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Huangdi asked: "Humans possess Yin and Yang. What constitutes a 'Yin person' and what constitutes a 'Yang person'?" Shaoshi replied: "Within the universe, nothing exists apart from the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water). Humans also correspond to this pattern; it is not merely a matter of simple Yin and Yang. There are generally five types: Taiyin persons, Shaoyin persons, Taiyang persons, Shaoyang persons, and Yin-Yang Peaceful persons. These five categories differ in their postures, as well as in their sinews, bones, blood, and Qi."

Taiyin persons are greedy and unkind. They appear humble and deep on the surface but prefer to take rather than give. Their minds are suppressed and unrevealed; they do not adapt to the times and always lag behind others in action. This is the Taiyin person.

Shaoyin persons have slight greed and a malicious heart. When they see others suffer losses, they feel as if they have gained something themselves. They enjoy harming others and become resentful when seeing others' glory. They harbor jealousy and lack gratitude. This is the Shaoyin person.

Taiyang persons are arrogant and self-important. They love to discuss grand matters despite having no ability, speaking empty words. Their ambitions spread everywhere. In their actions, they disregard right and wrong, acting according to their own will. Even if their endeavors fail, they do not repent. This is the Taiyang person.

Shaoyang persons are cautious yet self-aggrandizing. Upon attaining even a minor official position, they boast excessively. They prefer external social connections over internal family bonds. This is the Shaoyang person.

Yin-Yang Peaceful persons live quietly, neither fearful nor overly joyful. They are gentle and compliant with things, engaging in no conflict, adapting with the times. Though noble, they are humble and yielding; though lowly, they are not sycophantic. This is called "Zhi Zhi" (the highest state of harmony). Ancient masters skilled in acupuncture and moxibustion treated patients by observing these five constitutional types: using draining methods for excess conditions and tonifying methods for deficiency conditions.

Taiyin persons have abundant Yin and deficient Yang. Their Yin blood is turbid, and their Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) is stagnant. Yin and Yang fail to coordinate. Their sinews are lax, and their skin is thick. If pathogenic factors are not drained promptly, the condition cannot be altered.

Shaoyin persons have abundant Yin and deficient Yang. They have a small stomach and large intestines, leading to dysfunction of the Six Fu organs. Their Yangming meridian pulse is fine, while their Taiyang meridian pulse is large. Careful regulation is required, as their blood is prone to depletion and their Qi to failure.

Taiyang persons have abundant Yang and deficient Yin. Regulation must be cautious; one must avoid depleting Yin while draining Yang. Excessive depletion of Yang may lead to mania, while simultaneous depletion of both Yin and Yang may cause sudden death and unconsciousness.

Shaoyang persons have abundant Yang and deficient Yin. Their Jing meridians are fine, while their Luo collaterals are large. Blood resides internally, while Qi circulates externally. One should tonify Yin and drain Yang. Draining only the Luo collaterals leads to weakness, rapid Qi depletion, severe deficiency of Middle Qi, and incurable disease.

Yin-Yang Peaceful persons have harmonious Yin and Yang Qi and smooth blood vessels. One must carefully examine Yin and Yang, observe the balance of pathogenic and healthy factors, stabilize demeanor, assess excesses, and detect deficiencies. Use draining for excess, tonifying for deficiency, and selecting points from the affected meridian for balanced conditions. This is how Yin and Yang are regulated and the five constitutional types distinguished.

The appearance of a Taiyin person is dark-skinned, bowing humbly, tall in stature, with a slightly stooped back.

The appearance of a Shaoyin person is aloof and secretive, inherently treacherous. They stand restlessly and walk with a crouching gait.

The appearance of a Taiyang person is proud and self-assured, often leaning backward with an arched spine.

The appearance of a Shaoyang person involves standing with the head tilted back and walking while swinging the arms, with elbows protruding behind the back.

The appearance of a Yin-Yang Peaceful person is graceful, compliant, gentle, compassionate, upright, and dignified. People refer to them as Junzi (gentlemen). (Another version describes them as joyful and at ease.)

Huangdi asked: "I have heard from Shaoshi about Yin and Yang persons. Shaoshi stated that since the universe adheres to the Five Elements, there are twenty-five types of human constitutions derived from blood and Qi differences. How can we know the interior through exterior signs?" Qibo replied: "First, establish the Five Forms (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth), distinguish the Five Colors, and differentiate the Five Tones, thereby defining the characteristics of the twenty-five types."

Wood-type persons correspond to the Upper Jue (East/Wood). They have a blue complexion, small heads, long faces, broad shoulders, flat backs, straight bodies, and small hands and feet. They are talented but mentally active with less physical strength. The Qi of the Foot Shaoyang meridian is surplus, manifesting as a relaxed demeanor (Yi Yi Ran). Persons of the Right Jue correspond to the lower part of the Right Foot Shaoyang meridian, showing a compliant demeanor (Sui Sui Ran). Persons of the Tai Jue (sound 'Tai', also called Right Jue) correspond to the upper part of the Right Foot Shaoyang meridian, showing an accumulated demeanor (Jiu Jiu Ran, or Tui Tui Ran). Persons of the Pan Jue correspond to the lower part of the Left Foot Shaoyang meridian, showing a constrained demeanor (Kuo Kuo Ran).

