《黃庭內景五臟六腑補瀉圖》

Preface to Charts of Nourishing and Purging the Five Viscera and Six Bowels from the Inner Landscape of the Yellow Court

The Daoist practitioner Hu Yin (Daoist name "Jian Suzi") of Mount Taibai explains: The human body absorbs the Yang Qi (Five Breaths) of heaven through respiration and assimilates the Yin energies (Five Flavors) of earth through nourishment. These two forces intermingle to form the five viscera, whose Qi then radiates to the four limbs, sixteen major sections, and three hundred sixty joints, extending further as sinews, vessels, bodily fluids, blood, and marrow. Ultimately, they give rise to the six bowels, triple burner (upper, middle, and lower), and the twelve meridians, connecting the nine orifices (seven facial orifices plus the two lower ones).

The five viscera are the core of the human body: the heart houses Shen (spirit), the lungs store Po (corporeal soul), the liver preserves Hun (ethereal soul), the spleen contains Yi (intent), and the kidneys hold Zhi (will). Damage to any single viscus causes illness, while impairment of all five leads to the dissipation of spiritual vitality. The viscera correspond to celestial phenomena—they resonate with the five major stars above and the five sacred mountains below, manifesting the principle of cosmic-human correspondence.

Through Shen cultivation (visualizing the deities within), self-cultivation, restraining desires, and fortifying willpower, one can strengthen the five viscera. This enables internal resistance to toxins and external defense against pathogens, resulting in mental clarity and longevity. Ultimately, one attains profound harmony with the essence of the sun and moon and attunement to seasonal rhythms. At this stage, there is no need for the Golden Elixir (Jindan) or divine medicines—natural balance of Yin-Yang and spiritual ascension are achieved effortlessly. The Qi of the five viscera transforms into five-colored auspicious clouds soaring to the heavens, summoning the Yin and Yang spirits (the six Jia Yang spirits and six Ding Yin spirits) at will. With this mastery, one roams the vast void freely, shapeshifting as desired.

Hu Yin reflects: Though dull by nature, I have long revered the Mysterious Gate (Daoism). Through years of studying texts like the Yellow Court Scripture (Huangting Jing), I found existing visceral diagrams overly simplistic, with unclear essential techniques and conflicting commentaries. Thus, I systematically reorganized these charts, correlating the five viscera with seasons, directions, and the Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), while annotating methods for tonifying and purging. May this work aid fellow cultivators in comprehending the profound unity of humanity and the cosmos.

Note: The "six Jia" and "six Ding" refer to Daoist guardian deities—the six Jia (Jiazi, Jiaxu, etc.) are Yang spirits, while the six Ding (Dingmao, Dingsi, etc.) are Yin spirits. "Shen visualization" (Cun Shen) is a vital Daoist practice involving meditation on inner deities to awaken latent potentials.

This scripture primarily discusses the principles of nurturing the internal organs and regulating the body through cultivation practices. Here is the modern interpretation:

Sun Simiao (the renowned Tang dynasty physician) states: Humans are born receiving the Qi (vital energy) of heaven and earth. Within the body reside the five solid organs (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys) and six hollow organs (gallbladder, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, bladder, triple burner), along with Jing (essence), marrow, and sinews. Externally, we have the four limbs, nine orifices (two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, mouth, genitalia, anus), skin, nails, teeth, throat, lips, tongue, anus, and bladder—all forming a complete human system. With proper nourishment, health is maintained; with improper use, one suffers the five strains and seven injuries (illnesses caused by overexertion). There are methods to cure diseases, but without them, life fades. Thus, this diagram meticulously illustrates the five solid and six hollow organs, the roots of blood vessels, their circulatory connections, and their correspondence with the nine orifices. By studying and practicing diligently, one can prevent all internal and external ailments.

Key points of health cultivation:

1. Frequently comb the hair

2. Regularly tap the teeth

3. Consciously swallow saliva

4. Consistently refine the breath

5. Often massage the face with both hands

These five practices constitute the method of "seeking longevity by cultivating the head."

