Library

[Fanli / General Principles]

One. This collection compiles and selects texts from the *Suwen* (Basic Questions), *Nanjing* (Classic of Difficult Issues), *Lingshu* (Spiritual Pivot), as well as works by Zhang Zhongjing, Liu Hejian, Zhu Danxi, and Li Dongyuan. Complicated and repetitive content has been deleted, while precise and essential points have been extracted. One statement can replace thousands, facilitating easy reading and browsing.

Two. I have consulted with virtuous scholars who devote themselves to this field, as well as distinguished gentlemen within the realm sharing the same path. I visited them with an open mind and dare not rely solely on personal subjective speculation.

Three. The book is divided into six volumes. Within each volume are categories; within each category are discussions; following the discussions are pulse diagnoses; and after the pulse diagnoses are the governing prescriptions. Through painstaking detailed analysis, it is hoped that readers will gain insights upon opening the book.

Four. The *Xiantian Maijing* (Mirror of Primal Pulse) was secretly transmitted by a unique individual and combined with my own pulse diagnosis verification. It differs from the views of Xuandi (Yellow Emperor) and Shuhe (Wang Shuhe), so it is listed separately in its own volume.

Five. After clinical verification and careful study day and night, through quiet contemplation and research, I gained further insights. I dare not simply copy established theories.

Six. This compilation underwent twenty years of reference, revision, and examination. It is not hastily prepared for superficial review.

Seven. From handwritten copying to final proofreading and printing, every detail was checked and corrected to ensure accuracy and avoid errors.

Eight. Additionally, I authored the *Zhongsi Mibao Lu* (Secret Treasure Record for Multiplying Offspring), specifically for fertility and seed preservation. Having thoroughly explored its subtleties and compiled chapters, due to lack of time for further revision, I await another day to print it as an appendix.

[Xiantian Maijing Preface]

Investigating medical principles lies in the subtleties of voice and qi; this is illusory. Even investigating the causes of illness is merely speculative. Using three fingers to knock on the five zang organs goes beyond mere speculation. Xuandi (Yellow Emperor) and Shuhe (Wang Shuhe) have already revealed the mysteries, yet Dai Shi still provided corrections and debates, likely out of caution. I am unwise and dare to add these superfluous words. However, what I received through secret transmission from a unique individual, combined with pulse diagnosis verification and reference, aligns more deeply with the profound secrets of Xiantian. How can I claim to surpass the ancient sages? In reality, I elucidate what they did not reveal. This is also an extension of the single stroke of Taiji and the derivation of the Nine Categories. How could I bear to keep it private? I respectfully share it with comrades to supplement what I lack.
Respectfully recorded by Sun Wenyin, Master of Zunsheng.

[Xiantian Maijing Treatise]

What is the "Stomach Qi" in the pulse? It is the Qi of one yang rising within the earth (Spleen/Stomach). It is the primal qi upon which all things depend for life, yet people are unaware of it.
To describe it using harmony and slowness: I compare it to the heavy breath blown from the mouth. I also compare it to something soft and slippery. This is a forced comparison of slight similarities to show people what cannot be precisely described.

When diagnosing the pulse, one must focus primarily on observing Stomach Qi. If this position obtains a state of harmony, there is no disease in this position. Some say a pulse that is exclusively large indicates disease, and one that is exclusively small indicates disease. Now, if one pairs a small pulse with a large pulse, failing to clear the heat in two positions but instead warming the cold in one position, I fear this is like carrying firewood to save a fire, which would damage the harmonious nature of that position. Would this not harm a person's natural lifespan? Therefore, one must prioritize Stomach Qi.

The method of pulse diagnosis certainly prioritizes Stomach Qi. The way to obtain Stomach Qi was explained previously: it feels thick and slow under the fingers, without any tangible obstruction. If one feels a tangible obstruction, it is blockage by the Six Excesses (Liu Yin), and it can be recognized as a pathological pulse. The differences in size, speed, and tension are due to the different natures of the Six Excesses. They are vastly different from the harmonious Stomach Qi. If one considers evil qi to be formless, then qi and blood would flow freely, representing righteous qi rather than evil qi, so what disease would there be? Since evil qi must have form, it depends on human observation and true recognition. Using the correct meridians and medicines without confusion, or having genuine insight, allows one to use Yang-branch medicines for Yang-branch diseases and Blood-branch medicines for Blood-branch diseases. Maintaining proper ascending and descending without error in floating and sinking pulses achieves the essence of Xuandi. It is said, "One Yin and one Yang is called the Dao; deviation into Yin or Yang is called disease." These words are indeed true. (This discussion should be read together with the later section on diseases in the center that are neither solid nor firm.)

