Library

Meiheqi (Plum-pit Qi) is generally caused by the stagnation of the Seven Emotions (Joy, Anger, Worry, Pensiveness, Sorrow, Fear, Fright). It may also arise from being offended or angered during meals. This condition is most common among women. Treatment should primarily focus on resolving stagnation and smoothing Qi, clearing the diaphragm, transforming phlegm, and purifying the lungs.

Jiawei Sisi Tang (Modified Four-Seven Decoction): Treats phlegm-Qi formed by the knotting of Qi due to the Seven Emotions, feeling like a plum pit; or like broken cotton in the throat, unable to be coughed out or swallowed; or epigastric fullness and obstruction, with Qi not flowing smoothly and pleasantly; or excessive phlegm-saliva causing panting and急促 breathing; or nausea and vomiting due to phlegm-fluid retention. This medicine is excellent, its merits cannot be fully described.

Baifuren (Poria Cocos, peeled), Chuan Nongpu (Magnolia Officinalis Bark, peeled and stir-fried with ginger juice), Su Geng (Perilla Stem), Banxia (Pinellia Tuber, stir-fried with ginger juice), Guang Juhong (Citrus Reticulatae Pericarpium Rubrum), Qingpi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange), Sharen (Amomum Fruit), Nanxing (Arisaema Rhizome, stir-fried with ginger juice), Shenqu (Medicated Leaven, stir-fried, each 1 qian), Baidoukou (White Cardamom Seed), Binglang (Areca Seed), Yizhiren (Buckthorn Fruit, each 0.5 qian).

Crush these into one dose. Add five slices of fresh ginger, decoct in water, and take before retiring for the night.

Ying (Goiter) mostly occurs on the shoulders and neck, while Liu (Tumor) forms according to Qi condensation. These conditions develop over many years, gradually enlarging and lengthening. Those that are hard and immobile are named Shiying (Stone Goiter). Those with unchanged skin color are named Rouying (Flesh Goiter). Those where sinews and vessels protrude and knot are named Jin Ying (Sinew Goiter). Those where red vessels intersect and knot are named Xueying (Blood Goiter). Those that fluctuate with sorrow and anger are named Qiying (Qi Goiter). The five types of Ying cannot be incised. Incision leads to the collapse of pus and blood, often resulting in premature death and being difficult to treat. There are six types of Liu: Guliu (Bone Tumor), Zhiliu (Lipoma), Rouliu (Sarcoma/Flesh Tumor), Nongliu (Abscess/Pus Tumor), Xueliu (Vascular Tumor), Jinliu (Sinew Tumor). These also cannot be incised; if incised, they are difficult to cure. Rouliu is particularly untreatable; treatment may cause death. Only Zhiliu heals after rupture and removal of its fatty contents.

Ying and Liu are caused by stagnation of Qi and Blood.

Xiaoliu Wuhai San (Five-Sea Powder for Reducing Tumors): Haidai (Laminaria Japonica), Haizao (Sargassum Hirtofilum), Haibu (Sargassum Fulvellum), Haige (Clam Shell), Haipiao Xiao (Cuttlefish Bone, each 2.5 liang), Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix, 2 liang), Sanleng (Sparganii Rhizoma), Ezhu (Curcumae Rhizoma), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), Xiangfumie (Cyperi Rhizoma), Zhu Yanzi (Pig Gallbladder, seven pieces, stir-fried with old wall soil, de-oiled and dried).

Grind into powder. Take 0.75 qian per dose, washed down with rice soup far from meals.

Xiaozhong Kuijian Tang (Decoction for Reducing Swelling and Hardening - see Scrofula section): Universally applicable for treating Ying, Liu, and scrofula nodules.

Neifu Michuan Fang (Secret Formula of the Imperial Palace): Effectively treats Ying Qi.

Haizao (Seaweed, washed with hot water), Kunbu (Ecklonia Stolonifera, washed), Haidai, Haipiao Xiao, Haifen (Sepiae Endoconcha, processed by flying), Hailuo (Conch, stir-fried with vinegar), Gancao (Licorice Root, a small amount). If the area below the neck shakes, use long shells; if it does not shake, use round shells.

Grind all ingredients in equal proportions into powder. Make pills with refined honey, sized like longan seeds. Each night before bed, hold one pill in the mouth to dissolve slowly. Its efficacy is indescribable.