Practitioners also:

• Consume elixirs to strengthen the foundation
• Practice grain avoidance (reducing food intake) to lighten the body
• Draw talismans (Fulu) to ward off evil
• Inhale the morning sun's energy for cultivation

These are all methods employed by Daoist cultivators.

The Yuanshi Taixuan Jing states: Joy and anger harm one's innate nature, while grief and pleasure damage the Shen (spirit). When innate nature is harmed, life is endangered; when the spirit is injured, longevity is shortened. Therefore, one must nurture innate nature to preserve primordial Qi and maintain mental tranquility. Abundant Qi ensures bodily equilibrium, while a peaceful mind leads to spiritual ease—this is the essential secret of health cultivation.

Regarding the lungs:

• Treat lung ailments with the "Xi" exhalation technique for purging and inhalation for tonifying
• The lungs belong to the Metal phase, corresponding to the "Shang" note in the five musical tones
• The lungs serve as the canopy of the five solid organs, positioned in the upper chest
• Healthy lungs appear purplish-red
• By age eighty, men experience weakened lung Qi and dispersed Hun-Po (ethereal and corporeal souls)
• The lungs weigh three jin and three liang
• They correspond to the west and the color white
• Their orifice is the nose, manifesting externally as skin and hair
• The lung meridian emerges at the Shaoshang point (radial side of the thumb)
• As the leader of all organs, the lungs are the root of Qi

This passage elaborates on Daoist health preservation philosophy, emphasizing methods like breath regulation, Daoyin (guiding and stretching), and massage to harmonize the internal organs—particularly detailing lung maintenance techniques.

This passage from the Diagram of Tonifying and Purging the Five Viscera and Six Bowels in the Inner Landscape of the Yellow Court primarily explains the functions of the lungs, pathological manifestations, and regulation methods. Here's a modern interpretation:

Regarding lung functions:

The lungs govern the movement of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body and are called the "Minister of Transmission." They are externally-internally paired with the large intestine, controlling respiration and bodily fluid distribution. The lungs open into the nose—when lung Qi flows smoothly, the nose can distinguish odors. They also govern skin and hair health; wrinkled skin and hair loss indicate severe lung dysfunction.

Five Phase attributes of the lungs:

In the Five Phase (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) system, the lungs belong to Metal, corresponding to the west, autumn season, white color, pungent taste, and the shang musical note. Lung Qi begins flourishing during the Yin hours (3-5 am), peaks at Si hours (9-11 am), reaches maximum strength at You hours (5-7 pm), becomes prone to illness at Hai hours (9-11 pm), and is weakest at Wu hours (11 am-1 pm).

Pathological manifestations of lung disorders:

• Nasal symptoms: congestion, itching (possibly indicating parasites)
• Skin manifestations: sallow complexion, dull skin
• Emotional abnormalities: prone to sorrow and crying, frequent fear (indicating unsettled hun and po souls)
• Others: chills, intestinal rumbling, craving for spicy foods (possible signs of lung deficiency)

Regulation methods:

1. The "Si" sound technique (a breathing exercise): Pronouncing the "si" sound helps regulate lung Qi, particularly effective for chest stagnation and emotional suppression. However, frequent unnecessary use may be inauspicious.

2. Autumn nourishment method:

On the 1st and 15th days of each lunar month at dawn, sit facing west:

• First perform "Drumming the Heavenly Drum" 7 times (covering ears while tapping the back of the head with fingers)
• Then swallow saliva (called "Jade Spring") 3 times
• Close eyes to calm the mind, visualizing inhalation of white essence Qi (Dui Palace white Qi) from the west

Note: The mentioned "Essence of Great White" refers to Venus's essence, which ancient practitioners believed corresponded to the lungs. The "Po Gate" (literally "Soul Gate") denotes the anus, named so because the lungs store the po soul. These cultivation methods require professional guidance and should not be practiced blindly.

The Diagram of Supplementing and Draining the Five Viscera and Six Bowels from the Inner Landscape of the Yellow Court presents lung-nourishing methods divided into three parts: symptom diagnosis, treatment approaches, and daily precautions.

