Ling Shu
Selected acupuncture-related chapters from the Ling Shu, Su Wen, Nan Jing and Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing through the Zhen Jiu Da Cheng — chiefly the original text, with annotations and commentary.
The Nine Needles and the Twelve Yuan-Source Points
The opening chapter of the Ling Shu: the essentials of needling, tonification and reduction, the forms of the nine needles, and the arrival of qi.
Ben Shu: Root and Transport
The origin of the five shu point theory: well, spring, stream, river and sea points of the five zang and six fu.
Explanation of the Small Needle
A line-by-line commentary on the technical vocabulary of the Nine Needles and the Twelve Sources.
Roots and Knots
The classical source of the root-and-knot theory: the root lies at the extremities, the knot on the head, chest or abdomen.
Standard Needling
Twenty-six named needling methods: the nine needlings, the twelve seasonal needlings and the five zang needlings.
Beginning and End
Needling must follow the beginning and end of yin and yang; the introduction of directional tonification and reduction.
The Meridians
The classical record of the pathways and disorders of the twelve meridians, and the core text of channel theory.
The Muscle Regions
The pathways and disorders of the twelve muscle regions, and the principles for treating them.
On Practising Needling
Why patients respond to needling differently, and what slow responders require.
Official Functions
The functions of the needle and moxa, including the famous statement that what the needle cannot do, moxibustion is suited to.