客胜主胜，胜气虽有不同，而人身经脉之病，皆应司天之气。下文在泉，亦有主客胜气之不同，而下体
经脉之病，皆应在泉之气也。厥阴司天，初之客气，阳明燥金；二之客气，太阳寒水；三之客气，厥阴风木。
客胜者，凡此三气，皆可胜也。耳鸣掉眩，风动之病也，甚则肝气上逆而咳。主胜者，初之气，厥阴风木，
二之气少阴君火，三之气太阴湿土，凡此三气，皆可胜也。三气主时，每岁皆然，下俱仿此。胸胁痛，
肝木之病也。舌难以言，嗌干而舌难言也。
少阴司天，客胜。则鼽嚏，颈项强，肩背瞀热，头痛，少气，发
热，耳聋目瞑，甚则 肿，血溢疮疡，咳喘。主胜，则心热烦躁，甚则胁痛支满。
少阴司天，初之客气，太阳寒水；二之客气，厥阴风木；三之客气，少阴火热。凡此客气，皆可胜
也。少阴肾气虚于上，则鼽嚏，颈项强，肩背瞀热，头痛。少阴心气虚于内，则少气，发热，耳
聋、目瞑，甚则 肿。少阴热气，伤其血分，不充肤腠，则血溢、疮疡，咳喘。若主时之气胜，则少阴心肾
不交，故心热烦躁，甚则病及心包，而胁痛支满。
太阴司天，客胜，则首面 肿，呼吸气喘。主胜，则胸腹满，食已而瞀。
太阴司天，初之客气，厥阴风木；二之客气，少阴君火；三之客气，太阴湿土。凡此客气，皆可胜也。
首面 肿，湿淫病也。呼吸气喘，太阴病也。若主时之气胜，则脾胃之气不和，而胸腹满。
瞀，目垂貌，食已而瞀，转输不捷也。
少阳司天，客胜，则丹胗外发，及为丹 疮疡，呃逆喉痹，头
痛嗌肿耳聋，血溢，内为螈 。主胜，则胸满咳仰息，甚而有血，手热。
胗，疹同。 音飘。少阳司天，初之客气，少阴君火；二之客气，太阴湿土；三之客气，少阳相火。
凡此客气，皆可胜也。丹疹外发，及为丹 疮疡，火气外淫也。呕逆喉痹，头痛嗌肿耳聋，火
气内逆也。热伤血分，则血溢，血不荣筋，则内为螈 。若主时之气胜，则少阳三焦之气不和，故胸满，咳，
仰息。始则火热伤气，既则伤其血分。故甚而有血，不但病足之经脉，兼病手之经脉，故手热，盖手之
三阳，从手走头也。
阳明司天，清复内余，则咳衄嗌塞，心膈中热，咳不止，而白血出者，死。
阳明者，清气也。清复内余，言阳明司天，受客气主气之胜，则阳明清气，郁而不舒，故司天于上，而
复有余于内也。清复内郁，则金气不伸，故咳衄嗌塞，心膈中热。白血，肺脏之血也。若咳不止，而白血出，
则肺气并伤，故死。不言客胜主胜，但言清复内余，以明六气虽有客主之胜，而皆病司天之气，乃举一以例
其余。下文太阳在泉亦然。
太阳司天，客胜，则胸中不利，出清涕，感寒则咳。主胜，则喉嗌中鸣。
太阳司天，初之客气，少阴相火，二之客气，阳明燥金；三之客气，太阳寒水。凡此客气，皆可胜也。
胸中不利，寒气内隔也。出清气，皮毛不利也。感寒则咳，寒气外感于皮毛，则肺受之而病咳也。若主时
之气胜，则太阳寒水上逆，故喉嗌中鸣。鸣，水声也。
厥阴在泉，客胜，则大关节不利，内为痉强拘螈，外为不便。主胜，则筋骨繇并，腰腹时痛。
繇，摇同。四气尽终气，地气主之。厥阴在泉，四之客气，阳明燥金；五之客气，太阳寒水；终之客
气，厥阴风木。凡此客气，皆可胜也。大关节不利，大筋拘急也。痉强拘螈，筋不和于内也；不便，乃举止
不快，筋不和于外也。主胜者，四之气，少阳相火；五之气，阳明燥金；终之气，太阳定水。凡此三气，皆
可胜也。三气之胜，下文皆同。筋骨摇并，犹之内为痉强拘螈也；腰腹时痛，犹之外为不便也。
少阴在泉，客胜，则腰痛，尻股膝髀 足病，瞀热以酸， 肿不能久立，溲便变。主胜，
则厥气上行，心痛发热，膈中，众痹皆作，发于 胁，魄汗不藏，四逆而起。
便，如字，下便具同。酸， 同。藏，如字。少阴在泉，四之客气，太阳寒水；五之客气，厥阴风木；
终之客气，少阴君火。凡此客气，皆可胜也。腰者，肾之外候，腰痛，肾虚也。少阴之脉，从足而上，腰痛，
则尻股膝髀 足皆病矣。垂目曰瞀，瞀热以酸，言火气上淫，目热以酸，则垂目也。心膂曰 ，心气虚寒，
故肿，不能久立，骨虚也。溲便变，肾虚也。若主时之气胜，则少阴厥气上行。厥气上行，内外不合，则
心痛发热。心痛发热，阴阳不和，则膈中众痹皆作。夫厥气上行，则不能枢转，故病发于 胁。
心痛发热，则阳气外浮，故皮毛之魄汗不藏，膈中众痹皆作，则气机尽郁，故四逆而起。
太阳在泉，客胜，则足痿下重。便溲不时，湿客下焦，发而濡
泻，及为肿隐曲之疾。主胜，则寒气逆满，食饮不下，甚则为疝。
泻，泄通。下便泻之泻仿此。太阴在泉，四之客气，厥阴风木，五之客气，少阴君火；终之客气，太
阳湿土。凡此客气，皆可胜也。足痿下重，足太阴之脉，不能循经而上也。便溲不时，小便
频数而短少也。若太阳湿气，客于下焦，则发为大便之濡泻，濡泻，溏泄也。及为肿隐曲之疾，言隐曲之处，
发为肿疾，亦湿客下焦之所致也。主胜，则寒湿之气，内逆中满，脾不转输，而食饮不下，甚则土受木刑而为疝。
少阳在泉，客胜，则腰痛，而反恶寒，甚则下白溺白。主胜，
则热反上行，而客于心，心痛发热，格中而呕，少阴同候。
少阳在泉，四之客气，少阴君火；五之客气，太阳湿土；终之客气，少阳相火。凡此客气，皆可胜也。
少阳，初阳之气，不能自下而上，则腰腹痛；不能自内而外，则反恶寒；甚则下焦虚寒，而
下白溺白。下白，大便白也，溺白，小便白也。主胜，则君相二火交炽，故热反上行，而少阳火气，上客于
心，故心痛发热，心痛发热，则火气格中而呕。相火君火而上行，则君火亦可合相火而下盛，故少阴同候。
阳明在泉，客胜，则清气动下，少腹坚满，而数便泻。主胜，
则腰重腹痛，少腹生寒，下为 溏，则寒厥于肠，上冲胸中，甚则喘不能久立。
数，音朔。 ，音务。阳明在泉，四之客气，太阴湿土；五之客气，少阳相火；终之客气，阳明燥金。
凡此客气，皆可胜也。客胜，则阳明清肃之气动于下，清气下动，则少腹坚满，始虽坚满，继而数便泻，
便泻，大便溏泄也。主胜，则腰重腹痛，少腹生寒，亦清气之下动也，始则少腹生寒，而下为 溏，则寒厥
