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Each of the Six Channels (Liu Jing) has its own guiding principle, and thus each application has its specific method. For instance, the guiding principle of Taiyang (Greater Yang) focuses on the exterior, so the method should be sweating to resolve it; however, the exterior differs in deficiency and excess, hence two methods are established: Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) and Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction). The guiding principle of Yangming (Yang Brightness) focuses on stomach excess, so the method should be purging to resolve it; yet excess varies in degree, hence Da Chengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) and Xiao Chengqi Tang (Minor Order the Qi Decoction) are distinguished. The guiding principle of Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) presents symptoms of bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, and dizziness, so the method should be clearing fire; however, fire varies in deficiency and excess: if the pathogen is at the half-exterior, then Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) is formulated to resolve the wandering deficient fire, and Da Chaihu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction) to resolve the heat accumulation of ministerial fire; these are the two methods for treating alternating chills and fever in Shaoyang. If the pathogen enters the half-interior of the heart and abdomen, there are formulas such as Banxia Xiexin Tang (Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium), Huanglian Tang (Coptis Decoction), and Huangqin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction). Hehu Shuhe collected Zhang Zhongjing's old discussions, recorded their true formulas corresponding to symptoms, to prevent urgency in the world, but did not record a single formula for the Shaoyang and Taiyin channels because he did not understand Shaoyang syndromes, and thus did not understand Shaoyang formulas.

Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction):
Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), Zao (Jujubae Fructus).
This is a formula for the pivot mechanism of Shaoyang, the general formula for harmonizing the interior and exterior. The Qi of Shaoyang circulates through the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) and controls the opening and closing of the body's couli (pores and interstices). When blood is weak and Qi is deficient, the couli open, allowing pathogens to enter and contend with healthy Qi. The struggle between pathogenic and healthy Qi causes alternating chills and fever. This is unrelated to headache and fever with a wiry and fine pulse in Shanghan (Cold Damage) or wind-stroke. All these are cases of deficient fire wandering at the half-exterior. Therefore, we use Chaihu, which is light, clear, slightly bitter, and slightly cold, to resolve exterior pathogens, and simultaneously use Renshen, which is slightly sweet and slightly warm, to preemptively tonify healthy Qi, ensuring the harmony of interior Qi so that exterior pathogens cannot enter. Symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, dizziness, red eyes, head sweat, vexation, and tongue coating are all due to deficient fire wandering at the half-interior. Therefore, we use Huangqin, bitter and cold, to clear it, and simultaneously use Gancao and Zao, sweet in nature, to moderate it, also to guard against pathogens invading the Three Yin channels. In Taiyang Cold Damage, there is vomiting and reversal; in wind-stroke, there is dry retching. Here, the desire to vomit occurs because pathogenic and healthy Qi contend at the half-interior, so there is a desire to vomit without reversal. The hypochondrium is located at the halfway point of the body and serves as the pivot of Shaoyang. When pathogens bind in the hypochondrium, the pivot mechanism becomes obstructed, leading to fullness and discomfort in the chest and hypochondrium, silence, and lack of desire to eat. We employ the pungent and dispersing properties of Jiang and Banxia to assist Chaihu and Huangqin in expelling pathogens, and to move the stagnation caused by Gancao and Zao. Stopping vomiting can also relieve fullness. Since pathogens at the half-exterior tend toward the interior without a fixed abode, there are optional symptoms, hence the formula has modifications and no fixed ingredients are strictly adhered to. If there is vexation in the chest without vomiting, remove Banxia and Renshen to avoid aggravating vexation. If there is vexation with vomiting, Renshen can be removed, but Banxia must be used. Adding Gualou Shi (Trichosanthis Fructus) utilizes its bitter and cold nature to descend fire and relieve vexation. If there is thirst, it indicates insufficient primal Qi and failure to generate fluids; remove the pungent and warm Banxia, add more Renshen to boost Qi and generate fluids, and further add Gualou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix), bitter and cold, to raise Yin fluids and nourish from above. If there is abdominal pain, although caused by ministerial fire, fearing that the bitterness of Huangqin might transfer to Taiyin, replace it with Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), sour in nature, to drain Wood. If pathogens bind under the hypochondrium causing hardness and痞 (plugged sensation), remove the sweetness of Dazao (which aids fullness) and add Muli (Ostreae Concha), salty in nature, to soften hardness. If there is palpitation below the heart and difficult urination, this is a minor deviation; fearing that the coldness of Huangqin might transfer to Shaoyin, replace it with Fuling (Poria), bland and leaching, to promote urination. If there is no internal thirst but slight external heat, interior Qi is unharmed but exterior pathogens remain unresolved; do not tonify the middle, so remove Renshen and add Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), pungent and dispersing, cover warmly to induce slight sweating. If there is cough, it is due to ministerial fire forcing Lung Qi; do not tonify Qi, so remove Renshen, as stated, "Lung heat again injures the Lung." Generally, when fever accompanies cough, the focus is on the exterior, so in Xiao Qinglong Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus) are added to Mahuang, Guizhi, and Xixin. Here, alternating chills and fever with cough focus on the interior, so both Jiang and Zao, which harmonize Ying and Wei, are removed, and Ganjiang, bitter and pungent, is added to treat the counterflow of ministerial fire, and Wuweizi, sour in nature, to collect Lung Metal Qi. Viewing them together, only the dispersion of pathogens is considered while healthy Qi remains unharmed; this is the intent behind formulating Xiao Chaihu Tang! This formula is similar to Guizhi Tang. However, Chaihu's resolution of the exterior is inferior to Guizhi; Huangqin's clearing of the interior is heavier than Shaoyao; Jiang, Zao, and Gancao slightly perform the usual pungent-sweet dispersing action; and Renshen, sweet and warm, already indicates the principle that deficient fire can be tonified. Moreover, the method of straining and decocting again differs from other formulas. Crude practitioners fear it will trap pathogens, recklessly using Chaihu and Huangqin while excluding Renshen, so conditions with mixed deficiency fail to respond and instead lead to rapid death. According to records, the seven ingredients of this formula: Chaihu governs unresolved exterior pathogens, Gancao governs discordant interior Qi, and the other five items are subject to addition and subtraction. If Gancao is removed from this formula, it becomes named Da Chaihu Tang; if Chaihu is removed, it becomes named Xiexin, Huangqin, Huanglian, etc., Decoctions. Predecessors all promoted Chaihu as the main treatment, and Mr. Lu paired three parts of winter-harvested Chaihu with Banxia as the main treatment; neither examined the meaning of additions and subtractions in this formula. This formula is a sacred medicine for spleen deficiency-heat and four-season malaria; remaining principles are detailed in the explanation of Shaoyang disease and the general method of formulating.

