8 Trigam Body Types Kan 坎卦
In the human body's organ systems, the Kan trigram corresponds to the kidney system. As mentioned in the Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), the kidneys store essence, control water and fluids, open to the ears, govern the two yin (the genital and anal areas), control bones, produce marrow, and are connected to the brain. The kidneys' external manifestation is in the hair, and their associated emotion is fear.
The Shaoyin Meridian (including the Heart and Kidney meridians) is represented by the Kan trigram. In the Early Heaven Bagua, it occupies the central western position, while in the Later Heaven Bagua, it occupies the central and northern positions, replacing the Kun trigram's position and authority. In the Later Heaven Bagua, the heart is the ruler, while the kidneys are the queen, and together, the heart and kidneys form the center of the body's yin and yang energy.
The Kan trigram represents water in the Five Elements. Water is inherently cold, and cold energy tends to accumulate. The characteristics of individuals with a Kan constitution are generally more yin than yang, which is reflected in their appearance, such as a pale or slightly dark complexion, and a long, thin face. Another characteristic is that their ears are often larger, as the Kan trigram governs the ears.
People with a Kan constitution tend to be deep thinkers and very introverted, yet they are skilled in strategy and planning. These individuals are likely to remain quiet in meetings unless directly called upon; they prefer to listen, which they view as being "able to hear all sides." Their lifespans tend to be longer, as they expend less yang energy.
People with a Kan constitution resemble water, embodying the heavenly energy of water, with a nature that is extremely yin and gentle. They are born with an abundance of cold and yin energy, which is the opposite of fire-type individuals. From a young age, they tend to be sensitive to the cold and are not bothered by heat.
Water naturally sinks, so people with a water constitution have a highly introverted personality, full of yin energy and calm. They are also strategic and possess qualities similar to a chief of staff. Their nature is heavy and reserved, which makes them appear calm and still, like a pond of water.
Water-type individuals prefer warmth and dislike the cold. They feel comfortable in the summer but struggle during the winter.
Water-type individuals have a cold nature, and this cold energy is linked to the kidneys, making them prone to kidney-related diseases such as edema, nephritis, lower back pain, joint diseases, infertility, and morning diarrhea. Although Kan water in the body is considered yin blood, it contains true yang, which can lead to internal fire rising, causing chronic conditions like pharyngitis, laryngitis, and stomatitis. Despite treatments aimed at clearing heat, detoxifying, nourishing yin, and reducing fire—such as Liushen Pills or Throat Pills—the illness may persist.
By Yu Ying
Edited by Andrew Miles