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The patient, a young man, had long suffered from *zheng* masses (abdominal masses), and suddenly experienced distension and pain in the lower abdomen. He had taken medicine several times, mostly consisting of Qi-moving and Qi-breaking herbs, but either with no effect or with recurrence after temporary relief. The pulse was weak. In my opinion, it is not appropriate to continue using Qi-moving and Qi-breaking medicines. Recently, there were two cases of abdominal pain treated in Fengtian, recorded in detail below for reference.

One case involved my student, Zhang XX. He had long had cold accumulation in the lower abdomen. Due to dietary indiscretion, his intestines became obstructed, stool did not pass, and he suffered from lower abdominal distension and pain, unable to eat for two days. Castor oil was used to promote defecation; after three bowel movements, the distension and pain remained unchanged. A decoction warming the Lower Jiao was then administered, but even after taking it, he felt no warmth, and the distension and pain persisted. Upon careful examination of the pulse, it was deep and weak. Inquiry revealed slight shortness of breath. I suspected sinking of the Great Qi in the chest. I first tried administering Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) 2 qian decocted in water as a test dose, which resulted in slight improvement of the distension and pain. Subsequently, I prescribed Sheng Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) 1 liang, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix) each 3 qian, Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) and Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) each 1.5 qian, and Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix) 1.5 qian. After one dose decocted and taken, the distension and pain completely disappeared, and breathing became smooth, although he felt dryness in the mouth. Immediately thereafter, Sheng Ma and Dang Shen were removed from the original formula, and Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) 3 qian was added. After taking this modified formula for several doses, he fully recovered.

Another case involved a student surnamed Shi from Fengtian. His lower abdominal pain was quite severe, and both left and right pulses were deep and weak. I suspected Qi and Blood stagnation and treated him with Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Dan Shen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix), Ru Xiang (Olibanum), Mo Yao (Myrrha), each 3 qian, and Lai Fu Zi (Radish Seed) 2 qian. After taking the decoction, the pain worsened, and he felt shortness of breath. Re-examination of the pulse showed it to be even more deep and weak. I then switched to Sheng Xian Tang (Ascending the Sinking Decoction), one dose, and he recovered. This was also due to the sinking of the Great Qi, which pressed upon the lower abdomen causing pain; thus, breaking the Qi aggravated the pain, while lifting the Qi cured it.

If one suspects the pain is caused by *zheng* masses, I have experience with a method to effectively resolve such masses. Recalling when I was at home, someone asked about the treatment for deficiency-cold of the Lower Jiao. I advised him to take Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer-Horn Glue) 3 qian daily, taking advantage of its warming and tonifying properties. Over a month later, we met again, and he said the medication was very effective, yielding an unexpected benefit: he had long had hard accumulations in the lower abdomen, which he had previously forgotten to mention, but they had completely dissipated due to continuous intake of Lu Jiao Jiao. It seems Lu Jiao Jiao possesses warming and tonifying nature, and is also good at unblocking blood vessels. Linwu Shanren used it in Yang He Tang (Yang-Harmonizing Decoction) to eliminate hard abscesses, hence its efficacy. I also once read Yu Jiayan's *Yi Yi Cao* (Meaningful Grass), which records a critical case of Pi Kuai (obstructive mass) involving Yuan Judong and its successful treatment; this should also be consulted.