Library

1. The five types of Wei syndrome (flaccidity syndrome) all arise from Lung heat; if the Yangming channel is unaffected, the condition cannot develop. Lung heat causes the lung leaves to wither and the skin and hair to deteriorate, leading to Wei Bi (limb flaccidity and inability to walk). Heart heat leads to Mai Wei (vessel flaccidity), characterized by laxity of the lower leg joints. Kidney heat leads to Gu Wei (bone flaccidity), characterized by the inability to raise the waist and spine. Liver heat leads to Jin Wei (tendon flaccidity), characterized by tendon contraction and loss of nourishment. Spleen heat leads to Rou Wei (muscle flaccidity), characterized by muscle numbness, dryness, thirst, and frequent drinking.
[Note] The "Five Weis" refer to the flaccidity syndromes of the Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney. Wei syndrome belongs to dryness diseases, thus it arises due to Lung heat. The Yangming channel is the sea of the five zang and six fu organs, primarily moistening the Zong jin (major tendons converging at the genitalia). If the Yangming channel is disease-free, the Zong jin are moistened, able to bind the bones and facilitate joint movement; even with Lung heat, Wei syndrome cannot form. If Lung heat causes the lung leaves to wither, combined with Yangming deficiency, fluids fail to transform, causing the sinews and bones to lose nourishment, the skin and hair to wither, resulting in Wei Bi (limb flaccidity and inability to walk). If Heart Qi heat leads to Mai Wei, the meridians and joints become lax and unable to support the body weight, indicating a Lung complication involving the Heart. If Kidney Qi heat leads to Gu Wei, the waist and spine cannot be raised, indicating a Lung complication involving the Kidney. If Liver Qi heat leads to Jin Wei, the sinews lose nourishment and contract without extending, indicating a Lung complication involving the Liver. If Spleen Qi heat leads to Rou Wei, the stomach becomes dry with thirst and muscles become numb, indicating a Lung complication involving the Spleen.

2. Wei syndrome affects the feet, while Bi syndrome (obstruction syndrome) affects the whole body; the distinction lies in the presence or absence of pain. Observing that ancient treatments for Wei syndrome do not use wind-dispelling herbs reveals that the etiology of deficiency and excess differs between the two.
[Note] Wei and Bi syndromes are often considered one disease today due to their similarities. However, Wei syndrome presents as flaccidity and weakness in both legs without pain, whereas Bi syndrome involves pain throughout the limbs and joints. Since ancient practitioners did not use wind-dispelling herbs to treat Wei syndrome, it can be deduced that Wei syndrome is mostly deficiency-type, while Bi syndrome is mostly excess-type, and their causes differ.

3. Why treat Wei syndrome, which stems from dryness, with methods for clearing damp-heat? Follow the classics: exclusively regulate the Yangming channel. If the Yangming is healthy, pathology usually only affects the Lung; if the Stomach is strong and capable of eating, examine the syndrome and attack the pathogen. For damp-phlegm-heat treated by Kong Xian Xiao Wei Dan, or Yangming accumulated heat treated by the Three Chengqi Decoctions, use these methods. If the Stomach is weak and food intake is reduced, first nourish the Stomach; for chronic deficiency, treat according to the syndrome to achieve success.
[Note] Wei syndrome belongs to dryness diseases; why use bitter-dry drugs for damp-heat? This follows the treatment method of the *Nei Jing* (Inner Canon), exclusively taking the Yangming Stomach channel. Therefore, if the Stomach house has no disease, even with Lung heat, it manifests only as Lung disease and does not develop into Wei syndrome. Thus, those suffering from Wei syndrome must have pathology in the Stomach house. Whether it is damp-heat, accumulated heat, or damp-phlegm, regardless of whether it is new or old, if the Stomach is strong and capable of eating, one should first examine the syndrome and attack the pathogen. For damp-phlegm in the Stomach, use Kong Xian Dan to purge. For damp-heat, use Xiao Wei Dan to purge. For accumulated heat, use the Three Chengqi Decoctions to purge. These are methods for treating cases where the Stomach is strong and capable of eating. If the Stomach is weak, dietary intake is reduced, and Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids are insufficient, one should prioritize tonifying and nourishing the Spleen and Stomach. For lingering chronic illness, various deficiencies, and dryness-heat, or for regulation after purgation, one must examine the syndrome to treat it, thereby achieving complete efficacy.
Jiawei Ermiao Tang

4. Jiawei Ermiao Tang treats Wei syndrome caused by damp-heat, characterized by flaccidity in both legs and unbearable heat sensation. Ingredients include Fangji, Danggui, Chuan Bixie, Huangbai, Guiban, Nixi, Qinjiao, and Cangzhu.
[Note] "Unbearable heat" refers to the unbearable heat sensation in both legs. "Xi Qin Cang" refers to Nixi (Niu Xi), Qinjiao, and Cangzhu.
Qingzao Tang, Hujian Wan, Shiquan Dabu Tang, Jiawei Jingang Wan

5. For seasonal damp-heat causing Wei syndrome, Qingzao Tang is effective. For Yin deficiency with damp-heat causing Wei syndrome, Hujian Wan is efficacious. For chronic deficiency causing flaccidity, Shiquan Dabu Tang is the main treatment. Its ingredients include Bixie, Mugua, Niu Xi, Tusizi, Duzhong, and Rongcongrou.
[Note] Qingzao Tang is recorded in the Internal Injury section. Hujian Wan is an established prescription. "Shiquan Dabu Tang and Jiawei Jingang Wan" are the main treatments: for chronic Qi and Blood deficiency, Shiquan Dabu Tang is primary; for flaccidity of sinews and bones, Jiawei Jingang Wan is primary. Jiawei Jingang Wan consists of Bixie, Mugua, Niu Xi, Tusizi, Duzhong, and Rongcongrou.