Da Chaihu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction):
Chaihu, Huangqin, Banxia, Shaoyao, Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), Jiang, Zao.
In Shanghan, fever persists despite sweating; after more than ten days, heat accumulates in the interior, causing epigastric hardness, vomiting, diarrhea, and recurring alternating chills and fever; or after reckless purging, Chaihu syndrome remains, and when given Xiao Chaihu Tang, vomiting does not cease, there is urgency below the heart, and slight vexation. These are all syndromes of the Qi aspect at the half-exterior and half-interior of Shaoyang. This formula treats formless heat pathogens in the Sanjiao, not tangible excess pathogens in the stomach organ. The urgency, vexation, and hardness below the heart indicate the disease is at the stomach opening, not within the stomach; heat accumulation in the interior is not solidification in the stomach. Because it is not tangible, after ten days, alternating chills and fever can recur. If it were solid in the stomach, there would be steaming fever, and one would no longer know of chills. Due to alternating chills and fever, double the amount of Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) to assist Chaihu in resolving the exterior; because heat accumulates in the interior, remove Renshen and Gancao, and add Zhishi and Shaoyao to break up accumulation. The text does not mention hard stool, and even includes diarrhea, making Zhang Zhongjing's reason for not using Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) obvious. Later generations, seeing the characters "purge down," recklessly added Dahuang to damage Stomach Qi. Is this not a great error? Those who recklessly write Shanghan books generally do not know how to use medication based on pulse and symptom differentiation, taking pride solely in combining Zhang Zhongjing's formulas. For example, adding Gancao to Da Chengqi Tang creates San Yi Chengqi Tang; adding Chaihu, Huangqin, and Shaoyao to Chengqi Tang creates Liu Yi Shunqi Tang, believing they can replace San Chengqi, Da Chaihu, and Da Xianxiong Decoctions. They completely fail to examine that Zhang Zhongjing's formulas distinguish between large and small, and drugs between exterior and interior; prescribing formulas and naming agents should depend on the changes in severity of the patient's condition and pathology. Are the sages' formulations not precise enough, requiring your generation to change them? Both Da and Xiao Chaihu are formulas that resolve both exterior and interior. Da Chaihu primarily descends Qi, while Xiao Chaihu primarily regulates Qi. Regulating Qi has no fixed method, so except for Chaihu and Gancao, everything in Xiao Chaihu can be adjusted; descending Qi has a fixed pattern, so Da Chaihu has no modification method. Later generations added modifications to every formula; how could they know about formulas!

Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Tang (Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig, and Dried Ginger Decoction):
Chaihu, Guizhi, Ganjiang, Huangqin, Gancao, Muli, Gualou Gen.
After five or six days of Shanghan, sweating fails to resolve it, still remaining in the Taiyang realm; contrary purging is applied, causing fullness and slight binding in the chest and hypochondrium, indicating attachment to Shaoyang. This slight binding differs from Yangwei Jie (Yang Minor Binding): Yangwei Jie refers to solidity in the stomach relative to Chun Yin Jie (Pure Yin Binding); this slight binding refers to epigastric and hypochondriac plugged sensation relative to Da Jie Xiong (Major Chest Binding). Difficult urination is due to insufficient fluids in the Lower Jiao after purging. The head is the convergence of the Three Yang channels; when Yang Qi cannot descend, only head sweat occurs. The cold pathogen at the half-exterior and half-interior is unresolved, and pathogenic heat in the Upper and Lower Jiao is severe, hence alternating chills and fever with vexation. This formula is entirely derived from modifications of Chaihu. Vexation without vomiting or thirst leads to removing the pungent-warm Banxia and adding Gualou Gen to generate fluids. Fullness and slight binding in the chest and hypochondrium lead to reducing the sweet-fullness of Dazao and adding salty Muli to soften. Difficult urination without palpitation below the heart means there is no water to promote, so Huangqin is not removed, nor is Fuling added. Although thirsty, residual pathogens of Taiyang remain unresolved, so Renshen is not used, but Guizhi is added. The pungency of Shengjiang is replaced by the warm-bitter nature of Ganjiang to disperse fullness and binding in the chest and hypochondrium. After the first dose, slight reduction in vexation is the effect of Huangqin and Gualou; subsequent doses inducing whole-body sweating and complete recovery internally and externally are the merits of Jiang and Gui. The subtlety of Xiao Chaihu's modifications seems to have no fixed method, but actually has a fixed pattern. Renaming it Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Tang is because Chaihu symptoms are present, yet Taiyang exterior is still unresolved, and the interior has slight binding; this requires Guizhi to resolve the exterior and Ganjiang to resolve binding, assisting Chaihu where it falls short.

Chaihu Guizhi Tang (Bupleurum and Cinnamon Twig Decoction):
Chaihu, Guizhi, Renshen, Gancao, Banxia, Huangqin, Shaoyao, Dazao, Shengjiang.
The two Chaihu formulas are both agents for harmonizing the interior and exterior. Guizhi Tang focuses on resolving the exterior with slight clearing of the interior; Chaihu Tang focuses on harmonizing the interior with slight dispersing of the exterior. In Shanghan on the sixth or seventh day, when chills and fever should recede, exterior symptoms like fever and aversion to cold persist, accompanied by interior symptoms like epigastric support-binding. With both interior and exterior unresolved, the method should be dual resolution. However, mild aversion to cold implies mild fever; limb soreness implies no pain in the whole body's joints. Mild vomiting and slight epigastric binding are called "support-binding." Exterior symptoms are light though unresolved; interior symptoms are evident but not severe; this is a mild case of concurrent Taiyang and Shaoyang disease. Therefore, half of Guizhi is taken to resolve residual Taiyang pathogens; half of Chaihu is taken to resolve minor Shaoyang binding. Generally, for those with no thirst and slight body heat, Renshen should be removed. Here, after six or seven days, although pathogens remain unresolved, healthy Qi is already deficient, so Renshen is used to harmonize. Although external symptoms persist, the pathology manifests in the interior; thus, the formula places Chaihu before Guizhi, serving as a mild agent for dual resolution of the Two Yangs.

Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang (Bupleurum Plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction):
Chaihu, Renshen, Huangqin, Banxia, Shengjiang, Longgu (Mammalia Os Fossum), Muli, Guizhi, Qiandan (Plumbi Subcarbonas), Fuling, Dahuang, Dazao.
Shanghan unresolved after eight or nine days; Yang is excessive and Yin is deficient. Purging should not be wrong, yet complications arise like bees swarming; this is because the method of Tiaowei Chengqi Tang (Regulate the Stomach Order the Qi Decoction) was not studied, and purging was performed without proper technique. Fullness in the chest and vexation, difficult urination—these symptoms exist in all Three Yang channels. Palpitations are due to Wood pathogen invading the Heart; delirious speech is due to heat pathogen entering the Stomach. Heaviness throughout the body indicates disease in Yangming with lack of Qi to move; inability to turn over relates to Shaoyang with obstructed pivot mechanism. This is concurrent Shaoyang and Yangming disease. Therefore, half of Xiao Chaihu is taken to turn the Shaoyang pivot; assisted by the courage of Dahuang to open Yangming. Fullness dislikes sweetness, so Gancao is removed; difficult urination leads to adding Fuling. Palpitations require heavy substances to calm fear; Lead Dan (Qiandan), inheriting the nature of Metal and receiving the Qi of Gui Water, can clear formless vexation and fullness in the Upper Jiao, and tangible heat accumulation in the Middle Jiao. Smelted into cinnabar, it not only enters the Heart to calm the Spirit but also enters the Liver to nourish Blood. Longgu is heavy, calming palpitations and pacifying Wood; Muli's body is hard and unbreakable, its nature stable and immovable; not only can stillness calm palpitations, but cold can relieve vexation and heat. Salty nature moistens downward, assisting Fuling to promote urination, and can also soften hardness, assisting Dahuang to clear the Stomach. Banxia guides Yang into Yin, treating insomnia, and is also a Spirit-calming agent, so it is used sparingly as an assistant. Renshen can unblock blood vessels, Guizhi can circulate Ying Qi; for heaviness throughout the body and inability to turn over, these are necessary, so even with chest fullness and delirium, they are not removed. This formula adds flavors to the Chaihu formula and takes the name Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell because blood and Qi belong to similar categories seeking each other.

