Seasonal Acupuncture Methods: Treating Diseases with Precision

The Yellow Emperor asked Qi Bo: “The climate changes with the seasons, and various diseases arise in relation to these changes. How can we determine the appropriate acupuncture treatment based on this seasonal variation?” Qi Bo replied: “The harmful Qi of the four seasons invades the body and causes illness, but each season affects different areas of the body. Therefore, the principles of moxibustion and acupuncture should be adjusted according to the season and the location of the illness.

In the spring, acupuncture should target the channels and the spaces between the muscles, with deeper needling for more severe conditions and shallower needling for milder ones. In the summer, we focus on the Yang meridians, Sun Luo (孙络, sūn luò), or the spaces between the muscles, using superficial needling techniques. In autumn, acupuncture should be aimed at the Shu points of each meridian, with He Xue (合穴, hé xué) being used for diseases affecting the six fu organs. In the winter, acupuncture should target the Jing (井穴, jǐng xué) and Ying (荥穴, yíng xué) points of each meridian, with deeper needling and longer needle retention.

For conditions like Wen Nüè (温疟, wēn nüè), where the patient does not sweat, one can use fifty-nine major acupoints to treat heat-related diseases. For Feng Shui (风水, fēng shuǐ) – a condition involving swollen skin – fifty major acupoints for water-related diseases can be utilized. If the skin has visible blood vessels, bleeding should be induced through acupuncture. For Sùn Xiè (飧泄症, sùn xiè zhèng), a condition causing diarrhea, the San Yin Jiao (三阴交穴, sān yīn jiāo) point should be supplemented, while also needling the Yin Ling Quan (阴陵泉, yīn líng quán). The needle should remain for a longer period until a warm sensation is felt.

For Zhuǎn Jīn (转筋, zhuǎn jīn) – muscle cramps, if they occur on the outer side of the body, acupuncture should target the Three Yang meridians; if they occur on the inner side, the Three Yin meridians should be used, employing fire needles for treatment.

For water retention without accompanying wind symptoms, first use a Bī zhēn (铍针, bī zhēn) needle three inches below the navel. Then, use a hollow needle to extract the water from the abdomen. Repeat this process until the water is fully drained, and once the water is gone, the muscles will firm up. If the water is slowly expelled, the patient may feel irritable and bloated; if it is discharged more quickly, the patient will feel comfortable and calm. This treatment can be repeated every other day until the water is entirely eliminated, while simultaneously taking diuretic herbs. Medication should be taken during the early stages of acupuncture, but no food should be consumed while taking medicine. During this period, avoid eating foods that can damage the spleen and contribute to dampness for 135 days.

For chronic Bì zhèng (痹症, bì zhèng) – conditions like joint pain and stiffness – which result from the long-term accumulation of cold and dampness, fire needles should be applied to the Zu San Li (足三里, zú sān lǐ) point. If the abdomen feels uncomfortable, needle the Zu San Li point to address the issue. If the pathogenic Qi is excessive, expulsion techniques should be applied; if the vital Qi is weak, supplementation should be used.

For Má fēng (麻风, má fēng), a type of skin disease causing swelling, acupuncture should frequently target the swollen areas. Use sharp needles to pierce the affected area, and then apply pressure to expel the toxic Qi and stagnant blood until the swelling subsides. The patient should regularly consume foods that are beneficial for the condition and avoid any food that could hinder the healing process.

Huángdì (Yellow Emperor) inquired with Qíbó:
“Let’s dissect the Middle Burner (Zhōngjiāo 中焦) – this vital kitchen of the body. How does it transform grains into liquid gold for our veins?”

Qíbó chuckled:
“Ah, the Middle Energizer! Picture a master chef teaming with the Stomach (Wèi 胃). Its magic trick?
1️⃣ Extract essence like a gold miner sifting nuggets
2️⃣ Steam-distill nutrients into Yíng Qì (营气 Nourishing Qi) – your bloodstream’s VIP cocktail
3️⃣ Express-deliver this crimson elixir via Lung Airlines to every cell

This biological alchemy explains why blood’s called ‘Liquid Spirit’ (Shén Qì 神气) – the ultimate life currency!”

Huángdì pondered:
“If Blood (Xuè 血) and Qì (气) are twins separated at birth, why does losing one mean losing both?”

Qíbó snapped his fingers:
“Brilliant observation! They’re like yin-yang bank accounts:
• Bleed too much? Your sweat reserves get frozen 🥶
• Sweat rivers? Your blood reservoir dries up 🏜️
Moral: Never let your body’s liquidity ratio drop below survival threshold!”

On Lower Burner (Xiàjiāo 下焦):
“Meet your internal plumber! Its daily grind:
🚽 Sort recyclables – send waste to Colon County
💧 Drain excess – pipe fluids to Bladder Reservoir
Pro tip: Alcohol jumps the digestion queue like a nightclub VIP – hence ‘beer before burgers’ bathroom runs!”

Huángdì exclaimed:
“Eureka! The Three Burners are:
☁️ Upper – Mist-maker hydrating organs
♨️ Middle – Fermentation vat brewing nutrients
🌊 Lower – Sewage system flushing toxins
Our body’s ultimate ecosystem!”