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Exhalation is the outward diffusion of Yang Qi. Inhalation is the inward convergence of Yin Qi. The process of respiration is governed by the Lung Meridian (Fei Jing). Below the larynx, we refer to the six Zang organs associated with the Hand and Foot Yin meridians; below the pharynx, we refer to the six Fu organs associated with the Hand and Foot Yang meridians.

Generally speaking, all Zang organs belong to Yin and are located internally (Li); all Fu organs belong to Yang and are located externally or serve as passages. The term "Zang" implies a storing function, housing the Spirit (Shen) and maintaining circulation; the term "Fu" implies a repository function, primarily responsible for receiving and excreting food, fluids, and waste, as well as for transportation and transformation. Among the six Zang organs below the larynx, the larynx corresponds to Heavenly Qi and is an extension of the Lung system. Since the Lung belongs to Metal in the Five Elements, and the Heavenly Stem "Gan" represents Heaven, which also belongs to Metal, the principle of Heavenly Qi is characterized by being hollow and long, allowing for the passage of breath. However, although the larynx and pharynx run parallel, their functions are actually different, yet people often confuse them. Generally, the larynx is the pathway for breath, while the pharynx transports food and fluids. The lower part of the larynx connects to the Qi of the lungs. There is a saying that there are three orifices in the larynx; this does not mean there are literally three holes in the larynx, but rather that food/fluids and air descend through separate pathways. If there were no openings in the lungs or below them, how could food and fluids be transmitted to the Lower Jiao? The *Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon* states: "The Lung is the canopy of all Zang organs, housing the True Qi high within the Lung Meridian." Therefore, Clear Yang emerges from the upper orifices, and Turbid Yin emerges from the lower orifices. If people do not know how to preserve their Yuan Qi (Original Qi), and are overtaxed or assaulted by the Six Qi (Wind, Cold, Summer-heat, Dampness, Dryness, Fire) or the Seven Emotions (Joy, Anger, Worry, Thought, Sorrow, Fear, Fright), acting against reason, various diseases will arise. Once sores or ulcers form, one must trace the source. For conditions such as Hou Bi (Sore Throat/Obstruction), Ru E (Tonsillitis), Chan Hou Feng (Throat Wind/Obstructive Laryngitis), Hou Bi (Throat Closure), Hou Chuang (Throat Ulcer), Feng Du (Wind Toxin), and Re Du (Heat Toxin), if acupuncture is indicated, it should be performed without reckless treatment; if emesis is indicated, it should be induced without arbitrary intervention. One must identify the root and branch, differentiate deficiency and excess, and apply attacking or guiding methods accordingly. As long as the principles are not violated and flexibility is applied during clinical practice, efficacy will be immediate, and the patient will recover. As for sore throat caused by deficiency consumption, emaciation, and coughing damage, this results from the exhaustion of True Yin, leading to a failure of Metal (Lung) and Wood (Liver) to generate each other, causing Dragon-Liver Fire (Ministerial Fire) to surge upward and scorch the throat. When fire blazes, Metal is injured, and the Lung source cannot vaporize and distribute fluids, resulting in symptoms such as hemoptysis, hoarseness, sore throat, dryness, and tightness. Alas! For conditions reaching this stage, not only are they beyond standard curative methods, but survival rates are virtually zero; the severity is beyond words.

Broadly speaking, the throat and pharynx originate above the Lung and Stomach. The pharynx (Yan) is for swallowing, primarily facilitating the passage of food and fluids; it is the extension of the Stomach system and the channel for Stomach Qi. It is approximately one chi and six cun long and weighs six liang. The larynx (Hou) is hollow, primarily governing the entry and exit of breath for respiration; it is the extension of the Lung system and the channel for Lung Qi. The larynx consists of nine segments, is approximately one chi and six cun long, and weighs twelve liang. Thus, although the larynx and pharynx run parallel, their functions differ. However, in the human body, this area is the most critical, serving as the pathway for Qi circulation connecting the six Zang and six Fu organs and respiration. If the Zang and Fu organs are robust and the Lung and Stomach are harmonious, the body remains healthy and peaceful. Conversely, if Wind Evil and Heat Toxin accumulate internally, transmitting into the meridians and knotting in the San Jiao (Triple Burner), causing Qi stagnation and Blood stasis without smooth flow, various throat disorders will manifest. If one does not treat according to the presenting symptoms, Wind-Phlegm will intensify, and Heat Toxin will deepen day by day, eventually leading to complete closure of the throat where even water cannot pass, resulting in death shortly thereafter. Generally, Wind pathogenic factors tend to attack the upper body and cause disease; among the thirty-six types of ailments, those affecting the throat rank first.