Library

Anterior View of Bone Measurements\ps98a3.bmp\r
Posterior View of Bone Measurements\ps98a4.bmp\r

Corrected Diagram of Internal Organs\ps98a5.bmp\r
The Heart is connected through fourteen vertebral segments. Beside the fourteenth segment lies the "Xiao Xin" (Small Heart, referring to the pericardium or Mingmen-related area), as the Kidneys are connected below the fourteenth vertebra, counting upwards also spans seven segments.
The *Huangdi Neijing* does not mention the term "Mingmen" (Gate of Life). The concept originates from Bian Que's (*Yue Ren*) *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues), Chapter 36, which states that there are two kidneys: the left is the Kidney, and the right is the Mingmen. In men, it stores essence; in women, it connects to the uterus. If the right kidney stores male essence, what does the left kidney store? Why is the female uterus exclusively attached to the right? Actually, the Mingmen is located between the two kidneys, not biased to the right; it serves as the gateway to the uterus in women. The uterus is the mansion where the Kidneys store essence, situated between the Guanyuan (Passport) and Qihai (Sea of Qi) acupoints. Male essence and female blood gather here, constituting the primordial True One Qi, also known as the True Yang within the Kan trigram. It is the source of bio-transformation for the whole body, located between the two kidneys and cannot be biased to the right. The two kidneys belong to Water, having Yin and Yang distinctions, while the Mingmen belongs to Fire, situated among the lower orifices. The *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic) associates the Kidney pulse with both Chi positions, but it should be stated that the Left Chi governs True Yin, and the Right Chi governs True Yang. The Mingmen is the root of Yang Qi, accompanying the Sanjiao Ministerial Fire, thus manifesting together at the Right Chi position. To claim that the Left governs the Kidney and the Right is the Mingmen is a falsehood passed down for millennia.
Both the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) originate from the Bao Zhong (Uterus/Center of the Womb) and ascend along the interior of the spine, i.e., the uterus. This is the place where men store essence, and only in women does conception occur here, hence named Bao. Old diagrams depicted the spermatic duct running along the spine, passing the anus, lacking images of the uterus and Mingmen, all of which are errors. These are now corrected.
The Lung is the Official of the Chancellor, from whom governance and regulation arise. It is the source of generating Zong Qi (Gathering Qi). Its shape hangs downwards, attaching to the third thoracic vertebra of the spine. Inside, there are twenty-four hollows arranged in rows to distribute Qi to the various organs. It is the chief of the Zang organs, the source of vital Qi, and the canopy covering the Heart. This meridian has abundant Qi and scarce Blood. It corresponds to the skin, its luster manifests in the hair, and it opens into the nose. The *Nan Jing* states: The Lung weighs three jin and three liang, has six leaves and two ears, totaling eight leaves, and houses the Po (Corporeal Soul). The lung lobes are white and translucent, called the Huagai (Imperial Canopy) because they cover the other organs. Internally, they are hollow like a honeycomb. There are no perforations at the bottom; inhalation fills them, exhalation empties them. Breathing occurs naturally, managing the transport and transformation of clear and turbid substances, serving as the bellows of the human body. At Yin hour (03:00–05:00), Qi and Blood flow into the Lung.
\rLung Diagram\ps98a6.bmp\r
The Lung, meaning "Market," is the place where all vessels converge. When food and drink enter the Stomach, they do not stay solely in the lower pathway but move humbly upward to converge at the Lung. The Lung is the great pathway, descending to nourish and illuminating all things.
The Large Intestine is the Official of Transmission, from whom changes and elimination arise. It receives waste from the upper Stomach organ and transports it downward to the Guang Chang (Broad Intestine). When old grain exits, new grain can enter. Hence, the character "Yi" implies movement from within. Yi also means smooth passage, facilitating the channel for water and grain. The Hui Chang (Returning Intestine) is level with the umbilicus, looping left sixteen times, four cun wide, one and a half cun in diameter, two zhang one chi long, holding one dou of grain and seven sheng and a half of water. The Guang Chang attaches to the spine to receive the Hui Chang; it is the path for eliminating dregs and filth, eight cun wide, two cun in diameter, plus another half cun, two chi eight cun long, holding nine sheng and seven-eighths of a sheng of grain. This meridian has abundant Qi and abundant Blood. The *Nan Jing* states: The Large Intestine weighs two jin and twelve liang; the anus weighs twelve liang. Note: Hui Chang is so named because it loops and overlaps; Guang Chang is the larger part of the Hui Chang; the Zhi Chang (Straight Intestine) is the terminal section of the Guang Chang, connecting below to the anus, called the Grain Gate, also known as the Po Men (Gate of Po). Collectively, these constitute the Large Intestine.
