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Using scorched Atractylodis Rhizoma (Baizhu, 白术) boiled into a paste, slightly adding Ginger Juice (Jiangzhi, 姜汁) to mix evenly and form pills, swallowing with small amounts of Ginseng Decoction (Shen Tang, 参汤). Fortunately, after one or two doses, no vomiting occurred, and shortly thereafter, abdominal pain ceased and defecation took place. I secretly rejoiced, saying: "The Qi mechanism can now descend downward; vomiting should subside." In the morning, I still used the decoction from yesterday but in a larger dosage, mixed with Ginseng Decoction for drinking. Fortunately, there was also no vomiting. Like this, two doses were administered daily. On the first day, over one tael of Ren Shen (Ginseng, 人参) was used. By the second day, thin rice soup could be consumed, and after three to four days, thin porridge could be eaten. Only then did I instruct him to take five qian of Ren Shen (Ginseng, 人参) in the morning to make Sheng Mai Yin (Pulse-Generating Drink), to swallow Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill), taken well after meals. Still using Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) with Fu Zi (Aconite Root, 附子) removed and Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root, 牛膝), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber, 麦冬), and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit, 五味子) added, prepared as a large-dose decoction mixed with Ginseng Decoction. At Shen and You hours (3 PM to 7 PM), another dose according to the previous prescription was given. After seven or eight days, half a bowl of rice could be eaten. Later, Di Huang Tang (Rehmannia Decoction) and Gui Pi Tang (Spleen-Restoring Decoction) were modified and alternately taken for over half a month of regulation. Various symptoms gradually receded, spirit improved daily, and food intake doubled the usual amount.

Old Gentleman Yang, a candidate official, suffered from incessant great thirst after hematemesis (vomiting blood). The pulse at both Cun positions was surging (Hong, 洪), while Guan and Chi positions were weak. This indicated sudden loss of Yin Blood, causing organs and viscera to lose nourishment, leading to dryness and withering of body fluids, and flaming up of Ministerial Fire from Yin deficiency. This is named "Blood Thirst" (Xue Ke, 血渴). I used San liang of Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root, 熟地黄), five qian of Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber, 麦冬), one qian of Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit, 五味子), and two qian of Fu Zi (Aconite Root, 附子). Boiled strongly into two bowls to be drunk instead of tea. Administered three doses per day like this. Only then could thirst stop, the Cun pulse become peaceful, appetite gradually return, and recovery ensue. If one mistakenly attributes this to Stomach Fire and recklessly uses Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum, 石膏), Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit, 栀子), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root, 黄芩), and Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit, 连翘 - *Note: Text says 芩连, usually Huang Qin and Huang Lian*), it would instead stimulate the flaming up of Ministerial Fire from Yin deficiency, deplete body fluids, and exacerbate irritability, panting, and thirst. Therefore, Yu Jiayan said: "Humans rely solely on the Qi of water and grain from the posterior heaven to generate these body fluids. If body fluids coagulate, disease arises; if body fluids are exhausted, death occurs." Thus, treating illness without knowing how to preserve human body fluids makes one truly an incompetent physician.

The second grandson of Old Gentleman Peng, a Cabinet Minister, was three years old when he suddenly developed fever and sought treatment. I observed that although he initially had a fever, his spirit was listless, his pulse was powerless upon pressure, muscles were pale white, cheeks were slightly red, his body was hot but felt warm upon prolonged pressing, and he had slight sweating. I already knew his constitution was extremely weak, with light external contraction and heavy internal injury. The medical texts state: "When external contraction is minor and internal injury major, only tonify the middle and benefit Qi, and the pathogenic factor will retreat naturally; there is no need to attack the pathogen." However, the family insisted on diaphoresis (sweating therapy). I dared not comply and withdrew. Unexpectedly, after my return, their family gave him half a cup of Scallion Head Decoction (Cong Tou Tang, 葱头汤) and covered him with a thin cotton quilt, intending to resolve the pathogen through sweating. Alas, since then, profuse sweating continued unceasingly, limbs became flaccid and unable to hold position, face turned cyan, eyes closed, milk and food were