First are those with internal dampness. Symptoms in these patients often include soreness and weakness in the waist and leg muscles, a "foggy" brain, a sticky sensation in the mouth, and loose stools. It is best for these individuals not to take tonics directly. Because dampness is sticky and stagnant, it easily obstructs the flow of Qi. If you blindly use certain medicines, not only will the nutrients fail to be absorbed, but they will also accumulate and transform into heat within the body; when this meets dampness, it forms damp-heat.

Second are those with internal phlegm. Symptoms in these patients are mostly characterized by oily skin, persistent coughing, phlegm production, a thick and greasy tongue coating, and soreness or weakness in the limbs. These individuals should also avoid casual supplementation. Phlegm acts like bubble gum, directly blocking the circulation of meridians, Qi, and blood. Taking tonics will immediately cause internal heat, which over time forms phlegm-heat.

Third are those with blood stasis in the body. Symptoms for these patients typically include bruising or lumps on the body, unexplained stabbing pains, and sublingual veins becoming thick and dark. Such individuals should not take supplements indiscriminately because, like phlegm, blood stasis blocks the circulation of Qi and blood; in this situation, supplementing will only lead to "internal heat" (shanghuo).

Fourth are those with a weak spleen and stomach. Symptoms for these patients include a tendency toward diarrhea, poor appetite, indigestion, abdominal bloating, a pale tongue, and teeth marks on the tongue. These individuals should also avoid casual supplementation; it is best to first strengthen the spleen and stomach. Otherwise, the food and tonics consumed cannot be absorbed, and the accumulation of supplements in the body will cause "internal heat." This condition is known as "being too weak to be supplemented."

Do you understand now?