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To apply methods for treating diseases, one must investigate the source of the pathology. Generally, the origin of disease does not depart from the two types of pathogenic factors: Yin and Yang. By thoroughly investigating this principle and treating accordingly, cases where the disease (Jue Ji) is not cured are rare. Skilled physicians understand this, stating that diseases such as Wind, Heat, and Fire belong to the invasion of Yang pathogens. Since the disease originates in Yang, if one does not seek its root to treat it, the Yang pathogen will proliferate and become difficult to control. Diseases such as Dampness, Dryness, and Cold belong to the invasion of Yin pathogens. Since the disease originates in Yin, if one does not seek its root to treat it, the Yin pathogen will proliferate and become difficult to manage. If one can thoroughly investigate the origin to treat the disease and master the appropriate methods, the success rate of ten out of ten attempts can be achieved effortlessly. The principle "treating diseases requires seeking their root" is found in *Su Wen: Yin Yang Ying Xiang Da Lun* as follows. The foundation of pathogenic factors, over time, transmits and transforms, resulting in a multitude of variable syndromes. It is like water having a source, allowing it to flow into vast oceans and grow larger as it moves downward; or like grass having roots, allowing it to continuously generate stems, leaves, fruits, and flowers, growing lush above. If a disease has a root, its changes are infinite. Unless one seeks the root to treat it, it is impossible to remove deep-seated ailments.

Currently, Jue Yin (Liver Pericardium Channel) takes Wind-Wood as its essence (Ben), and when Wind pathogen invades humans, it generates diseases characterized by tremors, dizziness, convulsions, and sudden rigidity; Shao Yin (Heart-Kidney Channel) takes Ministerial Fire (Jun Huo) as its essence, and when Heat pathogen invades humans, it generates diseases characterized by sores, itching, acute diarrhea with tenesmus, and turbid urine; Shao Yang (Gallbladder-San Jiao Channel) takes Ministerial Fire (Xiang Huo) as its essence, and when Heat pathogen invades humans, it generates diseases characterized by fever, mental confusion, restlessness, mania, and loss of spiritual control. Those skilled in treatment use Pungent-Cool substances to pacify excessive Wind; Saline-Cold substances to pacify excessive Heat; and Saline-Cold substances to pacify excessive Fire. Because the disease originates in Yang, it must be treated by addressing Yang. Cases where the disease is not cured do not exist. Tai Yin (Spleen-Lung Channel) takes Damp-Earth as its essence, and when Damp pathogen invades humans, it generates diseases characterized by abdominal fullness, body edema, pitting upon pressure, and various spasmodic rigidities; Yang Ming (Stomach-Large Intestine Channel) takes Dryness-Metal as its essence, and when Dryness pathogen invades humans, it generates diseases characterized by Qi stagnation and depression, skin wrinkling and peeling, and various dryness and withering conditions; Tai Yang (Bladder-Small Intestine Channel) takes Cold-Water as its essence, and when Cold pathogen invades humans, it generates diseases characterized by vomiting and purging with foul odors, clear and cold urine, and various cold contraction and pulling conditions. Those skilled in treatment use Pungent-Hot substances to pacify excessive Dampness. Because the disease originates in Yin, it must be treated by addressing Yin. Cases where the disease is not cured do not exist. Does this not illustrate that the method of treating diseases should indeed investigate the source of pathology?

I have previously discussed that pathogenic factors causing diseases each have their specific manifestations; treatment methods each have their key points. Is it limited to just one aspect? For pathogens in the skin, use sweating to disperse them; for pathogens entering the interior, use purgation to drain them; for pathogens in the upper region, induce vomiting to expel them; for fierce pathogens, use massage to subdue them; for deficiency-cold of the Zang organs, use Moxibustion (Jiu); for pulse diseases with tendon spasms and bi-syndrome, use Acupuncture (Zhen Ci); for blood excess with stasis, swelling, and heat, use Bian Shi (Stone Lancet); for Qi stagnation with flaccidity, cold limbs, and alternating chills and fever, use Dao Yin (Qigong/Movement Therapy); for meridian blockage leading to numbness, use medicinal wine (Lao Li); for coagulation of Qi and Blood affecting tendons and vessels, use hot compresses with herbs (Yao Re). Beginning by seeking the root of the pathology and ending by eliminating the pathogenic factor, there is nothing beyond these methods. Alas! Formerly, Huang Di sat in the Hall of Laws and the Bright Hall, studied under Qi Bo, and transmitted the Way to Lei Gong, saying: Yin and Yang are the Way of Heaven and Earth, the guidelines for all things, containing the wonders of generation and destruction. There is an unfathomable divine power rotating and governing within. When humans contract pathogens and fall ill, it does not depart from Yin and Yang. Since the disease originates here, how can practitioners seek elsewhere? One must seek Yin and Yang. *Zhi Zhen Yao Da Lun* states: Seek what exists, seek what does not exist. This theory of seeking the disease mechanism is consistent with the principle of seeking the root.