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The *Classic of Medicine* (*Huangdi Neijing*) states: "Dampness transforms into substances; water and fluids accumulate internally, causing fullness in the middle jiao and an inability to eat." This refers to "Yin" (fluid retention), not "Tan" (phlegm). Although Tan and Yin are said to be of the same category, they are actually different. Generally speaking, Yin belongs to the category of water and fluids. Symptoms such as vomiting clear fluid, distension of the chest and abdomen, acid regurgitation, and belching with a putrid odor are all remnants of food and drink that have stagnated and accumulated without moving; this is what is referred to as "Yin". The difference between Tan and Yin lies in the fact that Yin is clear and thin, whereas Tan is thick and turbid. Yin is transformed only from the stagnation and accumulation of food and drink, whereas Tan can be caused by injury to any of the five Zang organs. However, investigating its origin, Tan is essentially the body's Jin-Ye (body fluids), which are all transformed from food and drink. If this transformation occurs correctly, the physical form becomes strong, and Ying (nutritive Qi) and Wei (defensive Qi) become abundant. If the transformation loses its proper regulation, the Zang and Fu organs become diseased, the Jin-Ye deteriorate, and the blood and Qi transform into Tan. Later practitioners, when treating Tan diseases, immediately speak of "Tan-Huo" (Phlegm-Fire). Some claim that bizarre symptoms are caused by Tan, while others assert that Tan is the mother of a hundred diseases. Is not the harm caused by Tan extremely significant? Therefore, it is crucial not to fail to distinguish between deficiency (Xu) and excess (Shi). One must examine whether the patient's age and strength are still robust, and their blood and Qi are unharmed; or if the cause is excessive consumption of rich and sweet foods, prevalent damp-heat, external closure of the skin and hair pores by wind-cold, or rebellious Qi connecting internally to the liver and diaphragm. All these can generate Tan and stir Huo (Fire), harming the eyes. If one observes that both the pathogenic Qi and the constitutional Qi belong to the state of "excess," it is Shix Tan (Excess Phlegm), which should be treated with methods of dissipation and purgation. Conversely, if the patient has reached middle age and decline, with a frail physical form and weak Qi, or due to frequent illness, overwork, or emotional distress, alcohol, and sexual indulgence leading to consumptive damage (not sudden stroke or syncope due to wind), or presenting with a fine and rapid pulse, absence of Yang pathogens in the Zang organs, frequent nausea/vomiting and diarrhea, shortness of breath, and hoarseness, these individuals suffer from dim vision. If one observes that their constitutional Qi and pathogenic Qi originally lack signs of "excess," it is Xux Tan (Deficiency Phlegm). Deficiency Phlegm should be treated by supporting the Yuan Qi (Primary Qi), so that Jing (Essence) and Xue (Blood) become abundant and vigorous, whereupon the Tan will naturally dissipate. However, the generation of Tan invariably stems from the Spleen and Kidney. The Spleen dislikes dampness; when dampness prevails, Tan is produced. The Kidney belongs to Water; when Water floods, Tan is also produced. Tan in the Spleen system can be either deficient or excess, whereas Tan in the Kidney system is exclusively deficient. When Tan disease extends to the eyes, treatment is most difficult; however, by regulating Cold and Heat, Deficiency and Excess, Qi and Blood, and Yin and Yang, there is no case that will not heal. In the past, Wang Yinjun stated that internal and external diseases of all kinds arise from Tan, and he treated them all with Gongtan Wan (Rolling Phlegm Pill) for purgation. This approach focuses only on the immediate situation without considering the subsequent consequences.