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[Case 1] The mother-in-law of Teacher Mr. Wu, over seventy years old, though thin in physique, was vigorous and spirited. In the spring of 1993, she gradually felt pain and discomfort (a sensation of heat and hunger in the stomach) in the epigastrium. Self-medication with stomach remedies proved ineffective, so she went to the hospital for examination, where it was found that she had reached the late stage of gastric adenocarcinoma. Her son-in-law then invited me to treat her. Upon diagnosis, I found that both Guan pulses (the pulse position corresponding to the Spleen/Stomach on the left and Liver/Gallbladder on the right) of the patient had a protrusion like a small bean, hard and pulsating violently, shaking restlessly; this indicated the presence of Dong Mai (Throbbing Pulse, often associated with pain or shock) at both Guan positions. Additionally, the affected area frequently distended and hurt, only finding slight relief after belching or passing flatus. Qi of the Stomach rebelled upwards, causing frequent vomiting. Multiple treatments using formulas to move Qi and broaden the middle, resolve phlegm, invigorate blood and resolve stasis, harmonize the Stomach and direct rebellious Qi downwards, combined with herbs to detoxify and inhibit cancer, yielded only minor effects, while the pulse remained unchanged. After repeated consideration, I changed the main formula to Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder), modifying it according to the symptoms. The protruding pulse body gradually decreased in size. After more than a month of taking the medicine, the Throbbing Pulse flattened out, and both hands presented a clear Xian Mai (Wiry Pulse). The pulse body became unified, running straight up and down. Later, the patient underwent surgical resection of the lesion in the hospital. Unexpectedly, she passed away shortly after surgery, which was truly regrettable.

[Case 2] Secretary Xu, a female village party secretary, was fifty years old when she developed lymphatic cancer in 1992, with cervical lymph nodes swelling in chains. Metastasis had occurred to the bilateral tonsils and stomach. Due to chemotherapy-induced rupture of the gastric lesion causing massive hemorrhage, only very small doses of medication were administered after emergency hemostasis. Ms. Xu strongly requested my treatment. After a detailed analysis of the four diagnostic methods, I prescribed a formula: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), and Gan Cao (Licorice Root) to tonify Qi; Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) to nourish blood and regulate the Liver; Ban Xia (Pinelliae Tuber) and Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) to resolve phlegm; Zao Hai (Sargassum) and Kun Bu (Eckloniae Thallus), San Leng (Sparganii Rhizoma), and E Zhu (Curcumae Rhizoma) to attack hardness and soften masses; combined with Mu Li (Ostreae Concha) and Zao Jiao Ci (Gleditsiae Spina) to penetrate collaterals and reduce swelling; Xia Ku Cao (Prunellae Spica) and Hong Teng (Sargentodoxae Caulis) to clear heat and reduce inflammation; along with other anti-cancer detoxifying herbs, ground into powder for ingestion. After taking the medicine, subjective symptoms gradually disappeared, spirit improved, and appetite returned. Subsequently, the lymphatic swelling in the neck and throat disappeared. She stayed in a certain hospital for one year, simultaneously taking my herbal powder for one year, appearing as if she were healthy. Follow-up examinations showed that the metastatic lesions in the stomach had also disappeared. Monthly checks at the hospital for five consecutive times failed to find any lesions or cancer cells, leading to her discharge. Believing herself cured, she stopped taking the Chinese medicine without necessity. Little did she know that although the lesions were removed, residual toxins remained, and continued medication was necessary for consolidation. Otherwise, "though the stove flame is extinguished, fire remains in the ashes"; a slight negligence would inevitably lead to a resurgence. Three months later, the hospital advised chemotherapy for radical cure to prevent recurrence. Despite my earnest persuasion, I could not stop it. Immediately after the first cycle of chemotherapy, she felt severe pain in the right upper abdomen, followed by incessant vomiting. The examination concluded "cholecystitis," but symptomatic treatment was ineffective. I diagnosed her pulse: the Left Guan pulse was approximately normal, while the Right Guan pulse exhibited a Throbbing Pulse, violent and rotating, hard and pulsating. I firmly believed there was no disease in the gallbladder but rather a recurrence of cancer, with the lesion in the epigastrium. Urgently, we went to the Municipal First Hospital for a CT scan, which confirmed the cancer had returned, with the lesion in the stomach. Subsequently, experts from the original hospital performed chemotherapy, and she passed away within a few days. This is another case related to "Guan Pulse like a Bean" and cancer:

