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This is originally an exterior syndrome (Wai Gan Zheng, external pathogenic factor syndrome), yet it is complicated by other diseases. This is what Mr. Danxi referred to as "mixed diseases" (Za He Bing). The treatment should slightly modify the standard methods for treating exterior syndromes. These points are recorded at the end of this chapter to establish a unique perspective.

If there is food stagnation accompanied by belching with a sour and foul odor, and abdominal fullness, the initial treatment should be Pingwei San (Pingwei Powder) combined with Erchen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction). If wind-pathogen symptoms are present, combine with one or two diaphoretic herbs, such as Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), and Boheye (Menthae Haplocalycis Folium). If Taiyang syndrome (Taiyang Jing Syndrome, disease pattern involving the Bladder and Small Intestine meridians) is observed, add Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) and Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix). To avoid excessive dryness, remove Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma). If heat symptoms are seen, combine with Jiuhuangqin (Scutellariae Radix processed with wine) and Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma). For dry mouth, combine with Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction). For vomiting, add Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex). If excessive diaphoresis has led to heat accumulation with facial redness, coarse breathing, a firm and excess pulse, mental confusion, and slight tenderness upon pressing the chest, assess the severity and use Xiaoyao San (Xiaoyao Powder), adding Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) from 4-5 qian up to 1 liang. Alternatively, combine this formula with Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction).

Pingwei San: Cangzhu (soaked in rice water and stir-fried), Houpo (stir-fried with ginger juice), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (equal parts).
Erchen Tang: Banxia (Prepared Pinelliae Rhizoma), Fuling (Poria), Chenpi, Gancao (equal parts), add Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Dazao (Jujubae Fructus).

If nasal congestion, headache, fever, epigastric fullness, retching, nausea, or phlegm-fluid retention are present, Shensu Yin (Ginseng and Perilla Leaf Decoction) is the primary treatment.
Shensu Yin: Qianhu (Peucedani Radix) [Assistant], Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) [Deputy], Banxia (Prepared) [Deputy], Fuling [Deputy], Chenpi [Deputy], Gancao [Assistant], Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus stir-fried with bran) [Assistant], Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) [Assistant], Suye (Perillae Folium) [Chief], Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) [Chief], Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix) [Envoy], Shengjiang [Guide], Dazao [Guide]. Renshen and Muxiang should be adjusted according to the progression of the condition. If Yangming syndrome (Yangming Jing Syndrome, disease pattern involving the Stomach and Large Intestine meridians) is observed, combine with Baihu Tang.

There is a type of illness caused by internal injury and insufficient primordial qi. Patients invariably have a constitutionally weak primordial qi, resulting from overexertion, starvation/nutritional deficiency, or excessive sexual activity. External symptoms include body heat, spontaneous sweating, fatigue, heat in the palms and soles, intermittent chills, loss of taste, reluctance to speak, and a deficient, large, and forceless pulse. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) is the primary treatment. There is also a case of exterior contraction due to severe deficiency; initially treat with Guipi Yin (Restore the Spleen Decoction) to tonify, and after the deficiency recovers, clear the pathogenic factors.
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang: Renshen, Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Guangpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Gancao, Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), add Shengjiang and Dazao.
All these formulas use mild agents with very small dosages. Generally, determine the quantity of herbs based on the severity of the illness. Huangqi: 1 qian; Renshen (for severe cases): 1 qian; Zhi Cao (Honey-fried Licorice): 5 or 7 fen; Danggui and Baizhu: each 7 fen; Chenpi: 5 fen; Shengma and Chaihu (wine-fried): each 3 fen; if excessive sweating, honey-fry. (If qi and blood are severely deficient, Renshen, Baizhu, Danggui, and Gancao can be increased to several qian; do not adhere rigidly to fixed dosages.)
For Taiyang syndrome presenting with headache and stiff neck, combine with Qianghuo and Fangfeng. For food stagnation, combine with Houpo and Banxia. For alternating chills and fever, combine with Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix). For severe heat, combine with Baihu Tang. For prolonged illness with deficiency where pathogens cannot be resolved through diaphoresis, combine with Yimucao (Leonuri Herba), Honghua (Carthami Flos), Jiuhuangqin, and Huanglian. For dry, yellow, and scorched tongue coating, indicating severe heat with deficiency and inability of fluids to ascend, combine this formula with Baihu Tang.
Guipi Yin: Renshen [Chief], Huangqi (Honey-fried) [Deputy], Fushen (Poria with Hostwood) [Deputy], Baizhu [Deputy], Gancao [Deputy], Zaoren (Ziziphi Spinosomi Semen stir-fried and ground) [Deputy], Danggui [Chief], Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix) [Assistant], Longyanrou (Longan Arillus) [Envoy], Weijiang (Ginger roasted until charred) [Guide], Dazao [Guide].
For cases complicated by fire-toxin, combine with Heishanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus carbonized) and Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex). For severe cases, combine with Jiuhuanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma processed with wine), named Jiawei Guipi Yin (Modified Restore the Spleen Decoction).