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The Seven Forms originated from Qibo. He stated that Qi has varying degrees of abundance or deficiency, the physical form has periods of excess or decline, and treatment varies in urgency and slowness due to differences in upper/lower and internal/external locations. Therefore, the Seven Forms were established to regulate these conditions. The Ten Categories originated from Xu Zhicai of the Northern Zhou Dynasty. He asserted that these ten constitute the general categories of herbs; detailed analysis leaves nothing out. However, the original Ten Categories lacked the cold and heat aspects, so later scholars added two categories for cold and heat, completing twelve categories. If physicians master the principles of the Seven Forms and Ten Categories, they can treat a hundred diseases comprehensively.

Large Formula
When diseases have concurrent symptoms and pathogens are strong, only a powerful formula can overcome them. For example, Zhang Zhongjing's Dachengqi Tang (Da Cheng Qi Tang, Major Chengqi Decoction) and Da Qinglong Tang (Da Qing Long Tang, Major Green Dragon Decoction). One induces sweating, the other purges; both rely on heavy dosages and numerous ingredients, surpassing Xiao Chengqi Tang (Xiao Cheng Qi Tang, Minor Chengqi Decoction) and Xiao Qinglong Tang (Xiao Qing Long Tang, Minor Green Dragon Decoction). Students can infer other cases from this.

Small Formula
When diseases and concurrent symptoms are mild and pathogens are shallow, few ingredients with light dosages are used. Treatment stops once the disease is addressed, avoiding damage to healthy Qi. For instance, Zhang Zhongjing's use of Xiao Chengqi Tang for mild purging, Xiao Jianzhong Tang (Xiao Jian Zhong Tang, Minor Jianzhong Decoction) for mild warming, Xiao Wenjing Tang (Xiao Wen Jing Tang, Minor Warming Meridian Decoction) for mild warming, and Xiao Chaihu Tang (Xiao Chai Hu Tang, Minor Bupleurum Decoction) for mild dispersing. All aim to stop upon hitting the target without excessive force. Others follow this pattern.

Slow Formula
For chronic deficiency conditions, harsh methods fail; slow-acting herbs are needed to harmonize. Some use sweet herbs to moderate, such as Zhigancao Tang (Zhi Gan Cao Tang, Roasted Licorice Decoction) and Sijunzi Tang (Si Jun Zi Tang, Four Gentlemen Decoction) for treating deficiency consumption. Some use pills for moderation, such as Wumei Wan (Wu Mei Wan, Mume Pill) for chronic dysentery. Some use multiple ingredients to restrain each other, slowing the action, such as Shuyu Wan (Shu Yu Wan, Dioscorea Pill) for wind-related ailments, and Hou Shi Hei San (Hou Shi Hei San, Hou's Black Powder) to fill cavities, requiring forty-nine days of administration. Some require slow ingestion for effect, such as Banxia Kujiu Jian (Ban Xia Ku Jiu Jian, Pinellia with Vinegar Decoction) sipped slowly, or Ganmi Banxia Tang (Gan Mi Ban Xia Tang, Sweet Honey Pinellia Decoction) swallowed slowly.

Urgent Formula
When the disease progresses rapidly, the formula seeks rapid effect. For urgent purging, Zhang Zhongjing recommends Dachengqi Tang; for emergency rescue, formulas like Sini Tang (Si Ni Tang, Sini Decoction) are suitable. For urgent exterior release, decoctions or powders are used; for urgent purging, fierce and峻烈 (harsh) drugs are employed. Condition must be assessed accurately, and usage must be appropriate.

Odd Formula
This refers to single-ingredient formulas. When the disease has a fixed form and no restraint is needed, a single sharp herb is chosen for miraculous effect. For example, Zhang Zhongjing used Zhufu Tang (Zhu Fu Tang, Pig Skin Decoction) for Shaoyin disease throat pain. Later generations used Dushen Tang (Du Shen Tang, Single Ginseng Decoction) and Du Fu Tang (Du Fu Tang, Single Aconite Decoction) for tonifying deficiency. Formulas like Wuling San (Wu Ling San, Five-Ingredient Powder), Wuwu Tang (Wu Wu Tang, Five-Ingredient Decoction), Sanwu Tang (San Wu Tang, Three-Ingredient Decoction), and Qi Qi Tang (Qi Qi Tang, Seven-Qi Decoction) use odd numbers in their names (e.g., seven seeds, five seeds), each carrying specific meaning. Generally, Odd Formulas have few ingredients but are sharp and potent.

