THE LIVING TAO : TIMELESS WISDOM FOR THE MODERN WORLD

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 03 - Basic Questions - On the Unity of Life’s Vital Breath with Heaven 生气通天论

The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, specifically Chapter 3, "On the Unity of Life's Vital Breath with Heaven," explores the relationship between human health and the natural world. It emphasizes the importance of balancing yin and yang, aligning with the rhythms of nature, and maintaining harmony within the body to achieve longevity. The text details how environmental factors and lifestyle choices impact the flow of qi, affecting both physical and mental well-being. Imbalanced qi, resulting from external influences or internal excesses, leads to illness, while proper cultivation of qi promotes health and vitality. The text also stresses the crucial role of diet and seasonal awareness in maintaining equilibrium.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 04 - Basic Questions - The True Words of the Golden Chamber 金匮真言论

This Chapter from the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine details a conversation between the Yellow Emperor and Qibo on the relationship between the body's internal organs, the flow of Qi, seasonal changes, and the principles of Yin and Yang. It explores how seasonal influences manifest as illnesses in specific organs and meridians, emphasizing the importance of understanding these relationships for diagnosis and treatment. The text describes the correspondence between the five elements, organs, colors, sounds, tastes, and celestial bodies. Finally, it stresses the ethical responsibility of a physician to impart this knowledge only to worthy students.
 

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 05 - Basic Questions - The Great Treatise on Yin and Yang’s Correspondence with the Phenomena 阴阳应象大论

This Chapter from the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine explores the fundamental principles of yin and yang, their interplay in health and illness, and their connection to the human body and natural world. The text details the characteristics of yin and yang, their manifestations in the seasons, organs, and emotions, and the consequences of their imbalance. It also explains how to diagnose and treat illnesses by understanding and restoring the equilibrium between these opposing forces, emphasizing the importance of observing subtle changes to maintain health. Furthermore, the text lays out a system of correspondences between the five elements, internal organs, and external phenomena to understand the flow of energy and its impact on the body. Finally, the text emphasizes the importance of knowledge and understanding of the body's natural rhythms for longevity and well-being.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 06 - Basic Questions - The Treatise on the Separation and Union of Yin and Yang 阴阳离合论

This Chapter from the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine details a dialogue between the Yellow Emperor and Qibo concerning the principles of yin and yang. Qibo explains the cyclical relationship between these opposing forces, illustrating their presence in both the cosmos and the human body. He describes three yin and three yang channels, outlining their respective functions and interconnectedness, emphasizing the importance of their harmonious balance for health. The text uses anatomical locations and meridian terminology to explain these principles, highlighting the concept of a unified, cyclical flow of energy within the body. The interaction between yin and yang is presented as essential for maintaining health and the natural order.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 07 - Basic Questions - The Treatise on the Separation of Yin and Yang 阴阳别论

The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, specifically Chapter 7, "The Treatise on the Separation of Yin and Yang," explores the fundamental principles of traditional Chinese medicine. The text presents a dialogue between the Yellow Emperor and Qibo, discussing the relationship between the four primary and twelve secondary channels of the body and their correspondence to the seasons and months. It details the diagnostic implications of imbalances between yin and yang energies, outlining various symptoms and prognoses based on the affected meridians. Finally, it describes the physiological manifestations of different combinations of yin and yang excesses or deficiencies, offering insights into disease processes and potential outcomes.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 08 - Basic Questions - The Secret Treatise of Linglan 灵兰秘典论

This Chapter is an excerpt from the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, specifically Chapter 8, detailing a dialogue between the Yellow Emperor and Qibo about the functions and interrelationship of the twelve organs within the body. Qibo describes each organ's role using metaphors of governance, emphasizing the importance of harmony among them for health and prosperity. The text also touches upon the profound and subtle nature of life's transformations and the need for reverence in receiving such sacred knowledge, culminating in the Yellow Emperor's decision to preserve these teachings.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 09 - Basic Questions - Discourse on the Manifestations of the Six Qi 六节藏象论

This Chapter is a dialogue from the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, exploring the relationship between celestial cycles (six and nine) and the human body's internal organs and energy (qi). It explains the cyclical nature of qi, its five phases, and how imbalances manifest as illness. The conversation details how these cycles influence organ functions, their corresponding elements, and diagnostic methods based on pulse readings. The text emphasizes the importance of understanding these rhythms to maintain health and prevent disease. Finally, it touches upon the interconnectedness of Heaven, Earth, and humanity through the flow of qi and the five elements.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 10 - Basic Questions - The Generating of the Five Zang (Organs) 五藏生成

The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, specifically Chapter 10, explains the interconnectedness of the five Zang organs (heart, lungs, liver, spleen, kidneys) within Traditional Chinese Medicine. The text details each organ's association with specific body parts, colors, flavors, and pulses. It describes how dietary excesses and imbalances can harm these organs, and how pulse diagnosis and complexion analysis are crucial for identifying illnesses originating from organ disharmony. Finally, it proposes diagnostic methods based on pulse characteristics and color interpretations to determine the severity and potential outcome of disease.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 11 - Basic Questions - A Discourse on the Five Zang (Organs) 五藏别论

This Chapter is a dialogue from the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, a foundational text of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Huangdi, the Yellow Emperor, questions Qibo, a renowned physician, about the categorization of internal organs as zang (organs) or fu (viscera), highlighting the differing viewpoints among practitioners. Qibo explains the physiological distinctions, differentiating organs based on their functions of storing (zang) versus transporting (fu) vital energy (qi). He further emphasizes the importance of the stomach as a central energy source and the need for holistic diagnosis, considering pulse, spirit, and overall condition. Finally, Qibo cautions against relying on superstition in medical practice.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 12 - Basic Questions - A Discourse on Different Healing Methods 异法方宜论

The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, Chapter 12, explores regional variations in illness and treatment. Qibo, responding to the Yellow Emperor's inquiry, explains that geographical factors—climate, terrain, diet, and lifestyle—influence the types of diseases prevalent in each of five regions (East, West, North, South, and Center). He posits that optimal healing requires tailoring treatment to the specific regional characteristics and resultant disease patterns. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding both the illness and its environmental context for effective treatment. The text highlights diverse therapeutic methods, including acupuncture, moxibustion, herbal remedies, and physical therapies, each suited to a specific region and its corresponding health issues.