoint. It lies in a depression in the bone, one and three-tenths body-proportional units in front of the angle of the lower jaw, where the pulse can be felt. It is a point where the Qi of the Foot Yangming channel emerges. The needle may be inserted to a depth of three fen and retained for seven breaths. Apply three moxa cones.

There is one Renying acupoint on each side. Renying is the name of the acupoint. It lies on the neck, beside the Adam’s apple, where a strong pulse can be felt…

This passage describes the locations, needling depths, and moxibustion precautions for several key acupoints along the Stomach Channel of Foot-Yangming (one of the twelve primary meridians).

Regarding the Tianliao point (located laterally to the supraclavicular fossa), it is situated in the bony depression above the center of the supraclavicular fossa, marking the convergence point of the Hand and Foot Shaoyang channels with the Yang Linking Vessel. The needling depth is 0.8 cun (measured by the patient's own finger width as a proportional unit), and it can receive three moxa cones (a standard moxibustion measurement). The Jiayi Jing (Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) records this area as the "Bi bone."

The six chest points including Yingchuang: The Yingchuang point is located on both sides of the sternum, four cun lateral to the midline, in the depression 4.8 cun below the clavicle (jugu), where the Qi of the Foot Yangming Channel emerges. Needling depth is 0.4 cun, with five moxa cones permitted. This group also includes the upper points Qihu, Kufang, and Wuyi, as well as the lower points Ruzhong and Rugen. Notably, moxibustion is strictly prohibited on Ruzhong—accidental application may cause ulceration, and if polyps or festering occur, it could be life-threatening. The other five points all permit 0.4 cun needling and three moxa cones.

Laterally to the xiphoid process (jiuwei) and three cun below the nipple lie five abdominal points: Burong, Chengman, Liangmen, Guanmen, and Taiyi (ten points total bilaterally). These are positioned four cun lateral to the abdominal midline (Jiayi Jing records two cun), arranged vertically below the fourth rib with one-cun intervals between points, all belonging to the Foot Yangming Channel.

The locations where the pulse Qi of each acupoint is found are clearly specified. The needle may be inserted to a depth of eight fen, measured in proportional inches based on the patient’s own body. If moxibustion is used, apply three cones; lighting one moxa cone counts as one cone.

The New Collation says: On checking the A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, the needle depth at the Burong point is five fen. Since this passage says it may be needled to eight fen, the annotation may contain an error.

Three points lie on each side, three inches laterally from the navel.

Here, “width” refers to the horizontal distance measured outward from the navel. “Three inches in width” means locating the points on both sides at the distance specified for the Taiyi point. “Three on each side” refers to the Huaroumen, Tianshu, and Wailing points. Huaroumen is one inch beside the navel; Wailing is one inch below Tianshu. All these points belong to the Foot Yangming channel (Stomach channel), where its pulse Qi appears. Tianshu may be needled to five fen, with the needle retained for seven breaths. Huaroumen and Wailing may each be needled to eight fen. If moxibustion is used, apply five cones at each of the three points.

The New Collation says: On checking the A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianshu lies two inches to either side of the navel, with Huaroumen above it and Wailing below. In other words, all three points lie two inches beside the navel. The annotation in this classic now says they are three inches laterally, which differs from the accounts in the Basic Questions and the A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. The measurements in the A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion agree with those in other books; only this passage in the present classic differs.

Three points lie on each side, two inches below the navel.

At a point two inches below the navel, Daju lies one inch below Wailing. “Three on each side” refers to Daju, Shuidao, and Guilai. Daju lies one inch below Wailing and belongs to the Foot Yangming channel. The needle may be inserted eight fen, and five cones of moxibustion applied. Shuidao lies three inches below Daju and belongs to the Foot Yangming channel. The needle may be inserted two and a half cun, and five cones of moxibustion applied. Guilai lies two inches below Shuidao. The needle may be inserted eight fen, and five cones of moxibustion applied.

At Qijie, a pulsating vessel can be felt, one on each side.

Qijie is the name of an acupoint. It lies one inch below Guilai and above the inguinal crease. A pulse beats there and can be felt beneath the hand. This is where the pulse Qi of the Foot Yangming channel emerges. The needle may be inserted three fen and retained for seven breaths; apply three cones of moxibustion.

