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Tongfeng (Gout) is characterized by pain throughout the body, which decreases during the day and worsens at night. The pain penetrates deep into the sinews and bones, resembling the sensation of being bitten by a tiger. Hence, it is also known as "White Tiger Li Jie Feng" (White Tiger Joint Pain Wind). Some cases present with pain but no swelling, while others present with both swelling and pain. There may be red spots on the head or fingers swollen as if beaten. All these conditions are caused by blood deficiency and excessive fire in the Liver channel, where extreme heat generates wind; this is not due to exogenous wind pathogens. Many ancient and modern medical texts attribute it to wind-dampness, a view that is doubtful, erroneous, and misleading, causing significant harm to people. It was only after Mr. Yuan Ti'an appeared in the Ming Dynasty that these errors were corrected and the principles elucidated. It was then understood that Tongfeng results from wind-heat and dryness of the blood. He formulated the Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder), instructing patients to take it continuously for one hundred doses. Those who do not complete the full course often develop Lifeng (Leprosy) later. This has been repeatedly verified and proven effective. Those with insight should treasure it. (Note: Mr. Yuan's work Xin Chuan lacks printed editions and exists only in circulated manuscripts with many transcription errors, yet its famous sayings greatly enlighten junior practitioners.)

Jiajian Xiaoyao San (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer Powder)
Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Ganju (Chrysanthemi Indici Flos), Danpi (Moutan Cortex).

Laoluan (Exhaustion from Overwork) occurs after running or strenuous labor, presenting with aversion to cold and fever, with a wiry and rapid pulse, resembling wind-cold patterns. However, there must be a history of overwork at the onset, which allows for differentiation. If wind-cold is contracted following overwork, differentiation becomes extremely difficult. Nevertheless, for those suffering from pure overwork, sweating and resolution typically occur naturally within about a week. If symptoms persist for four to five days without relief, it indicates wind-cold pathogen. The treatment method involves first using Qingwei Sanhuo Tang (Stomach-Clearing Fire-Scattering Decoction) to address the superficial pathogenic factors, followed by Jiawei Dihuang Tang (Modified Rehmannia Pill) to nourish the root cause. Excess fire necessarily stems from insufficiency of water. Young people contracting this condition often develop Xulao (Deficiency Consumption) later, so careful observation is essential. After clearing heat and dispersing pathogens, if the pulse becomes deep, fine, and slow, or surging and forceless, the treatment should focus on tonifying Qi and nourishing Blood, which falls outside the scope of Dihuang Wan (Rehmannia Pill). Li Dongyuan stated that for diseases of overwork, when the pulse is surging, deficient, and not long, sweet-warm tonification should be used. However, if fire is present at the onset, sudden tonification is contraindicated; one must first clear heat and strengthen the Spleen before considering tonification. (This clarifies the rationale for sequential medication use, explaining each point in detail.)

Qingwei Sanhuo Tang
Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Gange (Puerariae Lobatae Radix).