于肠，而上冲胸中，上冲胸中，甚则为喘，不能久立。
太阳在泉，寒复内余，则腰尻痛，屈伸不利，股胫足膝中痛。
太阳者，寒气也。寒腹内余，言太阳在泉，受客气主气之胜，则太阳寒气，屈而不舒，故寒气在泉于下，
而复有余于内也。寒腹内余，则太阳经脉不舒，故腰尻痛，屈伸不利，而股胫足膝中痛。不
言客胜主胜，但言寒复内余，乃举一以例其余，以明六气虽有客主胜，而皆病在泉之经脉也。
帝曰∶善。治之奈何？
客胜主胜，经气受病，治之奈何？
岐伯曰∶高者抑之，下者举之，有余折之，不足补之，佐以所
利，和以所宜，必安其主客，适其寒温，同者逆之，异者从之。
高者抑之，下者举之，得其中矣。有余折之，不足补之，得其平矣。佐以所利，和以所宜，顺其性也。
然必安其主客，适其寒温，调其味也。同者，主气清寒，加以清寒之客气；主气温热，加
以温热之客气。此为过盛，故当逆之，逆之者，抑之折之也。异者，主气清寒，加以温热之客气，主气温热，
加以清寒之客气。此非过盛，故当从之，从之者，举之补之也。
帝曰∶治寒以热，治热以寒，气相得者逆之，不相得者从之，余已知之矣。其于正味何如？
承上文，寒热逆从之治，而问主客之正味也。治寒以热，治热以寒，气同而相得者逆之，气异而不相得
者从之。上文言之，故已知之，然非气运本位之正味，故问其正味何如？
岐伯曰∶木位之主，其泻以酸，其补以辛。
六气主时之位，不外木火土金水之五行。主位者，气之常，故先泻后补。加临者，气之客，故先补后
泻。初之气，厥阴风木，木位之主，木气胜也。木胜曰发生，酸则反其性而收之，故其泻以
酸。辛则助其上达，故其补以辛。
火位之主，其泻以甘，其补以咸。
二之气，少阴君火，火位之主，火气胜也。火胜曰赫曦，甘则反其性而缓之，故其泻以甘。咸能 坚，
助其畅达，故其补以咸。少阴少阳，皆火位之主，少阴如是，则少阳亦如是也。
土位之主，其泻以苦，其补以甘。
三之气，太阴湿土，土位之主，土气胜也。土胜曰敦阜，苦则反其性而泄之，故其泻以苦。甘则助其
和缓，故其补以甘。
金位之主，其泻以辛，其补以酸。
五之气，阳明燥金，金位之主，金气胜也。金胜曰坚成，辛则
反其性而散之，故其泻以辛。酸则助其凝敛，故其补以酸。
水位之主，其泻以咸，其补以苦。
终之气，太阳寒水，水位之主，水气胜也。水胜曰流衍，咸则
反其性而凝之，故其泻以咸。苦则气寒，助其寒水，故其补以苦。
厥阴之客，以辛补之，以酸泻之，以甘缓之。
此六气客胜，其补泻之味，一如上文之主胜也。上文木位之主，其补以辛，其泻以酸，此厥
阴之客，补泻相同。以甘缓之者，《藏气法时论》云∶“肝苦急，急食甘以缓之”。
少阳之客，以咸补之，以甘泻之，以咸收之。
上文火位之主，其补以咸，其泻以甘，此少阴之客，补泻相同。以咸收之者，《藏气法时论》云∶“
心欲 ，急食咸以 之”。 之即所收之。故此言收，下文少阳则言 也。
太阳之客，以甘补之，以苦泻之，以甘缓之。
上文土位之主，其补以甘，其泻以苦，此太阴之客，补泻相同。以甘缓之者，《藏气法时论》云∶“脾
欲缓，急食甘的缓之”。
少阳之客，以咸补之，以甘泻之，以咸 之。
少阳少阴皆属于火，同一义也。
阳明之客，以酸补之，以辛泻之，以苦泄之。
上文金位之主，其补以酸，其泻以辛，此阳明之客，补泻相同。以苦泄之者，《藏气法时论》云∶“肺苦
气上逆，急食苦以泄之”。
太阳之客，以苦补之，以咸泻之，以苦坚之，以辛润之，开发腠理，致津液通气也。
上文水位之主，其补以苦，其泻以咸，此太阳之客，补泄相同。《藏气法时论》云∶“肾欲坚，急食苦
以坚之。肾苦燥，急食辛以润之，开腠理，致津液，通气也”。此以苦坚之云云，其义一也。
凡此，皆主气客气之正味也。
帝曰∶善。愿闻阴阳之三也，何谓？
上文岐伯云∶“身半以上，其气三矣。身半以下，其气三矣”。帝举以问，谓阴阳止有少太，何以有三？
岐伯曰∶气有多少异用也。
阴阳之气，由少而太。太，多也；少，少也。阴阳之气，有多少之异用也。
帝曰∶阳明何谓也？
太多少少，则阳明何谓？
岐伯曰∶两阳合明也。
有少阳之阳，有太阳之阳，两阳相合而明，则中有阳明也。
帝曰∶厥阴何也？
太少之中有阳明，何以厥阴不居二阴之中，故问厥阴何也？
岐伯曰∶两阴交尽也。
从少而太，则中有阳明，由太而少，则终有厥阴，有太阴之阴，有少阴之阴，两阴交尽，而有厥阴也。
帝曰∶气有多少，病有盛衰，治有缓急，方有大小，愿闻其约，奈何？
两阳合明，阳之多也，两阴交尽，阴之少也。阴阳之三，仍属气之多少，故举气有多少，而探病之盛
衰，以及治之缓急，方之大小，期于约言不繁，故愿闻其约。
岐伯曰∶气有高下，病有远近，证有中外，治有轻重，适其至所为故也。
气有多少者，气有高下也。谓阳气多而居高，阴气少而居下。病有盛衰者，病有远近，证有中外也。谓
病久远而在中则盛，病新近而在外则衰。治有缓急者，治有轻重也，谓缓病之治宜轻，急病
之治宜重，更当适其病至之所，为复其故也。
大要曰∶君一臣二，奇之制也；君二臣四，偶之制也；君二臣三，奇之制也；君二
臣六，偶之制也。故曰∶近者奇之，远者偶之，汗者不以奇，下者不以偶。补上治上制以缓，
补下治下制以急，急则气味浓，缓则气味薄，适其至所，此之谓也。
奇，音箕，下同。方有大小者，大要∶君一臣二，合而为三，乃阳奇之制也。君二臣四，合而为六，
乃阴偶之制也。奇数之大，则君二臣三，亦奇之制也。偶数之大，则君二臣六，亦偶之制也。品数少而分
两多，故曰君。品数多而分两少，故曰臣。方之奇偶，因病之远近以为用，故曰近者奇之，远者偶之。谓近
病为阳，宜用奇方以治之；远病为阴，宜用偶方以治之。发汗为阳，攻下为阴。汗则从阴出阳，地气升而为
云为雨，故汗者以偶不以奇；下则从阳入阴，天气降而能泻能输，故下者以奇不以偶。治之缓急，因病之上
