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Treat pain in the limbs caused by cold exposure, or numbness and loss of sensation due to congealed cold obstructing the blood vessels.
Fresh Ginger Juice (1 jin) / Colla Corii Asini (Si Miao Shui Jiao, 4 liang)
Boil these two ingredients together into a thin paste, spread it on cloth, and apply it to the affected area. Change once every ten days. This application can cure limb pain caused by cold exposure, as well as muscle numbness and loss of sensation caused by cold. Even for bone and joint pain or muscle numbness caused by wind exposure, this application can also be curative. However, it is absolutely contraindicated for cases involving hot swelling and pain.
This is because such conditions do not involve internal organ pathology and are originally suitable for external treatment. The pungency of fresh ginger promotes circulation and disperses; its heat can dissipate cold. Thus, it can warm the muscles, penetrate deeply into the bones and sinews, eliminate congealed cold and stubborn chill, and cause symptoms to disperse like melting ice. Colla Corii Asini is used for its sticky and viscous properties, which allow it to be boiled into a paste. If the condition is caused by wind, it is recommended to mix fine powder of Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) into the plaster, or mix other potent wind-dispelling herbs into it, which would yield faster results.
A person felt coldness in the lateral aspect of their right leg after sleeping on a cold kang (heated brick bed), accompanied by occasional pain. Various treatments were ineffective. Upon using this formula applied externally, they were completely cured after twenty days.
Another person frequently fished in cold water and was injured by it. The area from the knees downward, submerged in water, became numb, insensitive to scratching regarding pain or itchiness, and gradually felt weak in movement. Upon using this formula, wrapping the medicated plaster around the legs with long strips of cloth, and applying it to the dorsum and sole of the feet, they were cured after several changes.

Treat Ge Syndrome (Dysphagia/Regurgitation) (For methods treating stomach diseases, dysphagia, and regurgitation, please refer to relevant chapters).
Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix, 6 qian) / Tianmendong (Asparagi Radix, 4 qian) / Sheng Zhe shi (Raw Ochre, 8 qian, crushed) / Qing Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum, 3 qian) / Dan Congrong (Cistanches Herba, 4 qian) / Zhi mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, 5 qian)
Danggui Shen (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, body part, 3 qian) / Shishuang Bing (Persimmon Frost Cake, 5 qian, dissolve slowly in mouth after taking medicine and swallow)
The human body, from the Feimen (mouth/lips) at the top to the Pomen (anus) at the bottom, is governed and sustained by one Qi. Therefore, if the Middle Qi is abundant, the Benmen (upper opening of the stomach) will expand, naturally accepting food and drink, and allowing them to pass down through the Youmen (lower opening of the stomach) to the small and large intestines, exiting as urine and feces. How could disease arise? If Middle Qi is deficient and exhausted, unable to support and suspend internally, the Benmen will shrink, causing the Youmen, small intestine, and large intestine to contract as well. In severe cases of Ge syndrome, stool resembles sheep droppings; this is not only due to fluid deficiency but also because the intestines are narrowed. Moreover, when Middle Qi is weak, Stomach Qi cannot descend continuously, causing Chong Qi to rise vacuously and interfere upwards. Phlegm-fluids then follow the rebellious Qi upward, congesting the Benmen. At this time, the Benmen has shrunk like an lotus root hole, and with rebellious Qi and phlegm-fluids congesting it, how can it accept food and drink to descend? Therefore, treating this syndrome should focus primarily on greatly tonifying Middle Qi, represented by Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) in the formula. Descending rebellion and calming Chong Qi serves as the assistant, while clearing phlegm and regulating Qi serves as the guide, represented by Zhe shi (Ochre), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), and Shishuang (Persimmon Frost) in the formula. Fearing that Renshen is hot and Banxia is drying, Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Tianmen dong (Asparagi Radix), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), and Shishuang (Persimmon Frost) are added to clear heat, moisten dryness, generate fluids, and nourish blood. Congrong (Cistanches Herba) is used because it tonifies the Kidney; tonifying the Kidney helps constrain Chong Qi. When Chong Qi does not rush upward, Stomach Qi descends easily. Furthermore, patients with this condition often suffer from difficult defecation. The combination of Congrong (Cistanches Herba), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), and Zhe shi (Ochre) has excellent effects in moistening the bowels and unblocking constipation. If there is no significant effect after several doses, it may be due to blood stasis in the Benmen; in this case, add Sanleng (Sparganii Rhizoma) and Taoren (Pruni Semen), each 2 qian.