The New Collation says: On close examination, this annotation matches the A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. The annotations on “Needling Heat” and “Heat Points,” however, say that Qijie lies below the navel, at the ends of the transverse bone, and above the inguinal crease…

A commentary on “On Restrictions Against Needling Above the Mouse Groin” says that the mouse groin (the inguinal region) lies below the navel, four cun apart on either side. A commentary on “The Bone Hollow Above the Mouse Servant” says that the bone hollow above the mouse groin lies on either side of the boundary of the pubic hair. Commentators differ in their explanations, so both are recorded here.

Above the Futu region is one point on each side: the Biguan point, located at the root of the thigh, at the boundary behind the Futu (the raised muscle on the front of the thigh). Needling may reach a depth of six cun measured according to the patient’s own body proportions; the point may be treated with three moxa cones.

From Zusanli down to the middle toe, there are eight shu points, located in the hollows at their respective sites. These are Zusanli, Shanglian, Xialian, Jiexi, Chongyang, Xiangu, Neiting, and Lidui. Counting both sides, there are sixteen points. Shanglian is where the Foot Yangming channel meets the Hand Yangming Large Intestine channel; Xialian is where the Foot Yangming channel meets the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine channel. The needling depths and moxa counts for these points follow the methods described in the “Qi Points” chapter.

The phrase “the hollow where the branch lies” means that the Foot Yangming channel branches off at Zusanli and runs downward. Its main course travels along the lower leg and across the top of the foot, entering the middle toe and reaching its tip at Lidui. The branch travels with the main course across the top of the foot, then enters the space between the middle toe and the second toe. Thus, “the hollow where the branch lies” refers to the point between the toes reached by the branching channel.

There are thirty-six points where the Qi of the Hand Taiyang channel emerges.

At the inner corner of each eye is one point, Jingming, making two points on both sides. Jingming lies at the inner canthus, where five channels meet: Hand Taiyang, Foot Taiyang, Foot Yangming, Yin Qiao, and Yang Qiao. Needling may reach a depth of one cun; the needle is retained for six breaths. The point may be treated with three moxa cones. Although some points are meeting places for several channels, the section “Where the Channel Qi Emerges” does not list every channel that meets at each point. This is because that section records points according to their primary channel.

At the outer corner of each eye is one point, Tongziliao, making two points on both sides. This point lies beside the outer canthus, five cun from the corner of the eye. It is where the Hand Taiyang, Hand Shaoyang, and Foot Shaoyang channels meet. Needling may reach a depth of three cun; the point may be treated with three moxa cones.

Below the bone of the cheek, also called the qiu bone, is one point on each side: Quanliao, making two points in all. “Qiu” refers to the facial bone around the cheekbone. This point lies in the hollow below the cheekbone, where the Hand Taiyang and Hand Shaoyang channels meet. Needling may reach a depth of three cun. “Quan” is pronounced like “qiu.”

Above each auricle is one point, Jiaosun, making two points on both sides. It lies above the auricle, midway along its outer side, at the hairline.

There is a hollow below the scapula where three channels meet: the Hand Taiyang, Hand Shaoyang, and Foot Shaoyang channels. The needle may be inserted three fen, measured in proportional units based on the patient’s own body. If moxibustion is used, apply three cones, each cone referring to one moxa cone. The Revised Commentary says that, according to the Jia Yi Jing, “Hand Taiyang” here should read “Hand Yangming.”

There is one point in each ear, referring to Tinggong, an ear point, one on each side. Its location, needling depth, and number of moxa cones follow the method given earlier for the “Qi points.”

There is one Juliao point on each side. Juliao is the name of the point, located in the hollow between the two bones above the tip of the shoulder. It is where the Hand Yangming channel meets the Qiao vessel. The needle may be inserted one cun and a half; apply three moxa cones. The Revised Commentary says that, according to the Jia Yi Jing, five cones should be applied.

There is one point on each side at the upper bone of the armpit, referring to Naoshu. It lies in the hollow below the lower edge of the large bone at the back of the shoulder and above the scapula. It is where the Hand Taiyang channel, the Yangwei vessel, and the Qiao vessel meet. Locate the point with the arm raised. The needle may be inserted eight fen; apply three moxa cones. The Revised Commentary says that, according to the Jia Yi Jing, this point belongs to the Hand and Foot Taiyang channels.