Even Formula
"Even" contrasts with "Odd." Single herbs act weakly alone, whereas multiple ingredients create greater power. For example, Zhang Zhongjing combined Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Mahuang (Ephedra) to enhance exterior release; using one alone would be weak. In Guizhi Tang (Gui Zhi Tang, Cinnamon Twig Decoction), although Guizhi is primary, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) is added to assist, preserving the "even" principle. In Shenqi Wan (Shen Qi Wan, Kidney Qi Pill), Guizhi and Fuzi (Aconite) are used together; in Dajianzhong Tang (Da Jian Zhong Tang, Major Jianzhong Decoction), Huajiao (Sichuan Pepper) and Shengjiang are combined; in Dachengqi Tang, Mangxiao (Mirabilite) and Dahuang (Rhubarb) are paired. These all reflect this principle.

Compound Formula
"Compound" implies repetition or combination. When two syndromes appear simultaneously, two formulas are combined; when multiple syndromes mix, several formulas are merged into one. For example, Guizhi Er Yuebi Yi Tang (Gui Zhi Er Yue Bi Yi Tang, Guizhi Er Yuebi Yi Decoction) combines two formulas; Wuji San (Wu Ji San, Wuji Powder) combines several. Additionally, extra herbs may be added to the base formula: adding Lianqiao (Forsythia), Bohe (Mint), Huangqin (Scutellaria), and Zhizi (Gardenia) to Tiaowei Chengqi Tang (Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang, Regulate Stomach Chengqi Decoction) creates Liangge San (Liang Ge San, Liangge Powder); adding Mahuang, Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia), Baizhu (Atractylodes), Zhike (Bitter Orange), and Houpo (Magnolia Bark) to Liangge San creates Tongsheng San (Tong Sheng San, Tongsheng Powder). Complex diseases require complex medicines. Qibo stated, "If the Odd method fails, try the Even method," referring to compound formulas as large doses intended to eliminate disease. He also said, "If the Even method fails, use reverse assistance," meaning using cold/hot or warm/cool properties contrary to the disease to guide the medicine. Minor cold/heat can be corrected directly, but major cold/heat repels contrary energies, necessitating reverse assistance to align initially before diverging. Thus, beyond the Seven Forms, there is the method of reverse assistance.

Tonification Supports Weakness
Congenital insufficiency requires kidney tonification, using Liuwei Wan (Liu Wei Wan, Six-Ingredient Pill), Shenqi Wan, and Erxian Jiao (Er Xian Jiao, Two Immortals Gel). Acquired insufficiency requires spleen tonification, using Sijunzi Tang, Guipi Tang (Gui Pi Tang, Guipi Decoction), and Buzhong Tang (Bu Zhong Tang, Buzhong Decoction). Qi weakness requires lung tonification, using Renshen (Ginseng). Blood weakness requires liver tonification, using Danggui (Angelica Sinensis). Spirit weakness requires heart tonification, using Zaoren (Ziziphus Seed). Further adjusting based on yin/yang severity makes tonification exquisite.

Heaviness Calms Fear
Fear causes Qi to float; heaviness anchors it. There are four levels: Startling Qi disorder requires Hupo Zhibao Dan (Hu Po Zhi Bao Dan, Amber Zhibao Pill); Fright causing Qi sinking requires Erjia Longgu Tang (Er Jia Long Gu Tang, Erjia Longgu Decoction), Cizhu Wan (Ci Zhu Wan, Ci Zhu Pill), and Chenxiang (Agarwood); Anger causing Qi rebellion requires Shengtieluo Yin (Sheng Tie Luo Yin, Raw Iron Drop Drink), Lushen Wan (Lu Shen Wan, Aloe Pill), and Guntan Wan (Gun Tan Wan, Gun Tan Pill); Deficient Qi floating requires Anshen Wan (An Shen Wan, An Shen Pill). Other examples include Daizheshi Tang (Dai Zhe Shi Tang, Daizhishi Decoction) and Fengyin Tang (Feng Yin Tang, Fengyin Decoction), which should be studied further.

