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Alternative Methods. These are not universal standard methods. I employ them exclusively. I record them here merely to preserve a specific approach. My Spleen and Lung Qi (Vital Energy of the Spleen and Lungs) are weak, and I have long been troubled by Dampness pathogen (a pathological factor characterized by heaviness and stagnation). Ordinarily, I often suffer from heavy body sensation, shortness of breath, and a slow pulse (Chi Mai). When contracting colds such as Shanghan disease (Cold Damage syndrome) or malaria, I experience severe oppression and blockage in the Heart Qi (Vital Energy of the Heart), which is unbearable. I urgently use Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Pingping (Urticae Herba), Erhuo (Qianghuo and Duhuo, i.e., Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix and Angelicae Pubescentis Radix), Weilingxian (Akebiae Caulis), Shuihongzi (Polygoni Hydropiperis Fructus), Ku Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), and Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix). In severe cases, I add Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), and Chao Baizhi (Stir-fried Angelicae Dahuricae Radix). Because I have a history of hematochezia (blood in stool), I dare not use Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) or Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus). I additionally add Chao Baijiezi (Stir-fried Sinapis Semen), Shichangpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), and Jiao Shanzha (Charred Crataegi Fructus) to resolve phlegm; Taoren (Persicae Semen) and Qiancao (Rubiae Cordifoliae Radix et Rhizoma) to harmonize blood; Guanzhong (Cyathulae Rhizoma) and Laoguancao (Oldenlandiae Herba) to transform dampness. Worrying about insufficient Middle Qi (Vital Energy of the Middle Jiao), I prudently add Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi et Osseum), Ji (likely referring to a tonifying herb, retained as per source), and Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen) to assist the Spleen and Lungs. Worrying about insecure Yuan Qi (Original Vital Energy), I further add Sangpiaoxiao (Mantidis Oötheca), Dongchongxiacao (Cordyceps), and Gui Ban (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) to stabilize the Lower Origin (Kidney essence). As the pathogenic factors gradually recede, I add Muli (Ostreae Concha) and Biejia (Trionycis Carapax) to harmonize the Liver. This prevents the upward floating of Deficient Yang (Deficient Fire). Multiple trials have proven effective, avoiding post-illness weakness and the need for prolonged convalescence.

I once treated a carpenter who had a cold with fever. Ignoring conventional advice, he continued working tirelessly. After several days, he was exhausted and sought medical attention. He presented with panting and rapid breathing, a withered complexion, anhidrosis (absence of sweating), and body heat like burning fire. However, prolonged palpation revealed coolness. His six pulses were floating and scattered, located superficially in the skin and hair layer, without distinct rising and falling rhythms, beating dozens of times per respiration. If I used standard diaphoretic methods to induce sweat, it would inevitably lead to sweating out with Qi collapse (Qi exhaustion due to excessive sweating). I prescribed Poguzhi (Psoraleae Fructus), Yizhiren (Alpiniae Oxymatanae Semen), Salt-stir-fried Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen), Huaishanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), Bajitian (Morindae Officinalis Radix), Gouji (Cynanchi Stauntonii Radix), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Mugua (Chaenomelis Fructus), and Shanzhuyurou (Corni Fructus). I added Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), and Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma). After one dose, he sweated at dawn, and his pulse became regular and harmonious. When sweating persisted uncontrollably, I administered Fuzi Guizhi Tang (Aconite and Cinnamon Twig Decoction), and he recovered. This is a severe case of Labor-induced Shanghan (Cold Damage due to exertion). Working while ill causes labor fatigue, damaging sinews and bones, causing Yuan Qi (Original Vital Energy) to escape outward and fail to return to its root. Therefore, treatment must not only assist the Spleen and Lungs but also focus on the Liver and Kidneys. Generally, when sweating is incomplete, leading to floating pathogens and constrained healthy Qi struggling between the skin and hair, one must first consolidate (astringe) the Qi, then release the exterior. Why? The mechanism of Yin-Yang opening and closing requires initial consolidation before proper exhalation/release can occur. The subtlety lies in mental comprehension.