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Wenbing (Warm Diseases) differ from Fenghan (Wind-Cold diseases) right from the initial stage of Taiyang disease (disease pattern of the Bladder meridian). Zhang Zhongjing, besides discussing Shanghan (Cold Damage) and Zhongfeng (Wind Strike), explicitly points out that when Taiyang disease presents with fever, thirst, and aversion to cold is absent, it is classified as Wenbing.

In Taiyang Zhongfeng, symptoms include mild aversion to cold (se-se e han) and moderate fever (xi xi fa re). In Taiyang Shanghan, fever may or may not be present initially, but aversion to cold is always definite. In contrast, Taiyang Wenbing presents only with fever and no aversion to cold. The most crucial key for differentiation lies entirely in the character "thirst". This is because pathogens of Wind-Cold enter from the exterior and must undergo transmission to the interior, where heat becomes intense, before thirst occurs. If thirst appears at the very onset of Wenbing, it indicates that even during the Taiyang stage, the pathogen has already combined with internal heat, consuming body fluids. Without immediate proper treatment, the depletion of True Yin can happen instantly.

Furthermore, in Wind-Cold diseases, whether through slight sweating, profuse sweating, or chills followed by sweating, the illness resolves with the sweat. However, in Wenbing, sweating does not resolve the condition. If fever persists despite sweating and the pulse becomes restless and vigorous, the *Neijing* (Classic of Internal Medicine) declares this a fatal syndrome due to the loss of Yin essence. Therefore, anyone treating Wenbing should regard the preservation of Yin essence as the utmost treasure. This principle has been passed down continuously since Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) and Qibo. Although Zhang Zhongjing clarified the concept of Wenbing, he lacked specific formulas. Later practitioners created formulas based on their own ideas to fill this gap, yet these could not serve as standard guidelines. In my estimation, Zhang Zhongjing, regarding wind as a Yang pathogen that easily disperses Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), did not employ drastic diaphoresis even for Zhongfeng. Thus, it is logically certain that Wenbing should not be treated with diaphoresis. The *Neijing* states: "For warmth, use cooling." I suggest that treatment should primarily focus on clearing internal heat, possibly accompanied by a mild release of the muscle layer.

After stating that Taiyang disease with fever, thirst, and no aversion to cold constitutes Wenbing, Zhang Zhongjing further isolated the pathology of Fengwen (Wind-Warmth) and specifically emphasized the prohibition of diaphoresis. There are two explanations for this:

The first explanation is: When Warm pathogens originate internally, erroneous use of diaphoresis causes Wei Qi to become more dispersed, allowing Wind pathogens to invade again. The combination of two Yangs results in intense burning heat in the body.

The second explanation is: Warm pathogens lie dormant internally. When Shaoyin (Kidney channel) is affected, Kidney Essence fails to store properly, leading to easy movement of internal wind emerging from the interior to the exterior. After sweating, the body becomes intensely hot.

These two explanations can coexist, but both agree that diaphoresis is contraindicated. Upon examination, Wenbing differs between newly acquired pathogens and latent pathogens. Newly acquired pathogens involve pre-existing internal heat郁 (stagnation) that resonates with seasonal warm pathogens, causing burning heat; this involves both internal and external factors. Latent pathogens arise from disease within the Yin aspect, with wind generated internally. Although surface heat is visible, the pathology belongs entirely to internal factors and has nothing to do with external factors.

If the body becomes intensely hot after diaphoresis, not only are the Yang pulses floating, but Yin fluids are also lost along with sweat, causing the Yin pulses to float as well, resulting in floating pulses in both Yin and Yang positions. Symptoms such as spontaneous sweating, heavy body, excessive sleepiness, snoring respiration, and difficulty speaking are all signs of fluid injury. If one further violates the correct treatment by using purgatives incorrectly, it will severely deplete Yin and leak more Yin fluids. If one uses fire therapy incorrectly, it will exacerbate Yang hyperactivity and disturb Yang further. One error after another will inevitably lead to premature death. Zhang Zhongjing’s prohibitions are so strict. Understanding what is prohibited allows one to grasp the therapeutic methods. Therefore, those treating Wenbing must carefully examine the etiology before administering diaphoresis and must avoid erroneous treatment.