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Zhong (Stroke-like syndromes) refers to seven conditions: Zhong Feng (Wind Stroke), Zhong Han (Cold Strike), Zhong Shu (Heat Stroke), Zhong Shi (Dampness Strike), Zhong Qi (Qi Strike), Zhong Shi (Food Strike), and Zhong E (Evil Strike). All of these present with sudden collapse and unconsciousness. If phlegm-saliva is abundant and sounds are heard in the throat, the condition is critical. As long as Bi Syndrome (Closed Syndrome, characterized by clenched jaw and tightly grasping hands) is observed without Tuo Syndrome (Open Syndrome/Exhaustion Syndrome, detailed below), regardless of which type of "Zhong" it is, treatment should first focus on resolving phlegm and opening the orifices. Suhe Wan (Styrax Pill) can be administered mixed with sesame oil, ginger juice, and bamboo sap. For those with deficiency-cold constitution, Sansheng Yin (Three Lives Decoction) added with Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), bamboo sap, and ginger juice should be forced into the mouth after prying it open; if the mouth cannot be pried open, have someone hold the medicine in their mouth and blow it into the nose via a bamboo tube, allowing it to be swallowed naturally. These two prescriptions must only be used for Bi Syndrome, not Tuo Syndrome. If the pathogen has only affected the vessels and meridians and has not entered the zang-fu organs, do not use them lightly, lest it draw the pathogen inward. Instead, use Tongguan San (Orifice-Opening Powder) first: powder prepared from Asarum Root (Xixin), Gleditsia Sinensis Fruit (Zaogao), and Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizome (Changpu) (optionally adding Pinellia Ternata Rhizome processed with alum (Nanxing), Raw Pinellia Rhizome (Sheng Banxia), and Mint Herb (Bohe)), blown into the nose to induce sneezing, upon which the patient will recover. Additionally, for phlegm obstruction requiring emergency emesis, Xixian San (Saliva-Clarifying Powder) is used: select four thick, sound, non-borer Gleditsia Sinensis Pods (Zaogao), remove the black skin, and mix with one tael of pure Alum (Fan) ground into fine powder. Use 5 fen for mild cases and 7 fen for severe cases, mixed with warm water and administered. Another prescription is Bixia Dan (Emerald Pill): grind high-quality Malachite (Shilu) using the water-trituration method, take 2-3 qian, mix evenly with 3-4 bean-sized pieces of Borneol (Bingpian), and administer mixed with fresh Mint Juice and warm wine. These two medicines do not necessarily cause violent vomiting; recovery occurs once saliva trickles slightly from the corners of the mouth. Other texts within this school record these two formulas with minor variations; choose based on severity. For exterior excess with no sweating, use Sansheng San (Three Saints Powder); for interior excess with sweating, use Bafan Wan (Barley-Alum Pill); both are emetic agents. If one observes an open mouth (indicating Heart Qi exhaustion), relaxed hands (Spleen Qi exhaustion), closed eyes (Liver Qi exhaustion), urinary incontinence (Kidney Qi exhaustion), or snoring sounds (Lung Qi exhaustion), this constitutes Tuo Syndrome (Exhaustion Syndrome), which is untreatable. However, if these five signs are not all present, moxibustion at Qihai (CV-6) below the umbilicus combined with Shen Gao (Ginseng Paste) may result in survival. Strictly avoid Suhe Xiang Wan (Styrax Pill) and Niuhuang Wan (Calculus Bovis Pill). (Niuhuang Wan is discussed under Wind Stroke). Conditions such as straightened hair, foaming at the mouth, head shaking and upward thrusting, red or dark-red/black complexion, and beads of sweat like pearls are all untreatable. For any "Zhong" syndrome, whether the patient has not yet recovered consciousness or has already recovered, whether in the early or late stage of illness, sudden vomiting of purple-red blood indicates death. In sudden collapse with eyes rolling upward and inability to see, moxa cones half the size of a jujube pit are applied to the areas above the second and fifth thoracic vertebrae simultaneously. When saliva surges suddenly, support the patient to sit upright in a warm room. Pour vinegar onto charcoal fire and fumigate the face; after the vapor enters the nose for a while, the phlegm gathered in the heart will return to its proper place, and the patient will recover immediately. Do not allow the patient to drink a single drop of soup or water, lest the phlegm remain attached to the heart collaterals, resulting in permanent disability.

In sudden collapse, the six pulses are mostly Chen (Deep) and Fu (Hidden) (due to pathogenic stagnation inside preventing Qi from reaching the exterior), though some may appear Hong (Surging). (During sudden collapse, pulses are often Deep/Hidden; upon recovery, they turn Surging). Floating and Slow pulses are auspicious; firm, large, rapid, and urgent pulses are ominous. A floating pulse advancing suggests Cold. A deficient and large pulse suggests Summerheat; if not occurring in summer months, a floating, deficient, choppy pulse indicates Dampness. A large floating pulse indicates Wind. A floating and rapid but weak pulse also indicates Wind. A faint and rapid pulse, or deep and slow pulse, both indicate Qi Strike. Wind pathogens correspond to the Renying (ST-9) pulse; Qi stagnation corresponds to the Qikou (LU-9) pulse. A surging and rapid pulse indicates Fire; a slippery pulse indicates Phlegm. One must further observe the seasonal climate, as well as the patient's daily routine and diet, combining these with obvious clinical manifestations to determine the primary name of the disease.