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The pathways of the meridians all originate from the hands and feet. In deficiency consumption (Xu Lao), blood and qi decline and are damaged, failing to warm the four extremities, thus resulting in cold limbs (coldness extending from the extremities towards the trunk).

In deficiency consumption, blood and qi are weak, and the yin and yang are not harmonious; pathogenic factors take advantage of this weakness. The subsequent struggle between cold and heat pathogens causes vexation and pain.

Accumulation (Ji) and gathering (Ju) are diseases of the fu and zang organs. Accumulation (Ji) is a disease of the zang organs, generated by yin qi; gathering (Ju) is a disease of the fu organs, formed by yang qi. In individuals with deficiency consumption, yin and yang are damaged, and blood and qi become stagnant and obstructed, unable to unblock the meridians; thus, accumulations form internally.

The condition known as Jia (a type of abdominal mass) is caused by long-standing cold and accumulated chill, leading to indigestion of food. A mass that is firm, hard, and does not move upon palpation is called Zheng (a fixed mass); one that can be pushed and moves freely is called Jia (a mobile mass). In individuals with deficiency consumption, the qi of the spleen and stomach is weak, unable to transform and transport water and grain, and further invaded by cold, leading to the formation of this condition.

The lung governs qi. Qi belongs to yang. An excess of qi leads to panting, chest fullness, and rebellious upward flow of qi. In deficiency consumption disease, either both yin and yang are injured, or blood and qi are unevenly damaged. In the current case, yin is insufficient while yang is excessive, resulting in rebellious qi (Shang Qi).

In individuals with deficiency consumption, blood and qi are weak, and both yin and yang are deficient. Slight exertion generates heat. Since this heat arises from exertion, it is termed "guest heat" (Ke Re).

Deficiency consumption damages the lung, resulting in shortness of breath (Shao Qi). The lung governs qi, and qi belongs to yang; this indicates a deficiency of yang qi. For such conditions, decoctions, moxibustion/warming therapies, acupuncture, and stone therapy have separate specific formulas. Nourishing and guiding (Daoyin, an ancient practice combining breathing exercises and physical movement) methods are attached below.
The *Preservation Formula · Guiding Methods* states: If one can refrain from spitting sputum throughout the day and instead swallows saliva whenever it forms, or if one constantly holds a jujube pit in the mouth and swallows it, this promotes the reception of qi and generation of body fluids. This is a key principle.

Deficiency consumption accompanied by fever is due to insufficient yin qi and excessive yang qi, causing heat to arise internally and externally. This is not caused by pathogenic factors invading from the outside.

Regarding men without offspring: if the semen is clear like water and cold like iron, these are signs of infertility. Additionally, if ejaculation occurs but the semen does not shoot out, merely pooling at the glans penis, this also results in infertility. Absence of these signs implies fertility. Intercourse should be performed during the "yang time"; yang time refers to the period from midnight to approximately 3:00 AM. Conception during this time tends to produce children who are intelligent and long-lived. One should avoid the "yin time"; yin time refers to the period from noon to 9:00 PM. Conception during this time tends to produce children who are dull and short-lived. Careful consideration is essential. Regarding women, when menstruation has just ended, from the first to the third day, the uterine opening (Zi Men) is open; intercourse during this window may lead to conception. After the fourth day, it closes, and conception will not occur.
If a man's pulse is weak, thready, and choppy (Wei, Ruo, Se), it indicates infertility due to clear and cold essence and qi.