《孫真人備急千金要方》Vol. 93

Sun Simiao’s Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies, Volume 93: Acupuncture and Moxibustion Points, Section Five: Febrile Illness

Yuji and Yanggu treat febrile illness with episodes of trembling, chattering of the jaw, abdominal distention and fullness, and impotence, when the complexion remains unchanged.

Jingqu, Yangchi, Hegu, Zhigou, Qian’gu, Neiting, Houxi, Wangu, Yanggu, Lidui, Chongyang, and Jiexi treat febrile illness in which sweat does not come out.

Kongzui treats coldness and heat-related pain in the arm, with failure to sweat. In such cases, this point may be needled or moxibusted to help bring on sweating. Lieque and Quchi treat irritability and oppression in the chest during febrile illness. At first, the arms and body become hot; then convulsions follow, the lips draw tight, the nostrils flare, and the eyes turn downward, while sweat pours out in beads. The Jia Yi Jing also says: hardness two inches below the breasts, distention beneath the ribs, and palpitations.

Zhongchong, Laogong, Daling, Jianshi, Guanchong, Shaochong, Yangxi, and Tianliao treat irritability and oppression in the chest during febrile illness when sweat does not come out; heat in the palms; heart pain; a body hot as if immersed in fire; spreading heat; fullness and agitation in the chest; and pain at the root of the tongue. The Jia Yi Jing adds that Jianshi also treats irritability during febrile illness, a tendency to hiccup, an unsettled pounding sensation in the chest, and fever.

Laogong treats febrile illness lasting more than three days without sweating, accompanied by fearful agitation. The Jia Yi Jing also records this point for febrile illness with agitation and oppression, nausea or hiccups, more than three days without sweating, and an unsettled spirit; difficulty turning the chest and ribs; cough with chest fullness; red urine or blood in the urine; persistent nosebleeds; vomiting blood; rebellious Qi, persistent belching, sore throat, inability to eat, thirst, an ulcer in the middle of the tongue, heat in the palms, and nausea.

Sanjian treats heat in the Qi, fever, and panting. The Jia Yi Jing says it may also be used for alternating chills and fever, dry mouth, fever, labored breathing, eye pain, and a tendency to be startled.

Quze treats fever, irritability, and dry mouth caused by cold damage or warm disease. The Jia Yi Jing records additional indications: uneasiness in the heart, a tendency to be startled, cold hands, rebellious Qi, vomiting or spitting saliva, twitching of the elbow, shaking of the head, a bluish complexion, and sweating that reaches only as far as the area below the eyebrows.

Quchi treats residual heat that persists after cold damage.

Yemen, Zhongzhu, and Tongli treat low spirits and headache at the onset of febrile illness.

Facial heat without sweating. Another account states that Tongli may be used to treat fever, and that patients often feel low in spirits for several days before falling ill.

Chengjiang treats sweating and persistent nosebleeds.

Wenliu treats alternating chills and fever caused by cold damage, headache, hiccups, nosebleeds, and inability to raise the shoulder.

Shangwan, Qucha, Shangxing, Taodao, Tianzhu, Shangjiao, Xuanli, Fengchi, Mingmen, and Pangguangshu treat vexation and distention, and absence of sweating.

Feiyang treats alternating chills and fever in the lower body, absence of sweating, and a heavy feeling in the body. Wuchu, Cuanzhu, and Zhengying are also listed in this group.

Shangwan, Quepen, and Zhongfu treat sweating and alternating chills and fever.

Jique treats vexation in the heart and a tendency to vomit. The Jia Yi Jing also records that this point may be used for distention in the heart and abdomen, belching, vexing heat, a tendency to vomit, and obstruction of Qi movement in the chest and diaphragm.

Baihui treats vomiting and convulsions after sweating.

Shangqiu treats alternating chills and fever and a tendency to vomit.

Xuanlu treats headache and fever throughout the body caused by heat disease.

Shaoze treats chills, inability to move the little finger, and headache.

Yuzhen, Dazhu, Ganshu, Xinshu, Geshu, and Taodao treat absence of sweating, aversion to cold, cold reversal, and related symptoms.

Dazhui treats severe fever due to cold damage, vexation, and vomiting.

Xuanli and Jiuwei treat migraine caused by heat disease, with pain radiating to the outer corner of the eye.

Geshu and Zhongfu treat alternating chills and fever, pain in the flesh and joints, shortness of breath, inability to lie flat, and distention in the chest and diaphragm. The Jia Yi Jing adds that Geshu also treats excessive sleepiness and fatigue, reluctance to move, a heavy feeling in the body as if affected by dampness, and inability to eat.

Lieque treats alternating chills and fever and heat in the palms.

Shendao and Guanyuan treat fever throughout the body and headache, with symptoms that wax and wane and recur.

Ququan treats fever throughout the body, headache, and absence of sweating.

Sanjiaoshu treats headache and difficulty swallowing food after eating.

Yuji treats mild headache accompanied by sweating.

Tianjing treats chills and pain in the neck.