Zhang Zhongjing’s *Shanghan Lun* contains Xuanfu Daizhe Shi Tang, originally used to treat post-sweating, post-emetic, or post-purgative stages of Cold Damage, characterized by epigastric fullness and hardness, and persistent belching. Zhou Yangjun and Yu Jiayan both considered it very effective for treating Ge syndrome. My proposed formula uses a heavy dose of Zhe shi (Ochre) and excludes Xuanfuhua (Inulae Flos) because *Shennong Bencao Jing* states Xuanfuhua tastes salty, whereas current market varieties taste bitter and unsalty, showing little efficacy. Only in Wudi Tai village in my county, where Emperor Wu of Han built a terrace to view the sea, is the soil saline. The Xuanfuhua (Inulae Flos) produced there is nearly double the size of market varieties. It tastes salty and slightly pungent, making it very effective for treating Ge syndrome.
Question: *Shennong Bencao Jing* does not mention Xuanfuhua being bitter or pungent. Since the bitter variety sold in pharmacies contradicts the text, does the pungent variety from Wudi Tai uniquely conform to it? Answer: Ancient texts were concise, often using mutual context to reveal meaning. *Shennong Bencao Jing*, being the first extant materia medica, is extremely concise. Thus, when reading it, if indications are incomplete, seek them in the flavors; if flavors are incomplete, seek them in the indications. *Shennong Bencao Jing* records Xuanfuhua treating Qi stagnation, hypochondriac fullness, palpitations, removing water retention, eliminating cold-heat between the five zang organs, and tonifying the middle while directing Qi downward. Repeatedly studying these indications reveals that Xuanfuhua is a key herb for pacifying the Liver and descending Qi. It should rely on its pungent flavor to subdue Liver Wood; thus, its flavor should be salty and slightly pungent, which is evident. Regarding bitterness, flavors that are bitter often induce vomiting, so Xuanfuhua should not possess this flavor. If the flavor is not excessively bitter, it can be酌情 (discretionarily) included.
An elderly man in his sixties suffered from Ge syndrome and sought my prescription. He stated he could still chew crisp foods carefully and swallow them slowly with soup, but any difficulty in swallowing led to vomiting and inability to eat further, bringing up phlegm-fluids during vomiting. His pulse was weak behind the Guan position and slippery-solid ahead of it, indicating congestion of phlegm-fluids in the Upper Jiao. I prescribed this decoction plus 2 qian of Xuanfuhua (Inulae Flos) produced in Wudi Tai village. After four doses, he was cured.
A forty-six-year-old man, addicted to gambling, neglected sleep and food. Initially, he felt Qi rushing up to the throat, gradually hindering eating, with occasional vomiting preventing downward passage. His pulse was wiry, long, and hard on both sides. This indicated Chong Qi carrying Stomach Qi rebelling upward. I treated him with this decoction, adding 2 qian of Xuanfuhua (Inulae Flos) from Wudi Tai and 4 qian of Sheng Qianshi (Euryales Semen) to descend and constrain the rebellious Qi. After ten doses, he was cured.
My clan aunt, fifty-six years old, initially felt obstruction to eating, which worsened until she could only consume thin porridge. Her pulse was wiry, thin, and powerless. She was frugal throughout her life, working hard mentally and physically. Her thin pulse resulted from poor diet leading to Qi and Blood deficiency; her wiry pulse resulted from excessive mental labor leading to abundant phlegm-fluids. Her two elder sisters died of the same disease; fearing she would share their fate, she was anxious. I confidently declared it treatable and administered this decoction with 2 qian of Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) and 3 qian of Longyanrou (Longan Aril). After more than ten doses, she was fully cured.
My cousin’s daughter, forty-eight years old, was constitutionally weak and prone to illness. Due to managing household affairs and excessive mental labor, she often suffered insomnia. In the summer of the Gui Mao year, she developed Ge syndrome. I was away, so other doctors treated her without success. Upon my return, her condition was severe. Her pulse was slightly slippery-solid but powerless upon deep pressure. I treated her with this decoction plus 5 qian of Longyanrou (Longan Aril). Symptoms improved after two doses, and she was fully cured after another ten-plus doses.
Old Mr. Xiao from Beizhen County, Fengtian, sixty-seven years old, had Ge syndrome untreated by other doctors. After five to six months, the condition worsened, making even drinking water difficult at times. He came to the clinic for treatment. His pulse was wiry, long, and forceful, especially on the right side. This indicated excessive Chong Qi rebellion forcing Stomach Qi not to descend. His stool was dry and difficult to pass, requiring laxatives. I prescribed Shen Zhe Pei Qi Tang, increasing Zhe shi (Ochre) to 1 liang. After several doses, eating smoothed out, and the pulse relaxed somewhat, though he felt phlegm-fluids blocking the stomach entrance. I added 3 qian of Qing Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum). After ten doses, eating was smooth, the pulse normalized, and defecation improved. I then halved the Zhe shi (Ochre) dose. After several more doses, he defecated twice daily. I removed Zhe shi (Ochre), Shishuang Bing (Persimmon Frost Cake), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), and Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), adding 3 qian of Yuzhu (Bletillae Rhizoma - *Note: Context implies Bai Zhu/Atractylodes based on 'Yu Zhu' typo in original or specific local usage, but standard interpretation of 'Yu Zhu' usually refers to Bletilla or Atractylodes macrocephala depending on dialect. Given 'Jian Yun Pi Wei', Bai Zhu is likely intended, but text says 'Yu Zhu'. I will stick to literal translation of entity 'Yu Zhu' or assume Bai Zhu if context strongly suggests. Actually, 'Yu Zhu' often refers to Bletilla striata, but here 'Jian Yun Pi Wei' suggests Spleen tonic. However, strictly following text: 'Yu Zhu'. Wait, looking at common typos, 'Yu Zhu' might be 'Bai Zhu'. But I must extract entities as they appear. The text says 'Yu Zhu'. I will list 'Yu Zhu' as herb.*) ... Correction: The text says "于术" (Yu Zhu), which is a variety of Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma). So Herb is Yu Zhu/Bai Zhu.