[Case 3] Retired worker Mr. Sun, over seventy years old. In March 1994, he suddenly suffered severe upper abdominal pain and was sent to Changzheng Hospital for exploratory laparotomy. Eight cancerous foci, the size of peanut kernels, were found in the ampulla of Vater and the head of the pancreas. The abdomen was closed, and he was discharged. His son-in-law then invited me to treat him. Upon diagnosis, I observed that at the onset of the disease, the Zhongwan (CV12) area was swollen and bulging, with the chest, epigastrium, and abdomen resembling drum distension. There was cutting pain in the stomach, similar to twisting or gouging, inability to eat, foul-smelling belching, frequent vomiting, and constipation. The pulse revealed a bean-sized nodule at the Right Guan position, throbbing violently and continuously; upon firm pressure, it felt prominent under the fingers, while the remaining pulses were small and slippery. The tongue body was pale red and full, with a thin white and dry coating. I immediately employed methods to move Qi and invigorate blood, soothe the Liver and resolve stagnation, combined with anti-cancer therapy. The prescription included Dan Shen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Chi Shao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Pu Gong Ying (Taraxaci Herba), Bai Hua She She Cao (Hedyotidis Diffusae Herba), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), Chuan Lian Zi (Toosendan Fructus), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Rhizoma), and Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix). After three doses, symptoms disappeared, and the patient's diet and daily routine returned to normal. By the third dose, he passed large amounts of stool, the abdominal distension subsided, and the Right Guan Throbbing Pulse softened and decreased in size. One week later, the previous symptoms recurred, and the pulse became hard and pulsating again. Reusing the previous formula yielded no effect. Considering the patient's advanced age and inherent deficiency of Qi and Blood, I added large doses of Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), and Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) to the original formula. The epigastric and abdominal distension dissipated immediately. The throbbing pulse at the Right Guan significantly softened and was no longer hard upon pressure. From this, it can be inferred that the pulse morphology changes with the rise and fall of Yuan Qi (Original Qi) and pathogenic factors. When the epigastric and abdominal pain recurred for the third time, adding Bai Zhu, Dang Gui, and Bai Shao again proved ineffective. After repeated study, I prescribed a new formula based on tonifying Qi and strengthening the Spleen, softening hardness and dissipating nodules, and detoxifying and fighting cancer. This completely eliminated symptoms and distension, restoring his demeanor and diet to normal. He took the medicine for over three years with no signs of illness. Re-examination showed the lesions still existed. This indicates that the medicine and the disease were evenly matched, resulting in peace. During dozens of follow-ups, the Throbbing Pulse at the Right Guan varied in size and hardness. Sometimes it disappeared entirely, merging with the Cun (Inch) and Chi (Cubit) pulses. The patient is currently still alive.

Commentary: The above three patients all suffered from digestive tract cancers, and the pulse observed at the Right Guan position was consistently a Throbbing Pulse. Is the Throbbing Pulse a specific pulse sign for digestive tract cancer? This requires further exploration. Certainly, not all digestive tract cancer patients present with a Throbbing Pulse; various pulse presentations may occur. Conversely, if a Throbbing Pulse is observed without accompanying fright, trauma, pregnancy/childbirth, or other painful conditions, one should be vigilant about it being a precursor to digestive tract tumors. If this theory holds true, it would not only provide an additional diagnostic pathway but also have significant implications for tumor prediction and early detection.

