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Beyond heretical theories, there are deceptive studies and studies based on hearsay. What is a deceptive study? It involves indulging in high-flown talk and bizarre arguments to shock people's ears; or plagiarizing the words of predecessors to display erudition. The practitioners themselves know full well that they do not understand at all, but merely estimate that others will not be able to examine it deeply. This is what is called a deceptive study.

What is a study based on hearsay? It involves stealing snippets of others' discussions or casually reading ancient books, memorizing only a few sentences, and then confidently believing that one has grasped their secrets. They speak loudly and shamelessly to mobilize the masses, which is what is meant by "hearsay." For example, the so-called Si Tian Yun Qi (Si Tian and Yun Qi theory, dealing with the influence of climatic factors on disease) discussed by recent scholars falls into this category. Their understanding of Si Tian Yun Qi is that whatever Qi governs the Si Tian (the ruling climatic factor of the first half of the year), the people in that year should suffer from corresponding diseases. For instance, if Jue Yin (Jueyin Wind-Wood) governs Si Tian, and Wind Qi dominates, then all diseases in that year should be treated as Wind disorders. Such discussions constitute hearsay.

In fact, the theory of Si Tian Yun Qi was merely stated by the Yellow Emperor to illustrate the principle of correspondence between Heaven and humanity. Its verification first manifests in the pulse. Whenever Shao Yin (Shaoyin Fire-Heart) governs Si Tian, the Cun Kou (Cunkou pulse position at the radial artery) on both hands will not respond (be imperceptible). When Jue Yin governs Si Tian, the right Cun pulse will not respond. When Tai Yin (Taiyin Earth-Spleen) governs Si Tian, the left Cun pulse will not respond. Regarding Zai Quan (Zai Quan, the ruling climatic factor of the second half of the year), the Chi pulses (Chi pulse positions) will not respond, similarly. If the pulse does not show the expected non-response when it should, or if the disease presentation contradicts the pulse, death ensues; this is one method of pulse diagnosis. As for diseases, one must observe whether the annual Sui Qi (Annual Qi) is excessive (Sheng) or deficient. For example, if Jue Yin governs Si Tian and Wind Qi is excessively prevalent, the people may suffer from symptoms such as heart pain and hypochondriac fullness. However, even if Wind Qi is excessive that year, if the people contract other diseases, these cannot simply be attributed to Wind excess. Conversely, if Wind Qi is not excessive that year, treatment should not target Wind.

The Classic further states: Below Xiang Huo (Ministerial Fire), Water Qi acts upon it; below Water position, Fire Qi acts upon it. This applies to the victory and revenge of all five Qi. This is the principle of "Excess leads to harm, succession leads to control." Even if there is indeed an excessive Qi, there is always a controlling Qi acting against it, which is contrary to the Si Tian Qi. It is also stated: From the First Qi to the end of the Third Qi, the Heavenly Qi (Si Tian Qi) governs, which is the normal state of victory; from the Fourth Qi to the end of the Final Qi, the Earthly Qi (Zai Quan Qi) governs, which is the normal state of revenge. There is revenge only if there is victory; otherwise, there is none. Thus, the first half of the year belongs to Si Tian, and the second half to Zai Quan. Within this, there are distinctions of victory and deficiency, making the diseases even more indeterminate.

It is also stated: When Jue Yin governs Si Tian, the left side is Shao Yin and the right side is Tai Yang, referred to as the Left Interstitial Qi and Right Interstitial Qi. All six Qi have left and right interstitial Qi, each governing for sixty days. Thus, within a year, there is another cycle of six Qi taking turns as rulers. Additionally, there are reversals due to Nan Zheng (Southern Administration) and Bei Zheng (Northern Administration), irregularities in Tian Fu (Heavenly Match), Sui Hui (Yearly Assembly), and San He (Triple Combination), and differences in Qi of excess and deficiency. To distinguish and analyze these clearly would take a whole year without exhausting their profundity. The sages of old merely stated that the Qi of Heaven and Earth operates and rotates in this manner. How could human diseases correspond to every detail? Is it not permissible for someone to fall ill with other diseases within a year? Therefore, in treating the victory and revenge of annual Qi, the *Neijing* (Inner Canon) does not differentiate the specific causes of disease. In short, treat the disease as it presents itself. For example, if Wind Yin (Wind Pathogen) affects the interior, treat it with Acrid-Cool methods. Each of the Six Qi has simple and easy-to-follow treatment principles. It is also stated: Treat various victories and revenges; for Cold, use Heat; for Heat, use Cold; for Warmth, use Cooling; for Coolness, use Warming. Do not worry about the number of treatments, aim for balance. How standardized and uniform this is.

Regarding the Way of Yun Qi, those who discuss its profound aspects admit that even the sages had things they did not know. However, when applied practically, it is balanced, upright, and accessible to everyone. It is certainly not like what some modern physicians claim: that whatever Qi governs Si Tian produces exactly that disease. This stands in direct opposition to the flexible and dynamic methods found in the *Neijing*.