【Lung Disorder Symptoms】

When heat accumulates in the lungs, the right cheek turns red. Those with lung deficiency exhibit pale complexions and withered body hair. Symptoms include panting, coughing, pain in the chest/back/limbs, or strange dreams of beautiful women. Deficient lungs cause shortness of breath; dry lungs lead to throat parchness; wind-invaded lungs manifest as excessive sweating, wind aversion, and frequent coughing. Symptoms typically alleviate at dawn and worsen at dusk.

【Treatment Methods】

1. Herbal Formula: The recommended "Wind-Expelling Powder" combines twelve herbs including ginseng, saposhnikovia root, and notopterygium rhizome, ground into powder. Taken on an empty stomach with saposhnikovia decoction, three qian (approx. 9g) per dose for seven consecutive days.

2. Breathing Technique (The "Si" Sound Method):

• Inhale deeply through the nose, exhale through the mouth while silently articulating "si"
• Regulate normal breathing before practice
• For severe conditions: 30 loud "si" exhalations followed by 30 soft repetitions
• Effective against lung heat, coughs, itchy skin, nasal congestion, and chest pain
• Practice moderately—overexertion may cause harm

3. Daoyin Exercises (Practiced July-September):

• Sit upright with hands grounded, arch the back upward three times to dispel lung wind
• Pound the back with reversed palms 3-5 times per side to unblock chest qi stagnation
• Conclude by swallowing saliva three times with closed eyes and tapping teeth five times

【Dietary Restrictions】

• Avoid cornelian cherries in July (may cause bloody dysentery)
• Limit ginger intake in August-September
• Recommended: Millet and peaches
• Prohibited: Cold-natured foods (lungs fear cold)
• Reduce bitter flavors; moderate sour foods to astringe lung qi; pungent flavors supplement lungs

【Daily Considerations】

Lung disorders may cause nasal obstruction (anosmia), polyps, sores, itchy skin, scabies, or bloody phlegm. The aforementioned methods suit these conditions.

(Note: Herbal formulas require professional guidance. Historical dosage conversions to modern measurements demand caution.)

The Heart Diagram

The heart belongs to the Fire phase, positioned below the lungs and above the liver, aligned one cun below the xiphoid process. A healthy heart appears like deep crimson silk veiled in white, resembling an unopened lotus. In men, by age sixty, heart qi weakens, manifesting as frequent verbal slips and forgetfulness. The heart weighs twelve liang, corresponds to the southern direction and the color red, connects with the ears, and governs the blood vessels in physical form. The heart meridian originates from the Zhongchong point (PC-9). As the root of life and dwelling of spirit (shen), the heart reigns as the sovereign of the five viscera—wisely governing the body like an enlightened ruler, hence its epithet "Spiritual Terrace" (Lingtai).

The heart relates to hiccups, resonates with thunder qi, and expresses outwardly through sweat. When kidney pathogen invades the heart, excessive sweating occurs. The small intestine, its paired hollow organ, jointly oversees reception and digestion. The tongue reflects the heart’s state: unimpeded heart qi enables taste discernment, while dysfunction causes tongue dryness, curling, and loss of taste.

United with blood vessels, the heart’s vitality manifests in facial complexion. Weak vessels failing to nourish organs lead first to heart depletion. Corresponding to the south, summer, Bing-Ding days, and Si-Wu hours (9–13h), its Fire nature is evident. A healthy heart yields gentle speech and rosy complexion; abnormalities include: retracted tongue (heart-wind), palpitations (blood stagnation), taste loss (heart qi deficiency), forgetfulness (shen disorder), incessant speech (qi chaos), excessive grief (heart injury), craving bitterness (qi insufficiency), bluish-black face (cold qi), or florid complexion (health). Lung pathogen invading heart provokes logorrhea.

Regulation Methods:

The heart resonates with the Zhi musical note. For ailments, use the "He" (呵) sound technique. "He" calms heart qi and harmonizes shen—hence the unconscious "He" exhalation in agitated states, a natural response. Treat heart disorders by guiding qi through "He" exhalation.

