Library

In the early years of the Xingguo era, there was a woman named Ren, who was beautiful and betrothed to the Jinshi (imperial graduate) Wang Gongfu. Wang Gongfu, frustrated by his failure to obtain an official position, became depressed and resentful. Before long, Ms. Ren's complexion gradually turned dark. Ashamed, she returned to her natal home to seek medical treatment.

Seeking Medical Treatment
A Daoist priest encountered her and said, "This is a disease; I have medicine that can cure it." Ms. Ren earnestly requested the medicine. The priest said, "Nüzhen San (Female True Powder), taken with wine, two qian per dose, twice daily." Within a few days, her complexion gradually lightened, and within a month, it returned to normal. Ms. Ren exchanged rich gifts for this prescription, which consisted only of Huangdan (Lead Oxide) and Nüwan (Adenophorae Radix), ground into powder in equal proportions. (From *Mingyi Lu*)

When the Shao Yin pulse (the artery at Shenmen, HT7) of a woman beats strongly, it indicates pregnancy. The Shao Yin pulse is located in the depression behind the palm, corresponding to the little finger side, where the pulse throbs and responds to palpation.

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month (Lantern Festival), a lamp can facilitate conception. A couple may secretly steal a lamp from a wealthy household's lantern gathering, ensuring no one knows, and place it under their bed. Conception will occur in that same month.

Sun Simiao stated in *Qianjin Fang*: For children under six years old, there are no specific discussions in the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon). In ancient times, Wu Fang began compiling the *Luxin Jing* (Classic of the Cranium and Fontanelle) to predict longevity. From then on, pediatric formulas began, with pediatric prescriptions originating from Wu Fang.

Du Ren Langzhong (Attendant Physician Du Ren) was skilled in medicine. His fellow townsman, Wang Fengzhi Zongjian, was serving as an official in Wenyang at the time. A local man named Meng Sheng, whose family was very wealthy, had only one son, aged a few years, who fell ill. Several physicians treated him without success, so they summoned Du Ren for treatment. After a few days, the condition improved, and after a month, he fully recovered. People asked Du Ren, "What medicine did you use as the main treatment?" Du Ren explained the reason. The person was surprised and said, "The medicines you mentioned are all extremely warm in nature. Other doctors do not use them, yet you can cure the illness with them. Could you explain the principle?" Du Ren said, "Meng Sheng comes from a wealthy family. Most doctors used rhinoceros horn, pearl, gold, and silver, which are extremely cold in nature. Prolonged use damages the stomach qi, leading to loss of appetite and progressive emaciation, thereby depleting yuan qi (primordial qi) and losing the root. My prescription first warms the stomach to restore normal diet, then attacks other diseases. Thus, I strengthened the root first without error. This is how I know Du Jun is skilled in medicine." (From *Qingxiang Zaji*)

To treat variola (smallpox) or varicella (chickenpox) without leaving scars, frequently remove the scabs so they do not adhere to the skin; otherwise, scars will not form. Even if slight bleeding occurs upon removal, simply apply a facial ointment, and there will be no pain. Patients with sores must not consume chicken or duck eggs, as this will immediately cause blindness, with pupils becoming cloudy like egg white. This effect is as precise as a spirit's response; one must not ignore this warning. (From *Liang Fang*)

Grass growing near well edges treats infantile night crying. Place it under the mother's mattress without letting the child know. (From *Youyang Zazu*)