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Asthma presents in two main types, both involving Phlegm and Fire.
Some cases arise from sudden exposure to Wind-Cold, some from damage caused by salt water (excessive salty intake or consumption), and some from damage caused by vinegar soup (excessive sour intake or consumption).
These conditions flare up on cloudy days and persist continuously. For mild cases, one dose of Wuhu Tang (Five Tigers Decoction) is used; for severe cases, Tingli Wan (Descurainia Seed Pill) is prescribed.
These are all methods for immediate emergency relief. To eradicate the root cause, Wusheng Dan (Five Sages Pill) should be taken regularly, combined with external moxibustion therapy.

Ingredients and preparation: Nanxing (Prepared Arisaema Rhizome) 1 liang, Banxia (Pinellia Tuber, soaked seven times), Chenpi (Tangerine Peel, white pith removed, mixed with salt water) 1 liang, Gancao (Licorice Root) 4 qian, Xingren (Apricot Seed) 49 grains (separately ground). First, grind Nanxing and Banxia into powder, mix with Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice) and Zaojiao Zhi (Gleditsia Sinensis Juice) to form cakes. Then, grind Gancao and Chenpi into powder, take one bowl of Zhuli (Bamboo Sap), and mix the medicinal powders with the bamboo sap to form cakes; dry them, then re-moisten, and dry again until the bamboo sap is completely absorbed. Finally, grind Xingren into a paste, mix with steamed honey to form pills. When needed, dissolve one pill in the mouth and swallow with Bohe Tang (Mint Decoction).

Select Xinshu (Xin Shu, BL-15, located on the back) and Zusanli (ST-36), apply three moxa cones to each. Strictly avoid foods that are sour, salty, or pungent and hot in nature.
The poem "Xi Jiang Yue" states:
Although asthma has two types, it stems from latent Phlegm-Fire within, or is triggered by Wind-Cold attacking the exterior, or internal irritation from salt water and vinegar. It can also result from milk aspiration, causing pathogens to invade the interstices (Cou Li). Although medication regulation is beneficial, moxibustion is the superior method for eradication.
Asthma often becomes a chronic condition, flaring continuously when clouds gather before rain. Treatment requires releasing the exterior and resolving Phlegm; Jiubao Tang (Nine Treasures Decoction) is often effective. If exterior pathogens remain, use Wuhu Tang; if interior excess heat exists, Tingli Wan is primary. Do not use Pishi (Arsenic Pills), lest you shorten the child's life.

There are three treatment methods for cough: sweating (diaphoresis), purging (draining downward), and clearing and tonifying.
If the onset involves concurrent Wind-Cold exterior syndrome, mild cases are treated with Suchen Jiubao Tang (Perilla and Amber Nine Treasures Decoction), while severe cases use Wuhu Tang, showing effect after one dose.
If cough persists with fever and rapid breathing, this indicates latent Fire in the Lungs; treat with Tingli Wan to drain and relieve.
If prolonged cough leads to Lung Deficiency with continuous symptoms, tonify the Lungs using Ejiao San (Donkey-Hide Gelatin Powder) as the principal formula.
If prolonged cough is incessant accompanied by bleeding from the mouth and nose, treat with Maogen Tang (Imperata Rhizome Decoction).
If cough occurs in summer, treat with Jiawei Baihu Tang (Modified White Tiger Decoction). Sweating and purging methods are contraindicated (see Malaria Section for formula).
If phlegm production is severe, treat with Litang Wan (Phlegm-Resolving Pill) (see Convulsion Section for formula).
If prolonged cough results in Tortoise Chest (a deformity where the sternum protrudes like a turtle shell), treat with Tingli Wan.
If cough is accompanied by hemoptysis, treat with Erchen Tang (Two Aged Substances Decoction) added with Ginger Juice.
If cough is accompanied by sore throat and hoarseness, treat with Ganjie Tang (Licorice and Platycodon Decoction).