五硬,谓头项硬、手硬、脚硬、身硬、口硬也。硬者强直冰冷,乃肝受风邪所致。古法皆主乌药顺气散(如麻
黄、陈皮、乌药、川芎、白芷、白僵蚕、枳壳、桔梗、干姜、甘草,引用生姜、枣),煎服。
〔真按〕五硬宜分手硬、脚硬、腰硬、肉硬、颈硬也。仰头取气,难以动摇,气壅疼痛,连于胸膈,手心脚心
冰冷而硬,此阳气不荣于四体。合五者连带关系,为独阴无阳。若面青而小腹硬者不治。但硬而肚筋青急,乃木乘
土位,只须六君子汤为主治,加上肉桂、干姜,或少加鹿茸,煎浓,令乳母频频服之。小儿常吮母乳,便可回阳。
红疖古法用大黄、远志,各等分为末。以猪胆汁调涂之。或用黄柏、黄连、黄芩,各等分,研末,调醋敷之即愈。
软疖古法用鲜枳壳,又名臭橘子,无鲜用干蒸融,贴亦可,刳去瓤。以面糊涂抹四围,合盖疖子,旁安一
灯芯,以通脓水,数日自愈,并无疤痕。或用猪头上毛、猫颈上毛各一撮,烧灰,雄鼠粪(两头尖者是)一粒,
共研末,香油调敷即愈。
〔真按〕红疖热毒,宜内服土茯苓、连翘、银花、甘草,煎汤。外用菊花叶捣汁,调净白蜜敷之,甚效。
软疖愈而复发,最难除根。内服苦丝瓜连筋带子烧存性为末,每服二钱,白蜜汤送下。日二服,夜一服,
外用生大黄磨浓汁,调冰片粉涂效。
Wu Ying (Five Stiffnesses) refers to stiffness of the head and neck, hands, feet, body, and mouth. "Stiffness" manifests as rigidity and coldness of the limbs, caused by the Liver receiving Wind pathogenic factors. Ancient methods primarily advocated using Wuyao Shunqi San (Cinnamon Twig and Magnolia Bud Decoction; ingredients include Ephedrae Herba [Mahuang], Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium [Chenpi], Linderae Radix [Wuyao], Chuanxiong Rhizoma [Chuanxiong], Angelicae Dahuricae Radix [Baizhi], Bombyx Batryticatus [Baijiangcan], Aurantii Fructus Immaturus [Zhike], Platycodonis Radix [Jiegeng], Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens [Ganjiang], Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma [Gancao], with Fresh Zingiberis Rhizoma [Shengjiang] and Jujubae Fructus [Zao] used as guides for decoction).
[Commentary by Chen Shouzhen] Wu Ying should be differentiated into stiffness of the hands, feet, waist, muscles, and neck. The infant extends the head to breathe, finding it difficult to move the body; Qi stagnation causes pain radiating to the chest and diaphragm, while the palms and soles are cold and stiff. This indicates that Yang Qi fails to nourish the four extremities. Considering the interrelation of these five symptoms, it constitutes a pattern of "Yin alone without Yang." If the complexion is cyanotic and the lower abdomen is hard, the condition is incurable. However, if there is only stiffness with greenish, tense abdominal veins, this represents Wood overacting on Earth (Liver invading Spleen/Stomach). Treatment should focus on Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction), added with Cinnamomi Cortex [Rougui], Zingiberis Rhizoma [Ganjiang], or a small amount of Cervi Cornu Colla [Lurong]. The decoction should be concentrated and frequently administered to the nursing mother. As the infant suckles breast milk, Yang Qi will be restored.
For Hong Jie (Red Carbuncle), ancient methods used Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) and Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix) in equal parts, ground into powder. Apply mixed with Porcine Bile (Zhu Dan). Alternatively, use Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), and Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) in equal parts, ground into powder, and apply mixed with Vinegar (Cu).
For Ruan Jie (Soft Carbuncle), ancient methods used fresh Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), also known as "Stinky Orange." If fresh material is unavailable, dried slices steamed until soft can be used after removing the pulp. Apply flour paste around the periphery, cover the carbuncle, place a rush pith (Dengxin Cao) beside it to drain pus, and it will heal spontaneously in a few days without scarring. Alternatively, use one tuft of hair from a pig's head and one tuft from a cat's neck, burn them to ash, combine with one pellet of Mus Marmotae Faeces (Xiong Shufen; authentic ones have pointed ends), grind into powder, and apply mixed with Sesame Oil (Xiangyou).
[Commentary by Chen Shouzhen] Hong Jie involves Heat-Toxicity. Internal administration of Tufuling (Smilax Glabrae Rhizoma), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructum), Yinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) decocted in water is suitable. Externally, crush Chuhua Ye (Chrysanthemi Indici Folium) to extract juice, mix with pure Bai Mi (Honey), and apply; this is highly effective.
Ruan Jie tends to recur even after healing, making root eradification difficult. Internally, burn Ku Sigua (Momordica Cochinchinensis Fruit including vines and seeds) until carbonized but retaining efficacy, grind into powder. Take 2 qian per dose, delivered with Bai Mi Tang (Honey Water). Administer twice daily and once at night. Externally, grind raw Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) into a thick juice, mix with Bingpian (Borneolum Syntheticum) powder, and apply; this is effective.