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[Case 1]
An elderly surnamed Zhang in Shenyang, over sixty years of age, suffered from intestinal obstruction with abdominal pain, accompanied by a sensation of heat in the heart and chest.

Etiology: She had a history of Liver Qi stagnation (Liver Qi disorder). Due to anger triggering the movement of Liver Qi, she frequently experienced constipation, requiring laxatives to relieve it. This time, the old disease recurred with vomiting, preventing medication intake, thus prolonging the illness.

Symptoms: A sensation of solid accumulation between the stomach and above the umbilicus, with frequent pain that worsens upon pressure. Both exterior and interior felt hot, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Repeated medical consultations and medication resulted in immediate vomiting shortly after swallowing. Constipation had persisted for over ten days, and even water or liquid food could not be retained for seven or eight days. The pulse beat five times per respiration cycle; both left and right pulses were weak, except for the Right Guan position which seemed forceful when pressed heavily. The tongue coating was yellow, turning nearly black at the center. Inquiry revealed whether chills occurred at the onset; the answer was yes, chills lasted two days ten days prior, turning into fever on the third day.

Diagnosis: Based on these symptoms and pulse characteristics, there is likely an accumulation of exogenous excess heat in the Yangming Stomach Fu organ, causing heat in both exterior and interior. Due to intestinal obstruction, Stomach Qi cannot descend but instead rebels upward, combining with heat to cause vomiting. The treatment principle should employ sedating and descending herbs to stop vomiting, salty and moistening herbs to open the obstruction, supplemented by tonifying agents to ensure that once vomiting ceases and obstruction opens, the healthy Qi remains unharmed, thereby achieving therapeutic success.

Prescription: Sheng Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum, 1 liang, finely crushed), Sheng Zhe Shi (Haematitum, 1 liang, finely crushed), Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix, 1 liang), Lu Shen (Codonopsis Radix, 4 qian), Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas, 4 qian), Sheng Mai Ya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus, 2 qian), Yin Chen (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba, 2 qian).

Decoct together in a large cup of water, take warm.

Outcome: After one dose, vomiting ceased and obstruction opened, passing several dry feces. Heat in both exterior and interior diminished significantly, allowing for food intake. Pulse examination showed residual heat remained. Another prescription for nourishing Yin and clearing heat was prescribed for several doses to consolidate recovery.

[Case 2]
A patient surnamed Li in Tianjin suffered from headache that persisted for a long time without resolution.

Etiology: The individual was constitutionally weak. Due to business stress and frequent frustrations, Heart Fire and Liver Fire often flared up recklessly, leading to headache.

Symptoms: Bedridden due to headache for over two months. Symptoms were lighter in the forenoon but intensified progressively after noon. Nighttime pain prevented sleep, though pain gradually eased after cockcrow, allowing slight rest. Occasional sensations of heat in the heart, poor appetite. Pulse beat five times per respiration cycle; the Left position was wiry and long, the Guan position was wiry and hard, while the Right position was relatively peaceful.

Diagnosis: Analysis of the pulse indicates clearly that Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder is rushing upward to the head, causing pain. Treatment should clear Liver Fire, nourish Liver Yin, suppress rebellious Liver Qi, and simultaneously use herbs that ascend the clear and descend the turbid to regulate the head.

Prescription: Sheng Hang Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 8 qian), Bai Zi Ren (Biotae Semen, 6 qian), Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix, 6 qian), Sheng Gui Ban (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum, 6 qian, finely crushed), Long Dan Cao (Gentianae Radix, 3 qian), Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 1.5 qian), Gan Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi Flos, 1 qian), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3 qian).

Decoct together in a large cup of water, take warm.

Outcome: After one dose, the condition improved by seventy to eighty percent, and the pulse became more peaceful. Long Dan Cao was reduced by one qian, and two additional doses led to complete recovery.

Interrogation: Someone asked, "Chuan Xiong is an herb that ascends and lifts Qi. Since this headache is caused by Liver and Gallbladder Heat rushing upward, does using Chuan Xiong to lift Qi not exacerbate the upward rush of Heat? Why is it effective?" The response was: "Chuan Xiong ascends Clear Qi, which is Light Qi. According to chemical principles, regardless of the type of gas, if present within light air, it naturally descends. The human body's organs inherently possess Light Qi. Chuan Xiong can ascend this Light Qi to the brain, causing the hot and turbid Qi in the brain to naturally descend, thus curing the pain."