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The pharynx (Yan) is for swallowing. The larynx/trachea (Hou) is for monitoring breath. The pharynx connects to the three epigastric regions (San Wan: upper, middle, and lower abdomen/stomach areas) to communicate with the Stomach, thus it is used for swallowing food; the larynx/trachea connects to the Five Zang Organs to link with the Lungs, thus it is used for monitoring Qi.

Climate (air) and grain Qi enter clearly through these passages. The *Qianjin Fang* states that the throat primarily facilitates the passage of water and grain, and the pharyngeal gate primarily facilitates the flow of fluids and Shen (Spirit) from the Zang-Fu organs; this is incorrect.

The larynx/trachea receives clear Qi, hence it is said that the larynx/trachea governs Heavenly Qi. The pharynx receives food Qi, hence it is said that the pharynx governs Earthly Qi. When one Yin and one Yang meridians knot together, it is called Hou Bi (Sore Throat/Obstruction). "One Yin" refers to the Pericardium Meridian of Hand-Jueyin, and "one Yang" refers to the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) Meridian of Hand-Shaoyang. These two meridians both connect to the larynx/trachea. If heat and Qi knot internally, it results in Hou Bi.

Hou Feng (Wind in the Throat) and Hou Bi both arise from phlegm-fluids previously present in the diaphragm region, or are triggered by irregularities in the Seven Emotions (Qi, anger, worry, thought, sadness, fear, fright). Fire stirs phlegm upward, obstructing the throat, causing internal and external swelling and pain, inability to take in water or broth, and inability to speak. This condition is indeed critical and urgent.

If the pulse at both Cun positions (wrist) is floating, surging, and overflowing, it indicates Hou Bi. If the pulse is faint and hidden/deep, it indicates death.

Heat knotting in the throat, with swelling spreading externally, accompanied by numbness and itching, and severe swelling, is named Chan Hou Feng (Coiling Wind in the Throat). The symptoms of Chan Hou Feng begin two days prior with tightness in the chest and diaphragm, and shortness of breath upon exhalation. Suddenly, the throat becomes swollen and painful, the hands and feet become cold, Qi closure occurs making breathing impossible, and if not treated immediately, death ensues within moments. Chan Hou Feng mostly belongs to phlegm-water accumulation, characterized by swelling both inside and outside the throat.

For treating Hou Bi, needle therapy and emetic methods should be used urgently to save the patient. However, the uvula (Xuan Yong Chui) must not be punctured; doing so can cause death. The uvula is located superiorly and serves as the gate for voice production. When latent heat in the Zang-Fu organs rushes upward to attack the throat, the uvula becomes swollen, elongated, and hangs down.

Ru E (Gooseberry-like tonsils), a common name, was generally referred to as Hou Bi in ancient formulas. Swelling on one side is called Dan E (Single Gooseberry), while swelling on both sides is called Shuang E (Double Gooseberry). However, Shuang E is easier to treat, whereas Dan E is difficult to treat.

Ai Tong (Pain in the Ai/pharyngeal gate) refers to the inability of the pharyngeal gate to accept grain and saliva, representing the obstruction of Earthly Qi. Hou Bi accompanied by Yan Tong (Pharyngeal Pain) means both the larynx/trachea and pharynx are diseased, indicating the simultaneous obstruction of Heavenly and Earthly Qi. Generally, patients with Hou Bi must also have Yan Tong, but patients with Yan Tong do not necessarily have Hou Bi.

In cases of any throat obstruction (Bi), one must not solely use cooling/cold-natured medicines for immediate effect. Otherwise, the heat above will not be cleared, while cold in the middle jiao will arise again. Toxic factors will enter the abdomen through the deficiency, leading to high swelling in the chest, wheezing above and diarrhea below, cold hands and feet, cyanosis of the fingernails, total inability to eat after seven days, and a mouth opening like a fish's gill; such cases indicate death.