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I have heard that ancient people mostly had no diseases. When they did fall ill and were treated, it was merely through "shifting spirit and changing qi" (transferring mental focus and regulating vital energy). In later ages, diseases were treated with herbs; some recovered, others did not. Treating with herbs after the disease has formed is already too late; therefore, sages do not treat established diseases but prevent those not yet formed. Mr. Zhang of our county excelled in the art of Qi Bo and Huang Di (traditional Chinese medicine), compiling the book *Ren Shu Bian Lan* (A Convenient Guide to Benevolent Arts). He comprehended the nature of diseases and understood the principles of treatment, integrating various therapies appropriately, truly capable of saving the world and nourishing the people. However, this book only deals with treating existing diseases; what value does it hold? This is because ancients lived in tranquility and emptiness, their true qi followed naturally, their spirit remained inwardly guarded, so evil pathogens could not penetrate deeply, hence they rarely fell ill. Those who healed them did not rely on herbs but recovered spontaneously. Today's people rarely understand the way of preserving life; they indulge in desires and pleasures contrary to health preservation, forcing themselves to seek treatment. Thus, the publication of *Ren Shu Bian Lan* is indeed necessary. Alas, if one cannot practice "treating undiseased states" (preventing disease before onset) and instead constantly attacks the root of vitality, claiming that *Ren Shu Bian Lan* is a proven formula book, then publishing it now would harm the world.

Written by Wang Zaipin of Linyi on the 15th day of the ninth month, autumn of the Yiyi year of the Wanli era.

Apoplexy (Stroke) generally stems from blood deficiency with phlegm, or involves fire and dampness. Treatment should prioritize resolving phlegm, followed by nourishing and moving blood, while distinguishing between qi deficiency and blood deficiency. Cases with slow or rapid pulses are treatable; those with extremely large and rapid pulses are difficult to treat. Apoplexy affecting the fu organs manifests as five colors appearing on the face, exterior syndrome symptoms with floating pulse, aversion to wind and cold, stiffness and numbness; such cases are generally easier to treat. Apoplexy affecting the zang organs manifests as flaccid lips, inability to move the tongue leading to loss of speech, anosmia, deafness, blurred vision, constipation of both bowels and bladder, or open mouth with relaxed hands, closed eyes with urinary incontinence, foaming at the mouth with fixed gaze, snoring sounds in the throat, emaciated muscles and painful sinews, erect hair, head shaking with upward rolling of eyes, red face as if painted, or cyanotic/black head and face, beads of sweat like pearls; these cases involve deep pathology and are generally incurable. Apoplexy of the fu organs is suitable for diaphoresis (sweating method); apoplexy of the zang organs is suitable for purgation (draining method). Both diaphoresis and purgation should not be excessive; excessive sweating leads to collapse of yang, excessive purgation leads to collapse of yin. The method for treating wind: initially, regulate qi; after prolonged duration, invigorate blood circulation. This is an unchanging principle for all ages. It is also said that hemiplegia largely results from phlegm; left-sided involvement belongs to static blood (blood stasis) and blood deficiency, right-sided involvement belongs to qi deficiency with phlegm. For the left side, use Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) combined with Er Chen Tang (Two Aged Ingredients Decoction), adding Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), Hong Hua (Safflower), Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap), and Jiang Zhi (Ginger Juice). For the right side, use Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) combined with Er Chen Tang, also adding Bamboo Sap and Ginger Juice. All treatments must be adapted to specific syndromes; one must not adhere rigidly to a single approach. If there are no exterior six-channel (Taiyang, Yangming, Shaoyang, Taiyin, Shaoyin, Jueyin) manifestations, nor internal obstruction of urination or defecation, but only limb paralysis and slurred speech, Da Qin Jiao Tang (Great Notopterygium Decoction) should be used for nourishment. One should follow seasonal changes, harmonize yin and yang, stabilize the zang-fu organs, and harmonize Ying (nutritive) and Wei (defensive) qi; recovery is assured. Furthermore, elderly individuals with weak qi, due to improper recuperation or interference from the seven emotions (joy, anger, worry, thought, sadness, fear, fright), may suddenly present symptoms resembling wind stroke. This is not caused by external wind pathogens but by dysfunction of the primary qi (vital energy). Using wind-dispelling herbs in such cases causes significant harm. This is the profound theory of Liu Shouzhen and Xu Xueshi, which must not be overlooked.