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The "Two Preservations" refer to: one, taking medicine; two, self-care. These two aspects are what should be adhered to persistently without deviation. Since the severity of consumptive disease (Lao) varies, there is a fixed duration for treatment. If it is the initial onset, medication can eradicate the root cause. However, upon recurrence, the True Yin is severely damaged, requiring a three-year treatment period. During these three years, if the origin is sexual excess, one must restrain desires; if due to anger, one must guard against rage; if due to literary pursuits, one must put down books; if due to fatigue, one must rest and relax; if due to worry and overthinking, one must relieve emotional burdens; if due to sorrow, one must adopt an optimistic outlook. Only in this way can the root cause be eliminated. By the third recurrence, the condition becomes incurable. Furthermore, for the initial onset, herbs such as Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix - *Note: Text says Yuan Shen, likely referring to Xuan Shen or similar, but strictly translating text as written contextually implies nourishing yin herbs like Xuan Shen/Scrophulariae Radix or just keeping name*), Bai He (Lilii Bulbus), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix) etc., are sufficient to achieve results. For recurrence, only Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) can cure it. This depends on the patient exerting their utmost effort to observe limits, recognizing the depth and chronicity of the illness, assessing the strength of the constitution, and adjusting treatment accordingly; do not be impatient for quick results, do not spare expenses while indulging desires, and do not start diligently but end lazily.

The "Three Prohibitions" in treating Lao are: first, prohibit drying and hot-natured drugs; second, prohibit damaging Qi (Fa Qi); third, prohibit bitter-cold drugs. This is because phlegm in consumptive disease arises from rebellious Fire causing water flooding, which cannot be resolved by Er Chen Tang (Two-Chen Decoction). The Qi stagnation in Lao stems from thin Lung Qi and obstructed Qi mechanism, which cannot be opened by herbs like Qing Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride), Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus), Xiang Fu (Cyperi Rhizoma), Dou Kou (Tsaoko Fructus), or Su Zi (Perillae Fructus). Dietary prohibitions are similar to medicinal ones. Those who consume pungent and warm foods like Hua Jiao (Zanthoxyli Fructus), Hu Jiao (Piperis Longi Fructus), Hui Xiang (Foeniculi Fructus), or Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) due to weak Stomach function suffer harm equivalent to misusing Er Chen Tang. Those who eat raw, cold, or fresh fruits due to irritability and thirst suffer harm equivalent to misusing Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) and Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex). Those who favor pungent and sharp foods due to Qi stagnation suffer harm worse than misusing Qing Pi and Zhi Shi. These three prohibitions must be known.

In a family, if parents are benevolent, brothers are friendly, spouses are affectionate yet maintain proper boundaries, and servants are diligent and honest, these four virtues depend on interpersonal relations rather than individual cultivation, and on family harmony rather than personal effort. As time passes, kindness and diligence may slacken; since effects are slow and hard to predict, resentment may arise. Unless one possesses the steadfastness of metal and stone, internal family grievances are inevitable. A single mistake leads to total collapse. Although this is not the physician's fault, it is knowledge that a doctor must possess.