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Bian Que only discussed pulse diagnosis texts (i.e., *Nan Jing* / *Classic of Difficult Issues*) and did not transmit secret prescriptions, thus leaving no treatise on formulas. Because he failed to find a suitable successor, he was suddenly harmed by Li Mi (the Imperial Physician of Qin, believing his skills inferior to Bian Que, hired an assassin to kill him). The *Shennong Bencao Jing* (*Divine Farmer's Materia Medica*) and Yi Yin's theories on decoctions also lacked transmitted books, often becoming confused and disordered by later generations. Zhang Zhongjing had the *Jingui Yaofang* (*Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet*), but it too was mostly lost and scattered. Figures such as Ge Yachuan and Sun Simiao plagiarized content from the *Jingui Yaofang* to write their own books, ultimately failing to clarify its purport. In recent times, Li Shizhen's *Bencao Gangmu* (*Compendium of Materia Medica*) is admittedly too miscellaneous (even fictional or baseless talk was included, disturbing the truth, hence the book is too cluttered). Wang Ang's *Bencao Beiyao* (*Essentials of Materia Medica*) is arguably too pedantic (Zhu Ye, a herb growing in wetlands, was classified under the Wood category, and there are many other errors). The way of formulas and herbs has nearly become obscure. I privately believe that my lifelong tested experiences, when cross-referenced with Zhongjing's surviving writings and pushed to their logical extremes, can indeed be sought through intuitive understanding. Here, I list the most essential points below.

When the disease resides in Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), medication should be administered according to the Wei level. Wei Qi differs in exterior and interior aspects: the exterior aspect is the Yang Qi that circulates body fluids into sweat and warms/nourishes the physical form; the interior aspect is the root of life, the Fire within Water, which is the Moving Qi of the Kidney Interstice (Shen Jian Dong Qi). The Moving Qi of the Kidney Interstice is the root of Wei Qi, originating from the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner), attached to adipose tissue, serving as the Fire within Water. Its treatment involves four methods: For deficient Fire, warm the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner) to benefit it, like adding grass to a lamp. Herbs include Fuzi (Aconite Lateralis Radix Praeparata), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex), Huba (Phyllanthi Fructus), Guozhi (Psoraleae Fructus), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Wuyu (Evodiae Fructus), and categories such as Huajiao (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium), Huangsheng (Sulfur), Huixiang (Foeniculi Fructus); formulas include Sini Tang (Four Reversal Decoction), Huiyang Decoction (Resuscitating Yang Decoction), Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction), and Wenzhong Decoction (Warm the Middle Decoction). For excessive Fire, strengthen Water to control it, like adding oil to a lamp. Herbs include Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex), Yuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Guijiao (Corii Corii Colla), and categories such as Danpi (Moutan Cortex), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma); formulas include Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill, specifically Zhibai Bawei Wan), Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill), Fengsui Dan (Sealing Marrow Pill, historically three variations existed), and Gujing Wan (Solidify Essence Pill). When Fire separates from Water and Deficient Yang floats outward, first use warming of the Middle to guide Yang back to its root, then use strengthening of Water to retain Yang, preventing further escape, thereby achieving balance of Yin and stability of Yang. When Fire is depressed within Water and True Yang cannot extend, add dispersing agents among tonifying Yang, following the principle of Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang (Ephedra, Aconite, and Asarum Decoction), so that Yin recedes and Yang flourishes.

Wei Qi circulates outside the vessels, acting as the divine guardian against pathogenic factors, warming muscles, and moving the physical form; it constitutes the Yang of the muscle-surface. Its treatment involves six methods: If Exterior Yang is externally closed with no sweat and restlessness, use diaphoresis to disperse it, such as Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix). If Exterior Yang leaks with unceasing sweating, use surface-consolidation to astringe it, such as Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi), Muli (Concha Ostreae), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), Huangqi (Astragali Radix). If Exterior Yang is excessively strong with burning skin heat, use cooling of the muscle layer to resolve it, such as Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Huluian (Coptidis Rhizoma - note: text says Hu Lian, likely referring to Coptis or similar bitter cold herb, context implies heat clearing), Dipi (Lycii Cortex / Goji Bark). If Exterior Yang is extremely deficient with cold extremities and aversion to cold, use meridian-warming to assist it, such as Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Fuling (Poria), Chenxiang (Aquilariae Lignum), Doukou (Amomi Fructus Rotundus). If Wei Qi is abundant in Yang meridians but deficient in Yin meridians, causing upward rebellion, use bitter-cold to descend it, such as Longdan (Gentianae Radix), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Lvhui (Aloe). If Wei Qi is abundant in Yin meridians but deficient in Yang meridians, causing sinking, use acrid-warm to ascend it, such as Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Huangqi (Astragali Radix).

