The Chinese calendar marks August 8, 2025, as the beginning of the Yang Wood Monkey month, which is composed of the Yang Wood (Thunder) trigram over the Yang Metal (Heaven) trigram and represents Hexagram 34 of the I Ching. The Chinese calendar assigns one of the twelve animals, five elements, and the polarity of yin or yang to each year, month, day, and hour. This hexagram is particularly significant in August 2025, the seventh month of the Chinese Year of the Yin Wood-Snake. The Yang Wood Monkey month extends until September 7, 2025.
The Relationship of Thunder (Wood) Over Heaven (Metal) in Hexagram 34: How the Large Intestine Controls the San Jiao
During the Yang Wood Monkey month, Thunder (Wood) over Heaven (Metal) symbolizes the dynamic of great power guided by order. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is mirrored by the Metal element, which controls the Wood element (and, functionally, the San Jiao/Triple Heater), ensuring that movement and transformation are balanced by structure and restraint.
The Yang Wood Monkey, Da Zhuang (“Great Power”), features the Thunder trigram (Wood) above the Heaven trigram (Metal), reflecting the Five Element (Wu Xing) Ke (controlling) cycle where Metal controls Wood. In TCM, this is embodied by the Large Intestine (Metal) exerting regulatory control over the San Jiao (Triple Heater), which functionally shares characteristics with Wood due to its role in the movement and distribution of Qi and fluids. This relationship ensures that the expansive, dynamic functions of the San Jiao are kept in check by the clarifying, boundary-setting role of the Large Intestine, maintaining harmony and preventing excess or chaos. In essence, Yang Metal plays a major role in the lymphatic and endocrine systems for this month. When the large intestine is out of balance, so shall the lymph and hormones.
Symbolism in the I Ching: Thunder Over Heaven
• Thunder (Zhen, ☳): Represents movement, initiative, and the arousing force of change; associated with the Wood element.
• Heaven (Qian, ☰): Symbolizes strength, order, and pure yang energy; associated with the Metal element.
The Yang Wood Monkey teaches that true power (Thunder/Wood) must be guided by strength and order (Heaven/Metal). The image is of dynamic energy (Thunder) moving above a solid foundation (Heaven), emphasizing that action must be tempered by restraint and ethical conduct.
TCM Organ Theory: Large Intestine and San Jiao
Large Intestine (Metal)
• Function: Absorbs water, eliminates waste, sets boundaries, and clarifies.
• Element: Metal (Yang organ), paired with the Lung (Yin).
San Jiao / Triple Heater
• Function: Regulates the movement and transformation of Qi and fluids throughout the body; coordinates upper, middle, and lower body functions.
• Element: Functionally linked to Yang Wood due to its role in movement and distribution, paired with the Pericardium (Yin Wood)
Mechanisms of Large Intestine (Metal) Control of the San Jiao (Triple Heater)
• Fluid Regulation: The Large Intestine absorbs water and eliminates waste, preventing the accumulation of dampness and heat in the Lower Jiao that could disrupt the San Jiao’s smooth flow of Qi and fluids.
• Energetic Restraint: By setting boundaries and clarifying, the Large Intestine prevents the San Jiao’s dynamic functions from becoming excessive or chaotic.
• Checks and Balances: Proper function of the Large Intestine ensures the San Jiao’s transformative and distributive roles remain balanced, avoiding stagnation or overactivity.
Organ/System | Element | Function in TCM | Controlling Relationship Manifestation |
Large Intestine | Yang Metal | Elimination, fluid regulation | Controls San Jiao by regulating elimination and preventing excess in fluid/Qi distribution |
San Jiao (Triple Heater) | Yang Wood | Qi/fluid movement, metabolism, organ coordination | Receives regulatory influence from the Large Intestine, ensuring balanced fluid and Qi movement (lymph, hormones) |
Philosophical and Health Implications
• Philosophical: The I Ching’s message is that great power (Thunder/Wood) must be guided by order and restraint (Heaven/Metal). In the body, this means dynamic processes (San Jiao) are kept in harmony by the clarifying through the boundary-setting functions of the Large Intestine.