Cultivation Method:

At dawn during the fourth and fifth lunar months, sit facing south. Gently tap teeth nine times, rinse and swallow saliva thrice, still the mind, and regulate breath. Visualize inhaling crimson qi from the Li Palace (south), swallowing it in three portions. After holding breath for thirty counts, exhale slowly with "He." This method regulates heart qi.

(Note: All specialized terms like "qi," "shen," and directional correspondences follow standard Daoist translations per the provided glossary. The text preserves classical medical-Daoist integration while adapting syntax for readability.)

Interpreting the Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Conditions:

Diagnostic Methods:

Those with heart heat manifest with a reddish complexion and strong pulse. Heart disease patients first exhibit facial flushing, mouth ulcers, and pain in the cardiac region, shoulders, ribs, back and arms. Some may dream of red-clad figures brandishing crimson swords or torches to frighten them. Those with heart deficiency experience referred pain between the chest, abdomen and waist.

Treatment Principles:

Heart conditions require moistening therapies. Consume salty flavors to nourish moisture, bitter flavors to supplement, and sweet flavors to purge fire. Avoid damp clothing and overheated foods. The heart fears heat and water. Pathological manifestations include pulsating Qi above the navel that feels hard or painful upon palpation, accompanied by irritability. Symptoms also include hot palms/soles, dry heaving, dry mouth, stiff tongue, sore throat, dysphagia, oral ulcers, forgetfulness, and dreams of furnaces. The Wushen Pill is recommended.

Wushen Pill Formula:

• Gentiana macrophylla 0.7 parts
• Ginseng 0.7 parts
• Salvia miltiorrhiza 0.7 parts
• Scrophularia ningpoensis 1 part
• Dried ginger 1 part
• Glehnia root 0.5 parts
• Zizyphus seed 0.8 parts
• Sophora flavescens powder 0.8 parts

Pulverize and sieve the ingredients, then mix with honey to form pills the size of phoenix tree seeds. Take 29 pills on an empty stomach with ginseng decoction, repeating every other day.

Six Qi Heart Regulation Method:

The "He" sound technique treats heart conditions. Inhale slowly through the nose, then exhale making the "He" sound. Follow the same Qi regulation method as before, ensuring the sound is inaudible to oneself. For heart disease, first perform three strong "He" exhalations followed by ten subtle ones to eliminate accumulated heat and distress. Cease when symptoms improve to avoid overexertion.

Dietary Prohibitions:

Avoid garlic in the fourth lunar month to prevent premature graying and hair loss. Avoid leeks in the fifth month as they damage heart Qi. For heart-kidney pain, consume wheat, barley, apricots and lettuce while avoiding salty foods.

Heart Daoyin Method (suitable for 4th-5th lunar months):

1. Sit upright and strike left/right with clenched fists 5-6 times

2. Sit straight and lift one hand as if supporting heavy stone

3. Clap hands rapidly

4. Step on hands 5-6 times

This dispels wind pathogens from the chest region. Practice while holding breath, then rest with closed eyes, swallow saliva three times, and tap teeth three times to conclude.

Liver Regulation:

The "Xu" sound purges liver excess, while the "Xi" sound supplements deficiency. The liver, belonging to Wood phase, resides in the body's lower left quadrant.

This passage explains the liver's functions, manifestations, and cultivation methods in Daoist health practices:

The liver is located near the heart, with three lobes on the left and four on the right, appearing like white silk tinged with deep blue. By age sixty, men experience weakened liver Qi (vital energy), thinning liver lobes, and gradually blurred vision. A healthy liver weighs approximately 4.4 jin (ancient measurement), corresponds to the eastern direction's blue-green color, connects with the eyes, and governs tendon movement.

As the foundation of human endurance and residence of the ethereal soul (Hun), the liver transforms its fluids into tears - excessive tearing indicates kidney pathogens invading the liver. The gallbladder serves as its paired organ. Eyes manifest liver's condition: unobstructed liver Qi enables color distinction, while liver fire causes reddened eyes. Linked with tendons, liver health reflects in fingernails.

