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Yellow Emperor asked: I have heard that "Kui Du" (Measuring and Estimating) and "Qi Heng" (Abnormal and Extraordinary) refer to different things. How should they be applied? Qi Bo replied: "Kui Du" refers to measuring the depth and superficiality of a disease. "Qi Heng" refers to discussing abnormal and extraordinary diseases. Please allow me to expound on the highest principles of the Dao, observing changes in the five colors and pulses. Through Kui Du and Qi Heng, the principle lies in unity. The Shen (Spirit) turns and does not return; if it returns, it does not turn, thus losing its opportunity. The essence of the highest numbers is close and subtle. To practice the method of Qi Heng, one should begin with the Tai Yin (Great Yin) meridian. (See Category of Treatment 14. The following sentences regarding "Zhi Shu" and pulse changes are also found in Pulse and Color 10.)

The Shang Jing (Classic of the Upper) and Xia Jing (Classic of the Lower) measure Yin and Yang. The Qi Heng Wu Zhong (Five Centers of Abnormality) chapter determines conditions by examining the Ming Tang (Bright Hall/Face). By examining the beginning and end, one can navigate freely. (See Treatment 18.)

The trend of Qi Heng consists of sixty chapters. Diagnosis combines minute details, traces the changes of Yin and Yang, and clarifies the condition of the Five Zang organs. The discussion within focuses on the essentials of Deficiency and Excess, determining the affairs of the Five Measures. Knowing this is sufficient for diagnosis. (See Pulse and Color 7.)

Yellow Emperor said: Ah! How profound! The Dao of Heaven is like greeting floating clouds or gazing into an abyss. Gazing into an abyss allows for measurement, but greeting floating clouds, one cannot know its limit. (See Luck 6, Treatment 18.)

Heavenly Qi is clear, quiet, and bright. It stores Virtue without ceasing, so it does not fall. If Heavenly brightness appears, the sun and moon become obscure, and pathogenic factors harm the empty orifices. (See Preservation 5.)

Since ancient times, humans connect with Heaven; this is the root of life, rooted in Yin and Yang. Within the universe and the six directions, human Qi corresponds to the Nine Provinces, nine orifices, five Zang organs, and twelve joints, all connecting with Heavenly Qi. Life arises from the Five Elements, and Qi divides into Three Realms. Three combine to form Heaven, three to form Earth, and three to form Humanity. Three multiplied by three equals nine. Nine divides into Nine Fields, which correspond to Nine Viscera. Thus, there are four Form Viscera and five Spirit Viscera. (See Luck 1. Similar content in Pulse/Color 5, Disease 5.)

What Heaven gives us is Virtue; what Earth gives us is Qi. Life is generated when Virtue flows and Qi interacts. (See Zang-Xiang 9.)

This person corresponds to Heaven and Earth. (See Zang-Xiang 16.)

Qi Bo said: Humans are born from Earth, and their life hangs from Heaven. When Heavenly and Earthly Qi combine, it is called Human. Those who can respond to the Four Seasons have Heaven and Earth as their parents; those who understand all things are called Son of Heaven. Heaven has Yin and Yang; humans have twelve joints. Heaven has Cold and Heat; humans have Deficiency and Excess. Those who can follow the transformation of Heavenly and Earthly Yin and Yang do not violate the Four Seasons. Those who understand the principles of the twelve joints cannot be deceived even by sages and wise men. (See Acupuncture 9.)

Heaven is insufficient in the Northwest, so the left is cold and the right is cool. Earth is incomplete in the Southeast, so the right is hot and the left is warm. Why is this? Qi Bo said: This is due to the principles of Yin and Yang Qi, high and low positions, and differences between Tai (Greater) and Shao (Lesser). The Southeast belongs to Yang; Yang's essence descends, so the right is hot and the left is warm. The Northwest belongs to Yin; Yin's essence ascends, so the left is cold and the right is cool. Therefore, ground has height and depth, and Qi has warmth and cold. High places have cold Qi; low places have hot Qi. (See Luck 16.)

Heaven is insufficient in the Northwest, so the Northwest is Yin, and humans' right ear and eye are less acute than the left. Earth is incomplete in the Southeast, so the Southeast is Yang, and humans' left hand and foot are weaker than the right. (See Yin-Yang 3.)

Alas, how deep and dark is it! Who knows its Dao? The great Dao mimics Heaven and Earth and matches the Four Seas. (See Treatment 19.)

