Library

The pulse is wiry, hard, and forceful, resembling the touch of a knife's edge, completely lacking in gentle and harmonious energy. This indicates an excess of Wood Qi (Liver Qi) and a deficiency of Metal Qi (Lung Qi). In the cycle of generation and control, this is known as "coming from behind," called "Tze Ke" (destructive overacting). If Taihe Qi (Great Harmony Qi) is not restored to eliminate this perverse nature, Yin will inevitably lose its ability to store, and Yang will have no foundation. As stated in the *I Ching*, "Walking on frost, firm ice arrives"; should one not prepare for rain before it falls? Laozi said, "Teeth are hard and thus break," which likely refers to this. I earnestly urge you, earnestly urge you. This prescription is kept in the left voucher (a record of important matters).

Zhi Gancao (Honey-fried Licorice Root), Beishashen (Glehnia Root), Liaodoupi (Coat of Soybean Seed), Dong Sangye (Mulberry Leaf), Sheng Baishao (Raw White Peony Root), Maidongrou (Flesh of Ophiopogon Tuber).

Zhongtu (Central Earth/Spleen-Stomach) stabilizes the positions of the eight directions like Mount Song. Shu belongs to Kun (Earth). Those born in this environment should have a pulse that is slow and smooth. Now, the pulse is overly surging and forceful, the complexion is yellow, and the breath is heavy. Fortunately, he has lived in Zhejiang for a long time; if he were in his hometown, the pulse condition might lead to blood hemorrhage. Even if he returns to Shu immediately, he should take pills early to nourish him.

The pulses of noble persons are mostly of the Six Yang type, followed by the Six Yin type; these are all signs of pure and mellow constitution. Now, his physical endowment is of the Six Yang type, which is one indication. Respiration is divided into nine stations, and pulse positions into three sections. Although organs can be observed within each section, the left section clearly shows the Heart, Liver, and Kidney. The Cun position is currently empty and large, indicating that the Heart fails to house the Shen (Spirit). The Guan position is slippery and rapid, indicating that Liver Wood lacks nourishment from Kidney Water. The Chi position is floating and large, indicating an imbalance of Water Qi. Fire takes Wood as its substance, and Wood takes Water as its mother; the Primordial Qi becomes clear through this. Thus, we know that the even lines in the Li trigram (Heart/Fire) generate Yin, causing Heart Qi to desire descending daily; the odd line in the Kan trigram (Kidney/Water) generates Yang, causing Kidney Qi to desire ascending daily. This is the intersection of Heart and Kidney. Alchemical formulas say: "When Water and Fire intersect, one never ages." This is what is meant. It is nothing more than in daily life: the Heart desires tranquility, the Liver desires harmony, and the Kidney desires solidity. Only then will there be no恍惚 (trance-like confusion) or palpitations, nor dysfunction of the extremities, allowing the four limbs to be at peace. I respectfully prescribe a formula to first nourish Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi. The method of nurturing will be presented later.

Renshen (Ginseng Root), Zaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae), Yuanzhi (Radix Polygalae), Danggui (Angelica Sinensis), Zhi Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), Shudi (Prepared Rehmannia Root), Fushen (Poria with Hostwood), Yuanshen (Scrophularia Root), Baishao (White Peony Root), Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix).

The pulse is slightly more harmonious than before, both hands are balanced, returning to the original state of Six Yang. It can be predicted that there is no external pathogenic Qi, only a slight deficiency of Ying and Wei Qi. However, observing the busy official documents, Heart Yin must be nourished, and Kidney Yang must be stored, to supply the spirit for daily use and to fulfill the intent of governing the people. First, prepare decoction medicine to take to the provincial capital, taking one dose daily for tonification. Subsequently, prepare pastes and pills to follow. Your Excellency's health and spirit will naturally improve day by day.

Renshen (Ginseng Root), Zaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae), Guishen (Root part of Angelica Sinensis), Zhi Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), Fushen (Poria with Hostwood), Yuanshen (Scrophularia Root), Baishao (White Peony Root), Qizi (Goji Berry), Shudi (Prepared Rehmannia Root), Hetao (Walnut Kernel), Guiyuanrou (Longan Aril).

