《修真十書黃庭內景五臟六腑圖#》

Preface to The Ten Books on Cultivating Perfection: Inner Landscape Charts of the Five Viscera and Six Bowels from the Yellow Court Scripture

Written by Hu Yin, a female Daoist practitioner from Great White Mountain

The Dao of Heaven and Earth operates thus: Heaven, belonging to Yang, nourishes the human body through the Five Qi (the vital energies of the Five Phases: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth); Earth, belonging to Yin, nourishes it through the Five Flavors (sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, and salty). The interaction of Yin and Yang generates the Qi of the Five Viscera, which spreads to the four limbs, the Twelve Primary Channels, and the 360 joints, forming the meridians, bodily fluids, blood, and marrow. The Qi of the Five Viscera converges to create the Six Bowels (gallbladder, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, bladder, and triple burner), connecting through the Twelve Channels to the Nine Orifices (two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, mouth, anterior and posterior yin).

The Five Viscera are the foundation of the human body. Damage to one organ triggers various illnesses, and harm to all five leads to physical decline. Specifically: the Heart governs the Shen (spirit), the Liver governs the Hun and Po (ethereal and corporeal souls), the Lungs govern the Qi, the Spleen governs wisdom, and the Kidneys govern Jing (essence). These functions manifest externally as five behavioral expressions, corresponding to the Five Planets (Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, and Saturn) in Heaven and the Five Sacred Peaks (Mount Tai, Hua, Heng, Heng, and Song) on Earth.

The human body mirrors the operations of Heaven and Earth. By focusing on cultivation, restraining desires, and fortifying the will, one can attain the Great Dao. At the height of achievement: robust bones render one impervious to toxins, clear Shen wards off all ailments, and penetrating wisdom extends lifespan. At this stage, one resonates with the essence of the sun and moon, harmonizes with the Six Climatic Qi (wind, cold, summer heat, dampness, dryness, and fire) of the seasons, masters the transformations of Yin-Yang, and even reverses the laws of nature. Upon reaching this realm, external aids like the Golden Elixir (Jindan) or jade fluids become unnecessary—one naturally unites with Heaven and Earth. The Qi of the Five Viscera transforms into five-colored auspicious clouds, ascending to the celestial realm, enabling the summoning of Yang spirits like the Six Jia and Yin spirits like the Six Ding (Daoist guardian deities), and granting the ability to transform and fly at will.

The Great White Perfected (Taibai Zhenren) said: "Abundant Jing and Qi connect one to the divine; abundant primordial Qi leads to the Dao." The key lies in nurturing the Shen, consolidating the primordial Qi, and achieving a perfected body through the interplay of Yin and Yang. Though I, Hu Yin, am dull by nature, my heart is devoted to the Dao. Through deep study of scriptures like the Yellow Court Classic (Huangting Jing) and years of examining ancient cultivation diagrams, I found their profundity challenging to grasp. Thus, I have created new charts to elucidate their essence.

(Note: This expounds Daoist Neidan (internal alchemy) theory, emphasizing longevity through regulating the Qi of the Five Viscera. The described states of attainment belong to the realm of religious experience.)

This scripture primarily discusses Daoist cultivation knowledge regarding lung health and the functional role of lungs in the human body. Here's an accessible explanation:

The author begins by criticizing practitioners of his time who focused only on superficial forms (color and appearance) or casually recorded divine names, making it difficult for later learners to grasp proper cultivation methods. He resolves to systematically explain through organ diagrams, covering: organ positions, cultivation techniques, disease analysis, breathing exercises, treatments, medicinal principles, and Daoyin (guiding techniques) — providing a comprehensive guide for future students.

【Lung Diagram】Key Contents:

1. The lung-nourishing method employs the "Si" character breathing technique (a Daoist Tuina practice), where inhalation supplements lung Qi (vital energy). In the Five Phases, lungs correspond to Metal, located in the thoracic cavity with six lobes, appearing like red-white silk.

2. Physiological Characteristics:

• Men over 80 experience weakened lung Qi, causing魂魄 (Hun-Po, ethereal and corporeal souls) to scatter easily
• Lung weight: 3 jin 3 liang (~1.65kg)
• Corresponds to West direction and white color
• Opens externally at the nose (left nostril: Geng Metal; right: Xin Metal)
• Governs skin and body hair
• Lung meridian originates at Shaoshang point (thumb tip)

3. Functional Roles:

• Primary among the five organs, root of Qi
• Prolonged bedrest harms lung Qi
• Governs respiration and Qi circulation
• Called "Jade Hall Palace" and "Palace of Transmission"
• Oversees bodily regulation
• Associated fluid: nasal mucus (appears when kidney pathogens invade lungs)

4. Relationships:

• Positioned at body's right side, governs coughing
• Paired with large intestine (excretion system)
• Nose reflects lung condition (strong Qi means keen smell)
• Harmonizes with spleen; essence manifests in hair
• Sagging skin/hair loss indicates lung Qi depletion

5. Five Phase Attributes:

• Corresponds to Western Dui (Lake) Metal
• Receives Qi during Yin hour (3-5am), flourishes at Si hour (9-11am)
• Peaks at You hour (5-7pm), vulnerable at Hai hour (9-11pm)
• Weakest at Zi hour (11pm-1am), returns to storage at Chou hour (1-3am)
• Thrives in autumn, rests in winter, constrained in spring, declines in summer
• Associated with Shang musical tone (metal attribute), characterized by clear, resonant sounds

This scripture systematically presents Daoist understanding of lungs — including physiological structure, functions, maintenance methods, and Five Phase attributes — serving as crucial material for studying Daoist health cultivation.