There is one point on each side in the hollow above the clavicle, referring to Jianjing. It lies in the hollow atop the shoulder, above Quepen—the hollow above the clavicle—and in front of the large bone. It is where the Hand Shaoyang and Foot Shaoyang channels and the Yangwei vessel meet. The needle may be inserted five fen; apply three moxa cones.

There is one point on each side four cun above Tianchuang, referring to the Tianchuang and Qiaoyin points, four points in all. Their locations, needling depths, and numbers of moxa cones follow the method given earlier for the “Qi points.”

There is one point on each side at the shoulder joint, referring to Bingfeng. It lies behind the small bone atop the shoulder, in a hollow visible when the arm is raised. It is where four channels meet: Hand Taiyang, Hand Yangming, Hand Shaoyang, and Foot Shaoyang. Locate the point with the arm raised. The needle may be inserted five fen; apply three moxa cones. The Revised Commentary says that, according to the Jia Yi Jing, five cones should be applied.

There is one point on each side three cun below the shoulder joint, referring to Tianzong. It lies in the hollow behind Bingfeng, below the large bone, where the Qi of the Hand Taiyang channel emerges. The needle may be inserted five fen and retained for six breaths; apply three moxa cones.

From below the elbow to the base of the little finger, there are six Shu points in all. The six Shu points are counted from the tip of the finger; since the text says “as far as the base of the little finger,” the “tip of the finger” here…

The “root” mentioned here refers to the “root above” discussed earlier. The same meaning applies below, where Yangming and Shaoyang are discussed.

The Hand Taiyang channel has six transport points: Xiaohai, Yanggu, Wangu, Houxi, Qiangu, and Shaoze. Counting both sides gives twelve points. Their locations, needling depths, and numbers of moxa cones are the same as those described in the “Qi Points” chapter.

The New Collation says: On examining the original text, the Hand Taiyang, Hand Yangming, and Hand Shaoyang channels each describe a point as reaching a certain place on the fingers. Wang’s commentary interprets “root” as the fingertip, but this is inappropriate. A closer look shows that the Jing-Well points of the three Hand Yang channels—the points where the Qi of each channel emerges—are all at the ends of the fingers, near the lower edges of the nails. The “root” mentioned here should refer to the base of each fingernail. How could the fingertip be called the “root”?

There are twenty-two points where the Qi of the Hand Yangming channel emerges. The points beside the nostrils and on the neck each occur in a pair, one on either side.

These are the Yingxiang and Futu points, two on each side. Yingxiang is beside the nostril, where the Hand Yangming and Foot Yangming channels meet. Needling may reach three fen (an ancient unit of needling depth measured by proportional body inches). Futu lies two cun below the angle of the jaw, behind the Renying point; it is a point where the Qi of the Hand Yangming channel emerges. To locate it, tilt the head back. Needling may reach four fen; or it may be treated with three moxa cones (one moxa cone burned in a single application is called one cone).

There is one Daying point and one bone-cleft point.

Daying is the name of a point. It lies in a depression in the bone, one cun and three fen in front of the bend of the jaw, where a pulse can be felt. It is a point where the Qi of the Foot Yangming channel emerges. Needling may reach three fen, with the needle retained for seven breaths (an ancient measure of time based on the number of breaths). Alternatively, it may be treated with three moxa cones.

The New Collation says: The Daying point has already appeared in the earlier chapter on the Foot Yangming channel, but it is mentioned again here, and Wang Bing’s commentary does not explain why. This repetition may be similar to the repeated appearance of the Quanliao point in different chapters.

There is one point on each side where the clavicle meets the neck.

This refers to the Tianding point, one on each side. Tianding lies in the neck above the supraclavicular hollow, directly below Futu and half a cun behind Qishe. It is a point where the Qi of the Hand Yangming channel emerges. Needling may reach four fen; alternatively, it may be treated with three moxa cones.

The New Collation says: According to the Jia Yi Jing, the position of Tianding should be at one and a half cun.

There is one point on each side where the humeral bone meets the shoulder.

This refers to the Jianyu point, one on each side. Its location, needling depth, and number of moxa cones are the same as those described in the “Qi Points” chapter.