During pulse diagnosis, one must clarify the mind and calm thoughts, avoiding any distraction. One must also regulate breathing. Initially, place the fingers lightly between the skin and hair to observe the principle. Next, press to the blood vessels to observe the principle. Thirdly, press to the muscles to observe the principle. Fourthly, press to the tendons to observe the principle. Fifthly, press to the bones to observe the principle. These five levels of observation provide detailed knowledge. Skin/hair belongs to the Lung, which is Yang within Yang. Blood vessels belong to Yang within Yin. Muscles belong to the Spleen, which is the domain of Stomach Qi. Tendons belong to the Liver, which is Yin within Yang. Bones belong to the Kidney, which is Yin within Yin.

Within one pulse position, the Five Elements are complete. Within the Five Elements, Yin and Yang are divided. Between Yin and Yang, Stomach Qi exists. Stomach Qi is like the kernel inside the wood of peach or plum trees. Split the kernel into two halves, and there is a thread piercing through them. That thread is Stomach Qi. This is the mechanism relied upon for generation and the wonder relied upon for transformation.

The six pulse positions must each possess the nature of the Five Elements, none originating except from the division of Yin and Yang. Fire excess is one of the Five Elements. Generally speaking, encompassing operation is Taiji. Having exterior and interior is the Two Modes of Yin and Yang. Exterior containing interior and interior containing exterior is the Four Images. Earth Qi is present in all Four Images. Why? Like the number five for Earth in the Hetu (River Map). Heaven generates Water (1), Earth completes it (6); 1 plus 5 equals 6. Earth generates Fire (2), Heaven completes it (7); 2 plus 5 equals 7. As for 3 and 4, they become 8 and 9 only by obtaining 5. This is why the number of Earth is present in all four seasons. The positioning of Yin, Yang, and the Five Elements is thus.

Why do pulses have disease? Only when they are neither excessive nor deficient, but each obtains its nature. Suppose a position belongs to Wood, corresponding to Spring. All things flourish and spread here, sprouting and breaking shells. This position must be soft, slippery, and long, just as all things in Spring obtain the body of Wood. Otherwise, if short and choppy, it is injury by Dryness excess. If flat and seeping, it is injury by Dampness excess. If faint and stagnant, it is injury by Cold excess. If floating and wiry, it is injury by Wind excess. If surging and abundant, it is injury by Heat excess. If sharp and rapid, it is injury by Fire excess. As for combined injuries by the Six Excesses and mutual restriction by the Five Movements, this depends on human observational power. Wood must be like this. What about Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water? Fire corresponds to Summer, where all things flourish and expand. This position must be slightly surging and large, just as all things in Summer obtain the body of Fire. Anything else is disease. Metal corresponds to Autumn, where all things gather and condense. This position must be clear,肃 (solemn/clear), and floating, just as all things in Autumn obtain the body of Metal. Anything else is disease. Water corresponds to Winter, where all things hide and lie quiet. This position must be deep, fine, and solid, just as all things in Winter obtain the body of Water. Anything else, whether excessive or deficient, is disease. As for Earth, it is only harmonious, slow, and quiet. Furthermore, the Fire of the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) and Pericardium is not comparable to Heart Fire; it travels between Heaven and Earth, characterized only by slipperiness, rapidity, and fluidity. The forms mentioned above are their original natural natures, allowing one to know the way of treatment based on increase and decrease. One fears that the wise may overdo it and the foolish may fall short, making it difficult to reach the essence of this Dao.

