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Bi syndrome and Wei syndrome appear similar but are fundamentally different. Bi syndrome arises from external invasion; as stated in the Classics, "the three pathogens of Wind, Cold, and Dampness mix together to form Bi," which refers to this condition. Wei syndrome originates from within; as stated in the Classics, "all Wei syndromes arise from Lung Heat," which refers to this condition.

Since Bi syndrome enters from the exterior, the three pathogens of Wind, Cold, and Dampness first remain in the skin, then penetrate into the sinews and bones, and finally enter the Zang-Fu organs. Pathogens remaining in the skin are easy to cure; those lingering between the sinews and bones cause prolonged pain; those entering the internal organs indicate a critical condition. However, among the three pathogens of Wind, Cold, and Dampness, they are further classified based on dominance: Wind predominance is called Xing Bi (Wandering Bi), characterized by wandering pain, because "Wind arises from Fire"; Dampness predominance is called Zhuo Bi (Fixed Bi), characterized by heaviness and joint stiffness; Cold predominance is called Tong Bi (Painful Bi), characterized by ceaseless whole-body pain. Since these three pathogens arrive mixed together, treatment should also be mixed. It is also said that pain belongs to Fire, and swelling belongs to Dampness; thus, one must carefully observe which pathogen predominates. When dispersing Wind, clear Fire intermittently; when removing Dampness, nourish Blood intermittently; when regulating Qi, resolve Phlegm intermittently. Zhu Danxi’s treatments were not fixed, suggesting he deeply understood the nature of the disease.

Although this describes cases where pathogens have not yet entered the five Zang organs, if the condition persists for a long time without resolution, pathogens may lodge internally in the five Zang organs. Symptoms such as panting, vomiting, upward rushing of Qi, swelling of the sacrum, spinal curvature, tendon tightness, and limb flaccidity will appear. At this point, pathogens have invaded the Yin aspect, and they can no longer be expelled merely by treating Wind, Cold, or Dampness. The Classics subsequently state: "Yin Qi, when quiet, stores the Spirit; when agitated, it dissipates." Although no specific treatment method is mentioned here, it clearly implies that when Yin Qi is about to dissipate, it must not be agitated further but should be nurtured quietly. Otherwise, the remaining trace of Yin Qi would indeed be in peril. Furthermore, the Classics state: "If food intake doubles, the intestines and stomach are injured." This explicitly advises patients with Bi syndrome to consume bland foods, as diet and lifestyle are the root causes of the disease.

Wei syndrome, however, is different. Upon onset, it is not caused by the three pathogens of Wind, Cold, and Dampness, but solely stems from Lung Heat. Moreover, it is not only Lung Heat; the Qi of the Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Stomach also transform into heat and ascend to熏 (scorch) the Lung, causing the Lung leaves to become dry and leading to Wei syndrome. Tracing its origin, it results from endless thoughts and unfulfilled desires, excessive sexual activity leading to flaccidity of the Zong Jin (major tendons), or overexertion from long journeys, labor, or sitting/lying on damp ground. These various invasions cause the Yin of the five Zang organs to deplete daily, while the Heat of the five Zang organs intensifies daily. Consequently, Mai Wei (Vessel Wei), Jin Wei (Sinew Wei), Rou Wei (Flesh Wei), and Gu Wei (Bone Wei) occur, and the Lung loses its regulatory function.

However, why does treatment of Wei syndrome focus exclusively on the Yangming channel? Because the Yangming channel converges with all Zong Jin, governs binding the bones and facilitating joint movement, serves as the sea of the five Zang and six Fu organs, merges with the Chong vessel to seep into the Xi Gu (valleys/capillaries), connects with the Dai vessel, and links with the Du vessel. Generally, Yangming belongs to Dry Metal and prefers moisture, while the Hand Taiyin Lung belongs to Wet Metal and dislikes dryness. Understanding this, we know that the primary principle in treating Wei syndrome is moistening dryness. Consider the seasons: Autumn governs dryness, causing grass and trees to yellow and fall, the earth to crack, and winds to be fierce. Without rain to moisten, severe drought is feared. Thus, although the Wei syndromes of the five Zang organs differ, none arise without the loss of Essence and Blood. This contrasts with Bi syndrome, which involves mixed Wind, Cold, and Dampness. Therefore, using Wei-treatment methods for Bi yields entirely different results from start to finish; using Bi-treatment methods for Wei is absolutely inadvisable. Who would say Bi and Wei can be treated identically?

