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Thirst refers to the depletion of body fluids and insufficiency of the essence of the Zang-Fu organs due to pathogenic heat entering the viscera. Therefore, thirst occurring between the fourth and sixth days indicates that the pathogen has transmitted to the Yin aspect, which is consistent with pathological principles. If thirst occurs within the first three days while the pathogen is still transforming among the Yang meridians (Taiyang, Yangming, Shaoyang), it is considered contrary to normal progression; this is because internal heat is severe while exterior symptoms have not yet resolved, a condition termed "Liang Gan" (simultaneous involvement of exterior and interior). If thirst appears after the exterior symptoms have subsided, it signifies that the pathogen has fully entered the interior. In cases where constipation is present, purgation should be employed to eliminate the pathogenic heat. For "Liang Gan," harmonization is appropriate. If a patient who was previously not thirsty becomes thirsty after taking medication, it indicates that damp-fluids are dissipating, Yang Qi is recovering, and the interior warmth is returning, thus causing thirst. Consequently, for thirst to resolve, it should progress to a state of no thirst, or only slight thirst when not actively drinking, reflecting the principle of balancing Yin and Yang. However, in Cold Damage diseases, the desire to drink water indicates impending recovery. Withholding water will prevent recovery. Yet, allowing unrestricted drinking may lead to fluid retention; therefore, small amounts of water should be given repeatedly as desired. If the six pulses are surging and rapid, and firm upon deep and prolonged pressure, indicating a true Excess or Yang pattern, fresh cool water may be administered. Otherwise, caution must be exercised against cold substances, as patterns of upper heat and lower cold may exist.

Vomiting accompanied by sound and matter is called "Ou". Vomiting with sound but no matter is called "Gan Ou" (dry heaving). Vomiting with matter but no sound is called "Tu". If one feels inner irritability, restless sleep, acid regurgitation, and vomiting, it is due to heat qi rebelling in the Stomach. Vomiting clear watery fluid indicates cold pathogen lodging in the Stomach. Vomiting immediately after drinking water suggests fluid retention in the epigastrium ("Xin Xia"). Vomiting roundworms indicates deficiency-cold in the Stomach. If sweating covers the whole body except below the waist, accompanied by vomiting, it results from body fluids failing to descend and heat qi rebelling upward. If vomiting is accompanied by fever, it represents a Half-Exterior Half-Interior syndrome; however, vomiting itself possesses a dispersing function. If exterior heat worsens after vomiting, the pathogen has entered the Stomach due to deficiency. Immediate vomiting after eating indicates a struggle between Stomach Qi and the pathogen; if Stomach Qi remains intact, it is termed "Minor Reversal" (Xiao Ni). If the patient can eat despite chest distension and irritability, with frequent rising of sour gas, unable to digest or vomit, it is because pathogenic factors overpower the Stomach Qi, preventing it from struggling against the pathogen; this is called "Fire Reversal" (Huo Ni). If vomiting persists after the illness has seemingly resolved, it is due to excessive sweating or purgation leading to deficiency of the Yangming Stomach Qi; treatment should focus on warming the Stomach.