• Health: When the Large Intestine (Metal) is weak, the San Jiao’s functions may become excessive, leading to symptoms like fluid retention, Qi stagnation, or irritability. If Metal is too strong, it may over-restrict, causing dryness or impaired metabolism.
The Ke (Control) Cycle: Metal Controls Wood
Element | Organs (TCM) | Action in Ke Cycle | Example/Metaphor |
Metal | Lungs, Large Intestine | Controls Wood | An axe is cutting down trees |
Wood | Liver, Gallbladder | Controlled by Metal | Tree pruned by metal tools |
• Metal’s Role: Contraction, order, and boundary-setting.
• Wood’s Role: Expansion, growth, and movement.
• Control Mechanism: Metal restrains Wood, preventing unchecked expansion and ensuring balance.
Relationships of the Large Intestine with San Jiao-Linked Organs and Meridians
The Large Intestine’s relationships with the Gallbladder, Kidneys, Pericardium, Spleen, and Liver—organs internally linked to the San Jiao—are mediated by a complex network of acupuncture meridians and energetic pathways.
In classical TCM, these relationships are explained through the Five Element theory, Zang-Fu organ interactions, and the meridian system, while modern research highlights connective tissue networks and functional organ groupings.
Disruptions in these relationships can lead to a spectrum of digestive, metabolic, emotional, and systemic symptoms, and are addressed clinically through acupuncture and herbal medicine targeting both direct and indirect meridian connections.
Classical TCM Theory: Meridian and Organ Interconnections
San Jiao’s Internal Links
Organ | Connection with San Jiao |
Gallbladder | Yang organ pair; meridian intersection in head/side; middle burner function |
Kidneys | Lower burner connection; water metabolism and essence storage |
Pericardium | Yin-yang pair: internal connection in the upper burner |
Spleen | Middle burner: transformation and transportation of nutrients |
Liver | Middle/lower burner; supports smooth Qi flow, digestion, emotions |
San Jiao acts as an integrator, harmonizing the functions of these organs through its three burners and meridian pathways.
Large Intestine’s Dynamic Relationships
Gallbladder
• Meridian Intersections: The Large Intestine and Gallbladder meridians intersect in the head and face, supporting clinical use for facial disorders and headaches.
• Functional Link: Both are Yang Fu organs, involved in decision-making, digestion, and elimination. Their interaction helps regulate Qi flow and digestive processes.
Kidneys
• Water Metabolism: The Large Intestine and Kidneys collaborate in fluid regulation and elimination. The San Jiao’s lower burner mediates this relationship, ensuring proper water passage and waste removal.
• Clinical Manifestations: Kidney deficiency can lead to constipation and dry stools, while Large Intestine dysfunction can affect water metabolism.
Pericardium
• Energetic Pairing: The Pericardium and San Jiao are paired as Yin and Yang within the Wood element. While there is no direct anatomical intersection, their meridians influence each other energetically, affecting emotional and cardiovascular health.
Spleen
• Digestive Synergy: The Spleen (transformation/transportation) and Large Intestine (elimination) are functionally linked. Disruption in one can cause digestive symptoms in the other, such as diarrhea or constipation, reflecting their mutual dependence in nutrient and waste management.
Liver
• Qi Regulation: The Liver ensures the smooth flow of Qi, which is essential for Large Intestine peristalsis and elimination. Liver Qi stagnation can cause bowel irregularities, while Large Intestine dysfunction can contribute to systemic Qi stagnation.
Modern TCM and Clinical Perspectives
Anatomical and Functional Evidence
• Connective Tissue Matrix: Modern imaging and anatomical studies suggest that the connective tissue network (fascia) serves as the physical substrate for meridian pathways, facilitating communication between the Large Intestine and San Jiao-linked organs.
• Bioelectrical Studies: Electrodermal and bioelectrical research demonstrates functional connectivity between the Large Intestine and other meridians, supporting the classical view of dynamic organ relationships.
