"Five Movements and Six Energies: Birthdate Determines One's Constitution"
An individual's innate constitution is intricately connected to the concept of "Five Movements and Six Energies," which are linked to the atmospheric conditions prevailing at the time of birth.
"Five Movements and Six Energies," often referred to as "运气" (Yunqi), encompass the interplay of five phases: Ding and Ren (Wood), Wu and Gui (Fire), Jia and Ji (Earth), Yi and Geng (Metal), and Bing and Xin (Water). Simultaneously, it involves the transition of six climatic energies: Jueyin Wind-Wood, Shaoyin Bright-Fire, Shaoyang Lesser-Yang-Fire, Taiyin Damp-Earth, Yangming Dry-Metal, and Taiyang Cold-Water.
The fundamental principles of Yunqi theory are rooted in traditional Chinese medicine's holistic perspective. It utilizes the framework of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, employing celestial stems and earthly branches as tools for deducing the patterns of climatic change and their impact on human health and diseases.
As stated in the "Inner Canon of Huangdi," it is emphasized that "humans rise and fall in accordance with the cycles of growth." Humans, like all things in nature, are intimately connected to the ever-changing natural environment. Chinese medicine asserts that the cyclical variations in climate throughout the four seasons, from spring's warmth to summer's heat, autumn's coolness, and winter's coldness, exert specific influences on the body's organs, meridians, Qi, blood, Yin, and Yang.
Humans, akin to plants and animals, are considered offspring of nature. The circumstances surrounding one's birth, influenced by the celestial and terrestrial energies, shape one's inherent constitution. Chinese medicine posits that "the convergence of celestial and terrestrial energies gives rise to human existence," encapsulating this profound idea.
"The Birthdate Determines One's Constitution"
A person's health is not solely a result of genetic inheritance and social surroundings but is fundamentally influenced by natural factors, namely, the time and place of birth.
To illustrate, one's constitutional predisposition is determined by the atmospheric conditions prevalent at the time of birth, effectively stamping them with the characteristics of that particular moment in time. The inherent constitution can be ascertained based on the last digit of the lunar birth year.
For individuals born in years ending with the digit 1, their constitution tends to exhibit signs of deficient Water, such as a tendency towards reduced perspiration and scanty menstrual flow. This indicates Kidney Water insufficiency, which can also affect the Liver Wood element. Remedies involve fortifying the Kidneys with black-colored foods like sesame, black beans, and black fungus, or using herbal supplements like Liuwei Dihuang Wan and Wujibaifeng Wan.
Individuals born in years ending with the digit 2 may have a constitution marked by an excess of Wood, leading to tendencies of Spleen deficiency, excessive Liver Fire, and susceptibility to rheumatic conditions and migraines. Dietary adjustments involve consuming sweet and bland foods to bolster the Earth element, such as lily, silver ear fungus, Chinese yam, and sweet potatoes. Wearing gold or silver accessories can help balance the Wood element, while physical activity aids in regulating Liver Qi.
Those born in years ending with the digit 3 are prone to insufficient Fire, resulting in a propensity for cold and dampness. They are advised to consume wheat-based foods, wear red clothing, and increase exposure to natural sunlight. Their diet should include red-colored foods like red dates, red sugar, tomatoes, carrots, and red lotus seeds. Herbal supplements such as Bozi Yangxin Wan, Renshen Guipi Wan, and longan fruit can be beneficial.
Constitutions of individuals born in years ending with the digit 4 often involve an excess of Earth energy, leading to Kidney and Spleen deficiencies. They tend to be persistent but may exhibit stubbornness. Dietary recommendations include the consumption of black and white foods, like five-finger peach blossom soup with additional ingredients such as Poria cocos, lotus seeds, and coix seeds.
Individuals born in years ending with the digit 5 may experience Lung Qi deficiency due to an imbalance between Metal and Wood elements. Balancing measures include consuming yellow and white foods, such as corn, millet, and white radish. To harmonize Metal and Wood, individuals can wear gold or jade accessories. Dietary choices may encompass yams, millet, and white radishes.
Those born in years ending with the digit 6 are associated with an excess of Water energy, leading to potential stomach and heart issues. Dietary recommendations include the consumption of warming foods, such as rose tea, ginger tea, red sugar, and goji berries. Excessive water energy may lead to excessive worrying and reduced executive ability, making creative roles more suitable. Diet may include foods like red beans, walnuts, pine nuts, white sesame seeds, and pistachios.
Individuals born in years ending with the digit 7 tend to have deficient Wood energy, affecting the Liver. They are advised to connect with nature, cultivate plants, and wear green or black. This constitution may experience melancholy and may benefit from herbal supplements like Shugan Wan or Xiaoyao Wan. Emotional conditions like introversion or autism can be associated with deficient Wood energy, and maintaining liver health is crucial for conditions like breast hyperplasia, uterine fibroids, and ovarian cysts.
For those born in years ending with the digit 8, an excess of Fire energy may lead to tendencies of heat and throat issues. Dietary recommendations include nourishing the Earth element with green and black foods, along with consuming red foods like onions, carrots, and tomatoes. Balancing Fire and Metal elements is important, and dietary choices may include Cordyceps, Astragalus, Chinese yam, lily, five-finger peach blossom, Beishashen, ginseng, and tianma.
Individuals born in years ending with the digit 9 may experience deficiencies in Earth energy, particularly related to the Spleen. They may exhibit visible veins on their forehead and have a pale or dull complexion. Emotional issues like resentment and insecurity may also arise. Dietary measures include consuming jujubes, millet porridge, and carrots to strengthen the Spleen. Emotional well-being and managing emotions are essential for individuals with Earth deficiencies.
In summary, understanding one's constitutional predisposition based on their birthdate's last digit can provide valuable insights into health and well-being. Balancing and harmonizing the elements through dietary choices, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional well-being can contribute to a healthier and more balanced life."