Note: I previously suffered from Xing Bi (Wandering Bi). Whenever I overworked or drank alcohol, my limbs and joints would swell and hurt, with limited flexion and extension, and arm pain. Using Lingzhi Xian (Spiritual Agility Immortal), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Qin Jiao (Gentiana Macrophylla), Jiu Qin (Wine-processed Scutellaria), Zhi Qiao (Aurantium), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Glutinosa), Chen Pi (Citrus Reticulata), Gan Ge (Pueraria Lobata), Fu Ling (Poria), and Gan Cao (Licorice) reduced symptoms after one or two doses. For lower leg and shin pain, I added Niu Xi (Achyranthes Bidentata), Mu Gua (Chaenomelis Fructus), Mi Yi Ren (Coix Seed), Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark), and Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome). I used this formula to treat other Bi patients: for severe redness and swelling, I added Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit) and Fen Hua (Trichosanthes Flower); for severe pain, I added Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Rhizome) and Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens); for constipation, I added Tao Ren (Prunus Persica Seed) and Hong Hua (Carthamus Tinctorius Flower). With modifications, it was invariably effective.

In early spring of the Wushen year, two patients suffered from this condition with unbearable pain. Using the previous method, their feet could flex and extend, but their arms remained curled and unable to open, with extreme whole-body pain that required touch to alleviate. They recovered after four or five weeks. In mid-February, I contracted this illness myself. The pain was twice as severe, and most medicines were ineffective. Only Xuwu Gao (Black Tortoise Paste) provided relief. The pain lasted fifty days, during which my muscles wasted away. I drank only a few bowls of porridge daily; consuming Ginseng or meat aggravated the condition. A friend administered Mutong Tang (Akebia Decoction). After taking it, I experienced abdominal fullness, difficulty urinating, and diarrhea. That night, I became lethargic, and my Qi seemed to depart. Two days later, my hands and feet became spasmodic, leaving no hope for survival.

Coincidentally, a friend, Yuan Mei Caozi, had visited me a few days prior to discuss a paste prescription. He reasoned that pain damages Essence and Blood, so he prepared a decoction of Cong Rong (Cistanche Deserticola), Gou Qi (Lycium Fruit), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Glutinosa), Yuan Zhi (Polygala Root), Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood), Zao Ren (Ziziphus Seed), Shi Hu (Dendrobium Stem), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit), and Gui Yuan Rou (Longan Aril), which he stored in Xuwu Gao. Fortunately, it had been brewed for four or five days. I urgently requested some and drank three or four cups consecutively. My sinews and vessels immediately relaxed, and the pain subsided slightly. I brewed three more batches, drinking one large cup every morning. Subsequently, my appetite increased significantly. One month later, I could sit up; another month later, I could stand; and yet another month later, I could walk. My muscles began to regrow. Later, I took Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) with added Cong Rong as pills, conditioning myself for over half a year until recovery. Although this was Zhou Bi (Generalized Bi), I treated it using Wei-methods. Had I not used strong tonification, how could I have survived? The disease never recurred thereafter.

Hu Huan Wan (Tiger-Hiding Pill)
Gui Ban (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum), Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex) (each 4 liang); Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) (each 2 qian); Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) (3.5 liang); Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) (1.5 liang); Suo Yang (Cistanches Herba), Hu Gu (Pantheris Os, roasted with rice wine), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) (each 1 liang); Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) (0.75 liang); Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) (0.5 liang).
Grind into powder, bind with honey paste to make pills. Adding Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) is even better.

Juan Bi Yin (Bi-Dispelling Decoction)
Qin Jiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix) (1 qian); Jiu Qin (Scutellariae Radix processed with wine) (1 qian); Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) (6 fen); Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) (7 fen); Jiu Bai (Phellodendri Cortex processed with wine) (1 qian); Du Huo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix) (8 fen); Ling Li Xian (Pedalilii Caulis) (1 qian, processed with wine); Mu Gua (Chaenomelis Fructus) (1 qian); Mi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen) (1 qian); Hong Hua (Carthami Flos) (3 fen); Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) (1 qian); Tao Ren (Persicae Semen) (7 grains, crushed); Zhi Qiao (Aurantii Fructus) (1 qian).
Add 3 slices of fresh ginger, decoct in water, and drink.