This study is a literature review on the relationship between the excesses and deficiencies of the five elements in the palja(八字) and the diseases in SajuMyeongri. The aim of this research is to explore whether the imbalances(excesses and deficien...
This study is a literature review on the relationship between the excesses and deficiencies of the five elements in the palja(八字) and the diseases in SajuMyeongri. The aim of this research is to explore whether the imbalances(excesses and deficiencies) in the five elements of palja are related to disease, and to use the findings to inform counseling in SajuMyeongri. The results, derived from setting and addressing the research questions in line with the study’s objectives, are as follows:
First, the five elements are summarized in 『Ohaengdaeoi』 through Chu-yeon(鄒衍)’s Five Elements Sangseung(相勝), the Wolryeong(月令) system, 『Hoenamja』, and 『Baekhotonghoe』, beginning with the five substances. The system of the five elements, which includes the coexistence of Sangsaeng(相生) and Sanggeuk(相剋), the dynamics of yin-yang and the five elements in Cheonganjiji(天干地支), the connection of the five elements with the five organs and the five emotions, and the Towangsagyeseol(土旺四季說), forms the theoretical foundation for 『HwangjeNaegyeong』 and SajuMyeongri.
Second, the system of the Five Elements and its relationship to diseases is established in the 『HwangjeNaegyeong』. This implies that between the gi(氣) of the four seasons(四時) and the gi(氣) of the five organs are interrelated. The five elements also correspond to the five emotions and five tastes. The coexistence of the elements and the theory of Sangsaeng and Sanggeuk explains that when one of the five elements becomes excessive or deficient, disease may occur. In 『HwangjeNaegyeong』, the Owunyukgi(五運六氣), the five tastes, and five emotions are considered major causes of disease.
Third, in 『YeonhaeJapyeong』 and 『SammyeongTonghoe』, disease occurs when there is an excess or deficiency in one of the five elements in palja. Particularly, it is believed that diseases occur when the ilgan(日干) is excessively subjected to overcoming(剋). These texts also describe the symptoms of illness related to the five elements within the human Jangbu(臟腑) and the Sanggeuk interactions between the elements. 『Jeokcheonsucheonmi』 similarly believes that diseases arise from imbalances in the five elements. However, it categorizes these imbalances into four types: excessive elements, deficient elements, excessive strong elements and weak elements without roots. It also suggests treatment methods for diseases of the five organs caused by pungyeoljoseuphan(風熱濕燥寒), a disorder of the five elements, or the combination of the five tastes. Such issues can be resolved through the harmony of the five elements. Furthermore, it is recommended not to automatically consider the five elements in palja as a direct cause of disease based solely on transmission or distribution, but to consider them in conjunction with the yukchin(六親) relationships for a more comprehensive analysis.
This study confirmed through literature and previous research that the excessiveness or insufficiency of the Five Elements in the palja of SajuMyeongri is associated with the occurrence of diseases. However, as there are exceptional cases, it is deemed that the application of SajuMyeongri in disease prediction should be utilized for preventive counseling rather than for disease diagnosis.