下以为用，病在上而补上治上，则制方以缓；病在下而补下治下，则制方以急。制以急，则气味宜浓，气
客胜与主胜，虽然胜气的性质有所不同，但人体经脉的病变，都对应司天之气的变化。下文提到的在泉之气，也有主气与客气胜复的不同，而下部经脉的病变，都对应在地之气的影响。厥阴风木司天，初之位的客气是阳明燥金；二之位的客气是太阳寒水；三之位的客气是厥阴风木。所谓客胜，是指这三种客气都可以克制主气。耳鸣、震颤、眩晕，是风气内动的病证，严重时会导致肝气上逆而咳嗽。所谓主胜，是指初之气为厥阴风木，二之气为少阴君火，三之气为太阴湿土，这三种主气都可以克制客气。这三个阶段的主气按时令更替，每年都是如此，下文各篇均仿照此例。胸胁疼痛，是肝木受病的表现。舌体僵硬难以言语，是因为咽喉干燥且舌体运动不利。
少阴君火司天，若客气胜，则出现鼻塞流涕、打喷嚏，颈项强直，肩背部闷热，头痛，气短，发热，耳聋，视物昏花，严重时出现浮肿，出血，疮疡，咳嗽气喘。若主气胜，则心中烦热躁动，严重时胁肋疼痛，支撑胀满。
少阴君火司天，初之位的客气是太阳寒水；二之位的客气是厥阴风木；三之位的客气是少阴火热。以上这些客气，都可能成为致病因素。少阴肾气在上部虚弱，则出现鼻塞流涕、打喷嚏，颈项强直，肩背部闷热，头痛。少阴心气在内里虚弱，则出现气短，发热，耳聋，视物昏花，严重时出现浮肿。少阴热气损伤血分，不能充养皮肤腠理，则导致出血、疮疡，咳嗽气喘。如果主时之气偏胜，则少阴心肾不交，所以心中烦热躁动，严重时病及心包络，出现胁肋疼痛、支撑胀满。
太阴湿土司天，若客气胜，则头面部浮肿，呼吸急促气喘。若主气胜，则胸腹部胀满，进食后出现头晕目眩。
太阴湿土司天，初之位的客气是厥阴风木；二之位的客气是少阴君火；三之位的客气是太阴湿土。以上这些客气，都可能成为致病因素。头面部浮肿，是湿气淫溢的病证。呼吸急促气喘，是太阴肺脾受病的表现。如果主时之气偏胜，则脾胃之气不和，导致胸腹部胀满。瞀，指眼睛下垂的样子，进食后头晕目眩，是因为中焦转输功能不敏捷。
少阳相火司天，若客气胜，则发生丹疹外发，以及丹毒疮疡，呃逆，喉痹，头痛，咽喉肿痛，耳聋，出血，内部出现筋脉抽搐。若主气胜，则胸满，咳嗽，仰面呼吸，严重时咳血，手足发热。
胗，同疹字。 音飘（此处原文可能有缺字或异体字，指代某种病症或声音，结合语境多指皮肤红斑或声响，译文依文意处理）。少阳相火司天，初之位的客气是少阴君火；二之位的客气是太阴湿土；三之位的客气是少阳相火。以上这些客气，都可能成为致病因素。丹疹外发，以及丹毒疮疡，是火气向外淫溢的表现。呕吐呃逆，喉痹，头痛，咽喉肿痛，耳聋，是火气向内逆乱的表现。热邪损伤血分，则导致出血；血液不能荣养筋脉，则内部出现筋脉抽搐。如果主时之气偏胜，则少阳三焦之气不和，所以胸满，咳嗽，仰面呼吸。起初是火热伤气，随后损伤血分。所以严重时会出现出血，不仅病在足部经脉，也兼病手部经脉，所以手足发热，因为手之三阳经，是从手走向头部的。
阳明燥金司天，如果清冷之气郁结于内，则出现咳嗽、鼻衄、咽喉阻塞，心胸膈间发热，咳嗽不止，吐出白色泡沫样血液的，预后不良，主死。
阳明，代表清气。清复内余，是说阳明司天之年，受到客气和主气的克制，导致阳明清气郁结而不能舒展，所以在上的司天之气有余，在内的清气也郁结有余。清冷之气郁结在内，则金气不得伸展，所以出现咳嗽、鼻衄、咽喉阻塞，心胸膈间发热。白血，是指肺脏相关的血（色白如沫）。如果咳嗽不止，且吐出白血，说明肺气严重受损，所以主死。这里没有分别说客胜还是主胜，只说“清复内余”，是为了举例说明六气虽然有客主胜复的区别，但都会导致司天之气的病变，这是举一例以概括其余。下文太阳在泉的情况也是如此。
太阳寒水司天，若客气胜，则胸中气机不畅，流出清稀鼻涕，感受寒邪则咳嗽。若主气胜，则咽喉中有鸣响声。
太阳寒水司天，初之位的客气是少阴相火；二之位的客气是阳明燥金；三之位的客气是太阳寒水。以上这些客气，都可能成为致病因素。胸中气机不畅，是寒气阻隔于内所致。流出清稀鼻涕，是皮毛腠理不利所致。感受寒邪则咳嗽，是因为寒气从外部侵袭皮毛，肺脏受邪而发病咳嗽。如果主时之气偏胜，则太阳寒水上逆，所以咽喉中有鸣响声。鸣，是水气流动的声音。
厥阴风木在泉，若客气胜，则大关节活动不利，内部出现痉挛、强直、拘挛、抽搐，外部表现为行动不便。若主气胜，则筋骨摇动并拢（肌肉跳动），腰腹部时时疼痛。
繇，同摇字。四之气到终之气，由地气主事。厥阴风木在泉，四之位的客气是阳明燥金；五之位的客气是太阳寒水；终之位的客气是厥阴风木。以上这些客气，都可能成为致病因素。大关节活动不利，是大筋拘急所致。痉挛、强直、拘挛、抽搐，是筋脉不和于内；行动不便，是指举止不快，是筋脉不和于外。主气胜的情况，四之气是少阳相火；五之气是阳明燥金；终之气是太阳寒水。以上这三种气偏胜，下文皆相同。筋骨摇动并拢，类似于内部的痉挛强直拘挛；腰腹部时时疼痛，类似于外部的行动不便。
少阴君火在泉，若客气胜，则腰痛，尻、股、膝、髀、足等部位生病，视物昏花伴有酸楚感，浮肿不能久站，小便异常。若主气胜，则厥逆之气上行，心痛发热，膈中不适，各种痹痛同时发作，发于胁肋部位，汗液不收（魄汗不藏），四肢厥冷随之而起。
便，按字面意思读，下文的“便”字同理。酸，同 。藏，按字面意思读。少阴君火在泉，四之位的客气是太阳寒水；五之位的客气是厥阴风木；终之位的客气是少阴君火。以上这些客气，都可能成为致病因素。腰是肾脏的外候，腰痛，说明肾虚。少阴经脉，从足向上走，腰痛，则尻、股、膝、髀、足都会生病。垂目曰瞀，瞀热以酸，是说火气向上淫溢，眼睛发热且酸楚，所以眼睛下垂。心脊曰 ，心气虚寒，所以浮肿，不能久站，是骨虚所致。小便异常，是肾虚的表现。如果主时之气偏胜，则少阴厥逆之气上行。厥逆之气上行，内外气机不合，则心痛发热。心痛发热，说明阴阳不和，则膈中的各种痹痛都会发作。厥逆之气上行，则不能枢转气机，所以病发于胁肋部位。心痛发热，说明阳气外浮，所以皮毛的汗液不能固藏，膈中的各种痹痛发作，说明气机完全郁滞，所以四肢厥冷随之而起。
