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According to the *Bencao* (Materia Medica): In the past, a person suffered from Zhengjia (abdominal masses) and died. Before his death, he instructed that his abdomen be opened to remove the lesion. Following his instructions, upon opening the abdomen, a dry, hard mass like stone was found, with five-colored textures. People considered it an abnormal object and privately took it to carve into a knife handle. Later, when using this knife to cut Sanleng (Sparganii Rhizoma), the handle melted into water. Thus, it was known that this herb could treat Zhengjia.

Preface: Wei syndrome (flaccidity syndrome) and Bi syndrome (obstruction syndrome) are two distinct diseases. However, a detailed examination of the *Neijing* (Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor) reveals that Bi is sometimes referred to as Wei. Therefore, they are combined into one section. Eight formulas are examined here, presenting only their general outlines; the full scope of variations lies in the physician's mental discernment.

Lingyang Jiao (Antelope Horn), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Shegan (Belamcandae Rhizoma), Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Baipi (Phellodendri Cortex) (each 3 qian), Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Recens) (1 he), Zhizi Ren (Gardeniae Semen) (4 qian), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam) (2 qian).

When Lung heat scorches the leaves, causing pale complexion and withered hair, leading to Weibi (limb flaccidity), and the pulse is short and rapid, this formula is appropriate for treatment.

Wei implies withering. Weibi refers to the inability of the hands and feet to function. "Lung ringing" signifies fire invading Metal (Lung), causing imbalance and self-sounding, manifesting today as panting and urgency. "Leaf scorching" indicates excessive fire and deficient Metal, resulting in pulmonary scorching. "Pale color" occurs because the disease of the Lung reveals its corresponding color. "Withered hair" happens because the Lung governs skin and hair; disease leads to their deterioration. The development of Weibi occurs because the Lung governs Qi. Qi is the father of all things, and the Lung is the heaven of the five Zang organs, responsible for receiving and excreting the harmonious Qi of Heaven and Earth, thereby nourishing the skeletal structure. When the Lung is diseased, the skeletal structure loses its "heaven" and cannot be nourished or initiated, thus causing limb flaccidity. A short pulse represents the true organ pulse of the Lung. A rapid pulse indicates fire invading Metal. This condition, if persistent in winter, may lead to death in summer, with nine out of ten cases being critical. However, those who administer this formula hope to save one out of ten. Lingyang Jiao, Xuanshen, and Shegan are agents that cool the diaphragm. Since the Lung resides above the diaphragm, they can clear Lung heat. Bohe and Shengma are acrid-cool agents. When Metal is constrained, it should be dispersed; thus, their acrid-cool nature is used to resolve constrained heat in the Lung. Baipi benefits Kidney Water. When Kidney Water is sufficient, the child (Kidney) can rescue the mother (Lung). Shengdihuang cools Heart blood. When the Heart monarch is cooled, fire does not invade Metal. Zhizi and Zhuru drain the ministerial fire of the Liver and Kidney. When ministerial fire is extinguished, Lung Metal can be cleared. Shaoyao has a sour taste and harmonizes the Liver. When the Liver is harmonized, it will not insult the Lung. Insulting the Lung means that although Metal should control Wood, now that Lung Metal itself is diseased, the Liver...