In Lingshu Chapter 18, the Neijing describes each of the three 'burners' (焦 jiao) in the trunk of the body as having what Dr. Wang described as 'environments'. In that text, the middle burner is described as a 'pickling pot' (漚 ou). In this discussion, Jonathan and Jason discuss a variety of common patterns and physiological concepts related to this central area of post-natal qi creation. Cases are described, questions are posed and, as usual, there is more to explore in the clinic!