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Qian (Ren Shen, Ginseng Root), Zhi Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) 2 qian, decocted strongly to half a bowl; Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 1 liang, decocted to half a zhong, taken with the liquid. If thirsty, use Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) 2 liang, Sheng Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), and Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 8 qian, decocted strongly to about one bowl as a tea substitute. After three or four doses, the profuse sweating from the ulcerated head gradually subsides, the dryness and heat in the palms and soles gradually become moist and mild, the black tongue coating gradually diminishes, the spirit and complexion gradually clear, and the desire for food gradually returns. The fever recedes and the cough stops. Thereafter, in the morning, Sheng Mai Yin (Generating the Pulse Decoction) is used to deliver Shi Bu Wan (Ten Tonics Pill), 4-5 qian. In the afternoon, Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) modified is decocted into a paste and refined with honey into pills the size of quail eggs, dissolved in Long Yan Tang (Longan Fruit Decoction) and one pill taken. Within less than a month, recovery is achieved, and the spirit is even better than before.

Li Laoyensheng, Minister of Works from Shanxi, was upright and benevolent, having been my close friend for ten years. In the Guihai year, he entered the capital suffering from a foot ailment, unbearable pain, and inability to walk for a long time. Physicians had prescribed wind-dispelling and dampness-drying medicines for Xianggangjiao (Hong Kong Foot, a term often referring to gout or lower limb edema), but long-term use was ineffective. His appetite declined, and his spirit grew more fatigued. He had been hoping for my treatment for some time. Upon entering the capital, he immediately invited me to examine him. The pulse at both Cun (Inch) positions was surging and rapid, both Guan (Carpal) positions were weak and loose, and both Chi (Cubit) positions were even more faint. I said: People know that a surging and rapid pulse indicates excess heat, but they do not realize that only when all six pulse positions are surging, rapid, and forceful does it indicate excess heat. If surging and rapid pulses are seen only at the Cun positions, it indicates heat above, deficiency in the middle, and cold below. A large and rapid pulse indicates Yang floating outward; a fine and rapid pulse indicates exhaustion of Yin inside. None of these are excess heat; all should be discussed as deficiency patterns. Now, the old gentleman's pulse shows solitary Yang floating upward, while the interior lacks Yang. Yang Qi, as stated in the Classics, is like the sun in the sky. Where Yang Qi does not reach, like places where sunlight does not penetrate, Yin-cold coagulates and causes disease. All Yin must grow with Yang; thus, if Qi is diseased, Blood is also affected. Using wind-dispelling and dampness-drying drugs again would benefit the disease if present, but if absent, it would further injure Qi and Blood. The Spleen governs the four limbs; for flaccidity syndromes, the Yangming channels are selected. For the Liver, Kidney, sinews, and bones, multiple organs require emphasis. Therefore, I added Sheng Duzhong (Raw Eucommia Bark) 3 qian to the previous formula. Duzhong was anciently called Sixian Shu (Six Immortals Herb). Salt-wine frying directs it inward to the waist and Kidneys; wine-frying directs it to the sinews and bones throughout the body, and it can dispel wind. Without processing, it descends; its nature connects sinews and bones. For initial, mild diseases affecting one Zang or Fu organ, chronic or severe diseases inevitably involve mutual distress among Zang and Fu organs. Zang organs are Yin and can withstand pure Yang herbs; Fu organs are Yang and require Yin herbs to restrain latent heat, ensuring the five Zang organs harmonize and irrigate each other. Qi and Blood generate naturally within each Zang, making it difficult for pathogens to hide. When the root is strengthened, the branches flourish naturally, and pathogens resolve without needing direct attack. The gentleman was greatly pleased. After more than ten doses, he felt healthier than before. Thereafter, in the morning, Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) modified with Lurong (Deer Antler) and Nixi (Achyranthes Root) was delivered with Sheng Mai Yin (Generating the Pulse Decoction), 5 qian. In the afternoon, Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Zhi Huangqi (Honey-fried Astragalus Root), Zaoren (Ziziphus Seed), Danggui (Angelica Sinensis), Chao Baishao (Stir-fried White Peony Root), Chao Baizhu (Stir-fried Atractylodes Rhizome), Fuling (Poria), Sheng Duzhong (Raw Eucommia Bark), Xuduan (Dipsacus Root), Nixi (Achyranthes Root), Bo Gui (Thin Cinnamon Twig), and Dazao (Jujube) were decocted and taken. After over a month of regulation, his spirit was vigorous, and his gait returned to normal. As I was returning south, the gentleman saw me off and said: "For every day I live, I am grateful."

