• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.911-920
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• 2010

The basic principles in the "Spleen-stomach theory(脾胃論)" sets up the phases and roles of spleen-stomach (脾胃) by establishing Earth(地 坤 土) and exposing the reality of spleen-stomach(脾胃) of human body which has its own shape and form with Heaven's reality exhibited. The meaning of Earth is based on the constant meaning of Earth in 'Earth Original-Earth as extended and stable ground(坤元一正之土)' giving form and shape, and Earth's movement with circulation, then exposes itself as 'Earth as plowing land(耕種之土)' concerning both the application of Five Phases and the physical characteristics of Earth. The Yin-Yang recognition on Earth is revealed as Yin Earth(陰土)-Yang Earth(陽土). Spleen(脾) was established as Yin Earth(陰土) and Stomach(胃) as Yang Earth(陽土). The seasonal assignment of Earth is Indian Summer(長夏), which is divided from Summer, and becomes Heat(熱), and the Yin-Yang recognition of Earth comes to be the meaning of the center and border. According to the Five Phasic recognition, it becomes Earth(土) and gets to be Dampness(濕) in accordance with Six Qi(六氣). 'Extreme Yin(至陰)' indicates Qi's status exposing the fundamental meaning regarding the role of creating, changing, and propelling Spleen-Stomach(脾胃) as a characteristic Yin Earth. Earth comprehends 'Four Courses(四維)' meaning, recognizes them as four parts of the 12 Earth's Branches(辰戌丑未) and the terminals of four seasons(四季之末), and has the meaning of the president of the change in four seasons. The theory of principle in the "Spleen-stomach theory(脾胃論)" stands on the basis of the 'Form Qi theory(形氣論)' and that of 'Upbearing, Downbearing, Floating, and Sinking theory(升降浮沈論)'. It manifests the theory of movement in the interaction between Form(形) and Qi(氣), and 'Qi Interior Form Exterior(氣裏形表)' indicates that Qi(氣) moves interiorly and Form(形) exteriorly.