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Qi values expansion and not stagnation; when expanded, the whole body flows smoothly, but when stagnant, the hundred vessels become disharmonious. Thus it is said: Joy causes Qi to relax. However, relaxation inherently implies a sense of leisure and benefit, yet if it is insufficient or excessive, both can lead to delayed menstruation (Xiqi). How much more so would sorrow, worry, and depression cause Qi stagnation! Once Qi becomes obstructed and stagnant, it transforms into Fire, thereby becoming the root that scorches Metal (Lung) and dries up Water (Kidney). Once a person suffers from Fire disease, their body is like a broken vessel. One must consciously protect and maintain this state, keeping the mind in a state of emptiness without attachments, so as to reach a favorable condition. If one allows worldly affairs to occupy the heart, remaining gloomy all day long, this is akin to treading into an eternal night for ten thousand ages; is this not being ignorant and unaware? Alas.

I believe that for diseases of Phlegm-Fire, abstinence can achieve half the efficacy of medicine. Attacking pathogens and removing disease certainly relies on the power of medicinal agents, yet regulating and harmonizing the primal Qi is also indispensable. Why? The term "abstain" (Jie) applies because certain factors greatly hinder the disease process and are strictly prohibited by therapeutic principles; failure to abstain leads to death. The term "avoid" (Ji) applies because certain factors are unsuitable for the disease and should be avoided according to principle; failure to avoid leads to harm. These two constitute the critical juncture between life and death in Phlegm-Fire diseases; can either be omitted? What must be abstained from are the four desires: alcohol, sex, wealth, and anger; what must be avoided are the four errors: diet and daily routine, excessive speech, and rich/heavy flavors. If patients observe these eight precepts, they will surpass the effect of medicine. Indulgence in desires damages Essence; abstaining preserves Essence and suffices Kidney Water to control Fire. Sudden anger damages the Liver; abstaining pacifies Liver Wood and stabilizes Spleen Earth to nourish Lung Metal. Greed damages the Lungs; abstaining clears Lung Metal and controls Liver Wood, preventing it from bullying Spleen Earth. Coveting profit and laboring the spirit damages the Heart/Shen; abstaining calms Fire,肃ifies Metal, and replenishes Water. Prudent daily routines prevent pathogenic winds and empty evils from invading healthy Qi. Restricting diet prevents damp-heat and stale accumulation from lingering in the Spleen. Simplifying speech protects Lung Metal to nurture Kidney Water. Eating bland flavors extinguishes Fire without damaging Lung Metal. Regarding these eight, the benefits are indeed significant, while the harms, if neglected, can escalate from mild to severe, and from severe to critical. Collapse, exhaustion, and debility all originate here. If patients can follow each point meticulously and with caution, critical conditions can turn to safety, and mild conditions to recovery. To salvage withered vitality from the valley of darkness—how immeasurable is this merit.