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When diagnosing and treating Shanghan (Cold Damage) or seasonal diseases, one must first observe the patient's eyes, then examine the mouth and tongue. Subsequently, use both hands to palpate from the chest and epigastrium down to the lower abdomen to check for tenderness. Next, inquire about thirst or lack thereof, the patency of urination and defecation, what medications have been taken previously, and whether the disease is acute or chronic. This allows for ascertaining the precise nature of the illness. Only then should pulse diagnosis be performed to differentiate syndromes. Symptoms, syndromes, and pulses must be cross-verified; it is essential to ascertain the etiology through inquiry and identify the pulse characteristics through palpation. Use inquiry to verify pulse findings, and use pulse findings to verify inquiry results. Once the disease source is clarified, the manifestations are determined, and potential complications are anticipated, with a clear mind free of doubt, one can then judge the prognosis (life or death). This ensures accurate prescription and a clear conscience. One must not hastily prescribe medication after merely facing the patient for a moment. This diagnostic approach is of utmost importance and represents my clinical insights accumulated over decades. I will now outline the key points for analysis.

[Rongzhai's Note] This chapter employs whole-body examination methods to observe diseases; however, the method of "observing the ears and nose" is also important. It is hereby recorded from Ge Cunju's *Shanghan Butianshi* (Supplementary Stone for Saving Lives in Cold Damage). Mr. Ge stated: "Deafness caused by Shanghan belongs to Shaoyang (Lesser Yang), and is suitable for Harmonizing treatment. Deafness resulting from chronic illness belongs to Qi Deficiency; once Yuanqi (Original Qi) recovers, hearing will naturally improve. Deafness in Shanghan is a common occurrence, but if accompanied by curled tongue, cyanotic lips, retracted scrotum, and deafness, it is difficult to treat. Black and dry ears indicate Kidney failure, as the Kidney opens into the ears. The Shaoyang meridians enter the ears; therefore, deafness, ear pain, and ear swelling all belong to Shaoyang Wind-Heat. If the patient's nasal color is green, it indicates abdominal pain; if cold, it signifies death. Slightly black indicates Water-Qi retention. Yellow indicates difficulty in urination. White indicates Qi Deficiency. Red indicates Lung Heat. Bright/lustrous indicates retained fluids. Dry nostrils inevitably lead to epistaxis (nosebleed). Nostrils dry like soot indicate Yang Toxin. Cold, slippery, and black nostrils indicate Yin Toxin. Nasal congestion with turbid discharge indicates Wind-Heat. Clear nasal discharge indicates Lung Cold. Dry and rough nostrils indicate Lung Heat. Among these, 'Yellow indicates difficulty in urination,' 'White indicates Qi Deficiency,' and 'Nostrils dry like soot indicate Yang Toxin' do not sufficiently explain the pathological mechanisms. Therefore, the following explanations are provided: According to literature records, 'dry yellow nose indicates accumulated heat and scanty urine,' meaning difficulty in urination is caused by accumulated heat; 'white nasal color indicates vomiting and diarrhea damaging the Spleen,' meaning deficiency is caused by vomiting and diarrhea; 'nose resembling a chimney indicates heat damaging the Lung organ and critical conditions involving fright,' thus knowing that the so-called 'Yang Toxin' refers to heat damaging the Lung organ."