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For all non-wind (stroke-like diseases) and other syndromes, it is necessary to distinguish whether the pathogen is in the meridians or the zang-fu organs. Diseases in the meridians are mild and superficial, allowing for gradual recovery; diseases in the zang-fu organs are deep and severe, inspiring fear. When the meridians are affected, the pathology involves the limbs; when the zang-fu organs are affected, the essence of Shen Qi (Spiritual Energy) is damaged. Although diseases located in the meridians invariably have internal origins, the severity of exterior and interior conditions has its respective dominants. This is why the distinction between meridians and zang-fu organs cannot be neglected. However, whether the disease is in the meridians or the zang-fu organs, although manifestations differ, regarding Yin and Yang, they all fundamentally rely on Qi and Blood. If one understands the urgency and deficiency of Qi and Blood, and comprehends the depletion and excess of Yin and Yang, one achieves the utmost excellence in treatment. If one rigidly insists that a specific zang or meridian must be treated with a specific formula or herb, without understanding flexibility and adaptation, one will mostly lose the truth. Therefore, dogmatic discussions often prove impractical despite sounding plausible, precisely because what the mind conceives cannot always be fully expressed by the mouth. Only those who can perceive subtle signs are worthy of being called individuals with divine insight.

1. Mild syndromes of meridian diseases: Withered and dry skin and hair, sweating, dizziness, and nasal congestion indicate Lung Meridian disease. Blood vessels failing to nourish, resulting in a haggard complexion, indicate Heart Meridian disease. Muscle emaciation, edema with numbness, muscle twitching, tendon tremors, and inability to use the four limbs indicate Spleen Meridian disease. Tendon fatigue, spasms, convulsions, and distending pain in the hypochondrium indicate Liver Meridian disease. Deviation of the mouth and eyes indicates Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian and Liver/Gallbladder Meridian diseases. Weak bones and inability to sit or stand indicate Kidney Meridian disease.

2. Critical syndromes of meridian diseases: Cold skin and pores, profuse oily sweat, and extreme aversion to cold indicate Lung Meridian disease. A stiff tongue unable to speak indicates Heart and Kidney Meridian diseases. Relaxed lips, open mouth, and relaxed hands indicate Spleen Meridian disease. Blurred vision leading to blindness, and extreme tendon pain indicate Liver and Kidney Meridian diseases. Deafness with complete hearing loss, and extreme bone pain indicate Kidney Meridian disease. Opisthotonos (body arching backward), upward gaze, and a spine feeling like it is broken indicate Bladder Meridian disease.

3. Mild syndromes of zang-fu organ diseases: Cough with slight wheezing, shortness of breath, and incessant sorrow or worry indicate pathology in the Lung Zang. Incoherent speech, mental confusion with excessive laughter, and insomnia indicate pathology in the Heart Zang. Abdominal fullness, poor appetite, spitting saliva, vomiting, acid regurgitation, belching, delirium, and excessive rumination indicate pathology in the Spleen and Stomach. Rebellious Qi in the chest and hypochondrium, frequent惊 (fright) and anger indicate pathology in the Liver and Gallbladder. Pain in the lower abdomen, irregular urination and defecation, rebellious Qi rushing upward, impotence, groaning, and frequent fear indicate pathology in the Kidney Zang.

4. Critical syndromes of zang-fu organ diseases: Extremely rapid breathing and severe wheezing, or Qi exhaustion with loss of voice, accompanied by gray-white or purplish-red complexion, indicate exhaustion of Lung and Kidney Qi. Dispersion of Shen (Spirit) and deterioration of complexion, lethargy and unconsciousness, with a red-black complexion, indicate exhaustion of Heart Qi. Extreme phlegm-saliva obstruction, inability to swallow or spit, persistent hiccuping, extreme abdominal distension, and a blue-black complexion indicate exhaustion of Spleen and Stomach Qi. Eyes closed and unable to open, restlessness and agitation, mental distress with retraction of the scrotum, and a blue-gray-white complexion indicate exhaustion of Liver Qi. Hoarseness or aphonia, cold extremities that do not recover, blockage of both urination and defecation, and uncontrollable diarrhea indicate exhaustion of Kidney Qi.