Shenshu treats heat in the head and body, a flushed complexion, chills, numbness and discomfort in the lower back and limbs, and vomiting.

Jianjing and Guanchong treat alternating chills and fever, aversion to cold, and Qi surging upward, making it impossible to lie flat.

Chize treats obstruction of Qi movement, a tendency to vomit, twitching of the lower jaw, inability to sweat, vexation in the heart, and bodily pain.

Jianzhen treats alternating chills and fever and discomfort in the neck. The Jia Yi Jing also records that this point may be used for tinnitus, deafness, pain radiating to Quepen, heat and pain in the shoulder, numbness, and inability to raise the arm.

Weizhong treats heat disease accompanied by pain on both sides of the spine.

Chongyang treats chills accompanied by yawning.

The Dadu point treats febrile illness marked by sweating, fainting, and cold feet. The Essential Secrets from Beyond the Capital records it as “no sweating, fainting, and cold hands and feet.”

The Taibai point treats febrile illness that begins with a heavy head, facial pain, and distress in the heart, followed by fever. When the pathogenic heat struggles within the body, there may also be lower back pain and an inability to bend forward or backward. Other symptoms may include fullness and discomfort in the chest and abdomen, inability to lie down comfortably, heaviness of the body, pain in the joints, and even an inability to feel pain or itching in the body.

The Zhizheng and Shaohai points treat febrile illness that begins with aching in the lower back and calves, thirst and frequent drinking, fever, and pain and stiffness in the neck, accompanied by chills and alternating chills and fever. The Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion records “shivering chills, alternating chills and fever, and swelling of the neck.” When the illness is severe, the elbow may become cramped and stiff, and there may be dizziness and headache. When the body’s healthy Qi is weak, small warts may appear, or scabs and sores may develop.

The Houxi point treats fever accompanied by aversion to cold.

The Guangming point treats coldness in the abdomen and feet, alternating chills and fever, and absence of sweating.

The Fuliu point treats alternating chills and fever, restlessness of the Shen (spirit), persistent sweating, and swelling of the limbs caused by pathogenic wind.

For febrile illness accompanied by distress in the heart, cold feet, and profuse sweating, first needle the Rangu point, then the artery between the Taixi point and the big toe. Apply reinforcing needling at all these points, with the aim of strengthening the body’s healthy Qi.

When febrile illness begins with aching in the lower back and calves, thirst and frequent drinking, and a cold sensation in the body, followed by pain and cold aching in the neck, heat in the feet, reluctance to speak, and a headache with unsteady shaking of the head, first needle the Yongquan point and the Jing-Well and Ying-Spring points of the Foot Taiyang channel. If intense heat, weak Qi, and cold reversal occur, use moxibustion. Once the fever subsides, apply three moxa cones at Yongquan; one burning moxa cone counts as one application. For distress in the heart and loss of appetite, also apply moxibustion at Yongquan, stopping once the fever subsides.

For cold reversal in the limbs, panting, paralysis of one side of the body, or sweating accompanied by a cold sensation in the body, treat the Xiagxi point.

When needling the Xiangu point for febrile illness, if the feet first become cold and the cold spreads upward to the knees, remove the needle.

This method can also be used to treat numbness, a cold sensation as if water had been poured over the body, chills, and distending pain beneath the ribs.

For warm disease, if a fever has lasted more than five days without sweating, needle the Taiyuan point, retain the needle for a period of time, then remove it. If the illness began fewer than five days ago, needling is prohibited.

For frequent sighing, loss of appetite, recurring alternating chills and fever with sweating, and illness that tends to cause vomiting, with symptoms easing after vomiting, needle the Gongsun point and the Jing-Well and Shu-Stream points immediately. Conditions treated by the Gongsun point also include: in excess patterns, severe intestinal pain, cold reversal, swelling of the head and face, distress in the heart and mania, excessive thirst, and inability to sleep; in deficiency patterns, abdominal distension, fullness from Qi in the abdomen, fever and pain, and loss of appetite; as well as cholera, an acute illness involving vomiting and diarrhea.

Jaundice

The Rangu point treats jaundice accompanied by one cold foot, one hot foot, and thirst. The Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion records “a limp tongue and distressing fullness.”

The Zhangmen point treats yellowing of the body caused by overeating.

The Taichong point treats jaundice, intense internal heat, and thirst.

Jaundice

Zhongfeng and Wuli treat yellowing of the body accompanied by occasional mild fever. (The Jia Yi Jing says: loss of appetite, pain on the inner side of the knee, shortness of breath, and a heavy feeling in the body.)

Jizhong treats jaundice, abdominal distention and fullness, and inability to eat.

Zhongwan and Daling treat yellowing of the eyes and shivering from cold.

Laogong treats jaundice and yellowing of the eyes.

Taixi treats jaundice. (The Jia Yi Jing says: wasting thirst, easy panting, breath surging into the throat so that one cannot speak; cold hands and feet, difficult bowel movements; a sore and swollen throat, vomiting blood, heat in the mouth, and phlegm that is sticky like glue.)

