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The *Rites of Zhou* divided physicians into four categories: there were dietitians (Shiyi), internal medicine physicians (Jiyi), surgeons (Yangyi), and veterinarians; later, thirteen departments emerged, yet the term "Zoufang" (Wandering Physician) was unheard of. The *Wuyuan* records that since Qibo and the Yellow Emperor, acupuncture and moxibustion existed; subsequently, Wu Peng created medicinal pills, and Yi Yin invented decoction methods, yet the therapies of "Jin" (Exorcism/Abolition) and "Jie" (Interception/Cure) were unheard of. In the Jin Dynasty, Wang Shuhe compiled the *Mai Jing* (Pulse Classic), detailing yin and yang, interior and exterior, and distinguishing diseases by pulse position, meridians, and zang-fu organs most comprehensively. In the Jin Dynasty, Zhang Zihe regarded the three methods of sweating, purging, and vomiting, along with the six gates of wind, cold, summerheat, dampness, fire, and dryness as the key to medicine, yet the terms "Ding" (Top) and "Chuan" (String) remained unheard of. These terms originated with grassland physicians (Caoze Yi), known in the world as "Zoufang." People often despised them, claiming they wandered the rivers and lakes, sold medicines, and licked wounds, resembling beggars; they exploited patients with their skills, greedily sought profit, and acted arbitrarily, resembling thieves; they plagiarized medical fragments, promoted bizarre methods; claimed spoiled herbs and toxic agents were immortal remnants; described surgical cleansing of possession-like ailments as divine revelation. For mild and superficial conditions, they might occasionally succeed; but for deep-seated chronic diseases, how could they revive the dying? Nevertheless, although such cases exist, one cannot generalize. I ask: do all contemporary physicians who ride in ornate carriages and are accompanied by numerous attendants truly understand disease differentiation, pulse diagnosis, herb identification, and the profound mysteries of medicine? They merely wear tall hats and steal empty reputations! Do all contemporary physicians who frequent the homes of the powerful and enjoy high salaries truly determine life and death, comprehend interior and exterior pathologies, and prescribe formulas with perfect accuracy and no errors? They merely sit on high seats and boast of their merits! Thus, we know that laughing at others is laughter, but not knowing that not laughing at others is also a form of laughter.

Since childhood, I have been fond of the teachings of Qi Bo and Huang Di. My reading started from the *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot), *Su Wen* (Basic Questions), and *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues), extending to the *Dao Zang* (Taoist Canon) and *Shishi* (Stone Chamber). Acupoint study began with the *Tong Ren Nei Jing Tu* (Illustrated Diagram of Acupoints and Internal Organs), extending to the *Tai Su* (Great Simplicity) and *Qi Jing* (Extraordinary Vessels). Regarding the *Shang Han Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage), beyond Zhang Zhongjing, I studied works like *Jin Gui* (Golden Cabinet) and *Mu Suo*. Regarding *Ben Cao* (Materia Medica), beyond the *Ben Cao Gang Mu* (Compendium of Materia Medica), I reached far into the *Hai Lu* (Sea Record) and *Dan Fang* (Elixir Workshop). Whenever I gained insights, I would copy and summarize them tirelessly, unaware that this habit had become so ingrained that it persisted until old age. However, I heard that among wandering physicians, techniques such as "Ding" and "Chuan" were practiced, which were extremely skillful and produced rapid effects. Their disciples often warned each other with serious expressions, keeping these secrets and rarely teaching them lightly. When asked about their learning, they generally knew the "how" but not the "why," with few achieving comprehensive understanding. Therefore, I desired to read widely but lacked a master. Mr. Bai Yun, carrying these arts, traveled extensively north and south, gaining fame near and far, and is now old. In the year Wuyin, he returned by sea and visited me to discuss arts. Investigating his methods, I found profound principles that did not contradict ancient texts but were beneficial for the present, distinct from ordinary bell-ringing peddlers. However, his formulas involved obscure prohibitions and trivial games, inevitably boasting novelty and strangeness, which mainstream physicians disdained. Thus, I recorded what he taught, re-edited and refined it, retained those parts useful for saving lives, organized them by category, and compiled them into one volume, naming it *Chuan Ya*. This ensures that future practitioners of this art will not be slandered by the vulgar, which is likely what Bai Yun approved of in his heart. In the past, Ouyang Xiu suffered a sudden illness nearly fatal and begged for medicine from an ox doctor. Li Fangyu obtained an official post after treating coughs, receiving prescriptions from low-ranking wandering doctors. Who says that minor paths do not have worth observing? It depends on whether the person knows how to skillfully use this art.