8 Trigram Body Types: Qian 乾卦
By Yu Ying
Edited by Andrew Miles
In terms of the correspondence between parts of the body and the Bagua (Eight Trigrams), the Qian trigram represents the heavens, symbolizing the highest point, while the Kun trigram represents the earth, symbolizing the lowest point. The head, being the highest part of the human body, corresponds to Qian (Qian as the head). The Shaoyang Triple Burner meridian (Mingmen, carrying the primordial Qi of the Dantian/Qihai) is associated with Qian. In the Early Heaven Bagua, Qian occupies the central and southern position, while in the Later Heaven Bagua, it shifts to a peripheral position in the northwest. The saying "that which reaches upward is called Qian" highlights this connection.
And The Qiangua symbolizes pure sun heat and health, and symbolizes everything that is prosperous and strong. In the Five Elements, the Qian trigram represents "metal," and Qian-type individuals embody a state of balance between yin and yang. The corresponding areas of the body for Qian include the head, chest, lungs, and large intestine. As a result, Qian-type individuals typically have well-developed chests and large, round heads.
They often possess strong organizational and leadership abilities, embodying the qualities of a leader. Such individuals frequently rise to leadership positions in companies or groups. However, their shortcomings are equally pronounced—they tend to have an egocentric mindset.
From the perspective of yin-yang theory, those with a Qian metal constitution exhibit a relatively balanced temperament and are often associated with longer lifespans. After understanding the traits of Qian metal individuals, let’s examine the diseases they are prone to.
Qian metal individuals, as they are called, are associated with the dryness attributed to "metal" in the Five Elements. As a result, they are susceptible to lung-related conditions, such as lung dryness. Since the lungs are interconnected with the large intestine, they are also prone to intestinal dryness, constipation, and even conditions like asthma and diabetes.
Due to their tendency towards dryness and heat, Qian metal individuals should focus on consuming foods that cool and moisturize the lungs. Examples include white fungus, lotus root, lily bulbs, and almonds such as almond-milk
Additionally, because Qian metal individuals are prone to constipation, they should eat more foods that help lubricate the intestines, such as papaya. Papaya is considered a symbolic food in the I Ching and is particularly beneficial for people with this constitution.
Moreover, they should reduce smoking and alcohol consumption, as this can significantly alleviate the dryness and heat in their bodies. Special care should be taken during autumn, a season characterized by dryness. External dryness can trigger internal dryness, and if they continue to smoke, drink alcohol, and neglect cooling and moisturizing foods, they are more likely to fall ill.