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Headache, fever, aversion to cold, or the absence of pulse in one hand, or in both hands: vulgar practitioners consider this as a Yang syndrome presenting with a Yin pulse, and thus declare it a fatal condition untreatable. They fail to realize that this is due to pathogenic cold failing to be dispersed, thereby forming a "Yin entrapment" (Yin Fu). Therefore, a hidden pulse must be accompanied by the expulsion of pathogenic sweat, and an attacking method should be employed. Furthermore, in cases of Shanghan (Cold Damage) progressing to the sixth or seventh day, without other signs of mutual overacting or restraining, but with mental confusion, stupor, and loss of consciousness, where all six pulses are quiet or even imperceptible, this indicates the impending emergence of physiological sweat (Zheng Han). In such cases, do not employ attacking methods. These two scenarios are like the sky darkening before rain after a long drought; after the rain, all things revive, which is an auspicious sign of Yang transformation. Just as the weather becomes stiflingly hot when rain is imminent, and turns cool after the sky clears, the principle is evident here. For those requiring attack, use diaphoresis (sweating method): Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) in winter, and Qiang Huo Chong He Tang (Notopterygium Harmonizing Decoction) in spring. For those not requiring attack, use antiperspirants: Wu Wei Zi Tang (Schisandra Decoction). Each has its specific treatment; these must be remembered carefully.

To discuss symptoms rather than disease names holds profound rationale! The character "Zheng" (Syndrome/Pattern) implies clear evidence, observed evidence, and targeted evidence. Just as adultery is proven by illicit objects, theft by stolen goods, and murder by weapons, treating disease requires targeting the syndrome; one cannot evade the true nature of the condition. The Zang organs—Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys—are concealed within and invisible. However, the ears, eyes, mouth, nose, and tongue are exposed and visible to all. How can one know if the five Zang organs are diseased? Generally, internal pathology manifests externally. Liver disease causes visual impairment; Heart disease causes speech difficulties; Spleen disease causes loss of taste; Lung disease causes anosmia (loss of smell); Kidney disease causes hearing loss. From this perspective, symptoms are the most intimate and reliable indicators. When the Taiyang Channel (Taiyang Jing) is affected, symptoms include headache, body heat, and aversion to cold. Once invaded, the manifestations of the primary channel appear. By discussing this first channel, the others become self-evident without explicit mention. Hence, I say that Shanghan discusses syndromes rather than disease entities.

The notion that diseases transmit only through the Foot channels and not the Hand channels is a fallacy of the vulgar, lacking any basis! The human body is filled with blood and Qi nourishing it, circulating day and night without cease. How could it be that only the Foot channels operate while the Hand channels do not? Moreover, when Wind-Cold invades the human body, it first enters the Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) levels. I clarify this origin. "Shanghan" refers specifically to illness occurring immediately after contracting cold in winter. Winter is governed by Kan Water, characterized by severe, freezing cold where water freezes and ground cracks. At this time, the Foot Taiyang and Foot Shaoyin channels are in command. Those exposed to these conditions suffer disease in these two channels. Subsequently, the Foot Shaoyang and Foot Jueyin channels follow winter into spring, also becoming injured. This is because the Wind-Wood command begins at the Da Han (Great Cold) solar term, in the twelfth lunar month, and only shifts to warm commands after the Spring Equinox; thus, Wind-Cold can injure them. The Foot Yangming and Foot Taiyin channels belong to Central Earth. Although unrelated to winter directly, they still suffer injury because Earth has no fixed position, no exclusive name, and no dedicated Qi; it thrives during the four seasons, beginning and ending all things. Therefore, the cold, heat, warmth, and coolness of all four seasons can injure it. Furthermore, when exterior pathogens transmit inward, they inevitably accumulate in the Stomach to form dry feces, treated by purgation with Cheng Qi Tang (Order the Qi Decoction), restoring Stomach harmony. The Hand Six Channels govern Summer and Autumn, hence they are not injured. The Foot Six Channels represent the territorial domains where injury occurs. It may be acceptable to say that the Foot is injured while the Hand is spared, but claiming transmission occurs only in the Foot and not the Hand is incorrect. If transmission did not occur, and Qi rebellion caused wheezing, from which channel would it arise? If one argues otherwise, Zhang Zhongjing prescribed Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) and Ma Huang Tang, which are medicines for the Lung Channel. Would he speak in vain?