This scripture primarily discusses the functions, characteristics, and cultivation methods of the lungs within the human body. Here is an accessible interpretation:

In the Five Phases system, the lungs correspond to Metal and are associated with the color white. Their shape resembles a hanging qing (an ancient musical instrument). The lung spirit is named "Haohua" and styled "Xucheng," visualized as a seven-inch tall jade child dressed in white and holding a weapon. According to tradition, seven child spirits and fourteen jade maidens also guard the lungs. The lungs govern respiration, are internally-externally paired with the large intestine, and open into the nose through their orifice.

Key characteristics of the lungs:

1. Lung Qi should remain gentle and serene, corresponding to the contracting energy of autumn

2. They favor pungent flavors among the five tastes, though excessive consumption disperses primordial Qi and causes skin disorders

3. Emotionally prone to anger (due to Metal's unyielding nature), with anger damaging lung function

4. When lungs are deficient: sallow complexion, itchy nose, susceptibility to fear, sensitivity to temperature extremes, craving for pungent foods

5. Healthy lung manifestation: clear white complexion, resonant voice

Lung cultivation methods:

1. During practice, visualize white Qi within the lungs

2. Restrain desires and cultivate benevolence/righteousness while minimizing anger

3. Use the "Xi" sound technique: prolonging the "xì" sound disperses stagnant lung Qi, relieving coughs and chest congestion

4. During autumn's three months, retire early and rise at dawn (following bird and rooster rhythms), maintaining emotional tranquility

5. The lungs govern the seventh palace (located at the middle Dantian) and preside over integrity—upright conduct and loyalty pacify the lung spirit

Pathological manifestations:

• Nasal congestion: wind-pathogen invading lungs
• Dull complexion: weak lung Qi
• Intestinal rumbling: congested lung Qi
• Unexplained weeping: pathogenic Qi in lungs
• Dry skin: lung dryness

(Note: The "visualizing white Qi" and "jade children/maidens" refer to Daoist Neidan visualization techniques, while the "Xi sound method" belongs to the Six Healing Sounds health preservation system.)

This scripture primarily discusses lung nourishment and treatment methods, divided into four sections:

I. Key Principles for Lung Cultivation

Lung Qi (vital energy) should remain harmonious and stable—when impaired, it may cause coughing and sneezing. On the first and fifteenth days of the seventh, eighth, and ninth lunar months, practice this regimen facing west at dawn: First, click the teeth seven times, swallow saliva, then close the eyes to calm the mind. Visualize white Qi from the Dui palace (the Bagua's western trigram) entering the mouth; swallow seven times, then regulate the breath by holding it for seventy counts. This practice fortifies the Shen (spirit), wards off ailments, and is said to prolong life and even confer invulnerability.

II. Diagnostic Signs of Lung Disorders

Lung heat manifests as redness on the right cheek; patients appear pale with brittle hair. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, pain in the chest, back, and limbs, and dreams of being entangled by beauties. Lung deficiency causes shortness of breath, dry nose, and throat irritation; wind invasion leads to excessive sweating, aversion to wind, and worsening coughs at dusk. The lungs correspond to autumn and show white hues in the eyebrow region of the face.

III. Treatment Principles for Lung Ailments

For rebellious lung Qi, consume bitter foods to purge; for deficiency, sour foods to astringe. Pungent flavors tonify the lungs, while bitter ones drain them. Notably, lungs fear cold—avoid raw and chilled foods. Tenderness upon pressing the right ribcage near the navel, coupled with cough and fever, signals lung disorders.

IV. Specific Medicinal Formulas

For nasal congestion, lost smell, polyps, itchy skin, sores, or bloody coughs, prescribe the "Wind-Dispersing Powder":

Ginseng (8 fen), Scrophularia root (7 fen), Saposhnikovia root (8 fen), Adenophora root (5 fen), Aconite (8 fen), Dioscorea leaf (10 fen), Salvia root (7 fen), Sophora root (8 fen), Gentian root (7 fen), and Cornus fruit (as needed). Grind into powder; take 3 qian (≈9g) on an empty stomach with Saposhnikovia decoction.

Complement with breathwork: Inhale deeply through the nose, exhale slowly through the mouth (soundlessly). First regulate the breathing rhythm—severe cases require 30 strong exhalations, mild cases 10 gentle ones. This alleviates lung heat, coughs, skin ulcers, nasal obstruction, and chest pain, but moderation is key—excess may harm the body.

