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The Six Channels (Liu Jing) refer to Taiyang, Yangming, Shaoyang, Taiyin, Shaoyin, and Jueyin. The Three Yang channels (Taiyang, Yangming, Shaoyang) each have their respective meridians and fu organs, while the Three Yin channels (Taiyin, Shaoyin, Jueyin) involve transmission and direct invasion.

Where there is a Taiyang meridian, there is a Taiyang fu organ, which is the Bladder. Where there is a Yangming meridian, there is a Yangming fu organ, which is the Stomach. Where there is a Shaoyang meridian, there is a Shaoyang fu organ, which is the Gallbladder. However, the Gallbladder is a pure and clear fu organ without pathways for entry and exit; therefore, its treatment method is the same as that of the meridians.

In the Three Yin channels, there is transmission from channel to channel, where pathogenic factors transmit from the Three Yang to the Three Yin; this involves heat pathogens. There is also direct invasion, where the disease begins not by transmitting from the Yang meridians but directly invading the Three Yin; this involves cold pathogens. These several types constitute the outline for recognizing syndromes in Cold Damage (Shanghan).

When Taiyang meridian disease presents with headache, fever, stiffness of the neck and spine, body pain, nasal congestion with roaring sound, dry retching, aversion to wind, spontaneous sweating, and a floating and moderate pulse, it is named Wind Strike syndrome (Zhongfeng). It is suitable to use the muscle-releasing method, with Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) as the principal formula. If all the aforementioned symptoms are present, but characterized by aversion to cold, absence of sweating, a floating and tight pulse, or accompanied by wheezing and coughing, it is named Cold Damage syndrome (Shanghan). It is suitable to use the exterior-releasing method, with Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) as the principal formula.

Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig, peeled, 1.5 qian), Shaoyao (Peony Root, 1.5 qian), Gancao (Licorice Root, honey-fried, 1 qian), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger, 1.5 qian), Dazao (Jujube, pitted, four pieces).
The above five ingredients are crushed. Boil in four zhong of water over gentle heat until two and a half zhong remain. Strain and take warm. Shortly after ingestion, drink several sheng of thin porridge to assist the medicinal power. Cover with warmth for about one hour until a slight sweat appears over the whole body, which is optimal. Do not allow profuse sweating like flowing water, otherwise the disease will certainly not be eliminated. If sweating occurs after one dose and the illness resolves, stop taking subsequent doses. If no sweating occurs, administer another dose according to the previous method. If the condition is severe, observe continuously for a day and night; if symptoms persist, administer up to two or three doses. Avoid raw/cold foods, sticky/slippery foods, meat, wheat products, five pungent spices, alcohol, and dairy products.

This formula is unsuitable for the Southeast region and is more appropriate for the Northwest. People in the Northwest possess robust constitutions and are exposed to strong winds; thus, this medicine is necessary to open and unblock the exterior. It is indeed the specific remedy for standard Cold Damage in winter. In the Southeast, however, it should not be used lightly. For those with weak constitutions and weak pulses, using it may cause concern regarding excessive sweating leading to the collapse of Yang (Wangyang).

Mahuang (Ephedra Stem, nodes removed, 4 qian), Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig, peeled, 2 qian), Gancao (Licorice Root, honey-fried, 1 qian), Xingren (Apricot Seed, soaked, skin and tips removed, twelve pieces).
The above four ingredients are boiled in four zhong of water. First, boil Mahuang alone until the volume decreases by one zhong, then remove the foam on the surface. Add the remaining herbs and boil until two zhong remain. Strain and take warm. Induce a slight sweat. Porridge is not required. The remainder follows the method of Guizhi Tang.