Library

After the initial recovery from illness, the Zang-Fu organs (internal organs) and Qi-Blood (vital energy and blood) are all deficient, Ying-Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi) have not yet circulated smoothly, and the intestines and stomach have not harmonized. At this stage, one should rest quietly and consume only plain white rice porridge. If overeating occurs, the weak stomach will struggle to digest it, leading to a recurrence of irritability and heat, termed "Food Relapse" (Shi Fu). If excessive physical exertion leads to a recurrence of irritability and heat, it is termed "Labor Relapse" (Lao Fu). For Labor Relapse, Zhishi Zhizi Chi Tang (Immature Bitter Orange, Gardenia, and Fermented Soybean Decoction) should be used to induce sweating. For Food Relapse, Zhishi Zhizi Chi Tang combined with Dahuang (Rhubarb Root) should be used to promote purgation. In cases of relapse, if the pulse is floating and exterior symptoms are present, Zhishi Zhizi Chi Tang should be used to resolve via sweating. If the pulse is deep and interior symptoms are present, Zhishi Zhizi Chi Tang combined with Dahuang should be used to resolve via purgation. If there are neither exterior nor interior symptoms, Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) should be used for harmonization. If symptoms include dry mouth, irritability, thirst, and a desire to vomit, Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) is indicated. If the labor relapse is caused by internal injury and Qi deficiency, Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) is indicated. If Yin deficiency results from sexual activity, Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) is indicated; if Qi is notably deficient, Renshen (Ginseng Root) should be doubled in the prescription.

When men or women engage in sexual intercourse shortly after recovering from illness, causing the disease to recur, it is called "Sexual Labor Relapse" (Fang Lao Fu). When a man and a woman, both recently recovered, engage in intercourse, and the disease transmits from the sick male to the healthy female, or from the sick female to the healthy male, it is called "Yin-Yang Exchange" (Yin Yang Yi), implying an exchange of pathogenic factors. For those afflicted with this condition, the crotch portion of the female's underwear is taken for males, and the crotch portion of the male's underwear is taken for females. These are burned to ash and administered orally three times daily with warm water or wine to effect a cure. Symptoms include acute pain in the lower abdomen radiating to the genitalia, heaviness of the body, shortness of breath, dizziness and vertigo, spasticity of the four limbs, and a sensation of hot qi rushing to the chest.

In diseases prone to recovery, observing the Spirit (Shen) reveals clarity; observing the complexion reveals luster; observing the voice reveals longevity and strength; observing the body reveals lightness; observing the skin reveals moisture; observing the pulse reveals harmony. These constitute a set of vital signs indicating life rather than death. If such vital signs are present, but suddenly the patient experiences lockjaw, inability to speak, worsening irritability, and a hidden or imperceptible pulse at all six positions, careful observation is required. This is not a transformation into a critical condition, but rather a sign of the struggle between Healthy Qi (Zheng Qi) and Pathogenic Factors (Xie Qi), heralding a "Chill-Sweat" (Zhan Han) reaction, which is an omen of impending recovery. In patients with Shanghan (Cold Damage) who experience thirst, it is mostly a Yang syndrome that is easy to cure. If they suddenly drink more than double their usual amount, and the fluid dissipates quickly without stagnation, it indicates that sweat is brewing and the disease will resolve through perspiration. Patients with Shanghan often lack appetite; if they suddenly regain the ability to eat and the pulse becomes floating, it indicates that Stomach Qi has harmonized, the pathogen has returned to the exterior, and resolution is occurring. If resolution does not occur immediately, it is because Yin and Yang have not yet found their proper timing. If onset occurs at Zi hour (11 PM - 1 AM), resolution will definitely occur at Wu hour (11 AM - 1 PM), as Yang nourishes Yin to bring about resolution. If onset occurs at Wu hour, resolution will definitely occur at Zi hour, as Yin transforms following Yang to bring about resolution.