Library

It is heard that within every minute orifice of the human body, there exists "vital qi" (Sheng Qi). This so-called vital qi refers to the body fluids (Jin Ye). The skin and hair rely on it for moistening; the muscles rely on it for suppleness; the sinews and bones rely on it for flexibility; the blood vessels rely on it for harmony. Its ability to circulate and nourish the entire body is indeed comprehensive. However, what remains contained and unmanifested is called vital qi, whereas what is discharged and does not return is called dead qi. Therefore, Su Dongpo stated that nasal mucus, tears, sweat, and urine are all salty, while only the fluid from Lianquan (CV23, located under the tongue) is sweet. Thus, when body fluids are stored without depletion, irrigating the five zang and six fu organs, how could there be Upper, Middle, and Lower Xiao (Wasting-Thirst Syndrome)?

Then, where do these fluids originate, and what is their source? Some say: The Kidney governs the five fluids, so the Kidney is the generator. The Upper Jiao is like mist, the Middle Jiao is like a fermenting vat, and the Lower Jiao is like a ditch; thus, the San Jiao (Triple Burner) is the driver. However, this ignores that what Yue Ren (Bian Que) referred to as the "Motive Qi between the Kidneys" is the true root. It is the foundation of the five zang and six fu organs, the root of the twelve primary meridians, the gate of respiration, and the source of the San Jiao, also known as the Spirit that Guards against Evil. When this qi moves, it steams and ascends the body fluids. If the Lung receives it, there is no thirst; if the Stomach receives it, there is no hunger; if the Bladder receives it, Qi transformation occurs normally. Only when the True Fire declines and the True Water exhausts can the fluids no longer be transported upward to the Lung, causing the Lung to seek rescue from water; they cannot nourish the Stomach in the middle, causing the Stomach to seek relief from food; they cannot regulate the Bladder in the lower, causing the Bladder to disturb the Essence House. Consequently, excessive drinking, polyphagia with emaciation, and urine resembling paste occur. These are all due to the failure of Water and Fire to mutually assist each other, potentially leading to self-incineration and death.

Therefore, the treatment method should urgently strengthen the master of Water to suppress hyperactive Yang Fire, simultaneously administering Shengmai San (Generate Pulse Powder) to nourish the source of transformation. This is the general principle. However, one must particularly fear that cold water cannot reach the upper burner. Li Chen (Lizai) used a large dose of Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill), adding one qian of Rougui (Cinnamon Bark), to benefit the fire within the water, enabling it to steam and distribute upward. This is described as earth qi ascending to become clouds, and heaven qi descending to become rain, after which sweet rain falls abundantly, and vital qi fills the universe. In such a case, why bother distinguishing between Lung Xiao, Diaphragm Xiao, and Kidney Xiao and seeking various treatments?

In summary, body fluids are the basis of human life and cannot be depleted even for a day. Why should people distress themselves and exhaust them through myriad schemes? Once depleted, relying on medicinal herbs without investigating the original source is like trying to revive a withered tree whose sap has already dried up—is this not extremely difficult?

**Upper Xiao Maimendong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction)**
Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian)
Maimendong (Ophiopogonis Tuber, 1 qian)
Ge Fen (Puerariae Radix Amylum, 1 qian)
Zhi Gancao (Prepared Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3 fen)
Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus, 9 grains)
Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, 1 qian)
Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix, 1 qian)
Yuancan Jian (Bombyx Batryticatus Cocoon, 3 pieces)
Decoct in water and take orally.

**Middle Xiao Huang [Decoction]**
Huangqi (Astragali Radix, 2 qian) *Note: Text says "Huang", likely Astragalus given context, though formula resembles Baihu Jia Renshen Tang.*
Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 2 qian)
Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum, 2 qian, roasted until hot)
Zhi Gancao (Prepared Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3 fen)
Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, 1 qian)
Jingmi (Oriza Sativa Granum, a pinch)
Zhuye (Phyllostachys Folium, 5 leaves)
Decoct in water.

**Lower Xiao Liuwei Tang (Six-Ingredient Decoction)**
Huai Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, 3 qian)
Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex, 1 qian)
Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma, 1 qian)
Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus, 1.5 qian)
Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma, 1.5 qian)
Fuling (Poria, 1 qian)
Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, 1.5 qian)
Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen, 1.5 qian)
Decoct in water. If Fire is deficient, add Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) and Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus).