Library

In the treatment of Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome), cooling herbs are often used. However, observing Sun Wenyuan's treatment of Xiao Ke: the patient had clear, long-lasting urine with a sweet taste, and a fine and rapid pulse. Sun Wenyuan prescribed Shengqi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill) added with Guixin (Cinnamon Heart), Wuweizi (Schisandra Fruit), Lujiaojiao (Deer Antler Glue), and Yizhiren (Bitter Apricot Seed), after which the patient recovered. Lu Yangyu treated another case of Xiao Ke where the patient preferred hot drinks and disliked cold ones, suffered from constipation, had excessive urination especially at night, and presented with a floating pulse that was rapid, large, and deficient upon light pressure, becoming even more powerless upon deep pressure. Lu Yangyu prescribed Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia Root) added with Yizhiren, decocted and formed into pills using Ren Shen Jiao (Ginseng Glue) as a binder, after which the patient recovered. These methods originate from *Jin Gui Yao Lue* (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet). The principle is that Fire (Kidney Yang) deficiency fails to transform water; thus, for every dou of water drunk, a dou of urine is excreted. Whenever thirst is present with undigested water intake and polyuria, one should combine pulse diagnosis and symptoms to apply this method of treatment.

Zhong Shi (Food Stagnation) often presents with symptoms resembling Zhong Feng (Wind Stroke). Without a detailed inquiry into the cause, efficacy is difficult to achieve. A case in *Ming Yi Za Zhuo* (Miscellaneous Notes on Medicine by Famous Physicians) is worthy of emulation and is recorded below: A young man suddenly fell ill with an acute condition resembling wind stroke: he could not speak, could not recognize people, and his four limbs were immobile. Emergency administration of Suhexiang Wan (Styrax Pill) was ineffective. I happened to pass by and heard of this, so I inquired about the cause. He replied that he had just accompanied guests and consumed food and drink before suddenly falling ill. I then instructed him to decoct ginger and light salt water, drink it in large quantities to induce vomiting. After vomiting several bowls of food, he took Baizhu Chenpi Banxia Maiya Tang (Atractylodes Macrocephala, Tangerine Peel, Pinellia, and Malt Decoction) and recovered.

A gentry member in Huzhou was old but vigorous, with an appetite exceeding normal levels. During summer, someone gifted him a lavish meal, which he enjoyed heartily. The next day, the pork had spoiled; unwilling to discard it, he ate his fill, resulting in diarrhea caused by eating rotten food, leading to his death. This observation reveals that even strong stomach qi in the elderly cannot withstand overeating, confirming the sage's teaching: "Do not eat meat that has spoiled." This is indeed a way of preserving health. In my youth, writing after meals never caused food stagnation, but since middle age, I have suffered from this ailment. During the holiday of the Ding Si year, I obtained several secret manuscripts and agreed on a date to return them. Upon eating during this period, Baohewan (Harmonizing Preservation Pill) and rice ash proved ineffective. I administered Lu Shi Runzi Wan (Lu's Moistening Pill) [Dahuang (Rhubarb Rhizome) 1 liang soaked in wine, dried, steamed until half-cooked; Zhi Banxia (Prepared Pinellia Tuber), Qianhu (Peucedani Radix), Shan Zha Rou (Hawthorn Flesh), Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root), Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange), Binglang (Areca Seed) each 2 qian 5 li; each herb slightly fried or dried and powdered; mixed with Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice) and Shenqu Paste to form pills the size of a loquat seed], after which I recovered. From then on, I dared not write after meals. (When I was taking Runzi Wan, Chen Zai'an visited. I told him of my illness and asked what medicine was suitable. Zai'an said: "Runzi Wan in *Sanshi Yiyan* (Three Generations of Medical Verification) is the most stable and effective." I said: "My opinion is exactly the same; I have already taken about 2 qian." Zai'an said: "It is safe to take another dose." Following his advice, my bowels moved freely.) Patients with Shang Shi (Food Injury) often experience fever and thirst, resembling external contraction. The method to distinguish it is as follows: Take 2 qian of Pinxiao (Mirabilite), wrap it securely in thick paper, bind it to the epigastrium, and lie quietly for a while. Open the paper to check; if the Mirabilite has become damp, it indicates Food Injury. For mild cases, this may aid digestion; for severe cases, the dampness will be more pronounced, and only then should digestive-resolving medicines be administered.