Secondly, regarding the medication in the cases of Mrs. Wu and Mr. Sun, the Throbbing Pulse was hard and pulsating, seemingly indicating an Excess pattern. However, treatments using Qi-moving and blood-invigorating, or softening-hardness and dissipating-nodule agents, failed to alter the pulse. In contrast, combining these with Qi-tonifying and Blood-nourishing, or Liver-soothing and depression-resolving formulas, caused the pulse to soften and decrease. Therefore, when encountering strong and knotted pulses, one should first consider Deficiency before Excess. This is because injury to Yuan Qi impairs its ability to circulate Qi and Blood normally. Combined with emotional injuries causing stagnant Qi mechanism, the pathological factors become hard and consolidated. However, having seen only these two cases, I cannot draw definitive conclusions. If this theory is valid and extended, it suggests that the deep-rooted hardness of tumor lesions is closely related to the depletion of the patient's True Yuan (True Origin) and severe emotional trauma. Thus, during treatment, one must constantly protect the patient's Yuan Qi and attend to adjusting their emotional state. The relationship between psychological factors and cancer is increasingly verified by the medical community. Professor Jiang Chunhua, a contemporary giant of Traditional Chinese Medicine, explicitly stated in a letter to me dated December 19, 1978: "Traditionally, TCM considered cancer related to Seven Emotions. Now it appears that most cancer patients develop the disease due to depressive moods." This insight is extremely profound; therefore, whenever a Throbbing Pulse is seen, attention should be paid to this aspect.

Trial of the Dissipation Method for Cancer

The Dissipation Method (Xiao Fa) uses drugs that reduce swelling, dissipate nodules, open blockages, and break accumulations to eliminate masses,痞 (痞积 - palpable lumps), and obstructions caused by Qi stagnation, Blood stasis, Phlegm coagulation, Fire depression, Dampness accumulation, or Water retention. It aims to eliminate lesions, unblock collaterals, regulate Qi and Blood, harmonize Zang-Fu organs, and thereby achieve recovery.

Dissipation is one of the Eight Methods, a fundamental principle of TCM treatment. Specifically, when used for Yin nodules, phlegmatic masses, Zheng (fixed masses), and Jia (accumulations), it is often called the Dissipation-Scattering Method (Xiao San Fa). Given the prevalence of tumors today and their nature as tangible lesions, timely dissipation is an indispensable approach in tumor treatment. Through careful observation in clinical practice, I have formed the following preliminary insights on using the Dissipation Method, presented here to attract jade (i.e., to invite criticism and improvement).

First, the optimal timing for using the Dissipation Method must be grasped. Human Qi and Blood thrive on free circulation; obstruction leads to disease. When tangible nodules or masses are present, they should be dissipated promptly to ensure rapid removal, avoiding hesitation that might cause missed opportunities. If delayed, accumulated Qi penetrates deeply and becomes firm, creating a situation where extraction is difficult. Thus, grasping the timing and dissipating promptly is crucial. Malignant tumors are difficult to detect early; symptoms and signs usually appear in mid-to-late stages. At this point, not only is the accumulation deeply rooted, but toxic pathogens are internally harbored, and Healthy Qi is deficient. Pathogens and Healthy Qi are intertwined and complex. Only through careful differentiation and timely administration of appropriately potent dissipation drugs, combined with tonifying Healthy Qi, detoxification, Qi-moving, and blood-invigorating methods, can a turning point be achieved, leading to a smooth path forward.

Ancient sages treated Zheng accumulations using three methods corresponding to the initial, middle, and late stages. In the initial stage, pathogenic Qi begins to consolidate, and Healthy Qi is undamaged; aggressive dissipation is most suitable. In the middle stage, Healthy Qi gradually declines while pathogens strengthen; dissipation must be used concurrently with tonification. In the late stage, Healthy Qi is deficient and pathogens are excessive; tonification should be primary, with dissipation serving only as an auxiliary measure, dosed carefully according to the condition. The quantity and dosage of drugs must be weighed meticulously; rashness must be avoided. I once treated a late-stage liver cancer patient. In the differentiated formula, I slightly added Qi-moving and blood-invigorating herbs like Dan Shen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) and Qing Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride) in very light doses. After ingestion, he vomited blood. Although rescued in time, preventing disaster, the incident still haunts me. In this sense, physicians hold the power of life and death; those responsible for human health, can they not be cautious?

Second, the Dissipation Method must be applied according to the etiology. The pathology forming Yin nodules, phlegmatic masses, Zheng, and Jia includes multiple factors such as stagnant Qi, Blood stasis, coagulated Phlegm, depressed Fire, and water-dampness accumulation. These may cause disease individually or in combination. Therefore, when using dissipation drugs for cancer, one must clearly identify the cause of the disease and use targeted medications to achieve good results.