Corresponding to spring and the eastern direction, the liver belongs to the heavenly stems Jiǎ-Yǐ (甲乙) and earthly branches Yín-Mǎo (寅卯). Its sound resembles the Jue musical note (ancient pentatonic scale), color is blue-green, flavor sour, and odor pungent - aversion to pungency signals heart pathogens invading liver. Corresponding to Mount Tai (eastern sacred mountain), spring practice involves visualizing Jupiter's blue-green light nourishing the liver.

Liver deficiency causes tense tendons; dry skin indicates liver heat, spots suggest liver wind, and blue complexion shows excessive liver Qi. Craving sour flavors reveals liver deficiency, dry hair indicates liver damage, while sweaty hands/feet paradoxically signify liver health. Lung pathogens in liver provoke excessive laughter.

[Cultivation Method]

At dawn during spring, face east in meditation. Tap teeth three times, hold breath for nine cycles, inhale and swallow eastern blue-green Qi nine times to nourish liver Qi. Visualize the Azure Dragon (Qinglong, eastern guardian) providing protection.

[Liver Diagnosis]

Liver heat: left cheek redness

Liver disorder: dull eyes, hypochondriac pain radiating to lower abdomen, emotional instability

Liver deficiency: easily frightened (feeling pursued); liver excess: prone to anger

Liver cold: excessive yin energy causes mountain/forest dreams

Rebellious liver Qi: headache, deafness, swollen cheeks

[Regulation Principles]

For dispersing liver stagnation: consume pungent foods; for tonification: sour flavors. Pungency disperses, sourness supplements.

(Note: The "Xū" sound belongs to the Six Healing Sounds liver-breathing method; "Zhen Palace" denotes the eastern direction; "Azure Dragon" represents the eastern guardian deity)

This scripture primarily discusses methods for regulating the liver and spleen, divided into several sections:

Liver Regulation:

1. The liver fears wind. Those with liver disease often develop hard masses around the navel that are painful when pressed, accompanied by difficulty urinating and muscle cramps. Vision becomes blurred with floaters, swollen eyelids, or red, itchy, teary eyes. One may take Shengma Powder (containing nine herbs including cimicifuga, scutellaria, and cassia seeds), ground into powder and taken with warm rice water.

2. Six Qi Method: Use the "Xu" sound technique to regulate the liver. Inhale deeply through the nose, then slowly exhale while making the "Xu" sound. For severe liver conditions, repeat 30 times; for mild cases, 10 repetitions suffice. This eliminates liver fire and bodily dryness. Practice continuously until recovery, then stop—overuse may cause harm.

3. Dietary restrictions: Avoid raw onions in the first lunar month, and polygonum herbs, wild garlic, and plant sprouts in the second and third months. Liver patients should consume sesame, legumes, and plums while avoiding spicy foods.

4. Daoyin exercises: Sit upright with hands stacked pressing on thighs, slowly twisting the torso side to side; or cross arms before the chest and rotate them outward to expel liver toxins.

Spleen Regulation:

1. Use the "Hu" sound to purge the spleen and the "Xi" sound to tonify it. Located three inches above the navel, the spleen governs yellow hues. After age seventy, spleen Qi deficiency causes dry skin. Weighing two jin two liang (approx. 1.1kg), it opens at the mouth, serves as the pivot of the five organs, and governs muscles and cognition.

2. Dietary essence transforms through the spleen, which controls saliva production. When kidney pathogens invade the spleen, excessive drooling occurs.

Note: The "Xu" and "Hu" sounds belong to the Six Healing Sounds (Liu Zi Jue) breathing techniques that regulate organ functions through specific pronunciations. "Yinbai" refers to the spleen meridian point, while "Dacang" indicates the Zhongwan (CV12) acupoint. These methods require professional guidance for practice.

The stomach is the fu-organ paired with the spleen, together forming the digestive system that processes the Five Grains. The mouth serves as the external manifestation of the spleen—when spleen function is normal, the mouth can distinguish the five flavors; when impaired, it causes dry mouth, loss of appetite, and taste dysfunction. The spleen governs muscle tissue, evident in healthy lips appearing rosy. Emaciated muscles indicate spleen qi depletion.

