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The pathogenesis section of the *Suwen* (Plain Questions) states: "All Qi stagnation and fullness belong to the Lung; all flaccidity syndromes, panting, and vomiting belong to the Upper." These two clauses explicitly refer to Dryness diseases. The *Shengqi Tongtian Lun* (Treatise on the Connection between Vital Energy and Heaven) states: "In autumn, injury by Dryness causes Qi to rebel upward leading to cough, resulting in flaccidity syndromes and cold extremities." The essence of Dryness disease can be summarized in one phrase, which perfectly aligns with these two clauses from the pathogenesis section. However, due to a misinterpretation that confused "injury by Dryness" with "injury by Dampness," commentators mistakenly identified Dryness as Dampness, causing the original meaning of the classics to become unclear. This text aims to clarify this issue.

If there is pain in the left hypochondrium, inability to turn the body, dry throat, a dusty complexion, lack of luster in the skin, heat sensation on the outer aspect of the feet, lower back pain accompanied by fright, tendon contraction, hernia in men, and lower abdominal pain in women, blurred vision, and sores, these are manifestations of the Liver being the root of Dryness, appearing scattered across various symptoms. Furthermore, the *Bi Lun* (Treatise on Bi Syndromes) states: "Yin Qi, when still, preserves the Spirit; when agitated, it dissipates and perishes." The reason why Dryness leads to the dissipation of Yin Qi is cited but not fully elaborated. Additionally, because records of Dryness syndromes were lost in the *Neijing*, later masters, even great sages like Li Dongyuan, treated Dryness primarily by nourishing Ying and Blood, tonifying Liver and Kidney deficiencies, and treating constipation of the bowels, initially neglecting the treatment of the Lung.

Regarding Qi stagnation belonging to the Lung, it belongs to the Dryness of the Lung, not the Dampness of the Lung. If Lung Qi is not dry, then all Qi would follow the clear and descending command, circulating freely throughout the body, and how could they stagnate? Regarding flaccidity, panting, and vomiting belonging to the "Upper," "Upper" refers to the Lung, not the Heart. If one were to speak generally of both the Heart and Lung in the Upper Jiao, heart disease does not primarily govern flaccidity, panting, or vomiting. Only when Lung Dryness is severe do the lung lobes become flaccid and non-functional, Lung Qi rebels causing wheezing, and food fails to pass through the diaphragm, leading to vomiting. These three are extreme manifestations of Dryness syndromes. The classic text originally stated: "Violating the Qi of Autumn, the Taiyin fails to receive, causing Lung Qi to become scorched and distended." How can this be called a Dampness disease?

The *Neijing* states: "Heart transfers Heat to the Lung, transmitting it as Diaphragmatic Xiao (Wasting-Thirst)." The origin of Lung Dryness is ancient. If a person's Kidney Water is sufficient to ascend and interact with the Heart, then Heart Fire descends to interact with the Kidney, and does not transmit to the Lung. If Heart Fire does not transmit to the Lung, what danger of injury by Dryness exists? Even if Kidney Water is slightly deficient, the fluids of the intestines and stomach are sufficient to assist in supplying the upper body, preventing excessive damage to the Lung. However, if the waters of the Middle and Lower Jiao are completely exhausted, it is impossible for the water at the high source to remain stable without tilting. Therefore, the classic text also states: "Jie (binding/accumulation) of the Two Yangs is called Xiao." When Hand Yangming Large Intestine Heat binds and fluids do not moisten, and Foot Yangming Stomach Heat binds and blood does not nourish, Wasting-Thirst syndrome forms, characterized by a cracked red tongue and extreme thirst desiring drinking. Although the wording differs from "Heart transfers Heat to the Lung, transmitting it as Diaphragmatic Xiao," the underlying principle is identical. To treat Diaphragmatic Xiao, use Baihu Jia Renshen Tang (White Tiger Decoction plus Ginseng) to specifically rescue the Lung. Applying this to Qi stagnation, flaccidity, panting, and vomiting fits perfectly.

Miu Zhongchun, in treating diseases, liked to use moistening agents to treat Dryness, seemingly opening a new path. However, he did not elucidate the theory deeply; his success was merely coincidental due to the prevalence of Dryness diseases at the time. While this approach can treat internal injury-induced Dryness, it cannot treat external contraction-induced Dryness. One should only adopt its strengths.

The *Yinyang Bie Lun* (Treatise on Differences between Yin and Yang) states: "Diseases of the Two Yangs originate in the Heart and Spleen, involving difficulties in intimate relations, scanty essence in men, and amenorrhea in women. It transmits as Fengxiao (Wind-Wasting), and further as Xiben (Panting Accumulation), which is incurable and fatal." This is also an origin of Lung Dryness that had not been revealed. Dryness causing depletion of fluids in men and exhaustion of essence and blood in women is indeed extreme. Initially, it only affects intimate relations; subsequently, Stomach Dryness transmits to the Spleen, forming Fengxiao. Fengxiao refers to intense Wind-Heat causing muscle wasting. Large Intestine Dryness transmits to the Lung, forming Xiben. Xiben refers to breathing with sound that rushes upward without descending. Thus, the intestines and stomach combine with the Heart and Spleen to create Dryness in Metal (Lung). With the Three Zang organs and Two Fu organs having nearly exhausted their Yin Qi, can it be cured? Transmission from the Heart to the Lung already belongs to the category of Dead Yin. Although the Spleen scatters the essence of the Two Yangs to transport upwards to the Lung, allowing for slight recovery of the dried fish, now due to the harm of Dryness, the organ that generates me (Spleen) turns to drain my life force. Therefore, it is directly judged as incurable and fatal. Previously, I was confused; now I clarify it.