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The *Jin Gui Yao Lue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet) uses Zhizhu Tang (Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Decoction) to treat conditions caused by fluid retention, manifesting as hardness and distension in the epigastrium resembling a plate. This is because the Stomach belongs to Yang, and the Spleen belongs to Yin; Yang is often in excess while Yin is often deficient. If Stomach Qi is strong but Spleen Qi is weak, a separation between Yin and Yang occurs. The Spleen fails to transport fluids for the Stomach, leading to the formation of fluid retention. Therefore, Bai Zhu (Atractodis Rhizoma) is used to tonify the Spleen, and Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) is used to subdue the Stomach. Later practitioners, unaware of the pathology of "Stomach strength and Spleen weakness," employed methods of separate regulation, generally describing this formula as one that combines tonification and purgation. Furthermore, examining Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), Erchen Tang (Two Aged Decoction), and Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) from the *Ju Fang*, as well as Zhizhu Wan (Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill) by Li Dongyuan, all evolved from formulas in the *Jin Gui Yao Lue*. If one understands the great principles behind the ancient sages' formulation of prescriptions, later formulas are not worthy of emulation.

Mugwort is also known as Bingtai (Ice Platform). By carving ice into a spherical shape and holding it towards the sun to ignite fire, one can stimulate the Water and Fire Qi of the two Kidneys, allowing them to ascend and interact with the Heart and Lungs. (Hence, the classics state: "For sinking pulse conditions, moxibustion should be applied.") Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) is prepared by decocting donkey hide in Ashui water from the A Well. This water originates from the Ji River flowing underground over a thousand li, possessing a downward-pouring nature. The Heart corresponds to the Ji River, and the Lung governs the skin and hair. Ejiao can descend the Qi of the Heart and Lungs, allowing them to interact with the two Kidneys below. When Water and Fire intersect, forming the hexagram Tai (Peace), blood and Qi circulate freely, Yin and Yang harmonize, and what disease could persist? Understanding the principles of Yin-Yang ascending and descending, and the generation and transformation of the Five Elements, allows one to grasp more than half of the general intent behind prescription creation. Mr. Shen Tie Weng's Jiaogan Wan (Heart-Kidney Interaction Pill) was also derived from this principle.

In the Xinmao year of the Shunzhi era, I was forty-two years old. In August, I developed an abscess in the epigastrium, located approximately one cun diagonally below and to the right of the Jiwei point. It was slightly swollen but not red, and painless upon pressure, feeling like an egg hidden inside. Mr. Yao Jiyuan examined it and said, "This is an epigastric abscess, also called Bangxin Abscess (Hand-holding-heart Abscess). It must be resolved quickly, otherwise, there is danger to life." He applied a large plaster with two or three qian of powdered medicine on top, heated and applied at noon. By evening, my hands and feet became soft and limp, progressing to the point where I could not turn my body, lying supine in my study, feeling restless and agitated, dismissing my family members. At the beginning of the first watch, a toxic vapor rose from the abscess, traveling from below the left breast, through the hypochondrium, down to the lower ribs, and entering the left Kidney. Upon entry, it felt like a red-hot awl piercing into my eyes, accompanied by a burst of light as large as a chariot wheel. My spirit became confused and faint, and the pain was indescribable. As the light gradually swayed and dispersed, my consciousness slowly returned. After about half an hour, the sensation rose again, following the same path, with the same pain, occurring three or four times. I reflected that this represented the combination of Wu Earth and Gui Water. Since the pathogenic factor of the Fu organ entered the Zang organ, death seemed inevitable. However, I fantasized that if this toxic vapor did not enter the Kidney via the hypochondrium but instead entered the intestines and stomach from the middle jiao, I might survive. Thus, I calmly directed my intention. On the first attempt, it failed; on the second, following my intention, it still traveled from below the left breast into the intestines. Loud rumbling occurred in the abdomen, and the previous severe pain ceased. Rising up and continuing to direct my intention, I realized the way of self-cultivation lies in the fact that Qi moves according to intention. (Qi-moving techniques are highly effective for treating diaphragmatic obstruction syndromes and are also wonderful for consumptive coughs.) By dawn, after several episodes of diarrhea, the chest and diaphragm felt relaxed and open. Mr. Jiyuan examined me again and said, "The toxin has been resolved; there is no cause for concern." I asked, "Is the plaster a poison?" He replied, "No. The powder sprinkled on top is called Duanwu Medicine, composed purely of Realgar (Arsenic Trioxide) and Croton Seed, prepared on the Dragon Boat Festival. Without such poison, how could it penetrate into the flesh and skin?" I said, "Why didn't you say so earlier? Last night I thought I would surely die from poisoning, but this morning I realized the plaster contained poison. Yet, I survived because of this poison." Indeed, using poison to attack disease has such wonders. The condition recurred on the Mid-Autumn Festival of the following year. Using the same plaster and powder yielded no prior effect, and the swelling did not subside. I recalled the wonder of Qi-moving therapy. While walking, sitting, or lying down, I massaged with my hands, visualizing the toxic vapor returning to the intestines and stomach for expulsion. After more than ten days, it finally dissipated. It recurred again on the Mid-Autumn Festival of the third year. I told Mr. Jiyuan, "Last year's plaster was ineffective; we need another treatment method this year." Mr. Yao said, "Madam Liu, wife of the Vice Minister, suffered from this toxicity. She used a specially prepared powder that was even more toxic than the previous one, causing large blisters upon application. There was no case where this medicine failed." After applying it for several days, no blisters formed, and the swelling did not decrease. I thought this syndrome had become stubborn and resistant to toxic control. (If the plaster itself was ineffective, how much less would mild decoctions work for chronic diseases!) I then removed the plaster and applied large moxa cones directly to the Baihui point on the head for nine moxibustion units (zhuang). The toxin dispersed with the heat of the fire, and it never recurred thereafter. I reasoned that the toxicity of the Yangming channel tends to flare during the Mid-Autumn period when Metal Qi is prosperous. Initially, it was resolved by attacking with poison; subsequently, it dissipated by guiding Qi movement; finally, it was eliminated due to overcoming constraints. From this, I understood the profound utility of the mechanisms of Qi movement and mutual restriction. The principles of Five Elements interaction show that humans correspond to Heaven and Earth. Applying these principles to diagnose and treat all diseases yields extraordinary results. Mr. Wang Shaolong said, "Practitioners must experience the entire course of diseases to truly gain insight."