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Shan Qi (Hernia) diseases are attributed to the Jueyin Liver Meridian. The Classics state: When the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) is diseased, it manifests externally as seven types of Shan Qi (hernias), and in women, it presents with Dai Xia (leukorrhea) and Jia Ju (abdominal masses). Zhu Danxi specifically treats the Jueyin meridian because the Liver governs the sinews and is also responsible for pain.

Cold Shan Qi, Water Shan Qi, Sinew Shan Qi, Qi Shan Qi, and Blood Shan Qi require investigation into cold pathogens, water-dampness, and the movement of Qi and Blood.

Hu Shan Qi (Fox Hernia): The mass retracts into the abdomen when lying down, and protrudes out when standing. Another type of Shan Qi presents as a large mass, like a sheng or dou measure, which is hard, numb, and painless.

To treat Qi Shan Qi, refer to the advice of Zhang Jingyue. Zhang Jingyue stated: When referred to as "Qi Hernia," the pathology lies in Qi. Whether it involves Cold Qi, Heat Qi, Damp Qi, or Rebellious Qi, Qi-regulating herbs should be used concurrently.

Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) can be modified. *Bie Lu* records adding Chuan Lian Zi (Fructus Toosendan), Mu Tong (Akebiae Caulis), Ju He (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride), and Mu Xiang (Radix Aucklandiae) to this formula to treat various hernias universally.

Fennel preparations are highly regarded in medical circles. San Ceng Hui Xiang Wan (Three-Layer Fennel Pill) treats chronic hernias; even those lasting thirty years with masses as large as a basket can be dissipated.

If pain persists, washing or fumigation is necessary. For swelling of the yin and pain in the testicles, *Qian Jin Yi Fang* prescribes using Xiong Huang (Realgar), Fan Shi (Alumen), and Gan Cao (Licorice Root) boiled in water for external washing, yielding miraculous results.

The source of Tan Yin (Phlegm-Fluid) is abnormal Water-Qi. When Water-Qi rebels upward and is scorched by Yang heat, it becomes thick and forms Tan (Phlegm); when condensed by Yin cold, it becomes thin and forms Yin (Fluid). However, water returns to the Kidney and is controlled by the Spleen; therefore, treatment must focus on the Spleen and Kidney.

Treatment distinguishes between Dryness and Dampness. Fragmented theories in prescription books should not be heeded. One should distinguish primarily by Dryness and Dampness: Dry Phlegm suits moistening the Lung, while Damp Phlegm suits warming the Spleen; this is the essential method. Refer to chapters on Xu Lao (Consumptive Disease) and Ke Sou (Cough). For old phlegm, Wang Jiezai's Hua Tan Wan (Phlegm-Resolving Pill) is suitable; for strange symptoms caused by excess phlegm, Gun Tan Wan (Rolling Phlegm Pill) and similar formulas are appropriate.

There are four names for Yin (Fluid), which require careful consideration. *Jin Gui Yao Lue* states: A person who was previously robust but is now emaciated, with water flowing between the intestines making a gurgling sound, is called Tan Yin (Phlegm-Fluid). Note: This corresponds to current chronic cough with phlegm and wheezing. After drinking, if water flows and stagnates under the hypochondrium, causing pain upon coughing and spitting, it is called Xuan Yin (Suspended Fluid). Note: This corresponds to current fluid retention with hypochondriac pain. If drinking water flows and accumulates in the four limbs, sweating should occur but does not, resulting in body ache and heaviness, it is called Yi Yin (Overflowing Fluid). Note: This corresponds to current Feng Shui (Wind Edema) and Shui Zhong (Edema). With coughing and rebellious Qi, shortness of breath preventing lying flat, and a swollen appearance, it is called Zhi Yin (Supporting Fluid). Note: This corresponds to current fluid retention with wheezing, fullness, and inability to lie flat. Furthermore, "Zhi" implies deviation from the center.

