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The throat region is the site of the most acute and critical conditions. Sudden onset with unbearable pain indicates Cold (Han, cold syndrome); gradual progression to severe pain indicates Heat (Re, heat syndrome). This is akin to lightning flames arising from Yin, or prairie fires igniting gradually. The *Huangdi Neijing* states: "Sudden onset is not Fire; slow onset is not Cold." Those who clearly distinguish between Deficient Cold and Excess Heat can save patients. It is up to enlightened practitioners to differentiate these accurately, thereby ensuring correct treatment without error.

Ma Yuanyi stated: In cases of sore throat, a white color without redness or swelling indicates Cold; redness and swelling indicate Fire. However, a white color may also result from Wind pathogen; white with slight swelling indicates Phlegm and Qi stagnation. The *Neijing*'s statement "sudden onset is not Fire, slow onset is not Cold" does not refer exclusively to sore throats. To claim that initial onset is truly due to Cold is not necessarily always true, as there may be latent Heat within. If Cinnamon Twig (Rougui) were administered in such cases, would it not exacerbate the condition? Amidst such ambiguity, testing with Ginger Decoction first is the safest approach.

Tao Hua stated: While agreeing with the Master's point that latent Heat within could be worsened by Cinnamon Twig, using Ginger Decoction for testing is not entirely sound, as Ginger is also a hot-natured substance. For those unfamiliar with pulse diagnosis, why not use a Western thermometer to measure temperature? Furthermore, I possess a simple medical thermometer, which is more agile and accurate than those manufactured in the West. The details of its construction and usage are lengthy and have been recorded in my work *Youyi Zhai Zaji*.

Bi (Obstruction/Numbness) refers to numbness. A patient who was previously healthy but suddenly develops this condition suffers from Deficient Cold and Yin Fire, a critically dangerous syndrome. Manifestations include rattling phlegm in the throat, sounding like snoring, with a white, non-swollen tongue. Various texts label this as Lung Exhaustion (Fei Jue), deeming it incurable. This death results from the mistaken administration of Cold-Cooling herbs. One should slowly swallow Cinnamon-Ginger Decoction for immediate recovery. Alternatively, take slices of Raw Chuanwu (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata), coat them with white honey, roast over fire until thoroughly blackened, and store. Upon use, take a grain-sized piece, hold in the mouth, and swallow saliva; recovery is immediate. First, use a goose feather dipped in tung oil to induce vomiting and remove phlegm from the throat, then administer medicine.

Ma Yuanyi stated: Bi refers to obstruction, not numbness. In Bi syndromes, soups and drinks can still pass through; in Bi (closure) syndromes, even water cannot enter. Blowing Wolong Dan into the nose to induce sneezing can relieve the blockage.

Tao Hua stated: Additionally, blowing powder of Sichuan Pepper Fruit (Zaojiao) or Pinellia Rhizome (Banxia) into the nose can induce sneezing. If no medication is available, twisting a fine paper wick in the nose can also induce sneezing. Whenever one initially feels congestion in the throat, employing this method to induce several sneezes can dissipate heat and toxins. This is a method for opening the orifices.