Library

(Su Wen, Chapter 74: The Most Important and Essential Questions of the Six Qi)

The Yellow Emperor asked: What is the condition of the retaliatory excess of the Six Qi? (The term "Fu" [Retaliation/Rebound] implies retaliation. The prosperity and decline of the Six Qi are not constant; where there is a winning [excessive] qi, there will be a retaliating qi. My commentary: Wang Bing stated: Whenever there is a winning qi first, there must be a retaliating qi later. The New Corrections cite the theory of "Zheng Hua" [Correct Transformation] and "Dui Hua" [Opposite Transformation] from *Xuan Zhu*: The Correct Officer governs the actual climate transformation, while the Opposite Officer governs the relative climate transformation; only when the Opposite Transformation wins is there retaliation, whereas when the Correct Transformation wins, there is no retaliation. This view considers Wang's note incorrect. Others say: In Yang years (Jia, Bing, Wu, Geng, Ren), which are excessive, there is winning but no retaliation; in Yin years (Yi, Ding, Ji, Xin, Gui), which are deficient, there is winning and necessarily retaliation. These are statements that fail to grasp the principle. The way of winning and retaliation manifests according to the prosperity and decline of qi, without strict division between Correct and Opposite transformations. Examining the chapters of this classic, such a statement does not originally exist. The notion that deficiency entails retaliation while excess does not seems derived from *Qi Jiao Bian Da Lun*, where excessive movements do not mention retaliation, only deficient years do. *Liu Yuan Zheng Ji Da Lun* also mentions retaliation only for deficient years in its sixty-year cycles, not for excessive years. It seems excessive Yang years have winning but no retaliation. However, *Wu Chang Zheng Da Lun* states: In the纪 (Period) of Fa Sheng [Wood Excess], if virtue is not practiced, the Gathering Qi [Metal] retaliates. In the Period of He Xi [Fire Excess], if governance is violent, the Zang Qi retaliates. In the Period of Dun Fu [Earth Excess], great winds arrive swiftly, injuring the Spleen with evil. In the Period of Jian Cheng [Metal Excess], if governance changes violently, the Growing Qi [Fire] rescues. In the Period of Liu Yan [Water Excess], if governance is excessive, the Transforming Qi [Earth] rises greatly. All these use excessive years as examples. Thus, Yang years do have retaliation. It is merely that Yin years are weak; when external winning qi attacks, the Son Qi rises to retaliate, hence called "Retaliation." Yang years are strong; there is no one to win against us, so we win against others through succession and control. However, "Cheng" [Succession/Control] and "Fu" [Retaliation] share the same principle. That which controls successively is called "Cheng," while that which retaliates due to being won against is called "Fu." Winning and retaliating follow each other without gap. Hence, the Classic says: Where there is winning, there is retaliation; where there is no winning, there is none. When winning occurs, retaliation follows, with no fixed number. It also says: Minor winning brings minor retaliation; severe winning brings severe retaliation. Since the degree of qi cannot be borrowed or faked, what talk is there of Yin/Yang correctness regarding retaliation? Therefore, this chapter does not distinguish between excessive and deficient years; there are always excessive, counter-winning, mutual-winning, and retaliating qi changes. It can be seen that Yang years are not necessarily entirely prosperous, yet counter-winning occurs; Yin years are not necessarily entirely declining, yet excessive winning occurs. Heaven and Earth change endlessly; one should observe based on the timing of the qi using the principles of Fang Yue to grasp the subtlety. If one insists on literal interpretation at the expense of meaning, one errs greatly.)

Qibo replied: How thorough your question is!

