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A question was asked: The *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states that for deficiency of Jing (Essence), one should tonify with flavors. It also says that the Earth nourishes humans through the Five Flavors. In ancient times, people began eating meat at age fifty. Now I am seventy years old; is it consistent with the Golden Mean to completely abstain from salt and vinegar? Why is your spirit vigorous and your complexion lustrous?

The reply was: Flavors originate either from nature or from human preparation. Those endowed by Heaven, such as grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits, possess a harmonious and mild flavor. They have the function of nourishing Yin when consumed; this is what the *Neijing* refers to as "flavor." Those created by humans are all flavors that are biased and strong due to cooking and seasoning; they contain toxicity that can induce disease. This is the kind of "flavor" you refer to. Now, abstaining from salt and vinegar does not mean truly eating tasteless food. The natural salty taste of barley and millet, the sweet taste of rice and Chinese yam (*Dioscorea opposita*), and the pungent taste of scallions and leeks—these are all flavors. Do you consider them bland? I find comfort in harmonious and mild flavors because my Heart Spirit is contained and Heart Fire descends. Finding comfort in biased and strong flavors indicates indulgence of desires and an excess of Fire. What is there to doubt?

The *Neijing* further states: The generation of Yin originates from the Five Flavors. Is this not referring to naturally endowed flavors? The injury to the Five Yin Organs arises from the Five Flavors. Is this not referring to artificially prepared flavors? Thus, the measures taken by sages to prevent illness among the people are complete here. When ordinary people are hungry, they must eat. The sweetness and blandness of rice represent the virtue of Earth; it belongs to Yin and is the most tonifying of substances. However, it should only be eaten together with vegetables. The reason the Classics advocate using vegetables to supplement meals is to prevent damage to the Stomach caused by sudden overeating when hungry or excessive mental exertion. Vegetables assist in filling the stomach, offering the benefits of promoting circulation and easy digestion. This reflects the benevolence of Heaven and Earth in generating life.

The *Analects* states: "Although there may be much meat, do not let it exceed the amount of grain." The Commentary states: "Hosts and guests bow to each other hundreds of times throughout the day, but wine is served only three times," to avoid the disasters of alcohol. This is the intent of the sages in their teaching. Generally, when grains are consumed together with rich and fresh meats, the strong flavors, aided by grains, accumulate over a long period. Would this not aid Yin Fire and lead to toxicity? Therefore, among those practicing dietary regimens, only those who abstain from grains (Bigu) can do so safely. Those who do not abstain from grains yet practice such regimens invariably suffer toxicity and die prematurely. Those who are content with strong flavors simply have not reflected upon this.

Another question was asked: If deficiency of Jing is tonified with flavors, why is there no mention of tonifying Qi? The reply was: Flavor belongs to Yin; Qi belongs to Yang. Tonifying Essence with Yin flavors seeks the root. Therefore, tonification with flavors includes herbs with strong flavors, such as Licorice Root (*Gancao*), Atractylodes Rhizome (*Baizhu*), Rehmannia Root (*Dihuang*), Alisma Rhizome (*Zexie*), Schisandra Fruit (*Wuweizi*), and Ophiopogon Tuber (*Maidong*). The Classic states, "Deficiency is treated with tonification," which is precisely this meaning. Regarding the earlier statement that deficiency of Form is warmed with Qi: gentle warming and nourishment allow Qi to fill itself naturally; once Qi is sufficient, Form is complete. Hence, we speak of "warming" rather than "tonifying." The Classic states, "Exhaustion is treated with warming," which aligns with this meaning. Methods that use hot or warm medicines to assist tonifying medicines, termed "warming-tonification," are not only ineffective but harmful. Alas! How the *Jufang* (Formulary of the Bureau of Medical Relief) fails to grasp the principles of the Classics!