Lightness Expels Excess
Wind-cold pathogens causing sores, ulcers, or skin issues on the limbs should be treated with light, ascending herbs to release from the exterior. Zhang Zhongjing used Mahuang and Guizhi; modern practitioners use Renshen Baidu San (Ren Shen Bai Du San, Renshen Baidu Powder), Xiangsu Yin (Xiang Su Yin, Xiangsu Drink), Xiangru (Elsholtzia), Baizhu (Angelica Dahurica), Bohe, and Jingjie (Schizonepeta). Xiao Chaihu Tang is the master formula for harmonizing and dispersing; modified, it harmonizes Ying and Wei to expel pathogens. This principle applies broadly.

Ventilation Removes Obstruction
Head, eye, nose diseases, locked jaw, throat blockage, phlegm in the chest, water-fire entanglement, and rebellious Qi causing fullness require ventilation. Methods include inducing sneezing, vomiting, or dispersing. Sneezing agents include Tongguan San (Tong Guan San, Tongguan Powder); emetics include Danfan (Chalcanthum), Gancao (Licorice), and Bohe; dispersing agents include Yueju Wan (Yue Ju Wan, Yueju Pill) and Xiaoyao San (Xiao Yao San, Xiaoyao Powder). Sini San Wan (Si Ni San Wan, Sini San Pill) and Qi Wan also embody dispersing intent.

Unblocking Moves Stagnation
Stagnant Fire Qi requires unblocking agents. To promote urination for Qi-level stagnation, use Mutong (Akebia), Huashi (Talc), and Liuyi San (Liu Yi San, Liuyi Powder). For Blood-level stagnation, use Fangji (Stephania), Daochi Yin (Dao Chi Yin, Daochi Drink), and Wulin San (Wu Lin San, Wulin Powder). Herbs with bland flavors promote urination, reflecting Metal/Water nature. White barks and stems promote urination, mirroring the Sanjiao texture.

Draining Removes Closure
Excessive pathogens cause closure; draining agents remove via stool. Beijji Wan (Bei Ji Wan, Beijji Pill) drains cold-excess; Chengqi Tang drains heat-excess; Tingli Xiefei Tang (Ting Li Xie Fei Tang, Tingli Xiefei Decoction) drains Qi; Taoren Chengqi Tang (Tao Ren Cheng Qi Tang, Taoren Chengqi Decoction) drains Blood; Shizao Tang (Shi Zao Tang, Shizao Decoction) drains Water; Mifang Huazhi Wan (Mi Fang Hua Zhi Wan, Mifang Huazhi Pill) attacks accumulation. Breaking and purging agents fall under draining.

Slipperiness Removes Adhesion
"Adhesion" means lingering retention. Symptoms include sticky throat phlegm, turbid urine/dysuria, and large intestine dysentery. Slippery/herbaceous agents cleanse these. Guashuang Dongkuizi San (Gua Shuang Dong Ku Zi San, Melon Frost Winter Okra Powder), Yupi Yin (Yu Pi Yin, Elm Bark Drink), and the three dysentery formulas are examples.

Astringency Secures Collapse
Collapse includes severe diarrhea, urinary incontinence, seminal emission, profuse sweating with Yang collapse. Astringent agents consolidate. Lizhong Tang treats diarrhea; Taohua Tang (Tao Hua Tang, Peach Flower Decoction) stops bleeding/diarrhea; Renshen Zhufu Tang (Ren Shen Zhu Fu Tang, Ginseng-Atractylodes-Aconite Decoction) stops sweating; Liu Huang Tang (Liu Huang Tang, Six Yellow Decoction) stops night sweats; Gujing Wan (Gu Jing Wan, Gujing Pill) and Tianxiong San (Tian Xiong San, Tianxiong Powder) stop seminal emission; Zhufu Tang stops frequent urination. Oyster shell, Dragon bone, and Cuttlebone are physically astringent; Schisandra and Chebula fruit are taste-astringent; Lotus receptacle, Palm ash, and Ephedra root are nature-astringent. Combined with appropriate hot/cold/Qi/Blood herbs, they are effective.