The New Collation says: The commentary on the “Qi Points” chapter does not record needling or moxibustion methods for the point at the humeral bone. These are recorded in the commentaries on “Needling Heat,” “Water and Heat Points,” and “Treatise on the Bone Hollows.”

From below the elbow to the roots of the thumb and index finger, there are six transport points.

The six points referred to here are Sanli, Yangxi, Hegu, Sanjian, Erjian, and Shangyang. There are twelve points in all, counting both sides. Their locations, along with the depth of needling and the number of moxa cones, follow the methods described in the “Qixue” chapter.

The Newly Collated Corrections says: “On consulting the commentary to the ‘Qixue Treatise,’ it lists Quchi but not Sanli. Sanli has been mistakenly listed here, and Quchi omitted.”

There are thirty-two points where the Qi of the Hand Shaoyang channel emerges.

“Below the zygomatic bone, one on each side” refers to the Quanliao points, one on either side. Their locations, needling and moxibustion depths, and number of moxa cones follow the prescriptions for the Hand Shaoyang channel. Here, the channel Qi of both the Hand Shaoyang and Hand Taiyang channels converges, and the two channels are of equal standing, so this point is listed again here. The points marked “has” below are similar cases.

“Behind the eyebrows, one on each side” refers to the Sizhu Kong points, one on either side. They lie in the hollow at the outer end of the eyebrow and are where the Qi of the Hand Shaoyang channel emerges. Needling may reach a depth of three body inches (a method of measuring points using the patient’s own body as a scale), and the needle is retained for six breaths. Moxibustion must not be applied; if mistakenly used, it may cause the eyes to become smaller or even lead to blindness. The Newly Collated Corrections says: “On consulting the Jiayi Jing, this reads ‘Foot Shaoyang,’ and the needle is retained for ‘three breaths.’”

“Above the corner of the head, one on each side” refers to the Xuanli points, one on either side. The account is the same as that in the section on the Foot Shaoyang channel, because the two channels converge here. The Newly Collated Corrections says: “On consulting the section on the Foot Shaoyang channel, it reads ‘below the corner,’ whereas this passage reads ‘above the corner.’ This is likely a copying error.”

“Behind the lower mastoid process, one on each side” refers to the Tianyou points, one on either side. Their location, needling and moxibustion depths, and number of moxa cones follow the methods in the “Qixue” chapter.

“At the middle of the nape, anterior to the Foot Taiyang channel, one on each side” refers to the Fengchi points, one on either side. They lie in the hollow behind the ear; pressure there produces a pulling sensation inside the ear. This is where the Hand Shaoyang and Foot Shaoyang channels converge. Needling may reach a depth of four body inches; three moxa cones may be applied. The Newly Collated Corrections says: “On consulting the Jiayi Jing, Fengchi lies at the hairline behind the temple and is where the Foot Shaoyang channel and the Yangwei vessel converge. Needling may reach a depth of three body inches.”

“Beside Futu, one on each side” refers to the Tianchuang points, one on either side. They lie below the angle of the jaw, behind the Futu point, in a hollow where the artery pulses. This is where the Qi of the Hand Taiyang channel emerges. Needling may reach a depth of six body inches; three moxa cones may be applied.

“Shoulder Zhen, one on each side”—Shoulder Zhen is the name of the point, with one on either side. It lies at the bend of the shoulder, in the hollow between the two bones below the shoulder blade, behind the Jianyu point, and is where the Qi of the Hand Taiyang channel emerges. Needling may reach a depth of…

The needling depth is eight body-inches. If moxibustion is used, apply three cones of moxa (one cone means lighting the moxa once).

Three body-inches below Jian Zhen, there is one point on each side among the muscles: Jian Liao, Nao Hui, and Xiao Luo. These points all lie in the spaces between muscles. Jian Liao is at the end of the shoulder, on the upper arm. Locate it with the arm raised diagonally; it is where the Qi and blood of the Hand Shaoyang channel are conveyed. The needle may be inserted to a depth of seven body-inches. If moxibustion is used, apply three cones.

Nao Hui is on the front of the upper arm, three body-inches from the end of the shoulder. It is where the collateral vessels of the Hand Yangming and Hand Shaoyang channels meet and their Qi and blood converge. The needle may be inserted to a depth of five body-inches. If moxibustion is used, apply five cones.

