In acute conditions treat the tip

Treat secondary manifestations when these are acute. For example, the sudden appearance of sore swollen throat preventing swallowing (tip) in patients suffering from yīn vacuity fever (root) is an acute condition requiring immediate attention. In severe cases, swelling of the throat can cause life-threatening asphyxiation, hence its treatment is more urgent than that of the root. Compare in chronic conditions treat the root. See also root and tip.