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The Classic states: "When there appears to be a coating on the tongue, it is because there is heat in the Dantian (lower abdomen) and cold in the chest." This refers to the initial transmission of cold pathogenic factors into the interior. The tongue is the sprout of the Heart; according to the Five Elements, it corresponds to the Fire of the South, and its natural color should be red. When the pathogenic factor is at the exterior, there is no coating on the tongue. However, when the pathogenic factor enters the interior, fluid metabolism is obstructed and condensed, resulting in a slippery coating on the tongue. As the heat deepens, the coating becomes dry and rough. If heat accumulates in the Stomach, the coating turns yellow. If black appears, the heat has penetrated deeply, and the disease is extremely critical. The Classic states: "In all febrile diseases, if the mouth is dry and the tongue is black, death ensues." This is due to Kidney Water overcoming Heart Fire.

If the pulse is tight in all three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi), breath from the mouth feels warm, lips and mouth are dry, the body curls up while lying down, feet are cold, nasal discharge occurs, and there is a slippery coating on the tongue, do not treat rashly. After seven or eight days, if the patient has only slight fever and warm hands and feet, this indicates the condition is about to resolve. If, after seven or eight days, there is instead high fever, this is difficult to treat. If chills are present, vomiting will likely occur; use Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) with added Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger). If abdominal pain is present, diarrhea will likely occur; use Li Zhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction).

If Taiyang disease was incorrectly treated with purgation, the Stomach becomes empty, and exogenous heat disturbs the Diaphragm, causing mental restlessness (Ao Nao) and a tongue coating, treat with Zhi Zi Chi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction).

In Shaoyang disease, with hardness and fullness under the hypochondrium, constipation accompanied by vomiting, and a white coating on the tongue, use Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction).

In Yangming disease, if a coating appears on the tongue, use Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria); if the coating is yellow, apply purgation. The *Jin Gui Yao Lue* states: "If the tongue coating is yellow and purgation has not yet been used, after purgation the yellow coating will naturally disappear."

Zang Jie (Organ Knotting) refers to the blockage and condensation of Zang organ Qi, preventing its circulation. Once respiration ceases, vital mechanisms exhaust; without even a moment's continuity, life and death are separated as widely as heaven and earth; how can the Zang organs be allowed to knot? The external manifestations resemble Jie Xiong (Chest Binding), but the difference lies in the patient maintaining normal appetite and experiencing frequent diarrhea. The pulse is floating at Cun, sunken and tight at Guan, with Yin sinews pulling and causing pain in the umbilical and abdominal regions. If the patient has long had a mass under the hypochondrium that extends to Zang Jie, lacks Yang syndrome signs, does not experience alternating chills and fever, remains quiet, and has a slippery tongue coating, attack with purgation is contraindicated. One may puncture Guan Yuan (CV-4) or apply moxibustion, and simultaneously administer Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) with added Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger).