Library

The *Classic of Difficult Issues* (Jing) states: All cold conditions characterized by contraction and pulling belong to Kidney Water. The theory of Five Movements and Six Qi states: When Taiyin (Too Yin) governs the celestial position, the people suffer from diseases of cold-dampness causing stiffness and urgency. In the first phase of Qi, wind and dampness contend with each other, causing the people to suffer from stiffness and urgency, stiff sinews, and unsmooth joint movements.

Xiao Xuming Tang (Minor Continuation of Life Decoction) and Zhang Zhongjing's Sanhuang Tang are indicated for such conditions.

The *Treatise on Cutaneous Regions* (Pibu Lun) states: All twelve meridian collaterals are distributed in the skin. Therefore, when all diseases begin, they must first affect the hair follicles and skin. When pathogenic factors invade, the interstices (Couli) open; once opened, pathogens enter the collaterals. If they remain without departing, they transmit into the meridians; if they still remain without departing, they transmit into the zang-fu organs, accumulating in the intestines and stomach. It is also stated: The skin is the region of the collaterals. When pathogens lodge in the skin, the interstices open; once opened, pathogens enter the collaterals. When the collaterals are full, they pour into the meridians; when the meridians are full, they lodge within the fu-zang organs. Thus, the skin has specific regions; failing to address them according to their distribution leads to serious illness. The Yellow Emperor said: Excellent.

The *Classic* states: The Lung corresponds to the skin; its flourishing manifestation is in the body hair. It is also said: The Lung governs the skin and hair. In the zang organs, it is the Lung; in the physical structures, it is the skin and hair. It is further said: The Hand-Taiyin (Lung Meridian) is the pathway through which warm qi nourishes the skin and hair. If qi fails to nourish, the skin and hair become scorched/dry; if skin and hair become dry, body fluids are lost. If the skin becomes scorched and body fluids are lost, the nails will wither and the hair will break, leading to death.

The *Classic* states: The summer pulse corresponds to the Heart. If the summer pulse is excessive, disease manifests as fever and painful skin, resembling an oozing sore (Jinyin). It is also said: When Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) is in the earthly position, excess heat causes diseases of alternating chills and fever with skin pain. It is also said: When Shaoyin governs the celestial position, excess fire causes skin pain.

The *Classic* states: Diseases of the Three Yang channels manifest as chills and fever; their transmission leads to desiccation and loss of luster. It is also said: When Yangming (Bright Yang) is in the earthly position, excess dryness causes the body to lack oil and luster; treatment should employ bitter-warm methods. "Skin desiccated and lacking luster" refers to what Zhang Zhongjing called "skin like scales" (Jiacuo), meaning the skin is stagnant, rough, and lacks clarity and moisture.

Shengxue Runfu Yin (Blood-Generating Skin-Moistening Drink) (Formula seen in the Dryness Section): Treats skin desiccation and lack of luster, dryness, and white dander upon scratching.
Shengma Tang (Cimicifuga Decoction): Treats skin pain that cannot be touched by hand.
Ingredients: Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma, 5 fen), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, 6 fen), Qian Ge (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix) (each 1 qian), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Sheng Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) (each 1.5 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 4 fen).
Preparation and Administration: Take two cups of water, add three slices of fresh ginger and one inch of scallion white. Decoct until eight-tenths remains. Administer after meals to induce a slight sweat.
Zefu Gao (Skin-Brightening Ointment): Treats skin dryness resembling fish scales.
Ingredients: Niu Suisui (Bovine Marrow), Zhen Suyou (True Butter/Oil) (equal parts).
Preparation and Administration: Combine the two ingredients and refine/melt them together. Store in a clean porcelain jar. Take three spoons on an empty stomach daily, mixed with hot wine. For those who do not drink alcohol, mix with honey water. After seven days, the skin and muscles will become moist and lustrous. Long-term use nourishes yin and blood, stops cough, and benefits the sinews.