Yao Laoyensheng, Minister of Justice, was ordered in summer to travel to Henan for trials, rushing back and forth according to deadlines, leading to extreme fatigue. Upon returning to the capital and resuming official duties, his hands and feet suddenly became numb and immobile. He returned home and consulted a physician who said: "This is heatstroke." He took Xiangxu Yin (Elsholtzia Drink) and felt very uneasy, so he invited me. Palpating his pulse, it was surging and empty. This is a pulse of Blood depletion, not Qi injury from heatstroke. Not daring to directly contradict the previous diagnosis, I said: "I fear your feet may suffer heatstroke in the future." The gentleman did not understand my meaning. Shortly after I returned to my residence, his feet indeed became numb and immobile. Realizing this, he sent someone to summon me. At this time, symptoms included stiff tongue and mouth, spontaneous sweating, etc. I used the previous formula with modified dosages. After two consecutive doses, sweating decreased slightly, and clarity of spirit began. Later, Hejian Dihuang Yinzi (Hejian's Rehmannia Decoction) modified cured him. The gentleman's younger brother, Zhonghan Er Laosheng, occasionally requested my consultation. His Cun pulses were twice as surging as usual, and his Chi pulses were twice as faint. It seemed like two different people. I said: "You have no disease but obtained this pulse; you should be cautious." He asked: "What disease does the pulse predict?" I said: "It is likely similar to your elder brother's condition, but the harm will be greater." He said: "My elder brother's stroke was not minor. Could there be anything heavier? Or perhaps our illnesses differ, and we don't necessarily both suffer stroke! Moreover, since my elder brother has no son, he may not have abstained from sex, whereas I have slept alone in lodgings for many years; I can be confident. If an unexpected illness occurs, seeking treatment later will not be too late." Seeing his negligence, I did not speak further. One month later, he collapsed without cause, and emergency summons were sent. I said: "The form is not yet diseased, but the pulse is already diseased; the root has been withered in the center for a long time. How can it be saved?" Despite urgent requests to examine him, withdrawal symptoms were complete, and medicine could no longer help. He died the next day. The elder brother, valuing life highly, resigned and returned home. Later inquiry revealed the elder brother indulged due to lack of heirs, while the younger brother drank excessively daily despite abstinence. Thus, alcohol and lust harm equally.

The great-grandfather of my eldest son, advanced in age and just recovering from a foot ailment, encountered rain on the road and hurried back. Soon, he developed fever, spontaneous sweating, headache, and cough, followed by hemoptysis, loss of appetite, and mental distress. I was invited to consult. Both Cun pulses were surging and rapid; the Right Guan and both Chi pulses were very faint. This is labor injuring Middle Qi, with the Spleen unable to control Blood. Coughing is fire scorching the Lung. Fever is Yuan Yang floating outward. Spontaneous sweating is Qi deficiency failing to secure fluids. Headache is Blood deficiency with Fire rising. I used the previous formula: Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) 1 liang, Chao Maidong (Stir-fried Ophiopogon Tuber) 4 qian, Chao Baizhu (Stir-fried Atractylodes Rhizome) 2 qian, Nixi (Achyranthes Root) 3 qian, Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry) 1 qian, Zhi Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) 1.2 qian, with Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) decocted separately and taken with the liquid. After several doses, coughing and hemoptysis stopped, body temperature normalized, appetite returned, and he recovered. Later, in the morning, Jian Shen Qi Wan (Modified Kidney Qi Pill) was delivered with Sheng Mai Yin (Generating the Pulse Decoction); in the afternoon, Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) modified was taken. Spirit returned to normal.

