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Huangdi said: I have heard of people with Yin and Yang constitutions. What are they like? Bogao replied: Within the heaven and earth, inside the six directions (Liuhe), nothing exists apart from the Five Phases (Wu Xing). Humans also correspond to this principle. Therefore, there is a classification of twenty-five types of people, while those with extreme Yin or Yang constitutions (Yin-Yang persons) are excluded. There are five types whose forms do not conform to the general public, which I already know. Now, I wish to hear about the physical characteristics of these twenty-five types of people, the generation of their blood and Qi, how to distinguish them by observing external signs to understand internal conditions. How does this work? Qibo replied: Your question is indeed detailed! This is a secret of the ancient masters; even Bogao cannot fully elucidate it. Huangdi stepped away from his seat, followed proper etiquette, and retreated, saying: I have heard that obtaining a suitable teacher but failing to teach is called a double loss; obtaining knowledge but leaking it will cause Heaven to despise one. I wish to understand it clearly, store it in the golden casket, and dare not broadcast it. Qibo said: First, establish the five forms: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Distinguish their five colors and differentiate the five types of people based on form, then the twenty-five types of people are complete. Huangdi said: I wish to hear the rest. Qibo said: Be cautious, be cautious! Let your subject explain.

Wood-type individuals correspond to the upper Jue pitch, resembling the Azure Emperor (Cang Di, Ruler of the East). These individuals have a bluish complexion, small heads, long faces, broad shoulders and backs, straight bodies, and small hands and feet. They are talented, mentally laborious, physically weak, prone to worry, and diligent in affairs. They can adapt to Spring and Summer but not to Autumn and Winter; if they contract pathogens in Autumn and Winter, they become ill. The Qi and Blood state of the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian manifests as "Tuotuo ran" (leisurely and composed). Taijue individuals correspond to the Left Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, where the upper part of the Shaoyang meridian shows a state of "Yiyi ran" (abundant). Zuojue individuals correspond to the Right Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, where the lower part shows a state of "Suisui ran" (compliant). [Text missing] individuals correspond to the Right Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, where the upper part shows a state of "Tuitui ran" (solid). Panjue individuals correspond to the Left Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, where the lower part shows a state of "Kuokuo ran" (restrained).

Fire-type individuals correspond to the upper Zhi pitch, resembling the Red Emperor (Chi Di, Ruler of the South). These individuals have a reddish complexion, broad and pointed faces (Note: 'Tuo' is suspected to be 'Rui', meaning sharp/pointed), small heads, full shoulders, backs, thighs, and abdomen, and small hands and feet. They walk steadily but have an anxious heart; when walking, their shoulders and backs sway. Their muscles are full, they possess momentum, disdain wealth, have little trustworthiness, think much, see things clearly, like to adorn themselves, have urgent temperaments, short lifespans, and may die suddenly. They can adapt to Spring and Summer but not to Autumn and Winter; if they contract pathogens in Autumn and Winter, they become ill. The Qi and Blood state of the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian manifests as "Hehe ran" (firm and tight). Zhizhi individuals correspond to the Left Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, where the upper part of the Taiyang meridian shows a state of "Jiji ran" (plump). Shaozhi individuals correspond to the Right Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, where the lower part shows a state of "[Missing Character] ran". Youzhi individuals correspond to the Right Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, where the upper part shows a state of "Jiaojiao ran" (interlaced). Zhipan individuals correspond to the Left Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, where the lower part shows a state of "Zhi zhi yi yi ran" (supporting and comfortable).

Earth-type individuals correspond to the upper Gong pitch, resembling the Yellow Emperor of Antiquity. These individuals have a yellowish complexion, round faces, large heads, beautiful shoulders and backs, large abdomens, developed thighs and calves, small hands and feet, abundant flesh, and proportional upper and lower bodies. They walk steadily and lift their feet lightly. Their minds are calm, they like to benefit others, dislike power, and are good at attaching themselves to others. They can adapt to Autumn and Winter but not to Spring and Summer; if they contract pathogens in Spring and Summer, they become ill. The Qi and Blood state of the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian manifests as "Dundun ran" (thick and solid). Taigong individuals correspond to the Left Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, where the upper part of the Yangming meridian shows a state of "Wanwan ran" (gentle). Jiagong individuals correspond to the Left Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, where the lower part shows a state of "Kankan ran" (undulating). Shaogong individuals correspond to the Right Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, where the upper part shows a state of "Shushu ran" (pivotal). Zuogong individuals correspond to the Right Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, where the lower part shows a state of "Wuwu ran" (lofty).

