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The syndrome of Hou Bi (Sore Throat/Obstruction), although differentiated into eighteen types in ancient medical texts, was entirely attributed by ancients to Xiang Huo (Ministerial Fire). However, although this syndrome is mostly caused by Fire, there are also non-Fire syndromes; therefore, a detailed examination is indispensable. Fire has true and false distinctions: cases where Excess Fire can be cleared are True Fire syndromes; cases where Deficient Fire should not be cleared are Kidney Water Deficiency syndromes. Furthermore, there are cases of Yin Excess repelling Yang outward, which constitute True Yin (True Cold) syndromes. Thus, the *Nei Jing* states: "When Taiyang governs the interior, if Cold dominates excessively, the people suffer from throat diseases and submandibular swelling." The meaning here is precisely this; why do later generations fail to investigate it?

1. The meridians involved in Hou Bi include Shaoyang, Shaoyin, Yangming, and Jueyin, all of which present with this syndrome, listed below. However, the deficiency and excess conditions vary among them. Generally, Shaoyang and Jueyin belong to the Wood and Fire viscera, so they naturally tend toward Heat syndromes. Yangming is the Sea of Water and Grain, and Stomach Qi penetrates directly to the throat; thus, it is said that Fire in Yangming is the most vigorous. To distinguish these, one should observe whether the onset arises from emotional depression or anger; such cases mostly belong to Shaoyang and Jueyin. If the onset arises from excessive indulgence in rich, sweet, fatty, pungent, or hot foods, it mostly belongs to Yangming. Most patients suffering from this condition are suitable for treatment based on Excess Fire. As for diseases of Shaoyin, they do not fall into this category, because the Shaoyin meridian begins at Henggu (KI-11) and ends at Huiyan, connecting to the root of the tongue. Whenever Yin Fire rushes upward, it often causes Hou Bi. However, Fire in Shaoyin can be either deficient or excess, and cannot be uniformly judged as Fire. If it is indeed due to Excess Fire, Fire symptoms and pulses will naturally manifest, making it easy to identify. If it results from excessive alcohol and sexual activity leading to the depletion of True Water, this is a Deficient Fire syndrome within the Kidney, requiring the method of Strengthening Water (to control Fire). In cases where Fire is deficient at the lower jiao while repelling Yang to the upper jiao, this is Rootless Fire, constituting a True Cold syndrome within the Kidney, requiring warming and tonification of Mingmen (Gate of Vitality). These various meridians differ significantly in terms of deficiency and excess, a knowledge rarely possessed by later generations. Only Chu Shi left behind the theory of "investigating the lower body for diseases in the upper body," which is truly a statement revealing the Dao of medicine.

1. The general treatment principle for Hou Bi is clearing Fire. Although there are many names, it might seem unnecessary to differentiate all of them. However, differentiation is indispensable in certain cases, such as the differences between unilateral/bilateral Ru E (Tonsillar Hypertrophy/Pear-like Swellings) and Dan Shuang Chan Hou Feng (Unilateral/Bilateral Winding Throat Wind). Swelling on both sides of the pharynx is called Double E (Bilateral Pear-like Swelling); swelling on one side is Single E (Unilateral Pear-like Swelling). These forms are typically round and protruding like pearls, belonging to the category of abscesses and boils, accumulating in the throat. Consequently, they often discharge toxic pus, or may be cured by pricking to release blood. In contrast, Chan Hou Feng presents with diffuse redness and swelling throughout the throat, rarely forming pus, and does not require bleeding. It suffices to reduce the Fire, after which the swelling subsides spontaneously. This is why they differ, and their treatments must follow distinct methods.