太阳寒水在泉，若客气胜，则足部痿软沉重。大小便失时，湿气客居下焦，引发濡泻，以及浮肿、隐曲部位的疾病。若主气胜，则寒气上逆导致胀满，饮食不下，严重时形成疝气。
泻，通泄字。下文的“泻”字仿此。太阴湿土在泉，四之位的客气是厥阴风木；五之位的客气是少阴君火；终之位的客气是太阳湿土。以上这些客气，都可能成为致病因素。足部痿软沉重，是足太阴脾经之气不能沿经脉上行所致。大小便失时，是小便频数而短少。如果太阳湿气客居下焦，则引发大便溏泄，濡泻，即溏泄。以及浮肿、隐曲部位的疾病，是说隐蔽弯曲之处发生肿疾，也是湿气客居下焦所导致的。主气胜，则寒湿之气内逆导致中焦胀满，脾脏不能转输，所以饮食不下，严重时土气受木气克制而形成疝气。
少阳相火在泉，若客气胜，则腰痛，反而恶寒，严重时大便色白，小便色白。若主气胜，则热气反而上行，客居于心脏，心痛发热，格拒于中而呕吐，症状与少阴病相似。
少阳相火在泉，四之位的客气是少阴君火；五之位的客气是太阳湿土；终之位的客气是少阳相火。以上这些客气，都可能成为致病因素。少阳是初生之阳，如果不能自下而上，则腰腹痛；如果不能自内而外，则反而恶寒；严重时下焦虚寒，所以大便色白，小便色白。下白，指大便白色；溺白，指小便白色。主气胜，则君火和相火交炽，所以热气反而上行，少阳火气上客于心，所以心痛发热。心痛发热，则火气格拒于中而呕吐。相火和君火上行，则君火也可以合相火而下盛，所以症状与少阴病相同。
阳明燥金在泉，若客气胜，则清气动于下部，少腹坚硬胀满，并且频繁腹泻。若主气胜，则腰部沉重腹痛，少腹生寒，下部出现溏泄，寒气厥逆于肠道，向上冲撞胸中，严重时喘息不能久立。
数，音朔。 ，音务。阳明燥金在泉，四之位的客气是太阴湿土；五之位的客气是少阳相火；终之位的客气是阳明燥金。以上这些客气，都可能成为致病因素。客气胜，则阳明清肃之气动于下部，清气下动，则少腹坚硬胀满，开始虽然坚满，继而频繁腹泻，便泻，即大便溏泄。主气胜，则腰部沉重腹痛，少腹生寒，这也是清气下动的表现，开始是少腹生寒，进而下部出现溏泄，寒气厥逆于肠道，向上冲撞胸中，向上冲撞胸中，严重时则喘息，不能久立。
太阳寒水在泉，如果寒气郁结于内，则腰尻疼痛，屈伸不利，大腿、小腿、足、膝盖中疼痛。
太阳，代表寒气。寒复内余，是说太阳在泉之年，受到客气和主气的克制，导致太阳寒气屈曲而不能舒展，所以寒气在泉于下，而在内的寒气也有余。寒气郁结于内，则太阳经脉不得舒展，所以腰尻疼痛，屈伸不利，大腿、小腿、足、膝盖中疼痛。这里不说客胜主胜，只说“寒复内余”，是举一例以概括其余，以说明六气虽然有客主胜复，但病变都在在泉的经脉。
黄帝说：好。如何治疗呢？
岐伯说：气机上逆的高者，用抑制的方法；气机下陷的低者，用升举的方法；邪气有余的，用折损的方法；正气不足的，用补益的方法。辅以有利于病情的药物，调和适宜的药性，必须安定主气和客气，适应寒温的变化。主气与客气属性相同的，用逆治法；主气与客气属性不同的，用从治法。
高者抑之，下者举之，就能得到中和之道。有余折之，不足补之，就能获得平衡。佐以所利，和以所宜，就是顺应其本性。然而必须安定主客之气，适应寒温，调和药味。所谓“同者”，是指主气清寒，加上清寒的客气；主气温热，加上温热的客气。这属于过盛，所以应当逆治，逆治就是抑制和折损。所谓“异者”，是指主气清寒，加上温热的客气；主气温热，加上清寒的客气。这不属于过盛，所以应当从治，从治就是升举和补益。
黄帝说：治疗寒证用热药，治疗热证用寒药，气机相得的用逆治法，不相得的用从治法，我已经知道了。那么关于正味（五行对应的五味）是怎样的呢？
承接上文，关于寒热逆从的治疗，询问主客之气的正味。治寒以热，治热以寒，气同而相得者用逆治，气异而不相得者用从治。上文已经讲过，所以已知晓，但这不是气运本位的正味，所以问其正味如何？
六气主时的位置，不外乎木火土金水五行。主位是气的常态，所以先泻后补。加临的是客气，是气之变，所以先补后泻。初之气，厥阴风木，是木位之主，木气偏胜。木气偏胜称为发生，酸味能反其性而收敛，所以用酸味泻之。辛味能助其上升通达，所以用辛味补之。
二之气，少阴君火，是火位之主，火气偏胜。火气偏胜称为赫曦，甘味能反其性而缓急，所以用甘味泻之。咸味能坚阴，助其畅达，所以用咸味补之。少阴和少阳都属于火位之主，少阴是这样，少阳也是这样。
三之气，太阴湿土，是土位之主，土气偏胜。土气偏胜称为敦阜，苦味能反其性而泄降，所以用苦味泻之。甘味能助其和缓，所以用甘味补之。
五之气，阳明燥金，是金位之主，金气偏胜。金气偏胜称为坚成，辛味能反其性而发散，所以用辛味泻之。酸味能助其凝敛，所以用酸味补之。
终之气，太阳寒水，是水位之主，水气偏胜。水气偏胜称为流衍，咸味能反其性而凝聚，所以用咸味泻之。苦味性寒，能助其寒水之气，所以用苦味补之。
这是六气客胜时的补泻味道，与上文的主胜完全一样。上文木位之主，补用辛，泻用酸，这里厥阴之客，补泻相同。用甘味缓之，《脏气法时论》说：“肝苦急，急食甘以缓之”。
上文火位之主，补用咸，泻用甘，这里少阴之客（注：原文此处似有误，前文已述少阴，此处应指少阳或泛指火位客气的另一种表述，但根据上下文逻辑，通常少阳客气亦遵循火位规律，原文此处写“少阴之客”可能是笔误或特指，但后文又提少阳，故依原文翻译，但需注意中医理论中少阳亦属相火），补泻相同。用咸味收之，《脏气法时论》说：“心欲耎，急食咸以耎之”。耎之即所收之意。所以这里说收，下文少阳则说耎（软）。
上文土位之主，补用甘，泻用苦，这里太阴之客，补泻相同。用甘味缓之，《脏气法时论》说：“脾欲缓，急食甘以缓之”。
