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In the initial stage of Shanghan (Cold Damage), it is appropriate to use hot-natured medicines to induce sweating, such as formulas like Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) and Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction). In the initial stage of Fengwen (Wind-Warmth), it is appropriate to use cool-natured medicines to induce sweating, such as herbs like Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), and Chantui (Cicadae Periostracum). When the pathogen has transmitted deeply into the meridians, resulting in Yangming excess-heat and solidification, whether it is Shanghan or Fengwen, it is appropriate to treat with Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction). However, when I use Baihu Tang, I often add a small amount of Bohe, or a small amount of Lianqiao and Chantui, and patients often sweat immediately after taking it. Even when using only Baihu Tang, sweating frequently occurs after administration. This is because Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) in the formula originally possesses the power to release the muscle layer and expel pathogens from the exterior. Therefore, this formula not only treats Yangming Fu-organ disease but also addresses Yangming Meridian disease. Moreover, by adding a small amount of acrid-cool substances to guide the pathogen from the meridian to the surface, inducing sweat becomes very easy. Medical cases recorded after Hanjie Tang (Cold-Resolving Decoction) can be consulted for reference. This formula was originally designed to treat Cold-Warmth syndromes characterized by high fever throughout the body, heat and thirst in the heart, a white tongue coating turning yellow, a surging and slippery pulse possibly accompanied by floating, headache, or a sensation of stiffness throughout the body. If the symptoms and pulse match those noted under the formula, sweating will occur within a short time after ingestion; there is no need to worry about inefficacy. A surging and slippery pulse indicates that Yangming Fu-organ heat is already solidified, which is indeed an indication for Baihu Tang. When the surging and slippery pulse is accompanied by floating, and the tongue coating remains white, it signifies that some exterior syndrome has not yet resolved. Thus, the formula heavily uses Shigao and Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) to clear the heat of the Stomach Fu, while employing small amounts of Lianqiao and Chantui, which are good at reaching the exterior, to guide the heat generated in the Stomach back to the surface to be resolved through sweating. This adjusts Yin and Yang, allowing natural sweating, rather than forcibly inducing sweat.

For individuals with weak constitution, Qi-tonifying medicines can be used to assist in sweating. Adding Lupangshen (Codonopsis Radix) to Hanjie Tang is sufficient (a case treating a seventy-year-old man with chronic fatigue who developed wheezing upon slight external contraction is recorded under Hanjie Tang for reference). For those with deficiency damage in the Yin aspect, Yin-nourishing medicines can be used to assist sweating. Large moistening agents such as Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Sheng Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), and Gouqi (Lycii Fructus) can severely tonify True Yin, nourishing Yin to support Yang. If there is a tendency for the pathogen to return to the exterior, recovery will inevitably occur through sweating.

For individuals with deficiency in both Yin and Yang aspects, it is appropriate to tonify both Yin and Yang simultaneously to assist sweating. Zhang Jingyue once treated an elderly man suffering from Shanghan who shivered but did not sweat. On the following day during his shivering episode, he administered a large dose of Bawei Dihuang Tang (Eight-Ingredient Rehmannia Decoction), after which shivering ceased and sweating occurred. Subsequently, due to excessive sweating leading to Yang collapse, cold sweat continued unabated; he still administered the original decoction, after which sweating stopped and the illness resolved. Using these medicines to induce sweat and using them to stop sweat demonstrates the ability to apply ancient formulas with mastery.

Shaoyang syndrome is characterized by alternating chills and fever, lying between the exterior and interior, making harmonization appropriate rather than sweating. However, regarding this syndrome, when heat exceeds cold, it is often due to concurrent Yangming involvement. I frequently add eight qian of Xuanshen to Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) to moisten and clear Yangming dryness-heat. As the dryness-heat of Yangming resolves and disperses, it naturally returns to Taiyang to produce sweat, and Shaoyang pathogens can also be resolved through sweat. When cold exceeds heat, it may be due to previous misuse of purgatives damaging Qi, or inherent Qi deficiency. Although Xiaochaihu Tang is taken, it may fail to lift the pathogen above the diaphragm for expulsion. In such cases, I often add two qian of Bohe Ye (Menthae Haplocalycis Folium) to Xiaochaihu Tang, guiding the pathogen from Foot-Shaoyang to Hand-Shaoyang, utilizing the Youbu (Wandering Department, where Hand and Foot Shaoyang merge) to induce sweating. This corresponds to the statement in Shanghan Lun: "When Chaihu syndrome is present, if other medicines were mistakenly used to purge, and Chaihu syndrome persists, administering Xiaochaihu Tang again will cause steaming heat and trembling, followed by fever and sweating for resolution." However, assisting with Bohe makes sweating easier, avoiding the steaming and trembling associated with Zhanhan (Battle Sweat).

Regarding indications for Chengqi Tangs, these are not conditions suitable for inducing sweat. However, in my clinical experience, patients often sweat immediately after administering San Chengqi Tangs (Three Purging Formulas), even before bowel movements occur. This is because once the excess heat in the Stomach Fu is broken open by the Chengqi formulas, the pathological mechanism naturally moves outward. If sweating had not occurred before purgation, slight sweating will likely occur repeatedly during meals after purgation, until the pulse clears and the body cools. If no sweating occurs after purgation, the heat cannot fully dissipate; in such cases, Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) or Baihu Jia Renshen Tang (White Tiger Decoction plus Ginseng) should be administered to resolve residual heat, after which the patient will likely sweat slightly. This illustrates why Shanghan and Fengwen should always be resolved through sweating.