The above outlines the general principles of medication based on assessing the disease at the Wei level. However, the treatment of Stroke (Zhong Feng) requires careful differentiation.

Wind is a Yang pathogen, and Wei Qi is Yang Qi. When two Yangs combine without contending, symptoms such as aversion to cold and fever do not appear. Yang governs opening, hence spontaneous sweating occurs. When Wei Qi is disturbed by wind, perception and movement cease to function, leading to sudden collapse and unconsciousness. Zhang Zhongjing used Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix) to release the exterior (because the patient sweats, only mild exterior-releasing herbs are used), Baiju (Chrysanthemi Flos) and Qinjiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix) to dispel wind, Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) to consolidate Wei Qi, Danggui Shen (Angelicae Sinensis Radix Root End) to attach to Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi), and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) to stabilize Zong Qi (Gathering Qi), which is particularly ingenious. Adding Bai Fan (Alumen) distinguishes between cold and heat transformations, meaning this formula varies by adding warming or cooling agents; however, Sun Simiao omitted much when recording formulas from the *Jingui*.

How to differentiate Stroke transforming from Cold? Answer: The limbs must be cold (Jue), and there must be no sweat (Cold closes the pores); other symptoms are the same as previously described. Treatment should employ vigorous exterior-releasing methods, such as Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) plus Sansheng Yin (Three Lives Drink). I have cured five cases using Fangfeng Tongsheng San (Saposhnikovia Unblocking Hero Powder). The formula includes Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix).

How to differentiate Stroke transforming from Heat? Answer: The tongue must be dry/cracked, limbs must be hot, and there must be profuse sweating (due to steaming by heat); other symptoms are the same as previously described. Treatment should employ cooling resolution, primarily using Qingliang Yinzi (Cooling Drink) and Daimei San (Hornet Powder), though Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) and Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) are superior. This is based on lifelong experience.

The above two points cover initial medication methods. Failure to follow these often leads to spasms and flaccidity. Subsequent treatments require careful differentiation.

After several days of Stroke, if consciousness gradually returns and symptoms subside, the pathogenic wind is declining. However, residual pathogens fused with Wei Qi cannot be completely cleared, and Wei Qi depleted by wind is difficult to restore quickly. Thus, hemiplegia and forgetfulness often occur. Treatment should involve nourishing Ying Qi and Qi, adding Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) and Jingli (Bambusa Sap) as guides, or Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice) as a guide (addable for cold transformation, contraindicated for heat transformation). Since the medicinal power is mild, effects will not be rapid. [Text fragment: Pi xing jin... uses this as a guide].

In chronic Stroke, Wei Qi inevitably declines. If exterior Wei Qi is abundant, one must benefit the Moving Qi of the Kidney Interstice, akin to nurturing the roots of a tree so branches flourish. [Text fragment: These are all herbs tonifying Zong Qi]. If added with Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), and Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) to pair with them, they merely generate Ying Blood, benefiting Wei Qi little. Using Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) or Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) benefits the Moving Qi of the Kidney Interstice but easily generates heat. Ancient practitioners created Yilao Dihuang Yinzi, using Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) with Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Tuber), and Baiju (Chrysanthemi Flos). It is effective (must add Zhuli and Jingli to be effective). However, Ziheche (Placenta Human) is unparalleled. Its nature derives from the surplus of blood and Qi, unlike herbs, and is neither cold nor hot, serving as the source of Wei Qi generation. At conception, the human form resembles two shells, i.e., the two kidneys. This is the beginning of Wei Qi generation; Ziheche arises from these two shells, wrapping and protecting the five senses and four limbs. This marks the start of Wei Qi circulating outside the body shell and securing the exterior. Using flesh-and-blood substances to tonify follows the principle of seeking resonance within the same substance class, making it a supreme product.

