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(Lingshu, Mai Du Chapter)
The Qi of the Five Zang organs is constantly observed internally through the seven orifices in the upper part of the body. ("Yue" means to pass through or observe. The Five Zang organs are located inside, and their Qi reaches the exterior; thus, they can be observed through the seven upper orifices as described below. The human body has nine orifices in total: seven are located above, namely the eyes, ears, mouth, and nose; two are located below, namely the anterior yin and posterior yin.) Therefore, Lung Qi connects with the nose; when Lung Qi is harmonious, the nose can distinguish odors. Heart Qi connects with the tongue; when Heart Qi is harmonious, the tongue can distinguish the five flavors. Liver Qi connects with the eyes; when Liver Qi is harmonious, the eyes can distinguish the five colors. Spleen Qi connects with the mouth; when Spleen Qi is harmonious, the mouth can taste the five grains. Kidney Qi connects with the ears; when Kidney Qi is harmonious, the ears can hear the five tones. (The Yin Yang Ying Xiang Da Lun states: The Lung opens into the nose, the Heart opens into the tongue, the Liver opens into the eyes, the Spleen opens into the mouth, and the Kidney opens into the ears. Thus, their Qi has specific pathways and functions, but it is essential that the Qi of the Five Zang organs is harmonious for them to perform their respective duties. Otherwise, if a Zang organ is diseased, its corresponding orifice will show signs.) If the Five Zang organs are not harmonious, the seven orifices will be obstructed; if the Six Fu organs are not harmonious, stagnation will lead to abscesses. (The Five Zang belong to Yin and govern the interior; thus, disharmony leads to dysfunction of the seven orifices. The Six Fu belong to Yang and govern the exterior; thus, dysfunction causes pathogens to remain in the muscle interstices, forming sores and ulcers.) Therefore, when pathogens are in the Fu organs, the Yang pulses become discordant. Discordance in the Yang pulses leads to Qi stagnation. Qi stagnation results in an excess of Yang Qi. Excessive Yang Qi impedes Yin, leading to discordance in the Yin pulses. Discordance in the Yin pulses leads to blood stasis. Blood stasis results in an excess of Yin Qi. When Yin Qi is excessively strong, Yang Qi cannot nourish it; this is called Guan (obstruction). When Yang Qi is excessively strong, Yin Qi cannot nourish it; this is called Ge (rebellion). When both Yin and Yang are excessive and cannot mutually nourish each other, it is called Guan-Ge (obstruction and rebellion). Those suffering from Guan-Ge will die before reaching their natural lifespan. (Yin and Yang Qi should be in a state of peace and harmony. Pathogens occupy either the Yin or the Yang aspect. Thus, when pathogens are in the Fu organs, Qi stagnates causing Yang excess, which injures Yin. When Yin is injured, blood stagnates causing Yin excess, which injures Yang. Therefore, excessive Yin Qi prevents Yang Qi from nourishing, resulting in Guan. Excessive Yang Qi prevents Yin Qi from nourishing, resulting in Ge. When both Yin and Yang are excessive and cannot mutually nourish, Yin remains Yin and Yang remains Yang, failing to blend together, resulting in Guan-Ge. Hence, death occurs before the natural limit of life. In this classic, "Rong" and "Ying" are used interchangeably. "Cannot Rong" refers to the disorder of Yin and Yang preventing proper circulation and mutual rejection without communication. A full Renying pulse indicates Ge-Yang (Rebellious Yang), while a full Cun Kou pulse indicates Guan-Yin (Obstructed Yin). The detailed meaning is explained in Pulse and Color Classification, Chapter 22.)