Xiao Luo is below the shoulder, on the outer side of the upper arm, in the space between the muscles running diagonally from the armpit toward the elbow. It is where the Qi and blood of the Hand Shaoyang channel gather. The needle may be inserted to a depth of five body-inches. If moxibustion is used, apply three cones.

From below the elbow to the side of the hand by the little and ring fingers, there are originally six points: Tian Jing, Zhi Gou, Yang Chi, Zhong Zhu, Ye Men, and Guan Chong. Counting the left and right sides separately gives twelve points. Their locations, needling depths, and numbers of moxa cones all follow the specifications in the “Qi Xue” chapter.

There are twenty-eight points where the Qi and blood of the Du channel emerge. One point is missing here. A note in the New Textual Revision says: Hui Yang has one point on each side, making twenty-nine in all. Thus it is not that one point is “missing”; rather, there is one point “left over.” The character meaning “missing” should be changed to “remaining.”

At the center of the nape are two points, Feng Fu and Yin Men (also called Ya Men). Both are at the nape. Another point is also missing, and its location can no longer be established.

Feng Fu is one body-inch above the rear hairline, in the hollow on the inner side of the large tendon. It is where the Du and Yangwei channels meet. The needle may be inserted to a depth of four body-inches and retained for three breaths. Do not apply moxibustion casually, as it may cause loss of voice.

Yin Men is in the hollow at the rear hairline, one body-inch from Feng Fu. It is where the Du and Yangwei channels meet. Locate it with the head tilted back. The needle may be inserted to a depth of four body-inches. Moxibustion is prohibited, as it may cause loss of voice.

A note in the New Textual Revision says that the “one point also missing at the nape” mentioned by Wang Bing does not refer to a point missing from the twenty-eight points listed above. Wang Bing probably saw that the “Qi Xue Lun” chapter mentions a point on each side above Da Zhui. These two points are also at the nape, but they do not appear here; that is why he said that another point was missing.

There are eight points along the center of the rear hairline.

The eight points—Shenting, Shangxing, Xinhui, Qianding, Baihui, Houding, Qiangjian, and Naohu—lie along the midline of the head, arranged from the frontal hairline toward the back. Shenting is at the midline of the frontal hairline, directly above the bridge of the nose. It is where the Governing Vessel, Foot Taiyang channel, and Foot Yangming channel meet. Needling is prohibited: if needled by mistake, it may cause mania or blindness. Moxibustion may be applied for three cones.

Shangxing lies on the midline of the head, directly above the bridge of the nose, in a depression one cun inside the hairline. The depression is about the size of a bean. Xinhui lies in a depression one cun behind Shangxing. Qianding lies in a depression one and a half cun behind Xinhui, between two bones. Baihui lies one and a half cun behind Qianding, in the depression at the crown of the head, where the hair forms a whorl; the depression can hold a fingertip. It is where the Governing Vessel and Foot Taiyang channel meet. Houding lies one and a half cun behind Baihui. Qiangjian lies one and a half cun behind Houding. Naohu lies one and a half cun behind Qiangjian. It is where the Governing Vessel and Foot Taiyang channel meet, and moxibustion is prohibited.

All eight points are places where the channel Qi of the Governing Vessel flows and appears. Needling at Shangxing, Baihui, Qiangjian, and Naohu may reach a depth of three fen, measured in proportional body units. Retain the needle for six breaths at Shangxing and three breaths at Naohu. The other points may be needled to a depth of four fen. If using moxibustion, apply five cones. The New Collation notes that the Jia Yi Jing states that Naohu must not be treated with moxibustion, and the commentary on “Gu Kong Lun” also says that moxibustion should not be applied indiscriminately.

Three Midline Points of the Face

These are the three points Suliao, Shuigou, and Yinjiao. Suliao lies at the upper end of the bridge of the nose, where the channel Qi of the Governing Vessel emerges. Needling may reach a depth of three fen, measured in proportional body units. Shuigou lies beneath the nasal septum, in the philtrum; locate it along the midline below the nasal septum. It is a meeting point of the Governing Vessel and the Hand Yangming channel. Needling may reach a depth of three fen, with the needle retained for six breaths; moxibustion may be applied for three cones. Yinjiao lies in the gum cleft inside the upper lip, above the teeth. It is a meeting point of the Governing Vessel and the Conception Vessel. The needle may be inserted in the reverse direction to a depth of three fen; moxibustion may be applied for three cones. All three points lie on the midline between the left and right sides of the face.