Emperor asked: Is the Earth below? Qi Bo said: The Earth is below humans, but within the Great Void. Emperor asked: What supports it? Qi Bo said: The Great Qi holds it up. Dryness dries it, Summer-heat steams it, Wind moves it, Dampness moistens it, Cold hardens it, Fire warms it. Thus, excessive Dryness makes the earth dry; excessive Summer-heat makes the earth hot; excessive Wind makes the earth move; excessive Dampness makes the earth muddy; excessive Cold makes the earth crack; excessive Fire makes the earth solid. (See Luck 4.)

Earthly Qi controls what it overcomes; Heavenly Qi controls what overcomes it. Heaven controls Color; Earth controls Form. The decline and prosperity of the Five Categories follow their respective Qi suitability. Rooted internally is called Shen Ji (Spirit Mechanism); when Shen leaves, the mechanism stops. Rooted externally is called Qi Li (Qi Establishment); when Qi stops, transformation ceases. (See Luck 15.)

The Dao practiced by sages aligns above with Heaven, below with Earth, and middle with Human affairs. Thus, a carpenter cannot abandon measurements to guess length or width, nor discard the ink line to level water; a worker cannot discard the compass to make circles or the square to make squares. Facing deep water and cutting channels, water can be drained without great effort. Digging and breaking through allows passage. This speaks of the slipperiness and astringency of Qi, the clarity and turbidity of Blood, and their smooth or reversed flow. (See Acupuncture 20.) Flow has reversal and smoothness, arrival has slowness and speed. Thus, Excess transforms before the time (Xian Tian), and Deficiency transforms after the time (Hou Tian). (See Luck 18.)

Above Tianshu, Heavenly Qi governs; below Tianshu, Earthly Qi governs. At the intersection of Qi, Human Qi follows, and all things proceed. Rising then descending, the descending is called Heaven; descending then rising, the rising is called Earth. Heavenly Qi descends, flowing into the Earth; Earthly Qi rises, soaring into Heaven. Thus, high and low call to each other, rising and falling cause each other, and transformations arise. (See Luck 9.)

Sweat of Yang is named Rain of Heaven and Earth; Qi of Yang is named Swift Wind of Heaven and Earth. Violent phenomena resemble Thunder; Rebellious phenomena resemble Yang. (See Yin-Yang 4.)

One who speaks well of Heaven must correspond to Humans; one who speaks well of Antiquity must verify with the Present; one who speaks well of Qi must manifest in Objects; one who speaks well of Correspondence matches the transformation of Heaven and Earth; one who speaks well of Transformation and Change penetrates the principles of Divine Illumination. (See Luck 12.) One who speaks well of Humans must reflect upon oneself. (See Disease 66.)

One who speaks well of the Beginning must converge at the End; one who speaks well of the Near must know the Far. (See Luck Category 3.)

Emperor said: I have heard that obtaining the right person but not teaching them is called losing the Dao; transmitting to the wrong person is disrespecting and leaking Heavenly Treasure. The person of Dao knows Astronomy above, Geography below, and Human affairs in the middle, allowing for longevity. This is what is meant. Emperor asked: What does this mean? Qi Bo said: It is based on Qi and Position. Positioning in Heaven is Astronomy; positioning in Earth is Geography. Understanding changes in Human Qi is Human affairs. Thus, Excess transforms Xian Tian, Deficiency transforms Hou Tian. This is governance and transformation where humans respond. (See Luck 10.)

Obtaining the right person but not teaching is a heavy loss; obtaining and leaking it, Heaven will despise you. (See Zang-Xiang 31.)

Generation of things is called Hua (Transformation); extremity of things is called Bian (Change). Unfathomable Yin and Yang is called Shen (Spirit). Unbounded application of Shen is called Sheng (Sage). In Heaven it is Qi; in Earth it is Form. Form and Qi interact to transform and generate all things. (See Luck 3.)

Things are born from Transformation; things reach extremes through Change. The struggle of Transformation and Change is the source of success and failure. If Exit and Entry cease, Shen Ji extinguishes. If Rising and Descending stop, Qi Li becomes precarious. Without Exit and Entry, there is no growth, flourishing, strength, old age, and death. Without Rising and Descending, there is no growth, transformation, storage, and collection. Formless, there is no disaster. (See Luck 9.)

The Dao has no ghosts or gods; it comes and goes alone. (See Acupuncture 9.)

It comes with Dao, it goes with Dao. Examining and knowing this Dao is the treasure of the body. (See Acupuncture 27.)

Acting without Dao for selfish ends invites Heavenly disaster. (See Acupuncture 28. Same as Luck 3.)