Pishu and Weiguan treat jaundice. (Another account says: Pishu treats jaundice, frequent yawning, inability to eat, distention below the ribs, nausea, a heavy feeling in the body, and reluctance to move.)

Cholera

Jueque, Guanchong, Zhigou, Gongsun, and Yinlingquan treat cholera.

Qimen treats cholera and persistent diarrhea.

Yuji treats cholera caused by rebellious Stomach Qi.

Taiyin, Dadu, Jinmen, and Pushen treat cold, icy hands and feet and cholera.

Taibai treats cholera and rebellious Qi.

Jiexi treats heaviness in the knee, cramping in the feet, and damp impediment.

Sanli treats cholera and loss of control over bowel movements and passing gas.

Chengjin treats spasms and aching in the feet. (The Jia Yi Jing says: numbness and loss of sensation in the calves during cholera.)

Daquan treats bluish eyes, spasms, alternating sensations of cold and heat, and pulling pain in the hollow above the collarbone.

Jinmen, Pushen, Chengshan, and Chengjin treat spasms and cholera.

Qiuxu treats tightness, swelling, pain, and trembling in the feet, inability to stand for long, and tension in the sinews and vessels with spasms in the feet.

Qiaoyin treats spasms in the limbs.

Weizhong and Weiyang treat tightness in the sinews and vessels and fever in the body.

Renying treats cholera, as well as headache, oppression in the chest, rapid breathing with wheezing, and suffocation that makes breathing impossible.

When cholera causes diarrhea without the person being aware of it, first select Taixi, then select the Yuan-source point of Taicang.

Malaria

Lieque, Houxi, Shaoze, and Qiangu treat alternating chills and fever during a malaria attack. (Another account says: Lieque treats attacks of malaria with severe fever.)

Yanggu treats malaria, pain in the ribs, and difficulty breathing.

Taizhong treats malaria in which chills are more severe than fever.

Taixi (acupoint) treats malaria with more heat than chills. The Jiayi Jing also says: during an attack, the patient may feel distressed and oppressed, vomit severely, and have more heat than chills; they may wish to shut the door and be alone. The hands and feet may also become cold while the feet feel hot.

Qiuxu treats trembling and aversion to cold during a malarial attack. Another account says it can treat swelling beneath the armpit.

Zhongfeng treats a bluish-white complexion, frequent sighing, trembling, and aversion to cold.

Kunlun treats excessive sweating during a malarial attack. Another account says it can treat lower back pain that prevents bending forward or backward, as well as pain in which the eyes seem about to protrude and the neck seems to be pulled upward.

Linxi treats malaria that occurs each evening.

Rangu treats warm malaria, a type of malaria marked mainly by fever, with sweating.

Tianfu treats malaria.

Tianshu treats trembling and aversion to cold during a malarial attack, with severe fever that may even lead to delirious speech.

Shaohai treats trembling in the back and aversion to cold during a malarial attack. Another account also says it can treat neck pain radiating to the elbow and armpit, lower back pain radiating to the lower abdomen, and inability to move the limbs.

Shaoshang treats trembling and chattering teeth.

Yangxi treats intense aversion to cold during a malarial attack, accompanied by coughing and vomiting saliva.

Shangqiu, Shenting, Shangxing, Baihui, Wangu, Fengchi, Shendao, Yemen, Qiangu, Guangming, Zhiyin, and Dazhu treat intermittent malaria accompanied by fever. Another account says Shangqiu treats cold malaria and abdominal pain.

Yindu, Shaohai, Shangyang, Sanjian, and Zhongzhu treat malaria accompanied by fever throughout the body.

Taiquan, Taixi, and Jingqu treat coughing with rebellious Qi, distress in the chest, inability to lie comfortably, and alternating chills and fever during a malarial attack.

Daling, Wangu, Yanggu, and Shaochong treat malaria with alternating chills and fever.

Hegu, Yangchi, Jiaxi, and Jinggu treat malaria with alternating chills and fever.

Pianli treats wind malaria, a type of malaria associated with pathogenic Wind, accompanied by sweating that does not flow freely.

Yixi, Zhizheng, and Shaohai treat wind malaria.

Tianjing treats malaria that occurs at regular intervals, accompanied by heart pain, grief, and low spirits.

Sanli, Xiangu, Jiaxi, and Feiyang treat intermittent malaria accompanied by shortness of breath. Another account says Jiaxi treats foot pain during a malarial attack; Feiyang treats delirious malaria, dizziness with headache, bodily spasms, and backward arching of the body.

Wenliu treats redness and swelling of the face during a malarial attack.

Shaoze, Fuliu, and Kunlun treat aversion to cold and absence of sweating during a malarial attack.

Lidui and Neiting treat loss of appetite and aversion to cold during a malarial attack.

Chongyang and Shugu treat malaria that begins in the lower leg. Another account says Chongyang treats malaria in which chills and shivering come first, fever appears only much later, and sweating follows when the fever subsides.

Sixth: Goiter and Tumors

Goiter and tumors: conditions involving lumps in the neck.

