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For sudden onset of distension (Gu Zhang), Weiling Tang (Stomach Calming Decoction) should be used; for deficiency syndromes, one must know the efficacy of Shengzhu Qianfang (Holy Atractylodes Anterior Formula). If the disease originates from vomiting acid, Lianli Wan (Continuous Reason Pill) is miraculous; Guigan Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang (Cinnamon Twig, Licorice, Ephedra, Aconite, and Asarum Decoction) is also an excellent prescription.

The etiology of Gu distension has few specific formulas; one must seek guidance in the Mountain-Wind Gu hexagram of the *I Ching* (Book of Changes). "Gen" signifies stillness; if stomach Qi only stops and fails to transform, its function will become derelict. "Xun" signifies compliance; this condition requires stirring up Liver Wood Qi to break through the stagnation of Stomach Earth, which constitutes the correct treatment method. Quack doctors still claim that calming the Liver is the approach, which is lamentable. Understanding the mechanism of life requires proactive mobilization; one must realize that Great Qi is fundamentally vigorous. The state of "stopping" should be corrected by exertion; the state of "Xun" should be corrected by resoluteness. As stated in the *I Ching*, "Three days before Jia is Xin," meaning self-renewal; "Three days after Jia is Ding," meaning admonition. This is the way of treating Gu according to the *I Ching*. Today, physicians use Shenqi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill), a formula consisting entirely of quiet and soft substances, mixed with only a small amount of Cinnamon Twig and Aconite. How can the patient avoid death? Master Zhongjing's instruction regarding "a plate under the heart" details two methods: bitter and acrid. Qi is formless and should be dispersed with acrid flavors; Water has form and should be drained with bitter flavors. No specific formula is listed here to avoid revealing heavenly secrets or causing people to slight this path.

Hernia (Shan Qi) refers to swelling and pain of the testicles. Generally, it belongs to diseases of the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and Liver Meridian, though other meridians may also be involved. The names of the Seven Hernias need not be rigidly adhered to. Later scholars added the character "Qi" to "Shan," indicating that regulating Qi is the primary treatment. Use Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) as a decoction base, adding Xiao Hui Xiang (Fennel), Mu Xiang (Costus Root), Mu Tong (Akebia Stem), and Jin Ling Zi (Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit) as main herbs. If pain is severe, prevent ulceration by adding Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle Flower) as the sovereign herb, plus Ru Xiang (Olibanum) and Mo Yao (Myrrh) as assistants. If numbness occurs without pain, it may be a Yin hernia, which is difficult to treat. Years later, if the swelling rises like a measure or a bowl, add Tao Ren (Peach Seed), Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Root), Bi Bo (Long Pepper), Sha Shen (Glehnia Root), and Ji Li (Tribulus Fruit) to make honey pills, taken with salt water. This condition mostly belongs to cold qi stagnation, so it is classified under Cold Syndromes.

(Scriptural Meaning) *Su Wen: Gu Kong Lun* states: "Disease of the Ren Mai causes seven hernias in men and leukorrhea with masses in women. Disease of the Du Mai causes Qi to rush from the lower abdomen to the heart with pain, accompanied by inability to pass urine or stool, called Chong Hernia." *Su Wen: Chang Ci Jie Lun* states: "Disease located in the lower abdomen, abdominal pain with inability to pass urine or stool, is named Shan, caused by cold." *Su Wen: Jing Mai Pian* states: "Liver disease of the Foot-Jueyin meridian causes hernia in men and swelling of the lower abdomen in women. Diseases generated by the Liver include unsolidified stool diarrhea and Hu Hernia." *Su Wen: Yin Yang Bie Lun* states: "Disease of the Three Yang meridians presents with chills and fever, which transmits into hernia." *Su Wen: Xie Qi Zang Fu Bing Xing Pian* states: "Small Intestine disease causes lower abdominal pain, lumbar and spinal pain radiating to the testicles, and frequent urgency to defecate." *Su Wen: Da Qi Lun* states: "If the Kidney pulse is large, rapid, and deep, and the Liver pulse is large, rapid, and deep, both indicate hernia."