The ultimate of treatment lies in "One". "One" is obtained through inquiry. (See Treatment 17.)

Do not miss tonification and sedation; align with Heaven and Earth. Obtain the essence of "One" to know life and death. (See Pulse and Color 9.)

Knowing the key, one word suffices; not knowing the key, discourse scatters infinitely. (See Meridians 14. Luck 5, 17.)

All twelve officials (viscera) must not lose harmony. Thus, if the Ruler (Heart) is clear, subordinates are peaceful. Using this for health leads to longevity and safety throughout life; using this to rule the world leads to great prosperity. If the Ruler is unclear, the twelve officials are endangered, pathways blocked, and the form severely damaged. Using this for health brings disaster; using this to rule the world brings great peril to the lineage. The supreme Dao is subtle, changes are infinite, who knows its origin? How distressing! Xiao Zhe Ju Ju (observing carefully), who knows the key? Min Min Zhi Dang (deep consideration), who is good? Illusory numbers arise from hair's breadth; hair's breadth numbers arise from measurement. Thousandfold and ten-thousandfold, they can grow larger; extrapolating them, forms are established. (See Zang-Xiang 1. Xiao Zhe Ju Ju four lines also in Luck 11.)

Sages are easy to instruct; good horses are easy to drive. (See Meridians 7.)

Spring Qi moves West; Summer Qi moves North; Autumn Qi moves East; Winter Qi moves South. Thus, Spring Qi begins below; Autumn Qi begins above; Summer Qi begins in the middle; Winter Qi begins at the mark. Spring Qi begins Left; Autumn Qi begins Right; Winter Qi begins Behind; Summer Qi begins Front. This is the normal pattern of Four Seasons. Thus, in the highest places, Winter Qi is always present; in the lowest places, Spring Qi is always present. (See Luck 18.)

That Spring warmth becomes Summer heat; that Autumn severity becomes Winter anger. (See Luck 32.)

From First Qi to Third Qi, Heavenly Qi governs; this is the norm of Victory. From Fourth Qi to Final Qi, Earthly Qi governs; this is the norm of Repression. There is Repression if there is Victory; no Repression if no Victory. (See Luck 29.)

Excess is violent; Deficiency is slow. Violent means severe disease; Slow means persistent disease. (See Luck 23.)

Acting on danger, arriving quickly,炎威 (scorching might) without virtue, disaster returns. Minor represses minor; major represses major. Not maintaining virtue, the overcome comes to repress; maintaining order, the overcome transforms similarly. (See Luck 13.)

Assigning position, direction and month can be known. (See Luck 21.)

First arrival is Host (Main Qi); later arrival is Guest (Periodic Qi). (See Disease 7.)

Emperor said: Master often mentions Form and Shen. What is Form? What is Shen? I wish to hear it fully. Qi Bo said: Let me speak of Form. Form regarding Form is invisible (Ming Ming). Ask about the illness. Seek in the meridians; it is clear before you, but palpation finds nothing. Not knowing the condition, it is called Form. Emperor asked: What is Shen? Qi Bo said: Let me speak of Shen. Shen regarding Shen is unheard by ears, but eyes are bright, heart opens, and will precedes. Alone enlightened, mouth cannot speak. All see, only he sees alone; seemingly dim, yet clearly illuminating alone, like wind blowing clouds away. Thus it is called Shen. (See Acupuncture 13.)

Below is damp and wet, above grows reeds. This is how to know the abundance or scarcity of Form and Qi. (See Acupuncture 35.)

Within one tree, hardness and brittleness differ. Hard is strong; brittle is easily injured. How much more so with different woods, thick or thin bark, abundant or scarce sap? Trees that flower early and leaf first, encountering spring frost and fierce wind, lose flowers and wither leaves. These five cases each have injuries; how much more so for humans? (See Disease 76.)

Entering a country, ask customs; entering a home, ask taboos; ascending the hall, ask etiquette; facing a patient, ask comfort. (See Treatment 2.)

Those with bright vision can distinguish colors. Those with keen hearing can listen to sounds. Those agile in speech can convey words. Those slow, quiet, skilled in hands, and careful in mind can perform acupuncture and moxibustion, regulate Qi and Blood, adjust reversals and smoothness, observe Yin and Yang, and apply various formulas. Those with relaxed joints, soft tendons, and harmonious heart-mind can guide Qi and exercise. Those with poisonous speech and light demeanor can use spitting techniques for abscesses or curse illnesses. Those with sharp nails, poisonous hands, and actions that harm others can massage accumulations and suppress bi-syndrome. A person with poisonous hands, if making him press a turtle placed under a vessel, pressing on top, kills it in fifty days; a person with sweet/gentle hands restores it to life as before. (See Acupuncture 11.)