(Note: "Fen" is an ancient unit ≈0.3g; "Si" denotes a Daoist exhalation technique.)

In the seventh month, avoid consuming cornelian cherries as they may cause bloody stools; refrain from eating ginger during the eighth and ninth months.

For ailments of the liver, heart, and lungs, it is beneficial to consume millet (yellow millet) and peaches—foods with bitter properties.

Daoyin Techniques (a method of health cultivation):

Sit upright and alternately support your body with both hands on the ground. Contract your torso, arch your spine upward, and repeat this movement three times. This method dispels wind pathogens from the lungs and alleviates chronic fatigue. Alternatively, lightly pound your back with loosely clenched fists, alternating left and right three to five times each, to clear stagnant wind toxins from the chest. Perform these exercises while holding your breath (biqi). After sustaining this for a period, close your eyes, swallow your saliva, and conclude by tapping your teeth three times.

Heart Diagram Explanation:

To regulate the heart, use the "He" sound exhalation technique for purging (xie) and inhalation for tonifying (bu). The heart belongs to the Fire Palace, situated below the lungs and above the liver, aligned one cun below the xiphoid process. A healthy heart appears like white silk tinged with deep red, resembling an unopened lotus. By age sixty, men experience weakened heart qi (xinqi), leading to misspoken words and forgetfulness. The heart weighs twelve liang, corresponds to the southern direction and the color red, and connects with the tongue. It manifests in the body through the blood vessels, with its qi emerging at the Zhongchong point (center of the palm). As the foundation of life and dwelling of spirit (shen), the heart governs the functions of the five zang organs, earning it the title "Monarch of the Organs." The heart houses five spiritual aspects and is also called the "Grand Commandant," positioned like an emperor at the central spiritual platform. Heart discomfort manifests as belching; when the heart aches, bodily fluids transform into sweat (sweat being the fluid of the heart). Excessive kidney fluids may also cause sweating. The small intestine is the heart's paired fu organ, responsible for receiving and transforming nourishment. The tongue reflects the heart's condition—when heart qi flows smoothly, it distinguishes the five flavors; when diseased, the tongue dries, curls, and loses taste perception. The heart harmonizes with the blood vessels, appearing vibrant red when healthy. Heart depletion leads to deficient blood unable to nourish the organs. The heart corresponds to the Li trigram (Fire) of the south. Fire qi receives its energy during the Hai hour (9–11 PM), generates at Yin (3–5 AM), peaks at noon (11 AM–1 PM), manifests illness at Shen (3–5 PM), declines at You (5–7 PM), and enters its tomb at Xu (7–9 PM). In summer, heart qi flourishes with spleen support, while lung qi weakens, kidney qi is restrained, and liver qi rests. Celestial stems align with Bing and Ding, earthly branches with Si and Wu, and the southern direction. Fire generates Wood and overcomes Earth, thriving in summer and overcoming Metal in late summer, while fearing Water (controlled in winter). The heart corresponds to the Zhi musical note (one of the five tones), its sound harmonious yet urgent. A healthy heart's color is fiery red, resembling a rooster's comb.

This scripture primarily discusses methods for nurturing and regulating the heart, divided into several sections:

Characteristics of the Heart:

When the heart appears dark (indicating deep color), it signifies vitality; complete blackening foretells death. The heart corresponds to bitter flavors and has a strong, unyielding nature. Excessive consumption of bitter foods first affects the bones—those with bone ailments should avoid them, as they may cause brittle nails. The heart is associated with agitation; accumulated negative thoughts naturally lead to scorching restlessness. Heart Qi governs propriety, with an affinity for fire that makes it prone to dryness and heat. The heart corresponds to the southern direction and connects with the essence of the planet Mars (Yinghuo). During the three months of summer, one can visualize Mars within the heart or imagine red Qi to nourish the heart spirit (known as "Dan Yuan," with the epithet "Shou Ling").

Symptoms of Heart Disorders:

Hard lumps in the heart area that hurt when pressed, mental restlessness, and heat in the palms and soles. Specific manifestations include dry mouth, stiff tongue, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, mouth ulcers, forgetfulness, and dreams of smelting furnaces or stoves.

Treatment Methods:

The recommended remedy is "Five Ginseng Pill" (Wu Shen Wan), composed of eight herbs including Gentiana macrophylla, ginseng, and Scrophularia (specific dosages are listed in the original text). For breath regulation: inhale gently through the nose and exhale with the sound "he" (呵). Repeat thirty loud exhalations followed by ten soft ones to dispel heart fire and agitation, though overdoing it may deplete primordial Qi.

Dietary Restrictions:

Avoid garlic in the fourth lunar month (as it may turn hair white and cause shedding) and avoid Chinese chives (Allium macrostemon) in the fifth month (as they harm the heart). Favor barley and wheat, and avoid salty flavors.

