[Exploration of the theory of Renying Cunkou pulse method recorded in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon].

Renying Cunkou pulse method is one of the classical pulse methods of acupuncture-moxibustion in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, which is also a classical clinical paradigm for diagnosing and treating meridian diseases in the ancient times. Based on comprehensive review of literature and clinical practice, this paper reveals that this method compares the size of the neck Renying pulse with hand Cunkou pulse to determine the change of yin-yang and excess-deficiency identifying the affected meridians. The jing-well, xing-spring, and shu-stream points of the surface and interior meridians of affected meridians are mainly selected to regulate deficiency and excess through reinforcing and reducing methods. The Renying Cunkou pulse method possesses a simple and practical medical theory, easy diagnostic procedure, and clear meridian selection for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment, warranting further exploration of its essence and diagnostic therapeutic principles.

[Exploration on lateral needling technique].

Regarding the existing questions of the understanding and application of lateral needling technique in the Chapter 7 of Lingshu (Miraculous Pivot), after analyzing the original meaning of the lateral needling technique and its indication for "tendon bi syndrome" in literature, it is believed that lateral needling technique is the classic manipulation for tendon bi syndrome, mainly for tendon spasticity caused by obstruction of qi activity or retarded qi activity. The filiform needle is used in the operation. The puncture hand and the pressing hand should be cooperated during the manipulation, in which, after detecting the location of tendon disorder by the pressing hand, the needle is inserted from the lateral side of the affected site and is manipulated with the reinforcing technique achieved by lifting and thrusting needle. Afterwards, the needle is withdrawn. The lateral needling technique of acupuncture is one of the mass-loosening techniques in Neijing (Inner Classic). It is a reliable technique of acupuncture in clinical treatment of acute and chronic diseases, such as cervical spondylosis and tendon injury of lumber region and has a stable therapeutic effect.

[Exploration on even reinforcing-reducing technique of acupuncture].

The even reinforcing-reducing technique of acupuncture is one of the common needling methods in clinical practice at present, but there are various understandings on it among scholars. In the paper, the origin of the even reinforcing-reducing technique of acupuncture was explored on the base of literature collection and clinical practice. The comments were put forward in association with the initial understanding of reinforcing and reducing techniques of acupunctures and actual clinical applications. In ancient time, the even reinforcing-reducing method includes two meanings. The first one refers to the compound reinforcing-reducing needling technique for mixture of cold and heat or of deficiency and excess, in which, the reinforcing and reducing techniques are used alternatively at same acupoint. The second one implies the imbalance of yin and yang with human body or meridian involved. For example, in the syndromes as excess in the upper part of body and deficiency in the lower part, heat on the left and cold on the right, the treatment for reinforcing the lower and reducing the upper, or reinforcing the right and reducing the left is adopted to rebalance yin and yang. Hence, it is regarded as a treating principle or a needling method. No matter at the same acupoint or at different acupoints, the final target of treatment is to harmonize yin and yang. The acupuncture scholars in modern times seldom describe even reinforcing-reducing technique. Since the foundation of People's Republic of China, the relevant technique is again called even reinforcing-reducing manipulation, characterized as evenly lifting, thrusting and rotating of needle and has been developed gradually as the common needling technique in present clinical practice, which is widely divergent from the traditional understanding. The reinforcing-reducing techniques of acupuncture are different in understanding between the ancient time and the present. It is necessary to identify the origin for the better contributions to clinical application.

[Acupuncture master Xu Yi-nian and his Practical Acupuncture in the Republic of China].

By collecting and studying Practical Acupuncture written by XU Yi-nian, Guangdong acupuncture master in the Republic of China, and using literature methodology, the life story of XU Yi-nian is textually researched and his acupuncture characteristics is analyzed. The results indicate that XU Yi-nian emphasizes on the utility of acupuncture manipulations and acupoint selection, the application of folk experiences in moxibustion and Sha disorders. He pays attention to the co-work of acupuncture and medicine and his work collects the therapeutic experiences of different schools and deserves to be further explored and validated.

[Brief discussion on the life of ZENG Tian-zhi, a follower of Chengjiang acupuncture school].

ZENG Tian-zhi, as one of the disciples of Mr. CHENG Dan-an, is considered as one of the major successors of the Chengjiang acupuncture school in the South of the Five Ridges. By collecting Mr. ZENG's works and papers as well as the interviews with his followers, his life and achievements are verified and his existing representative works are introduced. It is found out that following CHENG Dan-an's steps, ZENG Tian-zhi has practiced the medicine and performed great deeds, established schools and taught students. Also he established the first educational institution of acupuncture in Hong Kong, namely College of Scientific Acupuncture. He has traveled to many places to promote the acupuncture and cultivate a large number of acupuncturists. His works are characterized by organized edition, bringing in modern medical theory and focusing on clinic applicability.