The *Neijing* states that blockage of the Three Yang meridians leads to dysphagia (Ge syndrome), referring specifically to the Taiyang, Yangming, and Shaoyang meridians. Now, comparing the pulse and complexion, the Shaoyin and Jueyin meridians are also diseased. If filling the Lower Jiao is the primary task, it is indeed appropriate. But how can the Stomach gate be crossed? Moreover, there is a mass of stagnant fire, carrying the Wood pathogen to rebel and dominate the Central Plains (Spleen/Stomach). Accompanied by heat, it becomes even more rampant. If cold nature is intolerable, sweet-cold methods cannot be delayed. If the Lung fails to generate fluids and the Large Intestine fails to produce moisture, fluid deficiency will worsen, and diseases will become more complex. Furthermore, rebellion upward is due to Liver pathogen, caused by lack of Water nourishment. Failure to accept food is due to Stomach disease, caused by failure of Lung Qi to descend. Throughout the body, fluids and true essence are crucial. My opinion is to focus solely on this. Let us first administer Wuzhi Yin (Five Juices Drink), and then discuss medication.

Lugen juice (Reed Rhizome Juice), Zhugan juice (Sugarcane Juice), Maogen juice (Imperata Rhizome Juice), Xian Ou juice (Fresh Lotus Rhizome Juice), Shuili juice (Water Pear Juice) (one cup each), Shengjiang juice (Fresh Ginger Juice), Chenxiang juice (Aquilaria Wood Juice) (one small spoon each).

The diagnosed pulse is only deficient, fine, and powerless; the wiry quality has retreated. Tremors of the hands and feet are signs of Yuan Qi (Primordial Qi) deficiency. Previous medications had little effect because Yuan Qi could not carry the medicinal action. If Qi is not restored daily, the disease mechanism will not recede daily. Disease mechanism and Yuan Qi do not coexist; as one grows, the other declines, which is the normal principle. In my view, decoctions are secondary. One must use substances that directly target the Pre-Heaven (Congenital) aspect to make pastes and pills, taken morning and evening. Over time, they will suffice. Yuan Qi and Yuan Jing (Essence) will recover overnight, and Post-Heaven (Acquired) diet will strengthen itself without forcing. Since this illness is not an acute contraction or internal injury, there is no need to frequently change prescriptions to avoid harming the Yangming Stomach gate. Does the classic not say: "What suits the Stomach is tonification"? Will long-term decoction truly suit the Stomach? I came to diagnose your color and pulse under the order of Censor Ganjian Gong. I knew the principle would be this. I stayed for three days for General Zhen Tai out of gratitude for his respect for talent and love for kinship, hoping to correct the misguided advice of Zhejiang physicians. Combining pulse and symptoms, do not change course; directly tonify the Pre-Heaven. I propose three formulas: decoction for temporary use, paste for frequent consumption, and pills for morning administration. After twenty days of tonification, there will be changes. I shall visit again for re-diagnosis, how about that?

Formula not seen.

Your Lordship's constitution is originally Yin-deficient. Yang Qi and pathogens act alone. Fever has persisted for over twenty days without resolution. This is likely because Yin fluids are exhausted, preventing sweating, so pathogens remain unresolved. After consecutive doses of nourishing Yin, pathogens loosen, leading to profuse sweating. This is like clouds moving and rain falling, benefiting all things. Why doubt collapse? However, in a weak body with prolonged illness, Yuan Qi is further depleted. When pathogens exit slightly and profuse sweat occurs, it is a critical juncture for接续 (connecting/replenishing) tonification. Do not relax. Tranquil heart leads to settled Qi and resident Shen. Do not worry or disturb Shen Qi, causing Yang to ascend. Earnestly urged, earnestly urged.

Renshen (Ginseng Root) (4 qian), Shudi (Prepared Rehmannia Root) (1 liang), Baomu Fushen (Poria with Hostwood) (2 qian), Tiandong (Asparagus Tuber) (3 qian), Zhi Shouwu (Prepared Polygonum Multiflorum Root) (5 qian), Zuo Gu Muli (Oyster Shell) (6 qian).

The pulse is empty and wiry, with urgent abdominal pain. This is Liver disease. If treating the Liver fails, treating the Spleen is also a good method.

Cu Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) (1 qian), Moyao (Myrrh) (5 fen), Baishao (White Peony Root, stir-fried yellow) (2 qian), Gancao (Licorice Root, stir-fried black) (1 qian), Hupo (Amber) (1 qian), Yitang (Maltose) (1.5 qian).

Small bones and fragile flesh are not the constitution of pine and cypress. Mixing tonification, purgation, warming, and cooling—is this a method to save lives? Fortunately, he can eat and has solid stools. Autumn weather can still support him. Yet, with ulcerated flesh and obstructed meridians during side-sleeping, why are doctors still confused? I am old and do not discuss medicine. I merely write a few words and draft a formula.

Shudi (Prepared Rehmannia Root), Zhi Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), Danggui (Angelica Sinensis), Sheng Zuo Muli (Raw Left Oyster Shell).

