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The alternating chills and fever occur at regular intervals; the formation of malaria (Nüe, 疟疾) is primarily governed by the Shaoyang channel (Shaoyang Jing, 少阳经). If heat predominates due to hyperactive Yang, the pathogenic factor tends to involve the Stomach (this indicates a concurrent Shaoyang and Yangming syndrome, characterized by more heat than cold, or only heat without chills); if cold predominates due to excess Yin, the pathology belongs to the Spleen (this indicates a concurrent Shaoyang and Taiyin syndrome, characterized by more cold than heat, or only cold without fever). Initial treatment should employ Erchen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction) combined with Pingwei San (Stomach-Pacifying Powder) to resolve phlegm and dry dampness, while concluding treatment should utilize Liujunzi Tang (Six-Gentlemen Decoction) or Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) to strengthen the Spleen and augment Qi. Furthermore, it is reported that Shengqi Wan (Kidney-Qi Pill) is highly effective (for Three-Yin malaria occurring every three days, specifically at dawn, taking Shengqi Wan with ginger decoction may yield results over three months); decocting dried ginger (Shengjiang, 生姜) together with Atractylodes macrocephala Rhizome (Baizhu, 白术) yields even more remarkable effects.

The etiology of plague-like diseases (Wenyi, 瘟疫) follows two main pathways: The first enters via the channels and collaterals; its differentiation and treatment are identical to those for common colds (Ganmao, 感冒), making Ren Shen Bai Du San (Ginseng and Imperata Decoction) suitable. Covering the patient to induce slight sweating allows pathogens entering via the channels to exit through them. The second enters via the mouth and nose; one person's illness can infect an entire family, village, or town. Symptoms include fever, headache, thirst, chest fullness, and frequent vomiting of yellow saliva. Huoxiang Zhengqi San (Patchouli and Magnolia Bark Decoction) is appropriate, with the therapeutic principle centered on "pungent-aromatic resolution of foulness," allowing pathogens entering via the mouth and nose to exit through them. If these treatments fail, the pathogen transmits inward. For symptoms of high fever, intense thirst, and spontaneous sweating, Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) is used to clear heat. For delirium and constipation, Sanyi Chengqi Tang (Three-One Cathartic Decoction) is used to purge accumulation. If both exterior and interior pathogens are excess patterns, presenting with neither sweating nor bowel movement, Fangfeng Tongsheng San (Saposhnikovia and Gardenia Decoction) is indicated, where diaphoretic and purgative methods act synergistically in a single dose. If the disease persists beyond seven days—marking the completion of one cycle—or if the patient has a congenital deficiency, intermittent use of Liuwei Dihuang Tang (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Decoction), Siwu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction) added with Ginseng (Renshen, 人参), and Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen, 玄参) is recommended for tonification. This aligns roughly with Shanghan (Cold Damage) treatment principles, except that in this condition, survival depends on achieving profuse sweating or shivering sweat on the seventh day; absence of sweat implies death. If sweating does not reach the feet, wait seven days to induce sweating again. Life and death depend on sweating, hence it is categorized under exterior syndromes.

(Interpretation of Classic Texts)
Plague is not caused by the infection of abnormal qi. *Jinkui Zhenyan* states: "Essence is the root of the body; therefore, those who preserve their essence will not suffer from warm diseases in spring." *Suwen Buyi Zhifa Lun* states: "When the five plagues arrive, they cause mutual infection; regardless of age, the symptoms are identical." This refers to epidemics corresponding to the Five Elements (Water, Metal, Wood, Earth, Fire), commonly known as the "Five Plagues." Generally, these are contagious. Physicians should apply powdered Realgar (Xionghuang, 雄黄) inside the nostrils. When moving, enter from beside the guest's seat. Note that men emit foul qi from the mouth when ill, while women emit it from the genitalia; thus, one must be mindful of orientation during sitting, standing, and conversation.