• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.137-153
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• 2022

Objectives : This paper aims to examine the meaning of guanjie(關節) in the Huangdineijing. Methods : Meanings of guan(關) and jie(節) were examined within the Neijing, after which the meaning of guanjie was studied in reference to usages of guan and jie. Other terms used similarly to guanjie were also studied. Results & Conclusions : 1. The meaning of guanjie in the Huandineijing could be inferred to meanings such as 'vital point and node', 'node of entrance gate', 'entrance gate and node', 'bolt and node', 'node of bolt', etc. 2. Most usages of guanjie in the Huangdineijing referred to 'pivotal node', while those mentioned in relation to edema or joint pain from wind and dampness meant 'node of entrance gate.' 3. The four entrances, eight nodes, extremity node, eight hollows, eight nodes of the limbs, twelve nodes, which are used similarly to guanjie, manage the five zang, communicate intimately via qi, while shen qi or zhen qi enter and exit. 4. Guanjie is closely linked to the five zang, while it is the entrance gate or pivotal node through which shen qi roams and travels. Therefore when interpreting a verse that includes 'guanjie', one must be aware of the perspectives of the Huangdineijing on qi, keeping in mind the close relationship with the five zang, and that zhen qi enters and exits.