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The Yellow Emperor asked: There is a disease where the patient has a sweet taste in the mouth. What is this disease called? How is it acquired? Qibo replied: This is the overflow of the essence of the five Zang organs, named Pi Dan (Spleen Heat Disease). When flavors enter the mouth, they are stored in the Stomach, and the Spleen transports their essence. When fluids stagnate in the Spleen, it causes the sensation of sweetness in the mouth. This disease originates from rich and fatty foods; such individuals must frequently consume sweet, delicious, and fatty foods. Fatty foods cause internal heat, while sweet foods cause fullness in the middle Jiao. Therefore, the Qi overflows upward, transforming into Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst Disease). It should be treated with Lan Cao (Orchid Herb) to remove stale and turbid Qi.

Dan refers to damp-heat diseases. The Spleen belongs to wet Earth, dislikes dampness, and prefers aromatic and drying properties. Its main function is to promote transportation and transformation, assisting the Stomach in distributing fluids. Thick and turbid Yin pathogens obstruct the ascending of clear Yang, turning into damp-heat. Consequently, fluids cannot be distributed normally but instead stagnate in the Spleen, overflowing upward to cause sweetness in the mouth. Sweetness is the flavor associated with the Spleen. If heat accumulates for a long time, it will inevitably transform into Xiao Ke disease. Urgent treatment with Lan Cao is required to remove stale Qi, thereby accommodating the Spleen's preference for aromatic substances. Lan Cao, commonly known as Sheng Tou Cao (Head-Clearing Grass), is used by women to soak oil for hair application.

The Yellow Emperor asked: There is a disease involving bitterness in the mouth, treated by needling Yang Ling Quan (GB34). For those with a bitter taste in the mouth, what is this disease called? How is it acquired? Qibo replied: This disease is named Dan Dan (Gallbladder Heat Disease). The Liver is the General within the body, whose decisions depend on the Gallbladder, and the pharynx serves as its conduit. Such individuals often engage in excessive deliberation without making decisions, leading to Gallbladder deficiency and the upward overflow of Qi, causing bitterness in the mouth. Treatment involves selecting the Front-Mu and Back-Shu points of the Gallbladder. The specific methods are recorded in the *Yin Yang Twelve Officials Mutual Assistance* text.

Yang Ling Quan is an acupoint of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. Texts such as the *Ling Lan Mi Dian Lun* and *Liu Jie Zang Xiang Lun* state: The Liver is the organ of the General, from which strategy and deliberation arise. The Gallbladder is the organ of uprightness, from which decision-making arises. It is also said: The functions of the eleven Zang and Fu organs depend on the Gallbladder. The Gallbladder is attached to the Liver. The Liver meridian ascends along the posterior aspect of the pharynx; thus, the pharynx serves as the conduit, and Gallbladder Qi ascends through it. Due to excessive mental labor and indecision, Gallbladder deficiency occurs, bile leaks, and Qi overflows upward, resulting in bitterness in the mouth and the diagnosis of Dan Dan. Any excessive thinking and over-deliberation can generate fire and lead to Gallbladder heat, manifesting as bitterness in the mouth. Needling Yang Ling Quan and treating the Gallbladder’s Front-Mu and Back-Shu points are both acupuncture methods. Regarding *Yin Yang Twelve Officials Mutual Assistance*, it might refer to the theory in the *Zang Xiang* discussions that the twelve officials each have their duties, yet the eleven organs depend on the Gallbladder, implying that treatment methods were established based on these principles. Alternatively, it may refer to an ancient classic titled *Yin Yang Twelve Officials*, which is now lost. It is uncertain which interpretation is correct, leaving it for wise scholars to discern.