Zhang Zihe stated that for conditions such as bleeding from the intestines due to visceral toxins (Zangdu), alcohol toxins, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, and hematemesis, as well as amenorrhea in women under thirty years of age, bloody dysentery occurring between the sixth and seventh lunar months, and food cravings during early pregnancy, there is no need to strictly observe dietary restrictions.
For patients suffering from chronic illnesses who have weak Stomach Qi (Wei Qi) and suddenly crave meat or rich foods, these should be given in small quantities to guide the qi of fermented grain liquids and food into the Stomach; this is a method of flexible adaptation. If one insists solely on demanding plain rice gruel, the patient will feel displeased, leading to reduced appetite and inability to eat. Consequently, Stomach Qi becomes difficult to recover, and the illness becomes difficult to cure. This constitutes an excessive restriction of diet. Wise individuals understand how to adapt flexibly.