Daoyin Exercises:

1. Sit upright with clenched fists, alternately pounding left and right six times each.

2. Press one hand against the wrist while pushing the other downward as if lifting a heavy stone.

3. Cross the hands and step on them with the feet five or six times.

These movements dispel pathogenic wind from the chest. Conclude by closing the eyes, swallowing saliva three times, and tapping the teeth three times.

Appendix: Brief Notes on the Liver

For liver regulation, use the "xu" (嘘) technique (exhaling to purge, inhaling to tonify). The liver lies below and slightly left of the heart, has three lobes, weighs four jin and four liang, and declines in function after age sixty.

This scripture primarily discusses the importance of the liver in Daoist health cultivation practices and its associated characteristics.

In the Five Phases (Wuxing) system, the liver corresponds to the eastern direction and the color green-blue. It connects with the eyes (the left eye belongs to Jia Wood, the right to Yi Wood). The liver's shape resembles overlapping leaves with a verdant hue. It serves as the foundation of the body's endurance against fatigue and houses the ethereal soul (hun). The left eye symbolizes the sun and the Celestial King Father, while the right eye represents the moon and the Celestial Queen Mother. Tears are considered the refined essence of yin energy.

The liver bears the honorific titles "Great Minister of Documents" and "Great Officer of Heaven," residing in a place called the "Palace of Pure Coolness." Liver qi (vital energy) connects with tears—when kidney's pathogenic energy invades the liver, excessive tearing occurs. The gallbladder serves as the liver's paired organ, with the eyes being its external manifestation. Smooth liver qi circulation ensures clear vision, while excessive liver fire causes eye redness.

The liver governs the tendons, with its health reflected in the fingernails. Loose tendons and loss of voluntary movement indicate liver qi exhaustion. Within the Five Phases framework, the liver corresponds to eastern Zhen Wood: Wood qi receives energy during the Shen period (3-5 pm), weakens at noon (11 am-1 pm), renews during Hai period (9-11 pm), and peaks during Mao period (5-7 am).

The liver's relationships with other organs: it governs the heart, restrains the spleen, is restrained by the lungs, and mutually generates with the kidneys. Its associated musical note is Jue (one of the five tones). A healthy liver exhibits a kingfisher-feather green hue—yellowish discoloration signals danger. Sour flavors enter the liver, but those with tendon disorders should avoid excess sour foods to prevent dry skin and hair loss.

The liver embodies benevolence and connects with the essence of Jupiter (the Wood Star). During spring cultivation practices, one may visualize Jupiter's green qi entering the liver. The liver's spiritual name is "Dragon Mist," appearing as a cyan dragon that governs the hun soul and can manifest as two jade youths (one in green, one in yellow attire). Alternative traditions describe three boy attendants and six jade maidens guarding the liver.

The text concludes that weak liver energy leads to tendon disorders. This content integrates traditional Chinese medical theory of zang-fu organs with Daoist spirit visualization techniques, embodying the Daoist health preservation philosophy of "simultaneous refinement of form and spirit."

This scripture primarily discusses the methods for nurturing the liver, divided into several sections:

1. Indicators of liver health:

• Dry skin indicates liver heat
• Spots on muscles signify liver wind
• A bluish complexion shows excessive liver qi
• Craving sour foods suggests liver qi deficiency
• Brittle hair indicates liver damage
• Sweaty hands and feet reveal lung pathogens invading the liver, often accompanied by frequent crying

2. Liver maintenance methods:

• The "Xu" sound technique (a specific breathing exercise) can regulate liver qi
• The liver governs tendons and embodies benevolent De (Virtue). Maintaining kindness stabilizes the hun and po souls
• Spring is the optimal season for liver care - retire late and rise early, walk with hair loose, maintain joyful emotions
• Violating spring health principles harms the liver, leading to withered hair

3. Specific cultivation practices:

• From first to third lunar month, sit facing east at dawn
• Knock teeth 36 times, hold breath for 90 cycles (~3 minutes)
• Inhale bluish qi from the east, swallow in 9 portions
• This supplements the liver and reduces anxiety

4. Liver disorder symptoms:

• Liver heat: Left eye reddens
• Liver disease: Eyelash discomfort, rib pain extending to lower abdomen, irritability
• Liver deficiency: Prone to fright
• Liver excess: Quick to anger
• Rising liver qi: Headache, deafness, swollen cheeks

5. Treatment recommendations:

• For liver disorders: Consume sweet foods for relief
• To disperse liver qi: Eat pungent foods
• Avoid wind exposure - the liver fears wind

6. Breathing therapy:

• Inhale through nose, exhale with "Xu" sound
• Severe cases: 30 strong "Xu" sounds; mild cases: 10 subtle "Xu" sounds
• Eliminates liver heat and limb distension

(Note: The "Xu sound technique" mentioned belongs to Daoist Six Healing Sounds practice, regulating organ functions through specific pronunciations)

This scripture primarily discusses spleen cultivation methods and related theories:

Regarding spleen nourishment:

1. Breathing technique: Use the "hu" (exhale) sound to expel pathogenic Qi, and "xi" (inhale) to tonify the spleen. The spleen belongs to Earth element, located three inches above the navel, with a yellow-white coloration. By age seventy, spleen Qi deficiency leads to withered skin and emaciation.

