1951~1970年平均风速为2米/秒,1959年平均风速为2.3米/秒,为风速最大之年份,该年反应在人体上肝木受邪较甚,从上下看,三阴在上,三阳在下,上虚下盛,土的化气失令,五谷秀而不实,木胜风动克土,灾宫五发病区域广,人体症状为脘腹胀满,痞塞不通,土运不及则木化之故也;下半年厥阴风木之气渐衰,在泉少阳相火转盛,火生土则见中运脾土得其相助,湿热相争,民病黄疸也。由于木衰金气来复,所以夏秋二季患黄疸性肝炎者甚多,运气学说所预测的与杭州实际情况相符。
1961年司天之气太阴湿土,在泉之气太阳寒水,中运少羽,水运不及,称涸流之纪,司天下克中运亦是天刑年,其气亦恶,中运辛与在泉同属水。为同岁会;运气相临寒湿较重,该气平均湿度为18.1毫巴,是1951~1970年中最高年份,该年年降雨量达1451。4毫米,也是20多年里较多之年份。《气交变大论》曰:"民病腹满,身重濡泄,寒疡流水,腰股痛发,腘腨股膝不便,烦冤足痿清厥,脚下痛,甚则跗肿,脏气不致,肾气不衡,上应辰星,其谷秬。上临太阴,则大寒数举,蛰虫早藏,地积坚冰,阳光不治,民病寒疾于下,甚则腹满浮肿。"古人对天、地、人三者的相应变化作了如实记述。与1961年杭州浮肿病症见肢体倦重、脘腹胀痞、懒言思睡,畏寒浮肿等寒湿困阻、脾肾阳虚节节相合;岁会年"病徐而迟。"故不少患者经久不愈,至次年孟夏才得以康复。
1987年元旦前后,上海、宁波、杭州地区甲肝大流行,据查因食毛蚶有关。1987年中运土运不及、阳明燥金司天、少阴君火在泉、胜气胜、复气热,灾宫三,《六元正纪大论》曰:"民病咳嗌塞、寒热发暴、振溧癃秘,清先而劲,毛虫乃死、热谷而暴,介虫乃殃。"该年"五之气、春令反行、草乃生荣,民生和。终之气、阳气布、候反温。"1988年太阳司天之政,"气化运行于先天,天气肃、地气静。""初之气,地气迁,气乃大温、草乃早荣。民乃厉、温病乃作、身热头痛呕吐。"运气学说预测到1987年小雪至1988年春分期间,长江沿海地区气候温热,毛蚶、螺蛳等介壳类动物灾殃,人民犯温病,疫病流行,当时甲肝大流行状况与运气学说预测的十分确切。我根据运气所临六气应用苦寒之品大青叶、山栀、淡芩防治甲肝令人满意。
运气相临
根据运气相临、阴阳五行所属情况,分出天符、岁会、太乙天符年,在天符与岁会年中,中运与司天、在泉之气同化、气候专一、则更要慎防"至而太过"而危害成灾,《六微旨大论》曰:"天符为执行、岁会为行令、太乙天符为贵人。"帝曰:"邪之中也奈何?"岐伯曰:"中执行者,其病速而危、中行令者、其病徐而迟,中贵人者,其病暴而死。"从1950~1980年里仅有的二个太乙天符年来看:
1978年运气同化为火、而三之气的主客气为少阳相火与少阴君火、夏季火邪极盛、气候专一、无所克侮、以杭州市为例:最高气温竟达42.1℃,为历史上罕见,因酷暑致死者甚多,七月份仅火葬人数有539人,是其它月份的二倍之多,也是解放以来所未见的。
1979年运气同化为土,六之气的主客气均为大阳寒水,气候寒凝,阴盛于上下。其冬季死亡火葬人数比其它季度多四分之一以上,"太乙天符为贵人""其病暴而死"。这是事实的佐证。
五运六气结合发病特点,是从运气相临的盛衰决定的,归纳为五种情况:
一、司天之气生中运,上生下称为顺化,属正常,如司天为木、中运为火、木火同德,主善。
二、司天与中运同气,上下同为天符,亦主善。
三、中运生司天,下生上为小逆、虽属不正常,但危害不大,故称小逆。
四、中运上克司天,下犯上为不和、属不正常,危害较大。
五、司天下克中运,以上克下为天刑,属反常,其气恶,危害烈。
