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The Heart is the master of the five Zang organs. Its regular channel (Shou-Shao-Yin Xin-Jing, the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian) must not be injured. If injured and causing pain, death will occur in the morning if onset was in the evening, or in the evening if onset was in the morning, leaving no time for treatment. The so-called chronic heart pain (Jiu Xin Tong) arises when the branch collateral vessels of the Heart are invaded by Wind, Cold, or Heat pathogens, resulting in pain. Thus, although a condition forms, it is not fatal; it occurs at specific times and persists without healing.

The Heart and Small Intestine form an interior-exterior relationship, both symbolizing Fire, and Fire belongs to Yang Qi. Since the Heart is the master of the five Zang organs, its regular channel does not accept pathogenic invasion. If injured by pathogens and causing pain, death ensues. If the branch collateral vessels are invaded by Wind pathogens causing pain, it becomes a chronic condition. Pain characterized by a hanging, urgent sensation and vexation/irritability (Ao Nu) occurs because pathogens force upon Yang Qi, preventing the smooth flow and dissemination of Qi, leading to stagnation, stasis, and heat generation. Consequently, the Heart feels suspended and urgent, accompanied by vexation, irritability, and pain.

Heart pain accompanied by excessive salivation is caused by retained fluid (Ting Yin) invading the collaterals of the Heart. Retained fluid results from abnormalities in fluid metabolism. Heart Qi connects to the tongue; the Heart and Small Intestine are harmonized, both symbolizing Fire; the Small Intestine is the Fu organ of the Heart. Water-Qi from the Heart descends into the Small Intestine and transforms into urine, ensuring that no fluid remains stagnant in the Heart's collaterals. The Bladder and Kidney both symbolize Water; the Bladder is the Fu organ of the Kidney, primarily storing body fluids; the fluid of the Kidney ascends as saliva, and Kidney Qi descends to the genitalia. If the Fu and Zang organs are in harmony, fluids flow downward and discharge smoothly. If Cold and Heat pathogens invade each other, causing disharmony among the Fu and Zang organs, body fluids and water-drinkings accumulate and stagnate, pressing upward against the Heart, obstructing the smooth flow of Heart Qi, thus causing pain and excessive salivation.

Heart pain accompanied by inability to eat is caused by accumulated Cold residing internally, lodging in the Spleen and invading the Heart collaterals. The Heart represents Yang Qi; Cold represents Yin Qi. When Cold invades the Heart, Yin and Yang contend, and Cold and Heat clash, causing pain. The Spleen governs the digestion of food and fluids; when Cold lodges within, Spleen Qi becomes cold and weak, unable to handle food and fluids. The Heart is Fire, and the Spleen is Earth; they share a mother-son relationship. Both being invaded by pathogens causes pain and an inability to eat.

Abdominal pain (Fu Tong) arises from deficiency of the Fu and Zang organs, allowing Cold Qi to lodge between the intestines, stomach, and Mu Yuan (epigastric region/membranes), where it condenses and accumulates without dispersing. Righteous Qi and Pathogenic Qi contend and strike each other, causing pain. If Yin Qi contending with Yin meridians, abdominal pain accompanied by borborygmus (intestinal rumbling) occurs, termed "Cold Center" (Han Zhong). This indicates insufficient Yang Qi and excess Yin Qi. Palpating the Cun Kou pulse: if deep and tight, it indicates abdominal pain. If the Chi pulse is tight, there is pain below the umbilicus. A deep and slow pulse indicates abdominal pain. A pulse that feels "Chu Chu" (vibrant/tactile) indicates lower abdominal pain. A string-taut pulse in the Yin position indicates abdominal pain. Generally, acute abdominal pain indicates internal disease, and the pulse should be Deep (Chen). If the pulse is Fine (Xi) yet floating and large, recovery is expected. If the patient does not recover immediately, death is certain, because the disease presentation contradicts the pulse. Regarding decoctions, moxibustion/warming applications, acupuncture, and stone therapy, there are separate specific formulas. Nourishing and guiding exercises are attached hereafter.
The *Yang Sheng Fang* (Prescriptions for Health Preservation) · *Dao Yin Fa* (Guiding and Pulling Methods) states: To treat pain in the thighs, calves, arms, and hands: Flex one leg and arm where the pain is located. Lie supine on your back. Close the mouth and nose to hold the breath. For abdominal pain, use intention to push Qi towards the painful area; once heat is felt, it heals.
It also states: Lie supine, extend both legs and arms, point the toes upward, inhale through the nose, striving for seven breath cycles. This eliminates stringy and cutting pain in the abdomen.
It also states: Lie supine on your back, inhale slowly through the mouth, exhale through the nose. This eliminates internal urgency. After a full meal, swallow Qi dozens of times to warm the Middle Jiao; if Cold Qi is inhaled, it causes dry heaving and abdominal pain. Inhale Qi seventy times to vigorously stimulate the abdomen; swallow Qi dozens of times, rub hands together until hot, then massage the abdomen to guide Qi downward.
It also states: Lie supine, raise both feet and hands, inhale through the nose for seven breath cycles. This eliminates stringy and cutting pain in the abdomen.