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The syndrome of vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle cramps (spasms) was named "Huo Luan" (Cholera-like disease) by ancient physicians. The Imperial Hospital of the Song Dynasty formulated prescriptions known as "Ju Fang" (Bureau Formulas), establishing Huoxiang Zhengqi San (Agastache Powder to Rectify the Qi) to treat it.

At that time, epidemic toxic pathogens were prevalent, with numerous cases of vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps reported in several provinces, particularly severe in the capital. The excessive mortality led to a situation where the poor could not afford burials; the state used treasury funds to distribute coffins, costing hundreds of thousands of taels of silver within a month. Among the practicing physicians at that time, some achieved results using Renshen (Ginseng Root), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Jiang (Dried Ginger), and Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), claiming it was a Yin-Cold syndrome; others achieved results using Huangqin (Scutellaria Root), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit), and Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark), claiming it was Toxic-Fire syndrome. I said: Incorrect. Regardless of gender or age, everyone suffered from the same illness, which was caused by Epidemic Toxin (Wen Du). Someone asked: Since it is an Epidemic Toxin, why do both the hot herbs (Jiang, Fuzi) and the cold herbs (Qin, Lian) yield effective results? I replied: Huangqin and Huanglian are effective in the early stage of the disease when the patient's constitution is strong and the toxin is vigorous. Jiang and Fuzi are effective when the toxin has declined and the patient is weak with depleted Qi. Another question arose: Why do some patients take Huangqin/Huanglian or Jiang/Fuzi without effect, and even suffer harm? I replied: Observe those cured by acupuncture; they bled dark purple blood. Is this not the result of the Epidemic Toxin refining and coagulating the blood and Qi? The Epidemic Toxin enters via the mouth and nose into the Trachea (Qi Guan), travels from the Trachea to the Blood Vessels, causing the coagulation of Blood and Qi, blocking the gates of fluid metabolism. Consequently, fluids cannot exit normally, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. In the initial stage, pricking the blood vessels in the inner bend of the elbow causes the discharge of dark purple blood, allowing the toxin to exit with the blood, resulting in cure. Someone asked: Which acupoint was punctured? Please indicate clearly. I replied: Although I am skilled in acupuncture, let us not dwell on that; the acupoint is named Chize (LU-5). The human Trachea penetrates the whole body, and so do the blood vessels. There are four or five blood vessels around Chize on both sides; puncturing any of them releases blood and can lead to recovery. Puncturing above or below Chize can also lead to recovery. In summary, cures achieved through acupuncture apply only to syndromes characterized by excess Wind, Fire, and Qi. For deficiency syndromes, acupuncture worsens the condition. This is a secret kept hidden by acupuncturists. In emergencies, acupuncture is used for its speed and convenience. While performing acupuncture, simultaneously administer Jiedu Huoxue Tang (Detoxification and Blood-Invigorating Decoction) to invigorate blood and resolve toxins; there is no case that does not recover with this single prescription. However, this disease strikes fastest and damages Yuan Qi (Original Qi) most rapidly; death can occur within half a day. If, after one or two hours or half a day of vomiting and diarrhea, leg cramps appear, it indicates a deficiency of Qi in the legs; if arm cramps appear, it indicates a deficiency of Qi in the arms. If sunken eye sockets, sweating like water, and limbs cold as ice are observed, do not merely claim that cold medicines are harmful; even my established Jiedu Huoxue Tang would be ineffective and potentially harmful. At this stage, regardless of dry tongue and mouth, extreme thirst for cold drinks, or drinking several bowls of water at once, confidently use Jiangfu Huiyang Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction to Restore Yang) to rescue life; a single dose can save the patient. This method is beyond the comprehension of mediocre physicians.