The previous discussion on the nature of the Five Elements referred only to the Jing (Main) Meridians. The distribution of Luo (Collateral) Vessels must also be known. What is the difference between Luo and Jing? Having observed the Jing, one must also observe the Luo. Observing the Luo is not easy. It is said that main trunks travel the Jing, while branches travel the Luo. Main roots enter the Jing, while side emissions are Luo. Therefore, if sores appear on hands/feet or masses form on the sides of the body, one must examine the Luo to know the location of the disease. This diagram briefly shows the main points; detailed discussion follows. The previous discussion was complete but not detailed. There are also diagrams of the Luo vessels of both hands. The left and right hands differ, but Luo vessel diseases are largely similar.
[Right Hand Meridian Diagram]
Front head to lower abdomen, back back to feet.
[Left Hand Meridian Diagram]
Outer back, inner chest.
[Diagram of External Manifestations of Five Zang]
If a patient has a green face, likes to call out, prefers sour taste, cries, or gets angry, and one of these appears externally, it is known that the Liver Meridian is diseased. Other Zang organs can be deduced similarly.
[Diagram of External Correspondences of Five Zang]
The *Neijing* states: Upper regions correspond to the throat and head. Lower regions correspond to the lower back and calves. Anterior parts diagnose anterior diseases, posterior parts diagnose posterior diseases. Left Cun (Inch) exterior diagnoses Heart, interior diagnoses Danzhong (Chest Center). Left Guan (Bar) exterior diagnoses Liver, interior diagnoses Diaphragm. Left Chi (Cubit) exterior diagnoses Kidney, interior diagnoses Bladder. Right Cun exterior diagnoses Lung and Throat, interior diagnoses Diaphragm. Right Guan interior diagnoses Stomach, exterior diagnoses Spleen. Right Chi interior diagnoses Mingmen (Gate of Life), exterior diagnoses Sanjiao.

The previous diagram shows that if a specific position and Luo vessel are diseased, the pulse indicates disease at that exact spot, without error. One must examine the Six Qi to know what...

The Six Excess evils are formed by the推移 (pushing/moving) of Yin and Yang Qi, alternating in excess or deficiency. These are the six evils. Yin within Yang is Wind. Yang within... Parents. Earth is the domain of Spleen and Stomach, discussing nothing. Thus, it is hard to fix a position. But in the pulse, there is external cold and internal heat, or external heat and internal cold. They constrain each other unnaturally, causing diseases to hide within. This essentially does not exceed the nature of Yin-Yang ascending and descending. Therefore, those using medicine should prioritize ascending and descending Yin and Yang.

Medicines treating the Six Evils assist it. The Six Excess evils are not external objects. However, the human body is formed based on the Six Qi. Within the Twelve Meridians... Cannot... Except for these Six Qi, alternating as the mechanism of creation.

Discussing the Six Excess evils floating up from above, becoming dissimilar when pressed inward, is Wind. Hundred diseases do not leave Wind. Sluggish and slightly deficient is Cold. Sharp... Like geography distinguishing stars, heads same but feet different.

Yang evil on the exterior naturally has a dispersing body, like heat rising from a steamer, rolling upward. The four diagrams show no constraint. This is Yang Qi flourishing itself. If this position is like this, it should be suppressed by descending.

Yin evil on the exterior naturally has a stagnant body, like silver being melted, covered on the surface and not opening. This is Yin overcoming Yang. Like this, it should be released, dispersed, raised, and lifted. Yin has form, Yang has substance; this is it.

One treatise on the human body: only Yin and Yang Qi exist. Yin inside is the guard of Yang; Yang outside is the servant of Yin. Yin must be inside, rooted below the external Yang. Yang must be outside, rooted above the internal Yin. Thus, Yin roots in Yang, Yang roots in Yin. Therefore, in the pulse, Exterior must belong to Yang, with activity as its nature, yet still having quiet Yin inside. Interior must belong to Yin, with quietness as its nature, yet still having active Yang inside. Thus, both rely on each other. Or if Exterior pulse is only scattered, sharp, surging, large, and Interior pulse is only obstructed, slow, fine, small, this is Yin and Yang rejecting each other and not harmonizing, each flourishing in its own position. One should use light and clear flavored medicines to converge Exterior Yang, rooting it inside. And use dense flavored medicines to warm Interior Yin, rooting it outside. Or there may be Exterior stagnation downward and Interior rushing upward. Outside, Yang Qi does not rise; inside, Yin Fire rushes forth. This is common. One should raise Exterior Yang and descend Interior Yin Fire. There are also cases of Exterior obstruction/stagnation and Interior surging/rapid. There is also Yin overcoming Yang, Yang overcoming Yin.
One should raise and disperse. One should ascend and descend. The outline of treatment and pulse methods is no more than this. Among them, there may be evils of the Five Movements and Six Qi, or accumulations forming phlegm. This depends on choosing medicinal flavors to treat. The principle of Yin and Yang cannot be separated.