Metal-type individuals correspond to the upper Shang pitch, resembling the White Emperor (Bai Di, Ruler of the West). These individuals have square faces, white complexions, small heads, small shoulders and backs, small abdomens, and small hands and feet. Their hands and feet are thin, appearing like exposed bones (Note: 'Ru Gu Fa' means limbs are thin like bone supports); their lateral malleoli are thin without flesh, and their heels are hollow (Note: 'Zhong Wai Gu Qing' means the posterior lateral malleolus is thin without flesh and the heel is empty). They are clean and upright, have anxious hearts, appear fierce when quiet, and are good at serving as officials. They can adapt to Autumn and Winter but not to Spring and Summer; if they contract pathogens in Spring and Summer, they become ill. The Qi and Blood state of the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian manifests as "Dundun ran". [Text missing] Shang individuals correspond to the Left Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, where the upper part of the Yangming meridian shows a state of "Lianlian ran" (clear and austere). Youshang individuals correspond to the Left Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, where the lower part shows a state of "Tuotuo ran" (smooth). Zuoshang individuals correspond to the Right Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, where the upper part shows a state of "Jianjian ran" (supervisory). Shaoshang individuals correspond to the Right Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, where the lower part shows a state of "Yanyan ran" (solemn).

Water-type individuals correspond to the upper Yu pitch, resembling the Black Emperor (Hei Di, Ruler of the North). These individuals have black complexions, uneven faces, large heads, pointed chins, small shoulders, large abdomens, erect hair on hands and feet when moving, swaying bodies when walking, long sacra, and drooping backs. They do not fear reverence, are good at deceiving people, and may die by execution. They can adapt to Autumn and Winter but not to Spring and Summer; if they contract pathogens in Spring and Summer, they become ill. The Qi and Blood state of the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian manifests as "Hanhan ran" (flowing). Taiyu individuals correspond to the Right Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, where the upper part of the Taiyang meridian shows a state of "Jiajia ran" (full-cheeked). Shaoyu individuals correspond to the Left Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, where the lower part shows a state of "Yuyuran" (twisting). Zhong individuals correspond to the Right Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, where the lower part shows a state of "[Missing Character] ran". Zhi individuals correspond to the Left Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, where the upper part shows a state of "An'an ran" (stable).

Thus, the five forms each have twenty-five variations; this is why the masses find them difficult to distinguish. (Note: "Xiang Qi" means difficult to distinguish.) Huangdi asked: If one obtains the form but not the corresponding color, what happens? Qibo replied: When form overcomes color (excess form, deficient color) or color overcomes form (excess color, deficient form), upon reaching the controlling time and year addition, contracting pathogens leads to illness; improper conduct leads to worry. (Note: Contracting pathogens causes illness; improper conduct leads to loss and worry; improper conduct refers to committing illicit acts.) When form and color are harmonious, one enjoys wealth, honor, and great joy. Huangdi asked: Can the times when form and color overcome each other, combined with year calculations, be known? Qibo replied: For all annual taboos (Nian Ji), for the various people described above (the aforementioned Yang upper and lower types), the major taboos occur at ages seven, sixteen, twenty-five, thirty-four, forty-three, fifty-two, and sixty-one. These are major taboos for humans and require self-restraint. At these times, if one contracts pathogens, illness ensues; if one conducts oneself improperly, worry arises. During these periods, one must not commit illicit acts. This is called the Annual Taboo.

