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Wind, Bi (Obstruction), and Wei (Flaccidity) are three distinct syndromes. In recent times, physicians have failed to distinguish them, treating them interchangeably, which has caused significant harm. Here, they are specifically differentiated.

Wind syndrome is characterized by wandering pain in the limbs and joints. It is called "Zei Feng" (Thief Wind) in the *Nei Jing* (Inner Canon), later referred to as "Tong Feng" (Gout), or "Bai Hu Li Jie Feng" (White Tiger Joint Pain). Its location (exterior or interior), nature (cold or heat), and condition (deficiency or excess) should be diagnosed based on pulse and symptoms for appropriate herbal prescription. For chronic pain that inevitably penetrates the collaterals, herbs such as *Akebiae Caulis* (Mutong), *Tribuli Fructus* (Ciji Li), *Carthami Flos* (Hong Hua), *Lonicerae Japonicae Flos* (Jinyinhua), and *Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis* (Gouteng) are most effective at unblocking the collaterals and can be added as appropriate. Chronic pain often involves Qi stagnation; stagnation generates heat, and excessive heat produces phlegm. Herbs such as *Arisaematis Rhizoma Praeparatum* (Nanxing), *Pinelliae Rhizoma* (Banxia), *Trichosanthis Radix* (Gualou Gen), *Phellodendri Cortex* (Huangbai), *Curcumae Radix* (Yujin), *Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus* (Chuanbei), *Bambusae Succus* (Zhuli), and *Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens* (Jiangzhi) can all resolve stagnation, clear heat, and transform phlegm, and may be added as appropriate. The frequent use of *Mori Ramulus* (Sangzhi) and *Taxilli Herba* (Sangjisheng) is because mulberry is considered the essence of the Ji Star; the frequent use of *Ossis Tigris* (Hugu) is based on the saying "wind comes from the tiger," and also follows the principle of using bone to treat bone. If treatments using *Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata* (Wutou), *Aconiti Radix* (Fuzi), *Asari Radix* (Xixin), and *Cinnamomi Ramulus* (Guizhi) are ineffective, it is suitable to prepare a paste using *Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma* (Weirui/Yuzhu), *Ophiopogonis Radix* (Maidong), *Mori Folium* (Sangye), *Sesami Fructus Nigrum* (Zhima), *Rehmanniae Radix* (Shengdi), *Chrysanthemi Flos* (Juhua), *Tribuli Fructus* (Jili), *Ecoris Asini Colla* (Ejiao), and *Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma* (Gancao) to nourish the Yangming channel. This is also a method of moistening and softening to extinguish Liver wind.

Bi syndrome means obstruction. When Wind, Cold, and Dampness combine, they form Bi syndrome, which resembles gout. However, Wind typically affects the Yang aspects, while Bi affects the Yin aspects. Although Xing Bi (Wandering Bi) is attributed to Wind, Tong Bi (Painful Bi) to Cold, and Zhuo Bi (Fixed Bi) to Dampness, when these three pathogens combine, Cold and Dampness are primarily dominant. This is because Wind is a Yang pathogen, whereas Cold and Dampness are Yin pathogens. Yin governs closure; closure leads to heaviness, fixed location, and deep pain. Thus, Bi syndrome essentially involves Cold and Dampness, and Cold-Dampness must necessarily involve Wind. Cold combined with Wind is called "Feng Han"; Dampness combined with Wind is called "Feng Shi." This refers to the mixing of the three pathogens. The *Nei Jing* states: "In the Yang, it is named Wind; in the Yin, it is named Bi." Using this distinction prevents the confusion of treatments for these two syndromes.

Regarding treatment methods, the main formulas include San Bi Tang and Zhang Jingyue's San Qi Yin. Other classical formulas such as Huangqi Wuwu Tang, Huangqi Fangji Tang, Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Tang, and Wutou Tang are ancient classic prescriptions and should be selected appropriately. Zhang Jingyue stated: "One should only vigorously tonify True Yin and unblock the collaterals to allow Qi and Blood to circulate freely. One must not overuse wind-dispelling drugs, which would further injure Yin and inevitably exacerbate the disease." If it involves Chest Bi, Bladder Bi, or Zang-Fu Bi, a separate category should be established for clarity. *Yi Men Fa Lü* distinguishes these in detail, and one should study it thoroughly.

Wei syndrome is characterized by flaccid weakness in both legs without pain. The *Nei Jing* divides it into five Zang organs: Lung Wei corresponds to skin/hair Wei; Heart Wei corresponds to vessel Wei; Liver Wei corresponds to tendon Wei; Spleen Wei corresponds to muscle Wei; Kidney Wei corresponds to bone Wei. The key principle lies in exclusively treating the Yangming channel. Yangming is the sea of the five Zang and six Fu organs and governs the nourishment of the Zong Jin (major tendons). The Zong Jin binds the bones and facilitates joint movement. If Yangming is deficient and cannot receive and distribute the Qi of water and grain, the five Zang organs will lack nourishment, the Zong Jin will not be sustained, and Wei syndrome will arise. Physicians who do not understand this may mistakenly prescribe Wind-dispelling herbs like *Zingiberis Rhizoma* (Jiang) and *Angelicae Dahuricae Radix* (Duhuo); Fire will intensify with the wind. They may mistakenly prescribe *Aconiti Radix* (Wutou/Fuzi) which depletes Yin; Yin will perish rapidly. It must be known that this syndrome does not involve Cold; one should follow Zhang Zihe’s conclusion as definitive. Using methods for gout such as San Bi steaming or moxibustion/fire therapy will immediately lead to danger. Regarding prescription treatment, Hujian Wan and Ji Jian Sijin Wan are the main formulas. For chronic Wei syndrome, Liu Junzi Tang with Huangbai, Cangzhu, Zhuli, and Jiangzhi can be taken intermittently. Individuals who are dark-skinned and thin often have Blood deficiency with dryness; Er Miao Dihuang Wan can be taken intermittently. Individuals who are fat and fair-complexioned often have Qi deficiency with Phlegm; Danggui Buxue Tang with Zhuli and Jiangzhi can be taken intermittently. One must absolutely avoid taking acrid-warm drugs. Some may ask: Since acrid-warm drugs are contraindicated, why did Zhang Shiwenn say that for elderly patients with Wei and Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities), Hujian Wan was ineffective, but adding a small amount of Fuzi resulted in immediate cure? It is unknown that this method borrows the acrid-warm power of Fuzi to open up the meridians and tunnels; it was originally not intended for Kidney deficiency-cold.