1957~1979年,其中1957~1961年为天刑年,从手头的资料来看:杭州市1957~1961年平均死亡人数为7612。4人,其它非天刑年份为5495.6人,天刑年比其它非天刑年份死亡人数多39%。从发病情况看:1959年的肝炎,
1961年的浮肿病均发生在天刑年,其它乙脑、痢疾的发病率,其天刑年也明显高于其它年份。从气候变化观察,
1957~1961年气候反常、自然灾害严重、农业歉收。从历史上看:1897~1901年亦为天刑、当时山东境内黄河连年溃决、水灾之苦又遭虫灾,旱灾;二个甲子前的1837~1841年,全国各地的自然灾害也相当严重。从以上天刑年的发病与气候情况来对照"其气恶,危害烈"并非言过其实。
几点体会
祖国医学的病因学,十分重视气候"太过不及"引起六淫发病,客观上天灾的发生往往伴随着某些流行病、传染病的暴发与流行。凡有所胜、必有所制,凡有所生、必有所助、五运六气的生克制化,造成某些流行病的发生与流行,也可遏制另一些疾病的发生与传播,人体也因六气的来复使原有的疾病应时而自愈。某些因外邪所致的慢性病、时令病,经各种治疗效果不显或痊愈后体力久不康复,待六气的来复,自然会痊愈和康复。《五常政大论》曰:"养之和之,谨守其气,无使倾移,其形乃彰,生气以长,命曰圣王。故大要曰:无代化,无违时,待其来复。"现代易地疗养治疗就是取其避邪就宜之意。
某些验方与经验介绍有很好疗效,但实际应用并非如此,原因何在?古人已有先言:"不知年之所加、气之盛衰、不可以为工也。"例如1955年石家庄用白虎汤治疗乙脑疗效很高,而次年北京用白虎汤疗效不显著,蒲辅周根据北京1956年六气所临湿气较胜,脾虚湿困症状,加用芳香化浊的藿佩兰,疗效则明显提高,运气学说恰正是提高了辨证的全面性。
运气学说以天人合一的气候变化,与流行病发病实况相对照,有其一定的准确性。气象学家已经验证了天体运转的气候变化确有甲子一周的规律,但我们在运用时,不能生搬硬套,《六元正纪大论》曰:"行有顺逆,至有迟速,至高之地,冬气常在,至下之地,春气常在,必谨察之。"探讨运气学说的目的在于古为今用,吸取精华。
此文发表于《浙江中医学院学报》1991年第十五卷第2期
3.《内经》运气学说与87年上海甲肝瘟疫
《黄帝内经.素问》中的七篇大论,全面、系统地介绍了运气学说,内容十分丰富。它从中医学的指导思想、理论基础,病因病机认识、到诊断治疗原则,方剂药物的运用都作了较系统的论述,特别是气候变化与物候、病候及其诊断要点更作了详细的归纳和说明。因此"七篇"可以说是《内经》一书基本精神的总结性篇章,是《内经》一书极其重要的组成部分。历代研究《内经》的著名学者,多数都加以肯定并作诠释,其临床的应用价值至今仍闪耀着科学的光辉。笔者是搞中医临床的,讲究的是实效,曾于80年与90年撰写《运气学说与杭州气候》、《运气学说与杭州流行病》。在此,对《内经》的运气学说与87年上海甲肝瘟疫再作一点探讨。
1987年为丁卯年,1988年为戊辰年。
稍有年长的都还记得,1987年的秋冬至88年的春季,上海、宁波、杭州地区甲肝大流行,瘟疫从大上海向周边地区迅猛扩散,举国上下一片惊慌,海内外人士不敢进入上海害怕甲肝瘟疫祸殃自身。公共汽车上人们不敢触摸扶杆,朋友见面也忌讳握手,饭店生意清淡,板蓝根成了最抢手的药品,一包箭牌进口烟换不到一包板蓝根冲剂。医学权威人士惊呼与食毛蚶有关。
害人的瘟疫已经流行漫延,如何预防治疗,众说纷纭。
著书于2000多年前的《内经》中的五运六气学说,恰恰从天体运行的周期性变化中,寻求气候变化规律,预测气候、物候及人体的病理变化,并提出预防,指导治疗,立方选药。其中对87年秋冬至88年春季,上海甲肝瘟疫的发生,流行状况,所作出的预测,精确程度令世人惊叹!
《内经》中的运气学说是怎样预测87年、88年气候特点和人体发病情况的呢?
