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Fan (irritability/restlessness of mind) refers to mental agitation and unease; Zao (restlessness of limbs) refers to the restless movement of the hands and feet. Generally, these are caused by Fire pathogenic factors. The Fire of the Five Viscera can all cause Fan and Zao; thus, it is sometimes referred to as Heart Heat, Spleen Heat, Lung Heat, Kidney Heat, or Liver Heat.

Some distinguish Fan as Yang and Zao as Yin. This is because when Yang-Fire arises internally, the Heart is invaded by Heat, which causes aversion to disturbance, resulting in a sensation of stifling irritability (Fan). Unless the condition is severe enough to cause mania and loss of control, there is no need for restlessness of the limbs, as the Fire is internal rather than external. Conversely, if Yin-Cold arises internally and forces Yang to float outward, the interior becomes cold while the exterior becomes hot. Since the Heat is external rather than internal, there is only restlessness of the limbs without necessarily feeling mentally irritable. This distinction classifies Yin and Yang based on Cold and Heat.

Another view holds that Heart Fire belongs to Yang, and excessive Fire causes Fan; whereas Kidney Fire (Mingmen Fire) belongs to Yin, and flaming Fire causes Zao. This classification distinguishes Yin and Yang based on the Heart and Kidney.

Furthermore, when a person is near death, the hands and feet move chaotically and urgently, lacking any sign of relaxation (this is analogous to the True Zang pulse being wiry, strong, and stiff, devoid of Stomach Qi). This is called "Ghost Zao" (Gui Zao), which is also a sign of Yin syndrome.

Fan can be either Excess or Deficiency. Deficient Fan is caused by either Qi deficiency or Blood deficiency. When Blood is deficient, it fails to nourish the Heart, leading to palpitations and unrest, insomnia, and subsequently Fan. When Qi is deficient, Fire flares up (as Li Dongyuan stated: Evil Fire and Healthy Qi cannot coexist; as one declines, the other rises). Thus, Evil Fire invades the Heart causing Fan.

Treatment methods: If Heat is in the Heart and Lungs, causing restlessness in sitting and lying down, use Zhizi Chi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction), Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction), Zhuru Tang (Bamboo Rind Decoction), or Zhusha Anshen Wan (Cinnabar Calming the Spirit Pill). If irritability worsens after diarrhea, use Zhizi Chi Tang. If body heat persists and irritability does not resolve after sweating, it is named Feng Jue (Wind Jue). Taiyang (Solar Channel) wind-strike causes Fan and heat, termed Wind; Shaoyin (Yin Mini) Heat also rushes upward, so symptoms do not resolve with sweating, termed Jue. The Classic states: Treat both the Exterior and Interior via acupuncture (Taiyang is the Exterior, Shaoyin is the Interior), and administer decoctions (to stop the rebellious Qi rising upward. Refer to Zhang Zhongjing's Maidong Tang for treating Fan). If there is no Fan but extreme heat in the Heart and hands, a preference for cool places, a deep pulse, and thirst, use Miaoxiang Wan to purge Phlegm-Heat. For insomnia, use Wendan Tang (see Palpitations) and Suanzaoren Tang (see Inability to Sleep). If Body Fluids are depleted, generate fluids. If Blood is depleted, tonify Blood. If Kidney Water is exhausted, nourish the Kidney. After childbirth, smallpox, or dysentery, if Blood is depleted and scattered, causing mental irritability and unrest, the condition is critical; vigorously administer Dushen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction). If Heat accumulates in the Heart, use Qingxin Lianzi Yin (Clear the Heart Lotus Seed Drink). (See Red and White Turbidity.) Deficient Fan with body heat resembles Shanghan (Cold Damage), but differs in that there is no headache or body pain, no aversion to cold, and the pulse is not tight. Yin Zao manifests as a desire to strip clothes and sit in a well; treat with warming herbs, such as Sini Tang (Reverse the Yield Decoction) (see Jue) and Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) (see Middle Cold).