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The *Neijing* states: "When affected by deficiency, sinking and collapse occur."

According to the *Zhenjing*: "For conditions of sinking and collapse, moxibustion should be applied." However, in disease, there are cases of pathogenic factor sinking/collapse and cases of healthy qi sinking/collapse. Yet, when the classics refer to "pathogenic factor sinking/collapse," it is because the meridians are deficient and qi is scanty, allowing pathogens to enter; hence it is said, "Only when affected by deficiency does sinking/collapse occur." Therefore, for all cases where pathogens sink into the meridians, moxibustation is appropriate. Regarding healthy qi sinking/collapse, as described by Li Dongyuan, internal injury from diet and overwork damages the Yuan Qi (Original Qi), causing the Yang of the stomach region to fail to ascend, accompanied by the Heart and Lung Qi sinking into the Middle Jiao. Medicinal treatment should support the Yuan Qi and Stomach Qi. However, medication also varies in intensity: for mild cases, ascending and floating formulas are used, such as Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) or Yiwei Shengyang Tang (Benefit the Stomach and Raise the Yang Decoction); for severe cases, potent "robbery" agents (strong corrective formulas) like Laifu Dan (Return to Life Pill) or Lingsha Dan (Cinnabar Pill) are appropriate. For deeply seated pathogenic sinking, moxibustation is indicated. These syndromes also differ in their root and branch aspects; discussions can be found after the formulas in the Cold Gate section.

According to my understanding: Humans are born endowed with the harmonious Qi. The body possesses three treasures: Yuan Jing (Original Essence), Yuan Qi (Original Qi), and Yuan Shen (Original Spirit), which are the true essence, true qi, and true pulse within the person. Essence is the true essence of the Zang-Fu organs, distinct from Ying Blood (Nutritive Blood); thus it is said to be the source of Tian Gui (Heavenly Water). Qi is the great channel of the Zang-Fu organs, serving as the master of movement and stillness; thus it is said to be the locus of Shen Ji (Spirit Mechanism). The Pulse is a single breath of Tian Zhen Wei He (Innocent Harmony). The classics state its names are threefold: the Root of Life, the Spirit of Qi, and the Path of Form. Its mechanisms of operation, ascent, and descent move with Qi and nourish through Blood. Essence and Qi originate and generate each other without loss, nourishing the whole body; they are the life governors of humans and the substance and function of physical form. If Essence is insufficient, Qi loses its basis for transformation; if Qi is insufficient, Blood loses its nourishment; if Blood is insufficient, Qi has no attachment; if Tian Zhen scatters and disorders, then Qi, Blood, Essence, and Spirit have no command to rely upon. Thus, the way of mutual growth and nourishment is: Essence transforms into Qi, Qi generates Shen, and all are endowed with the true Qi of the internal Zang-Fu organs. Qi and Blood follow the circulation of Ying and Wei (Defensive) Qi; Ying and Wei Qi, in turn, rely on the Jing Sui (Meridian Vessels). Ying and Wei Qi represent the beginning of the transformation of essence into the primordial clear and turbid states; Jing Sui vessels are where the Qi transformation of water and grain from the Stomach occurs. Because Jing Sui must produce Ying and Wei Qi, and Ying and Wei Qi must disperse to nourish the meridians, and the meridians must flow smoothly to assist Tian Zhen, thereby generating, nourishing, containing, and creating transformations—this is the natural principle of physical form. Generally, human vision, hearing, speech, movement, vigor, and longevity are normal manifestations of this principle; diseases, blindness/deafness, Guan Ge (Obstruction and Reversal), and premature death are deviations from this principle. Therefore, insufficiency of Spirit, Essence, Qi, and Blood leads to illness; scattering and disorder of the True Pulse leads to death. All these result from errors and excesses in daily self-care, and movements that do not adhere to regular measures. The classics say: "If exit and entry cease, the Shen Ji (Spirit Mechanism) perishes; if ascent and descent stop, the Qi Li (Qi Establishment) stands alone in danger." However, excessive sexual activity depletes Essence and Blood, leaving Shen without foundation and Qi without attachment, leading suddenly to violent cessation of life. I have studied the scriptural meanings of ancient sages and the subtle principles of saving lives, concluding that tonifying the Lung to benefit Qi and nourishing the Kidney to supplement Essence both aim to nourish the source of transformation. Essentially, human Essence and Blood are often inherently insufficient; compounded by frequent depletion of one's true resources, if the basis for transformation is lost, Ying Qi becomes deficient. Deficiency leads to insecure Wei Qi, sliding and depletion of Essence, exhaustion of Kidney Qi, and Yin weakness. Unable to ascend with Stomach Qi to connect with Clear Yang Qi, symptoms such as heavy head or pain arise. Qi is weak with poor appetite; Yuan Qi sinks; the pulse becomes weak, scattered, and nearly imperceptible, or appears falsely surging or damaged. This is actually caused by insufficiency of Yuan Jing (Original Essence), not by diseases caused by external thieving pathogens.