Goiter-Like Swellings and Throat Swelling

Tianfu, Naohui, and Qishe treat goiter-like swellings and swelling of the throat. (The Jia Yi Jing records the name as “Tianfu.”)

(The name of the point here may also be written “Tianchuang.”) Naohu, Tongtian, and Xiaoluo are also used to treat related disorders.

Tiantu treats pronounced swelling in the neck.

Tongtian treats goiter-like disorders and may be treated with fifty moxa cones. Xiongtang may be treated with one hundred moxa cones, each about the size of a sheep’s dropping. (“Cone” is the unit used to count moxa applications.)

Hemorrhoids and Fistulas

Feiyang treats hemorrhoids, as well as sores and pain around the anus.

Juegu treats fistulous sores, madao (swollen scrofulous lumps in the neck or armpit), and swelling beneath the armpit.

Tiantu, Zhangmen, Tianchi, and Zhigou treat fistulous sores. (Another account says that Zhigou and Zhangmen treat fistulous sores associated with madao.)

Shangqiu and Fuliu treat bleeding hemorrhoids, diarrhea, and tenesmus. (Another account says that Shangqiu treats hemorrhoids, bone erosion, and a tendency to have disturbing nightmares.)

Daying, Wuli, and Binao treat alternating chills and fever, and scrofulous lumps in the neck.

Tiantu and Tianchuang treat fistulous sores and neck pain.

Laogong treats hot hemorrhoids. Huiyin treats hemorrhoids and disorders in which they connect with the genital region; the text says this condition can be fatal.

Xiaxi, Yangfu, and Taichong treat swelling beneath the armpit, madao, and fistulous sores.

Chengjin, Chengfu, Weizhong, and Yanggu treat painful hemorrhoids and swelling beneath the armpit.

Qiaoyin treats carbuncles and deep abscesses, as well as headaches like a stabbing awl. The pain is so severe that the person cannot move; any movement brings agitation.

Daling, Zhigou, Yanggu, and Houxi treat scabs, scabies, and other skin diseases.

Tuishan (Hernia with Scrotal Swelling and a Dragging Pain)

Ququan treats tuishan, throbbing pain in the genital region that radiates to the navel, difficulty urinating, and impotence. (Another account says the pain radiates into the penis and prevents urination.)

Zhongdu treats tuishan and bengzhong (profuse uterine bleeding).

Zhongwan treats chongshan (a hernia in which Qi surges upward), which can cause fainting and loss of consciousness.

Heyang and Zhongxi treat tuishan, bengzhong, pain above and below the abdomen, intestinal diarrhea, and sudden, severe pain in the genital region.

Zhaohai treats numbness and discomfort in the limbs, bodily agitation, and sudden-onset hernia pain in the genital region.

Taixi treats a large hernial mass in the womb and surrounding area, formed by an accumulation that develops into a lump and causes pain radiating to the genital region.

Shangqiu treats pain along the inner thigh, qi yong (a lump caused by stagnant Qi), and hushan (a hernia that shifts up and down). The pain radiates to the lower abdomen and makes it impossible to bend forward or lean back.

Guanyuan treats tuishan. (Another account says that Guanyuan treats sudden-onset hernia pain.)

Jueque treats hushan.

The point beside Jianjing, where the shoulder meets the arm, treats tuishan affecting one side.

Zhongzhong, Shimen, Tianshu, and Qihai treat hernia in which Qi shifts through the lower abdomen and involves the Five Viscera.

Pain at the navel that surges up into the chest and makes breathing impossible. (The Jia Yi Jing says: For an umbilical hernia and pain at the navel that surges upward into the chest and prevents breathing, moxibustion may be applied at the center of the navel. For an umbilical hernia with pain encircling the navel, use the Shimen point; if the pain comes and goes, use the Tianshu point.)

The Siman point treats hernia and accumulations below the navel. (The Jia Yi Jing says: Blood in the womb.)

The Dadun point treats sudden hernia pain; twitching in the genital region that pulls upward into the abdomen; cold hernia; protrusion of the penis; swelling on one side of the scrotum; discomfort and oppression in the navel and abdomen; and difficulty and pain when urinating. Moxibustion or needling usually brings quick relief. For symptoms on the left, treat the right side; for symptoms on the right, treat the left. (The Jia Yi Jing says that the Zhaohai point may also be needled.)

The Taiyinxi and Chongmen points treat hernia, hemorrhoids, and genital hernia.

The Tianshu point treats Qi hernia and vomiting. The Daju point treats tuishan (a type of hernia involving an enlarged scrotum) and hemiplegia (impaired movement on one side of the body).

The Jiaoxin point treats qilong (urinary obstruction caused by stagnant Qi), tuishan, tension in the genital region, and pain in the groin joint and inner upper arm.

The Zhongfeng point treats tuishan, urinary obstruction, sudden severe pain, weijue (weakness and coldness in the limbs), and numbness.

The Qichong point treats tuishan, painful swelling of the scrotum, impotence, pain inside the penis, and pain that pulls on both testicles so severely that lying on one’s back is impossible.

