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The *Jia Yi Jing* (Classics of Jia Yi) states: In men, the right kidney is the Mingmen (Gate of Life), and the left kidney is the Kidney; in women, the left kidney is the Mingmen (Gate of Life), and the right kidney is the Kidney. Wuqiu Zi stated: Men are generated by Yin Qi, with the right Kidney formed first; women are nurtured by Yang Qi, with the left Kidney formed first. Therefore, in women, the Mingmen on the right hand side corresponds to the Zigong (Uterus), and the Kidney on the left hand side corresponds to the Chong Mai (Sea of Blood). These two theories differ; why? Zhang Jiegu stated: For women, the left is always the Kidney, and the right is the Mingmen (Gate of Life). The primary function of men is storing Essence, centered in the Qihai (Sea of Qi); the primary function of women is connecting to the Baogong (Womb), centered in the Xuehai (Sea of Blood). Their respective functions are different, but when disease occurs, the pathological mechanism is the same. This theory should be regarded as the definitive conclusion. The *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot) states: The Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) is the Sea of Blood, and the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) governs the Baoluo (Pericardium/Collaterals). The so-called Sea of Blood refers to the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel).

Among modern medical formularies, only Dai Yuanli's *Zhengzhi Yaojue* (Essentials of Symptom Treatment) offers appropriate discussions that benefit later scholars. However, it contains a statement: "Among all blood-stopping herbs, Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) are indispensable." I privately doubt this. Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) has a dry nature and its function is to remove dampness and strengthen the Spleen. Ancients especially prohibited its use for patients with thirst, fearing that its dryness would damage the Blood aspect. Only in cases of thirst caused by Qi stagnation is this not applicable. At that time, Yuanli must have used it specifically for alcohol-loving individuals whose hematemesis was caused by Damp-Heat in the Stomach Qi; this would be appropriate. To claim it is indispensable in all blood-stopping prescriptions is likely not Yuanli's original words, or perhaps a misrecording by his disciples.

Zhang Changsha (Zhang Zhongjing) used Da Chengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) only after the patient passed flatus. What is the meaning and intent behind this character "Shi" (Loss)? The answer is: Zhongjing stated, regarding Taiyang disease with tidal fever and constipation for six or seven days, one should first administer Xiao Chengqi Tang (Minor Order the Qi Decoction). If flatus passes in the abdomen, indicating dry feces, then Da Chengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) may be administered. Essentially, "Zhuan Shi Qi" refers to lower jiao gas expulsion, commonly known as passing wind. Consulting the *Pian Yun*, "Shi" (feces) and "Shi" (arrow/missile) were used interchangeably. I suspect a transcription error where "Shi" (arrow/feces) was mistaken for "Shi" (loss). It should be read as "Zhuan Shi Qi" (passing flatus/feces), which makes the text coherent. If read as "Shi" (loss), it is difficult to interpret logically. (From *Yixue Quanshu*)

Yueren (Bian Que) referred to the meridian of the Hand Jueyin as Xinbaoluo (Pericardium Collateral). Furthermore, the Heart is the Sovereign Officer and does not accept pathogenic invasion. Therefore, the cause of illness is the Xinbaoluo (Pericardium Collateral). Thus, the classics state: The True Heart does not accept pathogens, which is what this means. Some say the Xinbaoluo (Pericardium Collateral) is the fatty membrane in the chest, or call it the flesh wrapping the heart; both are incorrect. It is a yellow fatty membrane wrapping the heart, outside the heart itself, resembling fat but not fat, resembling flesh but not flesh. Externally, there are fine fibrous membranes like threads connecting it to the Heart and Lungs. This is the Xinbaoluo (Pericardium Collateral). I believe the internal anatomy of various beasts is generally similar to humans; observing their heart shapes also reveals this similarity. (From Sun Jingsi's Medical Discussions)