Fifteen Points from Dazhui down to the Coccyx and on Either Side

Between the vertebrae are points including Dazhui, Taodao, Shenzhu, Shendao, and Lingtai; the original text continues with the points listed below.

When lying on one’s back, the sinews and vessels in the lower back become tense and contracted. Along the Governing Vessel (Du Mai), which runs along the midline of the back, there are fifteen points in all, from Qianghui to Changqiang.

Qianghui, also called Dazhui, is where the Governing Vessel meets the three Yang channels. It lies in the hollow above the first vertebra. Taodao lies between the vertebrae below the prominent bone at the back of the neck, where the Governing Vessel meets the Foot Taiyang channel. To locate the points, bend forward: Shenzhu is below the second vertebra; Shendao below the fifth; Lingtai below the sixth; Zhiyang below the seventh; Jinsuo below the ninth; Zhongshu below the tenth; and Jizhong below the eleventh. Moxibustion must not be used at Jizhong, or it may cause a person to become hunchbacked. Xuanshu lies below the thirteenth vertebra; Mingmen below the fourteenth; Yangguan below the sixteenth; and Yaoshu below the twenty-first, located while sitting. Changqiang is at the junction of the spine and the end of the sacrum, where a collateral branch of the Governing Vessel meets the Foot Shaoyin channel. Huiyang lies on either side of the coccyx.

All fifteen points are places where the channel Qi of the Governing Vessel gathers. Yaoshu and Changqiang may be needled to a depth of two fen, measured in body inches. The textual notes say that the Jia Yi Jing gives two cun, while the commentary to the Shui Xue Lun gives two fen; other commentaries also differ. The editor considers two cun potentially too deep and prefers a shallower insertion, recommending two fen. Xuanshu is needled to a depth of two fen, Huiyang to eight fen, and the remaining points to five fen. As for needle retention, Taodao and Shendao are each retained for five breaths, and Xuanshu for seven.

For moxibustion, apply five cones each at Taodao, Shenzhu, Shendao, and Jinsuo; nine cones at Dazhui; and three cones at each of the other points.

The textual notes also point out that the Jia Yi Jing does not record the three points Lingtai, Zhongshu, and Yangguan. The spine has twenty-one vertebrae from the neck to below the sacrum; if the three bones of the neck are also counted, there are twenty-four in total.

There are twenty-eight acupuncture points along the Conception Vessel, the channel running along the body’s anterior midline. It now appears that one point is missing.

There are two points at the center of the throat.

These are Lianquan and Tiantu. Lianquan lies beneath the lower jaw and above the Adam’s apple, where the Yin Linking Vessel meets the Conception Vessel below the root of the tongue. The needle may be inserted three fen, an ancient unit of acupuncture depth, and retained for three breaths, a way of measuring time by respiration. Alternatively, three moxa cones may be burned there.

Tiantu lies in the central hollow below the Adam’s apple, four body inches down the neck. It is where the Yin Linking Vessel meets the Conception Vessel. When needling, angle the tip downward, insert it one cun, and retain it for seven breaths. Alternatively, three moxa cones may be burned there.

There is one point in each hollow between the bones of the chest.

These are the six points Xuanji, Huagai, Zigong, Yutang, Danzhong, and Zhongting. Xuanji is one cun below Tiantu, and Huagai is one cun below Xuanji. Zigong, Yutang, Danzhong, and Zhongting are each one cun and six fen apart, lie in hollows, and are located along the Conception Vessel. Locate the points with the patient lying on their back. Each may be needled to a depth of three fen; alternatively, five moxa cones may be burned at each.

The stomach region is five cun long, extending three cun below Jiuwei; from the stomach region down to Henggu is six cun and a half.

The New Collation notes: “The character ‘one’ may be an error.”

This describes how to locate points along the channel in the abdomen.

