Library

Zangjie (Organ Knotting) refers to the condition where the qi of the zang organs is blocked and knotted, failing to circulate freely. The external manifestations resemble those of Juxiong (Chest Binding), but the patient is able to eat, abdominal distension persists, diarrhea occurs, and there is a white coating on the tongue; these are the distinguishing features from Juxiong. If the pulse is floating at the cun position and deep-tight at the guan position, with pain radiating to the yin tendons and distending pain in the umbilical and abdominal regions, it is difficult to treat.

If the throat feels obstructed and painful, or sores form, preventing the intake of food, this is caused by pathogenic heat and toxic vapors rushing upward. Ganju Kujiu Tang (Licorice and Honey Decoction) should be used. If the throat is obstructed, pus and blood are expectorated, and coldness of the hands and feet persists without stopping, it is difficult to treat; Shengma Liuwu Tang (Rhizoma Cimicifugae Six-Ingredient Decoction) is the primary treatment.

Dizziness (Xuan) often occurs when Shaoyang disease is between the exterior and interior. When exterior pathogens transmit inward, deficiency of yang qi in the exterior leads to dizziness. Additionally, dizziness and vertigo occurring after sweating or purging methods are also caused by yang deficiency. In Shaoyin disease, if diarrhea stops but dizziness occurs occasionally, accompanied by frequent sensations of faintness or blacking out (Zimao), this indicates extreme deficiency and impending collapse. In Taiyang disease, if purging is mistakenly applied followed by repeated sweating, causing deficiency in both the interior and exterior, the patient will inevitably experience faintness. Patients with such faintness will recover through spontaneous sweating. In Yangming disease, if dizziness occurs without aversion to cold, and the patient can eat and drink, Fuling Baizhu Gancao Shengjiang Tang (Poria, Atractylodes Macrocephala, Licorice, and Fresh Ginger Decoction) should be used. For Shaoyang syndrome with dizziness of the eyes, Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) is indicated. In Taiyang disease, if after sweating the illness does not resolve, and symptoms include palpitations below the heart, dizziness, twitching of muscles, and trembling falling to the ground, Zhenwu Tang (True Warrior Decoction) should be administered. After vomiting, sweating, or purging, if the body is weak with a deep-rapid pulse, epigastric fullness (Pi), hypochondriac pain, qi rushing to the throat causing dyspnea, body tremors, and muscle twitching, which may eventually develop into Wei syndrome (flaccidity syndrome), Fuling Baizhu Guizhi Gancao Tang (Poria, Atractylodes Macrocephala, Cinnamon Twig, and Licorice Decoction) is appropriate.

Nosebleed (Nu) occurs when excessive heat in the meridians forces blood to flow recklessly into the nasal cavity. Although heat is excessive and pathogens remain in the meridians, sweating methods must not be used. The classics state that using Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) or Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) for nosebleed is not to treat the bleeding itself, but to disperse pathogenic qi in the meridians. If nosebleeding resolves spontaneously, it indicates recovery. However, if bleeding continues with sweating only on the head and face, no sweat on the body, fever, and sweat failing to reach the feet, it is difficult to treat. In Taiyang syndrome, nosebleeding, or nosebleeding induced after taking Guizhi Tang, indicates that the disease is about to resolve; Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction) should be used. If there is no sweat and nosebleeding occurs with a floating-tight pulse, administer Mahuang Tang again. If there is sweat and nosebleeding with a floating-slow pulse, administer Guizhi Tang again. Tao Jie'an stated: These two scenarios are set for cases with a floating pulse. If the nosebleed flows continuously like water, medication is unnecessary as it will resolve spontaneously in a short time. If it drips drop by drop without forming a stream, medication is undoubtedly required. The classics say: "Those who have lost blood should not sweat; those who have lost sweat should not lose blood." Laypeople refer to blood as "red sweat," which holds profound meaning. Patients prone to nosebleeds should not undergo heavy sweating; forcing sweat will lead to sunken temples, tight pulse, fixed staring gaze, inability to turn the eyes, and insomnia; Shaoyao Dihuang Tang (Peony and Rehmannia Decoction) should be used. In Yangming disease, if the patient rinses their mouth with water but does not wish to swallow, Xijiao Dihuang Tang is indicated. If nosebleeding is accompanied by irritability, thirst, desire for water, but regurgitation immediately upon drinking, first administer Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria), followed by Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction). In Shaoyin disease, if there is only cold limbs without sweat, and sweating is forced, it will disturb the blood, causing bleeding from the mouth, nose, ears, or eyes. This condition is named Xiajue Shangjie (Lower Cold and Upper Exhaustion) and is difficult to treat; Danggui Sini Tang (Angelica Sinensis and Cinnamon Twig Decoction) should be used.