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Tian Shi (Heavenly Master) said: "De Zhi" (Proper Treatment) refers to treatment that is appropriate and methodologically correct. For example, in Taiyang disease (Disease of the Taiyang channel), one should treat according to whether the pathogen has transmitted through the channels or directly invaded the interior; in Shang Shu (Heatstroke/Summerheat injury), one should treat according to whether it is Zhong Shu (Severe Summerheat) or Zhong Shi (Summerheat with Dampness); in Feng Zhong (Wind Stroke), one should treat according to whether it involves Zhong Qi (Wind affecting Qi), Zhong Huo (Wind-Fire combination), or Zhong Tan (Phlegm obstruction); in Zhong Shi (Dampness Invasion), one should treat according to whether it is Zhong Shui (Water-Dampness retention), Zhong Qi (Qi stagnation), Zhong Shi (Food stagnation), or Zhong Chong (Parasitic or insect-related pathology); in Zhong Zao (Dryness Invasion), one should treat according to whether it is Zhong Liang (Dryness with Cold) or Zhong Re (Dryness with Heat); in Zhong Han (Cold Invasion), one should treat according to whether it affects Gan (Liver), Shen (Kidney), Xin (Heart), Pi (Spleen), Zang (Zang organs), or Fu (Fu organs). By prescribing medicine according to the disease, how could one possibly kill a patient in an instant? Although proper treatment may not always correspond to a specific existing formula, gaining insight from it is truly fortunate for humanity. I have preserved this section on "De Zhi" to make people understand that proper treatment yields merit, while improper treatment incurs fault.

The method of "De Zhi" involves observing the authenticity of the patient's complexion and luster, examining the pulse for excess or deficiency, discerning the presence or absence of Shen (Spirit/Mental vitality), asking about the patient's preferences and aversions, dietary status, the presence or absence of Tan (Phlegm), and the color of the phlegm. One must also inspect the tongue's color and whether the coating is slippery or not, assess the ability to eat, and check for pain in the chest and abdomen.

Furthermore, observe the patient's emotional state and demeanor, carefully analyze their compliance or resistance, listen attentively to their voice, and smell their breath. In this way, the symptoms of the disease will become clear in your mind, and there will be no reason to worry about failing to cure it.

Tian Shi said: "Shi Zhi" (Improper Treatment) occurs when one fails to distinguish the truth from falsehood of the disease, the excess or deficiency of symptoms, and the Yin-Yang, Cold-Heat nature, leading to reckless treatment. It involves speaking without basis and lacking insight. It likes to attack others' shortcomings while boasting of one's own strengths. It ignores whether medicinal flavors are mild or harsh, casually claiming they can be used; it disregards the magnitude or appropriateness of treatment methods, readily stating they are difficult to administer. It treats Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) and Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) as enemies; yet cherishes Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark) and Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) as beloved children. It uses cold-cooling substances without any sense of reverence or caution; upon seeing gentle tonification, it immediately displays surprise and suspicion. It favors attacking and dispersing, regarding digestive-promoting methods as miraculous; it suppresses when angry and exalts when joyful, despising methods of unblocking and closing as bizarre. It only understands clearing Fire but fails to grasp the subtlety of Cong Zhi (Following Treatment/Contra-pathological treatment), disparaging Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit) as useless material; it only knows nourishing Water (Yin) but does not comprehend formulas for variable conditions, mocking Gan Sui (Kansui Root) as discardable waste. It eliminates Phlegm without eliminating its root, marveling at the difficulty of curing the disease; it clears Fire without addressing its source, sighing that formulas are obsolete. The principles of odd, even, and balanced treatments were never thoroughly studied in the heart; how could the mechanisms of orthodox and variant treatments be instantly understood under the fingers? No wonder actions are erroneous from the start, with many deviations, intentions completely wrong, and confusion abundant. This leads to wailing of wronged spirits at night, black qi filling the medicine cabinets, and tragic souls condensing in sorrow, with cries filling the ancestral hall. May those who study medicine see "Shi Zhi" to seek "De Zhi," so they may correct their faults and extend auspiciousness. So, what is the method to seek "De Zhi" and extend auspiciousness? When cold medicines are rejected by the body (Ge Jue), switch to large-hot formulas; when hot medicines cause dryness and irritability, switch to cooling agents; when digestive-promoting treatments worsen the condition, switch to warm tonification; when pathogen-expelling treatments aggravate the illness, use balanced regulation; when diuretic treatments increase fluid retention, prioritize tonifying the Kidney; when dispersing treatments cause pathogens to flourish, urgently support Zheng Qi (Upright Qi). These are texts for correcting errors and techniques for achieving success. In clinical practice, one must examine carefully and must not neglect these points.