THE LIVING TAO : TIMELESS WISDOM FOR THE MODERN WORLD

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 31 - The Spiritual Pivot – The Intestines and Stomach 肠胃

This Chapter from The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine details the dimensions and capacities of the human digestive system, as described by Bó Gāo to the Yellow Emperor. Precise measurements in traditional Chinese units are provided for the mouth, throat, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum, including their lengths, widths, capacities, and number of coils. The text meticulously charts the pathway of food through these organs, culminating in a total length calculation for the entire digestive tract. The focus is on the anatomical specifics of the digestive system, rather than its physiological functions. The detailed measurements aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of its structure.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 32 - The Spiritual Pivot – The Ordinary Person and Fasting 平人绝谷

This Chapter from The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine details the digestive system's dimensions and capacity, explaining why a person dies after seven days without food. The text describes the size and volume of the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and colon, calculating their combined capacity for food and water. It then argues that a person's daily waste eliminates the stomach and intestinal contents over seven days, resulting in the depletion of essential fluids and energy, hence death. The text establishes a physiological basis for survival based on the body’s digestive capacity and daily waste output. The author uses this detailed anatomical and physiological description to support the explanation of death by starvation.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 33 - The Spiritual Pivot – On the Seas 海论

This text is a dialogue from the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, exploring the concept of "Four Seas" within the human body. These Seas—of Marrow, Blood, Qi, and Water and Grain—correspond to energy channels and acupuncture points, reflecting the balance of yin and yang. The text details how imbalances in these Seas manifest physically and how proper regulation, focusing on specific acupuncture points, can restore health. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding energy flow for maintaining well-being. The text ultimately illustrates a holistic view of the human body's energetic systems.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 34 - The Spiritual Pivot – Five Disorders 五乱

This Chapter is a dialogue from the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, specifically Chapter 34, "The Spiritual Pivot – Five Disorders." It discusses the causes of five types of internal disorder stemming from imbalances of qi (vital energy) within the body, as understood through the lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine's concepts of Yin and Yang, and the Five Phases (Wu Xing). The dialogue details the symptoms associated with each disorder and prescribes specific acupuncture points for treatment, emphasizing the importance of restoring the harmonious flow of qi. The ultimate goal is to regulate the disordered qi and achieve balance.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 35 - The Spiritual Pivot – Discourse on Abdominal Distension 胀论

This Chapter is a dialogue from the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, specifically the Spiritual Pivot chapter on abdominal distension. The Yellow Emperor questions Qí Bó about diagnosing and treating various forms of distension, exploring its causes, locations within the body, and symptoms associated with each affected organ. Qí Bó explains the role of qi and blood in distension, emphasizing the importance of accurate acupuncture treatment to resolve imbalances. The discussion includes detailed descriptions of symptoms and treatment strategies, highlighting the need for precise needle placement and understanding the interplay of yin and yang. Ultimately, the text emphasizes the importance of skillful diagnosis and treatment to restore balance and prevent serious complications.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 36 - The Spiritual Pivot – The Differentiation of the Five Retentions and Body Fluids 五癃津液别

The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine excerpt details the five pathways of bodily fluid distribution, exploring how environmental factors (temperature, clothing) and emotional states (sorrow) influence their transformation into urine, sweat, tears, saliva, or edema. The text explains that these processes are governed by the five zang organs and regulated by the San Jiao (Three Burners), with imbalances leading to various ailments. The interplay of yin and yang is emphasized, highlighting the importance of harmony for maintaining health and preventing fluid stagnation. The text also discusses the role of the organs, their relationships, and how their actions affect the flow of fluids and the development of disease.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 37 - The Spiritual Pivot – The Five Offices and Five Inspections 五阅五使

This Chapter from The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine details a diagnostic method using five "offices" (facial features corresponding to specific organs) and five inspections (pulse, complexion) to assess the body's qi. The text describes how the appearance of these features—particularly the colors in the face (Mingtang)—indicates the health of the corresponding organs and the overall balance of the body's energies. The Yellow Emperor and Qí Bó discuss the origins and significance of these diagnostic signs, emphasizing their importance in determining the efficacy of acupuncture treatment. A healthy individual displays clear features, vibrant color, and a strong constitution, allowing for effective treatment. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of the body's internal organs and their external manifestations.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 38 - The Spiritual Pivot – On Reversal and Conformity, Fat and Thin 逆顺肥瘦

This Chapter is a dialogue from the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, specifically Chapter 38, "The Spiritual Pivot – On Reversal and Conformity, Fat and Thin." The Yellow Emperor questions Qí Bó about acupuncture principles, seeking a deeper understanding of its application based on a patient's constitution (e.g., fat, thin, strong, weak). Qí Bó explains that effective acupuncture requires adapting needle depth, speed, and frequency to individual characteristics and the flow of Qi and blood. The discussion also explores the directional flow of meridians and how obstructions can lead to imbalances. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the importance of observation and precise technique in achieving therapeutic results.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 39 - The Spiritual Pivot – On Blood Vessels and Their Branches 血络论

This Chapter is a dialogue from the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, specifically The Spiritual Pivot, exploring the causes and treatments of various conditions related to blood vessels (xuè luò). The dialogue between the Yellow Emperor and Qí Bó examines the different presentations of blood vessel disorders, such as collapsing after acupuncture or the appearance of the blood itself. Qí Bó details the underlying imbalances of qi and yin/yang that cause these varied symptoms, offering explanations based on the body's energetic flow. Finally, the text provides guidance on identifying these conditions through physical examination and adjusting acupuncture techniques accordingly.

The Yellow Emperor Chapter 40 - The Spiritual Pivot – On Yin and Yang, Purity and Turbidity 阴阳清浊

This Chapter from The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine explores the concepts of yin and yang, purity and turbidity within the human body. The dialogue between the Yellow Emperor and Qí Bó examines how these opposing forces interact within the twelve meridians, influencing the flow of qi and blood. The text details how pure and turbid qi behave differently, affecting various organs and meridians, and provides guidance on acupuncture techniques to balance these energies. Differentiation between pure and turbid qi is crucial for understanding health and disease. Ultimately, the text aims to elucidate the relationship between the internal energetic balance and overall well-being.