Fire-type persons correspond to the Upper Zheng (South/Fire). They have a red complexion, broad necks, sharp faces, small heads, and full shoulders, backs, thighs, and abdomens. They have small hands and feet, walk steadily, have quick minds, move swiftly, have full shoulder/back muscles, value wealth lightly, lack trustworthiness but are thoughtful, perceive situations clearly, have handsome features but impatient hearts, have short lifespans prone to sudden death, and cannot tolerate Autumn/Winter seasons. Illness arises upon exposure to pathogens. The Qi of the Hand Shaoyin meridian is surplus, manifesting as a knotted demeanor (Qiao Qiao Ran, or He He Ran). Persons of Tai Zheng correspond to the left Hand Taiyang meridian, showing a robust demeanor (Ji Ji Ran). Persons of Shao Zheng correspond to the right Hand Taiyang meridian, showing a sparse demeanor (Ti Ran). Persons of Right Zheng correspond to the upper part of the right Hand Taiyang meridian, showing a flourishing demeanor (Jiao Jiao Ran, or Xiong Xiong Ran). Persons of Pan Zheng correspond to the lower part of the left Hand Taiyang meridian, showing a scattered demeanor (Zhi Zhi Ran, Xi Xi Ran).

Earth-type persons correspond to the Upper Gong (Center/Earth). They have a yellow complexion, large round faces, beautiful shoulders and backs, large abdomens, good thighs and calves, small hands and feet, and ample flesh with proportional upper and lower bodies. They walk steadily, lift feet lightly, have stable minds, benefit others, dislike power, and are adaptable. They cannot tolerate Spring/Summer seasons. Illness arises upon exposure. The Qi of the Foot Taiyin meridian is surplus, manifesting as a solid demeanor (Dun Dun Ran). Persons of Tai Gong correspond to the upper part of the left Foot Yangming meridian, showing a gentle demeanor (Wan Wan Ran). Persons of Jia Gong correspond to the lower part of the left Foot Yangming meridian, showing a rough demeanor (Ke Ran, or Kan Kan Ran). Persons of Shao Gong correspond to the upper part of the right Foot Yangming meridian, showing a pivoting demeanor (Shu Shu Ran). Persons of Left Gong correspond to the lower part of the right Foot Yangming meridian, showing a towering demeanor (Wu Wu Ran, or Zhong Ren, or Upper Yangming).

Metal-type persons correspond to the Upper Shang (West/Metal). They have a white complexion, small square faces, small shoulders and backs, small abdomens, small hands and feet, prominent heel bones, and exposed skeletal structure with light body movement. They are incorruptible, impatient, quiet, brave, and suited for official duties. They cannot tolerate Spring/Summer seasons. Illness arises upon exposure. The Qi of the Hand Taiyin meridian is surplus, manifesting as a solid demeanor (Dun Dun Ran). Persons of Tai Shang correspond to the upper part of the left Hand Yangming meridian, showing a pure demeanor (Lian Lian Ran). Persons of Right Shang correspond to the lower part of the left Hand Yangming meridian, showing a loose demeanor (Tuo Tuo Ran). Persons of Left Shang correspond to the upper part of the right Hand Yangming meridian, showing a strict demeanor (Jian Jian Ran). Persons of Shao Shang correspond to the lower part of the right Hand Yangming meridian, showing a solemn demeanor (Yan Yan Ran).

Water-type persons correspond to the Upper Yu (North/Water). They have a black complexion, large uneven faces (or curved faces), wide jaws, small shoulders, large abdomens, and small hands and feet. Persons corresponding to the lower part of the left Foot Taiyang meridian show a winding demeanor (Yu Yu Ran). Persons known as 'Zhong' correspond to the lower part of the right Foot Taiyang meridian, showing a clean demeanor (Jie Jie Ran). Persons known as 'Zhi' correspond to the upper part of the left Foot Taiyang meridian, showing a secure demeanor (An An Ran).

Huangdi asked: "What if the form does not match the color?" Qibo answered: "If Form overcomes Color or Color overcomes Form, during years of clash and seasonal addition, harm will occur, leading to illness or sorrow. If Form and Color are compatible, there is wealth, honor, and great joy." Huangdi asked: "Can the timing of mismatched Form and Color combined with seasonal addition be known?" Qibo answered: "The major taboos for humans occur at ages multiples of nine: 7, 16, 25, 34, 43, 52, 61. These are taboo years requiring caution. Pathogen exposure causes illness; neglect causes sorrow."