At Mao hour (05:00–07:00), Qi and Blood flow into the Large Intestine.
The Stomach is the Official of the Granary, from whom the Five Flavors emerge. It is the Sea of Water, Grain, Qi, and Blood. The Stomach is one chi five cun wide, two cun in diameter, two chi six cun long, horizontally curved to hold three dou and five sheng of water and grain. Typically, it retains two dou of grain and one dou and five sheng of water when full. This meridian has abundant Qi and abundant Blood. The *Nan Jing* states: The Stomach weighs two jin and one liang. At Chen hour (07:00–09:00), Qi and Blood flow into the Stomach.
\rLarge Intestine Diagram\ps98a7.bmp\r
The upper opening of the Large Intestine is the lower opening of the Small Intestine.
\rStomach Diagram\ps98a8.bmp\r
The upper opening of the Stomach is called Ben Men (Gate of Ascending). The essence of food and drink is transported upward from here to the Spleen and Lung, disseminating through the various vessels. The Stomach, meaning "Gathering," is hailed as the Metropolis. All five flavors gather here; nothing is excluded. This reflects the principle that all things return to Earth.
The lower opening of the Stomach is the Small Intestine; its upper opening is called You Men (Gate of Seclusion).
The Spleen is the Official of the Granary, from whom the Five Flavors emerge. Its shape resembles a knife coin. It shares a membrane with the Stomach and attaches to the upper left aspect, below the eleventh thoracic vertebra. It moves upon hearing sound; this movement grinds the Stomach, governing transportation and transformation. It corresponds to the muscles, its luster manifests in the lips, and it opens into the ears. This meridian has abundant Qi and scarce Blood. The *Nan Jing* states: The Spleen weighs two jin and three liang, is three cun broad and flat, five cun long, with half a jin of scattered paste. It wraps Blood, warms the five Zang organs, and houses Yi (Intellect) and Zhi (Willpower). Hua Shi said: It covers the Tai Cang (Great Granary). Hua Yuanhua (Hua Tuo) said: The Spleen digests the five grains and nourishes the four peripheries. At Si hour (09:00–11:00), Qi and Blood flow into the Spleen.
\rSpleen Diagram\ps98a9.bmp\r
The lost chapter *Ci Fa Lun* states: The Spleen is the Official of Remonstrance, from whom comprehensive knowledge arises.
Spleen, meaning "Low/Humble." It lies below the Stomach, assisting Stomach Qi to transform grain. Spleen and Stomach belong to Earth, both containing the character "Tian" (Field). The Stomach is central, just as the Tian character is centered; the Spleen is on the right, just as the Tian character is slightly offset to the right.
Regarding the Xin Bao Luo (Pericardium Meridian), the *Nan Jing* claims it is formless. Hua Borén (Hua Shou) stated: The Pericardium, also called Shou Xin, is defined by its visceral manifestation. Examining its location, it is below the Heart, above the transverse diaphragm, and below the vertical diaphragm. The part adhering to the transverse diaphragm and wrapped in yellow fat is the Heart itself. Outside this fat layer, fine fibrous membranes like silk connect to the Heart and Lungs; this is the Pericardium. This view is correct; claiming it is formless is incorrect. Furthermore, reviewing the *Ling Lan Mi Dian Lun*, "Among the Twelve Officials, only the Pericardium is missing, yet many refer to Dan Zhong... The Official of Envoy, from whom joy and pleasure arise." Current research shows the Pericardium resides above the diaphragm, its meridian begins in the chest, precisely at the location of Dan Zhong. Positioned above the Prime Minister, it acts on behalf of the Sovereign, serving as a noble envoy. This official is undoubtedly the Pericardium. At Xu hour (19:00–21:00), Qi and Blood flow into the Pericardium.
\rPericardium Diagram\ps98a10.bmp\r
The Pericardium protects the Master of the Heart, preventing turbid Qi from interfering, much like a city wall protecting a monarch.
