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The Liver is the residence of the Hun (Ethereal Soul), its orifice is the eyes, its position corresponds to the Zhen trigram, it connects with the Qi of Spring, and primarily governs the command of spring’s ascending and activating movement. However, Wood can generate Wind, thus the *Classic* states: "All wind diseases characterized by tremors and dizziness belong to the Liver." It also states: "When Yang Qi is subjected to excessive mental and physical exertion, it becomes hyperactive; if Essence is exhausted and accumulated upon during Summer, it causes Jian Jue (Frying Syncope)." If Qi is in the process of ascending, but exertion is excessive, then Yang Qi expands outward while Essence is depleted inward. If pathogenic, aberrant Qi accumulates for a long time during Spring without dissipating, and has not recovered by Summer, then Fire becomes vigorous while True Yin is like being fried; as Fire flares upward, deficient Qi rebels and ascends, hence it is called Jian Jue. According to the *Mai Jie Lun* (Chapter on Pulse Explanation): "When Liver Qi loses regulation and one is prone to anger, it is named Jian Jue." One should guard against anger to nourish Yang, allowing the life-generating Qi to be born endlessly. It also states: "Great anger causes the form and Qi to sever, and Blood stagnates at the upper part, causing Bo Jue (Thinning Syncope)." 'Wan' means stagnation. Anger injures the Liver; the Liver is the Sea of Blood. Anger causes Qi to ascend; when Qi rebels and severs, Blood stagnates in the Upper Jiao. Mutual pressure is called 'Bo', and Qi rebellion is called 'Jue'. Fearing disorder of Qi and Blood, it is called Bo Jue. Accumulation at the upper part inevitably leads to syncope and vomiting. Bo Jue occurs when there is an excess and abundance of Qi and Blood. Therefore, the Liver stores Blood; when Blood is harmonious, the body is lustrous; when Blood is deficient, the body is withered. Thus, the key to nourishing the Liver lies in guarding against distracting thoughts/desires, which is the first method of preserving life.

The Spleen is the root of the Post-Heaven (Acquired) constitution, the granary of the human body. The Spleen corresponds to the Earth of the Central Palace; Earth is the mother of all things. Just as a newborn infant, if it does not eat for a day, it will hunger; if it does not eat for seven days, the intestines and stomach will dry up and die. The *Classic* states: "If one can digest grain, one prospers; if one cannot digest grain, one perishes." Generally, when Grain Qi enters the Stomach, it spreads and distributes throughout the Six Fu Organs, making the Qi harmonious, regulating the Five Zang Organs, and generating Blood, upon which humans rely for life. However, Earth dislikes dampness and prefers dryness. Drinking water should not be excessive; if excessive, dampness prevails and health is compromised. Eating food should not be excessive; if excessive, stagnation occurs and digestion is difficult, leading to disease. Thus, diet is used to nourish life, but gluttony without satiety can also harm life. The *Wu Li Lun* states: "When Grain Qi exceeds Yuan Qi (Original Qi), the person becomes fat but short-lived." The art of nurturing nature involves keeping Grain Qi low so that disease does not arise. If this applies to Grain Qi, how much more so does overindulgence in the Five Flavors harm the Five Viscera! Even worse, extensively searching for rare delicacies and competing for novelty, one may not know their properties, flavors, toxicity, and whether they are suitable or contraindicated for one's viscera. Therefore, the sages of the West advising us to abstain from killing and adopt vegetarianism is fundamentally no different from the Dao. If one abstains from killing, one's nature becomes compassionate and good thoughts arise; if one eats vegetarian food, the mind becomes clear and the intestines and stomach become pure. Without wrath and without greed, all stems from this. Externally examining meat from poultry and beasts, grains are suitable for humans; one must be cautious.