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Ancient texts state: "Excessive sweating leading to the collapse of Yang" occurs because excessive diaphoresis causes the body's Yang Qi to dissipate along with the sweat. "Excessive purgation leading to the collapse of Yin" occurs because repeated use of purgatives severely damages Yin blood. If Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is ingested when Yang is hyperactive, death may ensue; this is because in cases of exterior excess with no sweat, internal Yang is already abundant, and misusing Guizhi Tang is like adding firewood to a fire. If Chengqi Tang (Gastrointestinal-Regulating Decoction) is ingested when Yin cold is hyperactive, death may ensue; this is because if the syndrome is not of the Yangming organ stage, purgation is contraindicated, and misusing rhubarb (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) and mirabilite (Natrii Sulfas) extinguishes true Yang. One must understand that "excessive sweating leading to Yang collapse" applies to individuals whose defensive Qi (Wei Qi) is originally deficient, while "Yang hyperactivity leading to death" applies to syndromes where Yin fluids are originally depleted. "Excessive purgation leading to Yin collapse" occurs because their Yang Qi is originally robust, so only the Yin aspect is injured; "Yin cold hyperactivity leading to death" occurs because their Yang Qi is originally weak and cannot tolerate Yin-cold medications. Therefore, in discussing syndromes today, one should take "excessive sweating causing Yang collapse" and "excessive purgation causing Yin collapse" as warnings. Sweat is transformed from Jin-Ye (body fluids), and wind-dispelling herbs are particularly drying to Yin blood. The stomach normally lacks heat pathogens, yet Chengqi Tang can destroy true Yang. The following sections on correcting errors are recorded to supplement the inadequacies of ancient methods.

In typhoid fever (Shanghan), if too many diaphoretic treatments have been used, internal fluids will be exhausted, and blood will fail to nourish the sinews, resulting in spasmodic pain in the hands and feet, and difficulty in urination and defecation. One should administer Jiawei Xiaoyao San (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) with added Shudi (Prepared Rehmannia Root), Gouqi (Goji Berry), and Gouteng (Uncaria with Hooks).
Commentary by Shao: Excessive sweating depletes Yin fluids, causing the sinews and vessels to lose nourishment, leading to spasmodic pain in the limbs. Dryness of fluids and heat accumulation cause difficulty in excretion. Nourishing blood to benefit the sinews, combined with promoting circulation, is indeed the correct method.

If typhoid fever persists beyond two or three stages despite extensive diaphoresis, with continuous profuse sweating, a curled and black tongue, rapid shallow breathing resembling asthma, and six pulses that are flooding, rapid, and rootless, it has become a critical condition (terminal syndrome). One should administer a large dose of Zuogui Wan (Left Restoring Pill) combined with Shengmai San (Generate the Pulse Powder). If sweating stops and breathing stabilizes, survival is possible.

If typhoid fever has passed its stage but remains unresolved, with a dry tongue, thirst, and dysuria, this is due to excessive use of wind-dispelling herbs for exterior release, exhausting the source of fluids. One should use Zuogui Yin (Left Restoring Decoction) removing Poria, and adding Maidong (Ophiopogon Root), Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root), and Baishao (White Peony Root) to restore fluids; normal flow will return naturally.

If typhoid fever has passed its stage but remains unresolved, and improper exterior-releasing and interior-purging treatments have led to the exhaustion of true Yin, resulting in dry impaction of stool and urine, severe damage to Stomach Yin, anorexia, and lack of hunger, one should employ a single approach of nourishing righteousness and Yin. When Stomach Yin is sufficient, appetite will return naturally, and accumulated waste will pass. Use Zuogui Wan combined with Shengmai San, or Ganlu Yin (Sweet Dew Decoction) with Renshen (Ginseng Root).
Commentary by Shao: After prolonged illness, Yuan Qi (Original Qi) is deficient. Repeated errors in sweating and purging deplete Yin fluids and injure Stomach Qi, leading to constipation and anorexia. Treatment should focus on nourishing Yin and benefiting the Stomach. Strongly avoid digestive-promoting and attacking methods.

If typhoid fever involves excessive sweating with continuous profuse sweat, muscle twitching, dizziness preventing standing, and trembling desire to fall to the ground, this indicates the depletion of both Yang and Yin fluids. Urgently use Zuogui Wan combined with Renshen (Ginseng Root), Maidong (Ophiopogon Root), and Wuweizi (Schisandra Fruit) to rescue.
Commentary by Shao: Excessive sweating damages Yin, causing floating deficient Yang, representing a state of dual depletion of Yin and Yang. Using Zuogui Wan with Renshen and Maidong to rescue Yin and support Yuan Qi is correct. However, it would be more appropriate to combine herbs that harmonize Yang and suppress rebellion, such as Longgu (Fossilized Mammal Bone), Muli (Oyster Shell), Guiban (Turtle Shell), and Baishao (White Peony Root).

If typhoid fever was incorrectly treated with diaphoresis leading to continuous profuse sweating, external leakage of fluids, and deficiency of Stomach Yin, resulting in persistent nausea and vomiting, where food is vomited immediately upon ingestion, use Jinshui Liu Jun Jian (Six Gentlemen Decoction for Metal and Water) with added Maidong (Ophiopogon Root) and Shashen (Glehnia Root) to harmonize the middle and restore fluids; vomiting will cease and intake will resume naturally.
Commentary by Shao: This is a method to correct errors caused by excessive sweating damaging Yin fluids and generating phlegm-heat, leading to rebellious Stomach Qi.