《六元正纪大论》曰:丁卯 丁酉岁上阳明金、中少角木运,下少阴火清化热化胜复同,
所谓邪气化日也。灾三宫,燥化九,风化三,热化七,所谓正化日也。其化上苦小温,中辛和,下咸寒,所谓药食宜也。
上面这一段原文用白话文来语译:丁卯.丁酉年,阳明燥金司天,是木运不及之年,少阴君火在泉。"清化"指木运不及之年,春天应温不温,气候偏凉。按五行概念来说就是木气不及,金来乘之,主清燥大行,容易伤人肝气。"热化"是木运不及之年,金来乘木,但是金气过于偏胜时,由于气候自调的原因,火气又来乘复。这一年的夏天会出现气候炎热,这叫"清化热化胜复同。"
"灾三宫"的"灾"指自然灾害的伤害,"三宫"指的是东方震宫,因木运不及,金来相乘,故位居东方的震宫会发生灾害。地理位置即中国东部上海一带。
"燥化九"是丁卯、丁酉年的司天之气而言。阳明主凉主燥,上半年气候偏凉偏燥,"九"为金之成数。
"风化三"指丁卯、丁酉的岁运为木运不及,木主风,主温,该年春季气候偏凉而导致春季生物的萌芽生长受到影响。"三"是木之生数。
"热化七"是指丁卯、丁酉为少阴君火在泉,少阴主热,万物因感此火热之气而生长。"七"为火之成数,表示下半年气候十分炎热。
"其化上苦小温,中辛和,下咸寒"指上半年阳明燥金司天,气候偏凉,所以在疾病的治疗及饮食调理上以味苦性温的药物或食物为宜,因为温可胜凉。"中亲和"指岁运是木运不及之年,气候应温不温,肝气不及,所以在治疗及饮食调理上,用味辛性较温和的药物或食物为宜。因为"肝欲散,急食辛以散之。""下咸寒"指下半年由于少阴君火在泉,气候偏热,所以在疾病的治疗及饮食调理上以味咸性寒的药物及饮食为宜。因为寒可以胜热。指出丁卯、丁酉年的药物及饮食之所宜。
《六元正纪大论》曰:"凡此阳明司天之政,气化运行后天,天气急,地气明,阳专其令,炎暑大行......上应太白荧惑。其政切,其令暴,蛰虫乃见,流水不冰,民病咳嗌塞,寒热发,暴振溧,癃痫,清先而劲,毛虫乃死,热后而暴,介虫乃殃,其发躁胜复之作,扰而大乱,清热之气,持于气交。初之气,地气迁,阴始凝,气始肃,水乃冰,寒雨化......二之气,阳乃布,民乃舒,物乃生荣。厉大至,民善暴死。三之气,天政布,凉乃行,燥热交合,燥极而泽,民病寒热。四之气,寒雨降,病暴仆,振栗谵妄,少气嗌干引饮,及为心痛痈肿疮疡疟寒之疾,骨痿血便。五之气,春令反行,草乃生荣,民气和。终之气,阳气布,候反温,蛰虫来见,流水不冰,民乃康平,其病温。故食岁谷以安其气,食间谷以去其邪,岁宜以咸以苦以辛,汗之清之散之,安其运气,无使受邪,折其郁气,资其化源。以寒热轻重少多其制,同热者多天化,同清者多地化......。"
语译:在阳明燥金司天的年份里,岁运不及,各年的气候与季节不完全相应有至而不至的气候发生。
"天气急,地气明"指87年阳明司天属金,主凉主燥,主收,主杀。少阴君火主热,主长。阳明金令在上,故气候变化劲急,少阴君火在下,故地气光明。气候特点是上半年偏凉,下半年偏热。
"阳专其令,炎暑大行"指87年的夏天气候可能会出现大热的现象。
"上应太白荧惑""太白"指金星。"荧惑"指火星。指气候变化与天体上的金星和火星的运动变化有关。87年金星、火星在天空中比平常年份大而明亮。
"其政切,其令暴"指上半年气候偏凉。金气偏胜,火气来复,气候会出现暴热的自然 现象。
"蛰虫乃见,流水不冰"指87年冬天应冷不冷,所以蛰虫不藏,流水不冰。
"民病咳嗌塞,寒热发,暴振溧"指上半年因气候偏凉,人体肺脏容易感邪发病,发生咳嗽、嗌塞等肺病症状。由于肺合皮毛,主治节,临床上可出现发热恶寒等症状。
"癃痫"指肺气肃降失司,不能通调水道,以致小便闭塞。
"清先而劲,毛虫乃死"指上半年气候偏凉,适宜于温暖气候生长的毛毛虫会引起死亡。
"热后而暴,介虫乃殃"指下半年过于炎热,适宜清凉气候生长的带有甲壳的贝类动物因炎热气候会发生瘟疫而遭殃。
"其发躁,胜复之作,扰而大乱,清热之气,持于气交"指气候变化急骤,严重反常,在春夏三气与四气之间,时凉时热,气候极不稳定。
"初之气,地气迁,阴始凝,气始肃,水乃冰,寒雨化"指初之气为太阴,主湿,湿为阴邪。指农历86年十二月下旬至87年二月上旬,气候阴暗潮湿,寒冷,雨水较多。
From 1951 to 1970, the average wind speed was 2 meters per second; in 1959, the average wind speed was 2.3 meters per second, marking the year with the highest wind speed. Reflecting on the human body, this year saw severe pathogenic invasion of Liver Wood (Liver Wood). Looking at the vertical distribution, the Three Yin (San Yin) were above and the Three Yang (San Yang) below, presenting a state of deficiency above and excess below. The transformational Qi of Earth (Spleen Earth) lost its command, causing grains to flower but not bear fruit. Excessive Wood generated Wind to overcome Earth. The disaster palace was Five (Central), with a wide area of disease occurrence. Human symptoms included abdominal distension and fullness, and a sensation of blockage. This was due to the insufficiency of Earth transport leading to the transformation of Wood Qi. In