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*Shanghan Jieyue* (Concise Rhymes on Cold Damage) is a work authored by my grandfather, Gong Fangze. Since ancient times, books on *Shanghan* (Cold Damage) have been as numerous as to fill a house, yet some have been lost, and others have become disordered and miscellaneous. Moreover, authors within these texts often hold differing views, establishing their own arguments and theories, which are frequently inconsistent. This has always caused distress to those seeking the correct path. My grandfather studied extensively from the *Huangdi Sùwèn* (Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine) down to the works of Zhang Zhongjing, Liu Wansu, Li Dongyuan, and Zhu Danxi. After long immersion in these texts, he achieved sudden enlightenment and personal understanding. Generally, the *Sùwèn* discusses treatment based on the Foot Six Channels (Taiyang, Yangming, Shaoyang, Taiyin, Shaoyin, Jueyin), yet it does not fail to encompass the underlying principles. Zhang Zhongjing established 396 diagnostic patterns and left 113 prescriptions, which can be summarized into concise rhymes for easy inquiry. Liu Wansu regarded *Shanghan* as Heat Disease (*Rebing*), stating in the classics: "All Heat Diseases belong to the category of Cold Damage." Li Dongyuan classified all internal cold damage as similar to *Shanghan*, while Zhu Danxi stated that among *Shanghan* cases, 80-90% belonged to internal cold damage. These approaches, though different in origin, lead to the same destination; though diverse in thought, they reach a unified conclusion. Thus, like turning flowers into honey or gathering fox armpit fur to make a robe (idioms for accumulating small things to achieve something great), without omission or fragmentation, I composed these songs and rhymes. This truly serves as a bridge for later learners. It is only a pity that the annotations are not detailed enough. Superficial practitioners may merely follow old routines without examining the origins of symptoms or the precise dosages and indications for prescriptions. This remains a deep concern for my grandfather. Presuming upon myself, due to my familiarity with the text, and referencing the commentaries and structural analyses of former sages, I strive to make the subtleties of pattern differentiation and prescription formulation as clear as looking at one's palm. I dare not claim this is merely a grandson recounting his ancestor's work, but rather hope to do justice to my grandfather's painstaking efforts.

Note: Zhang Zhongjing's original rhymes are somewhat diffuse. For beginners, reading them is like searching for a ferry crossing in the sea. Therefore, I have organized the rhymes according to the Three Yang and Three Yin channels for conciseness, so that they are clear upon recitation. I have added annotations to ensure that the patterns of each channel are not confused and the meridians are distinct. This may offer a slight benefit to future generations. Reading the full annotated collection reveals deeper meanings; let those who understand judge accordingly.

To treat *Shanghan*, one must first recognize the symptoms, diagnose the pulse to determine the disease name, and then prescribe with certainty. For instance, Taiyang disease (Taiyang Channel Disease) distinguishes between injury to Ying (Nutritive Qi) and Wei (Defensive Qi). Yangming disease (Yangming Channel Disease) involves pathology in the Fu organs. Shaoyang disease (Shaoyang Channel Disease) primarily governs the half-exterior and half-interior, hence it is said that the Gallbladder is the organ of purity and clarity. Regarding the Three Yin diseases, there are irregularities in transmission via channels versus direct invasion. One must investigate the pulse logic to deduce details. In transmission via channels, the pulse is deep and rapid with irritability and heat; in direct invasion, the pulse is deep and fine with cold limbs. Inducing sweating when purgation is indicated leads to Jie Xiong (Chest Binding) and Pi Qi (Pi Syndrome/Epigastric Fullness). Inducing sweating when purgation is indicated leads to Jue (Cold Extremities) and exhaustion of Yang Qi. Diarrhea with foul discharge or loose stools requires distinguishing between協熱 (Collateral Heat) and 協寒 (Collateral Cold). Stasis-heat accumulation allows one to know if Jaundice (Huangdan) or Mania (Kuang) will occur. Urinary retention, rashes, and ulcerated spots arise from the two toxins of Damp-Heat. Twitching of tendons and muscles results from injury by both sweating and purging methods. As for Wind-Warmth (*Fengwen*) and Damp-Warmth (*Shiwen*), Wind-Warmth causes panting and excessive sleepiness, while Damp-Warmth causes delirious speech and loss of appetite. Wind-Dampness causes heavy limbs and sweating on the forehead; Damp-Invasion causes yellowish skin and red urine. Warm diseases (*Wenbing*) occur in spring; Heat diseases (*Rebing*) arise in summer. Yang Du (Yang Toxin) presents with a red face, mania, and macules; Yin Du (Yin Toxin) presents with blue lips and cold extremities. Sweating or shivering sweat followed by cooling of the body indicates the favorable outcome of Water and Fire achieving mutual balance. Combined diseases (*Hebing*) and concurrent diseases (*Bingbing*) with diarrhea indicate mutual overcoming between Wood and Earth. Furthermore, excess conditions manifest as Delirious Speech (*Zhanyu*), while deficiency conditions manifest as Monotonous Repetition (*Zhengsheng*). Retention of Fluids (*Shuiqi*) may cause vomiting or hiccups. Fire Pathogen (*Huoxie*) robbery may cause mania or fright. Hui Jue (Roundworm Jue) and Hu Huo (Fox Disorder) are names for parasitic syndromes. Gang Jing (Stiff Spasm) and Rou Jing (Flaccid Spasm) are names for wind diseases. Huo Luan (Cholera-like disorder) is caused by the struggle between Summerheat and Dampness; alternating chills and fever represent the struggle between Pathogenic Factors and Healthy Qi. Panting and coughing result from Fluids clashing with Cold; hematemesis and epistaxis result from Heat forcing blood to move recklessly. Single hidden pulse (*Danfu*) and double hidden pulse (*Shuangfu*) are not abnormal pulses but signs of extreme misfortune turning into good fortune. Yang Yi and Yin Yi are critical conditions caused by sexual intercourse during recovery. Chills with panting and coughing heal with exterior-releasing methods; heat intolerance with panting and fullness heals with interior-purging methods. Ke Ni (Reverse Qi/Coughing Upward) is also called E Te (Hiccups); Dong Ji (Palpitations) is also called Zheng Chong (Severe Palpitations). Shuang Chuan refers to simultaneous disease in two channels; Bai He (Lily Disease) refers to the unity of all vessels. Ao Nao (Restlessness) stems from mental depression; Fan Zao (Irritability) stems from steaming of internal Heat. Umbilical pain radiating to the genitals is named Zang Jie (Zang Knot); Jue with diarrhea but ability to eat is named Chu Zhong (Elimination of the Middle). Chi Zong (Convulsions) refers to twitching of hands and feet; Fu Yu (Oppression) refers to steaming redness of the head and face. Lao Fu (Labor Relapse) and Shi Fu (Dietary Relapse) occur due to breaking taboos after recent recovery. Guo Jing Bu Jie (Passing the Stage Without Resolution) is similar to Wen Nue (Warm Malaria). The variability of *Shanghan* transmission differs from straightforward attackable mixed diseases. I briefly state the essentials here; students should adapt flexibly.