Library

This condition must be differentiated by the upper and lower locations, observing the manifestation of macules, papules, and sores. If symptoms appear first in the upper body or are more prevalent there, the pathogen is located above; if they appear first in the lower body or are more prevalent there, the pathogen is located below; if both upper and lower parts are affected simultaneously, the pathogen involves both. Although the pathways of pathogenic invasion differ between upper and lower, it ultimately does not go beyond the Yangming Meridian (Yangming Channel). The Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming and Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming receive everything without exception. When wind pathogens invade the human body, if Qi is affected, lesions tend to occur in the upper part; if Blood is affected, lesions tend to occur in the lower part; if both Qi and Blood are affected, the condition is severe. Unless the physician possesses divine skill and the patient has an iron will, few can escape death. Whether progressing from above or from below, as long as it develops gradually, it is treatable. Patients often neglect the illness when they perceive the slow progression, missing the opportunity for early treatment. By the time the condition reaches its extreme, few can be saved, which is truly lamentable!

Zihe, Dai Ren (Zhang Zhongjing's contemporary, Zhang Zihé), stated: "The *Neijing* discusses Leprosy (Lai Feng, a term historically used for various chronic skin diseases including leprosy), stating that acupuncture over two hundred days can cause eyebrows to regrow. Acupuncture serves similarly to inducing sweating." However, when herbs are unavailable, acupuncture is used; one instance of induced sweating can equal the effect of a thousand acupuncture sessions. Therefore, Gao Gongfeng once used *Pingyi* (Mikania scandens) to induce sweating in patients with paralysis-wind. Magistrate Zhang suffered from paralysis for over ten years. Dai Ren said, "If there is sweat on the feet, it is treatable; sweating should be induced." His sweat would have a foul odor, and his saliva would have a fishy smell. He was placed in a warm chamber, and *Sansheng San* (Three Holy Powders) was administered to induce vomiting. Sweat poured all over his body as if he were lying in water; the sweat indeed smelled foul, and the phlegm was as fishy as fish mucus. There was slight sweating on the soles of the feet. Subsequently, *Zhouche Wan* (Boat Cart Pill) and *Junchuan San* (River Dredging Powder) were used to purge five to seven times. After several such treatments, he recovered.

Patients suffering from intense itching on their bodies are afflicted by wind pathogens causing Qi stagnation and Blood failing to nourish the tissues. They should take *Siwu Tang* (Four Substances Decoction) added with *Huangqin* (Scutellariae Radix) and *Baizhi* (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), mixed with *Pingyi* (Mikaniae Scandentis Herba) powder, and take it to induce sweating until cured.

The Classics state: "Inducing sweating cures sores." Moreover, since Leprosy is a type of wind disease and is the most malignant among sores, it is called Li Feng (Severe Wind). In various sores, heat enters internally; excessive heat generates wind. Furthermore, Li Feng is formed by contracting killing/cold winds. Without the method of inducing sweating, how can this Severe Wind be expelled? Therefore, the method of inducing sweating is the most crucial treatment for Li Feng. Other formulas may be used sequentially thereafter.