The formative background of the philosophy on division of the human body circumference based on the figure of Taisu's Nine Zones and Eight Winds

Abstract

The figure of Nine Zone and Eight Winds is the only figure in Huangdi Neijing·Taisu. Recording in Lingshu·Jiuzhenlun identifies the origin of the division of the human body circumference. The human body division theory was consistent with archaeological discoveries of Shengui (sacred turtle) divinations and Renzitu (herringbone figure). By matching organs, and body surface with Ba Fang (eight directions), Ba Jie (eight solar terms) and Ba Feng (eight kinds of winds from eight directions), the figure of Nine Zone and Eight Winds connected time, space and human body, and the framework of the theory of the human body formed.