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Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) disease manifests as alternating chills and fever, occurring frequently. Accompanying symptoms include bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, and pain in the hypochondriac region. Dizziness, deafness, and pain at the temporal angle are also present. Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) is the premier remedy for this condition.

Note: In Shanghan (Cold Damage) disease, within three to four days, the pathogen enters the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. This meridian originates from the outer canthus of the eye, passes through Tongziliao (GB1), ascends to the temporal angle, connects with the ear, follows the chest and hypochondrium, runs along the lateral aspect of the body, and terminates at the Qiaoyin point (GB44) on the lateral side of the fourth toe. The clinical manifestations include fullness in the chest and hypochondrium, deafness, and alternating chills and fever. Since Shaoyang is located between the exterior and interior, the pulse is wiry (Xian) across all three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi). If the pulse is wiry and rapid (Shu), it indicates the pathogen is in the interior. It is appropriate to use Xiaochaihu Tang to harmonize. There are three prohibitions in treating Shaoyang disease: sweating (Fa Han) is contraindicated, as it may lead to delirious speech; emesis (Tu) and purgation (Xia) are contraindicated, as they may cause palpitations and fright. Only harmonization should be employed, using Bupleurum-based formulas. If the patient vomits without thirst, add Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma); if there is thirst accompanied by vomiting, add Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice) and Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia). Adjustments should be made according to specific symptoms, whether or not there is thirst or vomiting.

Xiaochaihu Tang consists of five ingredients: Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Renshen (Panacis Ginseng Radix) are combined. Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) are added, along with Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Zao (Jujubae Fructus), decocted together in water.

After the transmission through the Three Yang meridians is completed, the disease enters the Three Yin meridians, where the pathological state deepens. If it is a "direct strike" (Zhi Zhong) into the Yin meridians, characterized by severe cold accumulation, warming methods are appropriate.

Therefore, the Three Yin meridians have two distinct patterns: transmitted heat and direct strike cold. One must investigate the pulse principles for detailed differentiation. In transmitted cases, the pulse is deep (Chen) and rapid (Shu), accompanied by irritability and heat. In direct strike cases, the pulse is deep... [text cuts off]

When Yang pathogenic factors transmit to the Taiyin Meridian, symptoms include abdominal fullness, dry throat, and warm hands and feet. The pulse is deep (Chen) at all positions, often with a rapid (Shu) quality. Guizhi Jada Huang Tang (Cinnamon Twig plus Rhubarb Decoction) is suitable for regulation.

Note: In Shanghan disease, within four to five days, the pathogen enters the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. This meridian originates from the Yinbai point (SP1) on the medial side of the big toe, ascends to the abdomen, connects with the pharynx, links to the root of the tongue, runs along the anterior aspect of the body, and terminates at the Dabao point (SP21). Symptoms include abdominal fullness or pain, dry throat, and spontaneous diarrhea. Since the Three Yang meridians belong to the exterior and the Three Yin meridians to the interior, the pulse is deep (Chen) across all positions. If the pulse is deep and forceful, it indicates transmitted heat syndrome, suitable for purgation with Guizhi Jada Huang Tang (Cinnamon Twig plus Rhubarb Decoction). If the pulse is deep and weak, it indicates direct strike cold syndrome, suitable for warming with Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) or Sini Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction). If the original condition was Yang syndrome, but the patient suffered heavy wind-cold exposure, overconsumed raw/cold food, or mistakenly took cooling medicines, it transforms into a Yin syndrome. This represents residual heat coexisting with new cold. Starting as heat, it ultimately transmits to cold in the middle jiao. Warming with Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) or Sini Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction) is also appropriate. Other examples of Shanghan entering the Three Yin meridians with exterior pathogens remaining in the meridian include Guizhi Jiabaishao Tang (Cinnamon Twig plus White Peony Decoction) for Taiyin, Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang (Ephedra, Aconite, and Asarum Decoction) for Shaoyin, and Danggui Sini Tang (Angelica Sinensis Decoction for Cold-Reversal) for Jueyin. These are formulas for treating exterior conditions in Yin meridians.

Danggui Sini Tang (Angelica Sinensis Decoction for Cold-Reversal)
Ingredients: Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), Tongcao (Tetrapanacis Medulla), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Dazao (Jujubae Fructus).

Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), and Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) are used. Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), and Dazao (Jujubae Fructus) are added. Binlang (Arecae Semen) and Dafupi (Tsaoko Pericarpium) are decocted in water. This rapidly resolves excess heat in Taiyin. Guizhi Jiabaishao Tang (Cinnamon Twig plus White Peony Decoction) removes Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) and adds Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Dazao (Jujubae Fructus). It is indicated for Taiyin abdominal pain caused by premature purgation when the exterior syndrome has not yet resolved.