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Yellow Emperor asked: Regarding the "Nine Obstructions of Tian Yuan" (Tianyuan Jiuzhi, nine types of celestial obstructions affecting qi movement), I have already understood them. Now I wish to hear about the Qi Jiao (the intersection and interaction of Heaven and Earth Qi). What is meant by "Shi Shou" (Loss of Control/Position)?

Qibo replied: By "Shi Shou," it refers to the situation where the ascending and descending, moving into position (Qian Zheng) and withdrawing from position (Tui Wei) of the Six Qi (Liu Qi, the six climatic factors), which normally correspond to the Five Zang Organs and Heaven and Earth, fail to arrive at their designated times due to obstruction. This failure to maintain proper order is called Shi Shou.

The *Tianyuan Yuce* states: The Six Qi usually consist of three Qi in Heaven and three Qi on Earth. One Qi ascends to become the Left Interstitial Qi of Heaven; one Qi enters Earth to become the Right Interstitial Qi of Earth; one Qi moves into position to become the Si Tian (Chief Qi of Heaven); one Qi moves into position to become the Zai Quan (Chief Qi of Earth); one Qi withdraws from position to become the Left Interstitial Qi of Heaven; one Qi withdraws from position to become the Right Interstitial Qi of Earth. When Qi Jiao combines and each occupies its proper place, arriving at the appropriate time, Heaven and Earth Qi intersect, leading to prosperity and peace. If Heaven and Earth Qi do not intersect, disease arises.

Therefore, if the positions in Qi Jiao are altered, Qi Jiao undergoes change; if this change is abnormal, the four seasons lose their order, and the myriad transformations (growth processes of all things) become unsettled, causing diseases among the people.

Thus, among the Six Qi, some cannot ascend when they should, some cannot descend when they should, some should move into position but cannot, and some hold the position but lack the proper authority. Such distinctions arise because Heaven and Earth have lost their normal state, so the common people are uneasy.

The Yellow Emperor asked: Regarding the failure to ascend or descend, I wish to hear the reasons. How can one clearly know the changes in Qi Jiao? This inquiry seeks to trace the source.

Qibo said: Your question is insightful; you have grasped the Dao. Changes in Qi Jiao are referred to as the mechanisms of Heaven and Earth.

Whenever Qi desires to ascend but encounters "Tian Zhu" (Heavenly Pillar, representing Metal obstruction), the Two Fires (Jun Huo and Xiang Huo) desire to ascend but are blocked by Tian Zhu; Earth Qi desires to ascend but is blocked by "Tian Peng" (Heavenly Tent, representing Water obstruction); Metal Qi desires to ascend but is blocked by "Tian Chong" (Heavenly Charger, representing Wood obstruction); Water Qi desires to ascend but is blocked by "Tian Ying" (Heavenly Hero, representing Fire obstruction). Thus, being overcome by the element that Heaven controls prevents advancement.

Whenever Qi desires to descend but cannot, it is punished by the Earth's obstructing elements. Wood Qi desires to descend but is blocked by Di Xuan (Earthly Mysterious, Water), punished by Fire; Earth Qi desires to descend but is blocked by Di Cang (Earthly Azure, Wood), punished by Metal; Metal Qi desires to descend but is blocked by Di Tong (Earthly Red, Fire), punished by Water; Water Qi desires to descend but is blocked by Di Fu (Earthly Mound, Earth), punished by Earth. These nine obstructions follow the patterns of Heaven, where the controlling element prevents descent.

Furthermore, there are cases where the Five Yun (Five Movements) are excessive and arrive early (Xian Tian), causing the transition to be stalled. In Yang years, before the arrival of the Si Tian Qi, the subsequent Qi encounters the overcoming Qi of the preceding Yun, preventing meeting. For example: If Metal Yun is strong, the Two Fires desire to ascend but encounter Water Yun overcoming in the middle; Earth desires to ascend but encounters Wood Yun overcoming in the middle; Metal desires to ascend but encounters Fire Yun overcoming in the middle; Water desires to ascend but encounters Earth Yun overcoming in the middle. All these cases involve Yun that are excessive and arrive early, suppressing them in the middle before the Qi Jiao can occur, thus preventing advancement.

Whenever Qi desires to descend but cannot, it is suppressed by the Central Yun. However, when Five Yun are excessive and arrive early in the middle, although they wish to descend, they cannot go down, being punished and suppressed by the Central Yun, leading to stagnation.

Thus, there are cases of ascending but not advancing, descending but not going down, descending but not going down while ascending reaches Heaven, and both ascending and descending failing to advance. These distinctions show that changes in Qi Jiao vary, and disasters range from mild to severe.

