黄帝问曰∶五脏使人痿何也?岐伯对曰∶肺主身之皮毛,心主身之血脉,肝主身之筋膜,脾主身之肌肉,
肾主身之骨髓,故肺热叶焦,则皮毛虚弱急薄着,则生痿 也。心气热,则下脉厥而上,上则下脉虚,虚则
生脉痿,枢折挈,胫纵而不任地也。肝气热,则胆泄口苦筋膜干,筋膜干则筋急而挛,发为筋
痿。脾气热,则胃干而渴,肌肉不仁,发为肉痿。肾气热,则腰脊不举,骨枯而髓减,发为骨痿。帝曰∶
何以得之?岐伯曰∶肺者,脏之长也,为心之盖也,有所失亡,所求不得,则发肺鸣,鸣则肺热叶焦。故曰∶
五脏因肺热叶焦,发为痿 。此之谓也。悲哀太甚,则胞络绝,胞络绝则阳气内动,发则心下崩数溲血也。
故《本病》曰∶大经空虚,发为肌痹,传为脉痿。思想无穷,所愿不得,意淫于外,入房太甚,宗
筋弛纵,发为筋痿,及为白淫。故《下经》曰∶筋痿者,生于肝使内也。有渐于湿,以水为事,若有所留,
居处相湿,肌肉濡渍,痹而不仁,发为肉痿。故《下经》曰∶肉痿者,得之湿地也。有所远行劳倦,逢大热
而渴,渴则阳气内伐,内伐则热舍于肾,肾者水脏也,今水不胜火,则骨枯而髓虚,故足不任身,发为骨痿。
故《下经》曰∶骨痿者,生于大热也。帝曰∶何以别之?岐伯曰∶肺热者色白而毛败,心热者色赤而络脉溢,
肝热者色苍而爪枯,脾热者色黄而肉蠕动,肾热者色黑而齿槁。帝曰∶如夫子言可矣,论言治痿者独取阳明何
也?岐伯曰∶阳明者,五脏六腑之海,主润宗筋,宗筋
主束骨而利机关也。冲脉者,经脉之海也,主渗灌溪谷,与阳明合于宗筋,阴阳 宗筋之会,会于气街,而
阳明为之长,皆属于带脉,而络于督脉。故阳明虚则宗筋纵,带脉不引,故足痿不用也。帝曰∶治之奈何?
岐伯曰∶各补其荥而通其俞,调其虚实,和其逆顺,筋脉骨肉。各以其时受月,则病已矣。帝曰∶善。
Huangdi asked, "How do the pathologies of the Five Zang Organs cause Wei syndrome (Flaccidity Syndrome)?" Qibo replied, "The Lung governs the skin and hair of the body; the Heart governs the blood vessels; the Liver governs the sinews (tendons and ligaments); the Spleen governs the muscles; and the Kidney governs the bone marrow. Therefore, if Heat in the Lung causes the lung leaves to wither and dry up, the skin and hair become weak, tight, thin, and adherent, leading to Wei Bi (limb flaccidity). If there is Heat in the Heart Qi, the blood vessels in the lower part reverse and ascend; upon ascending, the lower vessels become deficient. Deficiency leads to Mai Wei (Vessel Flaccidity), characterized by a collapse of the pivot mechanism where lifting is impossible, and the shins are relaxed and unable to bear weight. If there is Heat in the Liver Qi, the Gallbladder fluid leaks causing bitter taste, and the sinews become dry. Dry sinews lead to spasms and contractures, resulting in Jin Wei (Sinew Flaccidity). If there is Heat in the Spleen Qi, the Stomach becomes dry causing thirst, and the muscles become insensible, resulting in Rou Wei (Muscle Flaccidity). If there is Heat in the Kidney Qi, the waist and spine cannot move, the bones become withered, and the marrow decreases, resulting in Gu Wei (Bone Flaccidity)."
Huangdi said, "How are these conditions acquired?" Qibo said, "The Lung is the chief of the Zang organs and serves as the canopy for the Heart. Loss or unfulfilled desires cause Lung resonance (coughing/breathlessness), which leads to Lung Heat and withering of the lung leaves. Thus, it is said that the Five Zang organs develop Wei syndrome due to Lung Heat and withering of the lung leaves. Excessive sorrow cuts off the Bao Luo (Pericardium Collateral); when the Bao Luo is cut off, Yang Qi moves internally, causing bleeding from below and frequent hematuria. Therefore, the *Ben Bing* chapter states: 'When the large channels are empty, Ji Bi (Muscle Bi) develops, transmitting into Mai Wei.' Endless thinking and unfulfilled wishes, with mental wandering and excessive sexual intercourse, cause the Zong Jin (General Sinews) to relax and sag, resulting in Jin Wei and Bai Yin (seminal emission or leukorrhea). Therefore, the *Xia Jing* states: 'Jin Wei arises from Liver dysfunction and internal strain.' Gradual exposure to dampness, working with water, or dwelling in damp places causes muscle maceration and numbness, resulting in Rou Wei. Therefore, the *Xia Jing* states: 'Rou Wei arises from damp ground.' Long journeys and fatigue combined with extreme heat and thirst cause Yang Qi to attack internally; this internal attack allows Heat to reside in the Kidney. The Kidney is the Water organ; now Water fails to overcome Fire, leading to withered bones and deficient marrow, so the feet cannot support the body, resulting in Gu Wei. Therefore, the *Xia Jing* states: 'Gu Wei arises from extreme heat.'"
Huangdi said, "How can they be distinguished?" Qibo said, "Lung Heat presents with white complexion and damaged hair; Heart Heat with red complexion and overflowing collaterals; Liver Heat with greenish complexion and withered nails; Spleen Heat with yellow complexion and twitching muscles; Kidney Heat with dark complexion and dry teeth."
Huangdi said, "Your explanation is sufficient. However, medical texts state that treating Wei syndrome requires focusing solely on the Yangming channel. Why is this?" Qibo said, "The Yangming channel is the sea of the Five Zang and Six Fu organs, primarily nourishing the Zong Jin. The Zong Jin binds the bones and facilitates joint movement. The Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) is the sea of the twelve channels, primarily infiltrating the Xi Gu (valleys between muscles). It combines with Yangming at the Zong Jin. The Yin and Yang converge at the Zong Jin, meeting at the Qichuan acupoint, with Yangming acting as the leader. All are connected to the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) and linked to the Du Mai (Governing Vessel). Therefore, deficiency in Yangming leads to relaxation of the Zong Jin and lack of traction from the Dai Mai, causing foot flaccidity and inability to use them."
Huangdi said, "How should they be treated?" Qibo said, "Tonify the Ying-Spring points and unblock the Shu-Stream points of each meridian, regulate excess and deficiency, harmonize reversal and smooth flow, addressing the sinews, vessels, bones, and flesh. Treat them according to their respective seasonal months, and the disease will resolve." Huangdi said, "Excellent."