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A patient experienced profuse sweating on the head after consuming salty food, but not when consuming bland food. Upon examination, the heart pulse (Xin Mai) was found to be uniquely large and forceful against the fingers. The physician asked, "Do you feel dry and desire to drink?" The patient replied, "Yes." Every morning upon waking, there was a prickling sensation on the tongue. From this, it was realized that the cause of the head sweating was excessive Heart Fire (Xin Huo), which the Kidney Water (Shen Shui) could not overcome. Salty flavor belongs to Water and has the property of descending fire. However, in this case, Fire and Water were contending; due to excess Fire and deficient Water, the Water failed to subdue the Fire, causing the Fire to escape outward. The reason the sweat emerged from the head is that Water naturally moistens and flows downward, while Fire flares upward. When Water is agitated by Fire, it follows the transformation of Fire and rises. When bland food was consumed, this did not occur because salty flavor induces vomiting and purging and is Yin, whereas bland flavor induces seepage and purging and is Yang. Yang follows Yang without mutual agitation, allowing it to follow its nature of seepage and flow downward.

You Yi integrated the various classics and traversed diverse schools of thought. He did not rely on ornate rhetoric or high-flown theories, yet his principles were self-evident. Compared to those who exaggerate their words for effect but are impractical, the difference is as vast as heaven and earth!

"Medical Readings" is plain and concise, suitable for readers of average ability below the middle level. It is evident that only one well-versed in numerous books and proficient in formulas and herbs could have written this.

This book provides detailed discussions on the weights and measures of ancient formulas. Regarding the official systems of medical bureaus in the Tang and Song dynasties, medical texts, materia medica, decoctions, and pulse diseases, it offers outstanding insights. It must be the work of a scholar who loves antiquity and possesses broad learning and elegance!

Han Shi's methods regarding fourteen herbs for stabilizing meridians and harmonizing according to seasons were analyzed with great effort, yet the structure remained unclear. Lacking any standard criteria, he made arbitrary modifications. This indulges personal bias and disrupts the established rules of the sages, making it unsuitable as a guide for later learners.

Treating disease is like governing a state. One who governs a state must examine past events of order and chaos, and the merits and faults of correct governance, then adjust according to the times and circumstances, thereby deciding what to retain and what to change. One who treats disease must understand the insights of former sages into disease mechanisms and treatment methods, then adapt them according to the patient's constitution and regional differences, thereby deciding what to add and what to subtract. There is no instance where ignoring ancient precedents benefits the present; nor is there speech without literary grace that can endure for long. Since my youth, I have enjoyed extensively studying medicine. From the Yellow Emperor and Qibo to modern works, through searching and reading, whenever I had insights—whether believing or doubting—I recorded them on bamboo slips. Although my vision was not broad, over many years, volumes accumulated. Previously, Zhen Xishan, when compiling "Readings Record," said to his disciples: "This is the gateway for rulers to govern. If anyone uses me, take this and proceed." My compilation here follows the intent of Xishan's "Readings Record"; taking this forward, one can respond to infinite changes.

Recorded by You Yi, the Heron-Feeding Mountain Man