“The essentials of [strengthening] Xu (Deficiency or Asthenia) and [reducing] Shi (Excess or Sthenia) lie in [the application of the] Nine Needles. [The effects of] reinforcing and reducing can be achieved [by using proper ] needling [techniques] . The reducing [needling is performed by] holding [the needle and immediately] inserting it into [the selected Acupoint], [then slowly] lifting [the needle out of the Acupoint and enlarging the needled hole for the purpose of] discharging Yang and eliminating Xieqi (Evil - Qi). [If the needling is done by] pressing [the Acupoint] and slowly inserting [the needle], it will lead to internal stagnation，making blood unable to dissipate and Qi difficult to disperse. The reinforcing [needling is per¬formed by inserting the needle] in line with [the running direction of the Channel] in a casual way. [When the needle is] pressed [into the Acupoint]， [it is felt just like] mosquito bite [on the skin] . [When the needle is] lifted [out of the Acupoint]， [it should be as quick as] a shot arrow. The left [hand withdraws the needle] and the right [hand presses the needled Acupoint] to prevent Qi from leaking. [Since] the needled Acupoint is closed, Zhongqi (Middle - Qi) is therefore enriched. There should be no blood stagnation. [If there is blood stagnation beneath the skin， it] must be removed immediately. The rule for holding the needle is like this: [The needle] must be held firmly and straightly， inserted directly [into the Acupoint] without any deviation. [When inserting the needle, the doctor should] concentrate his mind on the patient. [When inserting the needle, cares should be taken] to avoid the vessels. [When the vessels are avoid- ed，] there will be no danger in needling. When inserting the needle, [the doctor should carefully observe] the eyes and complexion [of the patient] and inspect [the condition of] the Shen (Spirit) [so as to] decide the prognosis of the disease. The blood vessels run around the Acupoints and appear visible and hard when pressed.