Dampness Moistens Dryness
Dryness is withering. Wind-heat constraint depletes blood, causing dryness. Upper dryness causes thirst or Lung Atrophy; treat with Renshen Baihu Jia Huafen (Ren Shen Bai Hu Jia Hua Fen, Ginseng-Baihu Plus Trichosanthes), Qiongyu Gao (Qiong Yu Gao, Qiongyu Ointment), or Jiufei Tang (Jiu Fei Tang, Jiufei Decoction). Lower dryness causes constipation; treat with Maren Wan (Ma Ren Wan, Hemp Seed Pill) or Congrong Wan (Cong Rong Wan, Cistanche Pill). Intestinal dryness causes dysphagia; treat with Danggui Zhima Wan (Dang Gui Zhi Ma Wan, Angelica-Sesame Pill). Tendon dryness causes spasms; treat with Ejiao Zhuru Tang (E Jiao Zhu Ru Tang, Ejiao Bamboo Shavings Decoction). Generally, nourishing blood uses Danggui and Dihuang (Rehmannia); generating fluids uses Maidong (Ophiopogon) and Huafen (Trichosanthes); benefiting essence uses Gouqi (Goji) and Tusizi (Cuscuta). Seek widely.

Dryness Eliminates Dampness
External dampness requires Shenzhu Tang (Shen Zhu Tang, Shenzhu Decoction) to sweat it out. Dampness transforming into phlegm requires Erchen Tang (Er Chen Tang, Erchen Decoction) to descend it. Dampness stopping urination requires Wuling San to promote urination. Stomach dampness requires Pingwei San (Ping Wei San, Pingwei Powder); Spleen dampness requires Shenzhuo Tang (Shen Zhuo Tang, Shenzhuo Decoction). These treat cold-damp. For damp-heat, drying herbs are contraindicated; bitter-hardening and clearing-draining methods are used, such as Zhimu Fangji Tang (Zhi Mu Fang Ji Tang, Anemarrhena-Stephania Decoction) and Huangbai San (Huang Bai San, Phellodendron Powder).

Cold Overcomes Heat
Cold and heat are fundamental diagnostic categories. Heat syndromes like Cold Damage, Warm Malaria, and Deficiency Consumption all require cold herbs. Administration depends on judgment. Sweet-cold agents include Baihu Tang (Bai Hu Tang, Baihu Decoction) and Ganlu Yin (Gan Lu Yin, Ganlu Drink); bitter-cold agents include Jinhua Tang (Jin Hua Tang, Jinhua Decoction) and Longdan Xiegan Tang (Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, Longdan Xiegan Decoction). Generally, Lung/Stomach/Skin heat uses Yinqiao (Honeysuckle/Forsythia) and Shigao (Gypsum); Heart/Abdomen heat uses Fulian (Poria/Scutellaria); Liver/Kidney heat uses Huangbai (Phellodendron), Zhimu (Anemarrhena), and Danshen (Gentian).

Heat Controls Cold
Cold is Yin Qi. Accumulated Yang generates heat, countering cold with acrid-warm herbs. Fuzi Tang (Fu Zi Tang, Aconite Decoction) and Fuzi Xixin Tang (Fu Zi Xi Xin Tang, Aconite-Asarum Decoction) treat Taiyang/Shaoyin cold; Sini Tang and Lizhong Tang treat Spleen/Kidney cold; Wuyu Tang (Wu Yu Tang, Evodia Decoction) and Wumei Wan treat Liver cold; Qinglong Tang treats Lung cold; Xiebai (Macrostemon Bulb) treats Chest/Heart cold; Huiyang Jiujun Tang (Hui Yang Jiu Jun Tang, Huiyang Jiujun Decoction) treats interior cold generally; Guizhi Tang treats exterior cold generally. Formulas are too numerous to list; consult texts.