Corresponding to Earth among the Five Phases (Wuxing), the spleen aligns with late summer (the seasonal transition period), the heavenly stems Wu and Ji, and the earthly branches Chen, Wei, Xu, and Chou. In the five musical notes, it resonates with the Gong tone; its color is yellow, its flavor sweet, and its scent fragrant (though aversion to fragrance occurs when heart-pathogenic qi invades). The spleen connects with Mount Song (the Central Sacred Peak) and receives the refined qi of Saturn (Zhenxing). During late summer and the last eighteen days of each season, practitioners visualize Saturn's yellow qi gathering in the spleen.

Anatomically linked to the stomach and governing the oral cavity, the spleen transforms grain-nourishment like a millstone processing raw into cooked food. Undigested food signals spleen stagnation, while hard-to-digest substances cause food retention. Visceral disharmony injures the spleen, and spleen dysfunction in turn damages the body's foundational substance (zhi). Severe impairment of both spleen and its spirit (Shen) rapidly depletes vitality—hence avoiding hard foods preserves health.

Clinical manifestations of spleen disorders include:

• Poor appetite indicates food stagnation
• Excessive worry reflects spleen instability
• Gluttony stems from spleen qi excess
• Dysphagia arises from spleen deficiency
• Dull complexion reveals spleen damage
• Craving sweets suggests hypofunction
• Firm, lustrous muscles denote spleen health
• Lung-pathogenic qi invading the spleen may cause frequent singing (as spleen governs the Gong tone)

Nourishing method: At dawn during late summer's first days or the transitional eighteen-day periods, sit upright facing the center. Hold the breath five times, tap teeth (Ming Tian Gu) twelve repetitions, then inhale and swallow the yellow qi from the Kun Palace (southwest direction) twelve times to tonify spleen deficiency.

Spleen pathology presentations:

• Spleen heat: red-yellow nose tip with muscle twitching
• Spleen disease: migratory wind-rashes, generalized dull pain, heaviness, polyphagia, muscle atrophy, walking difficulty, foot pain
• Spleen deficiency: abdominal distension with borborygmi, loose stools, indigestion

(Note: "Visualization" (Cunxiang) refers to Daoist meditation techniques involving focused imagery; "Drumming the Heavenly Drum" (Ming Tian Gu) denotes tooth-tapping qigong; the "Kun Palace" symbolizes the southwest direction in Neidan (internal alchemy) cosmology, corresponding to the spleen.)

The Modern Interpretation of "Illustrations for Nourishing and Purging the Five Viscera and Six Bowels in the Inner Landscape of the Yellow Court" Regarding the Spleen:

When the spleen is affected by pathogenic wind, symptoms include profuse sweating, aversion to wind, physical fatigue, and limp, inflexible limbs. The patient's complexion appears slightly yellow with poor appetite, and diagnosis reveals a yellowish hue on the nose. The spleen detests dampness and benefits from bitter foods that dry dampness.

Principles for treating spleen disorders: The spleen prefers relaxation. During acute episodes, sweet foods should be consumed to tonify, while bitter foods help purge. Avoid dampness at all costs, as the spleen is particularly vulnerable to it. When the spleen is diseased, there will be a pulsating Qi sensation around the navel that feels hard and painful upon pressure, accompanied by rebellious Qi, intestinal colic, diarrhea, and heavy, cold legs.

Common spleen disorder symptoms: Fullness in both flanks, indigestion, frequent vomiting, loss of appetite, heavy back, chest tightness with shortness of breath, and swollen limbs. The recommended prescription is Chebulic Myrobalan Pill (composition: 10 parts dried rehmannia, 10 parts moutan bark, 8 parts dioscorea, 8 parts alisma, 8 parts poria, 8 parts ligusticum, 9 parts cornus, 4 parts piper longum, 5 parts dried ginger, 7 parts chebulic myrobalan peel). Preparation: Crush and sieve the herbs, mix with honey to form pills the size of phoenix tree seeds. Take 29 pills on an empty stomach with rehmannia decoction.

Spleen regulation methods:

1. Breathing technique: Inhale slowly through the nose, exhale through the mouth. For spleen disorders, make 30 loud "shēn" sounds followed by 10 soft "hū" sounds to eliminate cold Qi, high fever, cholera, food stagnation, indigestion, hemiplegia, paralysis, and internal spleen masses. Proceed gradually and stop when symptoms improve—overpractice may cause harm.

