Heart Source of the Four Sages(Si Sheng Xin Yuan)
The Foundational Text on Circular Qi Movement
Heart Source of the Four Sages is the definitive masterwork of the renowned Qing dynasty physician Huang Yuanyu (1705-1758). Representing the culmination of his life's work, it is considered the theoretical cornerstone and clinical core of his medical system. Rooted in the Huangdi Neijing and Nan Jing, while synthesizing the essence of four medical sages like Zhang Zhongjing, the text establishes the innovative physiological model of "One Qi Circulating, Earth as the Pivot of the Four Phases." It systematically explains the circular movement of Qi—its ascent, descent, entry, and exit within the body—standing as one of the most logically coherent theoretical frameworks in the history of Chinese medicine.
The Earth-Pivot and Four-Phase Cycle Model
1.The Dynamic Worldview of Circulating Qi
Proposes the physiological model where "Liver-Wood ascends on the left, Lung-Metal descends on the right, Heart-Fire flares upward, Kidney-Water moistens downward, with Central Earth as the pivot." This integrates the functions of the five Zang organs into a dynamic spatiotemporal cycle of Qi, revealing the fundamental principle that "disease arises from the stagnation of Qi movement, and treatment lies in restoring its circulation."
2.Central Qi as the Foundation for Diagnosis & Treatment
Introduces a unique pathological analysis framework centered on "Central Qi ascent/descent — Four Phase rotation":
- 2.1 All diseases originate from "the decline of Central Qi leading to obstructed movement."
- 2.2 Pathologies in the Four Phases (Liver, Heart, Lung, Kidney) are manifestations of a "disequilibrated central axis."
- 2.3 Treatment prioritizes "fortifying the Earth (spleen/stomach) and regulating the pivot to restore its rotation."
3.The Innovative Theory of Six Qi Transformation
Internalizes the traditional Six Excesses (external pathogenic factors) as "internal imbalances generated from the abnormal circulation of the One Qi." This moves beyond conventional external pathogen theory, establishing an etiological system based on "the same Qi resonating internally and externally."
An Integrated System of Theory, Method, Formula, & Herb
Pulse Diagnosis:Developed a pulse method correlating the Cun, Guan, and Chi positions with the ascent/descent of the Four Phases, identifying stagnation points via dynamic pulse reading.
Formula System: Created pivotal formulas like "Yellow Sprout Decoction" and "Descending Qi Decoction," consistently utilizing herbs such as Poria, Licorice, and Pinellia to stabilize the central pivot.
Pattern Analysis: Simplified diagnostic logic by attributing complex disease symptoms to three core pathological models: "Obstruction of the Left (ascending) Pathway," "Obstruction of the Right (descending) Pathway," or "Dampness Stagnation in the Central Axis."
Treatment Principle: Expertly used wind-dispersing herbs to assist Liver ascent and astringent/descending herbs to assist Lung descent, always maintaining the smooth rotation of the Central Earth axis, forming a "Adjust the Pivot to Initiate Change" treatment philosophy.
The most profound insight of Heart Source of the Four Sages is its shift from studying isolated organs to depicting a panoramic view of life as a dynamic process of Qi transformation. In this model, health is not static balance but the perpetual motion of "Central Earth as the axle, the Four Dimensions as the wheels." Treatment is not about combating symptoms but the gentle art of "observing where stagnation lies and restoring smooth circulation." As modern medicine increasingly grapples with systemic disorders, this timeless classic offers an enduring Eastern perspective on human health, centered on circular wisdom and dynamic adjustment.