The Shaofu point treats genital pain; sudden erection and lengthening of the penis; alternating cold and heat in the genital region; sudden pain; and involuntary urination. If the genital region is deficient, sudden itching, rebellious Qi, sudden hernia, and difficulty urinating may occur.

The Dahe and Rangu points treat seminal emission, leakage of semen, and upward retraction of the penis.

The Yinshi point treats cold hernia pain that pulls from the lower abdomen to the abdominal muscles, knees, and lower back. The pain feels cold, like clear water (another version reads “the pain is more severe”). It also treats pain in the lower abdomen and other areas; when pressed, the pain pulls downward to above the knee and the Futu area. It further treats cold hernia pain, abdominal distension and fullness, weakness of the limbs, and shortness of breath.

The Taichong, Zhongfeng, and Diji points treat tuishan and deficiency of Jing and Qi. (Another account says that the Dachong point treats fox hernia, vomiting, and reversal cold.)

The Zhongji point treats loss of Jing.

The Yuji point treats dampness in the genital region and lingering, unresolved abdominal disorders.

The Wushu point treats genital hernia, pulling sensations in both testicles that move up and down, and lower abdominal pain.

The Yinjiao and Shimen points treat upward retraction of both testicles. (Another account says that the Shimen point treats abdominal distension and fullness, and hernia with accumulations.)

The Dachong point treats upward retraction of both testicles and hardness in the abdomen so severe that lying down is impossible. (The Jia Yi Jing says: Pain encircling the navel, retraction of the genitals, upward retraction of both testicles, and a hard, painful abdomen that makes lying down impossible.)

The Huiyin point treats coldness at the head of the penis.

The Xingjian point treats pain inside the penis. The Yingu point treats impotence, inability to achieve an erection, and tension in the lower abdomen that pulls toward pain on the inner side of the genital region.

Chapter Seven: Miscellaneous Disorders (one discussion in this chapter)

The Gaohuangshu (the Gaohuang point on the back) treats a wide range of conditions, including weakness and emaciation, deficiency and exhaustion, nocturnal emissions, rebellious Qi with coughing, mental confusion, and forgetfulness or lapses in memory.

To locate the point, have the person sit upright, bend the back, and reach both arms forward, resting them against the fronts of the knees while keeping the body straight. The thumbs should be level with the knees. Support the elbows with something so the arms do not move. Feel from the upper corners of the shoulder blades down to their lower ends. There are four ribs here; apply moxibustion in the space between the middle pair. The point lies in the intercostal space on the inner side of the shoulder blade, about one finger’s breadth from it. When pressed, the patient should feel a pulling sensation reaching into the chest.

Apply moxibustion at one point on each side, using six hundred cones at each point, up to a maximum of one thousand. Afterward, the patient should feel Qi moving downward, with a sound like flowing water; something may also be discharged. If there is no retained phlegm-fluid or lingering accumulation from an old illness, nothing will be discharged.

If the patient is already very weak and cannot sit upright, have them lie on their side, draw the upper arm forward, and then locate the point for moxibustion. A general method is to reach outward above the right shoulder with the right hand: the point lies beyond the area the thumb can touch. Do the same on the left, then apply moxibustion as described above.

If the patient cannot sit upright for long or extend both arms, they may instead lean forward over folded clothing and stretch out their arms while someone pulls the shoulder blades apart. Otherwise, the shoulder blades will cover the point, making it difficult to locate accurately. Keep the clothing beneath the patient a consistent size, or the point’s position may shift. After moxibustion, the patient’s Yang Qi will gradually grow stronger. Attend to their care and nourishment so the body can recover step by step. The point roughly corresponds to the fifth vertebra, which can serve as a guide when locating it.

An old book says: “In the past, Qin Huan was unable to cure the illness of the Marquis of Jin because it lay above the fat and below the diaphragm, beyond the reach of both acupuncture and medicine. What is described here is precisely this point.” People of that time were not skilled at finding the point, so old illnesses were difficult to eliminate. If one carefully and flexibly locates the point and applies moxibustion, there is no illness that cannot be cured.

The Sanli point treats cold and distention in the abdomen, intestinal rumbling and abdominal pain, blood stasis in the chest and abdomen, distention of the lower abdomen, swelling of the skin, insufficiency of Yin Qi, hardness and heat in the lower abdomen, fever without sweating, a tendency to vomit, bitter taste in the mouth, high fever, backward arching of the body, locked jaws, twitching of the lower jaw, lower back pain so severe that the person cannot turn to look behind, abnormal vision when turning the head, and a tendency to sadness. It may also be used for a crooked mouth, breast swelling and pain, obstruction in the throat that prevents speech, insufficiency of stomach Qi, chronic diarrhea, inability to digest food, and pain beneath the ribs…

The legs may feel full and weak, making it impossible to stand for long; the knees may be weak and atrophied. Other symptoms may include alternating chills and fever, rapid digestion and easy hunger, and heat in the abdomen. The mind and body may also feel disturbed, with incoherent speech, breast abscesses, frequent belching, aversion to the smell of food, wild singing and reckless laughter, proneness to fright or anger, and loud scolding. There may be cholera, bedwetting, loss of Qi, Qi surging upward in reversal, bouts of chills, dizziness, difficulty urinating, and frequent retching. Any of these conditions may be treated with acupuncture or moxibustion. Treatment may use as many as five hundred moxa cones, or as few as two or three hundred. (A “cone” is a unit of moxibustion, referring to the amount of mugwort burned in one application.)