In the retaliation of Jueyin [Wind-Wood]: There is hardness and fullness in the lower abdomen, internal urgency and sudden pain, trees overturning and sand flying, insects failing to thrive, Jueyin heart pain with sweating, vomiting, inability to keep food down or regurgitation immediately after eating, tremors and dizziness of sinews and bones, cold extremities and厥 (Jue), and if severe, invasion into the Spleen causing Shi Bi [food stagnation with obstruction] and vomiting. (Jueyin Wind-Wood retaliation internally corresponds to Liver Qi. Hardness/fullness in the lower abdomen indicates Liver Evil excess. Internal urgency/pain is because the Liver governs tendons/membranes, and its Qi is urgent. Trees overturning/sand flying indicates severe Wind. Insects failing to thrive means Wood overacting on Earth. Jueyin heart pain with sweating: Liver Evil attacks the Stomach and overwhelms the Heart, causing Yang Qi to leak. Food issues indicate Spleen injury by Liver Wood. Tremors/dizziness are caused by Wind pathogen. Severe Wind often involves controlling transformations, leading to cold extremities. Shi Bi refers to food entering but not digesting, causing distension/pain/vomiting until expelled.) If Chongyang [ST42] pulse vanishes, death is inevitable and untreatable. (Chongyang is the Stomach Meridian point; Stomach Qi extinction leads to Spleen Qi extinction. Note: Previous chapters mentioned only Si Tian [Heavenly] six pulses; this chapter clarifies Zai Quan [Earthly] transformations, as Earth Qi dominates the end of the four seasons, making retaliation normal.)

In the retaliation of Shaoyin [Ministerial Fire]: Internal heat and oppression, irritability, nasal congestion and sneezing, lower abdominal cramping pain, fire signs appearing like burning with dry throat. Bowel/bladder function alternates between open and blocked. Qi moves on the left and ascends on the right. Cough, skin pain, sudden loss of voice, heart pain, depression/fainting/unconsciousness, followed by shivering chills, delirium, then fever, thirst wanting drink, shortness of breath, bone withering, intestinal blockage with constipation, external edema, belching/hiccup. Red Qi transforms later, flowing water does not freeze, heat prevails, shell-dwelling creatures suffer, diseases like Fei [miliaria/rash], Zhen [rash], Chuang Yang [sores/ulcers], Yong Ju [abscesses], Cuo [acne], Zhi [hemorrhoids] occur. If severe, invasion into the Lung causes cough and Bi Yuan [nasal sinusitis]. (Shaoyin Ministerial Fire retaliation: Internal heat/oppression/irritability/nasal symptoms indicate Fire excess in middle and flaring upward. Lower abdominal pain indicates Fire in Yin. Burning/dry throat indicates surface scorching and Fire in throat. Alternating bowel/bladder issues indicate Fire in the two excretions. Qi moving left/right relates to Yang rising East and Fire overcoming Metal. Cough/skin pain/aphonia: Lung governs voice and skin, injured by Fire. Heart pain/fainting: Heart Evil excess confuses Shen [Spirit]. Chills/delirium/fever: Water-Fire struggle, extreme heat generates cold. Thirst: Loss of Jin Ye [Fluids]. Shortness of breath/bone withering: Strong Fire consumes Qi, extreme heat injures Essence. Constipation: Heat knotting. Edema/belching: Heat causes swelling, Fire rebels upward. Red Qi late: Yangming won first, Shaoyin retaliates later. No ice/shell creatures suffer: Fire controls Metal. Sores/Acne/Hemorrhoids: Fire conquers Lung Metal, affecting skin/hair. Severe Lung injury causes cough/Bi Yuan. Pronunciations: Qiu [qiú], Ti [dì], , Huo [huò], Fei [fèi], Cuo [cuó].] If Tianfu [LU3] pulse vanishes, death is inevitable and untreatable. (Tianfu is a Lung Meridian point.)

In the retaliation of Taiyin [Damp-Earth]: Dampness transformations arise, heavy body, chest/epigastric fullness, undigested food/drink, Yin Qi rebelling upward, chest discomfort, phlegm-fluids arising internally, cough/wheezing with sound, heavy rains frequent, scale-bearing creatures appear on land, heavy headache with dizziness/tremors especially severe, vomiting with silence, spitting clear fluid. If severe, invasion into Kidney causes uncontrolled diarrhea/urination. (Taiyin Damp-Earth retaliation: Heavy body/fullness/undigested food self-injures via similar Qi. Yin Qi rebellion/chest discomfort: Damp transforming to Cold. Phlegm/cough: Damp invading Spleen/Lung. Rains/scale creatures: Damp command active. Headache/tremors: Damp in Three Yang meridians, sinews/fluids soft. Vomiting/silence/clear spit: Internal Cold-Damp. Severe Kidney invasion: Earth Evil transmits to Kidney; Kidney opens to two passages, losing control.) If Taixi [KI3] pulse vanishes, death is inevitable and untreatable. (Taixi is a Kidney Meridian point.)

