Library

Zhang Jingyue stated: "Er Yang" (Two Yangs) refers to the Yangming channel, which comprises the Stomach and Large Intestine meridians. However, both the Small and Large Intestines are subordinated to the Stomach. The Stomach and Heart share a mother-son relationship (with the Heart as the Mother and the Stomach as the Son). Excessive emotional desires originally damage the Heart; when the Mother is damaged, the harm extends to the Son. The Stomach and Spleen are exterior-interior partners. Laborious fatigue originally damages the Spleen; when Zang organs are diseased, they affect the Fu organs. Therefore, whether internally damaging Essence or externally damaging the Form, all can lead to disease in the Stomach. This is why diseases of Er Yang originate from the Heart and Spleen. "Bu De Yin Qu" (Inability to conceal or resolve hidden matters/sexual dysfunction) refers to pathology of the Yang pathway. The Stomach is the sea of water and grain and Qi and Blood, primarily transforming Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi) and moistening the Zong Jin (Tendon Sheath/Male Genitals). Yin and Yang converge at the Zong Jin, meeting at the Qichuan acupoint, with the Yangming channel acting as their leader. Since the root of descending Essence and Blood and biological transformation lies most heavily in Yangming, now that the source of transformation is diseased, the Yang pathway declines externally, thus resulting in "Bu De Yin Qu." In women, this manifests as amenorrhea (absence of menstruation).

Li Taisu stated: The medical classic says "Diseases of Er Yang originate from the Heart and Spleen." Here, Er Yang refers to the Yangming channels of the Stomach and Large Intestine. This channel is the site of water and grain transmission and transformation, while the Heart and Spleen are intrinsically linked to it. The lower opening of the Stomach connects to the upper opening of the Small Intestine; if the Stomach is not diseased and the Small Intestine transmits normally, Heart Qi flows freely, and pathogens do not gather in the Heart. If the Large Intestine is not diseased and transmits normally, dietary operation proceeds smoothly, and the Spleen does not labor. Now that Er Yang is diseased, transmission and transformation cease; how can the Heart and Spleen not become diseased? Thus, it is said that disease originating in the Heart and Spleen results in insufficient Essence and Blood. Essence and Blood are essentially one substance, governed by the Heart and generated by the Spleen. In men, discussion focuses on Essence rather than Blood, hence "scanty Essence leading to sexual dysfunction." In women, discussion focuses on Blood rather than Essence, hence "scanty Blood leading to amenorrhea." This is caused by disease affecting the Heart and Spleen and represents one aspect of irregular menstruation.

Wu Shuqing stated: Jiegu (Zhang Yuansu) said that draining Heart Fire and nourishing Spleen Blood aligns with the original meaning of the text. I believe, however, that interpretation should be deduced from "Yin Qu." When a person harbors hidden feelings and grievous intentions that cannot be expressed, Qi stagnates and fails to flow smoothly. If Qi flow is unsmooth, Heart Qi fails to open, and Spleen Qi fails to transform. Daily intake of water and grain decreases, preventing the transformation into Qi and Blood to fill the Xue Hai (Sea of Blood/Chong Mai) of Er Yang. With no surplus in the Sea of Blood, menstruation ceases. If the condition progresses to "Feng Xiao" (wasting-thirst due to wind/fire causing emaciation), it is because the Yangming channel governs muscles; without sufficient Blood, muscles lose nourishment, and emaciation inevitably occurs. The term "Wind" derives from the transformation of Fire. Therefore, one must trace back to "Bu De Yin Qu" to find the fundamental cause.