The Yongquan point, located on the front part of the sole, treats panting, throat obstruction and swelling, fever and pain throughout the body, pain drawing along the back and ribs, mental confusion, poor memory, Yin obstruction (a painful impediment caused by blockage in the Yin channels), abdominal distension, lower back pain, difficulty passing stool, and pain in the shoulders, back, and neck. It may also be used for recurring dizziness; in men, conditions resembling parasitic illness; in women, conditions involving obstruction; a feeling that the body and lower back have come loose and are weak; loss of appetite; panting with rebellious Qi; coldness in the soles extending to the knees; throat pain that prevents eating; loss of voice and inability to speak; difficulty urinating; lower abdominal pain; Wind evils entering the intestines; epilepsy; acute pain beside the navel; distending pain in the chest and ribs; persistent nosebleeds; the Five Hernias (five kinds of hernia); pain in the fingertips; and inability to bear weight on the feet. All these conditions may be treated by needling the Yongquan point.

Chapter Eight: Women’s Disorders

For a hard, painful lower abdomen and blocked menstruation: needle the Daimai point to a depth of six fen and apply five moxa cones. The point is one cun and eight fen below the end of the floating rib, the lowest rib. (Another edition has “below” instead of “end.”)

For persistent menstrual bleeding, blocked menstrual flow, or rebellious Qi with abdominal distension: needle the Xuehai point to a depth of five fen and apply five moxa cones. The point is two cun above the junction of the pale skin and flesh on the inner side of the knee.

For bleeding, a full lower abdomen as if obstructed, alternating chills and fever, and swelling around the abdomen: needle the Yingu point to a depth of four fen and apply three moxa cones. The point lies behind the bone on the inner side of the knee, beneath the large tendon and above the small tendon; bend the knee to locate it. (The Jia Yi Jing says: “For bleeding and yellow urine, Yingu is the point to treat.”)

For a woman’s shan-jia, a mass-like disorder in the abdomen, with a sensation when pressed as if hot soup were being poured between the thighs; swelling in the lower abdomen; protrusion and pain of the genital area; swelling or itching in the vagina as menstrual fluid descends; and discharge of a green fluid like soup made from mallow leaves; for blocked menstrual flow, infertility, and loss of appetite: needle the Ququan point. It lies in the hollow below the bone on the inner side of the knee, above the large tendon and below the small tendon; bend the knee to locate it. Needle to a depth of six fen and apply three moxa cones.

For shan-jia, with a sensation when pressed as if hot soup were being poured along the inner thigh to the knee; undigested food passing in the stool; vaginal pain; a hard, acutely painful lower abdomen; heaviness and dampness in the lower abdomen; and loss of appetite: needle the Yinlingquan point to a depth of two fen and apply three moxa cones. It lies in the hollow below the bone on the inner side of the knee; straighten the leg to locate it.

For menstrual irregularity, aching weakness in the limbs, sudden twitching or hernia pain in the genital area, or pain on one side of the lower abdomen, needle Yin Qiao (the Zhaohai point). Insert the needle three fen and apply three moxa cones (three applications of moxibustion). The point lies below the inner ankle, in a hollow about the size of a fingernail; this is the Zhaohai point.

For swelling in the lower abdomen, difficulty urinating, a dry throat, thirst, or hernia pain beside the navel, needle the Zhongfeng point. Insert the needle four fen and apply three moxa cones. The point lies one and a half cun in front of the inner ankle. Locate it with the foot extended.

For infertility, sudden prolapse of the genital area, or persistent menstrual bleeding, needle the Rangu point. Insert the needle three fen and apply three moxa cones. The point lies in the hollow below the large bone at the front of the inner ankle.

For difficulty conceiving or retained placenta, needle the Kunlun point. Insert the needle five fen and apply three moxa cones. The point lies behind the outer ankle, above the heel bone.

For obstructed menstruation, red or white vaginal discharge, or symptoms of internal cold in pregnancy, needle the Xingjian point. Insert the needle six fen and apply three moxa cones. The point lies between the big toe and the second toe, where a pulse can be felt when pressed.

For absent menstruation, reddish urine, stiffness in the back, the body drawn backward into an arched posture, and lack of sweating, needle the Yaoshu point. Insert the needle two cun and retain it for seven breaths; apply three moxa cones. The point lies in the hollow below the twenty-first vertebra.

For infertility, alternating chills and fever during malaria, prolapse of the genital area, persistent white vaginal discharge, convulsions, or backward arching of the back, needle the Shangliao point. Insert the needle three cun and retain it for seven breaths; apply three moxa cones. The point lies at the first posterior sacral foramen, one cun below the hip bone and beside the spine.