In the retaliation of Shaoyang [Ministerial Fire]: Great heat approaches, dryness and burning, shell-dwelling creatures waste, fright/tremors/cough/epistaxis, heart heat/irritability, frequent urination/fear of wind, Jue Qi ascending, face like floating dust, eyes twitching. Fire erupts internally, manifesting above as mouth ulcers, vomiting/reversal, blood overflow/hematochezia, developing into Malaria with chills/shivering, extreme cold turning to heat, throat collaterals scorched/dried, thirst for fluids, yellow/red complexion, shortness of breath/withered pulses, transforming into edema. If severe, invasion into Lung causes cough and blood leakage. (Shaoyang Ministerial Fire retaliation: Great heat/dryness/burning. Shell creatures [Metal] waste. Fright/tremors/cough/epistaxis/heart heat: Fire attacking Heart/Lung. Frequent urination/wind fear: Heat in interior/exterior. Ascending Jue Qi/face/eyes: Fire erupting internally/upward, changing form/color, forcing blood. Malaria/chills/heat reversal: Wind-Fire conflict, Yin-Yang merging. Scorched throat/thirst: Fluid depletion. Yellow/red color: Heat in Spleen/Heart. Shortness of breath/pulse: Qi/Blood injury. Edema: Steam/Heat blocking water pathways. Lung invasion: Fire damages Metal. Pronunciations: , Ruojue [ruójüé], Yi [chì].] If ChiZe [LU5] pulse vanishes, death is inevitable and untreatable. (ChiZe is a Lung Meridian point. Note: Previous chapters linked ChiZe to Shaoyin Si Tian heat, Tianfu to Shaoyang Si Tian fire. Here reversed, but both Lung points, showing Fire-Metal harm.)

In the retaliation of Yangming [Dryness-Metal]: Clear Qi [Cold/Dry] rises greatly, forests wither, hair-bearing creatures suffer. Disease arises in hypochondrium, Qi returns to left, frequent sighing. If severe, heart pain, epigastric fullness, abdominal distension/diarrhea, vomiting/cough/hiccups/irritability. Disease in Diaphragm, headache. If severe, invasion into Liver causes fright/tendon spasms. (Yangming Dryness-Metal retaliation: Clear Qi rise/withering/hair creatures suffer: Metal conquers Wood. Hypochondrium/left Qi/Sighing: Liver Wood injured. Metal excess suppresses Wood/Fire, Yang Qi blocked. Heart pain/fullness/diarrhea/vomiting/cough/irritation: Clear Evil in Middle. Headache: External Cold binding, Heat gathering in channels. Metal bullying Liver: Fright/spasms.) If Taichong [LR3] pulse vanishes, death is inevitable and untreatable. (Taichong is a Liver Meridian point.)

In the retaliation of Taiyang [Cold-Water]: Jue Qi ascends, water freezes/rain turns to ice, feather-bearing creatures die. Heart/Stomach generate Cold, chest discomfort, heart pain/epigastric fullness, headache, prone to sadness, occasional vertigo/fainting, reduced appetite, back pain opposite side, difficulty bending/stretching. Ground cracks/ice hardens, sunlight obscured. Lower abdomen pulls testicles, radiating to waist/spine, rushing up to Heart. Spitting clear fluid, hiccups/belching. If severe, invasion into Heart causes forgetfulness/sadness. (Taiyang Cold-Water retaliation: Ascending Qi freezes water/ice. Feather creatures [Fire] die due to Water excess. Heart/Stomach Cold/Chest discomfort: Cold in Diaphragm. Headache/Sadness: Cold overwhelming Upper, Yang Shen deficient. Vertigo/Appetite loss: Clear Yang displaced, Stomach Cold. Back pain/stiffness: Cold in Water Organ affecting Taiyang channel. Cracks/Ice/No Sun: Water command active. Abdominal pull/Testicle/Waist/Heart: Cold invading Three Yin, attacking Ministerial Fire. Clear fluid/Hiccups: Cold-Water insulting Earth, Stomach Yang absent. Severe Heart invasion: Heart houses Shen; Shen deficiency causes forgetfulness/sadness. Pronunciations: Shei [shuí], Gao [gāo].] If Shenmen [HT7] pulse vanishes, death is inevitable and untreatable. (Shenmen is a Heart Meridian point.)

