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The Spleen Earth corresponds to Heaven in the upper part of the body, and its Qi transformation also belongs to Dampness (Shi Hua). Therefore, if the fluids from food and drink (Shui Gu Jin Ye) fail to circulate, they stagnate and accumulate to form Phlegm-Fluids (Tan Yin). Among people suffering from Phlegm-Fire (Tan Huo), nine or ten out of ten are common. For the elderly, it is inappropriate to rapidly descend their Fire; for those with deficient constitution, it is inappropriate to completely eliminate their Phlegm. If the attack is too severe, the disease will worsen and lead to danger. One must take consolidating Yuan Qi (Primal Qi) as the root. In treating any disease, if one applies reasoning by analogy, one has grasped more than half of the essential principles. (Kongtongzi)

Only when a physician can identify the pulse can they truly recognize the disease. In ancient times, physicians often used only a single herb to treat, because the medicinal nature was pure, thus the effect was faster. Today's physicians do not understand the source of the disease nor distinguish pulse patterns; they prescribe many herbs, often fifteen or sixteen flavors, mixing attacking and tonifying methods without focusing their strength, making it difficult to achieve therapeutic success. Han Tianjue stated in *Yi Tong* that prescriptions need not contain many ingredients; one should look at how concise the formulas of Zhang Zhongjing were. Zhu Danxi said that Li Dongyuan’s use of herbs was like Han Xin leading troops: "the more the better." This statement is actually an evasion (implying Li Dongyuan's prescriptions were systematic, not merely numerous).

Duke Xia Wenjing said: Regarding carbuncles and sores lurking in the body, before ulceration, one worries about unpredictable changes; after ulceration, treatment can be leisurely. It is appropriate to administer mild agents combined with nourishment, waiting for the harmonization of Blood and Qi for natural recovery. If one cannot endure slight discomfort and solely attacks the toxin, causing continuous erosion and internal emptiness of the heart and abdomen, there is fear that the illness may recur elsewhere. This is something not to be overlooked. Although this was Duke Xia Wenjing using a metaphor for state governance, it deeply captures the essence of pathology, so it is presented here.

Medicine governs human life and must not be done arbitrarily. The mind must be clear, and the fingers' palpation precise. By examining physical symptoms and pulses, one investigates the disease. Finger pressure during palpation must follow method and not be hasty. Diseases have sources and must be deduced in detail. Then, observe the patient's deficiency or excess, the current cold or heat, the body's fat or thinness, and the suitability of local customs. For example, in the Northwest, mountains are abundant and soil is thick; people eat millet, wheat, sorghum, and meat, so their constitution is strong but they often suffer from Wind-Bi (Wind-Cold-Damp Obstruction) diseases. In the Southeast, soil is thin and water is deep; people eat rice and fish/shrimp, so their constitution is weaker but they often suffer from Spleen-Stomach diseases. If one considers these factors before prescribing, one can arguably claim to know medicine.

Wu Qiu stated in *Zhu Zheng Bian*: Chuzhou has low terrain with misty, damp-heat conditions;辛凉 (Acrid-Cool) medicines are often effective. Jinhua borders Chuzhou, separated by over a hundred li, yet locals habitually use Fuzi (Aconite), Shengjiang (Ginger), and Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) for illnesses. Even nearby regions differ; how much more so between North and South, thousands of li apart? I once heard that ignorant villagers in Taizhou who took Fuzi alone died frequently from throat disorders. Chen Wuyi wrote in *San Yin Lun*: Fuzi should not be taken alone; it must be assisted by Renshen (Ginseng), Gancao (Licorice), and Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) to control its toxicity. The *Classic* states: "Six parts heat, one part cold"; thus, heat diseases are more common than cold diseases. Physicians using drying-hot drugs like Jiang (Ginger), Gui (Cinnamon), Wu Tou (Aconite Root), and Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Root) without assessing cold/heat and deficiency/excess, while ignoring shifting annual Qi movements, are like carrying firewood to save a fire, causing even greater harm. How can one not be cautious?