The Neijing mentions only Odd and Even forms. Zhang Zhongjing's formulas fully embody the Seven Methods. Although the Ten Categories didn't exist then, the principles were implied. After Xu Zhongcai created the Ten Categories, later scholars added Cold and Heat. Prescribing by syndrome is precise. Modern Western medicine claims China only uses herbs and lacks surgical excision. Yet, Ling Shu and Su Wen acupuncture avoids the risks of gut excavation and bone scraping while offering resurrection-like effects. Physicians fear imprecision and rarely use surgery. Hua Yuanhua also practiced surgery; his transmitted *Zhongzang Jing* cannot exceed the *Neijing*. Later generations avoided Hua's methods due to difficulty and risk. Surgery by crude practitioners is inferior to acupuncture; acupuncture is subtle but less detailed than herbal formulas. Zhang Zhongjing's exclusive reliance on herbs was most appropriate.

Modern people ignore why acupuncture/surgery declined, worshipping Western surgical success as miraculous without knowing its pros and cons. A Sichuan patient had a carbuncle on the neck ("Opposite Mouth Ulcer"), originating from the Du Mai (Governing Vessel). The Du Mai connects neck to brain; neck extension relies on it. Western doctors, unaware, excised the ulcer and filled it, claiming flesh regeneration. The patient's neck broke, couldn't lift his head, and died in three days. A Shaanxi traveler had abdominal distension; Western doctors opened his abdomen, drained two bowls of fluid, stitched him up, and he recovered temporarily. Distension returned; they cut again, three times total. Western doctors deemed it incurable. They didn't understand water generation, only drainage. This reflects Western ignorance of the Five Elements. People call Western methods precise, but I find them superficial.

I treated Chen Lanqiu (Chen Cheng), Director of the Zongli Yamen, who had rough skin, wasting muscles, tendon tension, chronic genital leakage, lower abdominal pain, bowel movements every ten days, unbearable hypochondriac and lumbar discomfort, shrinking genitals, and a hard, stone-like right ear swelling. I diagnosed a Kidney system abscess affecting the hypochondrium and lower abdomen, leading to internal rupture. Treatment focused on the Kidney system. Chen angrily replied that Western doctors also located the disease in the back/marrow, hence three surgeries failed, and enema oil was prescribed for constipation. He asked if my approach matched theirs, implying helplessness.

I replied: You see Westerners often; you think their methods are unique. But Western mathematics comes from *Zhoubi Suanjing*, machinery from *Gongshu Ban*, and surgical medicine from Hua Yuanhua's lineage. It doesn't matter if they revere these ancients; the methods are the same. Chinese people haven't investigated deeply and are shocked by what is familiar. Westerners know the disease is in the waist/back but don't explain the hard ear, shrunken genitals, or constipation. Chen admitted they couldn't answer.

I explained: Westerners don't understand the Kidney system, which is the Mingmen (Gate of Life), producing omental fat connected to the Sanjiao (Triple Burner). The Kidney opens into the two yin orifices, causing genital shrinkage and constipation. The Sanjiao meridian circles the ear; Mingming Fire belongs to the right, causing right ear swelling. Rough skin indicates dry blood and dead pus in the Kidney/Sanjiao. Treating per Zhang Zhongjing's methods worked.

Generally, early Western medicine was experimental and inaccurate. Chinese medicine, tested by sages, defines shape, nature, and flavor precisely. For stomach treatment, Chinese methods vary: Ginseng tonifies Qi, Trichosanthes generates fluids, Atractylodes dries Earth, Poria/Atractylodes moves water, Ginger/Pepper warms middle, Scutellaria/Coptis clears heat. Dahuang attacks stomach accumulation, it does not tonify. Western "stomach tonics" use Coptis, Cassia, Soda Ash, etc., to digest food. Seeing digestion improves, they call it tonification. Westerners know anatomical layers but lack understanding of meridians and Qi transformation, leading to inappropriate prescriptions.

Some dismiss my words as absurd. Review Western texts. If mathematicians and engineers understood medicine, they could discard Western weaknesses and adopt strengths, combining our advantages with theirs to maximize human potential and natural laws. I aspire to this but have not yet achieved it; I look forward to it.