Madam of Mr. Xu Guanlang, over seventy years old, suddenly suffered severe malaria. Above, she coughed and vomited blood; below, she had diarrhea, ate nothing, and lost consciousness. Her chest and diaphragm were severely distended. The pulse was fine and rapid at both Cun, wiry and large at the Left Guan, very faint at the Right Guan, and unpressable at both Chi positions. The situation was critical. The gentleman prayed before the statue of Lord Guan and received a lot indicating "Yellow Pavilion opens, extending to old guests," recalling a major illness ten years prior that I had treated, so he invited me again. Palpating the pulse, I knew it was Yin deficiency with internal heat and Yang deficiency with external cold. The Liver lacked Blood nourishment and became hyperactive; the Spleen lacked Qi filling and became weak. Blood had no controller and vomited; grain had no transport and diarrhea ensued; Qi had no reception and distension occurred. All belonged to disorders of the fundamental Qi. I used the previous formula with Ren Shen decoction. Malaria stopped, and spirit cleared. However, the patient claimed chest stagnation and refused Ginseng tonics. I instructed Mr. Guanlang to offer Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) and Yun Xiao Shi Wan (Cloud Digestion Pill). The patient agreed, taking them daily with Ginseng decoction. Chest distension, diarrhea, and hemoptysis largely resolved; diet and spirit doubled compared to usual.

My nephew's grandson was only three years old, suffering fever and cough for several days. During an epidemic of smallpox in the countryside, a nearby physician treated him with wind-dispersing and phlegm-resolving herbs combined with pustule-promoting methods. By the sixth or seventh day, fever intensified, accompanied by dry retching, vomiting roundworms, coma, shortness of breath, vomiting milk upon feeding, closed eyes, silence, blue face, staring eyes, and crying without tears or mucus. They came to report the emergency. I observed: This child has congenital insufficiency, hence pale skin and fine texture. Although the initial external contraction was mild, Middle Qi deficiency was severe. Adding dispersing and promoting methods caused both Yuan Yang and body fluids to perish. I used the previous formula: Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) 5 qian, Chao Maidong (Stir-fried Ophiopogon Tuber) 2 qian, Chao Baizhu (Stir-fried Atractylodes Rhizome) 3 qian, Nixi (Achyranthes Root) 2 qian, Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry) 4 fen, Zhi Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) 8 fen, with Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 2 qian decocted separately and taken with the liquid. After one dose, fever decreased, and slight tears/mucus appeared in one eye/nose. After two doses, he could take milk, fever decreased further, and tears/mucus appeared fully. After three to four doses, fever receded, spirit refreshed. Sheng Mai Yin (Generating the Pulse Decoction) was given every morning with Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) 1.2 qian dissolved. Within ten days, spirit recovered.

Granddaughter-in-law of Shen Dinglao had suffered chronic malaria, which evolved into fixed masses (Pi) causing unbearable distension and pain. Long-term use of Shun Qi Hua Pi (Regulate Qi Transform Mass) was ineffective. Now, high fever and cough returned, with worse chest distension and pain. I was invited to consult. Palpating the pulse, only the Cun positions were surging; the rest were faint, especially the Right Guan and Chi. I realized Earth position lacked Mother (Kidney), resulting in mutual deficiency of Mother and Child, a false image of emptiness inside and floating outside. Administering the previous formula for one or two doses increased distension and masses. I said: "This is the drug force attacking; turbid Qi is dispersing but not descending. Continue taking it." After another two or three doses, doubling Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), as stated: "Small doses cause stagnation, large doses promote circulation." Indeed, after several days, cough and fever receded, appetite improved, and spirit became vigorous. The two-year-old mass/distension transformed into righteous Qi guarding the Dantian overnight, leaving no trace.

Lady Jin Shao, constitutionally deficient in Spleen and Kidney, after accumulating fatigue during year-end affairs, suddenly suffered vertigo, unconsciousness, hallucinations, and disordered speech. Urgent treatment was sought. Palpating her pulse, it was fine and rapid beyond measure, indicating extreme deficiency of True Yin and True Yang. I said: "Seize this early stage to reverse it; do not delay. The longer it lasts, the more deficient and withdrawn it becomes." I used the previous formula, two doses daily, each containing 2 qian of Ren Shen (Ginseng Root). Day by day, she improved, and within ten days, full recovery.

