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The *Suwen* (Plain Questions) states that when the Taiyang (Greater Yang) channel is affected, it leads to Jing (spasm/stiffness); when the Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) channel is affected, it leads to Chi-zou (clonic convulsions). Generally speaking, Jing belongs to Water (Yin), and Chi-zou belongs to Fire (Yang); furthermore, the discussions on Cold Jue (reversal cold) and Heat Jue are particularly detailed.

Later physicians failed to distinguish Jing, Chi-zou, and Jue as three separate diseases, instead collectively referring to them as Jing-feng Tan-re (Wind-stirring Phlegm-Heat), or describing them as Jiao-gong fan-zhang (opisthotonos), Chu-nuo (twitching), Chou-che (jerking), Xian (epilepsy), Jing, and Jue. Fang Zhongxing compiled the *Jing Shu* (Book on Spasm), but in his Q&A sections, he conflated Chi-zou with Jing, offering vague and undifferentiated arguments. Ye Tianshi’s medical cases provide the most detailed treatment for Xian, Jing, and Jue, yet he collectively termed them Jing-Jue, omitting the specific category of Chi-zou, thereby also conflating Chi-zou with Jing. Examining other texts reveals no such distinction; the preceding discussion on Jing disease followed this trend, adhering to the common understanding of the time.

Respectfully noted: "Jing" refers to stiffness and rigidity; what later generations called Jiao-gong fan-zhang (opisthotonos) is what the ancients called Jing. "Chi-zou" refers to the waning and waxing of muscle movements, i.e., twitching and pulling back; what later generations called Chou-che (jerking) and Chu-nuo (twitching) is what the ancients called Chi-zou. If jerking and twitching do not cease, it is Chi-zou. If symptoms occur intermittently, stopping for days or months before recurring, and sometimes resolving spontaneously without treatment, it is Xian (epilepsy). When the four limbs are cold as ice, it is Jue; when hot as fire, it is also Jue; when alternating between icy cold and fiery heat, it is likewise Jue. Broadly speaking, the four categories of Jing, Chi-zou, Xian, and Jue should be differentiated by Cold, Heat, Deficiency, and Excess to avoid diagnostic errors.

Zhang Zhongjing’s discussion on Gang-jing (Stiff Spasm) and Rou-jing (Soft Spasm) was established for Shanghan (Cold Damage) and did not address Chi-zou disease; thus, it falls under the category of Cold-Water. When accompanied by Wind, there is Rou-jing with sweating, which is a pattern of Cold and Excess. Aside from Cold Jing, all other forms are patterns of Heat and Excess within Chi-zou disease. In the Dampness category, there are Cold Jing and Heat Chi-zou, presenting as either Excess or Deficiency. If chronic Heat disease depletes body fluids, it results in Deficient-Heat Chi-zou. The previously mentioned case of a child’s internal organ self-disease belongs to Deficient-Heat. Postpartum Jing-feng causing Jing includes Cold Jing, as described by Zhang Zhongjing; and Heat Chi-zou, which is supplemented in this treatise. In summary, Jing disease is suitable for treatment with rigid and warm methods, while Chi-zou disease is suitable for gentle and cool methods. There are also cases where Jing accompanies Chi-zou, or Chi-zou accompanies Jing, described as "Water extreme resembling Fire, Fire extreme resembling Water." As for Xian syndrome, it also presents as Deficient or Excess, involving external pathogens lingering in the collaterals, or conditions where the Five Zang organs prohibit sweating; even acrid-sweet herbs that do not induce sweating are contraindicated. Furthermore, regarding visceral Qi damage caused by excessive injury to Will (Zhi), Ye Tianshi analyzed these distinctions in detail, allowing for differentiated treatment.

Wu Tang, noting that predecessors conflated Chi-zou and Jing into a single syndrome, has clarified and discussed them separately to provide material for reference and selection.