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The *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states: In cases of "moving qi" (abnormal pulsation or movement of Qi), sweating therapy is contraindicated, and purgative therapy is also contraindicated.

According to my understanding: This syndrome of "moving qi" manifests as a throbbing sensation beside the umbilicus, and pulsations at the area below the left breast known as Xuli (Vulnerable Chamber), all of which are interconnected.

Consulting the *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues), it distinguishes the four Zang organs—Heart, Kidney, Liver, and Lung—by the areas above, below, left, and right of the umbilicus, listing their respective syndromes.

It is also detailed in the *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage).

Cheng Wuji stated: "Moving qi" refers to the dysfunction of Zang Qi and internal deficiency of True Qi.

Although various theories state this, none have grasped the essence; therefore, many contemporary physicians do not recognize what syndrome this is, and some even doubt that such a syndrome exists.

I have paid close attention to observing this condition and have encountered many cases.

Generally, moving qi located beside the umbilicus originates from the Yin aspect of the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner). Patients suffering from Guan Ge syndrome (obstruction characterized by vomiting and inability to urinate) or consumptive diseases often present this symptom, especially those who are emaciated.

When the movement is mild, it is confined to the areas above and below the umbilicus; when severe, it extends to the Xuli point and the hypochondrium/heart region, resembling continuous pounding, with the entire body trembling.

This occurs because the Primordial Qi (originating from Tianyi) lacks root, causing Qi to fail to reside within the Zang organs and instead surge in the lower part. This is indeed a sign of failing True Yin and extreme deficiency.

How to verify this? One can observe signs during respiration, hunger, or satiety.

In patients with this condition, movements intensify during hunger and subside slightly after eating; they intensify during exhalation and subside slightly during inhalation. Generally, the greater the deficiency, the more intense the movement; the slighter the deficiency, the milder the movement. Is this not clear evidence of deficiency versus excess?

Even the patients themselves, although frequently feeling the vibration, experience no pain or itching, and remain unaware of the cause. Physicians often disregard it and fail to examine it in detail, thus failing to identify the disease. The lack of clarity regarding "moving qi" has persisted for a long time.

This moving qi appears very frequently in consumptive diseases and is also not uncommon in cold damage diseases.

Those with Essence deficiency cannot undergo sweating therapy, and those with Yin deficiency cannot undergo purgative therapy. Zhang Zhongjing only mentioned these prohibitions without discussing treatment methods. Does this mean there is no method to treat moving qi?

In the section on Huoluan (Cholera-like disorder), it states: "Pounding above the umbilicus indicates Kidney Qi moving"; it should be treated with Lizhong Wan (Regulate the Middle Pill) with Baizhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) removed and Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) added in an amount of four liang. This intention to regulate the Spleen and Kidney can be generally understood.

However, in my treatment of this condition, I directly rescue True Yin to nourish the root, allowing the Qi to find its residence, achieving efficacy in all cases.

For those wishing to distinguish between deficiency and excess, this syndrome must not be neglected. Detailed notes are provided under the Xuli acupoint in the *Lei Jing* (Classified Classic); these should be consulted together.