23 September 2026
Reconstructing MLMN L6: the Six Conformations as changing disease phases
We are undertaking a more precise reconstruction of MLMN L6, understood as the Six Conformations and changing disease phases. Taiyang, Yangming, Shaoyang, Taiyin, Shaoyin and Jueyin are not being treated as a simple substitution for channel names. L6 examines the present phase of disease, its transitions, coexistence and exceptions through observations including the pulse, abdomen, tongue, symptoms and clinical course.
To answer criticism and questions through primary sources and comparative history rather than impression, we are closely reading and comparing Chinese and Japanese works related to the Shanghan Zabing Lun (the Shanghan Lun and Jingui Yaolue). Forty-one works have been obtained. We are comparing definitions of the Six Conformations; their relation to channels, zang-fu, disease location and disease dynamics; the reasoning path from examination to treatment method; and combined, concurrent, deteriorated, mistreated and counter-evidential presentations.
The final stage will examine how Utsugi Kontai's Igaku Keigo inherited, modified and integrated earlier positions. We will distinguish decision rules that can be adopted into L6 from hypotheses that should remain provisional. Acquisition of the forty-one works is complete, but full close reading, image-level textual collation and publication are not. Findings will be released in stages with their evidence and limitations stated.