Huangdi asked: Regarding what you said about the pulse up and down, the indications of blood and Qi, to understand form and Qi, how does it work? Qibo replied: In the upper part of the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, if blood and Qi are abundant, the beard is beautiful and long; if blood is scant and Qi is abundant, the beard is short; thus, if Qi is scant and blood is abundant, the beard is sparse; if both blood and Qi are scant, there is no beard, and many lines appear at the corners of the mouth. In the lower part of the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, if blood and Qi are abundant, pubic hair is beautiful and long, extending to the chest; if blood is abundant and Qi is scant, pubic hair is beautiful and short, extending only to the navel; walking involves high lifting of the feet, toes have little flesh, and feet tend to be cold; if blood is scant and Qi is abundant, muscles atrophy and chilblains occur easily; if both blood and Qi are scant, there is no hair, or if present, it is sparse, withered, and fragile, prone to Wei syndrome, Jue syndrome, and foot Bi syndrome. In the upper part of the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, if blood and Qi are abundant, the sideburns are beautiful and long; if blood is abundant and Qi is scant, sideburns are beautiful and short; if blood is scant and Qi is abundant, sideburns are few; if both blood and Qi are scant, there are no sideburns. Contracting Cold-Dampness leads to Bi syndrome, bone pain, and dry nails. In the lower part of the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, if blood and Qi are abundant, leg hair is beautiful and long, and the lateral malleolus is fleshy; if blood is abundant and Qi is scant, leg hair is beautiful and short, and the skin of the lateral malleolus is thick and hard; if blood is scant and Qi is abundant, fine hair is scarce, and the skin of the lateral malleolus is thin and soft; if both blood and Qi are scant, there is no fine hair, and the lateral malleolus is thin without flesh. In the upper part of the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, if blood and Qi are abundant, eyebrows are beautiful with terminal hairs; if blood is abundant and Qi is scant, eyebrows are ugly, and the face has many wrinkles; if blood is scant and Qi is abundant, the face is fleshy; if blood and Qi are harmonious, the complexion is beautiful. In the lower part of the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, if blood and Qi are abundant, the heel flesh is full, and the heel is firm; if Qi is scant and blood is abundant, the heel is thin and hollow; if both blood and Qi are scant, cramps occur easily, and pain appears under the heel. In the upper part of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, if blood and Qi are abundant, the mustache is beautiful; if blood is scant and Qi is abundant, the mustache is ugly; if both blood and Qi are scant, there is no mustache. In the lower part of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, if blood and Qi are abundant, axillary hair is beautiful; if both blood and Qi are scant, the hand is thin and cold. In the upper part of the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, if blood and Qi are abundant, eyebrows are beautiful and long, and the ears have a good color; if both blood and Qi are scant, the ears are scorched and have a poor color. In the lower part of the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, if blood and Qi are abundant, the hand is curled, fleshy, and warm; if both blood and Qi are scant, the hand is cold and thin; if Qi is scant and blood is abundant, the hand is thin with prominent veins. In the upper part of the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, if blood and Qi are abundant, there is much facial hair, and the face is fleshy and flat; if both blood and Qi are scant, the face is thin and the complexion is poor. In the lower part of the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, if blood and Qi are abundant, the palm flesh is full; if both blood and Qi are scant, the palm is thin and cold.

Huangdi asked: For these twenty-five types of people, is there a rule for acupuncture? Qibo replied: Those with beautiful eyebrows indicate abundant blood and Qi in the Foot Taiyang meridian; those with ugly eyebrows indicate scant blood and Qi. Those who are fat and lustrous have excess blood and Qi; those who are fat but not lustrous have excess Qi but deficient blood; those who are thin and not lustrous have deficiency of both blood and Qi. Carefully examine whether their form and Qi are in excess or deficiency and regulate them accordingly, and one can know the favorable and unfavorable patterns. Huangdi asked: How should one needle the various Yin and Yang meridians? Qibo replied: Palpate the Cunkou and Renying pulses to regulate Yin and Yang. Trace the meridians; if there is stagnation, obstruction, or blockage, this manifests in the body as Tong Bi (painful obstruction), and in severe cases, movement is impaired, hence termed stagnation. For stagnation, promote Qi to warm it until the blood becomes harmonious, then stop. For blocked collaterals, the pulse is knotted, and blood is unharmonious; pierce them to restore flow. Thus, it is said: For Qi in excess above, guide it downward; for Qi deficient above, push and elevate it (Note: 'Xiu' is suspected to be an error; *Guan Neng* chapter reads 'push and elevate'). For Qi that lingers and does not arrive, meet it with the needle. One must be clear about the meridians to master this. For Cold and Heat struggling, guide its flow. For accumulated stale blood that is not knotted, needle laterally to release it. One must first clearly understand the twenty-five types of people to know the location of blood and Qi, thus completing the rules for needling left, right, above, and below.

The text narrates the forms of the twenty-five people and constrains them with annual taboos; it narrates the correspondence of blood and Qi abundance and scarcity and concludes with needling methods. The layers are orderly, and the energy flows continuously. Although there is much listing in between, the spirit of the writing is like treading on air, advancing fiercely and without hindrance, possessing the joy of free wandering.