Therefore, the ascending and descending of Heaven and Earth in Qi Jiao involves the overcoming relationships of Tian Zhi (Heavenly Obstruction) and Di Zhi (Earthly Obstruction), as well as the depth of suppression by Central Yun, resulting in varying degrees of disease severity among the people.

The Yellow Emperor said: I wish to understand the causes of Qi Jiao encountering meetings and suppression, and how the resulting diseases in the people vary in severity. This is to clarify the root symptoms of pathological changes.

Qibo said: This is caused by the meeting of overcoming Qi and its suppression. The ascending and descending of the Six Qi is the way of the classics and the norm of Qi Jiao. Unusual circumstances lead to the meeting of overcoming and suppressing Qi, forming stagnation (Yu).

In Chen-Xu years, Wood Qi desires to ascend but is blocked by Tian Zhu (Metal) and cannot advance. In Chen-Xu years, Tai Yang (Cold Water) moves into position as Si Tian. Jue Yin (Wind Wood), previously the Right Interstitial Qi of Earth, should ascend to become the Left Interstitial Qi of Heaven for this year. However, it encounters the deep calculation of the Si Tian position, reaching the obstruction of Tian Zhu. Wood desires to ascend to Heaven, but Tian Zhu (Metal) is the Si Tian, and Earth overcomes it (Note: Text implies Metal overcomes Wood, hence blockage). Additionally, Geng-Xu Metal Yun arrives early (Xian Tian), and the Central Yun overcomes it, causing sudden stagnation. It may be an upper obstruction by Tian Zhu or a middle obstruction by Metal Yun.

If ascending fails, clear cold generates wind, lacking autumnal desiccation in spring; dew and frost fall again, withering grass and trees. People suffer from early-onset warm epidemics, dry throat and pharynx, fullness in the limbs, and pain throughout the joints. Over time, this transforms into stagnation. Only when the day of the Left Interstitial Qi of Heaven arrives does it manifest. At this time, great winds break branches and cause noise; people suffer from stroke, generalized numbness, and insensitivity of the hands and feet. When green dust appears, wind epidemics arise; people exhibit opisthotonos and rigidity. Treatment should target the Three Shu points.

In Si-Hai years, Jun Huo (Monarch Fire) desires to ascend but is blocked by Tian Peng (Water) and cannot advance. Jun Huo has been on Earth for three years. In Si-Hai years, Shao Yin (Jun Huo) should ascend to Heaven as the Left Interstitial Qi. This is predictable. However, Tian Peng Water governs. According to *Tianyuan Yuce*, removing the number from Kan Palace makes Tian Peng the master, so Water obstruction prevails. Also, if Jue Yin Wood moves into position, Shao Yin cannot ascend; Heavenly Water Yun arrives in the middle. Jun Huo desires to ascend but is suppressed by Middle Water Yun. Whether due to Tian Peng Water governance or Water Yun suppression, ascent fails. Clear cold returns, cold arises morning and evening. People have hidden Yang inside, generating internal irritability, palpitations, and alternating chills and fever. Long-standing cases develop stagnation.

After fourteen days (two seven-day periods) without descent, it is considered long-standing. Sudden heat arises, red wind causes swelling and cataracts, transforming into epidemics and warm plagues. Manifestation occurs only when the day of the Left Interstitial Qi of Heaven arrives. People suffer from hidden heat causing internal irritability, bi-syndrome leading to jue (cold extremities), and in severe cases, hemorrhage. Red qi miasma transforms into fire; epidemics cause irritability, restlessness, and thirst. Severe thirst is treated with draining methods to stop it.

In Zi-Wu years, Tai Yin (Damp Earth) desires to ascend but is blocked by Tian Chong (Wood) and cannot advance. It becomes the Left Interstitial Qi of Shao Yin, which is fixed. The method for Tian Chong obstruction is unpredictable. If Tian Chong obstruction occurs, Earth cannot simply ascend, hence "ascending but not advancing." If Yun arrives prematurely, Middle Wood suppresses it. Wood ascends on the day of Great Cold. If Wood arrives thirteen days early, ascent may be suppressed by these two Wood obstructions. Earth suppression is severe, leading to deep disease.

If ascending fails, wind and dust rise everywhere, haze obscures vision, rain and dampness do not transform. People suffer from Feng Jue (wind-induced reversal), salivary flooding, hemiplegia, fullness, and long-term hidden stagnation. If ten days pass without ascending, it is considered long-standing. Yellow dust transforms into epidemic. Major epidemics arise from the upward stagnation of interstitial Qi.

