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(Attached: Syndrome of Yang Collapse)
People generally consider numbness (Mumu, a sensation of loss of feeling and tingling) as a single disease, unaware that "Ma" (tingling/numbness with residual sensation) and "Mu" (complete anesthesia/wood-like insensitivity) are inherently distinct. What is termed "Ma" is neither itching nor pain; rather, within the muscles, it feels as if thousands of tiny insects are running chaotically and boiling restlessly. Pressing upon it does not alleviate it, and scratching it exacerbates it. This is what is meant by "Ma." What is termed "Mu" is also neither itching nor pain; the muscles feel as though they belong to someone else. One cannot perceive pressure when pressing, nor sensation when scratching. This is what is meant by "Mu." "Ma" resembles the chaos of "Mu," hence the term "Mumu"; if the insensitivity is profound like "Mu," it is called "Mu." In "Ma," one still perceives pain and itch, whereas in "Mu," all sensation is completely absent. However, to determine the nature of this loss of sensation, how should one differentiate it? Generally, there are transient and chronic forms of both "Ma" and "Mu." Transient "Ma" may occur due to improper sitting or lying postures where limbs compress each other, obstructing joints. This causes the circulation of Ying-Wei Qi (Defensive and Nutritive Qi) and blood to slow down, and Qi fails to reach the area. However, if "Ma" is severe, it may resemble "Mu." Transient "Mu" also results from improper postures, heavy compression of limbs, exposure to cold pathogenic factors without adequate protection, leading to a disconnection between Ying-Wei Qi. Blood flow ceases, and Qi fails to arrive for an extended period. Conversely, if "Mu" recovers sensation, it may resemble "Ma." These transient forms of numbness, although caused by insufficient Qi and Blood, are not diseases in themselves; only chronic "Ma" and chronic "Mu" constitute pathological conditions.

Chronic "Ma," persisting year after month without a single day free from it, is long-standing. Chronic "Ma" is not caused by unstable postures but by severe deficiency of internal Qi, where Wind and Phlegm accumulate to cause pathology. It manifests differently because it is compounded by Wind Pathogen; Phlegm is stirred by Wind, akin to wind blowing waves that churn and rise. The muscles are occupied by Wind-Phlegm, causing Yin and Yang Qi to lose their regulatory control, inevitably resulting in "Ma." Chronic "Mu," persisting year after month without relief, is long-standing. It is not caused by unstable postures but by stagnant dead blood (Blood Stasis) internally, externally compounded by Wind-Cold, and further exacerbated by failure of Yang Qi due to deficiency and collapse. Unable to move, the muscles become necrotic, feeling as if disconnected from the self; this is the essence of "Mu." The entire body is nourished by Qi and Blood. If Qi and Blood circulation slows, disease arises; how much more so if circulation stops entirely? This is why chronic "Ma" and "Mu" are feared. Nevertheless, localized numbness is treatable, whereas hemibody or limb-wide numbness is difficult to cure. A physician who understands this will clearly grasp the prognosis of life and death and the severity of illness in mind. The subtlety of prescription lies particularly in appropriate management. One must not rigidly adhere to fixed rules. Using heavy tonics or purgatives for transient numbness damages True Yuan (Original Qi); using light agents for chronic numbness yields no effect. Treatment must be based on careful examination and differentiation.