Library

Jing (Spasm) disease, although resembling Xian (Epilepsy), is in reality more severe than Xian. Its symptoms are divided into two types: one is called Gang Jing (Rigid Spasm). The manifestations of Gang Jing include: delirium during attacks, red face and red eyes, head shaking with convulsions, clenched teeth and open hands, stiffness and rigidity of the neck and back, excessive accumulation of phlegm and saliva, sudden inability to speak (Jin Kou), coma, irritability, and thirst, scanty and painful urination, fever without sweat, and aversion to cold. The other type is called Rou Jing (Flexible Spasm). The manifestations of Rou Jing include: loose and slippery diarrhea, silence, absence of thirst, coldness of the hands and feet preceding fever and sweating, and absence of aversion to cold. The *Classic* states: "When heat from the Lung transfers to the Kidney, it forms Rou Jing." The Lung governs Qi, and the Kidney governs bones. In cases of Shanghan (Cold Damage) lasting four to six days, cold pathogens may have latent inside and transform into heat; this heat transfers to the Lung. Since the Lung is the mother of the Kidney (Metal generates Water), the pathogen transmits to the Kidney, and then to its offspring, the Liver. Thus, heat transfers to the Liver, causing the sinews and bones to be affected by heat, resulting in flaccidity and inability to contract, weakness of the limbs, thereby forming Rou Jing. If there is fever without sweat, this indicates a Excess pattern at the Exterior level, and treatment should employ diaphoresis (sweating method). If there is fever with sweating, this indicates a Deficiency pattern at the Exterior level, and diaphoresis must not be used. If diaphoresis is forced again, it will inevitably lead to the loss of Yang Qi. The *Classic* states: "Yang Qi, when refined, nourishes the Shen (Spirit); when soft, it nourishes the sinews." Excessive sweating leads to the loss of Yang Qi; once Yang Qi is lost, it cannot nourish the sinews, and the Jing disease becomes more severe. Moreover, the *Classic* states: "All sudden rigidity belongs to Wind; all spasms with neck stiffness belong to Dampness." This implies that dispersing Wind and inducing sweating are not appropriate treatments. Another presentation involves delirium, dry mouth, excessive phlegm, irritability, thirst, loose diarrhea, and slightly cold hands and feet; this represents an indistinct boundary between Gang and Rou Jing. The treatment method must regulate Qi and resolve phlegm; when phlegm resolves, Wind dissipates, and when Qi regulates, Shen clarifies. It is also stated: "Generalized rigidity, delirium, lethargy, opisthotonos, and unconsciousness throughout the day constitute Gang Jing. Cold hands and feet with weakness, loose diarrhea, silence, and absence of thirst constitute Rou Jing. These are both critical conditions, where only one or two out of ten may be saved."

Dian Kuang (Mania and Depression) resembles Xian but is not Xian, and resembles Jing but is not Jing. During attacks, abnormal behaviors occur, such as crying or laughing, alternating between joy and sorrow; this is called Dian (Depression/Manic Depression). If the patient speaks nonsense, refuses food yet sings, discards clothes, and runs around, this is called Kuang (Mania). Medical texts state: "Excessive joy constitutes Dian; excessive anger constitutes Kuang." It is also said: "Excess Yin leads to Dian; Excess Yang leads to Kuang and anger." If during an attack the patient lies on the ground, bites the tongue, foams at the mouth, or makes sounds like pigs or sheep, and becomes flaccid and occasionally lucid after the attack, this is also considered Xian disease. However, for the five types of Xian, Jing, Dian, and Kuang, although the names differ, the underlying principles are the same, and urgent treatment is required. If treatment is delayed even slightly, Wind and Phlegm will stagnate in the meridians and fail to recede, inevitably damaging the Heart. When the Heart is damaged, the Shen departs; when the Shen departs, death ensues. Even if one miraculously survives, they will likely suffer from slurred speech and lack of spirit, having lost their intellect and become incapacitated.