Zhen represents thunder。With two yin lines on top and one yang line at the bottom, symbolizes an upward and outward development trend. Its primary symbol is thunder. The yang energy, which is hidden under the two yin lines during the autumn and winter, begins to rise and outwardly shake off the yin energy when spring arrives. In spring, all things start to grow and disperse the yin, shaking everything and bringing vitality, much like the awakening thunder of spring. Therefore, its main symbol is thunder.

It symbolizes the strong yang energy at the bottom, unwilling to be oppressed by yin evil, rising up and shaking everything in its path.

Therefore, individuals represented by the Zhen trigram are generally those with high status or those associated with fast movement. For example, pilots, generals, security personnel, hard workers, busy individuals, athletes, football enthusiasts, dancers, and similar figures.

Corresponding to the human body, the Zhen trigram belongs to the wood element in the Five Elements and is symbolized by the liver, nerves, tendons, legs, feet, left rib, and left shoulder and arm. Zhen represents the Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian (near the heart). In the Early Heaven Bagua, it occupies a peripheral position, while in the Later Heaven Bagua, it occupies the central eastern position. It serves as a side channel for the body's electromagnetic energy, dispersing energy from the kidneys to the heart, and then to the spleen and lungs.

The ailments associated with the Zhen trigram include liver diseases, nerve hypersensitivity, neurasthenia, tendon and bone sprains, especially in the feet, mental illness, sudden onset diseases, coughing, and throat or vocal cord issues. As for the natural phenomena corresponding to Zhen, they include lightning, thunder, thunderstorms, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.

In terms of the Five Colors, Zhen represents blue and green. In the Five Tastes, it corresponds to sourness. In the human body, it represents the liver, feet, and voice.

In Taoist medicine, particularly in the Wudang tradition, the liver opens to the eyes, its meridians run through the feet, pass through the lower abdomen, and extend to the throat. The liver governs emotions and is responsible for ensuring smooth flow, symbolizing the role of a general.

Therefore, Taoist medicine attributes all prescriptions related to liver treatment to the Zhen trigram. Generally speaking, individuals with a Zhen constitution are more prone to cardiovascular diseases, such as a swollen or ulcerated tongue. In more severe cases, this may manifest directly as heart-related issues, such as rapid heart rate, chest tightness, stabbing pain in the chest, or myocardial ischemia. The Shenmen point is a major health point for those with a Zhen constitution, and they should regularly massage this acupoint.

In terms of exercise, yin type exercises such as slow jogging, yoga, swimming and taiji are most ideal.

Written by Yu Ying

Edited by Andrew Miles