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For those of advanced age suffering from this condition, it is mostly incurable due to the deficiency and deterioration of Qi and Blood. Stools resembling sheep dung are incurable, indicating a lack of Blood in the Large Intestine. Vomiting phlegm resembling crab foam is incurable, indicating the deterioration of Spleen Qi. Abdominal pain mixed with knife-like cutting sensations is incurable, indicating extreme deficiency of Ying (Nutritive) Qi and exhaustion of Blood in the Middle Jiao.

The *Nashibingyuan* (Source of Diseases by Master Chao) states: When Yin and Yang are not harmonious, the San Jiao (Triple Burner) becomes obstructed. Obstruction of the San Jiao leads to impaired flow of Body Fluids, causing Qi stagnation and disharmony, thus resulting in Ye Ge (Dysphagia and Food Impaction). This arises from sorrow and indignation. Sorrow and indignation cause Qi to knot; when Qi knots, it cannot circulate freely, leading to obstruction and blockage.

Zhang Jifeng stated: Ye Ge is a disease of the spirit and mind; only those who practice introspection and self-nourishment can be cured. This statement deeply hits the essence of the pathology.

Yan Shi stated: The Five Ge and Five Ye arise from excessive joy or anger, where the Seven Emotions damage the Spleen and Stomach. Qi stagnation generates Phlegm; Phlegm and Qi contend with each other, rising but not descending, preventing food intake. What remains in the throat and epiglottis forms the Five Ye; what knots in the stomach and diaphragm forms the Five Ge. This disease causes chest and diaphragm fullness and oppression, vomiting, regurgitation, and dysphagia, hindering food intake. The treatment method should regulate Yin and Yang, resolve Phlegm, and direct Qi downward. If Yin and Yang are balanced and even, Qi flows smoothly, and Phlegm descends, the disease will have no basis for occurrence.

Liu Zongnong stated: In treating this disease, throat closure and chest/diaphragm fullness seem to belong to Qi stagnation. However, some cases result from taking too many Qi-consuming medicines, leading to failure of Middle Qi to move; these require tonifying Qi to restore movement. Dry stools like sheep dung seem to belong to Blood Heat, but some result from taking too many purgative medicines, exhausting Blood and causing further constipation; these require nourishing and moistening Blood to restore flow. Some cases involve Fire rebelling upward, preventing food entry, with a pulse that is surging, forceful, and rapid; or Phlegm-Fluid obstruction with a knotted and choppy pulse; these require clearing Phlegm and draining Heat, so that Fire naturally descends. Some cases involve decline of Spleen and Stomach Yang Fire, with a pulse that is deep, fine, and faint; these require acrid-aromatic medicines to warm Qi, primarily focusing on nourishing Yin and benefiting the Stomach, unlike the *Ju Fang* which focuses solely on drying and heating properties. As for those who do not observe dietary and lifestyle taboos, consume rich flavors, engage in sexual excess, or are elderly without sufficient Blood, they cannot be treated.

Chen Wuyue in the *Sanyin Fang* (Formulae of Three Causes) stated: The Five Ge refer to diseases caused by Si (Overthinking), You (Worry), Xi (Joy), Nu (Anger), and Bei (Grief). The Five Ye refer to diseases caused by You (Worry), Si (Overthinking), Qi (Qi disturbance), Lao (Fatigue), and Shi (Food retention). Si Ge causes fullness in the Zhongwan region, belching with acid reflux, indigestion, and difficulty defecating. You Ge causes Qi knotting in the chest, blocked Body Fluids, inability to swallow food, emaciation, and shortness of breath. Xi Ge causes heat in the five centers (palms, soles, and chest), bitter taste, mouth ulcers, extreme fatigue, limb bi-syndrome, chest pain radiating to the back, and reduced food intake. Nu Ge causes rebellious Qi and fullness in the chest and diaphragm, dysphagia and blockage, tendon spasms during vomiting, and aversion to the smell of food. Bei Ge causes heart and abdominal distension, cough, rebellious Qi, borborygmus, periumbilical pain, and inability to eat. You Ye causes chest fullness and oppression, rebellious Qi with occasional vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Si Ye causes palpitations, forgetfulness, and blurred vision. Qi Ye causes epigastric fullness, belching and hiccups with anorexia, chest and back pain, cold hands and feet on cloudy days, and inability to warm oneself. Lao Ye causes Qi rushing to the diaphragm, chest blockage and dysphagia, limb fullness, and back pain. Shi Ye causes severe chest pain upon hurried eating, and inability to breathe easily.