Clinical Manifestations of Disruption
Meridian Relationship | Key Symptoms |
Liver–Large Intestine–Spleen | Abdominal distension, pain, constipation/diarrhea, irritability, menstrual irregularities |
Spleen–Large Intestine | Poor appetite, abdominal fullness, loose stools, fatigue |
San Jiao–Large Intestine | Fluid retention, abdominal distension, mood swings, bowel irregularities |
Gallbladder–Large Intestine | Intercostal pain, digestive issues, emotional instability |
Pericardium–Large Intestine | Chest pain, palpitations, mental restlessness, digestive symptoms |
Kidney–Large Intestine | Chronic constipation, dry stools, lower back pain, dizziness |
Disruptions in these relationships can manifest as gastrointestinal, emotional, and systemic symptoms, often requiring harmonization of multiple meridians in treatment.
Visual Summary
Large Intestine Relationship | Classical Mechanism | Modern Evidence/Clinical Focus |
Gallbladder | Yang Fu pair, head/face intersection | Connective tissue, facial disorders |
Kidneys | Water metabolism, lower burner | Fluid regulation, constipation |
Pericardium | Energetic pairing via San Jiao | Emotional/cardiovascular regulation |
Spleen | Digestive synergy, Earth-Metal | GI disorders, metabolic linkage |
Liver | Qi regulation, Wood-Metal | IBS, emotional symptoms |
The Large Intestine’s dynamic relationships with the Gallbladder, Kidneys, Pericardium, Spleen, and Liver—organs internally linked to the San Jiao—are foundational to both classical and modern TCM. These connections, mediated by meridian networks and functional organ groupings, ensure the harmonious regulation of digestion, elimination, fluid balance, and emotional health. Disruption in any part of this network can lead to complex clinical patterns, highlighting the importance of integrated diagnosis and treatment in TCM.
Lymphatic and Endocrine Relationships
The San Jiao represents the lymphatic and endocrine systems of Western medicine.
August 2025 brings a surge of Wood energy (Yang Wood Monkey) within the transformative context of the Yin Wood Snake year. This dynamic elemental interplay profoundly influences the San Jiao (Triple Burner)—the TCM analog of the lymphatic and endocrine systems.
In August 2025, the dominance of Yang Wood (Monkey) energy, supported by the underlying Yin Wood (Snake) of the year, creates a period of dynamic growth, transformation, and heightened metabolic activity. For the San Jiao system, responsible for fluid regulation, immune defense, and hormonal balance, this means increased movement and potential for both innovation and imbalance. The Large Intestine and its associated organs (Stomach, Liver, Lung, Kidneys, Spleen) are each affected by the elemental strengths and interactions of this month, with Wood and Metal energies in particular tension.
Practically, this suggests a need for harmonizing practices (qi gong, tai chi, yoga, etc.) to support smooth Qi and fluid flow, prevent stagnation or excess, and maintain systemic balance across the lymphatic, endocrine, and digestive systems.
Elemental Landscape: August 2025
Organ/Meridian | Element | Elemental Strength (Aug 2025) |
San Jiao | Wood-Fire | 0 |
Large Intestine | Metal | 16 |
Stomach | Earth | 7 |
Liver | Wood | 30 |
Lung | Metal | 16 |
Kidneys | Water | 7 |
Spleen | Earth | 7 |
Wood (Liver) is dominant, Metal (Large Intestine, Lung) is strong, Wood-Fire (San Jiao) is weak, and Earth/Water are subdued.
This creates a scenario where Wood’s expansive force is checked by Metal’s control, but Fire (transformation, metabolism) is relatively underpowered.
Visualizing the Energetic Balance
Elemental Strengths of Organs/Meridians in August 2025. Note the dominance of Wood (Liver) and strong Metal (Large Intestine, Lung), with weak Wood-Fire (San Jiao).
Net Elemental Effects on Organs/Meridians
Organ/Meridian | Element | Own Strength | Generating Input | Overcoming Input | Net Effect |
San Jiao | Wood-Fire | 0 | 30 (Wood) | 7 (Water) | 23 |
Large Intestine | Metal | 16 | 7 (Earth) | 0 (Fire) | 23 |
Stomach | Earth | 7 | 0 (Fire) | 30 (Wood) | -23 |
Liver | Wood | 30 | 7 (Water) | 16 (Metal) | 21 |
Lung | Metal | 16 | 7 (Earth) | 0 (Fire) | 23 |
Kidneys | Water | 7 | 16 (Metal) | 7 (Earth) | 16 |
Spleen | Earth | 7 | 0 (Fire) | 30 (Wood) | -23 |
Net Elemental Effect on Organs/Meridians in August 2025. Positive values indicate support, negative values indicate stress or depletion.