2. The spleen's vital functions:

• Serves as the pivotal hub of the five zang organs
• Governs muscle growth (spleen deficiency causes muscle wasting)
• Relates to consciousness and thinking
• Called "Central Yellow Palace" and "Yellow Dragon Sovereign"
• Acts like an imperial advisor coordinating bodily functions
• Manages digestion and absorption (like a granary official)

3. Spleen's relationships with other organs:

• Partners with the stomach to complete digestion
• When spleen Qi flows smoothly, it discerns five flavors; when ill, causes dry mouth and tastelessness
• Kidney pathogen invasion leads to excessive saliva

4. Seasonal and temporal patterns:

• Flourishes in late summer (sixth lunar month)
• Receives Qi during si hour (9-11am)
• Born at zi hour (11pm-1am)
• Falls ill at hai hour (9-11pm)
• Dies at mao hour (5-7am)
• Corresponds to central Earth in the Five Phases

5. Daoyin exercises:

• Sit upright with overlapped hands pressing the abdomen, slowly rotating torso 3-5 times each side
• Sit straight with crossed hands repeatedly drawing toward chest 3-5 times
• These movements eliminate liver toxin accumulation

6. Dietary precautions:

• First lunar month: avoid raw scallions (cooked preferred)
• Second/third months: avoid garlic, smartweed seeds, and animal livers/lungs
• Beneficial foods: hemp seeds, black sesame, plums
• Avoid pungent flavors

7. Healing technique:

For fever, use consecutive slow "xu" exhalations until recovery—no need to worry about overexertion harming the body.

This passage explains the spleen's functions, characteristics, and cultivation methods within the human body:

The spleen belongs to the Earth phase, its color resembling yellow soil or a crab's underside. A healthy spleen should appear like immature citrus fruit (zhishi, a Chinese herb), while a deathly gray hue indicates danger. The spleen favors sweet flavors and has a warm nature, with nourishment first reaching the muscles. However, when muscular disorders occur, excessive sweetness should be avoided as it harms bones and causes hair loss. Though the spleen delights in fragrant scents, it develops aversion to aromas when heart-pathogens invade.

Corresponding to sincerity in virtue, the spleen is prone to fear. It connects with sacred Mount Song (the Central Peak) and communicates with Saturn (Zhenxing, the Stabilizing Star). During the 18-day transitions between summer-autumn and autumn-winter, visualize Saturn's yellow qi entering the spleen. The spleen's spiritual name is "Hun Ting" (Soul Resting), appearing like a phoenix that governs intention, manifesting as a seven-inch jade maiden circulating within. The spleen's jealous nature reflects earth's formless variability, with feminine jealousy relating to its yin qi. To calm the spleen spirit, purify the heart, minimize overthinking, and cultivate profound virtue to resonate with the Moon (Taiyin).

Connecting to the stomach and governing the mouth, the spleen operates like a millstone grinding food. Indigestion signals spleen dysfunction—hard foods become pathogenic when improperly processed. When the Five Organs lose harmony, they damage physical constitution and deplete shen (spirit). Avoiding hard foods is essential for nurturing life. Poor appetite indicates spleen stagnation, while mental restlessness stems from spleen imbalance. Sweet cravings reveal spleen deficiency, and poor complexion reflects spleen damage. Moist, smooth lips indicate spleen health, whereas excessive singing suggests pathogenic invasion.

For spleen disorders, practice the "Hu" (exhale) breathing technique to dispel dampness. As ruler of the central palace, the spleen governs sincerity—cultivate generosity, altruism, and detachment from material competition to maintain spleen harmony.

Plain Interpretation:

The spleen has no fixed position in the human body—its function shifts according to seasonal changes. It assists in nourishing all things, fostering yang energy, and follows the principle of the "Kun hexagram" (representing the earth). Violating this natural order will damage the spleen.

Cultivation Method:

On the first morning of the last month of summer (Jixia) and the 18th day of each season, sit quietly facing the central palace direction. Hold your breath five times, tap your teeth twelve times, and inhale the yellow qi from the Kun palace (southwest). Divide this breath into twelve swallows to compensate for the loss caused by exhalation. Drinking "jade nectar" (a cultivation term referring to saliva) nourishes the spirit (Shen), and this "divine phoenix flavor" can strengthen the spleen and support the heart-mind. Mastering this breathing technique grants fearlessness against tigers and wolves in the mountains, and prevents falls when climbing dangerous terrain—this is because the qi circulation method subdues earth spirits (malignant energies in the land).

Symptoms of Spleen Disorders:

When the spleen is overheated, the nose turns red; when deficient, the complexion yellows with dampness. Spleen disorders cause wandering wind pathogens on the body's surface, generalized dull pain and heaviness, muscle atrophy, inability to walk, frequent groaning, and sole pain. Spleen deficiency also leads to abdominal distension, intestinal rumbling, diarrhea, and indigestion. A cold spleen causes excessive sweating, aversion to wind, bodily fatigue, weak limbs, sallow complexion, and poor appetite. Diagnosis observes nose color—yellow indicates spleen vitality, with the last month of summer being its dominant season.