Recently, Zaizao Wan (Reconstruction Pill) produced in Guangdong occasionally shows efficacy, though its composition is unknown. Later found in Jingyun Qi's *Jiyan Liangfang* (Collected Effective Good Prescriptions), it is merely a modification of Suhexiang Wan (Styrax Pill). The formula consists entirely of acrid-aromatic Qi-moving herbs. It is effective for cold transformation but often ineffective for heat transformation. The claim that "Left-sided stroke uses Siwu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) to administer, Right-sided stroke uses Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction)" merely follows the left-blood/right-Qi convention as a expedient measure, not the correct principle of treating disease.

Methods to benefit Wei Qi often advocate wine. *Ling Shu* states that drinkers have abundant Wei Qi, which first moves through collateral vessels and then through main meridians, allowing one to perceive pulse movements. Observing human affairs, drunkardly timid men gain courage, foolish men gain clarity, dull men gain lightness, quiet people become active, and stutterers speak more. This is because Wei Qi becomes abundant first, altering perception and movement. Thus, Bian Que spoke to Duke Huan of Qi about wine. Therefore, to benefit Wei Qi, one need not abstain from wine, but must avoid excess (excess consumes Qi) and extreme heat (extreme heat causes illness; consider infused wines). Shaoyao (Shaoxing Wine) is made from Maliao Qu (Polygonum Persicatum Ferment), which has a cutting nature, cleanses the intestines and stomach, and suits those who overeat greasy food. Shaojiu (Baijiu/High-proof liquor), though hot, is Fire within Water, making it good, but should not be consumed in large quantities. Heaven and Earth lack perfect functions, sages lack total ability; health preservation requires personal moderation. Baihua Jiu (Hundred Flower Wine) from Yangzhou is excellent; Shiguo Gong Jiu from Beijing is also good.

Diet need not be overly restricted; cold or hot foods may be consumed. Mixed diets prevent bias toward cold or heat. Fixating on one type of food creates imbalance. *Su Wen* states: "Long-term consumption of a single item leads to premature death." Take heed. I have seen hemiplegic stroke patients who strictly followed dietary restrictions yet failed to recover despite medication, while those who ate heartily recovered without medicine. Thus, the way of healing lies in grasping the key principles, not in dietary taboos. However, due to custom and doubt, I now conform to custom, forbidding only six wind-aggravating items: Rooster, Carp, Eel, Fresh Shrimp, Toona Sinensis (Xiangchun), and Fresh Mushrooms. Others need not be forbidden. Daily meats and vegetables, long accustomed to Wei Qi, if forbidden, would fail to nourish Stomach Qi.

Minor ailments unrelated to the primary Stroke disease need not be treated concurrently, lest they scatter medicinal power. Even if one wishes to cure them all, they should be treated after Stroke recovery. For example, Changfeng (Intestinal Wind) and hemorrhoids involve blood overflowing from the Yangming main collaterals. *Nei Jing* states: "Injury to Yin collaterals" (intestines are lower, hence Yin collaterals) leads to blood overflowing downward as Qingxue (blood in stool). This belongs to the Blood level, unrelated to Wei Qi and Wind pathogens, so concurrent treatment is unnecessary. Moreover, this is a minor ailment, whereas Wind is severe.

Regarding medication, some take unsuitable drugs yet remain well because they have no serious underlying disease; taking wrong drugs is akin to eating too much cold or hot food. Without disease, bodily Qi and Blood are not agitated, so they remain well. If one believes such drugs are safe due to lack of adverse reaction, long-term use will inevitably increase disease. This aligns with the principle of "long-term accumulation." Conversely, some take unsuitable drugs and suffer immediate harm because they already have disease. Minor misuse triggers immediate consequences. With disease, Qi and Blood are already agitated; adding wrong drugs exacerbates the condition. Hence, "not taking medicine is considered medium-level medical practice."

Those who over-medicate show delayed effects; cooling fails to feel cool, warming fails to feel warm, because the stomach habituates to the drugs. Taking dozens of doses with little visible effect actually provides hidden benefit, like a drinker finding abstinence difficult.