Binding a prescription is like binding a bag. Knowing to bind it before it is full makes one a craftsman; otherwise, one cannot be a teacher for the world. (See Acupuncture 29.)

Like removing thorns, like washing stains, like untying knots, like opening a dam. (See Acupuncture 52. Disease 1.)

Salt tastes salty because its vapor causes vessels to leak fluid; a broken string produces a hoarse sound; a decaying tree sheds leaves; a deep disease produces hiccups. Having these three indicates damaged Fu organs. Poisonous drugs cannot treat, short needles cannot take effect. This is skin and flesh injury, blood and Qi turning black. (See Acupuncture 9.)

A man of eight chi. (See Meridians 33.)

A person seven chi five cun tall. (See Meridians 18.)

An old person without children, is their material power exhausted, or is it the number of Heaven? Qi Bo said: Girls at seven, Kidney Qi prospers, teeth change, hair grows. At fourteen, Tian Gui arrives, Ren Mai opens, Chong Mai prospers, menstruation comes on time, so she can conceive. Boys at eight, Kidney Qi is solid. At sixteen, Kidney Qi prospers, Tian Gui arrives, essence overflows and discharges, Yin and Yang harmonize, so he can conceive. (See Zang-Xiang 13.)

Not losing human circumstances. (See Pulse and Color 8.)

Humans rely on Water and Grain as the root; thus, if humans cut off Water and Grain, they die. (See Pulse and Color 12.)

When humans drink wine, it enters the stomach. Why does urine descend alone before the grain is digested? (See Meridians 23.)

For drinkers, Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) moves first in the skin, filling the Luo Vessels. (See Meridians 6.)

Wine enters the stomach, then Luo Vessels fill and Jing Vessels become empty. (See Disease 34.)

When a coward drinks wine and gets angry, not avoiding brave men, it is called Wine Rebellion. (See Zang-Xiang Category 21.)

When Blood vessels are harmonious and beneficial, Spirit resides. Thus, Spirit is the Essence-Qi of Water and Grain. (See Zang-Xiang 27.)

Ying (Nutrient) and Wei (Defensive) are Essence-Qi; Blood is Spirit-Qi. Thus, Blood and Qi, though named differently, are of the same category. (See Meridians 23.)

Brain, Marrow, Bones, Vessels, Gallbladder, and Uterus (in women) are generated by Earthly Qi. They store Yin and symbolize Earth, so they store without draining. They are named the Six Extraordinary Fu Organs. (See Zang-Xiang 23.)

Bi Lei Cong Rong (Analogy and Composure): These are often confused by doctors, but resolved through composure and analogy. The sage treats disease by following laws and standards, drawing analogies, transforming in the unseen, following from top to bottom. Why stick strictly to classics? Not drawing analogies means unclear knowledge. (See Disease 9. Analogy of form and name, vacuously citing classics. Good pulse readers must use analogy of Qi Heng and comprehend through composure. See Treatment 18.) Praising the way of composure to match composure. (See Disease 7.) Not knowing analogy confuses oneself. The treasure of composure. (See Treatment 19.) Composure does not emerge, human affairs are not abundant. (See Disease 8.)

Zhi Shu (Highest Numbers): The highest numbers of Heaven and Earth start with One and end with Nine. (See Pulse and Color 5.) The great number of Heaven and Earth Essence-Qi is usually three out, one in. (See Flavor and Qi 2.) Follow meridians and keep numbers. Observe medical affairs. (See Treatment 18.) Diagnosis without human affairs, governing the way of numbers. (See Treatment 19.) The mechanism of Zhi Shu is close and subtle. Its coming is visible, its going traceable. Respect it and prosper; slight it and perish. Acting without Dao for selfish ends invites disaster. (See Luck 3.) Qi numbers record the function of generation. (See Luck 1.) Numbers that can be counted, let me explain. (See Luck 17.) Now good craftsmen obtain the method and keep the number. (See Treatment 15.) If Qi does not arrive after needling, do not ask the number. (See Acupuncture 16.) When Victory arrives, Repression follows, with no fixed number. Do not ask the number; aim for balance. (See Luck 29.) Excess has Cheng (Completion) numbers; Deficiency has Sheng (Birth) numbers; Earth uses Birth numbers. (See Luck 23.) First arrival is Host; later arrival is Guest. (See Disease 7.)