Treatment Methods:

For spleen dampness, consume bitter foods to dry it; for deficiency, eat sweet foods to tonify. Sweetness nourishes, bitterness purges heat, but overly drying foods should be avoided.

Symptoms of Spleen Disease:

When the spleen is diseased, there's a sensation of moving qi around the navel, painful upon pressure, possibly accompanied by hiccups, intestinal cramps, unceasing diarrhea, and heavy calves.

Spleen Breathing Therapy:

Inhale slowly and deeply through the nose, exhale through the mouth. To treat spleen disorders, exhale loudly thirty times and softly ten times. This method eliminates spleen cold, fever, cholera-like symptoms, food stagnation, wind-stroke paralysis, and abdominal masses. Perform continuously without pause, stopping upon recovery to avoid excess.

Dietary Restrictions:

In the sixth lunar month, avoid dogwood to prevent dysentery; limit intake of animal spleens, livers, and sheep blood year-round. Favor japonica rice, dates, and winter greens; avoid sour flavors.

Daoyin Exercises:

Sit cross-legged, extending one leg while bending the other, pulling both hands backward three to five times each. Alternatively, kneel-sit with hands on the ground, forcefully turning the head like a tiger looking back.

This scripture elucidates the kidneys' functions, characteristics within the human body, and their correspondences with natural phenomena.

The kidneys eliminate pathogenic Qi through exhalation ("chui") and replenish through inhalation ("xi"). Positioned bilaterally at the waist, the left kidney corresponds to Ren-water while the right to Gui-water in the celestial stems system. They face the navel anteriorly and connect with the spine posteriorly. Healthy kidneys exhibit a pale purple hue. In males, kidney Qi (vital energy) begins declining at sixty, manifesting as hair loss, loose teeth, and weak legs.

Weighing approximately 1.1 kilograms, the kidneys correspond to the northern direction and black color. Their sensory openings are the dual yin orifices (urethra and anus). Governing bones in bodily tissues, prolonged standing damages bone structure. The kidney meridian originates at the Yongquan (Bubbling Spring) point on the soles, serving as the reservoir of Jing (essence) and termed the "Rear Palace's Sovereign Lady." It circulates meridians in the upper burner, nourishes Qi-blood in the middle burner, and safeguards the body in the lower burner.

The kidneys and bladder form an exterior-interior pair, with the bladder storing bodily fluids. Ears reflect kidney conditions—unimpeded kidney Qi enables acute hearing, while dysfunction causes deafness and bone atrophy. Hair quality indicates kidney Qi status; emaciated individuals unable to rise suffer from kidney Qi exhaustion.

Corresponding to the Kan trigram of the north and the water element, the kidneys follow water's cyclical pattern: receiving Qi in the fourth lunar month (巳), growing in the seventh (申), peaking in the eleventh (子), ailing in the first (寅), dying in the second (卯), and entering the tomb phase in the third (辰). During winter's kidney Qi dominance, liver-heart Qi weakens while spleen-lung Qi lies dormant.

The kidneys resonate with the yu musical note (one of the five tones)—low and tranquil. Their color is black: raven-feather black indicates health; sooty black signals critical illness. Though governing salty flavors, blood disorder patients should limit salt intake. Their odor is putrid, which heart-diseased patients abhor when pathological transmission occurs. Governing wisdom and connecting with sorrow, they correspond to northern mountains and stars. During winter cultivation, practitioners visualize Mercury's (Chenxing) radiance illuminating the kidneys.

This scripture primarily discusses the functions of the kidneys in Daoist health cultivation, their pathological manifestations, and methods of regulation. In the Five Phases (Wuxing) system, the kidneys correspond to Water and are associated with the color black. Their shape resembles hanging stones, and their guardian deity takes the form of a two-headed deer, manifesting as a jade youth (a visualized child figure in Daoist meditation) standing one chi tall. The kidneys govern human intelligence and the skeletal system.

When the kidneys are healthy, a person exhibits harmonious spirit (Shen), strong bones, firm teeth, and acute hearing. The following symptoms indicate kidney disorders:

• Toothaches and dental caries: impaired kidney Qi (vital energy)
• Hearing loss: kidney Qi deficiency
• Bone soreness: kidney deficiency
• Ear pain: obstructed kidney Qi
• Frequent yawning: pathogenic influences in the kidneys
• Stiff waist: kidneys affected by cold
• Yellowish-black complexion: weakened kidney Qi
• Bone creaking: insufficient kidney Qi

Methods for regulating the kidneys:

1. During winter (10th-12th lunar months), face northwest, lightly tap teeth ten times, swallow saliva three times, then visualize inhaling five breaths of black primordial Qi (Xuangong Qi) from the north to replenish kidney energy.

2. Dietarily, consume white venison (symbolizing pure essence) while visualizing offerings to the kidney's guardian jade youth.

