Accurate Diagnosis with the I Ching Hexagrams

Those who know me are aware that I have studied the Five Arts—Mountain, Medicine, Life, Appearance, and Divination—for many years, and that all principles of the I Ching (Book of Changes) are interconnected. Recently, a student reached out to my wife for help, sharing the following message:

Question: “Shimu, my mother has been feeling particularly unwell these past few weeks. She’s had stomach pain, can’t eat, was hospitalized, and is losing weight. She’s worried it might be cancer. My sister decided to go the conservative route with traditional Chinese medicine. Could Shifu take a look and possibly prescribe something for her？”

From the symptoms described, it appeared to be stomach pain with a lack of appetite. Western medicine likely found nothing conclusive and simply administered IV antibiotics. Considering she is 81, it’s understandable that she might worry it’s a serious illness. Normally, I could diagnose such issues through direct observation, but this time, I felt compelled to cast a hexagram for her condition.

The time and date were recorded as follows: 甲辰年、甲戌月、丙寅日、己亥時.

Hexagram result:

The hexagram revealed that the root cause was not in the stomach. Rather, it indicated a blockage in the colon, causing severe congestion with accumulated waste, almost as rigid as metal. This blockage forced foul gas upwards, preventing proper digestion and impacting her respiratory and neurological functions, causing emotional instability and discomfort that extended up to the chest. With the hexagram in the Qian trigram’s tomb on Bingyin Day, the symptoms likely started intensifying around Xu Month. I estimate that my prescription could quickly resolve the issue, opening up her digestive system, restoring her appetite, and alleviating discomfort. Only herbal medicine is needed—no need for acupuncture or other support.

This issue could be viewed as both serious and minor. While it clearly has a severe impact, it’s manageable once identified. The hexagram also revealed that the patient’s energy was stagnant, with difficulties eating and eliminating, all while depleting money and vitality. Fortunately, two benefactors appeared in the west, and as I’m located in the west, and it was evening at the time, I fit the description. With just a simple confirmation of her bowel movements, the root problem could be addressed; the stomach pain would resolve with improved flow.

After getting feedback confirming bowel issues that had persisted for weeks, I prescribed the formula. My student responded, pleasantly surprised at the low cost.

That same evening, they reported effective results, with the symptoms resolved.

The patient and her family felt great relief, strengthening their confidence in Chinese medicine. In a way, I feel I contributed a little to the spread of this knowledge!

While divination with the I Ching may not achieve the precise, comprehensive results of in-person diagnosis, it can accurately address primary complaints and symptoms for remote consultations. Of course, it requires a certain level of expertise from the diviner.

正所謂：

夜深病影愁無盡，疑似絕症近。

心隨苦痛不成眠，幾度難將羹飲入心田。

梅花易中起乾坤，病起腸中系。

方傳藥下已清和，重見笑顏輕語喜心歌。