not accepted, teeth gnashing occurred constantly. Some diagnosed it as Slow Convulsion (Man Jing Feng, 慢惊风), others as Slow Spleen Wind (Man Pi Feng, 慢脾风). Prescriptions were made but drugs were not administered, all considering it a deteriorated condition. The medicines used were all Tian Ma (Gastrodia Rhizome, 天麻), Dan Xing (Arisaema with Bile, 胆星), Gou Teng (Uncaria Ramulus cum Uncis, 钩藤), Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber, 半夏), and Jiang Can (Bombyx Batryticatus, 僵蚕)—medicines for the "Convulsion Gate". I examined him and said: "These medicines are not for treating this disease. This is due to insufficiency of the先天 (Constitutional Source). Now, with light external contraction and heavy internal injury, it should be treated with warming and tonifying. Instead, sweating was induced, leading to Yang collapse. Hence, limbs cannot hold position, lying stiffly unconscious. Sweat is blood; sweat and blood have溃散 (scattered and lost), Yin is exhausted. Teeth belong to Kidney Yin; now gnashing incessantly indicates Kidney is failing. Urgently, one must heavily nourish Kidney Water while supplementing True Yang, mixing in Ginseng Decoction, perhaps preserving life; otherwise, it is difficult to exert effort." I used Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) with Fu Zi (Aconite Root, 附子) removed, adding Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root, 牛膝), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber, 麦冬), and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit, 五味子) as a decoction, mixed with three qian of Ren Shen (Ginseng, 人参). However, Old Gentleman Peng doubted the dosage was too large for a small child to bear and insisted on halving it. Gui Rou (Cinnamon Bark, 肉桂) was reduced to only four fen, and Ren Shen (Ginseng, 人参) to only one qian five fen. Reluctantly, I complied. After administration, he remained peaceful, and teeth gnashing stopped instantly. By the latter half of the day, the tendency to gnash teeth reappeared. I said: "This is evidence of insufficient dosage and weak potency." So I instructed him to make up the halved dose. After taking it, the effect was immediate. The next day, the family's courage strengthened, and they resumed the original large-dose prescription. After three to four days, teeth gnashing completely ceased, limbs and hands could move, and the mouth could suckle milk, though the tongue remained weak. Regulating like this for half a month led to recovery. It can be seen that mistaking internal injury for external contraction, using scallion soup and thin quilts, nearly caused death. How much more so for dispersing Yuan Shen (Primal Spirit) and using cold-cooling attacks? Even a pure-Yang child suffers thus, let alone one with depleted Primal Yang!

The third son of Chancellor Jiang, whose spirit was inherently weak, had just recovered from hematemesis due to Yin deficiency. Suddenly, experiencing nocturnal emission at dawn ("Zou Yang", 走阳), he suffered continuous severe hematemesis. The six pulses were deep, fine, and very faint. I said: "Nocturnal emission is vulgarly called 'Walking Yang'. Dawn emission injures Yang further. Continuous severe hematemesis causes Yang loss again." Urgently, I prescribed Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang (Aconite and Magnolia Root Decoction to Warm the Middle) with Gan Cao (Licorice Root, 甘草) removed. However, it was vomited immediately upon entering the mouth. Then Bai Tong Tang (White Conductor Decoction) mixed with human urine was given, but also vomited. Physicians throughout the capital were invited. Medicines used were within the categories of Si Ni Tang (Four Reversal Decoction), Li Zhong Tang (Magnolia Root Decoction to Warm the Middle), and Bai Tong Tang. Yet, even a drop of water or medicine could not be retained. Confined for several days, unable to ingest above or excrete below, good prescriptions and wonderful medicines were useless. Fortunately, my disciple Luo Danchen was present and proposed a Western medicinal wine formula specifically for Guan Ge (Obstruction and Rejection) with vomiting and regurgitation. Upon careful inspection, it consisted entirely of pure-Yang herbs capable of breaking through Yin excess rejecting Yang. Moreover, it used distilled spirits (Shao Jiu, 烧酒) for decoction. While most waters and wines cause vomiting, distilled spirits are fierce and penetrating, reaching the Dantian directly upon entry, leaving nothing to vomit. The formulation intent was thorough and complete. Following the prescription, he accepted it peacefully. From then on, strong tonics like Ren Shen (Ginseng, 人参) and Fu Zi (Aconite Root, 附子) could be gradually introduced, leading to recovery through regulation. Such a good prescription dare not keep secret; I respectfully present it in the Guan Ge section, hoping those who respect life will cherish it.

