Library

In cases where men suffer from Yang Yi (Yang Exchange) or women from Yin Yi (Yin Exchange), it is due to engaging in sexual intercourse shortly after the illness has newly resolved. The manifestations include heavy body, deficient Qi, severe colic in the lower abdomen, inability to lift the head, inability to walk with the legs, spasm and tightness of the four limbs, relaxation of all joints, visual disturbances (seeing flowers before eyes), curling and spasms of hands and feet, and a pulse deviating from the normal course (Li Jing Mai). These conditions are generally considered incurable. If Ying Wei (Defensive and Nutritive Qi) and essence and marrow are exhausted, accompanied by feverish sensation and shortness of breath, and inability to raise the hands and feet, death will ensue. Alas, harm caused by external invasion of the Six Qi (Six Exogenous Pathogens) and internal injury from the Seven Emotions can be so severe. Formulas such as Shao Kun San (Burnt Underwear Powder), Shu Shi Tang (Rat Feces Decoction), Zhu Pi Tang (Bamboo Bark Decoction), Gan Jiang Tang (Dried Ginger Decoction), Qing Zhu Ru Tang (Green Bamboo Slivers Decoction), and Dang Gui Bai Zhu Tang (Angelica Sinensis and Atractylodes Macrocephala Decoction) should be selected for use.

Yin Yang Jiao (Yin-Yang Intersection) refers to a condition in warm diseases where sweating is contraindicated; if sweating is mistakenly induced, it results in recurrent high fever, delirious speech, anorexia, and a dry, rapid pulse. These are all untreatable. However, if the pulse is floating and rapid, indicating that exterior signs still persist, sweating may be applied again. If the pulse is deep and solid, it indicates excess in the Stomach (Wei Shi), and purgation should be used instead. If fever recurs later, the same method applies. For repeated sweating, Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is used; for repeated purgation, Chengqi Tang (Harmonizing the Bowels Decoction) is used.

Fu Yu (Stagnant Heat/Oppression) refers to Yang Qi steaming and overflowing, manifesting between the head, face, and skin as redness that gathers but does not dissipate. The specific presentations vary: hardness of stool with shortness of breath indicates excess (Shi); hiccups occurring after sweating or purging indicate deficiency (Xu). This requires careful investigation.

When Taiyang disease (Taiyang Disease) is first contracted, if sweating is incomplete, the pathogen merges into Yangming, followed by spontaneous slight sweating and a red facial complexion; this is Yang Qi Fu Yu, treated with Jie Ji Tang (Muscle-Relieving Decoction). Or, if sweating has been prolonged yet remains incomplete, and the pulse is floating and tight, Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) is given.

Difficulty in urination, occasional slight fever, intermittent difficulty in defecation, and inability to lie down due to Fu Yu indicate interior excess caused by dry feces; this is primarily treated with Chengqi Tang (Harmonizing the Bowels Decoction).

After sweating or purging, if deficient heat recurs and purgation is mistakenly applied again, causing Fu Yu, and water is then administered leading to hiccups, this is Cold in the Stomach (Wei Han). It is treated with Guizhi Renshen Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Ginseng Decoction) added with Fuling (Poria).

Chi Zong (Spasmodic Twitching) involves contraction (Chi) being sudden and tightening, while extension (Zong) being slow and stretching. Heat generates Wind, and Wind moves actively, thus causing the sinews and vessels to pull each other, resulting in contraction and extension. When Shaoyang disease progresses to Chi Zong, it is indeed critical. If agents that dispel Wind and purge Heat can reduce the major severity, there is a chance of cure. The treatment method is similar to that of convulsions.