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4. Nan Lao (Male Consumption) has been detailed in the *Xin Fa* (Essential Methods). Nu Sun (Female Damage/Consumption) involves Yin-Blood deficiency transmitting into Feng Xiao (Wind Wasting, a type of consumption characterized by emaciation), or occurring due to post-illness constitutional weakness, presenting with Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and Cough, termed Xue Feng Lao (Blood-Wind Consumption).

[Note] The treatment methods for Male Consumption have been detailed in the "Consumption Section" of *Za Bing Xin Fa Yao Jue* (Essential Rhymes for Heart Methods of Miscellaneous Diseases). Female Consumption often arises from damage to Yin-Blood, either due to post-illness injury to Yin-Blood or congenital insufficiency of Yin-Blood. However, it is only termed "Lao" (Consumption) when symptoms such as Yin Deficiency Bone Steaming (fever emanating from the bones due to Yin deficiency), Blood Dryness with Amenorrhea, and chronic Cough persist for a long time. If there is no cough, it is termed "Xu" (Deficiency), not "Lao". "Feng Xiao" is an ancient name for consumption syndromes. The reason females are termed "Xue Feng Lao" is that the *Nei Jing* (Inner Canon) states: "Lao Feng (Wind arising from exhaustion) originates below the Lung." This refers to individuals with deficiency contracting Wind Pathogen, which affects the Lung; thus, initial illness must present with Cough. If one does not first resolve the Wind Pathogen but immediately tonifies, it is inevitable that chronic, unrelenting Cough will lead to Consumption; hence, it is called "Xue Feng Lao."

5. When women reach the age of seven sevens (49 years), Tian Gui (Heavenly Water/Menstrual Essence) exhausts. If menstruation continues without other disease symptoms, it indicates Excess Blood. If menstruation stops and then resumes, the cause must be investigated; if caused by pathogenic factors, treat according to the syndrome.

[Note] At the age of forty-nine (seven sevens), Tian Gui exhausts, the Earthly Path (uterus/menstruation) becomes obstructed, and menstrual blood ceases to flow monthly. If menstrual flow is continuous without other manifestations, it signifies Excess Blood, and medication should not be used to forcibly stop it. If menstruation has ceased and then resumes after one year or three to five years, one must examine whether there is a specific cause or none, identify which pathogen is interfering, and treat according to the presenting syndrome.

Virgins: Menstruation Resumes and Stops Again
6. In virgins, if menstruation comes and then stops again, provided there is no distress, it is not a calamity; it is likely Bi Nian (avoidance of menstruation/extended cycle) not yet fully established. If signs of deficiency wasting appear, life may be lamentable.

[Note] Young unmarried women have Qi and Blood that are not yet sufficient. It is common for menstruation to occur for several months and then cease. If there are no other distressing symptoms, it cannot be called a calamitous disease; it is likely Bi Nian or simply insufficient Qi and Blood. However, if accompanied by signs of deficiency wasting, it constitutes Blood Dryness with Amenorrhea and Tong Lao (Juvenile Consumption) in virgins, which is mostly difficult to treat; therefore, it is said that life may be lamentable.