If excessive sweating leads to empty Stomach Yin, causing persistent dry heaving and hiccups, inability to take even water, use Jinshui Liu Jun Jian combined with Shengmai San, adding Dingxiang (Clove), Shidi (Persimmon Calyx), Hetaoren (Walnut Kernel), and Daizheshi (Hematite) to stop the symptoms. If ineffective, use Duqi Yin (Nine-Ingredient Decoction) with Renshen (Ginseng Root), Hetaoren (Walnut Kernel), and Zhiyingshi (Fluorite) to guide Qi downward. Cishi (Magnetite) is not used because excessive sweating injures the Lung, and Magnetite might absorb Lung Qi.
Commentary by Shao: This is a method to correct errors where excessive sweating damages Lung and Stomach Yin, causing rebellious Qi that fails to descend.

In cases of Yin deficiency complicated by external contraction, if mistakenly treated with ascending and dispersing herbs like Chaihu (Bupleurum Root), Gegen (Kudzu Root), or Xijiao (Rhinoceros Horn - now substituted), causing deficient Yang to float upward, chest oppression, nausea, restlessness, and flooding pulses that are forceless upon pressure, use Jinshui Liu Jun Jian combined with Renshen (Ginseng Root) and Maidong (Ophiopogon Root) plus Daizheshi (Hematite) to harmonize the middle and benefit Shaoyin. Then Yin and Yang will harmonize, and recovery will occur through sound sleep.
Commentary by Shao: Yin deficiency with pathogen invasion, mistakenly treated with ascending and dispersing methods, leads to Yin damage and Yang failing to attach to Yin, causing nausea, restlessness, and rootless large pulses. Adding herbs that nourish Yin and subdue Yang is correct.

For individuals with deficient Ying (Nutritive) and weak Wei (Defensive) Qi who contract an external pathogen, presenting with aversion to cold, fever, lower back pain, and bone pain, harsh diaphoresis is contraindicated. Misusing diaphoretic herbs causes massive sweating, worsening aversion to cold and body pain, and persistent fever. Use Danggui Jianzhong Tang (Angelica Sinensis Decoction to Establish the Middle) to harmonize Ying and Wei, after which all symptoms will resolve.
Commentary by Shao: When Ying and Wei are deficient with concurrent pathogen, treatment should harmonize Ying and Wei.

Whenever encountering exterior syndromes of external contraction, if the pulse at the Cun (inch) position of both wrists is soft and the Chi (cubit) position is slow, and the tongue is moist without coating, this indicates deficiency of both Ying and Wei. Use Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (Astragalus Decoction to Establish the Middle) with Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) to induce mild sweating. (Above are examples of erroneous sweating.)
Commentary by Shao: This is an excellent method of prescribing based on pulse diagnosis to harmonize Ying and Wei while dispersing pathogens.

If improper purgation leads to continuous diarrhea, systemic weakness ("bones falling apart"), and lack of energy to move, use a large dose of Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) with Paojiang (Prepared Ginger Rhizome) to warm and lift. If accompanied by sweating and asthma, urgently use Shenfu Tang (Ginseng and Aconite Decoction) with Shudi (Prepared Rehmannia Root) for strong warming and tonification.
Commentary by Shao: This is a method to correct errors where improper purgation severely injures Middle Qi, leading to Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency.

If excessive purgation injures the Lower Jiao, connecting intestines and stomach, causing direct leakage and uncontrollable diarrhea, the "gate" of Yangming has collapsed. Urgently use Taohua Tang (Peach Blossom Decoction) with a heavy dose of Renshen (Ginseng Root) as the main ingredient.
Commentary by Shao: Overuse of purgatives leads to decline of Mingmen Fire (Kidney Yang) and deficiency of intestines and stomach, causing sliding and loss of control. Using Taohua Tang to astringe and secure against collapse is very correct.

If undigested food in the Stomach is mistakenly purged, causing food to congeal due to cold, resulting in high elevation of the chest and epigastrium that is tender to touch, treatment should warm the Stomach and harmonize the middle. Use Erchen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction) with Paojiang (Prepared Ginger Rhizome), Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange), Houpo (Magnolia Bark), and Zharen (Hawthorn Flesh) to warm and transform. (Above are examples of erroneous purgation.)
Commentary by Shao: Premature purgation injures the Middle, and cold herbs cause food stagnation to congeal. Treatment with warming and resolving is a correct method for correcting errors. In early-stage food stagnation, the retained material has not yet turned into feces and resides in the upper Jiao of the Stomach. Early purgation is strictly forbidden; instead, promote middle Qi and guide out stagnation. Erroneous purgation causes cold herbs and food to bind together, making digestion harder, resembling Jie Xiong (Chest Binding) syndrome. One must wait until it has turned into feces and moved to the lower Jiao of the Stomach, near the intestines, before purging. Remember this well. For retained food in the upper Jiao of the Stomach, emesis may be used.