One treatise on the human body: only Yin Blood and Yang Qi exist. It is precious that there be no bias. Once there is bias, it becomes disease. Light bias means light disease; heavy bias means heavy disease. Over time, the disease increases, the weak becomes weaker, gradually leading to Solitary Yin and Solitary Yang, which are all death. If the pulse is Solitary Yang, death occurs at noon in Spring/Summer. If the pulse is Solitary Yin, death occurs at midnight in Autumn/Winter. It is said, "Solitary Yang does not generate; Solitary Yin does not complete." Why? Because Yang without Yin scatters and cannot converge; what Yang relies on is Yin. Yin without Yang gathers but cannot disperse; what Yin relies on is Yang. Observe Heaven leaning on Earth, Earth leaning on Heaven. Heaven and Earth naturally rely on each other, and humans can see this.

One treatise on the nature of Yin and Yang: Yin nature is static; Yang nature is dynamic. Yin nature is contracting; Yang nature is dispersing. Yin nature is descending; Yang nature is ascending. Yin nature is deep; Yang nature is floating. Yin nature is slow; Yang nature is rapid. Yin body is flat; Yang body is sharp. Yin nature is horizontal; Yang nature is straight. Yin nature is completing; Yang nature is generating. Yin nature is killing; Yang nature is growing. Yin nature is internal; Yang nature is external. Yin body is weak; Yang body is strong. Yin body is turbid; Yang body is clear. Yin flavor is salty; Yang flavor is pungent. Yin flavor is bitter; Yang flavor is sweet. Yin qi is cool; Yang qi is warm. Yin qi is cold; Yang qi is hot. Yin body is moist; Yang body is dry. Yin body is flat; Yang body is round. Yin body is short; Yang body is long. Yin body has form; Yang body has substance. This is the great principle of Yin-Yang form and substance.

One treatise on the way of Yin-Yang ascending and descending: Yang rising is not rising again in the Yang branch, but the way of Extreme Yin generating Yang. Yang rises from the Yin branch to the Yang branch.
And descending to Earth. Clear sky rises from below. This is exactly this meaning. It is also said: Earth Qi rises to become clouds; Heaven Qi descends to become rain.

One treatise on Yang nature: all disperse. Yin nature: all contract. Yang disperses. Disperses what? Only disperses Yin. Not that there is an external object giving Yang dispersion. Yin contracts. Contracts what? Only contracts Yang. Not that there is an external object giving Yin contraction.
Or there are cases of Yang contracting and Yin dispersing; this is Yin within Yang contracting and Yang within Yin dispersing. The nature of Yin and Yang has never had priority.

One treatise on the Six Excess evils: some natures float up and disperse; some sink, level, descend, and contract. Wind, Heat, Fire: their nature belongs to Yang, originating from Heaven, close to above. Their coming must be floating, rising, and dispersing. Cold, Dampness, Dryness: their nature belongs to Yin, originating from Earth, close to below. Their coming must be sinking, descending, and contracting. But if each obtains its position and is nourished by Stomach Qi, ascending, descending, floating, and sinking fulfilling their nature, they are just the Qi of Heaven and Earth pushing and transforming. What disease is there? If not so, Yang goes to overcome Yin, Yin goes to overcome Yang, then Yin and Yang do not harmonize. Each performs its duty first. Thus, natures relying on each other become opposing. Gradually leading to Yang weak and Yin victorious, or Yin weak and Yang victorious. Feeling [evil], Yin leaves and Yang mixes alone guarding, Yang leaves and Yin mixes alone remaining. Constant Dao encountering this, great changes can be expected immediately.

One treatise on ascending, descending, floating, and sinking: in the pulse, peace is precious. But floating and sinking like Summer and Winter times, Cold and Heat reaching extremes. Extremes change normalcy. Yet there may be life... Only because of this. If the previous extreme of Cold/Heat/Floating/Sinking, then Yin solitary and Yang few, certainly no need to treat, and also cannot treat.