For red or white vaginal discharge, fullness and distension below the heart, or lower back pain so severe that bending and straightening are difficult, needle the Ciliao point. Insert the needle three cun and retain it for seven breaths; apply three moxa cones. The point lies in the hollow of the second posterior sacral foramen beside the spine.

For intermittent reddish discharge, difficulty urinating, or scanty menstruation, needle the Zhongliao point. Insert the needle two cun and retain it for seven breaths; apply three moxa cones. The point lies in the hollow of the third posterior sacral foramen beside the spine.

For a persistent, watery discharge from the lower body, accompanied by red or white vaginal discharge, itching and pain inside the vagina, and pain extending to the lower abdomen and ribs that makes bending and straightening difficult, needle the Yaokaowai point, also said to be the Xialiao point. The points lie in the muscles on both sides of the buttocks. Determine the number of needle insertions according to the waxing and waning of the moon; after needling, the symptoms will improve immediately.

For rumbling intestines and profuse diarrhea, needle the Xialiao point. Insert the needle two cun and retain it for seven breaths; apply three moxa cones. The point lies in the hollow of the fourth posterior sacral foramen beside the spine.

For red or white vaginal discharge, cramping pain in the abdomen, or convulsions in the limbs, needle the Wushu point. Insert the needle one cun and apply five moxa cones. The point lies three cun below the Daimai point.

For contracted sinews, abdominal distension, hernia pain, absent menstruation, breast disorders, infertility, itching of the genital area, or running-piglet Qi—a surge of Qi rising from the lower abdomen—accompanied by a hard, distended, painful abdomen with pain extending into the vagina and inability to urinate, needle the Yinjiao point. Insert the needle eight fen and apply five moxa cones. The point lies one cun below the navel.

Abdominal distension, hernia, masses and accumulations, breast disorders, infertility, itching of the genital area, and running-piglet Qi (a condition in which Qi surges upward from the abdomen), as well as a distended, hard, painful lower abdomen with pain pulling downward toward the genital area and inability to urinate, may be treated by needling the Shimen point to a depth of five fen. Shimen is located two cun below the navel. Moxibustion on this point is contraindicated, as it may cause infertility.

Infertility, stagnant blood in the womb that cannot be discharged, abnormal turning of the fetal sac that prevents urination, lower abdominal distension, or painful stone-water (a condition involving abdominal edema) may be treated by needling the Guanyuan point to a depth of two cun; seven cones of moxa may also be applied. Guanyuan is located three cun below the navel. This point also treats distension below the ribs, headache, heat in the body and back, running-piglet Qi, aversion to cold, frequent urination, and persistent diarrhea.

Abnormal position of the cervix, uncomfortable coldness in the lower abdomen, itching or pain in the genital area, running-piglet Qi surging toward the chest and heart, hunger with inability to eat, abdominal distension, stopped menstruation, difficulty urinating, breast disorders, infertility, and deficiency of Qi and blood in the womb may be treated by needling the Zhongji point to a depth of two cun. Retain the needle for ten breaths, then apply three cones of moxa. Zhongji is located four cun below the navel.

Red or white vaginal discharge, dryness and pain in the genital area, aversion to sexual intercourse, a distended, hard lower abdomen, and inability to urinate may be treated by needling the Qugu point to a depth of one and a half cun and applying three cones of moxa. Qugu is located one cun below Zhongji.

Obstructed menstruation and surging Qi that rushes upward and downward, pulling and causing pain in the lower back and spine, may be treated by needling the Qixue point to a depth of one cun and applying five cones of moxa. Qixue is located one cun below Siman.

Pain and stagnant blood in the womb, irregular menstruation or persistent spotting, abdominal distension and intestinal rumbling, and Qi surging up to the chest may be treated by needling the Tianshu point to a depth of five fen and applying three cones of moxa. Tianshu is one and a half cun from Huangshu.

A distended, painful lower abdomen with pain extending to the genital area; lower back pain during menstruation; abdominal masses in the womb, with the cervix empty; and inability to pass urine or stool may be treated by needling the Shuidao point to a depth of two and a half cun and applying five cones of moxa. Shuidao is located three cun below Jugu.

Obstructed menstruation or sudden cessation of menstruation, abdominal distension, inability to urinate or dribbling urination, fever, difficulty in releasing breast milk, the fetus pressing upward against the chest and heart, failure to deliver the placenta, disordered Qi, and cramping abdominal pain so severe that breathing becomes difficult may be treated with the patient lying on her back, one knee bent and the other leg extended. Needle the Qichong point to a depth of three cun. Once Qi arrives, withdraw the needle. Qichong is located one cun below Guilai; a pulsating artery can be felt when needling this point.

Lingering disorders after childbirth, inability to swallow food, running-piglet Qi surging upward and downward, and food-related injury with abdominal distension may be treated by needling the Qimen point to a depth of four fen and applying five cones of moxa. Qimen is located at the end of the second rib.