Old Gentleman Yu of the Plain Blue Banner, a man of humility and benevolence, formerly served as a Langzhong (Director) in the Ministry of Justice. He suffered from Pian Ku (Hemiplegia/Paralysis), with swelling in the right arm, alternating numbness and pain, and difficulty walking with both feet. He retired to rest quietly. However, having only one heir and having served early in life, Old Gentleman Yu labored at home, dealing with people and affairs, being very affectionate. Even when I was in the capital, I greatly benefited from his favor, causing my Heart Spirit and Middle Qi to decline daily. Swelling and other symptoms persisted unchanged. When physicians consulted, attributing the condition to Phlegm, Fire, or Wind, employing only cooling, resolving, attacking, and dispersing methods, I often argued beside him: "Spleen deficiency fails to transport and transform, causing body fluids to stagnate into Phlegm. Furthermore, water does not return to its source, drying Kidney Yin further. Can it be resolved? Spleen Yang fails to reach the limbs, causing arm swelling and leg softness, numbness, and pain. Can it be dispersed? Insufficient Yin Water allows Dragon Fire to ascend, weakening True Yang. Fire fails to generate Earth, making both Spleen and Kidney deficient. Can it be cooled?" Unfortunately, Old Gentleman Yu lightly listened to fortune tellers' words, frequently testing medicines on himself. One day, he suddenly fell into coma, with Phlegm-wheezing and profuse sweating. The six pulses were deep and faint. He urged me to diagnose. I said: "Middle Qi has been deficient for long; instead of strong tonification, aggressive draining was used. Now that turbidity clears, the full extent of Great Deficiency is revealed. Urgent rescue is needed; delay renders it futile." I used six liang of Ren Shen (Ginseng, 人参), four liang of Chao Huang Bai Zhu (Stir-fried Yellow Atractylodis Rhizoma, 炒黄白术), and one raw Fu Zi (Aconite Root, 附子), peeled and stir-fried with Ginger Juice, decocted in water to one bowl, and灌 (forced down). Sweating gradually stopped, pulse rose, Phlegm-wheezing settled, and consciousness cleared. Careful tonification led to recovery in one month. Thereafter, Old Gentleman Yu finally understood the profound truth. Whenever Phlegm arises from Fire, use Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) with Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root, 牛膝) and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit, 五味子) to guide it back. After guiding it back, use Gui Pi Tang (Spleen-Restoring Decoction) with Mu Xiang (Aucklandia Root, 木香) removed, plus Gui Rou (Cinnamon Bark, 肉桂) and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit, 五味子) for regulation. Every morning, take Shi Bu Wan (Ten-Tonifying Pill) without interruption by cold or heat. Regulating like this for over a year, not only did walking become light and strong, and spirit robust, but he also happily gained another son, with strong bones and vigorous spirit. Seeing this, I rejoiced and said to Old Gentleman Yu: "This young master is indeed the result of two years of Gui Rou (Cinnamon Bark, 肉桂) and Fu Zi (Aconite Root, 附子)."

A nine-year-old boy surnamed Wang suffered from frequent convulsions due to Jing Xian (Startling Epilepsy), with unclear speech, in critical condition. Seeking my treatment, his pulse was firm, wiry, and long, becoming powerless over time. Inquiry revealed: shortly after smallpox, he walked barefoot in the garden, and his instep suddenly swelled. Suspecting external poisoning from grass dew, he took several doses of cooling and detoxifying herbs. Swelling spread to the legs. Diagnosed as Edema (Shui Zhong, 水肿), he took several doses of Wu Zi Wu Pi Yin (Five Seeds and Five Skins Decoction). Suddenly, one day he lay stiffly and collapsed, developing Startling Epilepsy. I said: "This is not Startling Epilepsy. After smallpox, Qi and Blood are severely deficient, causing foot swelling. Mistaken use of cooling herbs caused swelling to spread to legs. Further diuretic and draining treatments led to Deficient Fire flaming upward, causing sudden collapse without cause, similar to Stroke in adults." Only strong tonification of Qi and Blood, regulating Middle Qi, assisted by herbs to soothe meridians and activate collaterals is suitable. I used Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root, 当归), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma, 白术), Shao Yao (Peony Root, 芍药), Wei Tian Ma (Stir-fried Gastrodia Rhizome, 煨天麻), Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root, 熟地黄), Fu Ling (Poria, 茯苓), Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root, 牛膝), Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera Flower, 金银花), Qin Jiao (Gentiana Macrophylla Root, 秦艽), and Shu Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Root, 熟附子). After three to four doses, the condition eased. Then, continuing the previous prescription mixed with Ginseng Decoction for one month of regulation led to recovery. Ah, how crucial medication errors are! As the saying goes: "A miss is as good as a mile." Zhao Shaoxin was very fat but had very weak Middle Qi. Being old and childless, his Heart Qi was deficient, and his desire for offspring was intense. His Kidney's True Yin and True Yang were undoubtedly damaged. In summer, he contracted Malaria. Diaphoretic and harmonizing treatments failed. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) for tonification also failed. During attacks, severe chills and fever occurred, throat sounded like snoring, face was red, panting was rapid, exhalation exceeded inhalation. Pulse at Cun and Guan was hollow and large, while Chi positions were very faint. Condition was critical, prompting him to seek my treatment. I said: "Proverb says: Youth should not be weak, elderly should not have malaria. Added to this, youthful lust fire is旺盛 (vigorous), further depleting Yin Water. Elderly Qi, Blood, and Middle Qi are declining, unable to withstand severe cold and heat assault. Moreover, damage to True Yin and True Yang is like a tree without roots. How can it withstand violent storms and surging waters? Often dying suddenly by surprise. Principle dictates strongly tonifying True Yin and True Yang, assisted by herbs that descend, gather, and store. Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) with Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root, 牛膝) and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit, 五味子) is stable. Using Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) might cause Lone Yang to float upward, Yang collapsing above, Yin severing below, leading to unpredictable disaster. Especially for a body with Yin deficiency and Yang damage, suffering from Yin exhaustion and floating Yin, during a time of Yang floating and Yin consumption, ascending and floating herbs are definitely inappropriate. Unfortunately, the family and doctors, citing hot weather and hot disease, feared using Gui Rou (Cinnamon Bark, 肉桂) and Fu Zi (Aconite Root, 附子). Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) is a worthy prescription of sages, insisting on its use. I returned very displeased. Indeed, after taking it, panting worsened, and he passed away at midnight."

Old Gentleman Feng of Shanxi Hanlin Academy, my elder uncle of the same lineage, had three grandsons aged three. Usually, their faces were pale white, fontanels wide, skull sutures open. I advised medication for regulation, but the uncle dismissed it as illness-free. Soon, accompanying his mother to visit her parents' home, where Grandfather Tian, a Lecturer, resided, he suddenly developed mild wheezing overnight, unable to lie down. Holding him helped slightly. By the second or third day, even holding him did not reduce wheezing. Gradually, wheezing worsened, exhalation exceeded inhalation, legs drew up tightly. Immediately sent back, summoning me. I knew the root disease had manifested. Principle dictates treating upper disease via lower method. Fearing the uncle would refuse such strong medicine for a pure-Yang child, leaving no treatment, I reluctantly devised an excuse: "Wheezing for many days means Lung is deficient. Deficiency requires tonifying the Mother, which is normal principle. Use over one qian of Ren Shen (Ginseng, 人参) paired with Sheng Mai Yin (Pulse-Generating Drink) as decoction, dissolving one large pill of Qi Pi Wan (Spleen-Initiating Pill). Should gradually improve." I hurried back to residence, using Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) pounded into large pills instead. After taking it, wheezing decreased daily. By four or five days, wheezing completely subsided, spirit doubled. Uncle happily asked for my Qi Pi Wan (Spleen-Initiating Pill) prescription. I smiled silently. Pressed harder, I reluctantly told him. Uncle was shocked, then said: "If it is Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill), we have some stored at home. Can we use it?" I said: "Same prescription, same potency, why not?" So, daily, one qian five fen of Sheng Mai Yin (Pulse-Generating Drink) was used to dissolve it. Like this for two months, fontanel and skull sutures grew completely filled. At that time, the second grandson suffered diarrhea for half a year, muscles emaciated. Spleen-Stomach medicines tried in vain. Let me examine. I said: "Chronic dysentery implies Spleen-Stomach Middle Qi is deficient, and Kidney Lower Yuan is even more deficient. The function of closure and storage has failed. Should treat Kidney rather than Spleen." Also used Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill), with Ren Shen (Ginseng, 人参) and roasted old rice, decocted together, dissolved in the soup, expecting self-recovery. Fortunately, he followed my advice. Taking according to method, recovered in less than a month. It can be seen that drug guides (Yin Zi, 引子) cannot be ignored. Same Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill): one uses Sheng Mai Yin (Pulse-Generating Drink) to guide to Metal and Wood organs, generating Yin; one uses Ren Shen (Ginseng, 人参) and old rice soup to guide to Spleen and Kidney, generating Yang. Effects differ greatly. Thus: "Guide," ancients named based on meaning. Why do moderns ignore names and meanings?