Those treating disease: if the main pulse is deficient, treatment should be slow. If guest evil occupies, treatment should be urgent. Medicinal properties and dosages must not confuse.

Exterior of Three Yang: if evil, should sweat. Sweating should be urgent. Interior of Three Yang: if evil, should purge. Purging should be slow. Exterior of Three Yin: if evil... Should sweat. Yang interior is the interior of the exterior,有形 (formative) meridians receiving evil. So suitable to promote urination and defecation. Yin exterior is the exterior of the interior. Also meridian disease. So suitable to clear form to induce sweat. Yin interior is the interior of the interior. Truly formative meridian receiving evil. So suitable to purge via defecation. Why? Because Exterior is the branch of Yang. Yang nature is originally floating guest, obstructing Yin evil. So suitable to disperse to follow Yang nature. Interior is Yin branch. Yin nature is originally sinking. Descending guest. Surging/rapid Yang evil. So suitable to drain/purge to follow Yin nature. Ascending/descending/floating/sinking, treatment methods must differ. Only following Yin/Yang nature and guiding it. Outside this, losing it, all are forced interpretations. Thus wise men hate forced interpretation.

Treating swelling/toxems initially: should sweat. Also because the acquisition is not deep, in formless meridians. Long time should purge. Because gradually entering interior. In formative meridians now. Those saying "supplement when pus forms": because evil heat is settled, righteous qi has been injured. So supplement qi and blood deficiency. Not supplementing evil. Observing this, miscellaneous diseases are all same as Shanghan (Cold Damage) treatment methods. Modern people think different. Not knowing Yin-Yang principle. Twelve meridians in Three Yang: exterior no not master, interior has reception. Receives small grains transmitting dregs. In Three Yin: interior no reception, exterior has master. Skin, blood vessels, muscles, tendons, bones only. Using medicine to master treatment: must know. Pericardium/Luo vessels: originally partner of Sanjiao. Modern people only use Mingmen as partner of Sanjiao. Not knowing...
Mingmen is ancestor of fluids. Compared to me, then has form/substance. So next below Sanjiao. Pericardium is mother of blood, entirely Yin. So this at Mingmen... Determine upper/middle/lower positions is okay. If Jing says "examine clear/turbid to know parts"?

Knots/stagnations/accumulations mostly belong to Yin pulse. Why? Because Yin nature contracts. Towards solid returning meaning. If Yang nature then masters dispersing/breaking open. What accumulation? So Jing says, "Yin pulsing, Yang separating, is named pregnancy." Also because Yin pulse forms gathering, completing meaning. Thus pregnant women getting Yang pulse come, then mainly falling fetus. Yang transforms Qi. Yin forms Form. Heaven/Earth generating function. Also says, "Blood prosperous, Qi衰 (declining) should have form." Exactly this meaning.

Children's smallpox/rash: only his Right Chi Xi Huo (Ministerial Fire) boils Left Chi Kidney Water. Leading to Kidney Water counter-attacking Heart Fire. Is a fixed pathology. If Water wins then Yin wins. His rash mainly Qi deficiency unable to initiate. So mainly aid Yang release exterior medicine. If Fire wins then Yang wins. His rash mainly Blood deficiency. His Qi releasing, no covering. Must hard to form paste. Gradually to dry. Again mainly收敛 (contracting) exterior medicine. I analyze Wind/Heat combined: mainly treat Heat. Assist with contracting medicine.
Wind/Cold/Heat combined: mainly treat Wind. Assist with warming medicine theory. Generally in human message ear.

One treatise on human body has Twelve Meridians. Unified by Five Movements and Six Qi only. Movement/Qi also cannot stick to one. Overall: only one Yang one Yin. Human can self-operate
Then. Scholars unwilling to trace source, but only limited to fixed formula habit. Finally fixed formula only. Not wronging human natural year get?

One treatise on human body Stomach Qi. Is Primal Qi fried to speak. But this Qi in human body little and strong. By this Qi gradually become. Human
Not let lose ear. Also cannot outside have gain. Also says can prolong life. Like candle in wind then not endure long. Move in secret room then
Difference far. So common people only damage Will person solid guard it.