Acupuncture Principles for Restoring Qi Balance and Treating Disorders

The Yellow Emperor asked: “The twelve meridians of the human body are associated with the Five Elements (Wu Xing, 五行, wǔ xíng) and correspond to the Four Seasons (Si Shi, 四时, sì shí). But what causes the disorder in the flow of meridian Qi that leads to irregularities? And what ensures the normal functioning of this Qi?”

Qi Bo responded: “The internal connections of the Five Elements follow a certain order, and the changes in the Four Seasons have distinct seasonal patterns. The movement of the meridians aligns with the natural laws of the Four Seasons and the Five Elements. As long as it follows these rules, the meridians will function properly. Any deviation from these natural patterns can cause a disruption in their flow.”

The Yellow Emperor asked: “What does it mean to be in harmony with these natural laws?”

Qi Bo replied: “The twelve meridians correspond to the twelve months of the year. These months are divided into the Four Seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, each with its own distinct climate. The body’s Ying Qi (营气, yíng qì) and Wei Qi (卫气, wèi qì), which move inside and outside the body, should be in harmony, coordinating Yin and Yang. Clear Qi (Qing Qi, 清气, qīng qì) and turbid Qi (Zhuo Qi, 浊气, zhuó qì) should not interfere with each other. This balance helps maintain health and allows the body to adjust to the changes in the Four Seasons.”

The Yellow Emperor inquired: “What are the abnormal situations caused by disruptions in the Qi flow?”

Qi Bo explained: “The Ying Qi is normally within the Yin aspect, and the Wei Qi is normally within the Yang aspect. The Ying Qi flows within the meridians in the normal direction, while the Wei Qi flows outside and moves in the opposite direction. If the balance of clear and turbid Qi is disturbed by an external pathogenic force, it causes an internal disorder known as ‘Da Lei’ (大悗, dà léi). When this disorder affects the heart, the patient experiences restlessness, silence, a tendency to lower their head and remain still, avoiding movement. When it affects the lungs, the patient may feel shortness of breath, restlessness, and make loud wheezing sounds, often pressing their hands to their chest. When the disorder affects the stomach and intestines, it can lead to symptoms such as cholera. If the disorder affects the arms and legs, it can cause coldness in the limbs. When the disorder affects the head, it leads to Qi reversal, causing dizziness, heaviness in the head, and even fainting.”

The Yellow Emperor asked: “Do these five types of Qi disturbances have specific treatment principles?”

Qi Bo answered: “The movement of Ying Qi and Wei Qi follows certain rules. Understanding these rules is essential for maintaining health.”

The Yellow Emperor replied: “Indeed. Please elaborate on the treatment principles.”

Qi Bo explained: “When Qi is disturbed in the heart, acupuncture should target the Shu points on the Shou Shaoyin (手少阴) and Shou Jueyin (手厥阴) meridians, such as Shen Men (神门, shén mén) and Da Ling (大陵, dà líng). For disturbances in the lungs, needle the Ying point Yu Ji (鱼际, yú jì) on the Shou Taiyin (手太阴) meridian and the Shu point Tai Xi (太溪, tài xī) on the Zu Shaoyin (足少阴) meridian. For disturbances in the stomach and intestines, target the Tai Bai (太白, tài bái) and Xian Gu (陷谷, xiàn gǔ) points on the Zu Taiyin (足太阴) and Zu Yangming (足阳明) meridians; if no improvement is seen, needle Zu San Li (足三里). For head disturbances, needle Tian Zhu (天柱, tiān zhù) and Da Zhu (大杼, dà zhù). If the condition persists, also needle the Ying point Tong Gu (通谷, tōng gǔ) and the Shu point Shu Gu (束骨, shù gǔ) on the Zu Taiyang (足太阳) meridian. For disturbances in the arms and legs, first needle the obstructed blood vessels, and then use the Ying and Shu points on the Yangming and Shaoyang meridians.”

The Yellow Emperor asked: “What about the techniques of supplementation and draining?”

Qi Bo replied: “For this, the needle should be inserted slowly and withdrawn slowly, guiding the disturbed meridian Qi back to its normal path. This technique, called ‘guiding Qi’ (Dao Qi, 导气), is a subtle and invisible way of harmonizing the Qi. These disorders are not due to an excess or deficiency in Qi but are caused by a temporary disruption in the Qi flow, leading to its reversal.”

The Yellow Emperor said: “This is a reasonable explanation! It is also clear! Let me carve it onto a precious jade tablet and name it ‘Treating Qi Disturbance.’”