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One: The complexities of Shanghan (Cold Damage) are most numerous. I have eliminated all the intricate details, retaining only the general outline, so that its principles become clear and coherent, allowing the logical connections to naturally emerge.

One: In the study of Shanghan, emphasis has traditionally been placed on the differentiation between exterior (Biao) and interior (Li) syndromes, with deficiency and excess (Xu-Shi) being particularly crucial. This point has already been clearly elucidated by ancient masters. This compilation discusses these matters in particular detail, aiming to urge clinicians to exercise caution.

One: This book focuses exclusively on Shanghan, citing other diseases for comparison in each instance. Since other diseases are clarified, they will not be confused with Shanghan, thereby avoiding errors in treatment.

One: Occasionally, one or two key points from ancient masters are selected for reference. This is done because I dare not keep them secret, but wish to share them publicly with my colleagues.

One: Medical cases are cited sparingly, just one or two, to seek correction from those knowledgeable in the Dao. I do not dare to boast of my achievements; rather, like learning steps in Handan (a metaphor for humble learning), I strive merely to contribute to the greater principles.

One: This collection is straightforward and concise. However, after more than twenty years of contemplation and clinical experience, it underwent multiple revisions before completion. It awaits the selection of discerning readers.

One: Miscellaneous diseases are appended separately, chosen for their clarity and comprehensiveness, simplicity and appropriateness. They neither exceed nor are confined by the norms of sages, offering the joy of versatility. Therefore, they are included.

One: Regarding gynecology, regulating menstruation, prenatal care, and postpartum recovery require careful nursing. Once the guiding principles are grasped, it becomes as easy as picking up a blade of grass. This compilation is uniquely concise yet comprehensive, simple yet clear; readers will understand upon consultation.

One: Original prescriptions are fully recorded for reference. Some may be followed strictly, while others should be adapted flexibly, depending on temporary judgment. One must never adhere rigidly to formulas against the pathogenesis, which would cause harm.

One: Medicine differs from other arts. Regardless of status, it entrusts life and death; it is no trivial matter. One must establish a mindset of utmost caution, act with integrity, broaden one's knowledge and experience, and refine one's practical understanding, thus remaining without shame. These words are written at the end to admonish fellow practitioners.

The Classic states: "When humans are injured by cold, they develop febrile diseases." When I first read this, I doubted it, asking how injury by cold could result in heat. Cold is the Yin Qi of Heaven; heat is the Yang Qi of humanity. When Heaven's Yin Qi invades the human body, it causes stiffness and aversion to cold. When human Yang Qi is constrained and depressed, it steams and rises, causing fever. However, when pathogenic factors are strong and righteous Qi cannot expel them, acrid-warm herbs must be used to assist, allowing pathogens to resolve through sweating. This is the rationale for establishing exterior-releasing methods. For severe cases, Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang) is used; for moderate cases, Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo); for mild cases, Perillae Folium (Zisu). Dosage should be adjusted according to severity. Stop when the disease is addressed; do not overdose. Overdosing depletes righteous Qi even after pathogens are gone, leading to various complications difficult to enumerate. Sweat is body fluid. Initially, cold closes the pores, preventing release, so sweating is used to unblock and harmonize Qi. Excessive sweating consumes fluids externally and exhausts them internally. Whether due to sweat-induced loss of Yang, dryness of the Stomach Fu, or depletion of Kidney Yin, symptoms such as irritability, thirst, and constipation stem from excessive sweating. Can this be ignored? Thus, I have said: treating Shanghan requires sweating, but not lightly, not heavily, not repeatedly, and not erroneously. Understanding this allows one to enter Zhang Zhongjing's inner chamber and avoid the fears associated with Wenbo.

One: When the Taiyang channel suffers winter cold, presenting with headache, high fever, aversion to cold, stiffness, tight and full pulse, and anhidrosis, Zhang Zhongjing prescribed Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction): Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang) 2 qian, Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) 1 qian, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) 0.5 qian, Armeniacae Semen Amarum (Xingren) 8 grains, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Shengjiang) 3 slices, Jujubae Fructus (Dazao) 1 piece, decocted in water. This treats true Shanghan in winter, where sweating is indispensable.

One: Although previous symptoms are present, if exposed to sudden cold out of season, Mahuang Tang should not be used. Instead, use Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo), Perillae Folium (Zisu), Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng), Schizonepetae Spica (Jingjie), Puerariae Radix (Gegen), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Guangpi), Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), modified according to symptoms. This represents the principle of not sweating excessively.

One: Although previous symptoms are present, if the patient has inherent Qi deficiency, chronic miscellaneous diseases, or is postpartum, recovering from smallpox/variolae, post-hemorrhagic, suffering from fatigue-induced internal injury, or having engaged in sexual activity, and subsequently catches cold, then use Schizonepetae Spica (Jingjie), Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng), Perillae Folium (Zisu), Puerariae Radix (Gegen), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Guangpi), modified slightly to release the exterior gently. If fever is not caused by cold, treat the root cause. This illustrates the principle of not sweating lightly.

One: Although previous symptoms are present, if exterior release and sweating have already occurred, do not repeat dispersing methods. Since pathogens have retreated, sweating again will damage righteous Qi. This illustrates the principle of not sweating repeatedly.

One: Aversion to cold and fever occur in many miscellaneous diseases, even in single carbuncles or boils. One must not indiscriminately use dispersing methods without diagnosing the specific syndrome. For example, I treated a woman with aversion to cold and fever, whose pulse was flooding and rapid. Upon inquiry, she had painful swelling in her left breast. I treated only the breast swelling, which resolved immediately, along with the chills and fever. This example applies to others. This illustrates the principle of not sweating erroneously.

Observing contemporary trends, whenever patients, doctors, or bystanders see chills and fever, they immediately suspect Shanghan and ask, "Has sweating been induced? Has purgation been performed?" Deaths resulting from improper sweating or purgation are accepted without regret, while recovery without these treatments leaves people dissatisfied. This is the misfortune of the people and the decline of vulgar customs. If wise men were to arise and expose this, yet the practice continues unnoticed, how sorrowful it is! I have seen countless deaths caused by erroneous sweating in cases of fatigue, Yin deficiency, miscellaneous diseases, prenatal/postpartum conditions, and summerheat. I cannot help but deeply lament this.