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It is stated: Patients with sweating should not take Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), and those without sweating should not take Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig). This must be strictly observed to avoid error. If a Cold syndrome presents with a Wind pulse, or a Wind syndrome presents with a Cold pulse, then Mahuang Guizhi Ban Tang (Half-Mahuang Half-Guizhi Decoction) should be used. In ancient times, for treating Shangfeng (Wind Injury) characterized by more heat than cold, aversion to wind, floating-tight pulse, and absence of sweating, Qinglong Tang (Azure Dragon Decoction) was employed. This is because the patient was first injured by Wind and subsequently by Cold; the Wind symptoms persist while the Cold pulse has appeared, hence the provision of such a formula as a backup. Conversely, if injured by Cold first and then by Wind, presenting with more cold than heat, no irritability, slight coldness in the extremities, and a floating-slow-weak pulse with spontaneous sweating, this indicates a Taiyang Cold syndrome manifesting a Wind pulse. However, Qinglong Tang is harsh and rapid in action, whereas Mahuang Guizhi Ban Tang is milder and carries no regret or adverse consequences. The principles for other meridians follow this pattern.

Shanghan (Cold Damage) begins in the Taiyang meridian, transmits inversely to the Yangming meridian, and stops at the Jueyin meridian. Since the Six Meridians are distinct, their treatment methods differ. The Taiyang belongs to the Bladder; it cannot be cured without inducing sweating. Mahuang must be used because Mahuang grows in Zhongmu, where snow accumulates five chi deep; however, where Mahuang grows, snow does not accumulate. This is likely because the herb can unblock internal Yang Qi and repel external Cold. The Yangming belongs to the Stomach; it cannot be cured without purging and draining. Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) and Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas) must be used to facilitate drainage. The Shaoyang belongs to the Gallbladder, which has no direct exit or entry pathway. Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) and Banxia (Pinelliae Tuber) can open orifices and induce sweating; when assisted by Zixin Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), the pathogen cannot be resolved without them. The Taiyin belongs to the Spleen, the Earth organ of the Central Region, whose nature dislikes Cold and Dampness. Without Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), warmth and dryness cannot be achieved. The Shaoyin belongs to the Kidney, whose nature fears Cold and Dryness. Without Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), warming cannot be accomplished. The Jueyin belongs to the Liver, which stores Blood and nourishes sinews; without warm and neutral herbs, moistening and nourishing cannot occur. These are the standard principles. Later learners, ignorant of these categories, prescribe drugs arbitrarily, leading to chaotic conditions where various symptoms arise, harming lives. How can one fail to investigate and distinguish carefully? Regarding the Three Yang diseases, sweating, purging, and harmonizing methods are well understood. When it comes to the Taiyin Spleen meridian, if warming and drying methods fail, one should still employ warming and draining via the Yangming pathway, as seen in Wenpi Wan (Warm the Spleen Pill) which uses Dahuang. For the Shaoyin Kidney meridian, although Fuzi is used, the addition of Mahuang indicates that Shaoyin disease also originates from Taiyang. The use of Guizhi in Jueyin clearly indicates transmission from Shaoyang. When the Two Yangs are constrained and closed, they should all be addressed via the Yangming pathway. Therefore, all Three Yin meridians have indications for purgation: Shaoyin with dry mouth and throat, and diarrhea of clear water; Taiyin with abdominal fullness and intermittent pain; Jueyin with tongue retraction and testicular contraction—all require purgation. Students must examine these details carefully and must not administer drugs rashly.