Added 2 qian of raw Jineijin (Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum, crushed) to assist Yu Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) in strengthening the Spleen and Stomach, thereby resolving the obstruction at the stomach entrance. After more than ten doses, he was fully cured.
Friend Wu XX treated an old Mr. surnamed Xiao, over sixty, with Ge syndrome. After half a year of medical treatment, the condition worsened. Wu XX prescribed Shen Zhe Pei Qi Tang. Noting his pulse was very wiry and hard, indicating Chong Qi rebellion and blood deficiency, he added Sheng Qianshi (Euryales Semen) to constrain Chong Qi and Longyanrou (Longan Aril) to nourish blood. After one dose, he could eat; after seven to eight more doses, his diet returned to normal.

Appendix:
Letter from Ma XX of Yixian County, Fengtian:
Last year (Yi Chou), my nephew XX suffered from Ge syndrome. Medical treatment for over a year was ineffective. When critical, doctors were helpless. An old relative gave a good prescription, said to be from *Zhongzhong Canxi Lu*, named Shen Zhe Pei Qi Tang. It showed immediate effect. After ten doses, he was completely cured.
Letter from Wan XX of Fakuku County, Fengtian:
Qiu XX’s daughter, fifteen, began menstruation but stopped due to fright. Two months later, she developed heart heat, palpitations, and distension. Treatment failed, and she added regurgitation, dry stools, and spontaneous sweating. After two more months, seeing many doctors, the condition worsened. A friend introduced me to examine her. Pulse was floating, rapid, and soggy; Chi pulse weaker than Cun. Face was sallow, body emaciated, bedridden. For two months, she vomited immediately after eating or after half a day, receiving no nourishment, and heat consumed Yin. No wonder she was so debilitated. I reasoned that fright disrupted Qi and Blood, suppressing vitality. Being young, her Blood was insufficient to flow monthly. Stagnant Blood rose upward, dragging Qi with it. Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) is the Sea of Blood, affiliated with Yangming. Yangming tends to ascend rather than descend, so Chong Blood rebelled upward, causing stasis, heat, and distension. Palpitations were disturbed by rising Qi and Blood. Sweating and vomiting were forced by rising Qi and Blood. Fluid loss from sweat and vomiting caused dry stools. Non-descending rebellion, Yin-nourishing, Heart-calming, and stasis-resolving herbs were needed together. Consulting *Shen Zhe Zhen Qi Tang* and *Shen Zhe Pei Qi Tang*, I saw them as the bridge for this syndrome. I modified them: Zhe shi (Ochre) 1.5 liang, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Jing Yurou (Corni Fructus) 5 qian each, Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi et Scapulae), Muli (Concha Ostreae) 5 qian each, Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Rou Congrong (Cistanches Herba), Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix), Tiandong (Asparagi Radix), Sheng Jineijin (Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum) 3 qian each. Decocted in rust-water. After one dose, symptoms seemed worse. Family panicked, claiming wrong diagnosis, wanting another doctor. The introducer insisted, urging a second visit. I was unaware of the commotion. Pulse remained unchanged, showing no deterioration. Later hearing this, I pondered: The Stomach was extremely deficient, and Qi rebellion severe. Suddenly administering such a heavy dose overwhelmed the deficient Stomach, exacerbating rebellion, likely causing a "Mingxuan" (medicinal reaction/healing crisis). Thus, symptoms appeared worse. I halved the original formula, decocted one cup, divided into two warm doses, and gave 3 qian of Shishuang (Persimmon Frost) to swallow. First dose: half vomited. Second dose: none vomited. After finishing, she ate thin porridge without vomiting. Family believed. Three more doses stopped sweating and vomiting, reducing palpitations and distension significantly. Heat persisted. I removed Jing Yurou (Corni Fructus), Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi et Scapulae), Muli (Concha Ostreae), added Shengdi Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) and Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix) 4 qian each. After five doses, heat reduced by half. With such modifications, she could get out of bed after one month. Advised continuing the original formula until all diseases resolved, then stop. Menstruation would naturally resume.