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Epilepsy (Xian) need not be divided into five categories; its pathogenesis is primarily due to phlegm, and the treatment mostly employs emetic methods. The etiology involves fright, phlegm, and fire, generally focusing on resolving phlegm. Herbs included in formulas: Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Nanting (Arisaematis Tuber), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Gualou (Trichosanthis Fructus). One must seek out the extent of phlegm and fire, treating them according to their proportions; there will be no case that does not heal. Differentiate between phlegm and heat: for those with heat, use cooling herbs to clear the Heart; for those with phlegm, emetic drugs are mandatory, followed by Li Dongyuan's Zhusha Anshen Wan (Cinnabar Calming the Spirit Pill).
Generally, this condition requires emesis; after emesis, liver-calming herbs such as Qingdai (Indigo Naturalis), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), and Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) should be used, or alternatively, Longdan Xiegan Wan (Gentian Liver-Draining Pill). If epilepsy arises from fright, fright causes the Shen (Spirit) to leave its residence; when the residence is empty, phlegm accumulates. Qian Yi's Xieqing Wan (Liver-Draining Pill) and Niuhuang Qingxin Wan (Calving Horn Clearing the Heart Pill) both treat epilepsy.

The disease location is primarily in the Heart and Spleen; Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) and Dingzhi Wan (Stabilize the Will Pill) are appropriate. Those with shortness of spirit mostly use Anshen Wan (Calming the Spirit Pill); some cases involve phlegm confusing the Heart orifice. Dai Yun said: Amnesia refers to having a beginning but no end in actions, and speaking without knowing the start or finish; this is the name of the disease, distinct from congenital stupidity who do not understand worldly affairs.

Generally, it belongs to Blood deficiency, triggered by worry. In cases of deficient and scant Blood, symptoms come and go frequently, with phlegm stirred by fire. Thin people often suffer from scant Blood; fat people are associated with phlegm. Common cases are mostly due to phlegm; true palpitations indicate scant Blood. Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) and Anshen Wan (Calming the Spirit Pill) may be used. Zhengchong (Palpitations/Startle) refers to an unsettled Heart, feeling terrified as if someone were about to capture them.

For Blood deficiency, Zhusha Anshen Wan (Cinnabar Calming the Spirit Pill) is used. Another formula treats fright and palpitations: Dingzhi Wan (Stabilize the Will Pill) added with Hupo (Amber) and Yujin (Curcumae Radix). For phlegm confusing the Heart and Diaphragm, any phlegm-resolving drug is suitable.

Generally, scant Blood fails to moisten and nourish; thus, nourishing Yin is the best approach. To treat restlessness and insomnia, Liu Yi San (Six-to-One Powder) added with Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis) is taken. Internal injury diseases resembling True Shanghan (Cold Damage), where fever returns after sweating on the fifth or seventh day, accompanied by night-time restlessness and calling for water, are treated with Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) added with Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata). Internal injury resembling Shanghan, after three battles, presenting with fatigue, restlessness, dizziness, and lassitude, is treated with Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) added with Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), and Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus). If severe, with a fine, rapid, and disordered pulse, drinking water from the third watch until dawn, this indicates Yuanqi (Original Qi) deficiency; Zhuye Tang (Bamboo Leaf Decoction) is used, decocted with large doses. Internal injury resembling Shanghan, with incessant restlessness, fever returning after sweating, fine and rapid pulse, and inability to sleep for five to seven days, is treated with Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) added with one liang of Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), decocted together with Zhuye (Phyllostachris Folium). If severe, add Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus), and Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma). Fire entering the Lung constitutes Fan (Restlessness); entering the Kidney constitutes Zao (Irritability). Both reside in the upper jiao and are caused by Heart Fire. When Fire is excessive, Metal is scorched and Water is depleted, leaving only Fire alone; thus, the Lung and Kidney combine to produce Fan and Zao.