the second half of the year, the Qi of Jueyin Wind Wood gradually declined, while the Shaoyang Ministerial Fire (Shaoyang Xiang Huo) in the Spring (Zai Quan) became prosperous. Fire generating Earth meant that the Central Transport Spleen Earth received assistance. The struggle between Damp-Heat led to jaundice among the people. Due to the decline of Wood and the recovery of Metal Qi, many suffered from hepatitis with jaundice during summer and autumn. The predictions of the Wuyun Liuqi (Five Movements and Six Qi) theory matched the actual situation in Hangzhou.
In 1961, the Si Tian (Si Tian) Qi was Taiyin Damp Earth, and the Zai Quan (Zai Quan) Qi was Taiyang Cold Water. The Central Transport was Shao Yu (Water transport insufficiency), known as the "Jinliu Zhi Ji" (Era of Dried Streams). The Si Tian overcoming the Central Transport also constituted a "Tianxing" (Heavenly Punishment) year, with adverse climate conditions. The Central Transport Xin and the Zai Quan both belonged to Water, forming a "Tongsu Hui" (Same Year Meeting). With Luck and Qi approaching, Cold-Dampness was heavy. The average humidity for that year was 18.1 millibars, the highest among 1951–1970, and the annual rainfall reached 1451.4 mm, one of the higher amounts in over 20 years. *Suwen: Qijiao Bian Da Lun* states: "The people suffer from abdominal fullness, heaviness of the body, and loose stools; cold sores discharge fluid; pain erupts in the waist and thighs; the popliteal fossa, calves, thighs, and knees become inconvenient; there is vexation, foot weakness, cold reversal, pain under the feet, and in severe cases, edema of the dorsum pedis. The Qi of the zang organs fails to reach its proper state, and Kidney Qi becomes unbalanced. Above, it corresponds to Chenxing (Mercury); the corresponding grain is Ju (black millet). When Taiyin descends, great cold occurs frequently, hibernating insects hide early, the ground accumulates hard ice, sunlight cannot penetrate, and the people suffer from cold diseases below, which may lead to abdominal fullness and edema." The ancients accurately recorded the corresponding changes among Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. This aligns with the edema cases seen in Hangzhou in 1961, characterized by limb fatigue, abdominal distension and blockage, reluctance to speak, drowsiness, fear of cold, and edema, indicating Cold-Dampness obstructing and Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency. In a "Suihui" (Year Meeting) year, "diseases develop slowly and late." Thus, many patients did not recover until the early summer of the following year.
