Library

The Yellow Emperor asked: If the Yang (Gang) and Yin (Rou) Heavenly Stems lose their positions, causing the Qi of Heaven's movement to become deficient, thereby bringing disease to the people, can it be balanced? Qibo replied: Your question is profound. To clarify its profound principles, as Heaven and Earth shift alternately, after three years an epidemic transforms. This is where the root becomes visible; there must be a way to escape. For example, in the Jiazi year, if Gang and Rou lose their positions, and Gang does not take its proper place while Rou stands alone and deficient, the seasonal order will not follow its command, and thus musical pitch will not harmonize. After three years like this, a great plague will occur. Examine its severity and depth; when approaching, acupuncture can be applied. One should first tonify Shenshu (BL23), and three days later, needle the Ying-Spring point of Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. If furthermore, the lower position's Earthly Branch Jiazi (e.g., Jimao) has not arrived, leaving Jiazi isolated, then after three years, a Tu Li (Earth Plague) will manifest. The method of tonification and sedation is exactly the same as for Jiazi.

For example, in the Bingyin year, if Gang and Rou lose their positions, the upper Gang Stem loses its post, and the lower Rou Stem cannot govern alone. The central Water Yun (Water Phase Movement) is not excessive, so one cannot rigidly apply standard rules. If Heaven's distribution has surplus but fails to maintain the upper correct position, Heaven and Earth do not harmonize, and thus the Lyu-Lü (pitch pipes) produce different sounds. In such cases, Heaven's movement loses order, and after three years, an epidemic transforms. Examining its severity, there are differences in size and timing; it may arrive slowly or quickly. If severe, it arrives within the first three years. One should first tonify Xinsbu (BL15), and five days later, needle the He-Sea point of the Kidney Meridian. If furthermore, at the lower position, the Earthly Branch Jiazi (e.g., XinSi) shows Rou not adhering to Gang, it is also called losing position, meaning Earth's Yun is all deficient. After three years, a Shui Li (Water Plague) transforms. The acupuncture methods are all like this.

After acupuncture is completed, be cautious against excessive joy and desire within. If one does not observe this taboo, the Qi will scatter again. Let the spirit remain tranquil for seven days; let Heart Qi be substantial, guiding minimal thought. For example, in the Gengchen year, if Gang and Rou lose their positions, the upper position loses control, and the lower position has no union. Yi and Geng belong to Metal Yun, so they do not attract each other; Heaven's distribution has not receded. The central Yun's winning Qi comes, causing upper and lower to clash, which is called losing position. Guxian and Linzhong (pitch pipes) fail to respond with Shang sound. In such cases, Heaven's Yun transformation changes, and after three years, a great plague occurs. Calculate the heavenly numbers; differences exist in subtlety and severity. Subtle means subtle arrival in three years; severe means severe arrival in three years. One should first tonify Ganshu (BL18), and three days later, needle the Jing-River point of the Lung Meridian. After acupuncture, calm the spirit for seven days; avoid anger greatly, for anger causes True Qi to dissipate. Or, in the lower Earthly Branch Jiazi, if Yiwu loses its position, Yi being a Rou Stem, the upper Geng governs alone. This is also called losing position. Heaven's Yun is governed by isolation; after three years, a plague transforms, named Jin Li (Metal Plague). Its arrival waits for time; examine the difference in Earthly Branch numbers, deducing subtlety and severity to know speed. For all positions where Yi and Geng lose position, the acupuncture method is the same. Liver desires peace, so do not be angry.

For example, in the Renwu year, if Gang and Rou lose their positions, the upper Ren has not moved to the correct position, while the lower Ding stands alone. Although it is a Yang year, deficiency differs; upper and lower lose position, attracting each other within a period. Differences in subtlety and severity have their own numbers. Erjiao (pitch pipes) lose harmony. When tones match, subtlety and severity appear; after three years, a great plague. One should needle Pishu (BL20), and three days later, needle the Jing-Spring point of the Liver Meridian. After acupuncture, calm the spirit for seven days; avoid drunkenness and singing/music, lest Qi scatter again. Avoid overeating and raw/cold food. To make Spleen Qi substantial, ensure Qi is not stagnant; do not sit long after eating; avoid overly sour food and all raw/cold biological products. Favor sweet and bland flavors. Or, in the lower Earthly Branch Jiazi, if Dingyou loses its position and fails to obtain the central governance, Qi is not in its proper place, and the lower does not combine with Ren. This is also called losing position, not combining virtue. Thus, Rou does not adhere to Gang, Earth Yun does not harmonize, and after three years, a plague transforms. The acupuncture method is identical to that of Mu Li (Wood Plague).

For example, in the Wushen year, if Gang and Rou lose their positions, although Wu and Gui represent Fire Yun and Yang years, it is not excessively excessive. The upper loses its Gang-Rou balance; Earth governs Qi alone without correctness, so evil interferes. Positions shift alternately, differences vary in depth. When approaching union, musical pitches first harmonize. In such cases, Heaven's Yun loses its season. Within three years, Huo Yi (Fire Epidemic) arrives. One should needle Feishu (BL13); after acupuncture, calm the spirit for seven days; avoid excessive sorrow, for sorrow moves the Lung and True Qi scatters again. To substantiate Lung Qi, the key lies in regulating breath. Or, in the lower Earthly Branch Jiazi, if Guihai loses its position, Rou loses its place, and the upper loses its Gang. This is also called Wu and Gui failing to combine virtue. Yun and Earth are both deficient; after three years, a plague transforms, yet named Huo Li (Fire Plague).

Therefore, establish five Earthly Branch cycles to clarify loss of position and exhaust acupuncture methods. Thus, Yi and Li refer to the names of upper/lower Gang/Rou, ultimately returning to one entity. The methods for treating epidemics consist only of five techniques, summarizing all positional losses, thus unified under the Five Phases.