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Predecessors generally categorized as Yin syndromes (Yin syndromes) the following conditions: deficiency of Yin with sinking of Yang, heat constrained internally, presenting with a deep and scattered pulse; deficiency of Yin with hyperactivity of Yang, heat floating externally, presenting with a floating and surging pulse; deficiency of Yin with extinction of Yang, cold in both interior and exterior, presenting with a knotted and wiry pulse; deficiency of Yang with internal sinking, Yin disturbed by Yang, presenting with a tight and rapid pulse. These were indiscriminately labeled as Yin syndromes, without distinguishing them from conditions where excess Yin repels Yang with cold congealing internally, or excess Yin obstructs Yang with cold consolidating externally. This is what Yu Jiayan criticized as "unclear transmission lineage" (unclear differentiation of syndrome categories). If one were to indiscriminately use Fuzi Lizhong Decoction (Aconite and Ginger Decoction for Spleen and Stomach), Sini Decoction (Recovery from Reversal Decoction), or Zhenwu Decoction (True Warrior Decoction), the resulting harm would be significant! Furthermore, there are those who verbally claim it is a Yin syndrome but prescribe Siwu Decoction (Four Substance Decoction) or Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill); or who verbally claim Yin deficiency but prescribe Sini Decoction or Baitong Decoction (White Through Decoction). One must grasp the underlying principles to avoid being misled by words and causing harm.

It is said that when Yin is deficient, Yang inevitably congregates there; this is one perspective. It is also said that when Yin is deficient, Yang inevitably lacks root; this is another perspective. Therefore, the internal heat caused by Yang deficiency differs from that caused by Yin deficiency. In cases of Yin deficiency, such as excessive sexual activity or excessive mental exertion, Yin Qi is depleted, leading to bone-steaming fever (bone-steaming sensation due to Yin deficiency), emptiness of the marrow, and dark, scanty, painful urination. This represents Yin deficiency with subsequent sinking of Yang. Treatment requires filling the essence and nourishing blood to replenish Yin and anchor Yang; herbs that promote dispersing and ascending should only be used as adjuvants. In cases of Yang deficiency, such as excessive physical labor or profuse sweating, upon resting, one experiences chills and aversion to cold, internal irritability and thirst, fatigue in the four limbs, and soreness/aching in bones and sinews. This represents Yang deficiency failing to circulate on the exterior, retreating inward into Yin. At this time, the Yin aspect is also injured, but the pathology originates from Yang deficiency. Treatment requires strengthening the Spleen and augmenting Qi to bolster Yang; herbs that generate fluids and clear heat should only be used as adjuvants. Li Dongyuan's Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) was formulated for internal heat due to Yang deficiency; Zhu Danxi's Da Bu Yin Wan (Great Tonification of Yin Pill) was formulated for internal heat due to Yin deficiency. Can these two be confused? If one heavily uses methods of filling essence and nourishing blood to treat Yang deficiency, it will inevitably cause further stagnation of Yang, making it impossible to revive; if one heavily uses methods of strengthening the Spleen and augmenting Qi to treat Yin deficiency, it will inevitably cause further consumption and burning of Yin, making it impossible to restore.