Xiangsheng Xu Shangong occasionally suffered a condition resembling malaria but not malaria. After several doses of Chaihu Tang (Bupleurum Decoction) by a physician, he gradually became unconscious, jaw locked, lying rigid. His family believed there was no hope. Inviting me to diagnose, they merely wanted to determine the time of death. I said: "Yang deficiency causes cold, Yin deficiency causes heat. Misdiagnosed as malaria but not fatal, it is not a terminal case." Urgently, I used the previous decoction, 1 liang of Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) per dose, decocted and taken with the liquid. He revived in three days, then recovered with continued warm tonification.

Young master of Mr. Liu from Henan Academy, traveling to the capital for provincial exams, exposed to summer heat, Qi was already injured. Upon arriving at the inn, he studied day and night. Soon, high fever, headache, cough, dry retching, insomnia, and mental fatigue set in. Everyone thought he first caught summer heat, then wind-cold, and consulted me. Palpating the pulse, both Cun were surging, both Chi were weak, Right Guan was imperceptible on deep pressure, and Right Chi was twice as weak as Left. I thought this violated the "No Stomach Qi" pattern. Without direct rescue, it would be useless. Directly warming and tonifying Spleen and Kidney, Lizhong Wan (Regulate the Middle Pill) and Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) were indispensable. However, the host, citing summer heat disease, absolutely refused, insisting on another prescription. I said: "Patients rely on symptoms; physicians must rely on pulse. The young master's pulse and symptoms are distinct. Pulse is the true source; symptoms are often false images. Earth is the mother of all things; thus, diseases without Stomach Qi lead to death. Yang diseases with Yin pulses lead to death. The condition is already critically severe; how can we err further with medicine?" Ignoring each other, we watched for several days. The condition worsened, body became more distressed. Re-inviting me, the pulse remained the same but dry, rough, and weaker than before, indicating prolonged heat further injuring Yin and Yang. I proposed the previous formula again. This is essentially Gu Fang Fuzi Lizhong Tang (Ancient Formula Aconite Regulate Middle Decoction), removing Pao Jiang (Fried Ginger) and Gancao (Licorice), adding Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), Chao Maidong (Stir-fried Ophiopogon Tuber), Nixi (Achyranthes Root), and Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry). Why worry? Another dose was taken in the afternoon: Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) removing Danpi (Moutan Cortex) and Zexie (Alisma), adding Nixi (Achyranthes Root), Sheng Maidong (Fresh Ophiopogon Tuber), and Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry), taken with Ren Shen decoction, 8 qian Ren Shen per dose. After taking, he felt very comfortable. The host and patient boldly continued. Days later, headache, fever, and cough gradually improved, though occasional retching persisted. However, Spleen/Stomach pulse remained unraised, and no appetite. I thought: Since fever and headache receded, Fire has retreated. Lack of appetite means Spleen-tonifying agents were insufficient. Morning: Sheng Mai Yin (Generating the Pulse Decoction) delivering modified Shi Bu Wan (Ten Tonics Pill) removing Danpi/Zexie, adding Lurong (Deer Antler) and Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry), 4 qian. Evening: Modified Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) removing Muxiang (Aucklandia Root) and Gancao (Licorice), adding Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry) and Rougui (Cinnamon Bark), tonifying Pre-Heaven and Post-Heaven respectively. Gradually, appetite returned, pulse rose, and health strengthened. Father and son finally realized the previous high fever and headache were fundamental Qi disorders, not external contractions. They were deeply pleased. Meanwhile, Third Young Master of Shaozai Peng Laoyensheng suffered the same disease. Fever lasted two months. Long-term use of modified Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) with Shengma (Cimicifuga Rhizome), Chaihu (Bupleurum Root), Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), and Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) totaled dozens of doses. Little did they know: Dihuang Wan (Rehmannia Pill) lowers to raise; turbid Yin descends, clear Yang rises naturally. Kidney has tonification but no purgation, suitable for long-term use. Buzhong Tang raises to lower; clear Qi ascends, turbid Qi descends and disperses. Dongyuan designed it for dispersing in deficient persons, unsuitable for long-term use. Moreover, in summer, Heaven's Yang floats on the surface, and Human Yang floats on the body surface. Suffering Yang-floating fever disease and using ascending-floating Yang-injuring drugs caused excessive sweating, prolonged fever, dual exhaustion of Yin and Yang, severe deficiency of Central Palace Yuan Qi and Lower Jiao Yang Qi. The Classics say: "Pulse level, Yin secret, spirit governs. Yin-Yang separation, essence-Qi perishes." Hence, blue face, edema, hard abdominal distension, epigastric obstruction, cough, sore throat, sweet saliva, high fever with aversion to cold, hot palms/soles/chest, thirstless, cold calves/shins. Pulse: Cun fluctuates between surging and rapid; Guan powerless; Chi faint, Right Guan/Chi twice as weak. This is Spleen-Kidney dual deficiency, upper excess/lower deficiency, external heat/internal cold, true cold/false heat. Morning: Sheng Mai Yin (Generating the Pulse Decoction) delivering Heche Gao Wan (Placenta Paste Pill) and Shi Bu Wan (Ten Tonics Pill), 4 qian. Before lunch: Previous formula Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) 1.2 liang, Chao Maidong (Stir-fried Ophiopogon Tuber) 3 qian, Chao Baizhu (Stir-fried Atractylodes Rhizome) 4 qian, Nixi (Achyranthes Root) 2.4 qian, Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry) 8 fen, Zhi Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) 1.5 qian, with Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 1 liang decocted separately and taken. Fortunately, the unremitting fever of two months gradually decreased with this strong heat-clearing approach. Over ten days, aversion to cold and fever completely receded, facial swelling and abdominal distension disappeared, blue face and sore throat healed, appetite recognized flavors. However, lower abdomen did not flatten. Continued with modified Fuzi Lizhong Tang (Aconite Regulate Middle Decoction) for several doses. Stool resembled crab foam, odorless, passed more than ten times, anus felt very cold during defecation. Was this not proof of interior lacking Yang Qi, causing Yin-cold stagnation in the center? Thereafter, lower abdomen softened, six pulses became peaceful. This was the image of Yang harmony melting ice, a good omen. Alas, a physician beside him incited doubt, promising cure in three doses. Old Master Peng happily listened and resumed dispersing and phlegm-resolving herbs such as Ziye (Perilla Leaf), Chaihu (Bupleurum Root), Fupi (Tangerine Peel), Houpo (Magnolia Bark), Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Banxia (Pinellia Tuber), either modified Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) or Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction). Consequently, fever recurred, sweating increased, irritability/thirst decreased appetite, Yin and Yang exhausted. The Essence-Qi-Spirit relied upon by humans were ultimately transported away by Shengma, Chaihu, Chenpi, and Banxia until nothing remained. Pity my painstaking one-month regulation, which removed seven-tenths of the disease! More pitifully, the filial, friendly, humble, and benevolent young master, whose vitality was barely regenerating, was made deficient again by dozens of doses of ascending herbs by mediocre physicians, leading to death. What a pity!

