Objective: To study on the original meanings of "reinforcement can be achieved by slow-yet-rapid needling, and rapid-yet-slow needling weakens evil-qi", one of important bases of reinforcing-reducing in acupuncture.
Methods: Using the principle of knowledge archaeology and through structure an d through structure analysis on the subjects described by "slow" and "rapid" and the papers appearing the words, the meanings of this sentence are re-discriminated.
Conclusion: "Slow-rapid" prescribed in the reinforcing-reducing needling method in Huangdi's Internal Classic includes 3 subjects: pulse condition, needle-retained time, and velocity of withdrawing the needle.