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In cases of extreme consumptive disease (Xulao) and various deficiencies, the pulse appears floating, soft, and weak (seeing a deficient pulse in a deficiency syndrome is a favorable sign). Spleen Earth failure presents with double wiry pulses (both hands show a wiry pulse, indicating Liver Wood overacting on Spleen Earth. If the left hand pulse is fine... if the pulse beats more than six times per respiration, death is certain). Bone-steaming fever with a rapid pulse indicates deficiency (the combination of deficient and rapid pulses is the intrinsic manifestation of this condition). Fever accompanied by a choppy and small pulse inevitably leads to death (fever with a quiet pulse is incurable). Qi stagnation or the appearance of intermittent pulses also undoubtedly leads to death. In all syndromes of blood loss, the pulse must appear hollow (Kou); a slow and small pulse is auspicious (cool body and quiet pulse indicate easy treatment); a rapid and large pulse is worrisome (fever with a large pulse indicates difficult treatment).

Patients with consumptive disease who cannot tolerate Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma [text missing, likely Astragali Radix] and other tonics, or those who cannot accept tonifying treatments, will die. Those with consumptive cough and hoarseness will die. Those who can only sleep on one side will die. (These are all signs of Lung failure.) Chronic diarrhea and [text missing], white saliva, white fluid, and frothy sputum, although white in color, are actually transformed from blood. (One theory states it is "white blood," light red in color, resembling flesh or lung tissue.) Consumptive cough lasting long with sore throat and loss of voice indicates transmission from lower to upper; non-coughing and non-painful but with turbid urine and essence depletion over time indicates transmission from upper to lower; both conditions lead to death. Hemoptysis accompanied by coughing against upward flow of Qi, rapid pulse, heat, and inability to lie down leads to death.

Dietary and medicinal recommendations for consumptive disease, along with health preservation methods.
Baihua Baihe Tang (White Flower Lily Bulb Decoction) and Maidong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction) are used for their ability to clear the Lungs and stop coughing. Zhen Yulu Shuang (True Dew Frost) is used to resolve phlegm and clear heat; human milk is a supreme substance for nourishing Yin. Tongbian (Child's Urine) is most suitable for seminal emission and diarrhea. Bidou Zao Tang (Lablab Bean and Jujube Decoction) specifically tonifies the Spleen and Stomach. Yuanyan Rou Tang (Longan Flesh Decoction) nourishes both Heart and Spleen. Zhu Jingsui (Porcine Spinal Cord) and Huangjiao (Sturgeon Swim Bladder Gel) fill essence and marrow (boiled until tender with chicken or duck is especially good; swallow's nest is also excellent). Fengtou Baiya (Fenghead White Duck) and Wugu Baiji (Black-boned White Chicken) nourish Yin and eliminate steaming bone disorder. Zhu Fei Jian Baiji Mo (Pig Lung Decoction with Bletillae Rhizoma Powder) protects the Lungs and stops bleeding. Pill preparations include Huisheng Liuwei (Regeneration Six-Ingredient Pill), Zuogui Wan (Left Restoring Pill), Rujin Wan (Milky Gold Pill), Sisheng Wan (Four Saints Pill), Guben Wan (Root-Firming Pill), etc. Paste preparations include Qingjin Gao (Clear Metal Paste), Qingning Gao (Clear Tranquility Paste), Baifeng Gao (White Phoenix Paste), Kun sui Gao (Earth Marrow Paste), Jiling Gao (Gathering Spirit Paste), Weisheng Gao (Health Preservation Paste), Qiongyu Gao (Jade Nectar Paste), etc. Alternatively, liquid decoctions may be used intermittently. If internal heat is severe or chills and fever alternate, Baoyin Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Yin-Nourishing Six-Ingredient Pill) is used; women may occasionally use Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder). For severe coughing, Qingjin Hua Tan Tang (Clear Metal Resolve Phlegm Decoction) is used, or lozenges may be used intermittently. For hemoptysis, Zhongchun's Verified Formula (attributed to Chen Shigong) is used. Palpitations with fright, empty irritability, and insomnia are treated with Tianwang Buxin Dan (Emperor of Heaven's Heart-Nourishing Pill); if Spleen and Stomach weakness coexists, Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) is added. For poor appetite and loose stools, Zisheng Wan (Nourishing Life Pill) is used appropriately. If dry blood consumption (Ganxue Lao) is confirmed after careful diagnosis, Dahuang Zhechong Wan (Rhubarb and Ground Beetle Pill) may be used. For Chuanshi Lao (Infectious Consumption/Tuberculosis), Tatan Gan (Wild Dog Liver) is undoubtedly effective.

Dietary taboos for consumptive disease and formulas for dispelling illness.
Tobacco is the chief among acrid-hot substances; alcohol is the utmost among damp-heat substances. All acrid-hot items such as ginger, pepper, mustard, and garlic must absolutely not be used, as heat damages Yin. The Kidney governs closure and storage; the Liver governs dispersion and excretion. Both organs contain Ministerial Fire (Xianghuo), which connects upward to the Heart. Thus, when desire arises, Ministerial Fire flares up; even without sexual intercourse, essence is secretly consumed, let alone engaging in sexual activity. It is said: Anger causes Qi to rebel upward, leading to vomiting of blood and undigested food diarrhea in severe cases. It is said: Worry causes Qi to become obstructed and cease to flow. It is said: Overthinking causes Qi to knot. It is said: Excessive mental labor causes Qi to disperse outward and essence to exhaust inward, resulting from Yang disturbance and Yin deficiency. Moxibustion must be strictly avoided. Zhang Zhongjing stated: With a slightly rapid pulse, moxibustion must be慎 (avoided/cautiously handled). Although the fire energy is slight, its internal attacking power is strong; it can scorch bones and injure sinews, making blood restoration difficult.