Quan Heng (Balance/Scale): Observing the scale and rules reveals the main disease. (See Treatment 8.) Qi returns to the balance. When balanced, the Qi Kou (Radial artery) forms the Cun pulse, deciding life and death. (See Zang-Xiang 12.) Balance through Quan Heng. (See Treatment 15.) Yin and Yang reverse, treatment lies in balancing and taking. (See Treatment 14.) The policy of the Five Movements is like a balance: suppress the high, lift the low, respond to transformation, reproduce change. (See Luck 10.)

Can Wu (Interweaving/Comparison): Can Wu discordant indicates disease. (See Pulse and Color 25.) Use this interweaving to decide the division of life and death. (See Pulse and Color 1.) Good at adjusting Chi (Cubit) does not wait for Cun; good at adjusting Pulse does not wait for Color. Those who can interweave and act can be superior physicians. (See Pulse and Color 17.) Combine day temperature, moon phase, and seasonal Qi floating/sinking to adjust. (See Acupuncture 13.) Wu interweaves prohibitions to remove internal issues. (See Acupuncture 48.)

Men Hu (Gate/Pore): Failure of Granary to store indicates the Gate is not secure. (See Disease 91.) Close doors and windows, focus on the patient, ask frequently about feelings, follow their intent. (See Treatment 17.) If Guan Men (Joint/Gate) is unfavorable, water gathers following its kind. (See Acupuncture 38.) Mouth and nose are the Gates of Qi. (See Disease 79.) Thus, float and sink with all things in the Gate of Growth. (See Preservation 6.) Know how to untie knots and connect at the Gate. (See Meridians 12.) Know where Qi is and guard its Gate. (See Acupuncture 10.) Knowing the location means knowing the disease pulse at Three Parts and Nine Hopes and treating it, hence guarding the Gate. (See Acupuncture 13.) Push and close the Gate to keep Shen Qi. (See Acupuncture 14.) Shaoyang rules Heaven, Fifth Qi, Yang departs, Cold arrives, Rain falls, Qi Gates close. (See Luck 17.) Dawn, Human Qi generates; Noon, Yang Qi peaks; Evening, Yang Qi empties, Qi Gates close. (See Disease 5.) Wind attacking Shu points of Zang-Fu becomes Wind of Zang-Fu, entering each Gate. (See Disease 28.) Needling Heat Pathogens: release and turn blue; if wandering out and not returning, no disease. Open and widen the Gate, let pathogens exit, disease ends. Needling Cold Pathogens: warm daily, go slowly and come slowly, gather Shen. Gate closed, Qi not divided, deficiency/excess adjusted, Qi preserved. (See Acupuncture 34.) Sedating Excess: insert needle when Qi is full, needle and Qi enter together, opening the Gate. Tonifying Deficiency: insert needle on exhalation, Qi exits, needle enters, needle space sealed, Essence cannot leave. Withdraw needle quickly when full, Qi enters, needle exits, Heat cannot return, Gate closed. (See Disease 20.) Wu and Ji divisions, Kui, Bi, Jiao, Zhen stars are the Gates of Heaven and Earth. (See Luck 4.) Po Men (Gate of the Corporeal Soul/Anus). (See Zang-Xiang 23.)

Yin Qu (Hidden/Difficult): Disease of Er Yang (Stomach/Large Intestine) originates in Heart and Spleen, involving inability to handle hidden/difficult matters. (See Disease 6.) Inability to handle hidden matters. (See Pulse and Color 29.) Yin Qu obstruction draws pain to inner thighs. (See Luck 27.) Kidney Wind appearance: Yin Qu obstruction. (See Disease 28.) Disease of Yin Qu. (See Luck 30.)

Wei Gu (As Purpose/Standard): Adapt to the extent reached as the standard. (See Treatment 3.) Adapt to the matter as the standard. (See Treatment 4.) Stop sweating as the standard. (See Luck 25.) Needle left, right, front, back, hitting the vessel as the standard. (See Acupuncture 6.) Rotate needle on inhalation, obtaining Qi as the standard. (See Acupuncture 14.) Puncturing tendon as standard. Heat as standard. Avoid damaging vessels and flesh as standard. (See Acupuncture 50.) Puncturing muscle as standard. (See Acupuncture 36.) Must insert needle upright as the stopping standard. (See Acupuncture 54.)

Regarding deep and fine needling: feeling like a needle upon touch, rubbing and pressing, gathered feels firm, broad feels large. Shang Jing speaks of Qi connecting to Heaven. Xia Jing speaks of disease changes.