3. Kidney disease patients typically show dark complexions, withered teeth, abdominal distension, wind aversion, and spontaneous sweating. Severe cases may manifest as lower back pain, fearfulness, and indigestion.

4. Special attention should be paid to nourishing kidney Qi in winter when celestial Yang energy withdraws. One should retire early (during Xu hour, 7-9 PM) and rise late (during Yin hour, 3-5 AM), aligning with natural rhythms. Violating this principle harms the kidneys.

Therapeutic principles: Kidneys dislike dryness. Moderately consuming pungent foods provides moisture (in Chinese medicine, pungent flavor enters the lungs, and lung Metal generates kidney Water). The Kidney Meridian of Foot-Shaoyin and Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang require particular attention during winter.

The Ten Books on Cultivating Perfection: Inner Landscape Diagrams of the Five Viscera and Six Bowels from the Yellow Court Scripture presents methods for kidney maintenance and disease treatment. Here's a modern interpretation:

Kidney Maintenance:

The kidneys prefer moisture and dislike dryness. When kidney Qi (vital energy) stagnates, bitter foods can regulate (as bitterness drains excess heat), while salty foods nourish the kidneys. Avoid overly hot foods and excessive clothing to prevent kidney dryness.

Symptoms of Kidney Disorders:

• Pulsating sensation below the navel with discomfort upon pressure
• Poor digestion and bodily heaviness
• Joint pain with constant fatigue
• Coldness in waist and hips, possibly with eczema or numbness
• Difficult urination, potential hernia

Kidney Treatment Formula (Eight-Ingredient Pill):

Ingredients: Rehmannia (8 parts), Moutan bark (3), Alisma (3), Cinnamon (2), Poria mushroom (3), Aconite (2), Yam (4), Cornus fruit (4)

Preparation: Mix with honey to form pills the size of phoenix tree seeds

Dosage: Take 30 pills with warm water on empty stomach

Kidney Breathing Therapy:

Inhale slowly through nose, exhale through mouth. For severe conditions: 30 strong exhalations; mild cases: 10 gentle exhalations. Benefits:

• Kidney deficiency with chills
• Lumbar/knee soreness
• Impotence
• Tinnitus
• Mouth ulcers

Discontinue after recovery to avoid overpractice.

Dietary Restrictions:

• October: Avoid Sichuan pepper (may cause dry mouth/diarrhea)
• November/December: Avoid raw shellfish (harms spleen/kidney)
• Recommended: Soybeans, bean sprouts, chestnuts, legume leaves

Daoyin Exercises (Therapeutic Movements):

1. Sit upright, pull downward along ribcage from ears 3-5 times

2. Alternate with upward-thrusting motions, 3-5 reps per side

3. Or swing legs forward-backward, 10+ reps per side

These remove pathogenic Qi accumulation in kidney/bladder regions.

Core Health Principles:

• Nature's Five Phases (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth) generate climatic changes
• Human five energies produce emotions (joy, anger, grief, worry, fear)
• Emotional extremes and climate abnormalities both harm health
• Preserve life by harmonizing with seasons through:
• Disciplined vision
• Measured speech
• Selective hearing
• Moderate smelling
• Regularly rub hands warm to massage face—an excellent health practice

(Note: The herb "□" should be read as "yam"; "upward-thrusting" refers to specific ancient Daoyin movements)

This scripture discusses methods for nurturing and cultivating the gallbladder in Daoist practice. Here's a modern interpretation:

In Daoist cultivation, the gallbladder is regarded as the "Residence of Central Green" and governs decisiveness. Its shape resembles a hanging gourd, while its spiritual manifestation (Shen) takes the form of a turtle-snake hybrid, visualized during Neidan (internal alchemy) practice as a jade youth wielding a halberd. This gallbladder spirit embodies courage and resolution. To calm this spirit, one must pacify anger and maintain upright conduct.

Gallbladder maintenance methods include:

1. Massage technique: Daily practice involves rubbing the hands warm, then massaging the face 21 times (the significant number 3×7), followed by full-body massage. Called "dry bathing," this promotes radiant complexion.

2. Breathing method: Exhaling with the "xi" sound disperses gallbladder fire, while inhaling with the "xi" sound replenishes gallbladder Qi (vital energy).

3. Health indicators:

• Brittle hair signals gallbladder Qi exhaustion
• Dry nails indicate gallbladder Qi deficiency
• Coarse hair suggests wind pathogen in gallbladder
• Scorched body hair shows gallbladder heat
• Dull eyes or tearing often result from gallbladder heat
• Craving bitter flavors indicates insufficient gallbladder Qi
• Greenish or pale complexion reflects gallbladder imbalance

In the Five Phases system, the gallbladder belongs to Metal (representing firmness) yet connects with Water (Kan trigram), combining strength with flexibility. It pairs with the bladder and governs body hair. Abundant gallbladder Qi fosters integrity, wisdom, and resistance to negative influences.

