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Carefully examining the medical record, the patient previously suffered from swelling and pain in both knees. After recovery, the condition recurred, with heat, swelling, and pain affecting the bones of the knees, ankles, and toes. The buttocks were also swollen, accompanied by eye pain. This is indeed caused by stagnant heat in the Heart and Liver, combined with Wind, Dampness, and Heat pathogens in the joints and meridians. The Yin pathogen obstructs the smooth flow of blood vessels, resulting in swelling and pain. Later, I saw responses from Hu XX and Zhang XX; their discussions on the etiology and treatment methods were perfect, seemingly leaving no need for further suggestions. However, in the past, when I treated such conditions, I used only Chinese herbs. Later, reading Japanese medical journals, I found that they preferred using Western medicine Aspirin to treat acute Rheumatoid Arthritis (i.e., Acute Hot Bi Syndrome), with numerous recorded cases available for verification. Thereafter, I frequently tested this drug, controlling it with Chinese herbs, which yielded exceptionally effective results. In Fengtian (now Shenyang), I once treated a young child suffering from this condition. The case was extremely critical, with the child barely breathing, yet survived for several days. After being brought to the hospital, the child was cured (see detailed case under "Explanation of Gypsum"). From this, I learned that the nature of Western medicine is relatively mild; trials proved effective. Moreover, those who thoroughly understand its chemical composition should not hesitate to use it in conjunction with Chinese herbs. Therefore, I propose the following prescription for reference:

Aspirin 1.5 grains, Raw Huai Yam (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma) 1 liang, Fresh Imperata Root (Imperatae Rhizoma) peeled and chopped 2 liang. Decoct the Yam and Imperata Root in water to make three cups of decoction. Take warm throughout the day in three doses. Each time, take Aspirin 0.5 grain with the decoction. If sweating occurs over the whole body after the first dose, reduce the amount of Aspirin in the second dose. On the next day, reduce the Aspirin dosage for all three doses. Among the three daily doses of Aspirin, it is sufficient if there is slight sweating in just one instance; do not induce sweating every time. With this regimen, recovery can be expected in approximately twenty days.

Carefully examining the medical record, I know this is due to deficiency-cold in the Sea of Blood (Chong Mai), where the Qi transformation fails to circulate freely. The Sea of Blood refers to the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), located on both sides of the umbilicus, slightly downward, present in both men and women. In women, it receives blood from all meridians above and corresponds to monthly menstruation below. It is supported by the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) for its function, constrained by the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel), protected by the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel), Yin Wei Mai (Yin Linking Vessel), Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Heel Vessel), and Yin Qiao Mai (Yin Heel Vessel), and supervised by the Du Mai (Governing Vessel). As stated in the *Neijing* (Inner Canon): "When a girl reaches fourteen, the Tai Chong Mai becomes abundant, and menstruation arrives on time." Sometimes, due to deficiency-cold in Qi transformation or exposure to cold, the power of circulation becomes weak, leading to stagnation and pain. Consequently, the meridians responsible for support, protection, and supervision also suffer连带 pain. At this point, one should tonify the Qi transformation with warmth and promote its free circulation; the pain will cease naturally. Therefore, I propose the following prescription:

Quan Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 1 liang, Raw Ru Xiang (Olibanum) 1 liang, Raw Mo Yao (Myrrha) 1 liang, Xiao Hui Xiang (Foeniculi Fructus) stir-fried until cooked 1 liang, Yu Biao Jiao (Colla Bladderae Suillae) fried crisp in pig fat 1 liang, Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) 5 qian, Gan Song (Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma) 5 qian (this herb originally has a rich fragrance; if stale or rancid, it should not be used).
Grind all ingredients into fine powder. Take 2.5 qian per dose, delivered with a decoction made from Zhen Lu Jiao Jiao (Colla Cornus Cervi) 0.5 qian. Take twice daily.