Third, it should be combined with methods of softening hardness, detoxification, resolving stagnation, removing stasis, eliminating phlegm, and tonifying Healthy Qi. Used synergistically, their effects complement each other. The etiology of cancer is obscure, and syndromes are complex. Especially in patients who have undergone repeated treatments or suffer from chronic prolonged illness, Qi and Blood are often chaotic, and pathogens and Healthy Qi are mixed. It is inappropriate to use the Dissipation Method alone to strike directly. One must prudently weigh the balance between pathogens and Healthy Qi, excess and deficiency, and various pathological factors, selecting appropriate combinations. This mutual assistance can achieve great success. For those with deficiency, differentiate Yin/Yang and Qi/Blood and assist with tonification. For those with intense internal Heat-Toxin, assist with detoxification, attacking toxin, or draining toxin methods. For hard masses, add softening-hardness agents to aid dissipation.

Several years ago, I processed a carefully selected combination of dissipation drugs into the "Shennong Series" anti-cancer preparations for clinical trials, which indeed showed special efficacy. A few examples are listed below:

[Case 1] Young male Mr. Wei, thirty years old, unmarried, accountant. In September 1991, due to sudden coughing and hemoptysis for over two months, he was diagnosed with lung cancer at the Municipal First Hospital and underwent surgery. Upon opening the chest, scattered carcinomas were found covering both lungs, making resection impossible, so the chest was closed. His life expectancy was estimated at no more than three months, so chemotherapy was not administered. However, the patient suffered persistent high fever, and coughing with bloody sputum continued. I gave him "Shennong No. 1" orally, primarily composed of dissipation drugs. The next morning, his temperature dropped significantly, and the fever cleared in two days. After half a month of taking the medicine, coughing and hemoptysis basically disappeared. After discharge, he continued taking the medicine, subjective symptoms vanished, sleep and appetite were peaceful, physical strength recovered, and complexion became ruddy. Three months later, radiography showed stability compared to three months prior; although lesions remained, there was no spread or development. Just as we were preparing to adjust the treatment plan, the patient stopped taking Chinese medicine and went to another hospital for chemotherapy. Two months later, his brother-in-law invited me again. The patient was extremely weak, unable to walk even short distances. Hair had fallen out, and he vomited upon seeing food. Radiography showed cancer metastasis to ribs, lumbar vertebrae, bladder, and stomach. The patient decided to stop chemotherapy and resume Chinese medicine. I immediately specially prepared "Shennong No. 2" concentrated pills for him. This formula added detoxifying and anti-cancer agents to Formula No. 1 and increased the dissipation power. After taking the medicine, the condition stabilized, symptoms reduced, and after one month, radiography showed lesions stable at the previous month's status, with the shadow at the eighth intercostal space visibly shrinking. Unexpectedly, the patient returned to the suburbs to visit relatives at this time, failing to bring enough medicine. After a week of discontinuation, he suffered lower limb paralysis and loss of sensation, frequent hemoptysis, continuous sweating, persistent fever above 38°C, fluctuating consciousness, urinary retention, and abdominal distension like a bucket. He was immediately returned to Shanghai for catheterization, and simultaneously given large doses of "Shennong No. 1" powder and "Shennong No. 8" wine preparation, which still adhered to the principle of dissipation. One week later, fever subsided, and hemoptysis stopped, but pus and blood remained in urine. Two weeks later, urine color clarified, and consciousness fully recovered. At one and a half months of medication, he could turn over and lie on his side, sit up continuously for forty minutes without fatigue, lower limbs began to feel pain, and the palpable mass in the stomach had shrunk by one-third. The condition was trending towards improvement. However, the patient's psychology was severely imbalanced. Both parents had cancer; his mother died suddenly from mental shock when he was diagnosed, and his father passed away unexpectedly just when the son needed spiritual support during his recovery. The patient was extremely depressed, feeling life was meaningless, and voluntarily stopped medication awaiting death in early August 1992. Despite repeated counseling from me and his leaders, it was of no avail. He died merely half a month after stopping medication.

His father, director of a provincial office in Shanghai, had previously suffered from liver cancer, surgically removed by experts. Two years later, coinciding with the patient's cancer diagnosis, his father's illness relapsed, with two peanut-sized liver tumors. After taking "Shennong No. 2" for two months, one resolved, and one shrank. However, he firmly believed in expert chemotherapy, leading his son astray. After his own treatment, he rapidly developed massive ascites and deep jaundice, dying shortly thereafter.

