Library

Huangdi asked: Why does the Shaoyin meridian correspond to the Kidney? Why does the Kidney govern water metabolism? Qibo replied: The Kidney is a Zhiyin (Extreme Yin) organ; Zhiyin organs accumulate abundant water. The Lung corresponds to the Taiyin meridian, and the Shaoyin meridian corresponds to the pulse of winter. Therefore, the root of water disorders lies in the Kidney, while the branch lies in the Lung; both are involved in the accumulation of water. The Kidney acts as the gate of the Stomach. If this gate is dysfunctional, water accumulates and pathology follows its kind. The Kidney is a Pinzang (Yin organ). Earthly Qi ascending belongs to the Kidney, which generates fluid and essence; thus it is called Zhiyin. Consequently, water diseases manifest below as edema of the lower limbs and abdominal distension, and above as wheezing, calling out, and inability to lie flat; this indicates that both the root and branch are diseased. (See *Needling Category*, Chapter 38.)

In all cases of water qi disorder, slight edema first appears under the eyes. Water is Yin, and the area under the eyes is also Yin. The abdomen is the residence of Extreme Yin Qi; therefore, when water resides in the abdomen, swelling under the eyes must occur. All patients with water diseases generally cannot lie flat; if they do, they become startled, and startling exacerbates coughing. (See *Disease Category*, Chapter 31.)

When the weather is cold, the interstices (cou li) close, damp Qi fails to circulate, and water flows downward to remain in the Bladder, forming urine and gas. If the pathways of Yin and Yang Qi are obstructed, the Four Seas are blocked, the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) fails to excrete, and body fluids fail to transform, remaining in the Lower Jiao without permeating into the Bladder, the Lower Jiao becomes distended. Overflowing water results in water swelling. (See *Disease Category*, Chapter 58.)

The Yangming meridian mentions "wheezing above and water retention," which occurs because Yin Qi descends but then rebels upward. Upon rising, pathogenic factors lodge between the Zang-Fu organs, causing water disease. The mention of "chest pain and shortness of breath" is due to water qi residing within the Zang-Fu organs. Water is Yin Qi; when Yin Qi stagnates in the interior, chest pain and shortness of breath result. The Taiyin meridian mentions "diseases of distension" because Taiyin corresponds to the eleventh lunar month, when the Qi of all things is stored within the body; hence, distension is said to occur. (See *Disease Category*, Chapter 11.)

Slight puffiness of the eye sockets, resembling the appearance after just waking up, combined with palpable pulsation of the neck vessels, occasional coughing, and pitting edema upon pressing the hands and feet that does not immediately rise, indicates Fengshui (Wind-Water) skin distension. (See *Pulse and Color Category*, Chapter 18; *Disease Category*, Chapter 57 is similar.)

This disease originates from the Kidney and is named Fengshui. (See *Needling Category*, Chapter 38.)

If both the Kidney and Liver pulses are deep, it is called Shishui (Stone Water); if both are floating, it is called Fengshui. (See *Pulse and Color Category*, Chapter 24.)

If Lung Cold transmits to the Kidney, it forms Yongshui (Surging Water). In Yongshui, the abdomen is not hard upon pressure. Water qi lodges in the Large Intestine; upon rapid movement, gurgling sounds are heard like a bag containing liquid. This is a type of water disease. (See *Disease Category*, Chapter 46.)

When the Liver, Kidney, and Lung are full and excess, swelling occurs. Lung congestion causes wheezing and fullness in both hypochondria. Liver congestion causes fullness in both hypochondria, restlessness when lying down, and inability to urinate. Kidney congestion causes fullness from the hypochondria down to the lower abdomen, unequal size of the calves, swelling of the thighs, limping, and predisposition to hemiplegia. (See *Pulse and Color Category*, Chapter 24.)

Excess of Kidney Qi leads to distension. (See *Zang-Fu Category*, Chapter 10.)

Excess of Zhi (Will/Fear) leads to abdominal distension. (See *Disease Category*, Chapter 18.)

Deficiency of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen meridian leads to drum-like distension. (See *Meridians Category*, Chapter 5.)

Stomach disease leads to large abdominal edema and painful swelling of the knees and patellae. Cold in the Stomach leads to distension and fullness. (See *Disease Category*, Chapter 10.)

A soft and scattered Liver pulse with lustrous complexion indicates Yi Yin (Overflowing Drink). Patients with Yi Yin experience sudden thirst and excessive drinking, and water easily enters outside the muscles, skin, and intestines. Excess of the Stomach pulse leads to distension. (See *Pulse and Color Category*, Chapter 20.)

For middle-jiao fullness, purge from within. (See *Treatment Principles Category*, Chapter 8.)

There are fifty-seven acupoints for treating water disorders. (See *Needling Category*, Chapter 38.)

Sanjiao disease presents with abdominal Qi fullness, especially hardness in the lower abdomen, inability to urinate, urgency, overflow of water, and retention leading to distension. The sign is observed in the large collateral outside the Foot-Taiyang meridian. (See *Needling Category*, Chapter 24.)

Overflow from the Lower Jiao results in water disease. (See *Disease Category*, Chapter 25.)

Turbid Qi remaining in the upper part generates distension. (See *Yin-Yang Category*, Chapter 1.)

Inability to lie flat and wheezing upon lying down is caused by the invasion of water qi. Water flows following body fluids. The Kidney is the Water Organ, governing body fluids, and also governing sleep and respiration (wheezing). (See *Disease Category*, Chapter 82.)

Convergence and deviation of Yin and Yang Qi, characterized by much Yin and little Yang, is called Shishui (Stone Water), presenting with lower abdominal swelling. Convergence of the Three Yin meridians is called water disease. (See *Disease Category*, Chapter 6.)

A slightly large Kidney pulse indicates Shishui (Stone Water). Swelling starts below the navel, extends to the lower abdomen, and rises to the epigastrium; if it reaches this stage, death is inevitable and untreatable. (See *Pulse and Color Category*, Chapter 19.)

Swelling caused by Qi dysfunction, where the four extremities alternate in failure, leads to exhaustion of Yang Qi. (See *Disease Category*, Chapter 5.)

Irregular diet and improper daily routine injure the Yin. When injured, pathogens enter the Five Zang organs. Entering the Zang organs leads to abdominal fullness and obstruction. (See *Disease Category*, Chapter 13.)

Those who do not develop disease from the hair follicles (exterior) but whose Zang Yang Qi is already exhausted have body fluids filling the thoracic and abdominal cavities. Only the Po (Corporeal Soul/Yin aspect) remains alone. Essence is isolated within, while Qi is depleted externally. The body is so emaciated it cannot be covered by clothes. This is described as urgency in the four extremities disturbing the interior, where Qi rejects itself internally, and the form deteriorates externally. (See *Treatment Principles Category*, Chapter 15.)

A pulse that is full and tight indicates distension. (See *Pulse and Color Category*, Chapter 16.)

In the Northern region, people enjoy living in open areas and consuming dairy products. Cold internal organs generate fullness diseases. (See *Treatment Principles Category*, Chapter 9.)

Adapting to cold and cool environments can lead to distension. (See *Luck and Phase Category*, Chapter 16.)

Symptoms at the mandibular angle reflect abdominal fullness. (See *Disease Category*, Chapter 44.)

Men may present like Gu (poison/parasite) disease, and women like Pi (mass/stagnation) disease. (See *Needling Category*, Chapter 53.)