乃天之道也。为政之理，补贱之义也。
大凡治病，明知标本，按法治之，何必谋于众？《阴
阳别论》曰∶谨熟阴阳，无与众谋。《标本病传论》曰∶知标知本，万举万当。不知标本，是
谓妄行。《至真要大论》曰∶知标知本，用之不殆。明知逆顺，正行无问。不知是者，不足以言诊
，适足以乱经。故《大要》曰∶粗工嘻嘻，以为可知，言热未已，寒病复起，同气异形，迷
诊乱经，此之谓也。
夫标本之道，要而博，小而大，可以言一而知百。言标与本，易而弗损。察本与
标，气可令调。明知胜复，为万民式，天之道毕矣。《天元纪大论》曰∶至数极而道不惑。可
谓明矣。所谓药之巧能者，温凉不同，寒热相反，燥湿本异云云，前已言之矣。斯言气也，至于
味之巧能，如酸能收，甘能缓，辛能散，苦能坚，咸能软，酸属木也。燥金主于散落而木反
这就是上天的规律，也是治理政事的道理，以及补益虚弱者的道义。
大凡治病，必须明确标本关系，按照法则进行治疗，何必去征求众人的意见？《素问·阴阳别论》说：仔细熟习阴阳理论，不必与众人商议。《素问·标本病传论》说：知道标和本，每次治疗都会得当。不知道标和本，这就叫做妄行。《素问·至真要大论》说：知道标和本，使用它就不会有危险。明确知道逆证和顺证，正确施行而无需疑问。不知道这些原则的人，不足以谈论诊法，只会扰乱医经。所以《大要》说：粗劣的医生嘻嘻哈哈，自以为懂得医术，刚说完热病，寒病又起来了，同气异形，迷惑诊断，扰乱经络，说的就是这种情况。
关于标和本的道理，简要而广博，微小而宏大，可以言一而知百。谈论标与本，容易且不损害真理。观察本与标，可以使气血调和。明确知道胜气和复气的变化，成为百姓的典范，上天的规律就完备了。《素问·天元纪大论》说：至极的数理使道不迷惑，可以说是明白了。所谓药物巧妙的功能，温凉不同，寒热相反，燥湿本性各异等等，前面已经说过了。这是讲气的功能，至于味道的巧妙功能，如酸能收敛，甘能缓急，辛能发散，苦能坚阴，咸能软坚，酸属于木类。燥金主司散落，而木反而……
This is the Way of Heaven, the principle of governance, and the righteousness of tonifying the deficient.
In general, treating diseases requires clearly understanding the root (Ben) and branch (Biao), and treating according to established principles; why is it necessary to consult with the multitude? The *Treatise on Distinguishing Yin and Yang* (*Yin Yang Bie Lun*) states: "Be diligent in mastering Yin and Yang, and do not consult with others." The *Treatise on the Transmission of Diseases from Root and Branch* (*Biao Ben Bing Zhuan Lun*) states: "Knowing the branch and the root, every action will be appropriate." Not knowing the root and branch is called reckless conduct. The *Great Treatise on the Most Essential Principles* (*Zhi Zhen Yao Da Lun*) states: "Knowing the branch and the root, its use will not lead to peril." Clearly knowing reversal and compliance, one acts correctly without doubt. One who does not know these matters is unworthy of discussing diagnosis; they merely disrupt the classic texts. Therefore, the *Da Yao* states: "The mediocre physician chuckles, thinking they can understand; speaking of heat before it has ceased, cold diseases arise again; same Qi but different forms, confusing diagnosis and disrupting the meridians—this is what is meant."
The way of root and branch is concise yet extensive, small yet great; one word can reveal a hundred truths. Discussing the branch and the root is easy and does not diminish the truth. Observing the root and the branch allows Qi to be regulated. Clearly understanding Sheng (overcoming) and Fu (rebounding) Qi serves as a model for the people, completing the Way of Heaven. The *Great Treatise on the Celestial Origin* (*Tian Yuan Ji Da Lun*) states: "When the ultimate numbers are reached, the Dao is not confused." This can be called clarity. As previously mentioned regarding the subtle efficacy of medicines, their warming and cooling properties differ, their cold and hot natures oppose each other, and their drying and moistening characteristics are fundamentally distinct. This refers to the functions of Qi. Regarding the subtle efficacy of flavors, such as Sour (Suan) ability to astringe, Sweet (Gan) ability to relax, Pungent (Xin) ability to disperse, Bitter (Ku) ability to firm, Salty (Xian) ability to soften; Sour belongs to Wood. Dry Metal governs scattering and dispersing, while Wood instead...