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The syndrome of Jie Xiong (Chest Binding) is often seen where common physicians, without inquiring whether purgatives have been used or not, merely observe fullness and oppression in the chest and epigastrium, prescribe Zhijie Tang (Bitter Orange and Prickly Ash Decoction), and label it as Jie Xiong. This likely stems from the theory of Zhu Fengyi. Frequent application of this method may even transform a non-Jie Xiong case into a true Jie Xiong. It is unknown to them that Jie Xiong is caused by premature purgation; cases that have not undergone purgation are not Jie Xiong. In such instances, pathogenic factors from the exterior have transmitted to the chest but have not yet entered the Fu organs. Although symptoms include fullness and oppression, the pathogen remains at the exterior level, specifically belonging to the Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) aspect, situated between the exterior and interior. Treatment requires only Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) with added Zhike (Aurantii Fructus). If there is no improvement, combine the original formula with Xiaoxianxiong Tang (Minor Golden Pill Decoction); one dose brings immediate relief, miraculous as if by divine power. I keep this secret and do not share it with ordinary practitioners. However, if Jie Xiong is indeed formed due to premature purgation, then Xiantong Tang (Pectoral Binding Decoction) or its pill form should be used, treating according to the depth of the pathology gradually, avoiding overly harsh methods. The Upper Jiao (Upper Burner) is the highest part of the Clear Pathways; excessive purgation damages Yuan Qi (Original Qi), so caution is essential.

I once read in Zhang Zhongjing's *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage) regarding Jie Xiong: "When disease originates in Yang and is mistakenly purged, heat enters and causes Jie Xiong. When disease originates in Yin and is mistakenly purged, Pi Man (Fullness Obstruction) results. The reason for forming Jie Xiong is premature purgation." Later, Cheng Wuji's commentary stated: "Fever with aversion to cold indicates origin in Yang. Absence of fever with aversion to cold indicates origin in Yin." After repeated study, I cannot help but doubt these statements. I believe "absence of fever with aversion to cold" refers to a True Cold syndrome where Cold pathogens directly invade the Yin meridians, not a disease transmitting from Yang to Yin meridians. If such a condition were mistakenly purged, death or severe danger would ensue; how could it be cured by Xiexin Tang (Gallbladder-Draining Decoction), which contains both cold and hot herbs? How could it be lighter than Jie Xiong? Upon detailed examination, this passage likely discusses Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive) Qi and Yin-Yang. Wind belongs to Yang; Yang pathogens injure Wei Qi, causing headache, fever, slight night sweating, and aversion to wind. One should take Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) to stop sweating and disperse pathogens. If physicians fail to understand this and mistakenly purge, Wei Qi is severely injured, leading to binding and hardness in the chest. The classic text also states: "In Jie Xiong syndrome, if the pulse is floating and large, purgation is contraindicated; purging leads to death. If all signs of Jie Xiong are present and restlessness occurs, death is inevitable." This is because Wei Qi emerges from the Upper Jiao, and injury to the Clear Pathways is serious; thus, harsh drugs like those in Xiantong Tang are required to purge. Cold belongs to Yin; Yin pathogens injure Ying Qi, requiring Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) to release the exterior. Mistaken purgation leads to Pi Man, which should be treated with Xiexin Tang to regulate the obstruction. Since Ying Qi emerges from the Middle Jiao, Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) can drain the pi in the heart region. The pathogen descends to the diaphragm without invading the Clear Pathways, sparing Yuan Qi, hence the condition is lighter than Jie Xiong. I do not believe that a direct invasion of Cold into the Yin meridians could be cured by Xiexin Tang. Based on verifying diseases with medicines, this is my view, though I dare not claim it is absolute, awaiting verification by wise scholars.