Jiuwei is the name of a point in front of the heart, directly opposite the lower end of the bone that covers the heart. This bone hangs downward and resembles the tail of a dove, hence the name “Dove’s Tail.”

Below Jiuwei, in order, are fourteen points: Jiuwei, Juque, Shangwan, Zhongwan, Jianli, Xiawan, Shuifen, Qizhong, Yinjiao, Bo’ai, Dantian, Guanyuan, Zhongji, and Qugu.

Jiuwei lies five fen below the bone that covers the chest. It is a collateral branch of the Conception Vessel and must not be needled or treated with moxibustion. For someone without this covering bone, measure one cun downward from the point where the ribs meet at either side. The New Collation notes that the Jia Yi Jing places Jiuwei at one and a half cun.

Below it, in sequence, are Juque, Shangwan, Zhongwan, Jianli, Xiawan, and Shuifen, with one cun between each point. Shangwan is where the Foot Yangming channel and the Hand Taiyang channel meet. At Zhongwan, the channel Qi of the Hand Taiyang, Hand Shaoyang, and Foot Yangming converges.

Qizhong is a forbidden point for needling. Needling it may cause malignant sores and ulceration inside the navel, with the risk of feces being discharged.

Sibuzhi (“death cannot be treated,” meaning the illness is critical and can no longer be cured) is the Yin Jiao point, named for the Ren Mai. It lies one cun below the navel, measured in proportion to the patient’s own body, and belongs to the Ren Mai.

The meeting place of the Yin channels is the point called Boyang, an old name for Qihai. It lies one and a half cun below the navel.

Dantian, the Front-Mu point of the Triple Burner, where the Qi of the Triple Burner gathers, lies two cun below the navel. It is called Guanyuan.

The Front-Mu point of the Small Intestine lies three cun below the navel.

The point where the three Yin channels of the foot meet the Ren Mai is Zhongji, one cun below Guanyuan.

The point where the three Yin channels of the foot meet is Qugu, one cun above Henggu and below Zhongji. It is a meeting point of the Foot Jueyin channel. These fourteen points are all places where the Qi of the Ren Mai emerges.

At Jianli and Dantian, the needle may be inserted six fen and retained for seven breaths, an ancient way of measuring how long to keep a needle in place. The New Collation says that, according to the Jiayi Jing, the needle should be inserted five fen and retained for ten breaths. At Shangwan and Yin Jiao, it may be inserted eight fen; at Xiawan and Shuifen, one cun; at Zhongwan and Boyang, one cun and two fen; and at Qugu, one and a half cun, retained for seven breaths. At the remaining points, it may be inserted one cun and two fen.

For moxibustion, apply seven cones each at Guanyuan and Zhongwan; three each at Shenque, Zhongji, and Qugu; and five at each of the remaining points. From Jiuwei down to the genital region, treatment is governed by the Ren Mai. This is the method of selecting points along the abdominal channels.

The New Collation says: The commentary gives a needling depth of one cun and two fen for the remaining points. But Guanyuan lies at the center of the abdomen, and both the Jiayi Jing and the commentaries on “Qixue” and “Gukong” say the needle may be inserted two cun. Since the depths differ, the measurement given in the Jiayi Jing should be used.

“Lower Yin, one separate point”

This refers to Huiyin. It lies below Qugu, between the two genital openings, at the place where they meet. The point is a collateral branch of the Ren Mai, lies next to the Du Mai, and is also a meeting place of the Chong Mai; hence it is called “Lower Yin, one separate point.” The needle may be inserted two cun and retained for seven breaths; for moxibustion, apply three cones. The New Collation says that the Jiayi Jing specifies a retention time of three breaths.

“One below each eye”

This refers to the two Chengqi points, one below each eye, seven fen beneath the eye and directly below the pupil. They are meeting points of the Yang Qiao Mai, Ren Mai, and Foot Yangming channel. The needle may be inserted three fen. Do not use moxibustion.

“One point on the lower lip”

The Chengjiang point lies at the front of the chin, below the lower lip. It is where the Foot Yangming channel meets the Ren channel. The mouth should be opened when locating it. The needle may be inserted about two fen (a proportional measurement based on the width of the patient’s own finger) and left in place for about five breaths. If moxibustion is used, apply three cones of moxa, each cone being one measure of moxa burned to completion. The New Collation says that, according to the Jia Yi Jing, the needle should be left in place for six breaths.

