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The *Yin Yang Ying Xiang Lun* (Treatise on Yin and Yang Corresponding to Images) states: Heaven utilizes Yang Qi (vital energy) to generate and Yin Qi to grow; Earth utilizes Yang Qi to wither and Yin Qi to store. However, the year begins in Spring; "Zheng" (Correct/Upright) means upright; "Yin" (Tiger/First Branch) means to lead. The Shao Yang Qi (Lesser Yang Vital Energy) begins to stir from below the springs, leading Yin Qi upward to reside above Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, which belongs to the realm of Heaven. At this time, all grains and trees split their shells and sprout. By the Start of Summer, the Fire of Shao Yin (Lesser Yin) blazes in the vast sky, causing vegetation to flourish luxuriantly, with branches drooping and leaves spreading. This is the function of Yang and the substance of Yin, which is what is meant by "Heaven utilizes Yang to generate and Yin to grow." The Classics state that during the first half of the year, Heavenly Qi dominates, focusing on ascending and floating. When Autumn arrives, the movement of Tai Yin (Greater Yin) initially descends from Heaven, chasing downward; Yin Qi sinks and penetrates to the Earth. Consequently, Metal Qi振作s the Dryness command, fierce winds blow, and frost flies, causing all things to perish, leaving only branches like hairs. In Winter, the Qi of Shao Yin lies dormant again beneath the springs; water freezes, the earth cracks, and all creatures are tightly sealed. This is the function of Yin and the substance of Yang, which is what is meant by "Earth utilizes Yang to wither and Yin to store." The Classics state that during the second half of the year, Earthly Qi dominates, focusing on descending and sinking. As for the climate: Spring is mild, Summer is hot, Autumn is cool, and Winter is biting cold. This is the sequence of Righteous Qi (Normal Vital Energy). Therefore it is said: Begin correctly at the start, and the order will not err. After ascending comes descending; after descending comes ascending, like a circle without end, transforming and transporting all things, yet essentially it is one Qi.

If Yin and Yang become entangled, changes of overcoming and counteracting arise from here. Among all things, humans are one; respiration and rising/falling imitate Heaven and Earth, using Yin and Yang as the standard. Generally speaking, the Stomach is the Sea of Water and Grain. When food and drink enter the Stomach, the Essence Qi is first transported by the Spleen and returned to the Lung, ascending upward according to the commands of Spring and Summer to nourish the whole body; this is Clear Qi becoming Heaven. After ascending, it descends downward to transport to the Bladder, operating according to the commands of Autumn and Winter to transmit and transform dregs, changing flavors and exiting; this is Turbid Yin becoming Earth. If one conforms to the Qi of the four seasons, has regular daily routines to avoid cold and heat, maintains dietary moderation, avoids sudden anger or joy to nurture the Spirit and Will, and constantly seeks balance among the four seasons without excess, then there will be peace. Otherwise, the Spleen and Stomach will be damaged, True Qi will flow downward, or leak out and fail to rise for a long time. This results in having only Autumn and Winter but no Spring and Summer, where the function of growth falls into the Qi of destruction, giving rise to myriad diseases; or if it rises for too long without descending, disease also occurs. Investigating this, one understands the meaning of beginning correctly.