Clarifying the Theory of"Biao Ben Zhong Qi"from the Perspective of Circuits and Qi Doctrine
JIANG Yunfeng
HE Juan
Abstract："Manifestation-Essence and Qi of the Middle Jiao"(Biao Ben Zhong Qi)constitutes one of the core components of Yunqi theory,aiming to elucidate the variations in the Qi transformation of the Six Qi.The theory comprises two main aspects.First,in its original theoretical sense,it describes the relationships among the Six Qi,treating the Six Qi as the fundamental basis(Ben),while employing the Yin-Yang paired associations of"Biao—Zhong"to express combinatorial relationships of the Six Qi.Specifically,during a period dominated by a particular Qi,if an abnormal transformation occurs,the Ben Qi may externally manifest signs of another Qi transformation.Here,"Zhong"refers to the midpoint of a time period,not the later-emphasized concept of"neutralization"(Zhonghe).Second,in practical application,the theory concerns the"congruent transformation"(Conghua)of Biao and Ben.The principles of"following the Ben","following both Ben and Biao",and"following the Zhong"should all refer to the Six Qi,ultimately manifesting in the four Qi of Cold,Fire,Heat,and Dampness.Therefore,the essence of"Biao Ben Zhong Qi"is to explain the transformational relationships and principal elements of the Six Qi in their variations,highlighting the theoretical basis for determining primary and secondary considerations in clinical treatment.This aligns with the emphasis in the Inner Canon of Huangdi on climatic pathogenic factors focusing on Cold and Summer-Heat,environmental factors emphasizing Cold and Dampness,and the core pathological mechanisms highlighted in the"Nineteen Items of Pathogenesis"from the Basic Questions·On the Most Profound Principles.
Keywords：Biao Ben Zhong QiFive circuits and six QiThree Yin and three YangInner Canon of HuangdiQi transformation
Publication Date：2026-01-28
Online Publishing Date：2026-01-30(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 69-73 )