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Zhang Yinan stated: Smallpox (Dou) toxin is the poison from congenital essence, while measles (Zhen) belongs to pathogenic factors acquired postnatally. Congenital nature consists only of Water and Fire, whereas the postnatal stage encompasses the Five Elements. The onset of crying and suckling marks the beginning of postnatal functions; thus, at the moment of crying, the toxic qi in the mouth is swallowed and directed to the Yangming channel (Stomach and Large Intestine). Therefore, the qi mechanism of Zhen toxin originates from Yangming, ascends to reach the Lung, and emerges through the skin and hair. The Lung governs Qi and corresponds externally to the skin and hair. Consequently, when Dou toxin moves into the Blood aspect, it is favorable for Qi to transform it; when Zhen toxin moves into the Qi aspect, it is favorable for Blood to harmonize it. If Zhen toxin moves into the Blood aspect and presents as cloud-like purple-red macules, this is an adverse condition. As a toxin of the Qi aspect, Zhen develops faster than Dou. If it stagnates in the Stomach, it causes gum rot; if it obstructs the Lung, it results in nasal flaring and rapid breathing. Treatment involves releasing the exterior, purging the interior, and clearing heat and detoxifying, which relies on the clinical ingenuity of skilled physicians.

Qi is Yang, and Blood is Yin. Dou toxin resides in the essence and blood, so it should correspond to the growth, development, storage, and concealment of the four seasons, aligning with the numerical order of the Earthly Branches. Zhen toxin is a toxin of the Qi aspect, so it undergoes three transformations daily (indicating rapid progression); three times three equals nine, corresponding to the culmination of "Yang Nine." Dou erupts from the Yin aspect, so it is preferable for lesions to be sparse on the head and face, avoiding exclusive occurrence in Yang regions (the head and face are the meeting place of all Yang meridians). Zhen erupts from the Yang aspect, so it prefers widespread eruption on the head and face, rather than being confined solely to the chest and heart region. This reflects the principle that human Yin-Yang and Qi-Blood follow the natural laws of Heaven and Earth. The main prescription for treating Zhen is as follows:

Puerariae Radix (Ge Gen), Schizonepetae Herba (Jing Jie), Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fang Feng), Armeniacae Semen Amarum (Xing Ren), Arctii Fructus (Niu Bang Zi), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gan Cao), Platycodonis Radix (Jie Geng), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chen Ju Pi).

Decoct the above herbs in spring water for administration. Adjust the formula according to the seasonal Qi. For closure due to cold, Ephedrae Herba (Ma Huang) is suitable; for closure due to heat, Gypsum Fibrosum (Shi Gao) is suitable; for closure due to food retention, Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhi Shi), Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (Hou Po), and Crataegi Fructus (Shan Zha) are suitable. For severe heat, add Scutellariae Radix (Huang Qin) and Coptidis Rhizoma (Huang Lian); for severe toxicity, add Violae Herba (Bai Hua Di Ding) and Salicis Tashiroanae Ramulus (Xi He Liu); for thirst, add Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhi Mu); for wheezing, double the dosage of Armeniacae Semen Amarum (Xing Ren). Generally, Dou and Zhen have distinctions between Blood and Qi aspects, and medication should be differentiated accordingly. The Lung governs Qi, and the Heart governs Blood. Therefore, to clear the heat-toxin of Dou, Coptidis Rhizoma (Huang Lian) should be used as the sovereign herb, with Scutellariae Radix (Huang Qin) as the minister herb. To clear the heat-toxin of Zhen, Scutellariae Radix (Huang Qin) should be the sovereign herb, with Coptidis Rhizoma (Huang Lian) as the minister herb. Furthermore, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (Jin Yin Hua) blooms yellow and white, and its vine is named Ren Dong (Lonicera japonica stem). It can open Yin Qi and resolve the heat-toxin of Dou and Zhen. Yellow enters the Blood, while white enters the Qi. Violae Herba (Bai Hua Di Ding) is specifically indicated for Zhen conditions. These are the key principles of medication; students who extend their understanding will find the subtleties infinite.