Around New Year's Day 1987, an epidemic of Hepatitis A broke out in Shanghai, Ningbo, and Hangzhou, linked to the consumption of razor clams. In 1987, the Central Transport was Earth Insufficiency, Yangming Dry Metal was Si Tian, and Shaoyin Sovereign Fire was Zai Quan. The Winning Qi and Recovering Qi were both Heat, with the disaster palace at Three (East). *Suwen: Liuyuan Zhengji Da Lun* states: "The people suffer from cough and throat obstruction, sudden onset of chills and fever, tremors, strangury, or constipation. The Cool Qi appears first and is vigorous, causing hair-bearing animals (mammals) to die; the Hot Qi follows violently, causing shell-bearing animals (mollusks/crustaceans) to suffer." In that year, "During the Fifth Qi, the Spring command acted in reverse, grasses flourished, and the people were peaceful. During the Final Qi, Yang Qi spread, and the climate turned warm." For 1988, with Taiyang Cold Water as Si Tian, "the Qi transformation operates prior to the natural order (early); the Heavenly Qi is solemn, and the Earthly Qi is tranquil." "During the First Qi, the Earthly Qi migrates, the climate becomes very warm, and grasses bloom early. The people suffer from epidemics, warm diseases occur, with fever, headache, and vomiting." The Wuyun Liuqi theory predicted that from Minor Snow 1987 to Spring Equinox 1988, the coastal areas along the Yangtze River would experience warm climates, leading to disasters for shellfish like razor clams and snails, causing warm diseases and epidemics among the people. The actual Hepatitis A epidemic closely matched these predictions. Based on the Six Qi governing the time, I used bitter-cold herbs such as Dahqingye (Isatis Leaf), Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit), and Danqin (Scutellaria Root) to prevent and treat Hepatitis A, with satisfactory results.
Luck and Qi Approach
Based on the approach of Luck and Qi and their association with Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, years are classified as Tianfu (Heavenly符), Suihui (Year Meeting), and Taiyi Tianfu (Great One Heavenly符). In Tianfu and Suihui years, the Central Transport harmonizes with the Si Tian and Zai Quan Qi, resulting in uniform climate. One must be cautious of "arriving too excessively," which can cause disaster. *Suwen: Liuweizhi Da Lun* states: "Tianfu acts as the executor, Suihui as the messenger, and Taiyi Tianfu as the noble person." The Yellow Emperor asked: "How does the pathogen affect the person?" Qibo answered: "Those struck by the executor suffer rapid and critical illness; those struck by the messenger suffer slow and delayed illness; those struck by the noble person suffer sudden death." Looking at the only two Taiyi Tianfu years between 1950 and 1980:
In 1978, the Luck harmonized into Fire. The Main and Guest Qi of the Third Qi were Shaoyang Ministerial Fire and Shaoyin Sovereign Fire. Summer Fire pathogen was extremely strong, and the climate was uniform without being overcome. Taking Hangzhou as an example: the maximum temperature reached 42.1°C, unprecedented in history. Many died from the heatstroke. In July alone, there were 539 cremations, double that of other months, unseen since liberation.
In 1979, the Luck harmonized into Earth. The Main and Guest Qi of the Sixth Qi were both Taiyang Cold Water. The climate was cold and congealed, with Yin excess above and below. The number of deaths and cremations in winter was more than one-quarter higher than in other quarters. "Taiyi Tianfu is the noble person; 'their illness is sudden and they die.'" This is corroborated by facts.
The characteristics of disease combined with Wuyun Liuqi are determined by the prosperity and decline of the approaching Luck, summarized in five situations:
1. Si Tian Qi generates Central Transport: Upper generating Lower is called Shunhua (Smooth Transformation), belonging to normalcy. For example, if Si Tian is Wood and Central Transport is Fire, Wood and Fire share virtue, indicating auspiciousness.
2. Si Tian and Central Transport have the same Qi: Both Upper and Lower are Tianfu, also indicating auspiciousness.
3. Central Transport generates Si Tian: Lower generating Upper is Xiaoni (Minor Reversal). Although abnormal, the harm is not great, hence called Minor Reversal.
4. Central Transport overcomes Si Tian from above: Lower offending Upper is Buhe (Disorder). It is abnormal and causes significant harm.
5. Si Tian overcomes Central Transport from above: Upper overcoming Lower is Tianxing (Heavenly Punishment). It is abnormal, the Qi is evil, and the harm is severe.
From 1957 to 1979, specifically 1957–1961, were Tianxing years. According to available data: The average annual death toll in Hangzhou from 1957 to 1961 was 7,612.4, whereas non-Tianxing years averaged 5,495.6. The death toll in Tianxing years was 39% higher than in non-Tianxing years. Regarding disease incidence: Hepatitis in 1959 and edema in 1961 occurred in Tianxing years. The incidence rates of Japanese Encephalitis B and dysentery were also significantly higher in Tianxing years compared to others. Observing climate changes, 1957–1961 saw abnormal weather, severe natural disasters, and poor harvests. Historically, 1897–1901 was also a Tianxing year, when the Yellow River breached its banks annually in Shandong, bringing flood disasters compounded by insect plagues and droughts. Two jiazi cycles earlier, 1837–1841, also saw severe natural disasters nationwide. Comparing the disease and climate conditions of these Tianxing years with the statement "the Qi is evil, and the harm is severe" is not an exaggeration.