Old friend Xie Dengnian, over seventy years old, encountered rain on the road, hurried home, and subsequently developed severe malaria. Each episode was followed by diarrhea, and each diarrhea episode was followed by syncope nearly unto death. His relatives administered dispersing herbs, worsening the condition. I said: "Encountering rain implies cold exposure, suitable for dispersing. But do you not recall the Classics: 'Shock steals Jing, sweat comes from Heart; carrying heavy loads/traveling far, sweat comes from Kidney; running fast/fear, sweat comes from Liver; shaking body/labor, sweat comes from Spleen.' Five Zang organs are all injured. What enters is excess; what exits is deficiency. Diarrhea followed immediately by syncope indicates Yuan Qi about to withdraw. Can we consider the already dispersed mild cold as heavy and the dying Qi as light?" Urgently, I prescribed Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 3 qian, Baizhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) 6 qian, Pao Jiang (Fried Ginger) 1 qian, Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry) and Zhi Gancao (Honey-fried Licorice Root) 1 qian each, Zhi Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) 1.2 qian. Taken, he recovered. Someone said: "Recovered yes, but Wuweizi is sour and astringent; fear residual pathogen remains." Alas, this still views malaria as a tangible true pathogen, failing to reach the manifestation of extreme Yin-Yang deficiency, focusing on branch while ignoring root. Moreover, Fuzi (Aconite Root) has great merit in penetrating meridians and collaterals; even strong pathogens have nowhere to hide. Besides, there are Zhi Gancao (Honey-fried Licorice Root) and Pao Jiang (Fried Ginger) to develop and open; can they not assist astringency to gather and secure Yuan Qi?