The Heart is the Official of the Sovereign, from whom Shen (Spirit/Mind) arises. The Heart lies below the pulmonary tube, above the diaphragm, attaching to the fifth thoracic vertebra of the spine. This meridian typically has scarce Blood and abundant Qi. It corresponds to the vessels, its luster manifests in complexion, and it opens into the tongue. The *Nan Jing* states: The Heart weighs twelve liang, contains seven holes and three hairs, holds three he of essence and sweat, and houses Shen. The Heart is pointed and round, shaped like a lotus stamen. It has orifices of varying numbers to guide the arrival of True Qi. There are no perforations at the bottom, but it connects to the tongue at the top. It has four connections to communicate with the four Zang organs. Outside the Heart is red-yellow wrapping fat, which is the Pericardium. Below the Heart is a diaphragm rotating around the spine and ribs, adhering and shielding, preventing turbid Qi from steaming upward to harm the Heart and Lungs. At Wu hour (11:00–13:00), Qi and Blood flow into the Heart.
\rHeart Diagram\ps98a11.bmp\r
Heart, meaning "Awake/Vigilant." It signifies that when Heart Qi is vigorous, it vigilantly operates the Shen. Zhi Yan says: Heart, meaning "Deep." It signifies residing high and still, with Ministerial Fire acting on its behalf.
The Small Intestine is the Official of Reception and Fulfillment, from whom transformation arises. It attaches posteriorly to the spine and anteriorly to above the umbilicus, looping left sixteen times. It is two cun and a half wide, eight fen in diameter, plus a fraction of a fen, two zhang two chi long. It holds two dou and four sheng of grain, and six sheng and three he of water (major portion). The upper opening of the Small Intestine is two cun above the umbilicus, near the spine, where water and grain enter. One cun below this, attaching externally to the umbilicus, is the Fen Shui (Water Separation) acupoint. At the lower opening of the Small Intestine, clear and turbid substances are separated here. Fluids seep into the Bladder, while dregs and filth enter the Large Intestine. This meridian has abundant Blood and scarce Qi. The *Nan Jing* states: It weighs two jin and fourteen liang. At Wei hour (13:00–15:00), Qi and Blood flow into the Small Intestine.
\rSmall Intestine Diagram\ps98a12.bmp\r
The upper opening of the Small Intestine is the lower opening of the Stomach.
The lower opening of the Small Intestine is the upper opening of the Large Intestine, named Lan Men (Lantern Gate).
The Bladder is the Official of the Prefecture, where Jin Ye (Body Fluids) are stored. Only through Qi transformation can they be excreted. The Bladder is level with the nineteenth thoracic vertebra, situated below the Kidneys and anterior to the Large Intestine. It has a lower opening but no upper opening. It is located one cun above the umbilicus, at the Fen Shui acupoint, which is the lower opening of the Small Intestine and the upper boundary of the Bladder. Fluids separate here and return, seeping in according to Qi transformation. Their entry and exit depend entirely on Qi transformation. If entering Qi fails to transform, water returns to the Large Intestine, causing diarrhea. If exiting Qi fails to transform, the lower orifice becomes blocked, causing strangury and edema. Later texts claiming it has an upper opening but no lower opening, or both upper and lower openings, are incorrect. This meridian has abundant Blood and scarce Qi. The *Nan Jing* states: The Bladder weighs nine liang and two qian, is nine cun long and wide, holds nine sheng and nine he of urine, and the opening is two cun and a half wide. At Shen hour (15:00–17:00), Qi and Blood flow into the Bladder.
\rBladder Diagram\ps98a13.bmp\r
It connects inferiorly to the anterior yin, the exit for urine.
Bladder, implying it lies transversely beside the anterior yin to conduct water. Guang implies its texture is thin and transparent. Together, it is empty internally yet solid externally, connecting laterally to the water pathways. The whole body is loose and void, capable of storing water, gradually soaking and seeping into the Bao (Womb/Bladder sac). When full, urine is expelled.
