经曰,足太阴厥气上逆,则霍乱。又曰,不连热则热至,热至则身热,吐下霍乱。此病起于仓猝,挥霍扰乱,
无有或止,然小儿得之,多因夹食伤寒,阴阳乖隔,上吐下泻,烦躁闷乱,即此证也。盖人有三焦,上焦受纳水谷,
主入而不主出,中焦腐化水谷,流行于五脏六腑,下焦分别水谷,主出而不主纳,故邪在上焦则吐,邪在下焦则
泻,邪在中焦,则上吐下泻。大凡湿霍乱能吐能泻,则邪气上下得出,迨秽滞出尽,则吐泻自止,故治之尚易。若
干霍乱则上不得吐,下不得泻,脾胃六邪,毫无出路,若加喘满作搐,多不可救,故称难治。且治须分别寒热,
慎勿错认误投,此最要关键也。
干霍乱乃寒暑凝结,欲吐不吐,欲泻不泻,腹中绞痛,俗名绞肠痧。其证烦渴大饮者属热,古法主桂苓甘露
饮(如土炒白术、茯苓、泽泻、石膏、水飞滑石、猪苓、寒水石,加肉桂少许)。
若厥逆不渴者,属寒,古法主理中汤(如人参、白术、干姜、炙甘草)。
〔真按〕小儿体弱不能忍耐,得绞肠痧证尤易生变,无论阴痧阳痧,急用食盐和阴阳水与服,一面令儿伏
卧,以手蘸温水,轻轻拍其两膝弯,名曰委中穴,细看弯内有紫黑点出现,以银针
刺出恶血,立时即松,脾脉、肝脉、肾脉三阴之脉皆从此委中穴经过。
又一法以软帛蘸香油擦两手肘内弯,名曰曲池穴,刮起紫疹,亦立时即松,肺脉、心脉、心包络脉皆从此曲
池穴经过。
继以汤剂,腹痛手足冷者、为阴痧,方用藿香梗一钱,广木香八分,油浓朴八分,炒枳实一钱,炙甘草五分,
煎好、再以苏合香丸半粒,研细,调药温服,腹痛手足暖者,为阳痧,方用生扁豆钱半,川浓朴八分,赤茯苓钱
半,砂仁粉五分,姜黄连五分,引用荷花露半两,冲服。
The *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states: "When the rebellious Qi of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen channel ascends, Huoluan (cholera-like syndrome with sudden vomiting and diarrhea) occurs." It also states: "If heat does not precede, when heat arrives, the body becomes feverish, accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea in Huoluan." This disease arises suddenly, characterized by chaotic and violent vomiting and diarrhea without cessation. However, when children contract this illness, it is often due to exogenous cold-evil combined with food stagnation, leading to a disruption of Yin-Yang harmony, resulting in upper vomiting, lower diarrhea, restlessness, and mental confusion; this constitutes this syndrome.
Generally, the human body possesses the Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiao (Triple Burner). The Upper Jiao receives and accepts water and grain, governing intake but not excretion. The Middle Jiao rots and ripens water and grain, circulating their essence to the Five Zang and Six Fu organs. The Lower Jiao separates water and grain, governing excretion but not reception. Therefore, if pathogenic factors are in the Upper Jiao, vomiting occurs; if in the Lower Jiao, diarrhea occurs; if in the Middle Jiao, both vomiting and diarrhea occur.
Typically, Shi Huoluan (Damp Huoluan), which involves both vomiting and diarrhea, allows pathogenic factors to exit from above and below. Once the turbid stagnation is completely expelled, vomiting and diarrhea cease spontaneously, making treatment relatively easy. In contrast, Gan Huoluan (Dry Huoluan) prevents both vomiting and diarrhea. With six types of pathogenic factors affecting the Spleen and Stomach having no outlet, especially if accompanied by panting, chest fullness, and convulsions, the condition is often incurable, hence termed "difficult to treat." Treatment must carefully distinguish between Cold and Heat patterns; misidentification and incorrect prescription are critical errors. This is the most crucial point.
Gan Huoluan results from the congealing of Cold and Summerheat. Symptoms include inability to vomit or defecate despite the urge, and severe colicky abdominal pain, commonly known as "Jiaochang Sha" (Intestinal Twisting Sha). Cases with irritability, thirst, and excessive drinking belong to the Heat pattern. Ancient methods prescribe Guiling Ganlu Yin (Cassia Twig and Poria Decoction for Moistening the Dryness) [ingredients: Earth-fried Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Poria, Alisma, Gypsum Fibrosum, Flaveded Talcum, Polyporus, Hypocaustum, plus a small amount of Cinnamon Twig]. Cases with cold limbs and absence of thirst belong to the Cold pattern. Ancient methods prescribe Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) [ingredients: Ginseng Radix, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Prepared Licorice Root].
[Author's Note]: Children have weak constitutions and poor tolerance for pain. Contracting Jiaochang Sha makes them particularly prone to complications. Regardless of whether it is Yin Sha or Yang Sha, urgently administer a mixture of salt and Yin-Yang Water (water collected from rain and well water) orally. Simultaneously, have the child lie prone. Dip fingers in warm water and gently tap the popliteal fossa on both knees, known as Weizhong BL-40. Observe closely for the appearance of purple-black spots within the fossa. If present, puncture with a silver needle to release evil blood; symptoms will relieve immediately. The Spleen, Liver, and Kidney Yin meridians all pass through Weizhong BL-40.
Another method involves using soft silk dipped in sesame oil to rub the medial aspect of the elbow creases, known as Quchi LI-11. Scraping until purple rashes appear also provides immediate relief. The Lung, Heart, and Pericardium meridians all pass through Quchi LI-11.
Subsequently, administer decoctions. For abdominal pain with cold hands and feet (Yin Sha), use the formula: Agastache Rhizome 1 qian, Costus Root 8 fen, Magnolia Bark processed with oil 8 fen, Fried Immature Bitter Orange 1 qian, Prepared Licorice Root 5 fen. After decocting, mix with half a pill of Suhexiang Wan (Styrax Pill), finely ground, and take warm. For abdominal pain with warm hands and feet (Yang Sha), use the formula: Raw Lablab Bean 1.5 qian, Magnolia Bark 8 fen, Red Poria 1.5 qian, Amomum Villosum Seed Powder 5 fen, Ginger-processed Coptis Rhizoma 5 fen. Use Lotus Flower Dew 0.5 liang as the vehicle, mixed and taken.