Library

Difficulty 60 states: Diseases of the head and heart include Jue Tong (rebellious pain) and Zhen Tong (true pain). What is meant by this? The answer is: When the meridians of the three hands-yang are invaded by wind-cold, and the pathogenic factor lingers and does not dissipate, it is called Tou Wei Jue Tou Tong (Jue headache of the head). If the pain penetrates and connects to the brain, it is called Zhen Tou Tong (True headache). If the disorder arises from the mutual interference of the qi of the five zang organs, it is called Xin Wei Jue Xin Tong (Jue heartache). If the pain is severe, localized strictly in the heart, and accompanied by cyanosis of the hands and feet, it is called Zhen Xin Tong (True heartache). Patients with True heartache who develop symptoms in the morning will die by evening; those who develop symptoms in the evening will die by morning.

Difficulty 61 states: The classics say that diagnosing through observation is termed "Shen" (Divine), diagnosing through listening and smelling is termed "Sheng" (Sage), diagnosing through inquiry is termed "Gong" (Skilled), and diagnosing through pulse palpation is termed "Qiao" (Adroit). What is meant by this? The answer is: Diagnosing through observation involves observing the five complexions to identify the disease. Diagnosing through listening involves hearing the five vocal tones to distinguish the disease. Diagnosing through inquiry involves asking about the patient's cravings for the five flavors to determine the origin and location of the disease. Diagnosing through pulse palpation involves examining the Cun Kou (Radial Artery at the wrist) to assess excess or deficiency, thereby identifying the disease and its specific organ involvement. The classics state that inferring from external signs is "Sheng," while understanding internal mechanisms is "Shen." This is what is meant.

Difficulty 62 states: The Jing-Well and Ying-Spring points of the zang organs number five, but the fu organs have six. Why is this so? The answer is: The fu organs belong to Yang. The San Jiao (Triple Burner) circulates among all yang meridians; therefore, an additional Yuan-Source point is established. The reason there are six points for the fu organs is that they share one qi with the San Jiao.

Difficulty 63 states: The *Shi Bian* (Ten Transformations) states that the Ying-Spring and He-Sea points of the five zang and six fu organs all begin with the Jing-Well point. Why is this? The answer is: The Jing-Well point corresponds to the East and Spring, which is the beginning of the generation of all things. Whether creatures walk, breathe, fly, or crawl, all living beings emerge in spring. Therefore, the annual cycle begins with spring, and the sexagenary cycle of days begins with Jia. Thus, the Jing-Well point is considered the beginning.

Difficulty 64 states: The *Shi Bian* further states: Yin Jing-Well is Wood, Yang Jing-Well is Metal; Yin Ying-Spring is Fire, Yang Ying-Spring is Water; Yin Shu-Stream is Earth, Yang Shu-Stream is Wood; Yin Jing-River is Metal, Yang Jing-River is Fire; Yin He-Sea is Water, Yang He-Sea is Earth. The yin and yang elements differ. What is the rationale? The answer is: This concerns the relationship between Gang (Firm/Yang) and Rou (Soft/Yin). The Yin Jing-Well is Yi Wood, and the Yang Jing-Well is Geng Metal. Geng (Yang Metal) is the Gang aspect of Yi (Yin Wood); Yi is the Rou aspect of Geng. Since Yi belongs to Wood, the Yin Jing-Well is said to be Wood; since Geng belongs to Metal, the Yang Jing-Well is said to be Metal. The remaining points follow this pattern.