大椎(第一骨节尽处,灸三壮立愈。)三椎(骨节,灸亦可愈。)间使(二穴,在
手掌后二指,两筋中间是穴,可灸。)
《内经》曰∶岁土不及,风乃大行,民病飧泄霍乱,体重腹痛,筋骨繇复。巢氏《病源》云∶
霍乱吐泻,皆因温凉不调,阴阳混淆,二气相干,致脾胃之间,变而为霍乱。寒气客于脾则
泻,客于胃则吐,亦由饮酒食肉,腥脍生冷过度,或因坐卧湿地,当风取凉,使风冷之气归于
三焦,传于脾胃,脾胃得冷,水谷不消,皆成霍乱。
《原病式》云∶三焦为水谷传化之道路,热气甚则传化失常,而霍乱吐下之证作,火性
燥动故也。
《原病式》云∶霍乱吐下,湿为留饮痞隔,而传化失常,故甚则霍乱吐泻也。
《保命集》曰∶霍乱吐泻不止者,邪在中焦。或因渴而大饮,或因饮而过量,或饥饱过甚,
或湿热内甚,故阴阳不和,是为吐泻。仲景曰∶邪在上焦则吐,邪在下焦则泻,邪在中焦则既吐
且泻,此为急病也。然吐利为急,十死其一二,如挥霍撩乱,而不得吐泻者,此名干霍乱,必死。
法曰∶既有其入,必有所出。今有其入而不得其出者,痞也,塞也。故转筋吐泻者,其气有三∶
曰风,曰火,曰湿。吐为 热也。王氏曰∶炎热暴烁,心之气也。火能炎上,故吐也。泻为湿
也。叔和云∶湿多成五泻。经曰∶湿胜则濡泻。又曰∶风胜则动。筋属肝而应于风木,故脚
转筋,燥急也。《内经》诸转反戾,水液混浊,皆属于热。张仲景治法曰∶热多欲饮水,五苓散;
寒多不饮水者,理中汤。凡觉此证,或先五苓、益元、桂苓甘露饮,乃吐泻之圣药也。慎无与粟
米粥汤,一入于胃,则必死矣。霍乱者,脾胃极损,不能传化,加以粟米,如人欲毙,更加利
刀锯其首,岂有能生者耶?如吐泻多时,欲住之后,宜微以稀粥渐渐养之,以迟为妙。
Dazhui (GV14, located at the depression below the spinous process of the first cervical vertebra; moxibustion with three cones can lead to immediate recovery.) Third Thoracic Vertebra area (located at the corresponding vertebral level; moxibustion can also be curative.) Jianshi (PC5, a pair of acupoints located two finger-widths posterior to the center of the palmar wrist crease, in the depression between the two tendons; moxibustion is applicable.)
The *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states: When the Earth phase of the annual cycle is deficient, wind qi will prevail excessively. The people may suffer from undigested diarrhea and cholera-like disease (Huoluan), heavy body sensation, abdominal pain, and spasmodic or flaccid movements of the sinews and bones. Chao Yuanfang’s *Zhubing Yuanhou Lun* (Treatise on the Pathogenesis and Manifestations of All Diseases) says: Vomiting and diarrhea in cholera-like disease are caused by improper regulation of warmth and cold, confusion of Yin and Yang, and mutual interference of cold and heat qi. This leads to dysfunction in the Spleen and Stomach, resulting in cholera-like disease. If cold qi invades the Spleen, diarrhea occurs; if it invades the Stomach, vomiting occurs. This is also due to excessive consumption of alcohol, meat, raw/cold/fishy foods, or sitting/lying on damp ground, seeking coolness in the wind. This allows wind-cold qi to return to the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) and transmit to the Spleen and Stomach. The Spleen and Stomach become cold, failing to digest water and grain, all leading to cholera-like disease.
Liu Wansu’s *Yuanbing Shi* (Book on Original Causes of Disease) states: The Sanjiao is the pathway for the transmission and transformation of water and grain. Excessive heat disrupts this transformation, causing symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea in cholera-like disease, due to the dry and agitated nature of Fire.
*Yuanbing Shi* further states: In cholera-like disease with vomiting and diarrhea, dampness remains as retained fluid causing stagnation and obstruction, disrupting transformation. Thus, severe cases result in cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea.
Zhang Yuansu’s *Baoming Ji* (Collection for Preserving Life) states: Cholera-like disease with incessant vomiting and diarrhea indicates pathogenic factors in the Middle Jiao. This may be caused by drinking large amounts of water due to thirst, over-drinking, irregular eating habits, or severe internal damp-heat, leading to disharmony of Yin and Yang, manifesting as vomiting and diarrhea. Zhang Zhongjing said: Pathogens in the Upper Jiao cause vomiting; pathogens in the Lower Jiao cause diarrhea; pathogens in the Middle Jiao cause both vomiting and diarrhea. This is an acute condition. However, violent vomiting and diarrhea are critical, with a mortality rate of one or two out of ten. If there is sudden turmoil but inability to vomit or defecate, it is named "Dry Cholera" (Gan Huoluan), which is invariably fatal. Medical principles state: "Since the pathogen has entered, it must have an exit." If the pathogen enters but cannot exit, it results in stagnation and blockage. Therefore, the qi involved in convulsions, vomiting, and diarrhea stems from three sources: Wind, Fire, and Dampness. Vomiting is attributed to Heat. Wang Bing stated: Violent heat reflects the Qi of the Heart. Fire tends to flare upward, hence vomiting. Diarrhea is attributed to Dampness. Wang Shuhe said: Excess dampness leads to five types of diarrhea. The Classics state: "Excess dampness causes loose stools." Also: "Excess wind causes movement." Sinews belong to the Liver and correspond to Wind-Wood; thus, foot convulsions occur with dryness and urgency. The *Neijing* states: Various convulsions, opisthotonos, flexion, and turbid body fluids all belong to Heat. Zhang Zhongjing’s treatment principles state: For cases with more heat and desire for water, use Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Poria Pill); for cases with more cold and no desire for water, use Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction). Upon sensing these symptoms, one may initially administer Wuling San, Yiyuan San (Benefit Origin Powder), or Guiling Ganlu Yin (Cassia Twig and Poria Sweet Dew Decoction), which are sacred remedies for vomiting and diarrhea. One must strictly avoid giving millet porridge or soup; once ingested into the Stomach, death is certain. Cholera-like disease severely damages the Spleen and Stomach, impairing transformation and transportation. Adding food like millet when the patient is near death is akin to sawing the head of a dying person with a sharp knife—survival is impossible. After prolonged vomiting and diarrhea cease, one should slowly nourish the body with thin porridge, taking care to proceed gradually.