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To apply the methods of treating diseases, one must investigate the source of the pathology. Generally, the origin of disease does not depart from the two types of pathogenic factors: Yin and Yang (Yin-Yang). By thoroughly investigating this aspect before treatment, cases where the severe illness (Jue Ji) fails to heal are rare. Skilled physicians understand this principle. They assert that diseases such as Wind (Feng), Heat (Re), and Fire (Huo) belong to the invasion of Yang pathogens. Since the disease originates in Yang, if its root is not sought and treated, the Yang pathogen will spread and become difficult to control. Conversely, diseases such as Dampness (Shi), Dryness (Zao), and Cold (Han) belong to the invasion of Yin pathogens. Since the disease originates in Yin, if its root is not sought and treated, the Yin pathogen will spread and become difficult to manage. If one can thoroughly investigate the origin to treat the disease and apply the appropriate methods, success can be achieved effortlessly. The principle that "treating disease requires seeking its root" is stated thus in *Su Wen: Yin Yang Ying Xiang Da Lun* (Basic Questions: Great Treatise on the Correspondence of Yin and Yang).

When pathogenic factors cause disease, they transform over time, resulting in a multitude of complicated manifestations. For example, water has a source, allowing it to flow into vast oceans and gradually expand downwards; trees have roots, allowing them to continuously produce stems, leaves, and fruits, growing luxuriantly upwards. Similarly, if a disease has a root, its changes are infinite. Without seeking the root to treat it, it is impossible to eliminate deep-seated ailments.

Currently, the Jueyin (Liver/Gallbladder channel system) presents with Wind-Wood as its root and Three Yin as its marker. When Wind pathogen invades the human body, it causes symptoms such as tremors, dizziness, convulsions, and sudden rigidity. Shaoyin (Heart/Kidney channel system) presents with Ministerial Fire (Jun Huo) as its root and Two Yin as its marker. When Heat pathogen invades, it causes sores, ulcers, itching, acute diarrhea with tenesmus, and turbid urine. Shaoyang (Sanjiao/Gallbladder channel system) presents with Associate Fire (Xiang Huo) as its root and One Yang as its marker. When Heat pathogen invades, it causes fever, mental confusion, restlessness, mania, and loss of spiritual control. Competent practitioners treat excessive Wind with pungent-cool substances; excessive Heat with salty-cold substances; and excessive Fire with salty-cold substances. Since these diseases originate in Yang, treating the Yang aspect ensures recovery.

Taiyin (Spleen/Lung channel system) presents with Damp-Earth as its root and Three Yin as its marker. When Damp pathogen invades, it causes abdominal fullness, edema (pitting upon pressure), and various spasmodic rigidities. Yangming (Stomach/Large Intestine channel system) presents with Dryness-Metal as its root and Two Yang as its marker. When Dryness pathogen invades, it causes Qi stagnation, skin cracking and scaling, and various dryness-related conditions. Taiyang (Bladder/Small Intestine channel system) presents with Cold-Water as its root and One Yang as its marker. When Cold pathogen invades, it causes vomiting, purging with foul odor, clear cold urine, and various cold-induced contraction and pulling sensations. Competent practitioners treat excessive Dampness with bitter-hot substances; excessive Dryness with bitter-warm substances; and excessive Cold with pungent-hot substances. Since these diseases originate in Yin, treating the Yin aspect ensures recovery. Is this not proof that treating disease requires investigating its origin?

I have previously discussed that pathogenic factors manifest specific signs, and their treatments have specific key points, extending beyond a single method. For diseases in the skin and hair, use diaphoresis (sweating method) to disperse them; for diseases entering the interior, use purgation to drain them. For diseases located high, use emesis (vomiting method); for fierce/aggressive pathogens, use massage to subdue them. For deficiency-cold of the Zang organs, use moxibustion; for pulse disorders involving spasms and bi-syndrome, use acupuncture; for blood excess with stasis, swelling, and heat, use bian stone (lithotomy/bloodletting); for Qi stagnation, flaccidity, cold limbs, and alternating chills and fever, use Dao Yin (qigong/exercise therapy); for meridian blockage causing numbness, use medicinal wine (Lao Li); for coagulated Qi and Blood affecting sinews and vessels, use hot compresses with herbs. Starting by seeking the root of the disease and ending by eliminating the pathogenic factor, all methods fall within this scope.

Alas! In ancient times, Huangdi sat in the Hall of Laws, receiving teachings from Qibo and transmitting the Way from Leigong. He said: Yin and Yang are the principles of Heaven and Earth, the guidelines for all things, containing the mysterious power of transformation and life-death cycles. When humans contract disease from pathogens, it never departs from Yin and Yang. Since the disease originates here, how can physicians seek elsewhere? They must seek it in Yin and Yang. *Zhi Yao Da Lun* (Great Treatise on the Most Essential) states: "Seek what exists, seek what does not exist." This approach to investigating disease mechanisms aligns with the principle of seeking the root. (Zhu Danxi)