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The function of Yang Qi is to nourish the Shen (Spirit) when it is pure and refined, and to moisten the sinews when it is soft and gentle. The purity of Yang is like the sun, bright and penetrating, thus nourishing the Shen; the gentleness of Yang is like the harmonious and smooth scenery of spring.

The movement of the sun and moon does not deviate from its path; the operation of the pivot mechanism does not leave its position; the activity of Yang Qi does not lose its proper place. Therefore it is said: One's mental state should be as natural and flowing as the turning of a door pivot. If daily life and rest are disturbed by alarm or agitation, the Shen Qi will become floating and scattered. It is also said: Yang Qi is like the sky and the sun; if it loses its proper place, longevity is shortened and brilliance is obscured.

Yang Qi corresponds to the Qi of Heaven; Yin Qi corresponds to the Qi of Earth. If the Qi of Heaven is not properly regulated, the Qi of Earth will ascend to interfere. Therefore it is said: If Yang Qi is blocked and closed, the Qi of Earth will invade upwards. Clouds and mist arise from the earth, while rain and dew descend from heaven. If the Qi of Earth is not properly regulated, the Qi of Heaven cannot transform. Therefore it is said: If clouds and mist are not clear and pure, white dew will not descend from above. Generally speaking, the Yin and Yang of Heaven and Earth originate from one Qi. If Yang fails, Yin cannot form independently; if Yin fails, Yang cannot transform independently. This is the way of nature. Humans are in correspondence with Heaven and Earth. Thus, the Lung corresponds to Heaven, and disease often affects the two lower orifices; the Large Intestine and Small Intestine correspond to Earth, and disease often affects the upper orifices. Zhang Zhongjing used Dahuang Gancao Tang (Rhubarb and Licorice Decoction) to treat vomiting immediately after eating. Zhu Danxi used the emetic method to treat urinary retention. Is this not due to an understanding of these principles?

Spring Qi is the initial ascending Qi of Shaoyang (Lesser Yang). If Yang is in the process of ascending but is suppressed, and the generating Qi cannot penetrate through, the Zang Qi will deteriorate internally, similar to how wood rots when stagnant. Therefore it is said: Violating the Qi of Spring results in the failure of Shao Qi (Vital Qi) to generate, and internal alteration of Liver Qi.

Summer is the season of vigorous growth; the Heart belongs to Taiyang (Greater Yang). If the Qi of Summer does not grow, Heart Qi will not be sufficient; if insufficient, the interior becomes empty like a cave. Therefore it is said: Violating the Qi of Summer results in the failure of Taiyang to grow, and emptiness within the Heart Qi.

Autumn Qi should receive and converge, but if it instead leaks, and the True Qi of Autumn fails to gather, Dryness pathogen attacks instead. The transformation of clarity and肃 (desiccation/clearing) turns into a transformation of stagnation and heat. Therefore it is said: Violating the Qi of Autumn results in the failure of Taiyin (Lung/Spleen system context here implies Lung's descending/receiving function) to receive, leading to dryness and fullness in Lung Qi. "Dryness and fullness" refers to irritability and distension.

Winter Qi should store and hide, but if it does not, the Jing Qi of Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) does not return, and the Zang Qi of the Kidney sinks alone. This is what the Zuo Zhuan describes as "disordered Qi causing swollen vessels, outwardly strong but inwardly depleted." Therefore it is said: Violating the Qi of Winter results in the failure of Shaoyin to store, and the Kidney Qi sinking alone.