Abstract：Based on the theory of "the inferior practitioner guarding the gate while the superior practitioner keeping the trigger" from Huang Di Nei Jing （The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic）， this study explores the pathogenesis， diagnosis，and treatment strategies of post-stroke dysphagia from the perspectives of "guarding the gate" and "keeping the trigger." It posits that the obstruction of the pharyngeal orifices constitutes the "gate" of the pathology， while the deactivation of the vital activity and the disordered qi movement represent the "trigger" of the pathology. In clinical practice，"gate identification" should be employed to clarify the location and nature of the pathological changes，while "trigger distinguishing" should be used to evaluate the state of qi movement and the interaction of the vital activity. In terms of treatment， "guarding the gate" involves unobstructing of the throat to open the orifices and restore function， while "keeping the trigger" focuses on regulating the spirit， conducting reversed qi， and restoring the pivotal mechanisms， thereby harmonizing the local orifices with the systemic spiritual mechanism. "Guarding the gate" and "keeping the trigger" are complementary and should be balanced in their implementation. Under the principle of combining local morphology with systemic function，flexible treatment strategies based on factors such as the severity of the condition，syndromes characteristics，and disease stage progression are essential to enhance therapeutic efficacy.