指爪为精血之余，凡于诊候之际，若见干黄，觉有枯槁之色，则其发肤营气，具在吾
目中，而损之微甚，亦可从此而识矣。此可于脉色之外，参观并用，而资其工巧者也。
凡阳虚之人，因气虚也，阳气既虚，即不能嚏。仲景先生曰∶“欲嚏不能，此人肚中
寒，故以阳虚之证，而忽见嚏者，最是回生之佳兆。”
虚损既成，百脉空虚，精血枯涸，使非大投补剂，何以望生？若有不能服诸补之药者，
此为虚不受补也，不治。
劳损吐血失血后，嗽痰不止，而极多极浊者，此其精血饮食，皆化为痰。经曰∶白血
出者死，即其类也，不治。
嗽而下泄上喘者死，或嗽而肛门生 者，亦不治。
左右为阴阳之道路，其有不得左右眠，而认边难转者，此其阴阳之气，有所偏竭也，
嗽而左不得眠肝胀，右不得眠肺胀，皆为死症。
虚损原无外邪，所以病虽至困，终不愦乱，其有别无邪热而忽谵妄失伦者，此神去之
兆，心脏败也，必死。
劳嗽喑哑，声不能出，或喘急气促者，肺脏败也，必死。
嗽而声哑，喉痛不能药食者，不治。
劳损肌肉脱尽者，脾脏败也，必死。
虚损多有筋骨疼痛，若痛至极，不可忍者，此血竭不能荣筋，肝脏败也，必死。
劳损既久，再及大便，泄泻不能禁止者，肾脏败也，必死。
The fingernails and toenails are the surplus manifestation of essence and blood. During diagnosis, if one observes that the nails are dry, yellow, and exhibit a withered appearance, the condition of the patient's hair, skin, and Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) becomes clearly visible, allowing for the assessment of the severity of consumptive disease. This method can be used in conjunction with pulse and complexion diagnosis to enhance diagnostic precision.
Individuals with Yang deficiency, due to Qi deficiency, often lack the ability to sneeze when Yang Qi is depleted. Master Zhang Zhongjing stated: "If one desires to sneeze but cannot, there is cold in the middle jiao; therefore, for a patient presenting with Yang deficiency symptoms, the sudden appearance of sneezing is an excellent omen of recovery."
Once consumptive disease is established, the hundred vessels become empty, and essence and blood are exhausted. Without substantial administration of tonic prescriptions, survival is unlikely. If a patient cannot tolerate various tonic medicines, this is termed "deficiency unable to accept tonification," which is incurable.
Following hemorrhage or hemoptysis due to labor damage, if coughing persists with excessive amounts of turbid phlegm, it indicates that both essence/blood and dietary intake have transformed into phlegm. The classics state: "Death occurs when white blood is expectorated," referring to such cases, which are incurable.
Death is indicated by cough accompanied by diarrhea and upper-body wheezing. Similarly, cough accompanied by the growth of polyps/hemorrhoids at the anus is also considered incurable.
The left and right sides are the pathways of Yin and Yang Qi. Inability to lie on either side and difficulty turning over indicates a depletion or imbalance of Yin and Yang Qi. Coughing with inability to sleep on the left leading to Liver distension, or inability to sleep on the right leading to Lung distension, are both fatal conditions.
Consumptive diseases originally lack external pathogens; thus, although the condition may be severe, mental confusion does not typically occur. However, if a patient without external pathogens or heat suddenly exhibits delirium and irrational behavior, this is a sign of spirit departure and Heart failure, inevitably leading to death.
Labor-induced cough resulting in aphonia (inability to speak) or rapid, shortness of breath indicates Lung failure and is fatal.
Cough with hoarseness and throat pain preventing medication and food intake is incurable.
Complete emaciation due to labor damage indicates Spleen failure and is fatal.
Consumptive diseases often involve bone and joint pain. If the pain reaches an unbearable extreme, it signifies blood exhaustion failing to nourish the sinews, indicating Liver failure and inevitable death.
Long-standing labor damage affecting the bowels, resulting in uncontrollable diarrhea, indicates Kidney failure and inevitable death.