Lizhai said: When Qi and Blood are deficient, manifesting various symptoms indescribable, the skilled practitioner must thoroughly understand the states of Qi/Blood deficiency/excess, the functions of Yin-Yang transformation, and the signs of pulse truth/falsehood. Then, although symptoms manifest in hundreds of ways, they are all encompassed by Yin-Yang, Qi-Blood, Deficiency-Excess. Regarding sores and swellings, those affecting Six Fu organs manifest on skin/hair/muscles; those affecting Five Zang organs manifest on meridians/bones/marrow. All arise from stagnation of Yin-Yang/Qi-Blood. Excess Qi-Blood results in redness/swelling/elevation (Yang Du); deficiency results in collapse/flattening (Yin Du). Danxi said: Yin stagnating in Yang, Yang stagnating in Yin, hundred diseases stem from this, not just carbuncles/ulcers. The Classics say: "Where pathogen gathers, Zheng Qi must be deficient; lingering and not departing, the disease becomes excess." Ignorance of Yin-Yang, stagnation of Qi-Blood: Yang insufficiency leads to cold-damp coagulation; Yin insufficiency leads to fire-heat boiling. Blood becomes turbid, Qi becomes chaotic, tunnels obstructed, like stagnant water. Now, Qi-Blood congealed and depressed, how can they not follow meridians, infiltrate vessels, overflow outside, rot, and form pus? Named "Du" (Toxin) refers to Qi-Blood ignorance. Like human Qi being unharmonious and toxic. Large swellings/toxins originating from bone marrow/meridians cannot be treated unless sought in Pre-Heaven Water/Fire True Yin-Yang. Small sores/pustules cannot benefit unless sought in Post-Heaven Spleen/Stomach Qi-Blood. Why do recent physicians, upon encountering sores/swellings, treat them as external infection/excess toxin, using harsh cooling/clearing/dispersing methods? Mild cases disperse heat externally, harmonizing Qi-Blood; severe cases injure Qi-Blood further, difficult to suppurate/heal, often leading to internal attack and death. My grandson's son, born over 100 days after his mother suffered chronic Yin-deficiency night fever, developed widespread eczema/sores, painful/itchy, crying day and night. I used Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), Danggui Shen (Angelica Sinensis Body), Danpi (Moutan Cortex), Chishao (Red Peony Root), Biba (Dioscorea Hypoglauca), Shouwu (Polygonum Multiflorum), Jinyinhua (Honeysuckle Flower), Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit), Tubei Mu (Fritillaria Thunbergii Bulb), Gancao Jie (Licorice Joint), Biechong (Turtle Carapace), Humaizi (Sesame Seed), Tufuling (Smilax Glabra Rhizome), Mutong Jie (Akebia Stem Node). Large doses administered to the wet nurse day and night. After dozens of doses, damp-heat descended, legs ulcerated, clear fluid dripping, nails脱落. Wet nurse and bystanders, near ones infected. This Pre-Heaven fetal heat-toxin Qi had exited entirely outward. Later, a large toxin formed behind the ear, Yin deficiency with rootless fire condensing in that area. I used Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) plus Nixi (Achyranthes Root) and Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry) decocted, given to grandson to self-administer. After several doses, high swelling suppurated and healed. Gradually, Qi-Blood/Essence-Jade declined and dried, sores crusted, healing or recurring. Could internal attack be prevented? I thought: Essence insufficiency tonified with flavor. Thus, Lamb Meat 4 liang, decocted in soup, adding Sheng Huangqi (Raw Astragalus Root) 4 qian, Danggui Shen (Angelica Sinensis Body) 2 qian, Jinyinhua (Honeysuckle Flower) 3 qian, Mi Jiu Chao Sheng Ma (Honey-Wine Stir-fried Ephedra) 4 fen, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) 3 slices, Dazao (Jujube) 2