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The *Liu Yuan Zheng Ji Lun* states: "When Wood is stagnant, it should be dispersed." This is because the nature of Wood is to move and rise; this is its original state. Now, if Wood Qi is stagnant in the earth below, unable to exert its function, this means that Wind has lost its nature. In the human body, when there are signs of Wood stagnation, one should open and unblock it; only then can emesis (inducing vomiting) be used to assist the Wind-Wood Qi. This is the meaning of "When Wood is stagnant, it should be dispersed." It is also said that "Wood stagnation is dispersed" refers to the situation where Wood initially loses its nature and stagnates in the earth. Now that it has been opened and moves upward to the heavens, it is dispersing without stagnation, meaning Wood has restored its nature and becomes excessive. When there is excess, it attacks what it overcomes; thus, Spleen Earth suffers from pathogenic factors. This is manifested under the section on "Wood stagnation is dispersed," and this is not the only verification. Furthermore, when Jueyin governs the year, Wind-Wood is also prosperous. The victory of Jueyin also indicates the prosperity of Wind-Wood. In both cases, the Spleen and Stomach suffer from pathogenic factors, as seen in the previous discussion, with the same explanation. Some people fail to understand the meaning of the four characters "Wood stagnation is dispersed" and instead interpret it as "treat Wood stagnation," thereby reinforcing an excess condition. This causes the Spleen and Stomach to be controlled by Wood again, further augmenting Wood. This is precisely what is meant by "tonifying excess and damaging deficiency." Since the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach was already deficient beforehand, would this not lead to further depletion?

Let us further clarify the indications for emesis in cases of chest obstruction: If the Qi Kou pulse is three times larger than the Ren Ying pulse, this indicates food injury to the Taiyin (Spleen). If there is a pulse in the upper part but no pulse in the lower part, the patient should undergo emesis; if not, death will ensue. Because there is no pulse in the lower part, we know that Wood Qi is stagnant in the lower region, blocking the pathways, causing Liver Qi to be cut off at the bottom. Additionally, Lung Metal, which governs closure and descent, is obstructed by foreign matter. Since Metal overcomes Wood, Liver Wood suffers from pathogens, and food blocks the chest and throat. Therefore, it is said: "For those above, use the method of evacuation upwards." Zhang Zhongjing stated: For excess irritability, use Gengdi San (Cantaloupe Seed Powder) to induce vomiting. If vomiting or purging has already been performed via meridians, it is called deficiency irritability, also known as Aonao (restlessness), characterized by irritability and inability to sleep, indicating Wood stagnation; in such cases, Zhizi Chi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction) is used to induce vomiting. Ignorant practitioners may treat conditions such as blockage of the diaphragm and throat, distension supporting into both hypochondria, abdominal distension, and Spleen-Stomach deficiency due to turbid Qi ascending causing bloating, by using emesis. Moreover, Spleen-Stomach deficiency often leads to anger, as Wind-Wood comes to invade and overwhelm the Stomach. The *Neijing* recommends using Tie Luo (Iron Filings) to suppress and settle this. How could one reverse this by using emesis, thereby assisting the Wind-Wood pathogen? To use emesis when it is not indicated is a mistake as vast as the separation between heaven and earth. Generally speaking, emesis is appropriate only for cases of chest obstruction accompanied by persistent irritability and stuffiness.