Following Classics

 Following Neijing

The "Acupuncturing the Superficial Luo" chapter is used to support new ideas in the practice of acupuncture. Some modern teachers reference this chapter as the source of divergent channels theory, not the luo mai. There is one reference to "bie" in the chapter. Bie means diverts. The meaning is the same as branches. If you read this chapter, you will see many references to the luo mai (more than 20 luo references in the chapter) and only one for bie. One of the supporting arguments for this theory is the pathology listed in chapter 63 includes conditions in the big joints (articulations), and the big joints are where the divergent channels mostly originate, the luo mai do originate there or primarily flow there.
This theory ignores one main aspect of the luo mai: pathogens can transfer from the luo mai to the main channels and the internal organs. This chapter is explaining this type of transfer through the body. Chapter 63 states: "In general, when a pathogen invades the body, it first enters the skin level. If it lingers or in not expelled, it will travel into the micro luo. If it still not expelled, it then travels to the regular luo channels. From here it proceeds to the main channels, connecting to the five zang organs, and finally to the intestines and stomach. At this stage, everything may be affected."

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