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I have often stated that a person's physical appearance, complexion (Qi-se), pulse, disease manifestations, and voice may sometimes correspond with each other, and sometimes not. Correspondence can be relied upon for diagnosis, whereas non-correspondence cannot be solely depended upon. This is because there are both constant patterns and variable changes. By understanding the constants, one can identify similarities; by understanding the variables, one can discern differences. Therefore, when observing the Four Diagnostic Methods (Wang, Wen, Wen, Qie) separately, each has its specific applicability; when synthesizing them, all provide reliable basis. From the perspective of their similarities, if the diagnostic approach remains constant, the treatment also remains constant. From the perspective of their differences, since diagnosis lacks fixed constants, treatment likewise lacks fixed constants. However, both constancy and variability do not depart from the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), and similarities and differences do not exceed the scope of the Four Diagnostic Methods. By cross-referencing and synthesizing these factors, although deficiency and excess conditions vary and Zang-Fu organs interact through overcoming relationships, the principles of generation and restriction can be deduced to predict outcomes and prognosis.

Let us first examine the synthesis of complexion and voice. The liver manifests as cyan color (Qing), vocalizes with calls (Hu), and corresponds to the Jue pitch; the heart manifests as red color (Chi), vocalizes with laughter (Xiao), and corresponds to the Zhi pitch; the spleen manifests as yellow color (Huang), vocalizes with singing (Ge), and corresponds to the Gong pitch; the lungs manifest as white color (Bai), vocalize with weeping/crying (Ku), and correspond to the Shang pitch; the kidneys manifest as black color (Hei), vocalize with groaning (Shen), and correspond to the Yu pitch. When such a complexion matches such a voice, this is called "correspondence." If one observes a specific complexion but does not hear the corresponding voice, or hears a specific voice without seeing the corresponding complexion, it indicates imbalance in the Zang organs and abnormal interactions among the Five Elements.

For example, if one observes a cyan complexion (associated with Wood/Liver) but does not hear the Jue pitch (Wood), yet hears the Zhi pitch (Fire/Heart), this reflects the generating relationship of Wood producing Fire. If the Yu pitch (Water/Kidney) is heard, this reflects Water generating Wood. This is referred to as the Generating Cycle (Xiang Sheng). If the Gong pitch (Earth/Spleen) is heard, this reflects Wood overcoming Earth; if the Shang pitch (Metal/Lung) is heard, this reflects Metal overcoming Wood. This is referred to as the Restricting/Overcoming Cycle (Xiang Ke). The Five Colors and Five Pitches can all be analyzed proportionally in this manner.

However, complexions vary in intensity, voices vary in strength, and diseases differ in deficiency and excess. One must therefore adapt to these variations based on diagnostic findings. In summary, generating relationships indicate favorable progression (Shun), while restricting relationships indicate unfavorable progression (Ni). If the complexion restricts the voice, death occurs rapidly; if the voice restricts the complexion, death occurs slowly. If the complexion generates the voice, recovery is rapid; if the voice generates the complexion, recovery is slow. When voice and complexion correspond without excess or deficiency, the individual is a Ping Ren (healthy person). When they correspond but exhibit excess or deficiency, the individual is a patient. Diseases of the Fu organs often show generating relationships, while diseases of the Zang organs often show restricting relationships. Excess conditions typically involve the Fu organs, while deficiency conditions typically involve the Zang organs. The mutual multiplication (Cheng) between Zang and Fu can be deduced from these principles. This constitutes the essence of synthesizing complexion and voice. Regarding the specific naming of diseases and the characterization of symptoms, there are further nuances and contraindications. Only by mastering texts on disease syndromes, being proficient in various therapeutic methods, recognizing constancies, and comprehending variables—thereby possessing a clear mental image and perceiving the essence rather than just the surface—one can resolve cases effortlessly.