Yinjiao is the name of a point. Its location, along with the depth of needling and the number of moxa cones, follows the same method of examination and point location described above.

There are twenty-two points where the Qi of the Chong Mai (one of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels, known as the “Sea of the Twelve Channels”) emerges. They begin half a cun to either side of the Jiuwei point and extend to either side of the navel, with one cun between each point.

These are the six points Youmen, Tonggu, Yindu, Shiguan, Shangqu, and Huangshu, making twelve points in all on the left and right. Youmen lies in the hollows half a cun to either side of Juque; the five points below it are spaced one cun apart. These points are where the Chong Mai and the Foot Shaoyin Kidney channel meet. Each may be needled to a depth of one cun, or treated with five moxa cones. The New Collation says that although the text gives a depth of one cun for each point, the Jia Yi Jing specifies five fen for Youmen and Tonggu.

The rule for locating the abdominal channel points is to begin five fen to either side below the navel and continue down to the Henggu point, with one cun between each point.

These are the five points Zhongzhu, Suifu, Baomen, Yinguan, and Xiaji, making ten points in all on the left and right. Zhongzhu lies five fen below Huangshu, directly beneath Youmen. The four points below it are each one cun apart. These points are also where the Chong Mai and the Foot Shaoyin channel meet. Each may be needled to a depth of one cun or treated with five moxa cones.

The Foot Shaoyin channel has points beneath the tongue, and the Jueyin channel has the Jimai point among the pubic hair. The two points beneath the tongue on the Foot Shaoyin channel lie in the hollows in front of Renying, before the artery. They are also called the Riyue root points, one on each side, and are where the Qi of the Foot Shaoyin channel emerges. They may be needled to a depth of four fen. Jimai lies among the pubic hair, on either side above the genitals, two and a half cun from the midline. Pressing the point reveals a hard sensation beneath the finger; firm pressure causes pain that pulls both upward and downward. When the left Jimai is affected by cold, the pain may pull upward into the lower abdomen and downward into the testicle, often causing pain and tightness in the lower abdomen. These two vessels are traversed by the great collateral of the Foot Jueyin Liver channel, so they are called the Jueyin Jimai. This is the suspensory cord of the testicle. Moxibustion may be applied here, but needling must not be used. The point treats hernia.

When there is pain in the lower abdomen, moxibustion may be applied. The New Collation says that the details are given in the entry for the “Hair Beneath the Tongue” point. The Jia Yi Jing contains no record of this passage.

The cleft point of the Hand Shaoyin channel has one point on each side. Here, this refers to the cleft point of the Hand Shaoyin Heart channel, located about half a tongshen cun behind the wrist. The needle may be inserted three fen; alternatively, apply three moxa cones. There is one point on each side, two in total.

The Yin Qiao vessel and the Yang Qiao vessel each have one cleft point. The cleft point of the Yin Qiao vessel is Jiaoxin, located about two tongshen cun above the inner ankle, between the sinews and bones, anterior to the Foot Shaoyin channel and posterior to the Foot Taiyin channel. The needle may be inserted four fen and retained for five breaths; alternatively, apply three moxa cones. The cleft point of the Yang Qiao vessel is Fuyang, located about three tongshen cun above the outer ankle, between the sinews and bones, anterior to the Foot Taiyang channel and posterior to the Foot Shaoyang channel. Care is needed when locating it. The needle may be inserted six fen and retained for seven breaths; alternatively, apply three moxa cones. There is one point on each side, four in total.

At the fish-border points and other sites on the hands and feet, wherever the pulse Qi emerges, there are 365 points altogether.

The points recorded in the classics are only part of the total, about nineteen in all. These are what is called the “Qi Offices.” Points scattered throughout the body, as well as those associated with each channel, are distributed separately. This is why some points are not mentioned in the text. The Jia Yi Jing also records different channel pathways and different numbers of points, for the same reason.

Note: A “cleft point” is a point where the Qi and blood of a channel gather, and is commonly used for needling. A tongshen cun is a measure for locating points based on the proportions of the patient’s own body. A “moxa cone” is a unit for measuring moxibustion; a “breath” was an ancient unit for measuring how long a needle was retained.