As the gallbladder governs Water, it counters the heart's Fire. When these elements conflict, gallbladder Water overcoming heart Fire produces tears—explaining why grief activates gallbladder Qi. Cultivation requires balance: excessive courage proves harmful, necessitating measured restraint.

This health regimen integrates TCM organ theory with Daoist internal cultivation, employing massage, breathwork, and emotional regulation to nurture the gallbladder system.

Plain English Interpretation:

During the three winter months (10th to 12th lunar month), one should practice seated meditation facing north, inhaling the black vital essence (Qi) from the Mysterious Palace (Xuangong, the Daoist term for northern celestial abode). Swallow this energy in three portions to repair damage caused by overusing the "Xi" breathing technique (one of the Six Healing Sounds), nourish gallbladder fluids, absorb the energy of the Black Tortoise-Serpent (symbolizing northern Xuanwu essence), and drink the nectar of the Jade Child (referring to innate vital essence). This practice replenishes spiritual energy (Shen), harmonizes the body, repels external pathogens, and prevents "thieves" (metaphor for internal disorders) from approaching—all signs of robust gallbladder energy (Danqi).

Gallbladder disorder symptoms:

Gallbladder ailments manifest as sighing, bitter taste, bile vomiting, tastelessness, unexplained panic (like being chased), and drooping eyebrows. Excess gallbladder energy causes heat syndromes with mental confusion and restlessness; deficiency leads to cold syndromes with chills, dizziness, and fear of sleeping alone. Severe deficiency shows as brittle nails/hair, teary eyes, and referred pain to bladder, waist, and lower abdomen. Since gallbladder and liver are paired organs, liver treatments may apply.

Daoyin exercises (physical cultivation):

1. Sit straight with legs extended, lift head while holding ankles, sway 3-5 times

2. Or sit cross-legged, push hands against floor to lift torso 3-5 times—expels kidney wind-cold pathogens

Tuna breathing (respiratory regulation):

Inhale gently through nose, exhale with "Xi" sound. Treats gallbladder disorders and kidney deficiency symptoms: chills, night sweats, pale complexion, lower abdominal pain. For dry mouth, repeat "Xi" exhalations until recovery.

Essence of Five Viscera theory:

The Yellow Emperor asked Qibo (ancient physician): "Humans receive Heaven-Earth energy (Qi) at birth. The primal life force is essence (Jing); its movement creates awareness (Ling), whose manifestation is spirit (Shen). Shen's transformations become ethereal soul (Hun)—active with consciousness. When Jing and Hun unite, they form corporeal soul (Po). These energies converge as heart (Xin), whose inclinations create emotion (Qing), direction forms intent (Yi), focus becomes will (Zhi), memory turns to thought (Si), foresight develops as consideration (Lü), and successful consideration is wisdom (Zhi)." Sun Simiao (Tang Dynasty physician) added: "Internally, the five viscera and six bowels with essence, Qi, marrow; externally, limbs, nine orifices, skin, and nails form a complete life system."

(Note: Daoist terms like "Mysterious Palace," "Xi technique," and "Tortoise-Serpent" are preserved with contextual explanations. Philosophical concepts—Jing, Shen, Hun, Po—are rendered as modern energy terminology while maintaining their classical nuance.)

This scripture primarily explains how to cultivate health and practice Dao through regulating the body. Let me interpret it in modern terms:

Regarding bodily structure: The throat, lips, tongue, fetal gate (referring to the Dantian), bladder and other organs collectively form the human body. With proper maintenance, the body remains healthy; with improper use, one may suffer from the "five strains" (such as prolonged vision damaging blood) and "seven injuries" (like overeating harming the spleen), or the "six extremes" (including extreme Qi depletion).

Concerning health preservation methods:

1. The diagram meticulously marks the pathways of the five viscera and six bowels, blood circulation routes, and their correspondence with the nine orifices (two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, mouth, front and rear private parts). Persistent practice according to these methods prevents various diseases from invading the body.

2. Specific practices include five essentials: frequent hair combing, regular teeth tapping, constant swallowing of saliva, continuous breath refinement (referring to Qi regulation), and perpetual preservation of essence (meaning semen retention). These five practices embody the principle that "to seek longevity, one must cultivate the Kunlun" (referring to the head).

3. Other cultivation methods include: alchemical refinement to strengthen foundations, grain avoidance (que li) for nourishment, facing heaven to absorb solar essence (xi ri), and looking skyward to inhale pure Qi - all being essential techniques for Dao practitioners.

The health preservation essentials from the Primordial Supreme Mystery Scripture (Yuanshi Taixuan Jing) state:

• Joy and anger damage one's fundamental nature
• Grief and pleasure deplete the Shen (spirit)
• Impaired nature endangers life, thus one must cultivate nature to preserve primordial Qi
• Nourish the Shen to stabilize the body
• Abundant Qi brings bodily harmony, while a tranquil heart ensures spiritual ease
• These constitute the secrets of life preservation

In simple terms: By regulating the five viscera and six bowels, persistently practicing health preservation techniques, and controlling emotional fluctuations, one achieves physical-mental harmony and longevity.