Some Reflections
Traditional Chinese Medicine etiology attaches great importance to the pathogenic factors of the Six Evils (Liu Yin) caused by climate "excess and insufficiency." Objectively, the occurrence of natural disasters often accompanies the outbreak and spread of certain infectious and epidemic diseases. Whatever is victorious must be controlled; whatever is generated must be assisted. The generation, restriction, and transformation of Wuyun Liuqi cause the occurrence and spread of some epidemics while suppressing others. The human body also naturally heals seasonal diseases through the recovery of the Six Qi. Some chronic or seasonal diseases caused by external pathogens, which show little effect with various treatments or where physical strength does not recover long after healing, will naturally heal and recover upon the recovery of the Six Qi. *Suwen: Wuchangzheng Da Lun* states: "Nourish and harmonize them, carefully guard their Qi, do not let it shift improperly, so that their form becomes clear and vital Qi grows. This is called the Sage King. Therefore, the general principle states: Do not replace transformation, do not violate the season, wait for its recovery." Modern relocation therapy for recuperation takes advantage of avoiding pathogens and seeking suitability.
Some verified prescriptions and experiences introduce good efficacy, but practical application does not always reflect this. Why? The ancients stated: "One who does not know the addition of the year and the prosperity and decline of Qi cannot be a physician." For example, in 1955, Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) had high efficacy in treating Japanese Encephalitis B in Shijiazhuang, but its efficacy was not significant in Beijing the following year. Pu Fuzhou, based on the fact that Dampness was dominant in the Six Qi of Beijing in 1956, and observing symptoms of Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Encumbrance, added Huo Xiang Pei Lan (Agastache and Eupatorium) for aromatic transformation of turbidity, significantly improving efficacy. The Wuyun Liuqi theory precisely enhances the comprehensiveness of syndrome differentiation.
The Wuyun Liuqi theory correlates the climate changes of Heaven-Human Unity with the actual incidence of epidemics, possessing a certain accuracy. Meteorologists have verified that the climate changes of celestial rotation indeed follow a sixty-year cycle pattern. However, in application, we cannot rigidly apply it. *Suwen: Liuyuan Zhengji Da Lun* states: "Movement has smoothness and reverseness, arrival has slowness and speed. In places of extreme height, Winter Qi prevails; in places of extreme depth, Spring Qi prevails. One must carefully observe this." The purpose of exploring Wuyun Liuqi theory is to use the past for the present and absorb the essence.
This article was published in the *Journal of Zhejiang College of Traditional Chinese Medicine*, Vol. 15, No. 2, 1991.
3. The Theory of Luck and Qi in *Neijing* and the 1987 Hepatitis A Epidemic in Shanghai
The Seven Great Treatises in *Huangdi Neijing: Suwen* comprehensively and systematically introduce the theory of Luck and Qi, with rich content. From the guiding ideology and theoretical foundation of TCM, to the understanding of etiology and pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment principles, and the application of formulas and drugs, it makes systematic discussions. Especially regarding climate changes and phenology, pathology, and their diagnostic points, it provides detailed summaries and explanations. Therefore, the "Seven Treatises" can be said to be the summary chapters of the basic spirit of *Neijing* and an extremely important part of the book. Famous scholars studying *Neijing* throughout history have mostly affirmed and interpreted them, and their clinical application value still shines with scientific brilliance today. As a TCM clinician, I emphasize practical effects. I wrote "Wuyun Liuqi Theory and Hangzhou Climate" and "Wuyun Liuqi Theory and Hangzhou Epidemics" in 1980 and 1990. Here, I make further explorations on the Wuyun Liuqi theory of *Neijing* and the 1987 Hepatitis A epidemic in Shanghai.
1987 was the Dingmao year, and 1988 was the Wuchen year.
Those slightly older remember well that from the autumn and winter of 1987 to the spring of 1988, a major Hepatitis A epidemic broke out in Shanghai, Ningbo, and Hangzhou. The plague spread rapidly from Greater Shanghai to surrounding areas, causing panic nationwide. People domestically and internationally feared entering Shanghai, fearing the Hepatitis A plague. On public buses, people dared not touch handrails; friends avoided shaking hands when meeting. Restaurant business was sluggish. Banlangen (Isatis Root Granules) became the most sought-after medicine; a pack of imported Arrow cigarettes could not even exchange for a pack of Banlangen granules. Medical authorities exclaimed it was related to eating razor clams.
