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Roasted salt (half sheng) and warm water (five large sheng) are mixed and taken to induce vomiting for exploration.

For cases of abdominal pain radiating to the hypochondrium and diaphragm, accompanied by coldness in the hands and feet, and a submerged or hidden pulse, this formula is indicated.

Generally, abdominal pain radiating to the hypochondrium and diaphragm is mostly caused by food stagnation or phlegm-fluid retention obstructing the extreme yin, thereby suppressing and inhibiting the qi of the Liver and Gallbladder. The Liver is regarded as the "General," and the Gallbladder governs the ascending function of Shaoyang (Lesser Yang). When suppressed and unable to spread smoothly, the two excess pathogens contend with each other, causing spontaneous pain. The reason the pain radiates to the hypochondrium and diaphragm is that the Shaoyang meridians traverse the bilateral hypochondrium, while the Jueyin (Greater Yin) Liver meridian passes through the diaphragm. Coldness in the hands and feet indicates that Shaoyang qi fails to distribute throughout the body. A submerged pulse signifies severe pain and is a manifestation of yang qi being concealed. As stated in the classics: "When wood is depressed, it should be dispersed"; therefore, the vomiting method is employed. Salty flavors can soften hardness; thus, roasted salt is used.

Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, 2 qian, processed), Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Caodoukou (Amomi Fructus Rotundus), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Zhigancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Preparatum), Guongui (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium).

For cases where external cold invades the Stomach, causing pain in the epigastrium at the heart's location, with a deep and slow pulse, this formula is indicated.

External cold invading the Stomach is mostly caused by consuming cold foods or inhaling cold air after eating. A deep pulse indicates interior conditions, and a slow pulse indicates cold. In this formula, Fuzi, Ganjiang, Guongui, Wuzhuyu, Caodoukou, and Yizhiren are acrid and hot substances; they are used to support yang qi. Where pathogenic factors gather, qi must be deficient; therefore, Renshen, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), and Gancao are used—sweet and warm substances—to assist stomach qi. Shaoyao is used for its sour flavor, which can drain the wood within the earth (Spleen); Chenpi is used for its acrid and aromatic nature, which can promote the flow of qi in the abdomen.

Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, prepared with ginger juice, 5 qian), Fuling (Poria, 4 qian), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 3 qian, stir-fried with ginger juice), Zisu (Perillae Folium, 2 qian).

For cases where seven types of qi interfere with each other, leading to dysfunction in the ascending and descending of yin and yang qi, resulting in attacking pain, this formula is indicated.

The "Three Causes" refer to internal causes, external causes, and non-internal/non-external causes. The "Seven Qi" refer to cold qi, heat qi, anger qi, resentment qi, joy qi, worry qi, and sorrow/grief qi. Due to the three causes, qi becomes depressed, and the ascending and descending of the seven qi are hindered, leading to attacking pain. In this formula, the acrid and fragrant nature of Zisu can disperse the seven qi; the bitter and warm nature of Houpo can descend the seven qi; the acrid and warm nature of Banxia and the bland and draining nature of Fuling can pacify the seven qi caused by the interference between water and grain.