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I have heard that within the Three Yin and Three Yang meridians, there exists a "pivot" (Shu Ji). The term "pivot" is like the hinge of a door; it is the transitional mechanism for the opening and closing of Yin and Yang. The *Neijing* (Inner Canon) mentions two pivots: one states that Shaoyin is the pivot; the other states that Shaoyang is the pivot.

When Yin energy first arises, it is called Shaoyin (Lesser Yin), which is tender Yin. The Hand-Shaoyin meridian belongs to the Heart, and the Foot-Shaoyin meridian belongs to the Kidney. The Heart is the sovereign official of the human body, from which Shenming (Spirit/Mind) emerges. The Kidney is the place where Yin and Yang mutually root each other and the origin of Jingqi (Essence and Qi). Therefore, Shaoyin is the orifice through which Yang transforms into Yin, serving as the pivot of Yin.

From Shaoyin progresses to Taiyin (Greater Yin), and from Taiyin progresses to Jueyin (Terminal Yin). The classics state: "Taiyin is the Opening, Jueyin is the Closing." Generally speaking, the Spleen Earth of Taiyin, obtaining this pivot, scatters essence to ascend upwards; the Lung Metal of Taiyin, obtaining this pivot, distributes essence to descend downwards. Being able to ascend and descend, it is called "Opening."

Thereafter, the Pericardium of Jueyin, obtaining this pivot, generates Yin blood; the Liver Wood of Jueyin, obtaining this pivot, stores Yin blood. Being able to generate and store, it is called "Closing." Thus, the Opening and Closing of Taiyin and Jueyin are all silently operated by the pivot of Shaoyin.

Jueyin is the extreme of Yin. When Yin reaches its extreme, Yang is born, and Yin turns back into Yang. When Yang energy first arises, it is called Shaoyang (Lesser Yang), which is tender Yang. The Hand-Shaoyang meridian belongs to the Sanjiao (Triple Burner), and the Foot-Shaoyang meridian belongs to the Gallbladder. The Sanjiao possesses the fire of True Yang; its substance is void and moist, and its Qi is misty and pervasive. (Note: Jiao means heat. The heat Qi distributed throughout the cavity can unblock and regulate the water passages. According to theory, the Sanjiao originates from the right Kidney and serves as the mechanism for the transition from Yin to Yang between the Heart and Kidney, thus being the pivot of Yang.)

From Shaoyang progresses to Taiyang (Greater Yang), and from Taiyang progresses to Yangming (Bright Yang). The classics state: "Taiyang is the Opening, Yangming is the Closing." Generally speaking, the Urinary Bladder of Taiyang, obtaining this pivot, unblocks and regulates the water passages; the Small Intestine of Taiyang, obtaining this pivot, facilitates the transformation of food. Through regulation and transformation, it is called "Opening."

Thereafter, the Stomach of Yangming, obtaining this pivot, contains and accepts Yang Qi; the Large Intestine of Yangming, obtaining this pivot, collects and stores Yang Qi. Through containing/accepting and collecting/storing, it is called "Closing." Thus, the Opening and Closing of Taiyang and Yangming are all silently operated by the pivot of Shaoyang.

Yangming is the extreme of Yang. When Yang reaches its extreme, Yin is born, and Yang turns back into Yin. In this case, are not Shaoyin and Shaoyang the pivots of the entry and exit, opening and closing of Yin and Yang?

If this pivot becomes obstructed, the mechanism of entry and exit will stagnate; if the mechanism of entry and exit stagnates, the mechanism of opening and closing will become dysfunctional. If one can open but not close, diseases such as diarrhea will arise; if one can close but not open, diseases such as dysphagia (Yige) and constipation will arise.

Diseases originating from congenital factors begin in the Kidney, while diseases originating from acquired factors begin in the Spleen and Stomach. When the Spleen and Stomach are diseased, Earth fails to generate Metal, leading to the failure of Metal; when Metal fails, Water declines; when Water declines, Wood withers; when Wood withers, Fire blazes; when Fire blazes, Water dries up further; when Water dries up, Dragon Fire (Ministerial Fire arising from Kidney deficiency) rises; once Dragon Fire rises, Wind Fire, Thunder Fire, and Dryness Fire arise in succession, resulting in the entire body being dominated by Fire.

The arrival of this Fire is fundamentally due to the dysfunction of the pivot; the Fire represents Yang Qi escaping outward and failing to adhere to Yin. If one uses Cold-natured herbs to suppress it, the Fire will become even more fierce, and the Yuan Qi (Original Qi) will perish. Therefore, to ensure the smooth functioning of the pivot, it is imperative to use Warming-Moistening methods and Saline-Softening methods.

The treatment method should nourish Kidney Yin and gather Kidney Yang, because the Kidney is the zang organ where Water and Fire mutually root. Once Kidney Yin is sufficient, Water can control Fire; once Kidney Yang is solid, Qi can return to Essence. The treatment method should also nourish Liver Blood and diffuse Gallbladder Qi, because the Liver and Gallbladder belong to the Wood of East Zhen-Xun. The Yin fluid of Wood must not be depleted, and the Sheng Qi (Vitalizing Qi) of Wood must especially not be damaged. Understanding that Shaoyin and Shaoyang serve as pivots allows one to comprehend the therapeutic methods.