Library

I have heard it recorded in the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon): When a girl reaches seven years of age, her Kidney Qi (vital energy of the kidneys) becomes abundant, her teeth change, and her hair grows. At fourteen years old (two times seven), Tian Gui (a subtle substance promoting reproductive maturity) arrives, the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) becomes unobstructed, and the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) becomes vigorous, causing menstruation to occur on time. The term "Tian" refers to Tian Zhen Qi (innate true qi); "Gui" refers to the water of Ren and Gui. Ren belongs to Yang Water, and Gui belongs to Yin Water. The qi of yin and yang converges at the Chong and Ren vessels. Generally, the Chong Mai is considered the Sea of Blood, and the Ren Mai governs the fetus. As the fetal vessels circulate freely and menstrual blood gradually fills up, it flows down on schedule, with Tian Zhen Qi descending to cooperate with it; thus it is called Tian Gui. Typically, menstruation occurs once every thirty days, symbolizing that when the moon is full, it begins to wane; hence it is also called Yue Xin (monthly trust/regularity). If one exerts oneself excessively, engages in sexual intercourse too frequently, or consumes overly drying foods, causing evil fire to move recklessly and depleting body fluids and blood, this is called Blood Deficiency (Blood Withering). If one suffers from fright or anger (fright causes qi chaos, leading to irregular menstruation; anger causes qi rebellion upward, leading to bleeding from the mouth or nose), then qi and blood become disordered. If qi rebels upward, bleeding occurs from the mouth or nose, transforming into hematemesis or epistaxis. If qi rebels within the body, it contends with water-qi, transforming into swelling. If qi rebels between the waist, legs, heart, and abdomen, severe pain ensues without peace; it manifests during menstruation and resolves after the period passes. If it overflows into the Yang meridians, symptoms such as dizziness, vomiting blood, scrofula, and carbuncles appear. If it infiltrates the Yin collaterals, sores arise in the orifices, dripping continuously; damp-heat contend, resulting in metrorrhagia and leukorrhea. When qi and blood stagnate mutually, masses (Zhang Jia) form. All these myriad variations of symptoms are merely due to either Blood Stasis or Blood Deficiency. The onset may be slight as an autumn feather, but the resulting disease can be heavy as a mountain; how can one not revere this? According to analysis, for girls before menarche, the condition belongs to the Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) stage; after menarche, it belongs to the Jueyin (Terminal Yin) stage; and when Tian Gui is exhausted, it belongs to the Taiyin (Greater Yin) stage. These three constitute the source of ancestral qi transformation. Therefore, the root of blood lies in the Kidney, its generation relies on the Spleen, and its storage returns to the Liver. These three are equally important, forming the congenital structure. Regarding postnatal function, particular emphasis is placed on the Spleen Meridian: the Middle Jiao receives qi from food and drink, extracts juices, transforms them into red fluid, which is blood. Blood is the essence of grain and water, harmonizing the Five Zang organs and distributing to the Six Fu organs. In men, it transforms into essence; in women, it goes upward to become milk and downward to become menstrual water. Thus, although the Heart governs blood and the Liver stores blood, both are controlled by the Spleen. By tonifying the Spleen and harmonizing the Stomach, blood will naturally generate. During menstruation, cold-natured and acrid-dispersing drugs must be prohibited to avoid damaging the generating qi. The poem states: "A woman who is peaceful and harmonious finds joy and bears children." Harmony ensures yin and yang do not conflict; balance ensures qi and blood do not struggle, allowing Tian Gui to descend on time.