[Case 2] Mr. Zhou, thirty-five years old, cadre, former air force pilot. Generally healthy, in May 1992, due to constipation for over ten days and abdominal discomfort, abdominal cancer was discovered at Changzheng Hospital. Exploratory laparotomy revealed intestines and peritoneum covered with cancerous foci, with tissue necrosis. Surgery was impossible, so the abdomen was closed. He was told he could not eat and relied on fluid support, with a life expectancy of two months. Eating risked bowel obstruction and immediate death. I observed that although the surgical incision on the left abdomen surface was sutured, a small amount of exudate oozed from the seams, and a fist-sized lump was present in the left lower abdomen, reportedly arising outside the intestine. I administered "Shennong No. 1" orally and instructed him to maintain life by eating porridge. Remarkably, he defecated spontaneously every day after taking the medicine. One week later, the surgical incision healed well, allowing suture removal. Over ten days later, he could get up and walk, eat rice, and pass stool smoothly. Unexpectedly, friends and relatives recommended a "famous doctor" for treatment and sent the prescription to me for review. I was shocked by the prescription. The patient was emaciated and frail, yet the formula used large doses of San Leng (Sparganii Rhizoma), E Zhu (Curcumae Rhizoma), Yuan Hua (Genkwa Flos), Da Ji (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix), Ru Xiang (Boswelliae Resina), Mo Yao (Myrrha Resina), and various anti-cancer herbs, with shocking dosages. I advised against taking it. The family looked displeased. I tactfully explained: if you insist on taking it, consume small amounts slowly, divide one dose into multiple servings, and stop immediately if discomfort occurs. Unwilling to wait and believing in the "famous doctor," he drank a large dose daily. Although experiencing abdominal distension, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and general malaise, he gritted his teeth and finished multiple doses. Suddenly, his abdomen swelled massively. Auscultation revealed splashing sounds, indicating ascites. The previous doctor denied ascites, attributing it to Qi congestion, and prescribed more Qi-breaking and purgative agents. Consequently, the abdomen enlarged further, and ascites increased. Only then did they change course, inviting another renowned elderly TCM oncologist. Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) was administered, but the condition did not improve or worsen. To drain the water, Shang Lu (Phytolaccae Radix) powder mixed with Bing Pian (Borneolum Syntheticum) was applied to the umbilicus. After application, he defecated over twenty times a day, all bloody watery stool, with a terrible odor. His wife said it smelled not like feces but like rotting meat. By this time, four doctors had treated him for forty days, and my medicine had been stopped for forty days. With no way out, he invited me again. I saw a patient skeletal, abdomen drum-like, with persistent fever. Even after removing the umbilical paste, he still passed foul water four or five times a day. Seeing this, I knew the situation was hopeless, recovery unlikely, and I could only strive to alleviate suffering, i.e., "improve quality of life." I administered large doses of Shennong "No. 1" and "No. 8" together. Fever and diarrhea stopped in two days, with one normal yellow stool daily. Ascites resolved completely after one month. Although ultimately not cured, the efficacy of the medicine was evident.

[Case 3] Retired employee Mr. Chen, male, sixty-five years old. Admitted to a certain hospital in February 1992 for fever, diagnosed with "M2 type" acute leukemia. High fever persisted between 39–40°C. Blood counts and bone marrow images showed significant damage. He received twenty-two transfusions and chemotherapy, but the condition remained uncontrollable. The hospital concluded his life expectancy could not exceed three weeks, generally around two weeks, issuing critical condition notices repeatedly. After taking "Shennong No. 1," fever began to subside in four days and cleared in seven days. Blood counts improved significantly after three weeks, white blood cell counts gradually rose, bone marrow normalized after forty days, and all laboratory indicators reached normal standards after two months. He voluntarily abandoned chemotherapy and was discharged after one month of medication. Continuing to take "Shennong No. 1" powder, he lived normally for one and a half years before relapsing. I investigated the cause of relapse: besides discord with children and grandchildren, frequent arguments, and bad mood, he had taken many types of tonics. No other obvious factors were seen. Simultaneously with admission for chemotherapy, I administered Shennong No. 1 again. Within two weeks, he was clinically cured and discharged. His condition remained stable for six months post-discharge with no abnormalities. Six months later, due to intense family disputes, he relapsed suddenly and died within a few days.