All twelve meridians can have coughs; how much more so for Stomach disease? Moreover, Earth disease affects Metal organs, and the Fu organs are also diseased. Seeking the cause of pain and diarrhea here—one in the Upper Wan of the Stomach, one in the Lung Fu—makes it traceless. Looking up at the roof, thinking, one must divide forces and attack jointly to formulate a method. Please, masters, refine this. Perhaps this humble suggestion can help navigate the boat like shrimp strength.

Jiangxi Chishizhi (Red Halloysite) (6 liang, calcined), Chaohei Ganjiang (Stir-fried Black Dried Ginger) (1 liang).

Grind these two into powder, form pills with yellow rice.

Renshen (Ginseng Root) (1 qian), Zhihei Gancao (Stir-fried Black Licorice) (1 qian), Dazao (Jujube) (5 qian), Yitang (Maltose) (5 qian), Guimu (Cinnamon Bark) (1 qian), Jiuchao Baishao (Wine-stir-fried White Peony Root) (2 qian), Weishu Shengjiang (Baked Fresh Ginger) (1 qian).

Decoct once in water, remove dregs, and take with 3 qian of the previous Taohua Wan (Peach Pill).

The disease is originally Wet-Warmth. Yuan Qi cannot carry pathogens out, showing a trend of directly attacking the Middle Jiao. I propose using Zhizi (Gardenia) and Chidouchi (Fermented Soybean) to separate upper and lower, Jiang (Ginger) and Huangqin (Scutellaria) to regulate left-right ascending/descending, and aromatic herbs to resolve horizontally. Hoping to clear pathogens, let us see if it works.

Hei Shanzhi (Black Gardenia), Dan Qin (Light Scutellaria), Chuan Yujin (Curcuma Longa Rhizome), Sheng Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizome), Chao Xiangchi (Stir-fried Fermented Soybean), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), Xian Shichangpu (Fresh Acorus Rhizome), Sheng Gancao (Raw Licorice Root).

The disease has been long and chaotic, ultimately involving the Jueyin organ. Now, we discuss assisting Metal Qi to secretly control it, nourishing Ying Qi to pacify it, and solidifying Taiyin to defend against it. This is like Zigong saving Lu or Ba Yue destroying Wu.

Lingyangjiao (Antelope Horn), Renshen (Ginseng Root), Zhi Shouwu (Prepared Polygonum Multiflorum Root), Qing Ejiao (Clear Donkey-hide Gelatin), Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Yun Fushen (Poria with Cloud Hostwood).

Diagnosed that True Qi has long failed to circulate to the four limbs, and suddenly contracted Summerheat pathogen resembling stroke. Symptoms include enuresis and closed eyes. The pulse is wiry and rapid, extending to the Yuji point. Liver Wind belongs to Foot Jueyin. Use对症 (symptom-matching) medicine to rescue the rebellion.

Lingyangjiao (Antelope Horn), Zhuru (Bamboo Shavings), Lianqiaoren (Forsythia Fruit Core), Xian Sangzhi (Fresh Mulberry Twig), Banxia (Pinellia Tuber), Xian Shichangpu Gen (Fresh Acorus Rhizome Root).

Human life involves fifty-one organs' sorrow, let alone six? The disputed points all focus on the Kidney. Generally, the main point is to stabilize the Spleen, so that the pivot is secured and the four movements are completed.

Dushu Gao (Single Atractylodes Paste) can be used first, ten jin.

True Qi is already leaking; how can the disease heal? He who has a method to heal is perhaps an immortal?

Guishao Liujun Qu Gancao (Six Gentlemen Decoction minus Licorice, plus Angelica and Peony), decoct fresh Sangzhi (Mulberry Twig) to replace water.

This is Taiyin steamed by dampness, lacking clearing and descending authority. Wood has no fear. The right shoulder and arm gradually show insensitivity. Qu Chi (Quchi acupoint) injury causes sores, yet he still feels pleasure. I do not understand.

Sheng Yiyiren (Raw Coix Seed), Xian Lugen (Fresh Reed Rhizome), Shengdi (Rehmannia Root), Nen Sangzhi (Young Mulberry Twig), Bai Guishen (White Angelica Root), Chishao (Red Peony Root).

In the human body, pulses go from chest to hand, abdomen to foot, circulating eighty zhang around the body. There is no damage from deep cold injuring sinews that does not affect the lower parts. Different times, same harm. Only Baogu's moxibustion and Wenbo's acupuncture can cure. Internal administration of Bawei Tang (Eight-Ingredient Decoction) is also acceptable.