窃谓五色交错。有分见者焉。有间见者焉。生克于是乎推。吉凶以此而断。所谓分见者。六部之色。彼此不
同也。如青赤分见。赤黄分见。黄白分见。白黑分见。黑青分见。此色之相生者也。青黄分见。黄黑分见。黑赤
分见。赤白分见。白青分见。此色之相克者也。所谓间见者。五色之着。彼此相乘也。如青赤间见。赤黄间见
黄白间见。白黑间见。黑青间见。此色之相生者也。青黄间见。黄黑间见。黑赤间见。赤白间见。白青间见。此
色之相克者也。凡相生者顺。相克者逆。然皆各有浅深。则亦各有虚实。是必察其泽夭。而后决其成败。倘
色夭不泽。虽相生亦难调治。色泽不夭。虽相克亦可救疗。要在合乎四时。参以十法而明辨之。毋致按图
索骥也可。
望诊之法。五色交错。已述于前。十法合参。当讲于后。盖察其气色。分其生克。固知其病之顺逆。症之从违
矣。由是参以浮沉之法。则知其病之表里。参以清浊之法。则知其病之阴阳。参以微甚之法。则知其病之
虚实。参以散抟之法。则知其病之远近。参以泽夭之法。则知其病之成败。而又合气色言之。如色赤者。热
也。赤而微者。虚热也。赤而甚者。实热也。微赤而浮者。虚热在表也。微赤而沉者。虚热在里也。甚赤而浮者。
实热在表也。甚赤而沉者。实热在里也。若更合清浊而言。则知其病之脏腑矣。合散抟而言。则知其病之
轻重矣。合泽夭而言。则知其病之吉凶矣。而凡五官六部。与夫四时五色。皆可错综参观。夫如是。病之传
变。不亦昭然乎。虽然。病情深奥。望法精微。间有隐于此而显于彼者。其病盖又有遁情焉。故必参伍于脉
症。错综于声音。察之至精。问之至确。然后决其病焉可也。
I hold that the intermingling of the five colors presents two modes: distinct manifestation and intermittent manifestation. Through these, the mutual generation (Sheng) and mutual restriction (Ke) of the Five Elements are deduced, and thus the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness is determined. By "distinct manifestation," it is meant that the colors of the six facial regions differ from one another. For instance, when blue-green (Qing) and red (Chi) appear distinctly, or red and yellow (Huang), yellow and white (Bai), white and black (Hei), or black and blue-green, these represent the color manifestations of mutual generation. Conversely, when blue-green and yellow, yellow and black, black and red, red and white, or white and blue-green appear distinctly, these represent the color manifestations of mutual restriction.
By "intermittent manifestation," it refers to the overlapping and mixing of the five colors. For example, when blue-green and red, red and yellow, yellow and white, white and black, or black and blue-green appear intermixed, these correspond to the mutual generation of colors. When blue-green and yellow, yellow and black, black and red, red and white, or white and blue-green appear intermixed, these correspond to the mutual restriction of colors. Generally, mutual generation indicates a favorable course (Shun), while mutual restriction indicates an unfavorable course (Ni). However, each case has its depth and superficiality, corresponding to deficiency (Xu) and excess (Shi) patterns respectively. One must observe whether the complexion is lustrous (Ze) or withered (Yao) to determine the outcome. If the color is withered and lacks luster, even if it follows the pattern of mutual generation, it will be difficult to treat. If the color is lustrous and not withered, even if it follows the pattern of mutual restriction, it may still be curable. The key lies in aligning with the four seasons and analyzing thoroughly using the Ten Methods, avoiding mechanical application without critical judgment.
The method of inspection (Wang Zhen) regarding the intermingling of the five colors has been discussed previously; the integration of the Ten Methods will be explained subsequently. Examining the Qi and color, and distinguishing between generation and restriction, allows one to ascertain the favorability or unfavorability of the disease and the compliance or deviation of symptoms. Furthermore, by applying the Method of Floating and Sinking (Fu Chen), one can determine whether the pathogen is in the Exterior (Biao) or Interior (Li); by applying the Method of Clear and Turbid (Qing Zhuo), one can identify Yin (Yin) or Yang (Yang) nature; by applying the Method of Subtle and Severe (Wei Shen), one can assess Deficiency (Xu) or Excess (Shi); by applying the Method of Scattered and Congested (San Tuan), one can estimate the duration (proximity or remoteness) of the disease; and by applying the Method of Lustrous and Withered (Ze Yao), one can predict the prognosis (success or failure).
Integrating this with specific color analysis: Red color indicates Heat (Re). A faint red indicates Deficient Heat (Xu Re); a deep red indicates Excess Heat (Shi Re). A faint red with floating characteristics indicates Deficient Heat in the Exterior; a faint red with sinking characteristics indicates Deficient Heat in the Interior. A deep red with floating characteristics indicates Excess Heat in the Exterior; a deep red with sinking characteristics indicates Excess Heat in the Interior. Combining this with Clear/Turbid analysis reveals the affected Zang-Fu organs (Zang Fu). Combining it with Scattered/Congested analysis reveals the severity of the condition. Combining it with Lustrous/Withered analysis reveals the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of the disease. Thus, the five facial areas, six regions, and the five colors corresponding to the four seasons can all be comprehensively cross-referenced. In this manner, the transmission and transformation of the disease become clear.
Nevertheless, pathological conditions are profound, and inspection methods are subtle. Sometimes, signs hidden in one area manifest in another, meaning diseases often have concealed aspects. Therefore, one must cross-reference pulse diagnosis (Mai Zhen) and symptomatology, analyze voice and sound comprehensively, observe with extreme precision, and inquire with utmost accuracy before making a definitive diagnosis.