Chapter 9 of the Yellow Emperor’s Classic is significant for various reasons. It is primarily recognized for its depiction of the Yin organs, but it also offers a distinctive description. In it, each Yin organ is linked to a specific season and one of the six conformations. This association is particularly intriguing because it diverges from the usual correlation of seasons with the five elements of transformation, also known as the five elements. The reminder of interconnectedness in Chinese Medicine, where everything is related and correspondences abound, is indeed valuable.
Huang Di, What are the phenomena associated with the depots?
The Heart is the basis of life.
It is responsible for changes of the Spirit.
Its effulgence is in the face.
Its fullness manifests in the blood vessels.
It is the Tai yang in the Yang.
It communicates with the Qi of summer.
The Lung is the basis of Qi, it is the location of the Po-soul.
Its effulgence is in the body hair.
Its fullness manifests in the skin.
It is the Shao yin in the Yang.
It communicates with the Qi of autumn.
Lin Yi comments, Even though the Lung is categorized among the twelve vessels as Tai yin, within the yang section it should be regarded as minor yin. This corresponds to three other sources, the Jia yin jing, Tai su, and Su wen.
The Kidneys are responsible for hibernation, they are the basis of seclusion and storage.
They are the location of the Jing essence.
Their effulgence is in the hair on the head.
Their fullness manifests in the bones.
They are the Tai yin in the Yin.
They communicate with the Qi of winter.
Lin Yi comments, The Quan Yuanqi edition, the Jia yi jing and Tai su have major yin instead of minor yin.
The Liver is the basis of exhaustion to the utmost.
It is the location of the Hun-soul.
Its effulgence is in the nails.
Its fullness manifests itself in the sinews.
It serves to generate Blood and Yang qi.
Its flavour is sour and colour greenish.
It is the Shao yang in the Yang.
It communicates with the Qi of spring.
The Spleen and the Stomach, Large intestine, Small intestine, San jiao, and Urinary bladder are the basis of grain storage.
It is the location of the Camp qi.
They are named containers. They are able to transform the dregs. They are the places where substances are turned and enter and leave,
Its effulgence is in the lips, and in the four whites of the eyes.
Its fullness manifests itself in the muscles.
Its flavour is sweet and the colour is yellow.
It is the category Tai yin.
It communicates with the qi of the soil.
It belongs to Tai yin because they represent Earth.