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The *Liang Fang* discusses: Qibo stated, "When a girl reaches seven years of age, her Kidney Qi becomes abundant; her teeth change and hair grows. At fourteen (two sevens), Tian Gui arrives, the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) becomes unobstructed, and the Tai Chong Mai (Great Surge Vessel) becomes prosperous; menstruation occurs at regular intervals." 'Tian' refers to Tian Zhen Qi (Innate True Qi); 'Gui' refers to the Water of Ren and Gui (Heavenly Stems associated with Water in Five Elements theory), hence it is called Tian Gui. However, the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) is the Sea of Blood, and the Ren Mai governs conception and pregnancy. When these two vessels circulate smoothly, menstrual blood gradually fills up and flows down in accordance with time, typically occurring once every thirty days, mirroring the lunar cycle where fullness leads to decline. If one encounters menstruation, utmost caution is required; otherwise, the condition may resemble postpartum syndromes. If subjected to fright or overexertion, Qi and Blood will become disordered, meridian flow will cease, often leading to consumptive diseases such as Lao Zhai (Consumption). If rebellious Qi rises between the head, face, limbs, and body, severe pain and restlessness ensue. If anger injures the Liver, dizziness, hypochondriac pain, hematemesis, Luoli (Scrofula), and sores/ulcers occur. If menstrual blood infiltrates internally, orifices will drip incessantly. Generally, when the Six Excesses (Six Pathogenic Factors) invade externally, myriad symptoms arise. The onset may be slight as an autumn hair, but the resulting illness weighs heavier than a mountain; how can one not revere this? (Note: Parenthetical text is from the original commentary) The Ren Mai governs Yin Blood of the whole body; the Tai Chong belongs to Yang Ming, serving as the Sea of Blood; thus, when Gu Qi (Grain Qi) is abundant, the Sea of Blood fills, and menstruation occurs on time. Tian Zhen is equivalent to Tian Yi (One of Heaven). The Qi of Tian Yi ascends to become Ren Yang and descends to become Gui Yin. Menstruation occurring every thirty days represents a complete circuit of a minor Hui cycle; this is the norm. However, differences exist among major and medium Hui cycles, leading to variations such as menstruation every three months or once a year. Ultimately, the principle of waxing and waning remains the same. There are even cases where menstruation ceases for several years, yet upon its return, pregnancy occurs immediately; this transcends ordinary logic. Can medicine intervene in such matters?)

Xue Lizhai said: The medical classics state, "Food and drink enter the Stomach, their essence floats and overflows, transporting upwards to the Spleen. The Spleen scatters essences, sending them upwards to the Lung, which regulates water passages, transporting downwards to the Bladder. Water essences distribute throughout the four directions, and the Five Meridians proceed together." Mr. Dongyuan (Li Dongyuan) stated that the Spleen is the source of transformation and production, and the Heart commands the blood of all meridians. Indeed, these words are true. When the Heart and Spleen are harmonious, menstrual periods are regular. If internal injury by the Seven Emotions, external invasion by the Six Excesses, irregular diet, or improper living habits cause deficiency and damage to the Spleen and Stomach, and reckless movement of Heart Fire, then menstrual irregularities will occur. Generally speaking, Blood is born from Spleen Earth; therefore, it is said that the Spleen commands Blood. For all Blood diseases, bitter and sweet herbs should be used to assist Yang Qi and generate Yin Blood. (Note: Parenthetical text is from the original commentary) The Spleen transforms fluids to generate Blood, meaning that when water enters the meridians, Blood is produced. This is Ying Qi emerging from the Middle Jiao, hence it is called the source of transformation and production. The Heart commands Blood because Spleen-transformed fluids enter the Heart and transform into Blood. Thus, although governed by the Heart, it also relies on Spleen Qi for generation; therefore, this must be understood.)