Abstract
Objectives : This study aims to grasp the principle of the Won Bang supplementation and draining method as mentioned in the 『Lingshu·Guanneng』 and the 『Suwen·Bazhengshenminlun』, which have contrasting properties. Methods : The texts in each chapter were analyzed to understand the supplementation and draining principle that matches the meanings of round[won,員] and angular[bang, 方]. Especially in the case of the chapter 「Bazhengshenminlun」, a hypothesis was drawn upon the relationship between the abstract explanation of the round[won,員] and angular[bang, 方] and the actual manipulation technique. This hypothesis was tested against other texts and annotations for further discussion. Results & Conclusions : The expressions 'bang[angular, 方]' and 'won[round,員]' refer to the same meanings in both chapters, as 'to be upright' and 'to be smooth,' respectively. The difference between the two chapters is that in the 『Lingshu·Guanneng』 the standard for Won Bang is the needler's movements, while in the 『Suwen·Bazhengshenminlun』, it is the patient's breathing. Moreover, while in the former the subjects of supplementation and draining are clearly divided into healthy qi and exterior pathogenic qi, in the latter the subject of manipulation is the deficiency and excessiveness caused by deviation of the healthy qi, thus making the subject of both supplementation and draining healthy qi. Based on these findings, we can conclude that the supplementation and draining of needling is divided into two methods; separating the healthy and pathogenic qi and manipulating the deficiency and excessiveness of healthy qi within the body.