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In ancient times, people were born endowing themselves with the pure and undifferentiated Qi of Heaven and Earth; they enjoyed long life and were free from disease. In the middle antiquity, since Xuanyuan (the Yellow Emperor) tasted hundreds of herbs and delineated the meridians, people began to know of medicines and diseases. Qibo mastered pulse diagnosis and differentiated etiologies, thereby establishing the practice of medicine. The Sages, fearing that future generations would suffer from entrenched illnesses without seeking treatment, composed works such as *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot), *Su Wen* (Basic Questions), and *Nei Jing* (Inner Canon) to transmit them to posterity. Later generations revered these texts, producing renowned physicians in each era who wrote treatises and applied treatments according to the times, all driven by a sincere desire to save the world. However, clinical manifestations are manifold; among those that are unpredictable and rapidly fatal, none surpasses Shanghan (Cold Damage). A single misapplication of medication can render the condition irretrievable. Many experts' discussions on Shanghan are brief and incomplete. Only Mr. Zhang Zhongjing established 113 formulas and categorized treatment into Six Meridians (Six Stages: Taiyang, Yangming, Shaoyang, Taiyin, Shaoyin, Jueyin), which was indeed comprehensive. Later students mistakenly treated Lei Shanghan (Shanghan-like conditions) as Zheng Shanghan (True Cold Damage) without distinguishing between Hand and Foot meridians. No wonder mild cases became severe, severe cases became critical, and critical cases became incurable.

Mr. Wu Kun'an from western Zhejiang personally studied under Master Ye Tianshi and Master Xue Shengbai in the Suzhou region, deeply exploring the secret principles of Shanghan. For thirty years of practicing medicine, whenever he encountered Shanghan, he treated the affected meridian directly, preventing the progression of transmission. Regardless of deficiency or excess, recovery was achieved within a few doses, preserving the patient's Yuan Qi (Primal Qi) and facilitating easy convalescence. His benevolent heart and skillful hands have long been well-known. Mr. Wu preferred a quiet domestic life and was reluctant to practice publicly. Bound by official duties, I lived far apart from him to the north and south, able only to admire him with joy. His younger brother, Wu Youshi, compiled his master's daily writings into four volumes, titled *Shanghan Zhizhang* (Guiding Palm for Cold Damage), came north to seek my correction, and requested a preface. Having read his self-preface, observed the classification of categories, and analyzed the discussions on symptoms, medication, and prescriptions, I found the reasoning clear and meticulous. Methods for treating Shanghan throughout history cannot exceed the scope defined herein. I realize that Mr. Wu has profited deeply from the teachings of Zhang Zhongjing, whereas other treatises preceding and following it have become mere dregs. I am pleased to write this preface to share it with the world. Students who obtain this volume and study it step-by-step to treat Shanghan, or apply the Six Meridians method to treat miscellaneous diseases, will find their interventions effective and profound. This is not limited merely to treating Shanghan.

Written respectfully by Hua Yingchi, Director of the Imperial Medical Bureau, during the Mid-Autumn Festival of the Dingmao year, the 12th year of the Jiaqing reign.