The Yellow Emperor Chapter 37 - The Spiritual Pivot – The Five Offices and Five Inspections 五阅五使

This Chapter from The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine details a diagnostic method using five "offices" (facial features corresponding to specific organs) and five inspections (pulse, complexion) to assess the body's qi. The text describes how the appearance of these features—particularly the colors in the face (Mingtang)—indicates the health of the corresponding organs and the overall balance of the body's energies. The Yellow Emperor and Qí Bó discuss the origins and significance of these diagnostic signs, emphasizing their importance in determining the efficacy of acupuncture treatment. A healthy individual displays clear features, vibrant color, and a strong constitution, allowing for effective treatment. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of the body's internal organs and their external manifestations.