Library

In the context of Spring-Warmth disease (Chunwen), if vomiting and diarrhea are severe, resulting in a smooth, dry, and crimson tongue, hiccups (e-ni), inability to eat, a soft pulse, and mental fatigue, this indicates severe injury to Stomach Yin. It is appropriate to use Chenpi Zhuru Tang (Tangerine Peel and Bamboo Shavings Decoction) to harmonize the Stomach and nourish body fluids. If hiccups persist, Daizhe Xuanfuhua Tang (Hematite and Inula Flower Decoction) should be used to descend Stomach Qi and suppress rebellious Qi.

Excessive vomiting and diarrhea severely damage Stomach Qi; this is referred to as "severe vomiting injures Yang, severe diarrhea injures Yin." If the tongue is dry and red without greasy coating, presenting a mirror-like appearance, it signifies that Stomach fluids have been exhausted. Coupled with persistent hiccups and anorexia, it indicates the loss of the Stomach's harmonious state, with Liver pathogenic factors invading horizontally and overacting on its conquered element (Spleen/Earth). Therefore, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix), and Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) are used to harmonize Stomach Qi and unblock the Yangming channel; Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Zhu Ru (Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam), Jing Mi (Oryzae Sativa Semen), and Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) are used to nourish Stomach Yin and restrain Jueyin Wood. If hiccups remain uncontrolled, Daizhe Shi (Hematitum) and Xuan Fu Hua (Inulae Flos) are added to suppress rebellious Qi. Should Stomach fluids be depleted and the tongue fail to generate coating, Wu Mei (Mume Fructus), Mu Gua (Chaenomelis Fructus), Zhe Zhi (Saccharum Japonicum Juice), Lu Gen (Phragmitis Rhizoma Juice), and Jiang Zhi (Zingiberis Recens Juice) are added to coordinate Yin and Yang within the Stomach, thereby stopping hiccups. These discuss conditions where heat pathogens rob Stomach Yin.

Furthermore, there are cases with a pale tongue, absence of fever, cold limbs, and a soft pulse, indicating Stomach Yang deficiency with upward flooding of Yin turbidity, representing a severe defeat of Post-Heaven Kun Yang. Ancient texts state, "When Earth fails, the sound is yue" (Yue refers to hiccups/belching). Since Stomach Yang is constrained and Qi loses its ability to circulate and transform, unless acrid-opening herbs are used, how can Yang recover? One may use Daizhe Xuanfuhua Tang plus Dan Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), Wu Zhu Yu (Evodiae Fructus), and Jiang Zhi, with a small amount of Chuan Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma) added. The bitter-cold nature guides Yang into Yin, preventing rejection by Yin pathogens, while the acrid-hot properties penetrate directly. This resembles Zhang Zhongjing's intention in using human urine and pig bile in Baitong Tang. However, among hiccups cases, Yang deficiency is more common, and cooling methods are less frequently used.

Additionally, hiccups caused by Liver Fire rushing upward and failure of Stomach Qi to descend involve Qi rushing from the lower abdomen to the throat, producing continuous rattling sounds with vigorous momentum. Symptoms include a wiry pulse, red eyes, thirst with polydipsia, and easy hunger. In such cases, Danggui Longhui Wan (Angelica Sinensis and Picrorhiza Pill) is suitable, utilizing great bitter and cold herbs to directly drain Jueyin Liver Fire.