The harmful plague had already spread. How to prevent and treat it? Opinions varied.
The Wuyun Liuqi theory in *Neijing*, written over 2,000 years ago, precisely seeks laws of climate change from the periodic changes of celestial body movement, predicting climate, phenology, and pathological changes in the human body, proposing prevention, guiding treatment, and prescribing formulas and drugs. Among them, the predictions made for the occurrence and spread of the Hepatitis A epidemic in Shanghai from autumn/winter 1987 to spring 1988 amazed the world with their precision!
How did the Wuyun Liuqi theory in *Neijing* predict the climate characteristics and human disease conditions of 1987 and 1988?
*Suwen: Liuyuan Zhengji Da Lun* states: "In Dingmao and Dingyou years, the upper is Yangming Metal, the central is Shaojiao Wood Transport, and the lower is Shaoyin Fire. The Cool Transformation and Hot Transformation of Victory and Recovery are the same, referred to as the days of pathogenic Qi transformation. Disaster in Palace Three. Dryness Transformation Nine, Wind Transformation Three, Heat Transformation Seven, referred to as the days of regular transformation. Its transformation above is Bitter-Small-Warm, middle is Pungent-Harmonious, lower is Salty-Cold. These are suitable for medicines and foods."
Translation of the above original text into vernacular: In Dingmao and Dingyou years, Yangming Dry Metal is Si Tian, it is a year of Wood Transport Insufficiency, and Shaoyin Sovereign Fire is Zai Quan. "Cool Transformation" refers to the phenomenon in a year of Wood Transport Insufficiency where spring should be warm but is not, resulting in a cool climate. In terms of Five Elements concept, this means Wood Qi is insufficient, Metal overcomes it, leading to extensive Dryness and Coolness, easily injuring Liver Qi. "Hot Transformation" refers to the year of Wood Transport Insufficiency where Metal overcomes Wood, but when Metal Qi is overly excessive, due to self-regulation of climate, Fire Qi comes to recover. The summer of this year will see hot climate, called "Cool Transformation and Hot Transformation of Victory and Recovery together."
"Disaster in Palace Three": "Disaster" refers to the damage of natural disasters; "Palace Three" refers to the East Zhen Palace. Due to Wood Transport Insufficiency and Metal overcoming, the Zhen Palace located in the East will suffer disasters. Geographically, this refers to the eastern China area around Shanghai.
"Dryness Transformation Nine" refers to the Si Tian Qi of Dingmao and Dingyou years. Yangming governs Cool and Dryness; the first half of the year's climate is cool and dry. "Nine" is the completion number of Metal.
"Wind Transformation Three" refers to the Sui Yun (Annual Transport) of Dingmao and Dingyou being Wood Transport Insufficiency. Wood governs Wind and Warmth. The cool climate of that spring affected the sprouting and growth of spring organisms. "Three" is the birth number of Wood.
"Heat Transformation Seven" refers to Dingmao and Dingyou having Shaoyin Sovereign Fire as Zai Quan. Shaoyin governs Heat, and all things grow due to feeling this fiery heat. "Seven" is the completion number of Fire, indicating the second half of the year's climate is very hot.
"Its transformation above is Bitter-Small-Warm, middle is Pungent-Harmonious, lower is Salty-Cold" refers to the first half of the year with Yangming Dry Metal Si Tian and cool climate, so in disease treatment and dietary regulation, bitter and warm-flavored medicines or foods are suitable because warmth can overcome coolness. "Middle Harmonious" refers to the Annual Transport being Wood Transport Insufficiency, where climate should be warm but is not, and Liver Qi is insufficient. So in treatment and dietary regulation, pungent and mildly warm-flavored medicines or foods are suitable. Because "Liver desires dispersion; urgently eat pungent to disperse it." "Lower Salty-Cold" refers to the second half of the year due to Shaoyin Sovereign Fire Zai Quan and hot climate, so in disease treatment and dietary regulation, salty and cold-flavored medicines and diets are suitable because cold can overcome heat. This indicates the suitable medicines and diets for Dingmao and Dingyou years.