上文金位之主，补用酸，泻用辛，这里阳明之客，补泻相同。用苦味泄之，《脏气法时论》说：“肺苦气上逆，急食苦以泄之”。
太阳寒水作为客气，用苦味补之，用咸味泻之，用苦味坚之，用辛味润之，开发腠理，致津液通气也。
上文水位之主，补用苦，泻用咸，这里太阳之客，补泻相同。《脏气法时论》说：“肾欲坚，急食苦以坚之。肾苦燥，急食辛以润之，开腠理，致津液，通气也”。这里用苦味坚之等说法，意义是一样的。
上文岐伯说：“身半以上，其气三矣。身半以下，其气三矣”。黄帝以此提问，认为阴阳只有少和太两种，为什么会有三种？
岐伯说：因为气的多少有不同的作用。
阴阳之气，由少到太。太，是多；少，是少。阴阳之气，有数量多少的不同作用。
太少之中，什么是阳明？
岐伯说：两阳合明。
太少之中有阳明，为什么厥阴不居于二阴之中，所以问厥阴是什么？
岐伯说：两阴交尽。
从少到太，中间有阳明；由太到少，最终有厥阴。有太阴之阴，有少阴之阴，两阴交会穷尽，就产生厥阴。
黄帝说：气有多少，病有盛衰，治有缓急，方有大小，我想听听其中的概要，是怎样的？
两阳合明，是阳之多；两阴交尽，是阴之少。阴阳的三，仍然属于气的多少范畴，所以举气有多少，来探讨病的盛衰，以及治疗的缓急，方剂的大小，期望用简练的语言概括，所以想听其概要。
岐伯说：气有高下之分，病有远近之别，证有中外之异，治有轻重之度，只要使药力到达病所即可。
气有多少，是指气有高下。谓阳气多而居高，阴气少而居下。病有盛衰，是指病有远近，证有中外。谓病久远且在里的则盛，病新近且在外的则衰。治有缓急，是指治有轻重。谓缓病的治疗宜轻，急病的治疗宜重，更要使药力到达病所，以恢复常态。
大要说：君药一，臣药二，是奇方的制度；君药二，臣药四，是偶方的制度；君药二，臣药三，是奇方的制度；君药二，臣药六，是偶方的制度。所以说：病近的用奇方，病远的用偶方；发汗不用奇方，攻下不用偶方。补上治上制方宜缓，补下治下制方宜急，急则气味浓，缓则气味薄，使药力到达病所，说的就是这个道理。
奇，音箕，下同。方有大小，大要：君一臣二，合而为三，是阳奇数的制度。君二臣四，合而为六，是阴偶数的制度。奇数的大方，则君二臣三，也是奇方的制度。偶数的大方，则君二臣六，也是偶方的制度。药品种类少而分量多，叫作君。药品种类多而分量少，叫作臣。方的奇偶，根据病的远近来使用，所以说病近的用奇方，病远的用偶方。谓近病属阳，宜用奇方治疗；远病属阴，宜用偶方治疗。发汗属阳，攻下属阴。汗法是从阴出阳，像地气上升变为云雨，所以发汗用偶方不用奇方；下法是从阳入阴，像天气下降能泻能输，所以攻下用奇方不用偶方。治疗的缓急，根据病位的上下来使用，病在上而补上治上，则制方宜缓；病在下而补下治下，则制方宜急。制方用急，则气味宜浓，气味……
Guest (transient) and Host (constant) Qi excess, although the nature of the excess Qi differs, the diseases of the human meridians all correspond to the Qi of the ruling Heaven (Si Tian). The following text regarding the ruling Earth (Zai Quan) also has differences in Host and Guest excess Qi, and the diseases of the lower body meridians all correspond to the Qi of the ruling Earth. When Jue Yin (Liver/Wind) rules Heaven:
1. The first Guest Qi is Yang Ming (Lung/Dryness Metal);
2. The second Guest Qi is Tai Yang (Bladder/Cold Water);
3. The third Guest Qi is Jue Yin (Liver/Wind Wood).
"Guest excess" means that any of these three Guest Qis can overcome the Host Qi. Tinnitus, tremors, and dizziness are diseases of wind movement; in severe cases, Liver Qi rebels upward causing cough. "Host excess" refers to:
1. The first period: Jue Yin Wind Wood;
2. The second period: Shao Yin Sovereign Fire;
3. The third period: Tai Yin Damp Earth.
Any of these three Host Qis can overcome the Guest Qi. These three periods of Host Qi occur every year in this manner, as follows for the rest. Chest and hypochondriac pain are diseases of Liver Wood. Stiff tongue with difficulty speaking, dry throat, and inability to speak clearly result from the condition.
