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The *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states: "The binding of one Yin and one Yang is called Hou Bi (throat obstruction)." The term "one Yin" refers to the Ministerial Fire of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian, which is the pulse qi of the Heart. The term "one Yang" refers to the Ministerial Fire of the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao (Triple Burner) Meridian, which is the pulse qi of the Sanjiao. The meridians of these two channels both connect to the throat; therefore, when Qi becomes hot, it binds internally. Binding leads to swelling, and severe binding results in obstruction (Bi). Severe obstruction leads to death. Among the Twelve Primary Meridians, only the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian has a branch descending through the nape, while all others converge at the throat. Why does the *Neijing* specifically mention one Yin and one Yang? This is because when the Ministerial Fire and the Sovereign Fire alone become excessive, heat and pain ensue.

Hou Bi generally arises from Wind-Heat rushing upward and deficiency of Blood causing deficient Fire to wander and attack. If additionally complicated by Wind-Phlegm lodging in the throat, this condition manifests as severe swelling and pain. For mild cases, disperse Wind and clear Heat; for acute cases, induce vomiting with Tong You (Camellia oil) to relieve symptoms.

For Wind-Fire Stagnation leading to Hou Bi (use Acrid-Cool Upper-Clearing Method):
Bohe (Menthae Haplocalyx), Shegan (Belamcandae Rhizoma), Niubangzi (Arctii Fructus), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), Lüdoupi (Phaseoli Radiati Pericarpium), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Sangbai (Mori Cortex), Mabo (Pleuroti Fructus), Huashi (Talcum), Xiguacuiyi (Citrulli Lanati Exocarpium).

For Lung Dryness-Heat leading to Hou Bi:
Beishashen (Glehniae Radix), Chuanhu (Dendrobii Caulis), Sangye (Mori Folium), Digupi (Lycii Cortex), Chuanbeimu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Huafen (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Lüdoupi (Phaseoli Radiati Pericarpium), Yiren (Coicis Semen), Lugeng (Phragmitis Rhizoma), Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium), Baibu (Stemonae Radix).

For Swelling and Obstruction due to Turbid Filth invading from above (use Clearing, Descending, Opening, and Irrigating Method):
Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Guangyujin (Curcumae Radix), Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus), Guangjupi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Mabo (Pleuroti Fructus), Niubangzi (Arctii Fructus), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), Zhuyewan (Bambusa Leaves Pill).

For Qi-Level Toxic Heat leading to Hou Bi:
Yinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Madouling (Aristolochiae Manshuriensis Radix), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Lugeng (Phragmitis Rhizoma), Chuanbei (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus), Baijinzhi (Platyni Sporangium Juice), Tongcao (Tetrapanacis Medulla).

Another Prescription:
Xingrenshuang (Amarum Armeniacae Semen Frost), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Ku Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), Chuanbei (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus).

For Yin Deficiency with Flaring Fire leading to Hou Bi (chronic non-healing):
Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Jizihuang (Galli Ovi Vitellus), Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Nuodaogenxu (Levistici Officinalis Radix Setae).

Alternatively, use Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Lianzi (Nelumbinis Semen), Qianshi (Euryales Semen) from the Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) decocted and formed into pills. Or use Maishu Tang (Pulse-Nourishing Decoction) added with Tiandong (Ophiopogonis Radix) and Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), removing Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus). Alternatively, use Zhufu Tang (Pig Skin Decoction).

For Shaoyin Throat Pain (muscle wasting, lower Jiao prone to cold, marrow already empty):
Use Marrow-Filling Method: Shengyang suij (Sheep Bone Marrow), Zhujingui (Pig Bone Marrow), Lu jiaojiao (Cervi Cornus Colla) in equal parts, pounded into pills.

Chen Shen stated: Ancient methods for treating throat conditions primarily used Acrid-Dispersing and Saline-Softening agents to remove Wind-Phlegm and resolve Toxic Heat, such as Yuanshen Shengma Tang (Scrophularia and Cimicifuga Decoction), Touguan San (Pass-Through Powder) from *Shengji Zonglu*, Yuyaochi (Jade Key), Tongsheng San (Universal Salvation Powder), and Xiaodu Yin (Detoxification Decoction) from *Puji Fang*. These are treatments that address the root gently but prioritize urgent symptom relief. Fearing that delaying treatment would harm the body, urgency is placed on treating the branch/symptoms.

Chen further stated: Recent cases of Hou Bi often arise from blood loss leading to Water (Kidney Yin) deficiency, failing to control Fire. The treatment method should focus on nourishing Water and consolidating Yang. One should follow the theory of Danxi (Zhu Danxi).