*Suwen: Liuyuan Zhengji Da Lun* states: "For all these years where Yangming governs Si Tian, Qi transformation operates later than the season. Heavenly Qi is urgent, Earthly Qi is bright. Yang exclusively holds its command, and great heat runs rampant... Above, it corresponds to Taibai (Venus) and Yinghuo (Mars). Its governance is sharp, its command is violent. Hibernating insects appear, flowing water does not freeze. The people suffer from cough and throat obstruction, chills and fever, sudden tremors and sweating, strangury and epilepsy. Cool Qi appears first and is vigorous, hair-bearing animals die; Hot Qi follows violently, shell-bearing animals suffer. Their emergence is restless, the work of victory and recovery disturbs and creates chaos. The Clearing-Heat Qi persists at the Qi intersection. First Qi: Earthly Qi migrates, Yin begins to condense, Qi begins to solemn, water freezes, cold rain transforms... Second Qi: Yang spreads, the people relax, objects grow and flourish. Epidemics arrive greatly, the people often die suddenly. Third Qi: Heavenly governance spreads, Coolness acts, Dryness and Heat intersect, Dryness reaches extremity then becomes moist. The people suffer from chills and fever. Fourth Qi: Cold rain descends. Diseases erupt with collapse, trembling, delirium, shortness of breath, throat dryness with desire to drink, and also heart pain, carbuncles, sores, ulcers, malaria, and cold diseases, bone atrophy, and bloody stools. Fifth Qi: Spring command acts in reverse, grasses flourish, the people are peaceful. Final Qi: Yang Qi spreads, climate turns warm, hibernating insects appear, flowing water does not freeze, the people are healthy and peaceful, their disease is Warm. Therefore, eat the grain of the year to calm their Qi, eat the intercalary grain to remove their pathogen. The year is suitable for Salty, Bitter, and Pungent flavors. Sweat them, Clear them, Disperse them. Calm their Luck, do not let them receive pathogen. Break their stagnant Qi, nourish their source of transformation. Regulate according to the lightness, heaviness, and quantity of Cold and Heat. Those similar to Heat rely mostly on Heavenly transformation; those similar to Coolness rely mostly on Earthly transformation..."
Translation: In years where Yangming Dry Metal governs Si Tian, the Annual Transport is insufficient. The climate of each year does not completely correspond to the seasons, with phenomena of "arrival without arrival."
"Heavenly Qi is urgent, Earthly Qi is bright" refers to 1987 Yangming Si Tian belonging to Metal, governing Cool, Dryness, Gathering, and Killing. Shaoyin Sovereign Fire governs Heat and Growth. With Yangming Metal command above, climate changes are vigorous and urgent; with Shaoyin Sovereign Fire below, Earthly Qi is bright. The climate characteristic is cool in the first half and hot in the second half.
"Yang exclusively holds its command, and great heat runs rampant" refers to the possibility of extreme heat in the summer of 1987.
"Above, it corresponds to Taibai and Yinghuo" "Taibai" refers to Venus. "Yinghuo" refers to Mars. It indicates that climate changes are related to the movement and changes of Venus and Mars in the celestial bodies. In 1987, Venus and Mars were larger and brighter in the sky than in ordinary years.
"Its governance is sharp, its command is violent" refers to the cool climate of the first half of the year. Metal Qi is excessive, Fire Qi recovers, and the climate will exhibit violent heat natural phenomena.
"Hibernating insects appear, flowing water does not freeze" refers to 1987 winter being cold but not cold enough, so hibernating insects do not hide, and flowing water does not freeze.
"The people suffer from cough and throat obstruction, chills and fever, sudden tremors and sweating" refers to the first half of the year where the cool climate makes the Lung organ susceptible to pathogenic invasion, causing lung disease symptoms such as cough and throat obstruction. Since the Lung governs the skin and hair and controls regulation, clinically, symptoms such as fever and aversion to cold may appear.
"Strangury and epilepsy" refers to the failure of Lung Qi to descend properly, unable to regulate water passages, leading to urinary retention.
"Cool Qi appears first and is vigorous, hair-bearing animals die" refers to the cool climate of the first half of the year, which causes caterpillars (suitable for warm climates) to die.
"Hot Qi follows violently, shell-bearing animals suffer" refers to the excessive heat of the second half of the year, causing shellfish (suitable for cool climates) to suffer from plagues due to the hot climate.
"Their emergence is restless, the work of victory and recovery disturbs and creates chaos. The Clearing-Heat Qi persists at the Qi intersection" refers to abrupt and severely abnormal climate changes. Between the third and fourth Qi of spring and summer, it alternates between cool and hot, with extremely unstable climate.
"First Qi: Earthly Qi migrates, Yin begins to condense, Qi begins to solemn, water freezes, cold rain transforms" refers to the First Qi being Taiyin, governing Dampness, which is a Yin pathogen. It refers to the period from late December 1986 to early February 1987, where the climate was dark, humid, cold, and rainy.