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When observing the complexion and qi color, one must gaze at the "Jing Ming" (Vivid Spirit/Clarity of Vision) of the eyes. "Jing Ming" refers to the eyes themselves. They are the gathering place of the essence of the five zang organs and six fu organs, the habitual residence of Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi), Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), Hun (Ethereal Soul), and Po (Corporeal Soul), and the source from which Shen Qi (Spiritual Qi) arises. They serve as the external envoy of the Heart, the external manifestation of the Liver, the convergence point of numerous meridians, the intersection of Yin and Yang, and the place where clear and bright Qi manifests. The *Ling Shu* states: "The essence and qi of the five zang organs and six fu organs all ascend into the eyes to form their vivid spirit." The cavity where essence gathers is called the eye; the essence of Bone manifests as the pupil; the essence of Tendon manifests as the black part of the eye (cornea and iris); the essence of Blood manifests as the blood vessels; the essence of Qi gathered in the cavities manifests as the white part of the eye (sclera); and the essence of Muscle manifests as the eyelids (restraints). These structures, which envelop the essence of bone, tendon, blood, qi, and muscle, merge with the meridians to form the optic nerve system, connecting upward to the brain and exiting posteriorly through the neck.

Since bone, tendon, blood, qi, and muscle belong to the five zang organs, the eyes can be divided according to the five zang organs: blood vessels belong to the Heart, the black part belongs to the Liver, the white part belongs to the Lung, the pupil belongs to the Kidney, and the eyelids belong to the Spleen. If red vessels extend from top to bottom, it indicates Taiyang disease (Disease of the Taiyang Channel); if they extend from bottom to top, it indicates Yangming disease (Disease of the Yangming Channel); if they move from outside inward, it indicates Shaoyang disease (Disease of the Shaoyang Channel); if they originate from within and spread outward, it indicates Yangqiao disease (Disease of the Yang Qiao Vessel). The pupil and the black part follow the principles of Yin; the white part and red vessels follow the principles of Yang. When Yin and Yang combine and transmit, the vivid spirit of the eye is formed. This constitutes the regional division of the zang organs and the differentiation of Yin and Yang. From this observation, there is form, appearance, qi, and color. Discussing them separately clarifies their underlying principles; diagnosing them comprehensively allows one to understand their variations. Form, appearance, qi, and color are everywhere signs of the zang organs and everywhere manifestations of the principles of Yin and Yang. The zang organs and Yin-Yang are described through qi and color; what exists internally manifests externally. Ultimately, all of these rely on "Shen" (Spirit) as the root.

When awake, Shen resides in the eyes; when asleep, Shen dwells in the Heart. Shen is characterized by steady and correct vision, clear distinction between black and white, refined facial expression, and clear, lustrous radiance. It is bright and clear, and cannot be separated for even a moment. Thus, the manifestation of Shen in the eyes is as follows. Regarding the so-called "Five Wheels" and "Eight Palaces" of the eye, although their names are attributed to Fuxi and the Yellow Emperor, in reality, they deviate from the true relationship between substance and function. One should not fail to realize that the method for ophthalmological diagnosis should follow the method of ancient sages for diagnosing the eyes. If one attempts to establish rules by attaching them to the methods of the sages, then such attached methods are not true methods. Therefore, those who seek the methods of ophthalmology should know how to properly emulate them.