The Yellow Emperor said: Excellent. How to treat? (Treating Six Qi Retaliation.)

Qibo said: For Jueyin Retaliation, treat with Sour-Cold herbs, assist with Sweet-Acrid herbs. Use Sour to drain [Liver], use Sweet to relax [tendons]. (Jueyin Wind-Wood retaliation: Sour-Cold treats Wood's true flavor; Sour drains Liver. Wood generates Fire, so Cool clears. Assist Sweet-Acrid: Wood excess weakens Earth, Sweet tonifies Earth. Acrid transforms to Metal, controlling Wood. Drain = drain Liver Excess; Relax = relieve Liver urgency.)

For Shaoyin Retaliation, treat with Salty-Cold herbs, assist with Bitter-Acrid herbs. Use Sweet to drain [Fire], Acid to gather [Floating Heat], Bitter to vent [Fire Depression], Salty to soften [Heat Knot]. (Shaoyin Ministerial Fire retaliation: Salty-Cold uses Water to control Fire. Assist Bitter-Acrid to vent heat. Sweet drains Fire. Acid gathers floating heat. Bitter vents Fire depression. Salty softens heat knots.)

For Taiyin Retaliation, treat with Bitter-Hot herbs, assist with Sour-Acrid herbs. Use Bitter to drain [Earth], Dry [Damp], Drain [Water]. (Taiyin Damp-Earth retaliation: Bitter-Hot treats Earth; Bitter drains Earth, Hot dries Damp. Assist Sour-Acrid: Sour controls Earth, Acrid warms Cold. Drain = remove obstruction; Dry = overcome dampness; Drain = promote water flow.)

For Shaoyang Retaliation, treat with Salty-Cold herbs, assist with Bitter-Acrid herbs. Use Salty to soften, Acid to gather, Bitter/Acrid to vent. Venting should not stray far from Heat, avoid Warm/Cool extremes. Method same as Shaoyin. (Shaoyang Ministerial Fire retaliation: Same as Shaoyin above. "Vent not far from Heat" emphasizes avoiding Cold during venting methods.)

For Yangming Retaliation, treat with Acrid-Warm herbs, assist with Bitter-Sweet herbs. Use Bitter to drain/lower [Open Dry Knot], Acid to tonify [Astringe Fluids]. (Yangming Dryness-Metal retaliation: Acrid-Warm treats Metal's true flavor; Acrid drains Metal, Warm overcomes Dryness. Assist Bitter-Sweet: Bitter [Fire] controls Metal. Sweet relieves urgency from Wood injury. Bitter drains/lowers opens dry knots. Acid tonifies astringes fluids to nourish dryness.)

For Taiyang Retaliation, treat with Salty-Hot herbs, assist with Sweet-Acrid herbs. Use Bitter to firm [Kidney]. (Taiyang Cold-Water retaliation: Salty-Hot treats Water's true flavor; Salty drains Water, Hot treats Cold. Assist Sweet-Acrid: Sweet [Earth] controls Water, Acrid disperses Cold. Cold-Water connects to Kidney; if Kidney not firm, Cold rises easily. *Zang Qi Fa Shi Lun* says: Kidney desires firmness, eat Bitter to firm it.)

To treat all Winning/Retaliating Qi: Cold treated with Heat, Heat treated with Cold, Warm treated with Clear, Clear treated with Warm, Scattered gathered, Suppressed dispersed, Dry moistened, Urgent relaxed, Firm softened, Brittle strengthened, Deficient tonified, Excess drained. Calm each Qi, ensure clarity and stillness, then disease Qi declines, returning to its source. This is the general principle of treatment. (Summary of previous chapters' treatments for Excessive/Counter/Mutual/Retaliating Qi. All fall under this method, stabilizing Righteous Qi, reducing Disease Qi, restoring Yin-Yang balance, preventing bias. Treatment ends here. Cuì [cuì].)

The Yellow Emperor said: Excellent.