How can we translate “病之順逆” into English?
A disease’s regular progression, and reversed progression, perhaps?
For example, in lung disorders, it is not uncommon to see people with lung cancer or pulmonary heart disease with red cheeks (also tuberculosis but it has become a rare disease nowadays). This is due to their chronic lack of oxygen intake in the lungs resulting in an overgrowth of capillaries, which can be visible in the cheeks.
Red belongs to Fire and White belongs to Metal. Fire constrains Metal.
In this case, these diseases are in the “reversed progression” and they are difficult to treat and can lead to death easily if left untreated or treated inappropriately.
In the case of lung disease with dark (black) circles under the eyes, which is due to low adrenal hormone levels. This can be verified by checking the color and texture of the ears.
Black belongs to Water and Metal belongs to Metal. Water is the child of Metal.
In this case, the child has “stolen” energies from the mother, which is a regular progression — the lung disease is induced by Kidney issues. One can use herbs to support the adrenal hormones to alleviate symptoms in the lung diseases.