Library

Also known as Fumai Tang (Pulse-Recovering Decoction).

Gancao (Licorice Root, four liang, honey-fried), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger, three liang), Renshen (Ginseng Root, two liang), Shengdihuang (Rehmannia Root, one jin), Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig, three liang, bark removed), Maimendong (Ophiopogon Tuber, half a jin, heart removed), Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin, two liang), Mahren (Sesame Seed, half a jin), Dazao (Jujube Fruit, thirty pieces, torn open). The above nine ingredients are decocted with seven sheng of clear wine and eight sheng of water. First, boil the first eight ingredients to obtain three sheng of liquid, strain off the dregs, add the gelatin, and melt it completely by heating. Take one sheng warm each time, three times a day.

In Shanghan disease, if the pulse is Jie or Dai: when the pulse comes slowly and occasionally stops before resuming, it is called "Jie" (Knotted); when the pulse beats and then abruptly stops, fails to resume on its own, and only resumes after a pause, it is called "Dai" (Intermittent). If there is a pause in every few beats, it is also called "Dai". These conditions are caused by deficiency of both Qi and Blood, obstruction of the meridians, and failure of Yin and Yang to interact. Palpitations occur because the Heart governs the vessels; the cessation of the pulse is due to the unrest of Heart Qi.
Zhi Gancao Tang (Honey-Fried Licorice Decoction) is the principal formula for this condition. This is the main formula for treating post-Shanghan deficiency of both Qi and Blood after the pathogenic factors have been exhausted.
The *Liuren Shu* states: Excess Yin leads to Jie pulse, while excess Yang leads to Cu pulse (Rapid/Interrupted).

Gancao (Licorice Root, four liang, honey-fried), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger, two liang, roasted). The above two ingredients are decocted with three sheng of water to obtain one sheng and five he of liquid. Strain off the dregs and take warm in two divided doses.

Shaoyao (Peony Root, four liang), Gancao (Licorice Root, four liang, honey-fried). The above two ingredients are decocted with three sheng of water to obtain one sheng and five he of liquid. Strain off the dregs and take warm in two divided doses.

In Shanghan disease, presenting with floating pulse, spontaneous sweating, frequent urination, irritability, and slight aversion to cold, these symptoms superficially resemble Guizhi Zheng (Cinnamon Twig Syndrome). However, calf cramping indicates interior deficiency; based solely on this symptom, it is definitely not Guizhi Zheng. In syndrome differentiation, one must focus on unique and abnormal signs. Prescribing Guizhi Tang instead, intending to attack the exterior, is an error. This results in Jue (cold extremities), dryness in the throat, irritability, vomiting, and reflux, indicating the phenomenon of Yang floating outward. Administer Ganshao Ganjiang Tang (Licorice and Dried Ginger Decoction) to restore Yang. If the Jue resolves and feet become warm, administer Shaoyao Gancao Tang (Peony and Licorice Decoction) next, which will allow the legs to extend. This decoction is purely Yin-nourishing, restoring Yin fluid. When Yin and Yang harmonize, the legs extend. If there is stomach Qi disharmony accompanied by delirium, it indicates pathogenic retention in the Middle Jiao. Administer a small amount of Tiaowei Chengqi Tang (Regulate the Stomach and Order the Qi Decoction). If excessive sweating was performed and moxibustion with burning needles was added, Sini Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction) is indicated. See the section on Sini Tang for details.

Question: The presentation resembles Yangdan. The *Liuren Shu* states that adding Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) to Guizhi Tang is called Yangdan. Cheng Wuji states it is an alias for Guizhi Tang. Following standard treatment aggravated the condition, leading to Jue ni (reversed cold limbs), dry throat, bilateral calf cramping, and delirium. Why did the illness worsen despite following the method? The Master said: By midnight, the hands and feet should become warm, and the feet should extend. Later, this indeed happened. How was this predicted? Answer: The Cun Kou (inch position) pulse is floating and large. Floating indicates Wind, and large indicates Deficiency. Wind generates slight heat, and deficiency causes calf cramping.
The pathology resembles Guizhi syndrome, so Fuzi (Aconite Lateral Root) was added to Guizhi Tang, forming Guizhi Jia Fuzi Tang (Guizhi Decoction plus Aconite). Increasing Guizhi promotes sweating; Fuzi warms the meridians, addressing the loss of Yang. Jue ni and calf cramping are precursors to Yang loss. With Jue ni, dry throat, and irritability, there is internal binding in the Yangming stage, with Yang floating upward. Delirium and confusion require administering Ganshao Ganjiang Tang again to guide and absorb Yang Qi. By midnight, Yang Qi returns, and the feet become warm. Since the calves remain slightly cramped, administer Shaoyao Gancao Tang again to nourish Yin after Yang has recovered but Yin remains deficient. Subsequently, the calves extend. Use Chengqi Tang; once stools become slightly loose, stop administration to resolve delirium by clearing residual pathogens bound in Yangming. Thus, recovery is anticipated.
From the phrase "pathology resembles Guizhi," the text narrates the therapeutic effects in detail to illustrate that the sequence of medication must be as described. Given the multitude of syndromes, no single formula can treat all cases. One must differentiate syndromes and apply formulas accordingly. The order of application cannot be chaotic. Even if formulas have opposing natures, they should not be avoided due to apparent complexity. Adapt to changes flexibly, acting with divine efficacy yet adhering strictly to principles. Therefore, there is no disease that cannot be cured. It is lamentable that later practitioners attempt to use one formula for all symptoms and seek one herb to cure everything. Alas! How difficult it is.