When Shao Yin (Heart/Fire) rules Heaven:
If Guest Qi is excessive: Nasal congestion and sneezing, neck and nape stiffness, shoulder and back feeling hot and confused, headache, shortness of breath, fever, deafness, and dim vision. In severe cases, edema, hemorrhage, sores and ulcers, cough, and wheezing occur.
If Host Qi is excessive: Heart heat, irritability, and restlessness; in severe cases, hypochondriac pain and distending fullness.
When Shao Yin rules Heaven:
1. First Guest Qi: Tai Yang Cold Water;
2. Second Guest Qi: Jue Yin Wind Wood;
3. Third Guest Qi: Shao Yin Hot Fire.
All these Guest Qis can be pathogenic. If Shao Yin Kidney Qi is deficient above, nasal congestion, sneezing, neck stiffness, shoulder/back heat, and headache occur. If Shao Yin Heart Qi is deficient internally, shortness of breath, fever, deafness, and dim vision occur; in severe cases, edema results. Shao Yin Heat Qi damaging the Blood level fails to nourish the skin and pores, leading to hemorrhage, sores, ulcers, cough, and wheezing. If the seasonal Host Qi is excessive, Shao Yin Heart and Kidney fail to interact, causing heart heat and irritability; in severe cases, the disease affects the Pericardium, resulting in hypochondriac pain and distending fullness.
When Tai Yin (Spleen/Damp Earth) rules Heaven:
If Guest Qi is excessive: Swelling of the head and face, rapid breathing, and wheezing.
If Host Qi is excessive: Chest and abdominal fullness, and dizziness after eating.
When Tai Yin rules Heaven:
1. First Guest Qi: Jue Yin Wind Wood;
2. Second Guest Qi: Shao Yin Sovereign Fire;
3. Third Guest Qi: Tai Yin Damp Earth.
All these Guest Qis can be pathogenic. Head and facial swelling are diseases of dampness overflowing. Rapid breathing and wheezing are Tai Yin diseases. If the seasonal Host Qi is excessive, Spleen and Stomach Qi become disharmonious, causing chest and abdominal fullness. "Mao" (dizziness/blurry vision) describes drooping eyes; dizziness after eating indicates inefficient transport and transformation.
When Shao Yang (Gallbladder/Triple Burner/Ministerial Fire) rules Heaven:
If Guest Qi is excessive: Eruption of carbuncles and rashes externally, carbuncle sores, hiccups, sore throat obstruction, headache, swollen throat, deafness, hemorrhage, and internally, convulsions and twitching.
If Host Qi is excessive: Chest fullness, cough, orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying flat), hemoptysis in severe cases, and heat in the hands.
"Zhen" is synonymous with rash. "Piao" refers to a specific sound or symptom contextually related to fire/pathogens. When Shao Yang rules Heaven:
1. First Guest Qi: Shao Yin Sovereign Fire;
2. Second Guest Qi: Tai Yin Damp Earth;
3. Third Guest Qi: Shao Yang Ministerial Fire.
All these Guest Qis can be pathogenic. Carbuncles and rashes erupting externally are due to Fire Qi overflowing outward. Hiccups, sore throat obstruction, headache, swollen throat, and deafness are due to Fire Qi rebelling inward. Heat damaging the Blood level causes hemorrhage; blood failing to nourish tendons causes internal convulsions. If the seasonal Host Qi is excessive, Shao Yang Triple Burner Qi becomes disharmonious, causing chest fullness, cough, and orthopnea. Initially, Fire-Heat damages Qi, subsequently damaging the Blood level. Thus, severe cases involve bleeding. The disease affects not only the Foot meridians but also the Hand meridians, hence heat in the hands, as the Hand Three Yang meridians travel from hand to head.
When Yang Ming (Lung/Dryness Metal) rules Heaven:
If clear/cold Qi lingers internally ("Qing Fu Nei Yu"), cough, epistaxis, throat obstruction, heat in the heart and diaphragm occur. If cough persists and white blood (frothy sputum/blood) is expectorated, death ensues.
Yang Ming represents Clear Qi. "Qing Fu Nei Yu" means that when Yang Ming rules Heaven, it is overcome by Guest and Host Qi, causing Yang Ming Clear Qi to stagnate and fail to disperse. Thus, the ruling Heaven Qi is excessive above, and Clear Qi lingers excessively inside. Stagnant Clear Qi prevents Metal Qi from extending, causing cough, epistaxis, throat obstruction, and heat in the heart/diaphragm. "White blood" refers to lung-related blood/sputum. Persistent cough with white blood indicates severe Lung Qi damage, hence fatal. This section mentions only "Qing Fu Nei Yu" rather than specifying Guest or Host excess to illustrate that although Six Qi have Guest/Host dynamics, they all cause disease in the ruling Heaven Qi, using one example to exemplify the rest. The same applies to Tai Yang ruling Earth below.
When Tai Yang (Bladder/Cold Water) rules Heaven:
If Guest Qi is excessive: Discomfort in the chest, discharge of clear mucus, and cough upon catching cold.
If Host Qi is excessive: Barking sounds in the throat and pharynx.
When Tai Yang rules Heaven:
1. First Guest Qi: Shao Yang Ministerial Fire;
2. Second Guest Qi: Yang Ming Dryness Metal;
3. Third Guest Qi: Tai Yang Cold Water.
All these Guest Qis can be pathogenic. Chest discomfort is due to internal Cold Qi blockage. Discharge of clear mucus is due to exterior skin/pore dysfunction. Cough upon catching cold occurs because external Cold invades the skin/lungs. If the seasonal Host Qi is excessive, Tai Yang Cold Water rebels upward, causing barking sounds in the throat. "Ming" refers to the sound of water.
When Jue Yin (Liver/Wind) rules Earth:
If Guest Qi is excessive: Inconvenience in large joints, internal spasms, rigidity, contractures, and convulsions, external difficulty in movement.
If Host Qi is excessive: Trembling and contraction of sinews and bones, periodic pain in the waist and abdomen.
"Yao" is synonymous with shake. The fourth, fifth, and final periods are governed by Earth Qi. When Jue Yin rules Earth:
4. Fourth Guest Qi: Yang Ming Dryness Metal;
5. Fifth Guest Qi: Tai Yang Cold Water;
6. Final Guest Qi: Jue Yin Wind Wood.
All these Guest Qis can be pathogenic. Joint inconvenience is due to large tendon tension. Spasms and rigidity indicate tendons not harmonizing internally; movement difficulty indicates tendons not harmonizing externally. For Host excess:
4. Fourth Qi: Shao Yang Ministerial Fire;
5. Fifth Qi: Yang Ming Dryness Metal;
6. Final Qi: Tai Yang Cold Water.
Excesses of these three Qis are described similarly below. Sinew trembling resembles internal spasms; waist/abdominal pain resembles external movement difficulty.
When Shao Yin (Heart/Fire) rules Earth:
If Guest Qi is excessive: Lower back pain, diseases of the buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, and feet, dizziness with heat and sourness, edema preventing prolonged standing, and changes in urination/stool.
