Difficulty 37

The qi of the five viscera arises from where and communicates to where? Can you make this clear to me?

It is like this. The qi of the five viscera should communicate upward with the nine orifices. Thus, lung qi communicates with the nose; when the nose is harmonious, it can distinguish fragrance and stench. Liver qi communicates with the eyes; when the eyes are harmonious, they can distinguish black and white. Spleen qi communicates with the mouth; when the lips are harmonious, they can distinguish the flavors of the five grains. Heart qi communicates with the tongue; when the tongue is harmonious, it can distinguish the five flavors. Kidney qi communicates with the ears; when the ears are harmonious, they can distinguish the five tones. If the five viscera are not harmonious, the nine orifices will not be unobstructed. If the six bowels are not harmonious, there will be stagnation and accumulation, forming abscesses and swellings. When pathogenic factors are in the six bowels, the yang vessels become disharmonious; when yang vessels are disharmonious, qi becomes stagnant; when qi becomes stagnant, the yang vessels become excessively exuberant. When pathogenic factors are in the five viscera, the yin vessels become disharmonious; when yin vessels are disharmonious, blood becomes stagnant; when blood becomes stagnant, the yin vessels become excessively exuberant. When yin qi is excessively exuberant, yang qi cannot circulate within, and this is called "Ge." When yang qi is excessively exuberant, yin qi cannot circulate within, and this is called "Guan." When both yin and yang are excessively exuberant and cannot circulate and communicate with each other, this is called "Guan Ge." Those who develop Guan Ge cannot fulfill their natural lifespan and die.

The medical classic says: Qi only circulates within the five viscera and does not circulate within the six bowels. Why is this?

It is like this. The circulation of qi is like the flow of water, never ceasing. Thus, the yin vessels circulate within the five viscera, and the yang vessels circulate within the six bowels, like a ring without a beginning; no one knows its starting point. It cycles endlessly, without overflowing or flooding. The qi of a person warms and nourishes the viscera and bowels internally, and moistens the interstices and skin externally.