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The solitary manifestation of a Zang organ's color in the human body is akin to a single star shining brightly in the sky. When the cosmic movement (Yun) is excessive, its corresponding star shines brightly; when it is deficient, its star appears dim. Brightness indicates self-prosperity, while dimness implies that the conquering element joins in. The principle regarding facial colors in humans is the same. As stated in *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet), when Liver Qi is prosperous, the complexion is green; across the four seasons, each follows its respective color. From this, we can deduce that whichever organ's color manifests is the one whose Qi is excessive. By observing which element is excessive, the origin and course of the disease become visible.

Why is this so? The mutual overcoming (Cheng) among the Five Elements is like the relationship between husband and wife: the husband serves as the guide for the wife. That which can overcome is considered "Zheng" (orthodox/active), while that which cannot overcome is considered "Bian" (variant/passive); this embodies the meaning of Yin and Yang. Therefore, if the pathology manifests here, its cause must lie there. Here, the condition becomes excessive due to being overcome by there, which constitutes disease; there, the condition fails to overcome here because it is weak, which also constitutes disease. If "here" overcomes excessively, then "there" should be strong and manifest the color of that Zang organ; if "there" is too weak to overcome "here," then "here" should be strong and manifest the color of this Zang organ. Thus, whenever a color appears alone, it represents excess (Sheng), not deficiency (Fu). To hear that a star representing a deficient movement shines alone has never been heard of.

However, commentators often claim that Spleen deficiency causes the color to appear externally. Alas! If it were truly Spleen deficiency, even if the color were not purely green, one would expect to see green amidst a pale yellow hue. In a year of deficient movement, the star of deficiency must be accompanied by the star of the conquering element; how could it show only yellow? Furthermore, color and pulse should correspond. When Zang organs are harmonious, the pulse is harmonious and does not present a single extreme image. If there is partial excess, the pulse will be Xian (wiry), Gou (hook), Mao (feather), or Shi (stone), depending on the prevailing element. A Xian pulse cannot be called Liver deficiency (Fu); therefore, can a yellow complexion be called Spleen deficiency (Fu)? If one employs methods to tonify the Spleen based on this error, the discrepancy will be slight at first but lead to great mistakes later.

One might object: You say that the manifestation of a Zang organ's color indicates that organ's Qi is excessive. Yet, *Lingshu* (Spiritual Pivot) states, "Those with yellowish complexion, thin skin, and weak flesh cannot withstand the empty winds of spring." Does this not clearly indicate that the manifestation of a specific Zang color signifies that Zang's deficiency? I reply: This is entirely incorrect. The meaning of the classic is not that spring wind damages the Spleen. It means that the solitary manifestation of a Zang color indicates Zang excess, whereas thin skin and weak flesh indicate congenital deficiency. Congenital deficiency combined with Zang excess implies that this is not the true state of the Zang; rather, it is evident that the Zang which should conquer me is weak and unable to do so. For instance, spring is the time when Liver Qi is prosperous. If the Liver is weak, how can it not fear the empty wind? The empty wind of spring is actually West Wind (Metal overcoming Wood). Its Qi attacks the Liver, which receives it, not the Spleen. Thus, it is known that this does not mean spring wind damages the Spleen. The text of *Lingshu* appears straightforward, but its meanings are layered and profound, demanding careful study. My explanation serves to elucidate it further and should not be used as an objection. Cases where true Zang deficiency manifests as color are limited to situations such as Liver Qi failing first with bluish lips, or Heart Qi exhausting internally with a red face. These are certainly not conditions that can be discussed on the same level as ordinary diseases.