Library

Shaoyin disease, characterized by vomiting and diarrhea, cold extremities, and severe irritability bordering on death, is primarily treated with Wuzhuyu Tang (Evodia Decoction).

In Shaoyang disease, if the pulse is floating, there is spontaneous sweating, frequent urination, mental restlessness, slight aversion to cold, and cramping of the feet, administering Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) in an attempt to attack the exterior is a mistake. This leads immediately to Jue (cold extremities). If accompanied by dryness in the throat, irritability, and vomiting/reversal of Qi, Gancao Ganjiang Tang (Licorice and Dried Ginger Decoction) should be given to restore Yang Qi. Once the Jue resolves and the feet become warm, Shaoyao Gancao Tang (Peony and Licorice Decoction) should be administered next, which will allow the legs to extend. If there is disharmony of Stomach Qi manifesting as delirious speech, a small amount of Tiaowei Chengqi Tang (Regulating the Stomach and Directing Downward Decoction) should be given. If excessive sweating was previously induced and burning needle therapy was added, Sini Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction) is indicated.

Question: The symptoms resemble Yangdan syndrome (Guizhi Tang pattern), yet treatment according to standard methods exacerbates the condition, leading to cold extremities, dry throat, cramping of both calves, and delirium. The Master stated that by midnight, the hands and feet would warm up, and the feet would extend. Later, this indeed happened. How could this be predicted? Answer: A floating and large pulse at Cun Kou indicates Wind and Deficiency respectively. Wind generates slight heat, while deficiency causes calf cramping. Although the presentation resembles a Guizhi Tang pattern, Fuzi (Aconite Lateral Root) was added, and the dosage of Guizhi was increased to induce sweating. Fuzi warms the meridians because of Yang collapse. With cold extremities, dry throat, irritability, internal binding of Yangming, and delirious confusion, administering Gancao Ganjiang Tang again allows Yang Qi to return by midnight, warming the feet. Since the calves remain slightly cramped, administering Shaoyao Gancao Tang again allows the legs to extend. Using Chengqi Tang to induce slight stooling stops the delirium. Thus, it is known that the disease can be cured.

After six or seven days of Shaoyang disease, following drastic purgation, if the Cun pulse is deep and slow, extremities are cold, pulses at the lower body are imperceptible, the throat is obstructed, pus and blood are expectorated, and diarrhea persists uncontrollably, it is difficult to treat. Mahuang Shengma Tang (Ephedra and Ma Huang Shen Decoction) is indicated.

After eight or nine days of Shaoyang disease, following purgation, if there is chest fullness, irritability, fright, difficulty in urination, delirium, heaviness of the entire body, and inability to turn over, Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang (Bupleurum Plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction) is indicated.

For a pulse that is slightly rapid, moxibustion must be strictly avoided. Fire becomes a pathogenic factor, causing irritability and reversal. It pursues deficiency and drives out reality, scattering blood within the vessels. Although fire energy is subtle, its internal attack is powerful, scorching bones and damaging sinews, making blood recovery difficult.

When the pulse is floating, sweating should be used for resolution. If moxibustion is applied instead, the pathogen has no outlet and flourishes due to fire. The disease from the waist down will certainly become heavy and numb, termed Huoni (Fire Reversal).

In Shaoyang disease with a floating pulse, if the physician uses fire methods to force sweating, resulting in Yang collapse, it inevitably leads to fright, mania, and restlessness. Guizhi Qu Shaoyao Jia Shuqi Longgu Muli Jiuni Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction Without Peony Plus Dodder Seed, Dragon Bone, and Oyster Shell to Rescue Reversal) is indicated.