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Typhoid (Shanghan), Wind-stroke (Zhongfeng), Warm disease (Wenbing), Dampness disease (Shibing), Heat disease (Rebing), Spasm disease (Jingbing), and Epidemic disease (Shiyi) — although the syndromes of these seven conditions share similarities in Yin and Yang attributes, their specific regulation and treatment cannot be unified. (Regarding the above seven conditions, although the general symptoms are similar, they must be treated differently.)

For the first type, Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is used; for the second, Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction); for the third, Xiao Qinglong Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction). These three formulas stand firm like the legs of a tripod. If precise differentiation is made without error, recovery will occur immediately; there is no need to wait for the days of transmission between meridians. (Sun Shang said: Use Guizhi Tang for the first, Mahuang Tang for the second, and Xiao Qinglong Tang for the third. If precise differentiation is achieved without error, efficacy will be seen immediately, avoiding the need to wait five days for transformation into complicated diseases.)

Fever accompanied by aversion to cold indicates onset from Yang channels; absence of fever with only aversion to cold indicates onset from Yin channels. (Zhang Zhongjing said: Fever with aversion to cold is onset from Yang; absence of fever with aversion to cold is onset from Yin.) Excess Yang leads to abundant heat, manifesting as internal and external heat; Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) or Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) are appropriate. (Baihu Tang and Zhuye Shigao Tang both treat patterns of internal and external heat.) Excess Yin leads to cold-dampness with a deep and wiry pulse; Sini Tang (Four Reversal Decoction) and Lizhong Wan (Regulate the Middle Pill) are the most expedient treatments. (Sun Zhao said: For excess Yin and cold-dampness, use Sini Tang and Lizhong Wan.) When pathogenic heat enters the Stomach and forms toxic stagnation, Da Chengqi Tang (Major Order to Send Down Decoction) or Xiao Chengqi Tang (Minor Order to Send Down Decoction) are suitable for purgation. (When pathogenic heat enters the Stomach, prolonged retention damages the stomach lining; Tiaowei Chengqi Tang (Regulate the Stomach Order to Send Down Decoction), or Da/Xiao Chengqi Tang should be used.) Chest fullness is appropriately treated with Xiexin Tang (Drain the Epigastrium Decoction). (For chest fullness patterns, Da/Xiao Xiexin Tang are used.) Jie Xiong (Chest Binding) and Pi Qi (Stagnant Qi) must be distinguished: tenderness upon palpation indicates deficiency, while pain upon palpation indicates excess accumulation. Depending on depth and severity, Da Xianxiong Wan (Major Trap the Chest Pill) or Xiao Xianxiong Wan (Minor Trap the Chest Pill) are selected; these are not arbitrarily set in Zhang Zhongjing’s formulas. (Sun Zhao said: Differentiate Jie Xiong and Pi Qi by depth to select Da or Xiao Xianxiong Wan.) Yichen (Artemisia Capillaris) treats Jaundice (Huangyan); Bopi (Phellodendron Bark) treats Dysentery (Liji) accompanied by lower bleeding. (Jaundice due to Gallbladder heat uses Yinchen Hao Tang (Artemisia Capillaris Decoction); lower bowel toxicity, severe dysentery, and rectal bleeding use Bopi Tang (Phellodendron Bark Decoction)). Urinary difficulty accompanied by wheezing, fullness, vexation, and thirst require Wuling San (Five Ingredient Powder with Poria); it cannot be omitted. (To promote urination and relieve vexation/thirst, use Wuling San.) When the pathogen is half in the interior and half in the exterior, the modification and reduction of Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) follows specific methods. (Xiaochaihu Tang treats Shaoyang syndrome [half-exterior, half-interior]; Zhang Zhongjing provided modification rules.) A pulse obtained at night indicates recovery at midday; Yin obtains Yang assistance, and disaster must depart. A pulse obtained at midday indicates peace at midnight; Yang obtains Yin assistance, and harmony naturally ensues. When Yin and Yang are harmonious and smooth, the body self-regulates; unnecessary attacking treatments would instead become harmful. (Sun Shang said: In typhoid, if after three days the pulse is slightly slow and rapid, conforming to the four seasons, and the body is cool and peaceful, this is called "desire to resolve." Obtaining such a pulse at midnight leads to recovery at midday the next day—Yin resolves by obtaining Yang. Obtaining it at midday leads to recovery at midnight—Yang harmonizes by obtaining Yin. It is merely the harmony of Yin and Yang.)