The ancients left the *Massage Scripture*, its techniques obscure to most,
Twelve meridians run through the body, with three hundred sixty-five collaterals connecting all,
Circulating for a day and a night; stagnation of qi and blood gives rise to illness.
Swelling and pain indicate excess, an age-old principle; where soreness and numbness are felt, qi and blood flow,
No need for decoctions to guide them, massage smoothes the way with skillful hands,
The depth of the technique targets the ailment; press deep, lift light, with little pause.
I have practiced massage for many years, crafting these verses for future generations,
If a student can grasp these words, healing will be like fire melting ice,
Quacks often miss this truth; do not take the art of massage lightly.
For headaches, work the temples left and right; attack the Fengchi and Fengfu points all the same…
Li Xu studied the *Massage Scripture* carefully.