Langzhong (Director) Wang of the Ministry of Justice suffered severe Hernia Pain (Shan Tong, 疝痛). Palpating his left pulse: three positions were wiry, surging, and rapid, indicating severe Yin insufficiency. Right Guan and Chi pulses were surging and large, forceful upon deep pressure, indicating excessive rich food, alcohol, and dampness. Sexual fatigue depleted True Water. Allowing Damp-Heat to flow downward, Wood lost nourishment, sinews lost prosperity. Damp-Heat attacked internally, Cold-Yin obstructed externally, stimulating郁遏 (stagnant) Fire of Wood nature, causing unbearable pain and distension. I used Er liang of Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root, 熟地黄), Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Fruit, 山茱萸) and Shan Yao (Dioscorea Rhizome, 山药) each two qian to nourish Liver and Kidney. Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex, 牡丹皮) three qian, Fu Ling (Poria, 茯苓) two qian, Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome, 泽泻) one qian five fen to drain Damp-Heat. Ju He (Tangerine Seed, 橘核) three qian to soothe Wood stagnation. Zhi Fu Zi (Processed Aconite Root, 制附子) one qian five fen, stir-fried with salt wine until brown. Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark, 黄柏) one qian two fen, making cold herbs guides for hot herbs. Thus, external Cold scattered, internal Heat removed, True Water generated, Thunder Fire extinguished, pain and distension healed.

The abdomen of the human body is warm and neutral. Food enters and transforms, Clear rises, Turbid descends, Qi and Blood harmonize, hundred vessels regulate smoothly, achieving longevity relies on this single point of Yuan Yang (Primal Yang) in the Dantian driving transformation. Without this point of Yuan Yang (Primal Yang), the abdomen becomes cold, and humans cannot survive. Thus, contracting Cold or being struck by Cold reaching the interior indicates lack of Fire inside. Fire is Yuan Yang (Primal Yang). The book also states: "Immediately require warming and tonification, do not delay slightly," showing that once Yuan Yang (Primal Yang) is deficient and External Cold gathers, the faint fire must be urgently warmed and tonified to protect it, otherwise it is quickly extinguished by Yin Cold. Why do people today link "Wind-Cold" together, mistaking it for an Excess External Contraction syndrome? Starting with Acrid-Warm diaphoretics, then draining and opening, finally clearing with Cold-Cooling. Regardless of Yang-Wind or Yin-Cold, investigating neither Pathogenic vs. Healthy nor Excess vs. Deficiency, detailing not the true/false nature of Fire. Such treatment methods become habitual routines. Not only do ancients prepare medicines to protect health, but moderns use medicines to harm life. Truly lamentable. I treated Tang You of Zhangcheng Hao. Suddenly, left foot and left hand joints hurt, gradually becoming like knife-cutting, crying day and night. Then moved to right hand and right foot. Doctors used Wind-dispelling and Collateral-unblocking agents, fearing ineffectiveness. Seeing dry mouth and throat, mistakenly diagnosing Liu Huo (Flowing Fire), they administered Cold medicines. Fortunately, he vomited them out. Spirit weary, six pulses surging and wiry. Seeking my examination, I said: "Know that if nourishment in sinews and bones is sufficient, Blood naturally prospers in vessels, Qi naturally guards outside vessels. With strong pathogens, how can they penetrate deeply? Now, fat and marrow are insufficient, sinews and bones lose nourishment. Qi and Blood long deficient, Ying and Wei fail duties. Consider: Eyes see with Blood, palms grasp with Blood, feet walk with Blood. What part of the body does not rely on this Blood to perform its functions? Now lacking this Blood, all functions fail.任由 (Letting) Deficient Fire surge and scorch, the more painful, the higher Fire rises; the higher it rises, the worse the pain. Crying harms Qi, enduring pain harms Blood. Qi and Blood daily injured, inevitably leading to numbness and paralysis." Only strongly using Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root, 熟地黄), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root, 当归), and Bai Shao (White Peony Root, 白芍) as Blood-nourishing Sovereigns, with Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera Flower, 金银花) and Qin Jiao (Gentiana Macrophylla Root, 秦艽) as Moisten Wind Ministers, borrowing Wind momentum to deliver drug power to sinews and bones, assisted by Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root, 牛膝), Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root, 续断), Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark, 杜仲) to adjust sinews and bones enduring pain/injury, further using Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, 桂枝) and Song Jie (Pine Joint, 松节) as Guides to encourage drug properties