Breast abscess, convulsions, impediment disorders involving numbness and pain in the limbs, heaviness in the lower leg, inability to move the top of the foot, and heel pain may be treated by needling the Xialian point to a depth of three fen and applying three cones of moxa. Xialian is located three cun below Shanglian.

Obstructed menstruation, or becoming pregnant after bleeding has occurred, which makes the fetus prone to harm, and breast swelling may be treated by needling the Linqi point to a depth of … The original text ends here.

One and a half cun from the Xiaxi point, between the second and third toes on the top of the foot, needle to a depth of two fen and apply three cones of moxa.

For women with hernia, swelling in the lower abdomen, loose stools or diarrhea, inability to urinate, involuntary urination, or pain in the genital area; a dull, gray complexion; or pain or bleeding beneath the eyes or at their outer corners, needle the Taichong point on the top of the foot to a depth of three fen and apply three cones of moxa. The point lies two cun behind the joint at the base of the big toe, where the arterial pulse can be felt.

For women with hernia, red or white vaginal discharge that varies in amount, or sudden abdominal pain, needle the Ligou point to a depth of three fen and apply three cones of moxa. The point lies five cun above the inner ankle.

For women who are infertile and have a cough and shortness of breath, needle the Yongquan point on the sole of the foot to a depth of three fen and apply three cones of moxa. The point lies in the hollow of the sole.

For impeded milk flow, Qi surging upward toward the heart, or genital hernia, needle the Chongmen point to a depth of seven fen and apply five cones of moxa. The point lies below the Fushe point and five cun above the Daheng point.

For women whose menstruation has ceased, who have numbness, are easily startled, often feel sorrowful and unhappy, feel as though they are falling, or have difficulty sweating, needle the Zhaohai point to a depth of four fen and apply two cones of moxa. The point lies four fen below the inner ankle. Zhaohai also treats urinary difficulty in women, prolapse of genital tissue, and aching, weak limbs.

For blocked menstrual or blood flow, needle the Huiyin point to a depth of two cun, retain the needle for seven breaths, and apply three cones of moxa. The point lies in front of the anus and behind the urethral opening. For blood stasis in the uterus, with disordered Qi and blood, distension, and pain, needle the Shiguan point to a depth of one cun and apply five cones of moxa. The point lies one cun below the Yindu point.

Huangmen treats longstanding breast disorders; Zusanli treats breast abscess accompanied by fever.

Shenfeng and Yingchuang treat breast abscess with alternating chills and fever, shortness of breath, restlessness in bed, and related symptoms.

Rugen treats swelling in the chest and breast abscess, as well as breast distension and pain, chills and fever, and pain so severe that the breast cannot be touched.

Daxi and Xiaxi treat breast swelling and ruptured breast abscess. Another account says Xiaxi also treats a hard, painful lower abdomen and absent menstruation.

Taiquan treats milk stagnation with breast swelling and pain, and chest pain.

Dahe treats red vaginal bleeding in women.

S man treats blood stasis in the uterus, disordered Qi and blood, distension and pain, and hernia. Another account says it treats blood stasis in the womb.

Zhongji treats spasms, abdominal hernia, absent menstruation, longstanding breast disorders, infertility, and genital itching.

Qichong treats infertility and lower abdominal pain.

Zhigou treats stiffness and tension in women’s backs, and eye discomfort.

Zhubin treats severe hernia and infertility. Yinlian treats inability to bear children, especially in women who have never given birth on the right side.

Yongquan and Yinggu treat symptoms resembling Gu disease in men and symptoms resembling Zu disease—a historical term for pregnancy and related disorders—in women. They also treat profound weakness, as though the body and lower back were coming apart, and loss of appetite.

Shuiyuan and Zhaohai treat infertility, sudden prolapse of genital tissue, urinary difficulty, persistent vaginal discharge, and absent menstruation.

It is also common to feel tightness in the chest and pain below the heart. (Another account says that Zhaohai treats prolapse of the uterus, vaginal bleeding, swelling or itching in the vagina, and the discharge of thin, clear fluid resembling the juice of mallow.)

Pediatric Disorders, Ninth Section

Benshen, Qianding, Xinhui, and Tianshu treat childhood convulsions and epileptic seizures—conditions involving sudden convulsions and spasms.

Linqui treats childhood convulsions and epileptic seizures, as well as abnormal upward rolling of the eyes or an unusual gaze.

Luxi treats childhood seizures and rapid, labored breathing, to the point of being unable to breathe.

Rangu treats umbilical wind in infants—a traditional term for infection of a newborn’s navel accompanied by symptoms such as convulsions—as well as inability to open the mouth and being easily startled.

Zh mai and Changqiang treat childhood convulsions and epileptic seizures, spasms, vomiting, diarrhea, and symptoms such as loss of essence due to fright, unclear vision, and discharge in the eyes.

Xuanzhong treats abdominal distension in children and inability to eat or drink.

Yixi treats indigestion and headache in children.

Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies, by Sun Simiao, juan 93.