Analysis of the Theory of "Spirit Turns but Does Not Reverse；If It Reverses，It Ceases to Turn" in The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor （《黄帝内经》） and Its Clinical Significance
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2026.19.018
- VernacularTitle:《黄帝内经》“神转不回，回则不转”诠释及其临床启示
- Author:
Bin PENG
1
;
Wenyi LUO
1
;
Bing LI
2
;
Shengxing WANG
3
;
Ziling ZENG
2
;
Lin TONG
4
;
Huamin ZHANG
1
Author Information
1. Institute of Basic Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences，Beijing，100700
2. Institute of Chinese Materia Medica， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
3. Editorial Office of Journal of Li-shizhen Traditional Chinese Medicine
4. Institute of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
spirit turns but does not reverse;
The Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor（《黄帝内经》）;
regulating the spirit;
harmonizing yin and yang;
normalizing qi functional activities
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2026;67(19):2139-2143
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
"Spirit turns but does not reverse； if it reverses， it ceases to turn" originates from the Plain Questions： Discussion on Essential Jade Plates （《素问·玉版论要篇》）. It profoundly summarizes the objectivity of life as a phenomenon subject to the laws of the universe and nature， while also expressing the subjectivity of individuals possessing systematic， stable， and ordered biological rhythms. In light of relevant ancient philosophical insights， the theory of "spirit turns but does not reverse； if it reverses， it ceases to turn" embodies the principles of constant motion in life， change according to dao （道）， orderly progression， and the rule that reversal disrupts continuity. In clinical diagnosis and treatment， one should adopt the therapeutic principle of regulating spirit to promote "spirit turning". Guiding along the trend and acting in accordance with the natural momentum must be adopted to maintain the operation of spirit turning. Adhering to constancy while recognizing variability， and prioritizing harmony above all， should be employed to ensure the orderly progress of spirit turning. Regulating qi movement serves as the driving force behind facilitating spirit turning. This will provide clinical insights and theoretical foundations for treating diseases through the concept of "regulating spirit".
