Understanding of Five Yun and Six Qi by Ancient Physicians and Its Implications for Modern Traditional Chinese Medicine Yunqi Research

TANG Qiaoling; DU Meijiao; HAO Yu; SONG Jia; GU Jianjun

Abstract：The theory of five Yun and six Qi(Yunqi)is an important component of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)theoretical system.TCM doctors in the past dynasties had rich discussions and different understandings of the connotation,value,and application of this theory.The study reviewed and analyzed the relevant records or clinical applications of the Yunqi theory by TCM doctors from the Tang dynasty to the Republic of China,and divided their views on the theory into four categories:firstly,they used a pragmatic attitude to supplement the differentiation of symptoms and treatment with Yunqi,opposing mechanical deduction based on Yunqi,with the highest number of physicians throughout history holding this view;Secondly,relevant treatment methods and prescriptions were proposed based on the Yunqi characteristics of a fixed year or specific period,mainly seen in the Song dynasty government and individual medical practitioners;Thirdly,it is believed that the Yunqi theory does not belong to the Neijing and has no connection with TCM.Some medical experts from the Song to Ming dynasties hold this view;The fourth is to deny the overall scientific and clinical value of the Yunqi theory,which has been held by representative physicians throughout history.Among the four viewpoints above,the first which held that Yunqi can be believed but not blindly follow has been the mainstream view since the Song dynasty.They argued that the application of Yunqi theory in clinical practice needs to be combined with factors such as disease,endowment,region,climate,etc.This understanding has guiding value for contemporary TCM Yunqi research.