TY  - JOUR
AU  - JIANG, Shucheng
AU  - YANG, Peishi
AU  - HE, Juan
PY  - 2026
TI  - Origin and evolution of the theory on the quantity of qi and blood in the three yin and three yang channels
JO  - Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
SN  - 1006-2157
SP  - 908
EP  - 914
VL  - 49
IS  - 7
AB  - The theory on the quantity of qi and blood in the three yin and three yang channels is a significant component of the channel theory in Huangdi Neijing and is an essential basis for supplementation and drainage treatments among later physicians. However, different viewpoints on this theory exist within Huangdi Neijing, and no convincing interpretation of its essence has been established. Through a philological analysis of the original text of Huangdi Neijing alongside related transmitted and unearthed documents, this paper argues that the three perspectives on the quantity of qi and blood in the three yin and three yang channels originated from different periods and practical contexts. The Jiuzhen Lun of Lingshu initially proposed the concept based on venipuncture for blood letting in the foot channels and the observation of the biao (branch-distal) and ben (root-proximal) pulses in the foot channels. The Xueqi Xingzhi of Suwen revised the theory by incorporating the idea that the Taiyin Lung Channel of Hand corresponds to the cunkou pulse. Subsequently, with the increase of needling to regulate qi in the intermuscular layers as a primary needling method, the theory on the quantity of qi and blood in the three yin and three yang channels gradually lost its substantive connotation. The Wuyin Wuwei of Lingshu provided an extended explanation based on the characteristics of body hair. Therefore, in the clinical practice of needling for discharging qi or blood, the foot meridians should be treated according to the perspective of Jiuzhen Lun of Lingshu, whereas the hand meridians should be treated according to the perspective of Xueqi Xingzhi of Suwen.
UR  - https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1006-2157.2026.07.004
DO  - 10.3969/j.issn.1006-2157.2026.07.004