2. Dietary restrictions: Avoid cornus in June as it may cause dysentery; avoid all animal spleens, livers, and sheep blood year-round. Spleen patients should consume japonica rice, dates, and mallow vegetables while avoiding sour flavors.

3. Daoyin exercises (suitable for June and all seasons):

• Extend one leg while stretching both arms backward, repeat 3-5 times per side
• Or kneel-sit with hands supporting the body, turn head forcefully with "tiger gaze," repeat 3-5 times per side

These movements dispel accumulated pathogenic wind and toxic Qi in the spleen.

Brief note on kidneys: Treat kidney disorders with the "chuī" method—"chuī" purges while inhalation tonifies. The kidney belongs to the Water Palace, with the left kidney and right Gate of Life (Mingmen) aligned opposite the navel, closely attached to the spine, appearing like white silk reflecting purple. Men experience kidney Qi decline at sixty (graying hair, loose teeth), complete bodily decline at seventy, and by ninety...

This passage elucidates the vital role of the kidneys in the human body, along with corresponding symptoms of kidney disorders and methods for their cultivation.

The kidneys resemble the roots of a tree, weighing approximately one jin and two liang (ancient measurement units). They correspond to the northern direction and the color black. Governing the bones, their external openings manifest in the ears and the two lower orifices (urethra and anus). Kidney dysfunction may present as bone pain, loose teeth, tinnitus or deafness, frequent yawning, inability to straighten the back, and a darkened facial complexion.

The kidneys partner with the bladder as reservoirs for bodily fluids. When kidney Qi is abundant, the ears discern sounds clearly; when deficient, deafness and bone weakness occur. Winter represents the optimal season for kidney cultivation, corresponding astronomically to the Water Star (Mercury). One may nurture them through visualization of black Qi.

Symptoms of kidney disorders include:

• Kidney heat: reddish chin
• Kidney decline: darkened complexion, parched teeth
• Kidney deficiency: abdominal distension, bodily heaviness

Kidney cultivation methods:

During the three winter months, sit facing north and perform seven teeth-tappings (ming jinliang), swallow saliva three times (yin yuquan), then inhale the northern black Qi (Xuan Guan's black energy) in five portions, slowly swallowing each. This method replenishes kidney Qi and addresses deficiency.

The kidneys are susceptible to pathogenic influences from other organs:

• Lung pathogens cause frequent moaning
• Heart pathogens create aversion to foul odors
• For stagnant kidney Qi, employ the "chui" (blowing) breathing technique—a specific exhalation method from Daoist breath regulation practices—to regulate and unblock kidney energy.

This scripture primarily discusses the symptoms, treatments, and health preservation taboos related to kidney disorders, organized into several sections:

I. Manifestations of Kidney Disorders:

1. Primary symptoms: Labored breathing with cough, excessive sweating with wind aversion, and lumbar pain. Kidney deficiency causes back pain, while kidney wind manifests as neck sweating and wind aversion.

2. Digestive issues: Sensation of food obstruction in the chest during meals, abdominal distension (worsened by light clothing), and diarrhea after consuming cold foods.

3. External signs: Darkened facial complexion, emaciated body with protruding abdomen.

4. Other symptoms: Painful hard mass below the navel upon pressure, joint pain, excessive sleepiness, coldness in waist and hips, numb cold feet, dribbling urination, and hernia.

II. Treatment Methods:

1. Dietary therapy:

• For kidney dryness: consume pungent foods to moisten
• For kidney deficiency consolidation: eat salty foods (using bitter flavors to purge fire, salty flavors to tonify)
• Taboos: Avoid hot foods and maintain warm clothing (as kidneys fear dryness)

2. Recommended formula - Kidney Qi Pills:

Ingredients: Dried rehmannia (10 parts), Chinese yam (10 parts), moutan bark (7 parts), alisma (8 parts), cornus fruit (9 parts), poria (6 parts), cinnamon heartwood (6 parts), aconite (4 parts)

Preparation: Grind into powder, form into honey pills (size of phoenix tree seeds). Take 30 pills twice daily with wine on empty stomach.

