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The principle of judgment lies in nothing else but first carefully examining the symptoms; both Yang and Yin syndromes must be considered together. Once the auspicious and inauspicious signs of the Five Goodnesses (Wu Shan) and Seven Evils (Qi E) are determined, a wise person should first observe them meticulously.

Diseases are divided into internal and external conditions, and symptom examination should be detailed. Diseases arise from the Zang-Fu organs and meridians, and carbuncles and sores (Yong Ju) also originate from the Zang-Fu organs. For internal conditions, one must first inspect the exterior and interior (Biao Li); for external conditions, one must examine the Yin and Yang. Once the symptoms are accurately examined, treatment becomes naturally easier.

The manifestation of Yang syndrome in carbuncles and sores presents as redness and swelling, with high fever and intense heat, a pointed head that is red in color. The patient experiences alternating chills and fever, dry mouth and thirst, loss of appetite, and a preference for tea water; this is Yang syndrome. Yin syndrome appears dark green/blue, without fever or heat, without redness or swelling. The patient has little appetite but maintains a relatively smooth spirit; this is Yin syndrome. There is also a case where Yin syndrome mimics Yang: the affected area first turns red then crimson, with intermittent fever that comes and goes, unbearable pain, scorching thirst in the mouth, and frequent dizziness; this is Yang syndrome combined with Yin. If the patient feels cold throughout the body, sweats profusely, the sore head is full and plump, and the color is mostly blackish-red with a pointed head and round body, this is Yin syndrome combined with Yang. To treat external conditions, there is no other miraculous method; one must first distinguish between Yin and Yang, and subsequently examine the Five Goodnesses and Seven Evils in detail.

The Five Goodnesses are: 1. Loud voice; 2. Relaxed and open spirit; 3. Sore appearance showing red-purple for Yang syndrome or red-white for Yin syndrome; 4. Unreduced food intake; 5. Quiet sleep without restlessness. These constitute the Goodness syndromes. If one or two of these goodness signs are present, even if the disease is severe, there will be no danger.

The Seven Evils are: 1. Depressed and sluggish voice; 2. Inability to sit or lie down comfortably; 3. Frequent dizziness and mental oppression; 4. Yang syndrome presenting with blackish-red color or Yin syndrome with red-purple color; 5. Intermittent flow of stasis blood; 6. Coldness throughout the body; 7. Mental confusion and trance-like state. If one or two of these seven evils are observed, the condition is incurable. Practitioners must examine meticulously and must not act carelessly.

Heart Goodness: Spirit is refreshing, speech is clear, complexion is moist and fresh; no irritability, no vexation or thirst; wakefulness and sleep are both peaceful.
Liver Goodness: Body is light and agile; no anger, no fright or vexation; nails are red and moist; rising and sitting feel secure.
Spleen Goodness: Lips are moist; taste is perceived well, appetite increases; pus is yellow and not foul; stool is neither loose nor dry.
Lung Goodness: Voice is resonant; no panting, no cough or phlegm; skin is smooth and lustrous; breathing is calm and harmonious.
Kidney Goodness: No afternoon fever; mouth is harmonious and teeth are not dry; urine is clear and white; night sleep is as still as a mountain.