Library

The second son (one of the young children) of the King of Qi fell ill and summoned Chen Yi (Chunyu Yi) for diagnosis. After palpating his pulse, Chen Yi informed him, "This is Qi Ge disease (Qi obstruction disease). The illness causes vexation and fullness, difficulty in eating and drinking, and occasional vomiting of frothy saliva. This illness arises from excessive worry in youth and frequent begging for food and drink." Chen Yi then prepared Xiaqi Tang (Descending Qi Decoction) for him to drink. After one day, the qi descended; after two days, he could eat; and after three days, the illness was cured.

The primary site of this disease is the Heart. The whole body is hot, so it is appropriate to nourish the Heart rather than solely using methods to descend qi. Although descending qi is effective, it is a forced measure. Chen Yi once said, "Vexation and inability to eat indicate pathology in the collaterals. Pathology in the collaterals leads to upward bleeding. Upward bleeding results in death; this is generated by sorrow affecting the Heart." Knowing that the disease resides in the Heart but treating the qi is somewhat contradictory. Is there not fear of a reactive force arising after such forced treatment? In the world, people use aromatic, dispersing, and descending herbs to treat Liver qi stagnation, only to find the condition worsening eventually, which is similar to this case. (Hua Tuo's Note)

Xun, the Langzhong Ling (Attendant Gentleman Director) of Qi, fell ill. Most physicians believed it was Juezhong disease (Jue collapse in the middle) and treated it with acupuncture. Chen Yi diagnosed it, saying, "This is Yong Shan disease (Surging Hernia), causing an inability to urinate or defecate." Xun replied, "I have been unable to urinate or defecate for three days." Chen Yi gave him Huoji Tang (Fire Harmony Decoction). After one dose, he was able to urinate; after two doses, he had a large bowel movement; and after three doses, the illness was cured.

Chen Yi explained, "The pulse at the right mouth area (Renying or specific diagnostic site) is large and rapid. A rapid pulse indicates heat in the middle and lower jiao with surging qi." Since the heat was known, administering Huoji Tang to attack heat with heat, although methodologically sound, poses a risk: if the heat increases and qi surges upward from the middle and lower jiao, what then? His ability to urinate and defecate was merely fortunate! (Hua Tuo's Note)

Xin, the Zhongyufu Zhang (Director of the Imperial Household Department) of Qi, served as an envoy for the King of Qi to Chu during winter. Upon reaching Yangzhou Water in Ju County, he found the bridge in poor repair. Xin held onto the carriage shafts, unwilling to cross. The horse was startled, causing Xin to fall into the water and nearly drown. Officials came to rescue him, pulling him out of the water. His clothes were completely soaked. After a while, his body became cold, followed by a fever as hot as fire. At this point, water qi had invaded the couli (interstices/acupoints). Needling Tianzhu (BL10) could cure it. Chen Yi did not use needles but used decoctions. Fortunately, sweat was produced; otherwise, Ziyun Feng (Purple Cloud Wind, a skin disease) would certainly have developed. If one claims that temporary mismanagement led to alternating chills and fever, it is almost negligence. According to pulse methodology: "In Heat diseases, if Yin and Yang intersect/cross, death ensues." Thus, Xin would never have reached this state because he sweated, and the muscle...