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Yangming Dryness Metal governs the Heaven Qi (Heavenly influence), Shaoyin Ministerial Fire governs the Earth Qi (Earthly influence). The Central Movement is Shaojiao Wood Movement. The Wood Qi of the year is insufficient, causing the Qi transformation and movement to lag behind the seasonal timing. Dryness Metal Qi prevails above (governing Heaven), and its exclusive dominance leads to confusion and disorder.

Metal constitutes the Heaven Qi, and Fire constitutes the Earth Qi. Fire overcomes Metal, resulting in a deficiency of Heaven Qi. One should nourish the source of transformation to assist Metal Qi. Stabilize the Wood Movement to prevent it from being invaded by pathogenic factors.

In the first half of the year, Yangming [Dryness Metal] presides. If Dryness exuberates and overwhelms, trees will flower and fruit late, and grasses and plants will grow late. Internal changes occur in the sinews and bones. The people suffer from pain in the left hypochondrium, sudden severe pain in the hypochondrium, inability to turn the body, dryness of the throat, dusty complexion, lower back pain, blurred vision, and skin sores, ulcers, carbuncles, and boils. The root of the disease lies in the Liver. Diagnosis focuses on the Foot Taiyong [Taichong] Pulse. The treatment method is suitable...

In the second half of the year, Shaoyin [Ministerial Fire] presides. If Heat exuberates within, flames float upon rivers and marshes, and dark places appear bright. The people suffer from constant borborygmus in the abdomen, Qi rushing up to the chest, and asthma.

From Chou Zheng until the Xiao Man (Grain Buds) day, lasting more than sixty days. The Main Position is Tai Zheng Fire, the Guest Qi is Shaoyang [Ministerial] Fire, and the central connection is Wood Movement. Two Fires combine, harmonized by the Wood Movement. Yang Qi spreads, the people feel comfortable, and all things grow luxuriant. However, epidemic diseases arrive in large numbers, and the people are prone to sudden death. It is appropriate to treat the Shaoyang Guest Qi: tonify it with Salty substances, drain it with Sweet substances, and... Year grains should be white; intercalary grains should be beans. Even if there is Fire pathogen, it cannot cause harm.

The Third Qi period, from Yin Chu of Xiao Man day to Zi Chu of Da Shu (Great Heat) day, lasting more than sixty days. The Main Position is Tai Zheng Fire, the Guest Qi is Yangming [Dryness] Metal, and the central connection is Wood Movement. Metal overcomes Wood. The Heavenly Administration is deployed, Coolness prevails. Dryness and Heat mix; extreme Dryness turns to Moisture. The people suffer from alternating chills and fever. It is appropriate to treat the Yangming Guest Qi: tonify it with Sour substances, drain it with Pungent substances, and drain it with Bitter substances. Year grains should be white; intercalary grains should be yellow millet (Shu). Even if there is Dryness pathogen, it cannot cause harm.

The Fourth Qi period, from Zi Zheng of Da Shu day to Xu Zheng of Qiu Fen (Autumn Equinox) day, lasting more than sixty days. The Main Position is Shao Gong Earth, the Guest Qi is Taiyang [Cold] Water, and the central connection is Wood Movement. Cold rain descends. The people suffer from sudden collapse, trembling, delirium, shortness of breath, dryness of the throat, excessive thirst, as well as heart pain, carbuncles, swellings, sores, ulcers, malaria with chills, bone atrophy, and bloody stools. It is appropriate to treat the Taiyang Guest Qi: tonify it with Bitter substances, drain it with Salty substances, firm it with Bitter substances, and moisten it with Pungent substances. Year grains should be red; intercalary grains should be broomcorn millet (Ji). Even if there is Cold pathogen, it cannot cause harm.

The Fifth Qi period, from Hai Chu of Qiu Fen day to You Chu of Xiao Xue (Minor Snow) day, lasting more than sixty days. The Main Position is Tai Shang Metal, the Guest Qi is Jueyin [Wind] Wood, and the central connection is Wood Movement. The Qi and Movement are identical. The governing Qi manifests as Cang [Green/Blue] transformation. The Spring command acts in reverse, and grasses and plants flourish again. The people's Qi is peaceful. It is appropriate to regulate the Jueyin Guest Qi: tonify it with Pungent substances, drain it with Sour substances, and relax tension with Sweet substances. Year grains should be red; intercalary grains should be rice. Even if there is Wind pathogen, it cannot cause harm. In this phase, when using Warm medicines, one must stay away from Warm seasons and not violate the Warm nature of the governing Qi.

The Final Qi period, from You Zheng of Xiao Xue day to Wei Zheng of Da Han (Great Cold) day, lasting more than sixty days. The Main Position is Shao Yu Water, the Guest Qi is Shaoyin [Ministerial] Fire, and the central connection is Wood Movement. Water generates Wood, and Wood generates Fire. The transformation follows a smooth sequence. Yang Qi spreads, the climate becomes unexpectedly warm, hibernating insects reappear, flowing water does not freeze, and the people remain healthy and peaceful. If disease occurs, it is a Warm disease. It is appropriate to treat the Shaoyin Guest Qi: tonify it with Salty substances, drain it with Sweet substances, and astringe it with Sour substances. Year grains should be red; intercalary grains should be beans. Even if there is Heat pathogen, it cannot cause harm.

At the transition of yearly Qi, if Heaven Qi (Governing Qi) prevails, Shaoyang [Ministerial Fire] restores balance. If Earth Qi (Ruling Qi) prevails, Taiyang [Cold Water] restores balance. Treatment should follow their respective restoration methods.