III. Health Preservation Techniques:

1. Six Qi Breathing Method (for kidney disorders):

• Use "chui" (吹) technique: Inhale deeply through nose, exhale while making "chui" sound
• Severe cases: 30 strong exhalations; mild cases: 10 soft exhalations
• Benefits: Alleviates cold lumbar/knee pain, heavy legs, impotence, tinnitus, mouth ulcers
• Caution: Discontinue after recovery - overuse causes harm

2. Dietary restrictions:

• Avoid Sichuan pepper in October (causes dry mouth/dysentery)
• Avoid scaly aquatic products and animal kidneys in November/December
• Recommended: Soybean sprouts, legume leaves
• Forbidden: Sweet foods

3. Daoyin exercises (practice during winter months):

• Sit upright, raise hands to stretch ribcage 3-5 times
• Or place hands on knees, rotate elbows while twisting torso 3-5 times
• Or step forward/backward dozens of times
• Effects: Disperses pathogenic accumulation in kidney/bladder regions

Final note: The five zang organs plus the gallbladder form the six fu organs. The gallbladder's function differs from the kidneys (water element, corresponding to the Kan trigram in Bagua), hence its separate discussion.

(Note: "Phoenix tree seeds" refer to pill size resembling firmiana fruits, approximately soybean-sized; "Six Qi Method" is a Daoist health practice combining breathwork; "Daoyin" denotes ancient therapeutic exercises)

Illustrated Guide to Gallbladder Health Preservation

Gallbladder Maintenance:

• Use the "Xi" sound technique (a health-preserving exhalation method) to purge pathogenic Qi, and inhalation to nourish gallbladder Qi
• The gallbladder attaches to the liver, appearing like white silk tinged with blue
• Weighs approximately 3 liang and 3 zhu (ancient measurement units), forming an exterior-interior relationship with the bladder
• Governs hair health: dry hair indicates exhausted gallbladder Qi, brittle nails signify insufficient gallbladder Qi, and yellowish-brown hair suggests wind pathogen in the gallbladder
• Those particularly fond of bitter flavors may have gallbladder Qi deficiency, while people with bluish-white complexions typically have normal gallbladder function

Gallbladder Nourishment Method:

During the three winter months, practice seated meditation facing north. Inhale the black essence Qi (the Mysterious Palace Qi of the north in Daoist practice), swallowing it in three portions to replenish gallbladder fluids.

Symptoms of Gallbladder Disorders:

• Sighing, bitter taste in mouth, vomiting bitter fluid
• Unexplained fearfulness, constant sensation of being pursued
• Excessive gallbladder Qi causes mental confusion and restlessness
• Deficient gallbladder Qi leads to chills, dizziness, brittle nails/hair, and tearing
• Associated pain in bladder, waist and lower abdomen (due to gallbladder-liver relationship)

Gallbladder Daoyin Exercises:

1. Sit upright with feet together, lift head while holding ankles, rock body forward and backward 3-5 times

2. Alternatively, sit cross-legged with hands supporting the ground, arch waist upward 3-5 times to eliminate wind-toxin pathogens from the gallbladder meridian

Gallbladder Breathing Therapy:

Inhale deeply through nose, exhale while making "Xi" sound through mouth. Effective for:

• Gallbladder disorders
• Yin-cold symptoms (night sweats, pale complexion)
• Lower abdominal distension, cold pain below navel
• Dry mouth and tongue

Repeated practice leads to recovery

Six Healing Sounds Method:

Lungs - "Si" / Heart - "He" / Liver - "Xu" / Spleen - "Hu" / Kidneys - "Chui" / Gallbladder - "Xi"

These six sounds correspond to the six hollow organ Qi systems, serving as standard therapeutic breathing techniques distinct from advanced embryonic respiration (Taixi) practices.

Note: Original terms - "Nao" refers to scapular region, "Xiao" means laughter, "Jia" indicates disease patterns, and "Ju" describes dental misalignment.