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The *Chu Shi Yi Shu* (Extant Book of Master Chu) discusses the pulses of men and women, differing significantly from those of Shuhe (Wang Shuhe). It is unknown whether there is any basis for this. For instance, in the "Ben Qi Pian" (Chapter on Original Qi), there is a remark stating: "The Heart employs Qi; the Lungs regulate Qi; the Spleen nourishes Qi; the Kidneys excrete Qi; only the Liver does not utilize [Qi]." I contend that the Liver is not without function. The *Su Wen* (Basic Questions) states: "The Liver is the General's office, where strategy and deliberation originate." All four Zang organs are related to Qi. If the Liver is not used to moderate and plan, it will inevitably lead to disorders of excess or deficiency. The *Huang Ting Nei Jing* (Inner Classic of the Yellow Court) states: "The Liver and Gallbladder are most critical; in terms of transformation, implementation, deep planning, and long-term consideration, their efficacy surpasses that of the other four Zang organs." This is because the Heart governs Blood and the Liver stores Blood, implying a function of storage and conservation. Generally, Blood follows Qi in its movement; if Qi is not used to control and guide it, Blood will flow recklessly. Therefore, to say that the Liver is unrelated to Qi is incorrect.

In recent times, many physicians have adhered rigidly to the previous saying that "the Liver is often in a state of excess, while the Kidney is often in a state of deficiency," frequently prescribing agents to soothe the Liver at the slightest sign of illness. According to the *Sheng Ji Jing* (Classic of Holy Relief), the transformations of the four seasons begin with Wood, and the nurturing of the twelve meridians begins with the Liver. When a woman conceives, during the first month, it is the Jueyin Liver Meridian that nurtures the fetus. The Liver is the beginning of the stirring of Spring Yang and the source of growth for all things. Therefore, one must guard against anger to preserve Yang Qi, allowing the Pre-heaven Qi to be generated endlessly. Thus, the Liver governs complexion; when Qi is harmonious, the body is lustrous, but when Qi is injured, it becomes withered. Hence, nourishing the Liver and guarding against resentment is a crucial aspect of health preservation, and one should not rigidly adhere to the previous theory.

The *Zheng Zhi Yao Jue* (Essentials of Symptom Treatment), in the section on Food Injury, states: "When food is swallowed, it enters the Liver, then passes to the Spleen, and from there to the Stomach. If food injures the Liver, causing the Liver to fail in its regulating function, phlegm and saliva become obstructed, resembling stroke symptoms, such as hemiplegia, because the Liver governs the sinews. Treating this with wind-dispelling herbs would be a mistake." I consider this argument quite correct, but the statement that food enters the Liver first upon swallowing, then the Spleen, and finally the Stomach is somewhat questionable. According to Shen Kuo's *Bi Tan* (Dream Pool Essays): "Humans essentially have two passages: the Pharynx and the Larynx. The Pharynx receives food and drink, while the Larynx conducts air. The Pharynx directs food into the stomach region, then into the stomach, next into the intestines, and subsequently into the large and small intestines. The Larynx connects downward to the five Zang organs, facilitating the inhalation and exhalation of Qi. The respiration of the five Zang organs is like bellows used by metalworkers. Food and medicine enter through the Pharynx into the gastrointestinal tract; how could they possibly reach the five Zang organs? Although human muscles, bones, five Zang organs, and gastrointestinal tract are distinct, the essence and aroma of ingested substances can permeate throughout the body, while only the dregs and impurities enter the large and small intestines. Statements such as 'this substance enters the Liver' or 'that substance enters the Kidney' refer only to the arrival of their aromas/energies there; the physical matter certainly cannot reach them." I record these thoughts here to verify the previous theories, as I was unfamiliar with them. Perhaps Yuan Li had another explanation.