Yunqi theory is a theory in ancient China that studies the laws of climate change and its effects on nature and the human body. It involves the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and the Six Qi (Jueyin Wind Wood, Shaoyin Lord Fire, etc.). By using astronomical and calendrical calculations, it predicts climate, phenological changes, and the prevalence of diseases, providing guidance for prevention and treatment. This article will explore the Five Element attributes of the Yyouyou Grand Period, whether it is Wood or Metal.
Historical Development of Yunqi Theory
The concept of Yunqi theory first appeared in the "Seven Great Treatises" of the Suwen, which was supplemented by Wang Bing in the Tang Dynasty. Although some people in the Song Dynasty doubted its origin, Wang Bing's contributions cannot be ignored. During the Northern Song period, the theory became widely popular, and scientist Shen Kuo deeply studied it and recorded related discussions and examples in his "Dream Pool Essays." Emperor Zhao Ji of the Huizong era incorporated it into medical education and examinations, and issued the "Yunli" to predict climate and diseases. Liu Hejian of the Jin Dynasty used the Five Elements and Six Qi as a framework for classifying diseases. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, the theory further developed, with works by Wang Ji and Zhang Jingyue making it more systematic and clear.
Basic Principles of Yunqi Theory
The Yunqi theory centers on Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, combined with the holistic concept of correspondence between heaven and humanity. The Ganzhi system, consisting of the Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches, is an ancient Chinese symbolic system used to record years, months, days, times, and directions. The Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches are closely integrated with Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. The Five Elements refer to five different climate systems: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. The Grand Period governs the overall climate changes throughout the year, while the Main Period refers to the general routine climate changes each year, and the Subsidiary Period refers to special changes within each climatic season.
Five Element Attributes of the Yyouyou Grand Period
According to the "Tianyuan Jiji DaLun" of the Suwen, the Yyouyou year belongs to the year governed by the Metal element. The Grand Period has two types: Excessive and Deficient. Since "Yi" is a Yin stem, it indicates a decline in the annual climate element, meaning it is deficient. In the Yyouyou year, the Metal element is deficient, with Dry Metal governing the sky. A deficient Metal element receives assistance from the Dry Metal energy, resulting in a balanced year. Therefore, the Five Element attribute of the Yyouyou Grand Period is Metal, and it is a balanced year.
Combination of Yun and Qi and Climate Change
When analyzing climate changes over the years, one must combine Yun and Qi, determining their strengths and weaknesses based on the Five Elements' mutual generation and control relationships. In years where Yun is strong and Qi is weak, Yun dominates, while in years where Qi is strong and Yun is weak, Qi dominates. In years of smooth transformation, the changes are mild; in years of slight resistance or imbalance, the changes are more significant; and in years of celestial punishment, the changes are severe. Within the 60-year cycle, the Main and Subsidiary Periods, as well as the Main and Subsidiary Qi, not only have mutual generation and control relationships but also follow a 20-year cycle pattern.
Through in-depth analysis of the Yunqi theory, we can clearly determine that the Five Element attribute of the Yyouyou Grand Period is Metal, and it is a balanced year. This conclusion is based on records from ancient texts and the theory of the Five Elements' mutual generation and control. Understanding the Five Element attribute of the Grand Period is of great significance for predicting climate changes and formulating corresponding preventive measures.