The Kidney is the Official of Strength and Ingenuity, from whom skills and techniques arise. The Kidney attaches below the fourteenth thoracic vertebra of the spine. This meridian typically has scarce Blood and abundant Qi. It corresponds to bone, its luster manifests in hair, and it opens into the two lower orifices. The *Nan Jing* states: There are two Kidneys, weighing one jin and two liang, storing Essence and Zhi (Willpower). Hua Yuanhua (Hua Tuo) said: The Kidney is the residence of Spirit and the root of life. The two Kidneys are shaped like adzuki beans joined together, curving to attach to the paravertebral muscles on both sides of the spine, each about one cun and five fen apart. They are wrapped externally in yellow fat, each with two ligaments. The upper ligament connects to the Heart; the lower ligament trends toward the large bone below the spine. At the end of the spinal column, about half a hand's length, there are two acupoints, locations of the Kidney meridian and Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel). They ascend to marrow, reach the brain, and connect to the Sea of Marrow. At You hour (17:00–19:00), Qi and Blood flow into the Kidney.
\rKidney Diagram\ps98a14.bmp\r
Kidney, meaning "Bear/Support." It governs bone and bears the affairs of the body, so strength and weakness depend on it. The *Jia Yi Jing* states: Kidney, meaning "Guide." It guides Qi to penetrate the bone marrow. Wei Yan said: Kidney, meaning "Spirit." It wondrously speaks of all things.
Mingmen is in the center, with the two Kidneys opening and closing left and right, just like a door bolt in a gate. Hence it is called Mingmen. One Yang lies between two Yins, forming the Kan trigram. In stillness, it closes, nurturing the True Water of Yin. In motion, it opens, stirring the Ministerial Fire of Dragon and Thunder. Stillness is the root of Yang; Yin is the foundation of Yang.
The Gallbladder is the Official of Uprightness, from whom decision-making arises. The *Nan Jing* states: The Gallbladder is between the short lobes of the Liver, weighing three liang and three zhu, two cun long, holding three he of bile juice. It has the color of water and metal essence, with no openings for entry or exit. Unlike the six Fu organs that transmit and transform, it is a Clear Fu organ. It receives the Qi of Water, sharing the position of Kan. Tears flow when sad because Water is boiled by Fire, and Yin follows Yang. This meridian has abundant Blood and scarce Qi. Hua Yuanhua (Hua Tuo) said: The Gallbladder is the Middle-Clear Fu organ, titled General, storing without draining. At Zi hour (23:00–01:00), Qi and Blood flow into the Gallbladder.
\rGallbladder Diagram\ps98a15.bmp\r
The *Liu Jie Zang Xiang Lun* states: All eleven Zang organs depend on the Gallbladder.
Gallbladder, meaning "Bear/Shoulder." Like a person who is upright, selfless, powerful, and capable of bearing responsibility. Wei Yan said: Gallbladder, meaning "Bear." It is a Clear Fu organ, receiving and transmitting nothing, remaining calm and indifferent.
The Liver is the Official of the General, from whom strategy and deliberation arise. The Liver resides below the diaphragm, adjacent to the Stomach and attaching to the ninth thoracic vertebra of the spine. This meridian has abundant Blood and scarce Qi. It corresponds to tendons, its luster manifests in the nails, houses Hun (Ethereal Soul), opens into the eyes, its connections link superiorly to the Heart and Lungs, and inferiorly have no orifice. The *Nan Jing* states: The Liver weighs four jin and four liang, has three leaves on the left and four on the right, totaling seven leaves. Hua Shi said: As a Zang organ, its therapeutic focus is on the left. Its physical location is in the left hypochondrium, anterior to the left Kidney, adjacent to the Stomach and attaching to the ninth thoracic vertebra of the spine. At Chou hour (01:00–03:00), Qi and Blood flow into the Liver.
\rLiver Diagram\ps98a16.bmp\r
Liver, meaning "Dry/Invade." Its nature is dynamic rather than static, prone to invading other Zang organs.
The Sanjiao (Triple Burner) is the Official of Ditches, from whom waterways arise. This meridian has scarce Blood and abundant Qi.
The *Zhong Zang Jing* states: The Sanjiao is the Yuan Qi (Primal Qi) of the Three Origins. It governs ascending, descending, entering, and exiting, leading all five Zang and six Fu organs, Ying and Wei, meridians, and Qi inside and outside, left and right, above and below. When the Sanjiao is unobstructed, everything inside and outside, left and right, above and below is unobstructed. It irrigates the whole body, harmonizes internal and external, nourishes left and right, directs upward and facilitates downward. It is hailed as the Middle-Clear Fu organ, surpassing all others in magnitude. Its color is most red, protecting all Yang. It is not formless nor merely a name. At Hai hour (21:00–23:00), Qi and Blood flow into the Sanjiao.
\rSanjiao Diagram\ps98a17.bmp\r