Principles, based from celestial and earthly influences, describe the connection between a human being’s bodily processes and a greater universal process by which all energetic movements are governed. The system known as stems and branches describes the 10 heavenly “stems,” which depict the fluctuation of yin and yang through each of the 5 elements and the earthly “branches,” which illustrate the movement of yin and yang as it transforms on the earth and in the body. Stems and branches, is an ancient theoretical tool originating from the I Ching, which is useful in the theoretical and clinical setting. This system becomes increasingly applicable when considering the menstrual cycle and its division into 4 phases. The Huang Di Nei Jing is the first text that expands upon the stems and branchs theory and applies it to the system of medicine.
The ten celestial stems generate the five elements, which in turn generate three yin energies and three yang energies. The three yin energies and the three yang energies combine to generate the six energies of Heaven, six energies of Earth, and the six energies of man. ( Nei Jing)
In classical thought, there is a relationship between the influence of the moon and the menstrual cycle. The moon influences the way energy flows throughout our bodies. It controls patterns of fertility and affects the psychological and emotional body. The correlation to the moon as the yin or feminine body, means that the moon has more effect on the female of the species, who is yin predominant, then on the male. Correct treatment of the menstrual cycle includes inclusion of the staging of the moon, according to the Stems and Branches school. Improper treatment may injure the body and fluids.
When the moon is newly appeared, the blood and energy of man begin to generate in the wake of it, and the wei qi starts to operate with it; when the moon is full, the blood and energy will be prosperous and the muscle will be firm and substantial; when the moon is dark, the muscle of man will be emaciated, bu this time, the channels and collaterals asthenic, the wei qi is gone, and the body is left alone. Therefore when pricking, one must adjust the blood and energy along with the condition of heaven. Nei Jing
These organ systems, such as the Kidneys, could describe the theoretical framework of the time line of a women’s reproductive life. Cosmological time was applied to the body and substances like blood could be tracked through its waxing and waning in the body in relation to natural phenomena. This fluctuation could also then be differentiated if pathology or function was disrupted. This differentiation later progresses into Chinese Medicine diagnostics and treatment principles. The cosmological factors would be considered as well as the energetics of the body and more particularity the procession of qi through the 6 stages. Disruption in one of the consecutive divisions might create excess and/or deficiency at another division. Thus a disruption at one stage of the Chinese biological clock, will create a relation at another as the natural progression of qi and blood is disturbed. This imbalance can create a chain reaction within the organ systems, manifesting in disruption of normal processes such as the menstrual cycle.
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