moving horizontally in arms. Afterwards, pain decreased slightly, spirit daily fatigued, adding Ren Shen (Ginseng, 人参) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma, 白术) to solidify Middle and cultivate Origin. Regulating like this for half a month, symptoms gradually lightened, diet gradually advanced. Further instructed to take four or five qian of Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) with added Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root, 牛膝), Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark, 杜仲), Lu Rong (Deer Antler Velvet, 鹿茸), and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit, 五味子) in Sheng Mai Yin (Pulse-Generating Drink) every morning, continuing previous prescription at noon. Regulating for two months allowed walking. Later, using strong Qi-Blood tonifying and Sinew-Bone strengthening medicines completed the cure. Soon, Tang You's wife, due to day-night worry and labor, also suffered this syndrome. Six pulses deep and faint. Right hand and foot pain soon did not flow to left joints but attacked inner chest and epigastrium, stuffiness, nausea, unbearable pain. Knowing it was long-term internal injury, Cold pathogen not exteriorized but directly striking Yin divisions, urgent warming to protect is needed. Immediately used Ren Shen (Ginseng, 人参) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma, 白术) each five qian, Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark, 肉桂) and Fu Zi (Aconite Root, 附子) each two qian, decocted to one cup, slowly taken warm. Half-night, dregs taken again. Next morning diagnosis: six pulses slightly rose, chest pain and stuffiness reduced by more than half, body had slight heat. Left side had slight pain tendency. I said: "This is Yang Qi returning to exterior, Cold pathogen dispersing outward. Continue prescription." Internal symptoms gradually leveled, only limb joint pain remained, not severe. I still used Ren Shen (Ginseng, 人参) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma, 白术) as Sovereigns to tonify Middle, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root, 当归) and Bai Shao (White Peony Root, 白芍) as Ministers to nourish Blood, Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark, 杜仲), Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root, 续断), Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root, 牛膝), Qin Jiao (Gentiana Macrophylla Root, 秦艽), and Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, 桂枝) as Assistants and Envoys to exteriorly reach, soothe sinews, and activate collaterals. Regulating like this, recovered in less than a month. Thus seeking in ancient prescriptions. Gout only has Wu Bi (Five Obstructions): Pi Bi (Skin Obstruction), Mai Bi (Vessel Obstruction), Ji Bi (Muscle Obstruction), Gu Bi (Bone Obstruction), Jin Bi (Sinew Obstruction). Never heard of Zang-Fu Obstruction. Little do they know, *Jing* (Classic) says: "Cold Qi prevailing causes Pain Obstruction." Also: "Remaining between sinews and bones causes long pain; remaining in skin easily heals; entering Zang leads to death." Can one not be cautious!

Granddaughter of Shaonong (Minister of Agriculture) Wang, aged thirteen, suffered critically from urinary retention, seeking my treatment. It was early summer. Detailed inquiry revealed: between ages two and three, wet nurse feared bedwetting, strictly warned her. Thus, in dreams, urination became urgent, constantly in mind. For years, seven to eight times day, seven to eight times night, becoming habit. Gradually resembling strangury but not quite. Worsening yearly. Her maternal uncle knew medicine somewhat, administering Dao Chi San (Guide Out the Red Powder) and diuretics. Initially slight response, later worsened. Droplets blocked. Hence seeking treatment. Pulse: six positions surging and rapid, powerless upon long pressing. Realized dream anxiety and forced urination caused long-term Heart-Kidney deficiency. Plus constant diuretic use, True Yin further dried. Five Zang dried, how can body fluids generate? Though Qi transformation exists, only increasing bloating. I used Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) with Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber, 麦冬) and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit, 五味子), taking meaning of Autumn Qi descending and White Dew generating. Each dose heavily used Er liang of Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root, 熟地黄). Continued two doses, letting heavy/turbid substances nourish five Zang, laying foundation for urination. Then drank dregs to induce vomiting, taking advantage that opening upper orifice opens lower orifice. Indeed, urinated several times and recovered. Unexpectedly, lacking regulation, one month later in peak summer, symptoms recurred. Her grandfather used previous Di Huang Tang (Rehmannia Decoction)...