In Chou-Wei years, Shao Yang (Minister Fire) desires to ascend but is blocked by Tian Peng (Water) and cannot advance. Shao Yin completes three years on Earth. In this year, it ascends to Heaven as the Left Interstitial Qi of Tai Yin. This is predictable. The method for Tian Peng loss of position is uncertain. If encountered, Water Yun might ascend Minister Fire, so it cannot simply ascend. Also, if Tai Yin has not moved into position, Shao Yin cannot ascend. Water Yun arriving causes failure to ascend due to these two suppressions.

If ascending fails, cold mist spreads, biting like winter; water dries up and freezes again. Warmth suddenly appears, then cold returns, with irregular cold and warmth. People have hidden Yang inside, generating internal heat, fright, and alternating chills and fever, leading to long-term stagnation. After fourteen days without descent, it is considered long-standing. Sudden heat arises, red wind causes eye issues. Manifestation occurs when Heaven attains its position, transforming into stagnant plague. Hidden heat causes internal irritability, bi-syndrome leading to jue, and severe hemorrhage. Red qi generates major epidemics, causing severe irritability and heat. Cooling medicines cannot control the fire stagnation, which is worse than Monarch Fire, hence jue leads to hemorrhage.

In Yin-Shen years, Yang Ming (Dry Metal) desires to ascend but is blocked by Tian Ying (Fire) and cannot advance. Yang Ming completes three years on Earth. In this year, it ascends to Heaven as the Left Interstitial Qi of Shao Yang. This is determined in the classics. The Nine Obstructions depend on heavenly numbers. Metal encounters Fire obstruction, which overcomes it, preventing ascent. Additionally, Wu-Shen or Wu-Yin Fire Yun may arrive early. In excessive years, before the official exchange, Yun arrives thirteen days early. Metal desires to ascend to Heaven but is suppressed by Fire Yun. Encountering one such case prevents ascent; encountering both increases suppression significantly.

If ascending fails, timely rain does not fall, west winds blow frequently, saltiness and dryness arise. Earth produces white salts and niter, increasing dryness. People suffer from upper heat, wheezing, coughing, and hemorrhage. Long-term stagnation develops. After thirty-six days (four nine-day periods) without ascending, Fire is considered long-standing. White dust and fog appear, clear cold generates killing energy. People suffer from hypochondriac fullness, sorrow, nasal congestion, sneezing, dry throat, cracked hands, and dry skin.

Tai Yang (Cold Water) desires to ascend but is blocked by Tian Nei (Earth) and cannot advance. Governance by the superior element prevents ascent, leading to repeated suppression. Also, if Yang Ming has not moved into position, Tai Yang cannot ascend. Earth Yun arrives. In Ji-You or Ji-Mao years, Water desires to ascend to Heaven but is suppressed by Earth Yun, forming stagnation. After twelve days without descent, it is considered long-standing. Cold comes as a guest to heat, hail falls suddenly. People suffer from jue reversal and hiccups, heat generated inside, qi bi outside, soreness in calves, palpitations, internal distress, sudden irritability, and recurrent jue. Black dust rises, cold epidemics arrive, causing irritability, palpitations, and jue. Treatment can induce overflow/drainage.

The Yellow Emperor said: I fully understand the principle of ascending but not advancing. Can you explain descending but not going down?

Qibo said: Your question is thorough. This is the subtle principle of Heaven and Earth, which can be fully expounded. The rule is that after ascending, one must descend.

Ascending to Heaven becomes the Left Interstitial Qi. After one or two years, it moves into position as Si Tian. After three years, it withdraws to become the Right Interstitial Qi. It descends after the fourth year. The next year becomes the moving-into-position Qi of Earth. The following year withdraws to become the Right Interstitial Qi. This cycle of ascending and descending is called the Six Periods (Liu Ji). Three are in Heaven, three are on Earth. If a year does not follow this mandate, disaster is predicted. First clarify the ascent, then investigate the descent.

In Chou-Wei years, Jue Yin (Wind Wood) desires to descend but is blocked by Di Xi (Western Metal, represented by Dui trigram) and cannot enter. Jue Yin was in Heaven for three years and must descend the next year. However, it encounters the Nine Earth Obstructions, specifically Western Dui Metal overcoming it. Metal prevents entry into Earth, suppressing it, leading to disease. Also, if Shao Yin has not withdrawn, Shao Yin has excess heavenly numbers and acts as administrator, so it has not withdrawn one position. Jue Yin cannot descend, and Metal Yun arrives in the middle. In Yi-Chou or Yi-Wei years, Middle Metal suppresses it. Metal Yun承接 (follows/supports) the descent, but it does not go down, transforming into stagnation due to suppression.

