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Regarding diseases of Shanghan (Cold Damage) and epidemics, how can they be distinguished? Generally, those with a non-floating pulse are infectious. If heat-inducing drugs are used to release the exterior in such cases, not only will they fail to resolve the condition, but the disease will worsen and become critical. The treatment method is as follows: For spontaneous sweating, Cangzhu Baizhu Tang (Cangzhu White Tiger Decoction) [Formula 22] should be used; for absence of sweating, Shihao Liangge San (Shihao Cool Diaphragm Powder) [Formula 23] should be used to dissipate heat and achieve recovery. If the pathogen remains unresolved, the interior and exterior should be unblocked according to the severity of the symptoms, treating according to the syndrome differentiation, which is no different from the methods for treating Shanghan. Shuangjie San (Double Release Powder) [Formula 54] and Yiyuan San (Benefit Origin Powder) [Formula 52] are both miraculous formulas.

For exterior syndromes characterized by a floating pulse, pain in the body and limbs, aversion to wind, and aversion to cold, diaphoresis (sweating therapy) is indicated, while purgation is contraindicated. For Shanghan with no sweating, Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) [Formula 1] is used; for Shangfeng (Wind Strike) with spontaneous sweating, Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) [Formula 2] is used. One approach involves using Shuangjie San (Double Release Powder) [Formula 54] or Tianshui San (Heavenly Water Powder) [Formula 52], regardless of whether the cause is wind-cold, which is considered most excellent.

For interior syndromes characterized by a solid yet non-floating pulse, absence of aversion to cold or wind, lack of body pain, spontaneous sweating, delirious speech, constipation, dry throat, or abdominal fullness, purgation is indicated, while diaphoresis is contraindicated. For the above syndromes, Xiao Chengqi Tang (Minor Order the Yang Decoction) [Formula 12], Da Chengqi Tang (Major Order the Yang Decoction) [Formula 10], or Tiaowei Chengqi Tang (Regulate the Stomach Order the Yang Decoction) [Formula 11] should be selected and used. Another approach involves using Sanyi Chengqi Tang (Three-One Order the Yang Decoction) [Formula 13] for purgation, regardless of wind-cold-summerheat-dampness, or when neither exterior nor interior syndromes are apparent, provided there is no exterior syndrome but indications for purgation exist. This medicine has a potent effect, preventing exterior heat from entering the interior and thereby avoiding complications such as Jie Xiong (Chest Binding) and Pi (Glomus). In cases where heat binding is extremely deep, and multiple purgations with various medicines fail to produce bowel movements, leading to death due to untreatability, Da Chengqi Tang (Major Order the Yang Decoction) added with Qianbi (a measure of Gansui, Kansui Root) one qianbi should be used for purgation. When the disease is in the interior and the pulse is deep and fine, regardless of wind-cold-summerheat-dampness, or when neither exterior nor interior syndromes are apparent; or when injured by various internal and external pathogens, presenting with sweating or no sweating, heart and abdominal pain and fullness, delirium, restlessness, excessive internal accumulation of heat, as long as the pulse is deep, Sanyi Chengqi Tang (Three-One Order the Yang Decoction) [Formula 13] combined with Jiedu Tang (Detoxification Decoction) [Formula 21] should be used for purgation. Jiedu Tang and Tiaowei Chengqi Tang (Regulate the Stomach Order the Yang Decoction) can purge intense heat.