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When Lung Qi is deficient, one dreams of white objects. (White corresponds to metal/gold.) One sees people being beheaded with blood splattering profusely. (Those with deficiency are necessarily timid; "jiji" describes a state of fright and apprehension.) When the time arrives (referring to the period when Metal Qi is prosperous), one dreams of battles and warfare.

When Kidney Qi is deficient, one dreams of boats or drowning people. (The Kidney corresponds to Water.) When the time arrives (referring to the period when Water Qi is prosperous), one dreams of lying submerged in water, feeling as if filled with fear and dread.

When Liver Qi is deficient, one dreams of mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and growing grass. (The Liver corresponds to Wood.) When the time arrives (referring to the period when Wood Qi is prosperous), one dreams of crouching under trees, daring not to rise. (Although it is the time when Wood Qi is prosperous, the Liver Qi itself is originally deficient, hence the dream of crouching and daring not to rise.)

When Heart Qi is deficient, one dreams of rescuing fires or yang objects. (The Heart corresponds to Fire. Yang objects refer to things belonging to the category of Fire.) When the time arrives (referring to the period when Fire Qi is prosperous), one dreams of burning and scorching.

When Spleen Qi is deficient, one dreams of insufficient food and drink. (Symbolizing empty granaries and storehouses.) When the time arrives (referring to the period when Earth Qi is prosperous), one dreams of building walls and covering houses.

These all indicate that the Qi of the Five Zang organs is deficient, while Yang Qi is excessive and Yin Qi is insufficient. (Generally, if a person's Yang Qi is insufficient and Yin Qi is excessive, they will sleep during the day; if Yang Qi is excessive and Yin Qi is insufficient, they will dream in the evening. The reason for appearing Jue syndrome or dreaming is caused by Yang Qi failing to attach to Yin Qi.) Combining this with the Five Diagnoses (observing the presenting symptoms of the Five Zang), regulate Yin and Yang, based on their location in the meridians (to harmonize Yin and Yang, seek the cause within the Twelve Meridians. ○ Dreams and spirit confusion involve abnormal changes, which depend solely on the distinction between pathogenic and righteous Qi prosperity and decline. If Yang Qi is prosperous, it is auspicious; if Yin Qi is prosperous, it is inauspicious.)

(Following the *Zhenyao Jingzhong Lun* chapter)

The Mai (Vessels/Pulse) is the residence of Blood (Ying Qi circulates within the vessels, thus the vessel is the residence of Blood; 'fu' implies gathering). A long pulse indicates regulated Qi (Qi is abundant and harmonious). A short pulse indicates diseased Qi (Qi is insufficient). A rapid pulse indicates vexation of the heart (internal heat). A large pulse indicates advancing disease (pathogenic factors are abundant). Excess at the upper part indicates Qi rebellion; excess at the lower part indicates Qi distension. A Dai pulse (intermittent pulse) indicates Qi decline (the pulse stops midway during beating, indicating a lack of true Qi). A thin pulse indicates little Qi (thinner than the normal pulse). A choppy pulse indicates Heart pain. (A pulse that moves with difficulty is called choppy; choppy indicates little Blood and Qi stagnation, thus causing Heart pain.) A turbid and chaotic pulse (hunhun), arriving hard like leather (ge zhi), resembling a gushing spring (coming without order, only flowing out and not returning), indicates advancing disease and deteriorated complexion. (This means the disease must advance and the complexion becomes sallow/dull.) A pulse that goes forth slowly and faintly yet breaks like a severed string indicates death. (A pulse that is minute and also appears broken like a severed string indicates the extinction of True Qi and death without cause.)

Jing Ming (clarity/vision, manifested in the eyes) and the Five Colors (manifested on the face) are the blossoms/glory of Qi. Red should resemble white silk wrapping cinnabar, not resembling jasper. White should resemble goose feathers, not resembling salt. Green/Blue should resemble the luster of dark jade, not resembling indigo. Yellow should resemble raw yellow orpiment wrapped in silk, not resembling loess soil. Black should resemble the color of multiple coats of lacquer, not resembling earthy grey. (All colors desire moisture and luster, detesting dryness and withering.) If the subtle images of the essence of the Five Colors appear externally, longevity will not be long. (This means the essence transforms into color and manifests completely externally without any internal storage; this is the depletion of True Qi, hence longevity is not long.)

Jing Ming is used to see all things, distinguish black from white, and judge length and shortness. (If) one takes long for short, and white for black, then Jing Essence is depleted. (When Jing Essence is depleted, Shen Spirit scatters.)

The Five Zang organs are the strength of the body (when Zang Qi is abundant, the physical form is strong). The head is the residence of Jing Ming (the essence and Qi of the Zang-Fu organs all ascend to the head). If the head hangs low (head inclination) and the eyes are sunken and lightless, the Spirit is about to be seized. (Seizure/deprivation refers to loss.) The back is the residence of the Chest (Thorax); if the back is curved and shoulders droop, the residence is about to collapse. (This too is the loss of strength of the Zang-Fu organs.) The waist is the residence of the Kidney; if turning and shaking are impossible, the Kidney is about to become exhausted. The knee is the residence of the Sinews (tendons) (those connecting and linking joints, the tendons of the knee are the most significant); if flexion and extension are impossible, and walking requires stooping and leaning on objects, the Sinews are about to become exhausted. (Lou means stooping; fu means leaning on objects to walk; bei means exhaustion/collapse.) The bone is the residence of Marrow; if one cannot stand for long, and trembles/shakes while walking, the bones are about to become exhausted. (Marrow does not fill the bones.) Obtaining strength leads to life; losing strength leads to death.