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[Appendix on Lips and Mouth] The lips and mouth primarily belong to the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian (The *Ling Shu* states: "Spleen Qi connects with the mouth. When the Spleen is harmonious, the mouth can distinguish the flavors of the five grains." The *Su Wen* states: "The Central direction corresponds to Yellow, internally connecting with the Spleen, opening into the mouth, and fearing wind." Li Dongyuan stated: "Food injury leads to loss of taste in the mouth, inability to retain saliva, and even nasal breathing; this is Spleen Qi connecting with the Earth.").

It also belongs to the intersection of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian and the Yang Qiao Vessel (The *Ling Shu* states: "The Foot-Yangming Meridian follows the lateral side of the nose, enters the upper teeth, returns out to flank the mouth, circles the lips, and intersects below at Chengjiang (CV24). Diseases generated by this meridian include ulcers on the lips and cheeks. Note: 'Zhen' refers to lip ulcers." It further states: "The sinews of the Foot-Yangming ascend to the neck, flank the mouth, and converge at Jiache (ST6). If there is heat in the mouth, the sinews become flaccid and loose, unable to contract effectively." The *Su Wen* states: "Stomach heat results in a bland taste in the mouth." It also says that when the Foot-Yangming meridian qi terminates, there are movements of the mouth and eyes, fearfulness, and delirious speech. Note: Movements of the mouth and eyes refer to blinking and jaw clenching/grinding." Chen Liangfu stated: "The sinews of the Foot-Yangming ascend to flank the mouth. Whenever the human body is deficient and receives Wind, and Wind enters the sinews, causing one-sided tension and irregularity, it leads to stiffness and deviation of the mouth corner, called 'Pian Feng' (Hemiplegia/Facial Paralysis)." Hua Borren stated: "The Yang Qiao Vessel intersects with the Hand-Yangming at the shoulder tip, and again intersects with the Foot-Yangming at the corners of the mouth and beside the nose." Shen Chengzhi stated: "Four fen lateral to the corners of the mouth is named Dicang (ST4), which is the intersection of the Hand and Foot Yangming Large Intestine and Stomach meridians, and the Yang Qiao Vessel.").

It additionally belongs to the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian (Note: Original text erroneously states "Hand-Shaoyang", corrected to Hand-Taiyang based on context and standard TCM theory as Small Intestine belongs to Hand-Taiyang). The *Su Wen* states: "Heat in the Small Intestine leads to mouth sores." It also states: "Heat transferring from the Bladder to the Small Intestine causes obstruction in the diaphragm and intestines, manifesting upwards as oral candidiasis/mucosal erosion. Note: 'Kou Mi' refers to sores and erosion in the mouth, i.e., aphthous stomatitis or thrush.").

It also belongs to the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian (The *Ling Shu* states: "When the Foot-Shaoyang meridian is disturbed, it causes bitter taste in the mouth and frequent sighing. Note: 'Shi Dong' refers to disturbances in Qi, detailed in the later section 'Ying Wei Chapter'.") It further states: "Pathogenic factors in the Gallbladder cause rebellion in the Stomach. Leakage of gall fluid results in a bitter taste; rebellion of Stomach Qi results in vomiting bitter fluid." The *Su Wen* states: "Liver Heat causes leakage of bile and a bitter taste in the mouth." It also says: "If Liver Cough persists, it transmits to the Gallbladder. The manifestation of Gallbladder Cough is coughing accompanied by vomiting of bile." It also states: "The Gallbladder is the general of decision-making, and the pharynx serves as its envoy. Whenever a person cannot decide after deliberation, the Gallbladder becomes deficient, Qi overflows upward, resulting in a bitter taste; this disease is named Dan Bi (Gallbladder Obstruction). Treatment involves the Front-Mu and Back-Shu points of the Gallbladder. Note: The Front-Mu point of the Gallbladder is Riyue (GB24), located at the end of the second rib below the nipple, five fen below Qimen (LR14). The Back-Shu point of the Gallbladder is Danshu (BL19) [Note: Original text erroneously identifies this as Linqi (GB41); Danshu is BL19, while Linqi is GB41 on the foot. Translating original text literally]: ...located five fen above the hairline directly above the eye in the depression." Zhu Danxi stated: "Gallbladder Heat causes bitter taste and indecisiveness. For bitter taste, use Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) added with Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen), Di Gu Pi (Lycii Cortex), and Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix).").

Furthermore, the Five Flavors are used to differentiate the Five Zang Organs (The *Su Wen* states: "Liver Heat causes sour taste; Heart Heat causes bitter taste. Bitter taste also belongs to the Gallbladder and concurrently to the Liver. Spleen Heat causes sweet taste; Lung Heat causes pungent taste; Kidney Heat causes salty taste." It also states: "Overflow of the Five Qi is called Pi Dan (Spleen Prolapse/Damp-Heat)." Various flavors enter the mouth, are stored in the Stomach, and transported by the Spleen, so essence, Qi, Jin, and Ye reside in the Spleen. Whenever people frequently consume rich and sweet foods, richness generates internal heat; sweetness causes fullness in the middle Jiao. Therefore, Qi overflows upward, transforming into Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst Diabetes). Treatment uses Lan Cao (Acorus calamus or similar aromatic herbs) to remove stale Qi. Zhu Danxi stated: Treat with San Huang Wan (Three Yellows Pill)." The *Ling Shu* states: "Dry throat and mouth feeling hot like glue, treat by taking points from the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian." The *Su Wen* also states: "Reversal of Foot-Shaoyin Qi causes dry mouth and red urine." Danxi stated: "Deficient Stomach Qi and reduced grain intake allow the suppressed Kidney Water Qi to rebel and invade, resulting in Cold in the Middle. The Fire of deficient and declining Spleen and Stomach is forced to flare upward, forming mouth sores. It is appropriate to use Li Zhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) added with Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) for treatment.").