Stagnant Qi fails to descend, causing disease. Wood desires to descend, but Metal承接 (overcomes/follows) it, preventing descent. Green dust is seen far away, white Qi follows, wind raises dust, clear dryness performs killing actions, frost and dew fall again, desiccating commands are issued. Long-term failure to descend leads to transformation into stagnation. If not descending for three days, and unable to descend after eight days, it transforms into wind epidemic. During warm seasons, severe killing cold returns. When green dust appears, wind epidemics arrive. Treatment involves vomiting to restore balance; purgatives are contraindicated.

In Yin-Shen years, Shao Yin (Jun Huo) desires to descend but is blocked by Di Xuan (Water) and cannot enter. Shao Yin was in Heaven for three years and descends in the fourth year. It encounters Earthly Obstruction, where Di Xuan (Water) governs, preventing descent and causing disease. Additionally, Bing-Shen or Bing-Yin Water Yun may be excessive and arrive early. Excessive Water Yun arriving in the middle prevents Shao Yin from descending, forming stagnation and bringing disaster to the people.

Jun Huo desires to descend, but Water Yun承接 (overcomes/follows) it, preventing descent. Red clouds appear, but black Qi counter-arises. Warmth seems gentle, but cold snow persists, making the sky bleak. Long-term failure to descend leads to hidden stagnation. If not descending for two days, and unable to descend after seven days, stagnation erupts. Cold wins then heat returns, red wind generates epidemics. People suffer from red face, irritability, headache, and dizziness. Red Qi manifests, and warm diseases prepare to arise. People sleep poorly at night. Yellow wind generates epidemics; resolution requires draining.

In Mao-You years, Tai Yin (Damp Earth) desires to descend but is blocked by Di Cang (Wood) and cannot enter. Also, if Shao Yang has not withdrawn, Tai Yin cannot descend. Wood Yun arrives. In Ding-You or Ding-Mao years, Wood Yun承接 (follows/supports) the descent, but it does not go down. Yellow clouds appear, green mist shines, humid heat generates, great wind and fog arise, dust overcomes and damage occurs. Long-term failure to descend leads to hidden stagnation. If not descending for ten days, it is considered long-standing. Heavenly yellow dust, earthly humid vapor. People suffer from inability to move limbs, dizziness, joint pain, abdominal fullness, and chest oppression. Yellow wind blows three times; people suffer from warm-dampness and fullness. Treatment with strong purgatives can cure.

In Chen-Xu years, Shao Yang (Minister Fire) desires to descend but is blocked by Di Xuan (Water) and cannot enter. Shao Yang completes three years in Heaven and descends the next year to become the Left Interstitial Qi of Tai Yin on Earth. Di Xuan obstruction, governed by Water, prevents entry, causing disease. Additionally, excessive Water Yun may arrive early. Bing-Chen or Bing-Xu years involve Water Yun. Water Yun承接 (follows/supports) the descent, but water does not go down. Red clouds appear, black Qi counter-arises, warmth seems to generate, but cold air strikes suddenly, even causing hail. Long-term failure to descend leads to hidden stagnation. If not descending for two days, and unable to descend after seven days, stagnation erupts. Cold returns to heat, red wind generates epidemics. People suffer from red face, irritability, headache, and dizziness. Red Qi manifests, and heat diseases prepare to arise. People sleep poorly. Yellow wind generates epidemics; resolution requires draining to cure.

In Si-Hai years, Yang Ming (Dry Metal) desires to descend but is blocked by Di Tong (Fire) and cannot enter. Yang Ming was in Heaven for three years and descends the next year to become the Left Interstitial Qi of Shao Yang on Earth. It encounters main obstruction, Di Tong (Fire) governance, which prevents entry, causing disease. Also, if Tai Yin has not withdrawn, Shao Yang cannot descend. Fire Yun arrives. In Gui-Si or Gui-Hai years, Fire Yun承接 (follows/supports) the descent, but it does not go down. Sky is clear and austere, red Qi manifests, warmth reverses. People are lethargic, sleep poorly, have dry throat, drink excessively, feel internal distress and heat. Morning and evening warmth returns. If not descending for nine days, hidden stagnation forms. If not descending for four days, and unable to descend after nine days, stagnation erupts. Sky is clear with thin cold, distant white Qi arises. People suffer from tremors, dizziness, rigid hands and feet, insensitivity, hypochondriac fullness, and visual disturbances. Abundant white Qi brings killing epidemics. People are dry, have dry throat, nasal congestion, and epistaxis. Treatment involves acupuncture.

In Zi-Wu years, Tai Yang (Cold Water) desires to descend but is blocked by Di Fu (Earth) and cannot enter. Tai Yang was in Heaven for three years and descends the next year to become the Left Interstitial Qi of Yang Ming on Earth. It encounters Di Fu Earth governance, which prevents entry. Additionally, excessive Earth Yun may arrive early. Jia-Zi or Jia-Wu years...