The San Jiao, Large Intestine, Liver, Lung, and Kidneys all receive strong net support, while the Stomach and Spleen (Earth) are under significant stress from Wood’s dominance, due to Wood's sensitivity to Heat.
Yang Wood Monkey and the San Jiao System
• Yang Wood Monkey emphasizes the wise, harmonious use of strength—mirroring the need for the San Jiao to coordinate the powerful Wood and Metal energies without excess or stagnation.
• San Jiao as Lymphatic/Endocrine System:
– With Wood’s surge, there is increased movement and potential for growth (lymphatic flow, hormonal activity), but the weak Fire suggests possible metabolic bottlenecks or immune overactivity if not harmonized.
• Large Intestine and Linked Organs:
– Metal’s strength helps regulate Wood’s expansion, supporting elimination and immune defense, but may also create tension (e.g., constipation, respiratory issues) if Wood is excessive.
– Stomach and Spleen (Earth) are vulnerable—digestive and metabolic support is crucial.
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6. Relationships Among Linked Meridians and Organs
Organ/Meridian | Element | August 2025 Dynamic | Health Implications & Focus |
San Jiao | Fire | Receives strong Wood input, but Fire is weak | Support metabolism, prevent stagnation |
Large Intestine | Metal | Strong, controls Wood, supports elimination | Maintain regularity, avoid excess dryness |
Stomach/Spleen | Earth | Under stress from Wood, weak support from Fire | Aid digestion, nourish Earth, avoid overwork |
Liver | Wood | Dominant, drives movement, may overwhelm Earth | Soothe Liver, harmonize emotions |
Lung | Metal | Strong, supports immune/respiratory function | Protect against dryness, support Qi |
Kidneys | Water | Moderate, supports Liver, may be taxed by Wood | Nourish Yin, support fluid metabolism |
7. Practical Implications & Harmonizing Strategies
Key Takeaway:
August 2025’s energetic climate calls for supporting the San Jiao’s regulatory role, balancing Wood’s expansion with Metal’s control, and protecting the vulnerable Earth (digestive) organs.
Recommended Practices to support San Jiao (Lymphatic/Endocrine):
Gentle movement (Qi Gong, yoga), hydration, and stress reduction to aid fluid and hormonal flow.
Balance Liver (Wood) and Large Intestine/Lung (Metal):
Use foods and herbs that soothe the Liver and support Metal (e.g., leafy greens, pears, white radish).
Protect Stomach/Spleen (Earth):
Eat warm, nourishing foods; avoid raw/cold foods and overexertion.
Consider digestive tonics (e.g., ginger, cooked grains).
Nourish Kidneys (Water):
Adequate rest, avoiding overwork, and including foods like black beans and seaweed.
Monitor for Signs of Imbalance:
Watch for digestive upset, emotional volatility, fluctuations in immune function, or fluid retention.
8. Summary Table: August 2025 Energetic Impacts
System/Organ | Element | August 2025 Status | Harmonizing Focus |
San Jiao | Fire | Supported, but Fire weak | Support metabolism, lymph, hormones |
Large Intestine | Metal | Strong | Regulate elimination, avoid dryness |
Stomach/Spleen | Earth | Stressed | Aid digestion, nourish Earth |
Liver | Wood | Dominant | Soothe, harmonize emotions |
Lung | Metal | Strong | Support immunity, prevent dryness |
Kidneys | Water | Moderate | Nourish Yin, support fluids |
Conclusion
In August 2025, the interplay of strong Wood and Metal energies, with underlying but weak Fire, places the San Jiao (lymphatic/endocrine) system at the center of dynamic change. The Large Intestine and its network of linked organs must work in concert to maintain balance, especially protecting the vulnerable digestive (Earth) organs. Harmonizing practices that support smooth Qi and fluid flow, nourish digestion, and regulate emotional and immune responses are especially beneficial during this period.
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