Replete with careful drawings and step-by-step guidelines, this text has great utility as a model for proper use of equipment and mastering manipulative technique. Exhaustive coverage of needling techniques includes a description of the tools of the trade, exercises to strengthen the hands and fingers, needle insertion and manipulation techniques, description of moxibustion techniques with indications and contraindications, other manual and cupping techniques, and qigong exercises and training designed to strengthen the qi and sharpen sensitivity.

More complex manipulations described include the likes of "lighting the fire in the mountain," "coolness from heaven," "green tortoise seeks the point," and "dragon and tiger come to blows." Each lists the method, the associated diseases, and examples of utilization of technique. Moxibustion is categorized by direct and indirect methods, moxa stick and medicated stick techniques, suspended moxibustion, moxa with other substances such as wax or mulberry, non-heat moxa with various pastes, and indications and principles of treatment.