Huanglian Tang (Coptis Decoction):
Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Renshen, Gancao, Guizhi, Ganjiang, Banxia, Dazao.
In Shanghan, the exterior does not have fever, but there is heat in the chest; this person had accumulated heat before contracting Shanghan. Heat in the chest must manifest on the head and face, so cold pathogens cannot invade upward; Upper Jiao excess must mean Middle Qi deficiency, so cold pathogens can enter the Stomach from the hypochondrium. The Neijing states: "Attacking the hypochondrium leads to Shaoyang," this type belongs to it. Generally, pathogens in Shaoyang should be treated with Chaihu. Here, there is no alternating chills and fever, the disease is not at the half-exterior, so Chaihu is not appropriate. The chest is the palace city of the Sovereign Mind, so Banxia Xiexin Tang modifications are used. Heat in the chest cannot descend, so it flares upward causing desire to vomit; the Stomach, due to undispersed pathogens, causes abdominal pain. Huanglian is used to drain heat in the Heart and Chest; Jiang and Gui dispel cold in the Stomach; Gan and Zao moderate abdominal pain; Banxia removes vomiting; Renshen tonifies deficiency. Although there is no alternating chills and fever externally, there is contending cold and heat internally, so cold and heat are used together, attack and tonification are combined, still not departing from the Shaoyang harmonizing treatment method. This syndrome lies between Taiyin and Shaoyang; this formula combines Xiexin and Lizhong agents.

Huangqin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction):
Huangqin, Shaoyao, Gancao, Dazao.
Concurrent Taiyang and Yangming disease: cold pathogens initially enter the Yangming channel, the Stomach house is not yet solid, cold transfers to the Spleen, hence spontaneous diarrhea. This is Yin excess and Yang deficiency; Ge Gen Tang (Kudzu Root Decoction) uses pungent-sweet dispersing to maintain Yang. Concurrent Taiyang and Shaoyang disease: heat pathogens sink into the interior of Shaoyang, Gallbladder fire rebels wildly, heat transfers to the Spleen, hence spontaneous diarrhea. This is Yang excess and Yin deficiency; Huangqin Tang uses bitter-sweet mixing to preserve Yin. Generally, for concurrent Tai and Shao diseases with pathogens at the half-exterior, the method should follow Chaihu Guizhi modifications. Here, heat floods internally, no need to further consider exterior pathogens, so Huangqin is used to drain Large Intestine heat, paired with Shaoyao to tonify Taiyin deficiency, and Gan and Zao to regulate Middle State Qi. Although not Stomach excess, nor Stomach deficiency, Renshen is not necessary to tonify the middle. If there is vomiting, it means Upper Jiao pathogens are not dispersed, so Jiang and Xia are still added. This is Chaihu Guizhi Tang minus Chaihu, Guizhi, and Renshen. Generally, for exterior diseases of the Two Yangs, use exterior drugs of the Two Yangs; for half-exterior diseases of the Two Yangs, use half-exterior drugs of the Two Yangs. For interior diseases of the Two Yangs, use interior drugs of the Two Yangs. Examining each clause carefully, they fit perfectly like tally marks. However, whenever healthy Qi is slightly deficient, even if the exterior remains, secure the interior in advance; when pathogenic Qi is vigorous, even with diarrhea, do not tonify the middle; this is another point to focus on. The Neijing · Re Bing Lun states: "Taiyang governs Qi, Yangming governs Flesh, Shaoyang governs Gallbladder. Shanghan on day one is Taiyang, day two is Yangming, day three is Shaoyang." Winter failure to store Essence means Essence does not transform into Qi, so Qi disease comes first, followed by Flesh disease, then Gallbladder, still from outside to inside. Although the disease root is internal, the cause is injury by cold, hence one disease with two names. Gallbladder bile is the most bitter and coldest, being the true flavor of ministerial fire. When Fire is vigorous and Water is deficient, Gallbladder bile overflows upward causing bitter taste in the mouth, so products like Qin and Lian are used to nourish Gallbladder bile and clear ministerial fire.