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Dry mouth is caused by pathogenic heat gathering in the Stomach and consuming body fluids. Therefore, in Shaoyin syndrome presenting with dry mouth and throat, urgent purgation (Xia Fa) should be applied. If there is a desire to rinse the mouth with water but no desire to swallow, accompanied by exterior syndrome and epistaxis, it indicates that pathogenic heat is in the meridians. This is because the Yangming meridian has abundant Qi and blood; intense heat in the meridian forces blood to move recklessly, for which Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction) is indicated. If dry mouth is accompanied by high fever of the whole body and aversion to cold in the back, Renshen Baihu Tang (Ginseng White Tiger Decoction) is used. If there is no exterior syndrome, but instead chest and abdominal fullness and manic behavior occur, this is Blood Accumulation Syndrome (Xue Yu Zheng), for which Taoren Chengqi Tang (Peach Kernel and Rhubarb Decoction) is indicated. For dry mouth due to Shaoyang disease, Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) is used to harmonize.

Thirst indicates interior heat consuming body fluids. In Taiyang disease transmitting to Jueyin, resulting in Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst), it refers to drinking large amounts of water while producing little urine, meaning heat consumes water. If the pulse is floating and there is thirst, it belongs to Taiyang; use Qinglong Tang (Green Dragon Decoction) removing Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and adding Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix). If there is sweating and thirst, it belongs to Yangming; use Renshen Baihu Tang (Ginseng White Tiger Decoction); if stool is solid, purgation (Xia Fa) is appropriate. If the pulse is deep and there is thirst, it belongs to Shaoyin; use Dachengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction). Regarding Jueyin disease, heat is at its extreme, and purgation is undoubtedly indicated. For Taiyang disease with no sweating and preference for thirst, Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) is contraindicated; Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) is suitable. For Yangming disease with excessive sweating and thirst, Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) is contraindicated; Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) is suitable. Vomiting followed by thirst indicates the condition is about to resolve; provide water to rehydrate. Thirst followed by vomiting indicates fluid retention in the heart region (epigastrium); Chifuling Tang (Red Poria Decoction) is used. For difficulty in urination accompanied by thirst, Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) is indicated. For jaundice, sweating on the head, difficulty in urination, and thirst, Yinchen Wuling San (Artemisia Capillaris Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) is used. For summerheat stroke with a deficient pulse, fever, and thirst, Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) is essential.

Chest fullness refers to a sensation of obstruction and stuffiness in the diaphragm area, distinct from fullness in the epigastrium (Xia Xin). Hypochondriac fullness refers to distension under the ribs, distinct from abdominal fullness. Since exterior pathogens transmitting inward must first pass through the chest to the heart/abdomen and then enter the Stomach, chest fullness often accompanies exterior syndrome and is treated with mild sweating (Wei Han). Hypochondriac fullness, however, often accompanies half-exterior/half-interior conditions and is treated with Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) augmented with Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus) and Jiegie (Magnoliae Flos) to harmonize. For phlegm-solidity in the chest, emesis (Yong Zhi) is indicated. If there is solidity in the chest, dry thirst, and constipation, purgation (Xia Fa) is indicated, and Daxiexiong Tang (Major Chest-Breaking Decoction) may be used.