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Profound meaning. For instance, when treating Taiyin disease with sweating methods, Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is selected; when treating Jueyin disease by attacking the exterior, Guizhi Tang is also used, and the rationale becomes self-evident. Even if Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) is used for Shaoyin disease, it must be combined with Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), because the Yin meridians all prioritize Yang Qi. Furthermore, as recorded in *Jinkui Yaolue*: "For a patient with dampness suffering from bodily restlessness and pain, it is appropriate to induce sweating with Mahuang Jia Zhu Tang (Ephedra Decoction plus Atractylodes). One must strictly avoid fire therapy." This section follows the previous description of body ache, fever, yellowish complexion with wheezing, headache, nasal congestion, irritability, and a large pulse. Since there are no symptoms of Yin-cold, Fuzi is not used, and fire therapy is contraindicated. Given the presence of headache and fever, indicating that the pathogen is in the Yang meridians, and considering the bodily restlessness and pain caused by dampness, inducing sweating is naturally suitable. Therefore, the complete Mahuang Tang formula is used, with added Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) to dry dampness. Additionally, in the dampness articles of *Jinkui Yaolue*, there is a case of wind-dampness presenting with a floating pulse, heaviness of the body, sweating, and aversion to wind. In this case, Guizhi Tang is not modified but treated with Fangji Huangqi Tang (Stephania and Astragalus Decoction). This is because a floating pulse, sweating, and aversion to wind seem to indicate wind-pathogen at the exterior, which should be treated with Guizhi Tang. However, Zhang Zhongjing further diagnosed that the Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) was deficient, the skin was not dense, and the pores were not closed, leading to sweating and aversion to wind. This represents an exterior deficiency pattern in dampness patients. Thus, Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix) is used to promote urination, Huangqi (Astragali Radix) to consolidate the exterior, and Baizhu and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) to dry dampness and tonify the middle. This is due to the fact that the exterior Qi is already deficient, and the Defensive Yang is not secure; even the mild sweating-inducing effect of Guizhi Tang is not lightly employed. If the intention were not profound, how could the prescription be so exquisite?

The formula "Remove Guizhi and Add Baizhu" is the same as Shu Fu Tang (Atractylodes and Aconite Decoction).

The formula "Remove Guizhi and Add Baizhu" refers to taking the Guizhi Fuzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Aconite Decoction) formula, removing Guizhi, adding three liang of Baizhu, and following the previous method for preparation.

The formula "Remove Guizhi and Add Baizhu" is indeed Shu Fu Tang. Because it follows the modifications of Guizhi Fuzi Tang mentioned earlier, it is called "Remove Guizhi and Add Baizhu." In ancient formulas, the character "Bai" (White) was not prefixed to "Shu," hence it was called Shu Fu Tang. Cheng Wuji did not understand this and erroneously attached it after the Guizhi Jia Fuzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig plus Aconite Decoction) for continuous leakage in the Taiyang upper chapter. Since there was no original text from Zhang Zhongjing preceding it, and the formula hung loosely without practical application afterwards, Fang Youzhi had no way to verify it, leading him to claim that the old versions lacked additions and that this was a later supplement. Yu Jiayan only adopted Fang Youzhi's annotations for his *Shanglun Pian*, thus failing to distinguish them clearly. The formula uses two pieces of Fuzi. Ancient Fuzi grew in the wild and might have been smaller than modern cultivated ones; this cannot be taken as a fixed rule, and it is likely a transcription error by later generations. In my opinion, one should judge based on the actual dosage equivalents. Four liang of Guizhi equals 1.8 liang in the Song Dynasty; the Yuan Dynasty weights were heavier than the Song, and modern weights are even heavier. Three liang of Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) equals eight qian in the Song Dynasty. If one piece of Fuzi is used, it weighs approximately 1.2–1.3 liang; after processing, the dried weight is about 0.35 liang. Taking this divided into three doses is not excessive. Previous scholars claimed that ancient formulas cannot treat modern diseases, simply because they did not realize the differences in weights between ancient and modern times.

When Wind-Dampness combats each other, causing severe joint pain, pulling pain, inability to flex or extend, exacerbation of pain upon touch, sweating, shortness of breath, difficulty in urination, aversion to wind with reluctance to remove clothing, or slight swelling, Gancao Fuzi Tang (Licorice and Aconite Decoction) is indicated.

"Wind-Dampness combats each other" has the same meaning as mentioned earlier. "Pulling pain" refers to the pulling and painful sensation in the sinews, bones, limbs, and joints. "Inability to flex or extend" occurs because Cold-Dampness pathogens flow into the sinews, bones, limbs, and joints, causing stiffness and inability to move. "Exacerbation of pain upon touch" means the pain is extremely severe; when people approach, they fear sound and movement, as touching it intensifies the pain. "Sweating" refers to spontaneous sweating due to Wind-stroke. "Shortness of breath" indicates that the pathogen is in the chest and diaphragm, preventing Qi from extending. "Difficulty in urination" results from Cold-Dampness in the middle jiao, where clear and turbid substances fail to ascend and descend, and the true Yang Qi transformation in the lower jiao fails to function. "Aversion to wind with reluctance to remove clothing" signifies Wind-pathogen at the exterior. "Slight swelling" indicates Dampness overflowing into the muscles, as stated in the classics: "Dampness injures the flesh." Since Wind, Cold, and Dampness combine and do not disperse, Gancao Fuzi Tang is used to treat it.

**Gancao Fuzi Tang Formula:**
Gancao (2 liang), Fuzi (2 pieces, peeled), Baizhu (2 liang), Guizhi (4 liang).

Take these four ingredients, add six sheng of water, boil to obtain three sheng, remove the dregs, and take one sheng warm, three times a day. When a slight sweat appears, the condition resolves. If the patient can eat but becomes irritable again after sweating, take five he. If one sheng is considered too much, taking six or seven he is optimal.

Wind-pathogen at the exterior causes sweating, aversion to wind, and reluctance to remove clothing; only Guizhi is sufficient to induce sweating and resolve the exterior pathogen. Dampness overflowing in the meridians requires Baizhu to assist Earth and dry dampness. Because Cold-Dampness flows into the joints, causing severe joint pain, pulling pain, and inability to flex or extend, and because the lower jiao lacks Fire, leading to failed Qi transformation and difficulty in urination, Fuzi is used to warm the meridians and dissipate Cold. This restores Yang Qi, warms the Qi mechanism, and harmonizes the sinews, akin to the east wind thawing ice and making springs flow. The classics state: "Yang Qi nourishes the spirit when refined, and nourishes the sinews when soft." Soft sinews prevent pulling pain and inability to flex or extend. Gancao is used to relieve urgency, and it is an ingredient originally present in Guizhi Tang. However, Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) is removed because it can astringe and aid Yin. Although named Gancao Fuzi Tang, it essentially utilizes Guizhi Shao Yao Qu Xie Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction minus Paeonia) to induce sweating and resolve Wind-pathogen, while adding Fuzi and Baizhu to drive out Cold and dry dampness.