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The terms "Biao" (Branch/Superficial) and "Ben" (Root/Deep) refer to the initial site of pathogenic invasion as Ben, and the subsequent sites of transmission as Biao. This is a general overview of the concept. For instance, if a patient presents with fever and aversion to cold, headache, and body ache, it can be known that this is a Taiyang channel exterior syndrome, which is a Biao disease. If accompanied by fever, vexation, thirst, and dysuria, it indicates that the pathogen has entered the Fu organs of the Taiyang channel, constituting a Ben disease. If a patient experiences eye pain, nasal dryness, and insomnia, it indicates an Yangming channel exterior syndrome, which is a Biao disease. If accompanied by vexation, thirst with desire to drink, sweating, and aversion to heat, it indicates that the pathogen has entered the Fu organs of the Yangming channel, constituting a Ben disease. If further accompanied by tidal fever, delirium, severe thirst, absence of aversion to cold but presence of aversion to heat, waving hands and kicking feet, appearance of macules and jaundice, and manic confusion, it indicates that the pathogen has transmitted to the Stomach Fu organ of the Yangming channel, constituting an Excess syndrome. If a patient suffers from pain at the temples and deafness, alternating chills and fever, vomiting, and bitter taste in the mouth, it indicates a Shaoyang channel disease. Since Shaoyang resides between the exterior and interior, and the Gallbladder lacks pathways for entry and exit, Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bile Decoction) is used to harmonize the condition. If a patient presents with abdominal fullness, dry throat, spontaneous diarrhea without thirst, it indicates that heat pathogens from the Yang channels have transmitted to the Taiyin channel, constituting a Biao disease. If accompanied by dryness, thirst, and abdominal fullness, it indicates a Taiyin channel Ben disease. If from the onset there is aversion to cold, vomiting, and diarrhea, it indicates direct transmission (Zhi Zhong) to the Taiyin channel, constituting a Ben disease. If a patient has a dry tongue, oral dryness, and constipation, it indicates that heat pathogens from the Yang channels have transmitted to the Shaoyin channel, constituting a Biao disease. If from the onset there is aversion to cold, curling up in bed, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, it indicates direct transmission to the Shaoyin channel, constituting a Ben disease. If a patient presents with retraction of the testicles, extreme thirst, and curled tongue, it indicates that heat pathogens from the Yang channels have transmitted to the Jueyin channel, constituting a Biao disease. If from the onset there is aversion to cold, vomiting of saliva, lower abdominal pain, curled tongue, and retraction of the testicles, it indicates direct transmission to the Jueyin channel, constituting a Ben disease. To discuss the Six Channels generally without distinguishing between Biao and Ben diseases is a grave error. Therefore, it is said: knowing both Biao and Ben ensures success in every action; not knowing them is like walking blindfolded without a cane, having a path but not knowing how to follow it.

There are Exterior Deficiency, Interior Deficiency, Exterior Excess, and Interior Excess. Zhang Zhongjing formulated Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) for Exterior Excess patterns, and Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) for Exterior Deficiency patterns. Interior Excess is treated with Cheng Qi Tang (Order the Qi Decoction), while Interior Deficiency is treated with Si Ni Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction). In ancient times, Hua Tuo treated Ni Xun and Li Yan, both suffering from headache and fever. Hua Tuo stated, "Ni Xun should undergo purgation, while Li Yan should undergo diaphoresis." Some were puzzled by the different treatments. Hua Tuo explained, "Ni Xun has Interior Excess, whereas Li Yan has Exterior Excess; hence the difference in treatment."