Library

Heaven and Earth generate all things through the Qi of the One Origin. Those rooted within are called Shenji (the intrinsic dynamic mechanism of life); those rooted without are called Qi and Blood. All things share this same Qi. Humans, being superior to other creatures, possess a form that participates with Heaven and Earth to constitute the Three Powers, because they obtain the upright Qi and maintain its unobstructed flow. Therefore, when Qi ascends, humans ascend; when Qi floats, humans float; when Qi descends, humans descend; when Qi sinks, humans sink. Humans and Heaven and Earth function as a single bellows (Tuoyue). In the Zi month, one Yang is born, representing the initial stirring of Yang; in the Yin month, three Yangs are born, representing Yang initially emerging from the earth. This constitutes the ascending phase of Qi. In the Si month, six Yangs are born, meaning Yang has completely emerged above. This constitutes the floating phase of Qi. The human abdomen corresponds to Earthly Qi. At this time, it floats on the muscle surface and disperses into the skin and hair, leaving the interior of the abdomen deficient. The Classics state: "In summer, the meridians are full; Earthly Qi overflows, entering the meridians to receive blood, making the skin firm." During late summer, Qi resides in the muscles, thus causing exterior excess. When the exterior is excess, the interior must be deficient. The world says that in summer, Yin hides within the interior. Here, the character "Yin" carries the meaning of deficiency. If interpreted as coldness or chilliness, the error is significant. Some ask: "By touching the abdomen with the hand, one clearly knows it is cold; how can it not be cold?" Former practitioners treating heatstroke used formulas such as Yulong Wan (Jade Dragon Pill), Dashun San (Great Smooth Powder), Guiling Wan (Cinnamon and Poria Pill), boiled Galangal alone, and Suopi Yin (Spleen-Constricting Drink) containing Caoguo (Rhizoma Tsao-ko), all of which are warming agents. Why do you, Sir, fail to consider this deeply? I reply: Nourish Yang in spring and summer. Wang Taipu stated that eating cool foods in spring and cold foods in summer is the method to nourish Yang. The intent is clear! As for cooling pavilions, water halls, large fans, windmills, cold springs, and icy waters, if these indeed cause injury from cold and ice affecting the body from inside out, without using warming agents, how could the illness be resolved? Examining their intent carefully, these were actually not used because Yin was hiding within the interior. Former sages also said: "For ascending, descending, floating, and sinking, follow them; for cold, heat, warm, and cool, oppose them." If during the summer fire-command period, one recklessly administers warming and hot agents, how can one avoid the danger of reinforcing excess and depleting deficiency? Some ask: "The Si month is purely Yang, which may be logically acceptable. But the fifth month brings one Yin, and the sixth month brings two Yin; is this not Yin coldness?" I reply: This Yin is just beginning to stir underground. Four Yangs float on the ground, burning and scorching, melting metals and cracking stones. Where is there any Yin coldness? Sun Simiao (Sun Zhenren) formulated Shengmai San (Generate Pulse Powder) for people to take in summer. Is this not for deficiency?