Huangdi asked: "How can we know the state of Form and Qi through pulses and blood/Qi manifestations?" Qibo answered: "At the upper part of the Foot Yangming meridian: Abundant blood and Qi yield beautiful, long beard hair; more blood than Qi yields short hair; more Qi than blood yields sparse hair; deficient blood and Qi yield no beard, with many lines at the corners of the mouth. At the lower part: Abundant blood and Qi yield beautiful, long pubic hair reaching the chest; more blood than Qi yields short hair reaching the navel, with high-stepping gait, fleshy-less big toes, and cold feet; less blood than Qi yields prone-to-frostbite flesh; deficient blood and Qi yield no hair, or sparse, dry hair, prone to Wei-Jue foot bi syndrome. At the upper part of the Foot Shaoyang meridian: Abundant blood and Qi yield beautiful, long sideburns; more blood than Qi yield short sideburns; less blood than Qi yield sparse sideburns; deficient blood and Qi yield no sideburns, prone to bone pain and brittle nails from cold-dampness. At the lower part: Abundant blood and Qi yield beautiful, long leg hair and full outer ankles; more blood than Qi yield short leg hair and thick, hard outer ankle skin; less blood than Qi yield sparse leg hair and thin, soft outer ankle skin; deficient blood and Qi yield no hair and emaciated outer ankles. At the upper part of the Foot Taiyang meridian: Abundant blood and Qi yield beautiful eyebrows with guard hairs; more blood than Qi yield ugly eyebrows and fine facial texture; less blood than Qi yield fleshy faces; harmonious blood and Qi yield beautiful complexions. At the lower part of the Foot Taiyin meridian: Abundant blood and Qi yield full heels and firm soles; less Qi than blood yield thin heels and hollow soles; deficient blood and Qi yield frequent muscle cramps and sole pain. At the upper part of the Hand Yangming meridian: Abundant blood and Qi yield beautiful upper lip whiskers; less blood than Qi yield ugly whiskers; deficient blood and Qi yield frequent cramps and no whiskers. At the lower part: Abundant blood and Qi yield beautiful axillary hair and warm thenar eminences; deficient blood and Qi yield thin, cold hands. At the upper part of the Hand Shaoyang meridian: Abundant blood and Qi yield beautiful, long eyebrows and beautiful ear color; deficient blood and Qi yield shriveled, ugly ears. At the lower part: Abundant blood and Qi yield fleshy, warm fists; deficient blood and Qi yield thin, cold hands; less Qi than blood yield thin hands with visible veins. At the upper part of the Hand Taiyang meridian: Abundant blood and Qi yield abundant beards and fleshy, flat faces; deficient blood and Qi yield thin, dark faces. At the lower part: Abundant blood and Qi yield full palms; deficient blood and Qi yield thin, cold palms.

Shaoyang has much blood; Yangming has much blood; this is the norm. The constant numbers of humans are: Taiyang often has much blood and little Qi; Shaoyang often has much Qi and little blood; Yangming often has much blood and much Qi; Jueyin often has much Qi and little blood; Shaoyin often has much blood and little Qi; Taiyin often has much blood and little Qi. These are heavenly constants.

Huangdi asked: "Is there a principle for needling these twenty-five types?" Qibo answered: "Beautiful eyebrows indicate abundant blood and Qi in the Foot Taiyang meridian; ugly eyebrows indicate deficiency. Fat and lustrous indicates excess blood and Qi; fat but dull indicates excess Qi and deficient blood. Thin and dull indicates deficient blood and Qi. Examine the form and Qi; if meridians are stagnant and blocked, causing painful bi syndrome in the back and immobility, guide Qi to warm the stagnation until blood flows smoothly. For tied collaterals where pulse and blood are obstructed, puncture to release flow. Thus: Guide downward Qi excess above; push forward Qi deficiency above; welcome and draw Qi stagnation. One must understand the meridians to master this. For cold-heat struggle, guide and circulate; for stasis without knotting, treat locally. First, distinguish the twenty-five types and locate blood and Qi in left/right, upper/lower positions, then the principles of needling are complete."

Huangdi asked: "Sometimes spirit moves and Qi acts before the needle; sometimes Qi meets the needle; sometimes after withdrawal, Qi moves alone; sometimes multiple insertions are needed for effect; sometimes Qi reverses after withdrawal; sometimes multiple insertions worsen the disease. These six cases differ in form. I wish to hear the explanation." Qibo answered: "Persons with excessive Yang-Reiki have easily moved spirits and advancing Qi. They speak quickly, walk with high steps, and have excess Qi in Heart and Lung. Yang Qi is slippery, vigorous, and rising, so Spirit moves and Qi advances first. Such persons have some Yin. Those with much Yang are joyful; those with much Yin are angry. Frequent angerers release easily, indicating some Yin. If Yin-Yang separation is difficult, Spirit cannot advance first. Harmonious Yin-Yang persons have moist, slippery blood and Qi, so Qi exits rapidly upon needle insertion. Those with much Yin and little Yang, where Yin sinks and Yang floats internally, experience Qi following the needle after withdrawal, moving alone. Those with much Yin and little Yang have sinking Qi and difficulty advancing Qi, requiring multiple insertions for effect. Cases of Qi reversal or worsening after multiple insertions are due to sinking/floating dynamics, not Yin-Yang imbalance. These are failures of incompetent practitioners, errors of skill, while the patient's form and Qi are blameless."