Consult the Five Zang organs and measure carefully. The four types of Yin do not exhaust all pathologies of fluid retention; whenever any of the Five Zang organs has a localized deficiency, fluid remains. The reason only Zang organs are mentioned, excluding Fu organs, is that Fu organs belong to Yang, and disease in the Fu organs tends to disperse. *Jin Gui* says: Water in the Heart causes hardness and palpitations below the epigastrium, shortness of breath, aversion to water, and reluctance to drink. Water in the Lung causes expectoration of saliva and foam, with a desire to drink. Water in the Spleen causes Qi deficiency and bodily heaviness. Water in the Liver causes distension and fullness under the hypochondrium, with pain upon sneezing. Water in the Kidney causes palpitations below the heart.

Tonification and Purging depend on strength. Whether to tonify, purge, or harmonize depends on the condition of the disease and the patient's constitutional strength.

Sixteen formulas are listed, each precise: Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes Macrocephala, and Licorice Decoction), Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill), Gan Sui Ban Xia Tang (Kansui and Pinellia Decoction), Shi Zao Tang (Ten Jujube Date Decoction), Da Qing Long Tang (Major Green Dragon Decoction), Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Green Dragon Decoction), Mu Fang Ji Tang (Stephania Tetrandra Decoction), Mu Fang Ji plus Fu Ling and Mang Xiao Tang, Ze Xie Tang (Alisma Decoction), Niu Po Da Huang Tang (Magnolia Bark and Rhubarb Decoction), Ting Li Da Zao Xie Fei Tang (Descurainia Seed and Jujube Decoction to Drain the Lung), Xiao Ban Xia Tang (Minor Pinellia Decoction), Ji Jiao Ting Li Wan (Prunella and Descurainia Pill), Xiao Ban Xia plus Fu Ling Tang, Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria), and Wai Tai Fu Ling Yin (External Treasury Poria Drink).

Warm herbs harmonize, returning from complexity to simplicity. *Jin Gui* states: For patients with Tan Yin, warm herbs should be used to harmonize. Suddenly revealing these four characters, "Warm Herbs Harmonize," is the golden needle of treatment. Since Tan Yin is a water disease, returning to the Kidney and controlled by the Spleen; to make water flow within the earth and return to its channel, one must use warm herbs to transform Qi; to prevent water from overflowing and build dikes, one must use warm herbs to tonify the Spleen. Formulas like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, Shen Qi Wan, Xiao Ban Xia Tang, and Wu Ling San are all warm herbs. Even the ten jujube dates in Shi Zao Tang, the half-sheng of white honey in Gan Sui Ban Xia Tang, the Ginseng and Cinnamon Twig in Mu Fang Ji Tang, and the jujube dates in Ting Li Tang, all imply mildness and harmony. Methods of purging are merely temporary expedients, and the principle of warm herbs cannot be abandoned throughout.

Dark clouds are removed by scorching sunlight. Yin (Fluid) is a Yin pathogen; it requires the sun (Yang Qi) to shine brightly so that the group of Yins can retreat. I often achieve efficacy using formulas containing Ginseng, Poria, Atractylodes, Aconite, plus ginger juice.

Moistening flow is an error of contemporary physicians. If herbs like Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit) are mixed into prescriptions to harmonize Yin, dark clouds will rebel and rage, and Yin pathogens will rise uncontrollably, beyond rescue. Even Shen Qi Wan should be used with caution.

Zhen Wu Tang (True Warrior Decoction) guides water back to its reservoir. In this formula, the bland nature of Fu Ling (Poria) guides it, the drying nature of Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala) controls it, the acrid nature of Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) moves it, the bitter nature of Bai Shao (White Peony Root) drains it, and with the guidance of Fu Zi (Aconite Root) from its own classic text, it leads the water back to its reservoir.

Bai San Fang (White Powder Formula) reveals the secret key. The subtlety of Bai San in *San Yin Fang* is explained in detail by Yu Jiayan. It appears in *Yi Men Fa Lv · Zhong Feng Men*.