If Host Qi is excessive: Rebellious Qi moving upward, heart pain and fever, diaphragmatic discomfort, onset of various Bi syndromes, occurring in the hypochondrium, unguarded sweating (Po sweat), and rising cold limbs.
"Bian" is read as written. "Suan" (sour) relates to specific symptoms. "Cang" is read as written. When Shao Yin rules Earth:
4. Fourth Guest Qi: Tai Yang Cold Water;
5. Fifth Guest Qi: Jue Yin Wind Wood;
6. Final Guest Qi: Shao Yin Sovereign Fire.
All these Guest Qis can be pathogenic. The waist is the exterior manifestation of the Kidney; lower back pain indicates Kidney deficiency. The Shao Yin meridian ascends from the foot; thus, lower back pain affects the buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, and feet. Drooping eyes is "Mao"; dizziness with heat and sourness indicates Fire Qi overflowing upward, causing eye heat/sourness and drooping. "Xin Lv" (heart/spine) swelling with cold Qi deficiency leads to edema and inability to stand long, indicating bone deficiency. Changes in urination/stool indicate Kidney deficiency. If seasonal Host Qi is excessive, Shao Yin rebellious Qi moves upward. Upward rebellious Qi causes internal/external disharmony, leading to heart pain and fever. Heart pain and fever indicate Yin-Yang disharmony, triggering various Bi syndromes in the diaphragm. Upward rebellious Qi fails to pivot, so disease manifests in the hypochondrium. Heart pain/fever indicates floating Yang Qi, causing unguarded sweating. Diaphragmatic Bi syndromes indicate complete Qi stagnation, leading to cold limbs.
When Tai Yang (Bladder/Cold Water) rules Earth:
If Guest Qi is excessive: Foot weakness and heaviness, irregular urination/defecation, dampness invading the lower Jiao causing loose diarrhea, edema, and diseases of hidden/private areas.
If Host Qi is excessive: Reverse flow of Cold Qi causing fullness, inability to eat/drink, and hernia in severe cases.
"Xie" is synonymous with drainage. When Tai Yin rules Earth:
4. Fourth Guest Qi: Jue Yin Wind Wood;
5. Fifth Guest Qi: Shao Yin Sovereign Fire;
6. Final Guest Qi: Tai Yang Damp Earth.
All these Guest Qis can be pathogenic. Foot weakness/heaviness is due to Foot Taiyin Spleen meridian Qi failing to ascend. Irregular urination/defecation involves frequent, scanty urination. Dampness invading the lower Jiao causes loose diarrhea ("Ru Xie"). Edema in hidden areas is also caused by dampness in the lower Jiao. Host excess causes Cold-Damp Qi to rebel internally, causing middle Jiao fullness, Spleen failure to transform/transport, and inability to eat/drink. Severe cases involve Earth being penalized by Wood, causing hernia.
When Shao Yang (Gallbladder/Triple Burner) rules Earth:
If Guest Qi is excessive: Lower back pain, aversion to cold, and in severe cases, white stool and white urine.
If Host Qi is excessive: Heat reverses upward, affecting the Heart, causing heart pain and fever, rejection in the middle with vomiting, presenting similarly to Shao Yin patterns.
When Shao Yang rules Earth:
4. Fourth Guest Qi: Shao Yin Sovereign Fire;
5. Fifth Guest Qi: Tai Yang Damp Earth;
6. Final Guest Qi: Shao Yang Ministerial Fire.
All these Guest Qis can be pathogenic. Shao Yang is initial Yang; if it cannot rise from below, waist/abdominal pain occurs; if it cannot move from interior to exterior, aversion to cold occurs. Severe lower Jiao deficiency-cold causes white stool and white urine. Host excess causes Sovereign and Ministerial Fires to blaze, sending heat upward to the Heart, causing heart pain/fever and vomiting due to rejection. Ministerial/Sovereign Fire ascending allows them to flourish downward together, mimicking Shao Yin symptoms.
When Yang Ming (Lung/Dryness Metal) rules Earth:
If Guest Qi is excessive: Clear Qi moves downward, causing lower abdominal hardness/fullness and frequent loose stools.
If Host Qi is excessive: Heavy waist and abdominal pain, cold in the lower abdomen, loose stools, Cold-Jue in the intestines rushing upward to the chest, severe wheezing, and inability to stand long.
"Shuo" is the pronunciation for frequent. "Wu" is the pronunciation for a specific term. When Yang Ming rules Earth:
4. Fourth Guest Qi: Tai Yin Damp Earth;
5. Fifth Guest Qi: Shao Yang Ministerial Fire;
6. Final Guest Qi: Yang Ming Dryness Metal.
All these Guest Qis can be pathogenic. Guest excess causes Yang Ming's clearing Qi to move downward, causing lower abdominal hardness/fullness and subsequent frequent loose stools. Host excess causes heavy waist/abdominal pain and lower abdominal cold, also due to Clear Qi moving downward. Initial lower abdominal cold leads to loose stools, Cold-Jue in intestines rushing upward to the chest, causing severe wheezing and inability to stand.
When Tai Yang (Bladder/Cold Water) rules Earth:
If Cold Qi lingers internally ("Han Fu Nei Yu"): Lower back/buttock pain, difficulty flexing/extending, pain in thighs, calves, feet, and knees.
Tai Yang represents Cold Qi. "Han Fu Nei Yu" means Tai Yang ruling Earth is overcome by Guest/Host Qi, causing Cold Qi to stagnate internally. Stagnant Cold Qi in the lower Jiao causes Tai Yang meridian stagnation, resulting in lower back pain, mobility issues, and limb pain. This uses "Cold lingering internally" to exemplify that Six Qi diseases affect the ruling Earth meridians regardless of Guest/Host dynamics.
The Yellow Emperor said: Excellent. How should they be treated?
Guest or Host excess causing meridian disease: How to treat?
Qi Bo said: Suppress what is high; elevate what is low; reduce what is excessive; tonify what is deficient. Assist with what is beneficial; harmonize with what is appropriate. Must stabilize Host and Guest Qi; adapt to Cold and Warmth. If Host and Guest Qi are similar, use contrary treatment (Ni); if different, follow treatment (Cong).
Suppressing high and elevating low achieves balance. Reducing excess and tonifying deficiency achieves equilibrium. Assisting with benefits and harmonizing with appropriateness follows their nature. "Similar" means Host is Cold/Clear and Guest is Cold/Clear, or Host is Warm/Hot and Guest is Warm/Hot; this is over-abundance, requiring contrary treatment (suppression/reduction). "Different" means Host is Cold/Clear and Guest is Warm/Hot, or Host is Warm/Hot and Guest is Cold/Clear; this is not over-abundance, requiring following treatment (elevation/tonification).
The Yellow Emperor said: Treating Cold with Heat, treating Heat with Cold; Qi in harmony uses contrary treatment, Qi in disharmony uses following treatment—I know this. What about the correct flavors (Zheng Wei)?
This asks about the correct flavors for Host/Guest Qi based on previous discussion of Cold/Heat/Ni/Cong treatments. Although known, these are not the fundamental flavors of the Qi positions, hence the question.
Qi Bo said: For the Master of Wood Position: Drain with Sour; Tonify with Pungent.
The six Qi positions correspond to the Five Phases. Host position is constant Qi (drain then tonify). Guest position is transient Qi (tonify then drain). First Qi is Jue Yin Wind Wood (Wood Master). Wood excess promotes growth; Sour counteracts by astringing (Drain). Pungent assists upward diffusion (Tonify).
For the Master of Fire Position: Drain with Sweet; Tonify with Salty.
Second Qi is Shao Yin Sovereign Fire (Fire Master). Fire excess is blazing; Sweet counteracts by relaxing (Drain). Salting hardens/nourishes and aids diffusion (Tonify). Shao Yin and Shao Yang both rule Fire; thus, Shao Yang follows the same principle.
For the Master of Earth Position: Drain with Bitter; Tonify with Sweet.
Third Qi is Tai Yin Damp Earth (Earth Master). Earth excess is mound-like; Bitter counteracts by draining (Drain). Sweet aids harmony/slowness (Tonify).
For the Master of Metal Position: Drain with Pungent; Tonify with Sour.
Fifth Qi is Yang Ming Dryness Metal (Metal Master). Metal excess is firm/completing; Pungent counteracts by dispersing (Drain). Sour aids condensing/astringing (Tonify).
For the Master of Water Position: Drain with Salty; Tonify with Bitter.
Final Qi is Tai Yang Cold Water (Water Master). Water excess is overflowing; Salty counteracts by coagulating/hardening (Drain). Bitter is cold, aiding Water Qi (Tonify).
For Jue Yin as Guest: Tonify with Pungent; Drain with Sour; Soothe with Sweet.
Guest compensation matches Host principles. Soothing with Sweet: *Zang Qi Fa Shi Lun* states, "The Liver suffers from urgency; urgently eat Sweet to soothe it."
For Shao Yang as Guest: Tonify with Salty; Drain with Sweet; Astringe with Salty.
(Note: Text mentions Shao Yin here but context implies Fire guest principles). Astringing with Salty: *Zang Qi Fa Shi Lun* states, "The Heart desires softness; urgently eat Salty to soften/astringe it."
For Tai Yin as Guest: Tonify with Sweet; Drain with Bitter; Soothe with Sweet.
Soothing with Sweet: *Zang Qi Fa Shi Lun* states, "The Spleen desires slowness/relaxation; urgently eat Sweet to soothe it."
For Shao Yang as Guest: Tonify with Salty; Drain with Sweet; Soften with Salty.
Shao Yang and Shao Yin both belong to Fire; the meaning is identical.
For Yang Ming as Guest: Tonify with Sour; Drain with Pungent; Drain with Bitter.
Draining with Bitter: *Zang Qi Fa Shi Lun* states, "The Lung suffers from Qi rebelling upward; urgently eat Bitter to drain it."
For Tai Yang as Guest: Tonify with Bitter; Drain with Salty; Harden with Bitter; Moisten with Pungent; Open interstices, generate fluids, and circulate Qi.
Harden/Moisten: *Zang Qi Fa Shi Lun* states, "The Kidney desires firmness; urgently eat Bitter to harden it. The Kidney suffers from dryness; urgently eat Pungent to moisten it, opening interstices, generating fluids, and circulating Qi."
These are the correct flavors for Host and Guest Qi.
The Yellow Emperor said: Excellent. I wish to hear about the "Three" of Yin and Yang. What does it mean?
Qi Bo previously stated: "Above half the body, there are three Qi; below half the body, there are three Qi." The Emperor asks why there are three, given Yin/Yang are only Shao and Tai.
Qi Bo said: It is due to the varying amounts and functions of Qi.
Yin and Yang Qi progress from Shao (Less) to Tai (Great/More). Tai means more; Shao means less. They have different functions based on quantity.
The Yellow Emperor said: What is Yang Ming?
Between Shao and Tai, what is Yang Ming?
Qi Bo said: Two Yangs combining to illuminate.
With Shao Yang and Tai Yang, their combination creates Yang Ming in the middle.
The Yellow Emperor said: What is Jue Yin?
With Yang Ming between Shao and Tai, why is Jue Yin not between the two Yins?
Qi Bo said: Two Yins intersecting and ending.
From Shao to Tai, Yang Ming is in the middle. From Tai to Shao, Jue Yin is at the end. With Tai Yin and Shao Yin, their intersection and exhaustion create Jue Yin.
The Yellow Emperor said: Qi has amounts; Disease has excess/deficiency; Treatment has speed/urgency; Formulas have size. I wish to hear the summary.
Qi Bo said: Qi has high/low levels; Disease has distant/close locations; Syndromes have interior/exterior positions; Treatment has light/heavy intensity. Adapt to where the disease reaches.
Varying Qi amounts imply high/low positions (Yang high, Yin low). Disease excess/deficiency implies distance/location (Old/Interior = Excess; New/Exterior = Deficient). Treatment speed/urgency implies light/heavy dosage (Slow disease = Light; Urgent disease = Heavy). Ensure medicine reaches the disease site to restore normalcy.
The Great Summary states:
Monarch One, Ministers Two: Odd formula system.
Monarch Two, Ministers Four: Even formula system.
Monarch Two, Ministers Three: Odd formula system.
Monarch Two, Ministers Six: Even formula system.
Therefore: Close diseases use Odd formulas; Distant diseases use Even formulas. Sweating does not use Odd; Purging does not use Even. Tonifying upper/Treating upper uses Slow formulas; Tonifying lower/Treating lower uses Urgent formulas. Urgent formulas have strong flavor/odor; Slow formulas have weak flavor/odor. Reaching the disease site is called this.
"Odd" (Ji) pronunciation is same as below. Formula sizes: Monarch 1 + Ministers 2 = 3 (Yang Odd). Monarch 2 + Ministers 4 = 6 (Yin Even). Large Odd: Monarch 2 + Ministers 3 = 5 (Odd). Large Even: Monarch 2 + Ministers 6 = 8 (Even). Few types/much weight = Monarch. Many types/less weight = Minister. Odd/Even formulas depend on disease distance: Close (Yang) uses Odd; Distant (Yin) uses Even. Sweating (Yang) exits Yin to Yang (like earth rising), so use Even. Purging (Yin) enters Yin from Yang (like heaven descending), so use Odd. Upper treatment uses Slow formulas; Lower treatment uses Urgent formulas. Urgent formulas require strong flavor/odor...