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Zhu Danxi stated: The "Great Wind" disease is contracted from the lethal winds of heaven and earth. The ancients called it Li Feng (Leprosy/Severe Wind Disease) because its nature is cruel, fierce, violent, and terrifying. Once a person contracts this disease, one must distinguish whether the pathology is located in the upper or lower body. For pathology in the upper part, Zui Xian San (Intoxicating Immortal Powder) is used to expel foul phlegm and stagnant blood through the gum spaces; for pathology in the lower part, Tong Tian Zai Zao San (Sky-Penetrating Rebirth Powder) is used to expel foul matter and old parasites through the anus. Although the pathways of expulsion differ between upper and lower, they all fundamentally relate to the Yangming Channel (Yangming Meridian). Those treating this disease must understand this principle and observe the nodules and sores. If symptoms appear first on the upper body or are more prevalent there, the pathology is in the upper part; if they appear first on the lower body or are more prevalent there, the pathology is in the lower part; if both appear simultaneously, the pathology involves both upper and lower parts. The Yangming Stomach Channel and Large Intestine accept everything without discrimination. When wind pathogen invades the human body, if Qi is primarily affected, the pathology tends to be upper; if Blood is primarily affected, the pathology tends to be lower; if both Qi and Blood are affected, the condition is severe.

The ancients spoke of three causes and five deaths regarding Great Wind Disease. The three causes are: first, Wind Toxin; second, Dampness Toxin; third, Contagion. The five deaths refer to five critical stages: first, Skin Death, characterized by numbness and insensitivity; second, Pulse Death, characterized by blood ulceration turning into pus; third, Flesh Death, characterized by lack of pain upon cutting the flesh; fourth, Tendon Death, characterized by flaccidity and weakness of the hands and feet; fifth, Bone Death, characterized by collapse of the nasal bridge, along with falling eyebrows, dim vision, everted lips, hoarseness, and dysphagia, which are extremely fearsome. This occurs because evil and righteous pathogens attack each other, causing Qi and Blood to boil, leading to an accumulation of damp-phlegm and dead blood within the collaterals, thereby generating parasites and sores, resulting in pain, itching, and numbness.

Whether treated via the upper route or the lower route, these are curable diseases. People often neglect them because the progression appears slow. The general principles of treatment involve unblocking the internal Zang-Fu organs and venting the external channels and collaterals, applying therapy according to established methods. Furthermore, one must abstain from alcohol and sexual activity from start to finish, avoid foods that trigger wind and move Qi, as well as meat, fish, salt, soy sauce, roasted/fried items, and raw/cold foods. One must reduce desires and cravings to ensure safety and avoid danger.

Yu Jiayan stated: In treating Li Feng, the primary method is to clear and nourish Ying and Wei (Defensive and Nutritive Qi). Sweating should be induced frequently, and bloodletting should be performed frequently; both are expedient methods for clearing Ying and Wei. Parasites arise due to Lung Heat, where the Lung's descending and purifying function fails to operate normally, allowing the pathogen to spread gradually from the skin and hair pores to the interstices, intestines, and stomach, infesting everywhere. By clearing the Metal element (Lung), the parasites will extinguish themselves without needing to be driven out. Observe how when the Metal Wind blows, the drought demon disappears; the logic is clear. However, clearing the Lung must begin with clearing the Qi of Ying and Wei, because if Ying and Wei Qi become corrupt and unclear, they transmit to the Lung, damaging its purifying function first. Bitter medicines can drain the Lung and kill parasites, but they also damage the Stomach and cannot be taken for long periods. The Stomach is the source from which Ying and Wei originate; long-term use of bitter-cold herbs leads to corruption and stagnation of Stomach Qi, with consequences too numerous to state. Therefore, formulas like Kushen Wan (Sophora Root Pill) are unsuitable for prolonged use in individuals with inherently weak Ying and Wei and insufficient dietary intake. Da Feng Zi You (Oil of Semiaquilegia Fructus) is most effective at killing parasites and driving out wind, but it is excessively acrid and hot; often, the wind is not eliminated before the body itself is damaged. Liu Huang Jiu (Sulfur Wine) inevitably causes brain rupture upon ingestion. Additionally, Zui Xian San mixed with Qing Fen (Calomel/Precipitated Mercury Chloride) and taken as powder three times daily induces a state of heavy intoxication, expelling toxic saliva through the gums, resulting in tooth loss before the leprosy is cured. Generally, drugs for removing leprosy, if taken for a short time and in small doses, will not cure the disease; if taken for a long time and in large doses, although the disease may be removed, the harm caused by the drugs is even greater. Only Qu Feng Wan (Wind-Driving Pill) by Yi Lao and Si Shen Dan (Four Divine Pills) by Su Dongpo can be taken for extended periods. Moreover, these should only be prescribed to patients who are resolute and strictly disciplined in their lifestyle.

He Xi Feng (Crane Knee Wind) refers to Bi Syndrome (Obstruction Syndrome) caused by Wind-Cold-Dampness obstructing the knee joint. If the knee bones enlarge daily while the muscles above and below waste away and become thin, one should not immediately treat the knee. Instead, one must first nourish Blood and tonify Qi, allowing the muscles to gradually receive nourishment, before treating the knee. This is largely similar to treating hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body). Since hemiplegia has occurred, it is urgent to irrigate the non-paralyzed areas first, so that the paralyzed areas can regain Qi circulation and receive nourishment. If one does not understand the methods of guiding Blood via Qi and guiding Qi via Blood, and merely uses harsh dispersing drugs like Mahuang (Ephedra Herb) and Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) to scatter wind, it is rare that the patient will not suffer total wasting and rapid death. Therefore, if treating He Xi Feng by urgently attacking the obstruction, it will inevitably lead to flaccid paralysis of the legs.

Ancient prescriptions for pediatric He Xi Feng used Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) supplemented with Lurong (Cervum Cornu Degelatinatum/Cornu Cervi Degelatinatum) and Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), totaling eight ingredients. Not directly treating the wind reflects profound wisdom. Pediatric cases are not necessarily caused solely by Wind-Cold-Dampness obstruction; they often result from congenital deficiency of Kidney Qi, where Yin-Cold condenses in the waist and knees and fails to resolve. External signs reveal internal conditions. Thus, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is used to tonify the Water (Yin) in the Kidney, Lurong to tonify the Fire (Yang) in the Kidney, and Niuxi to guide the medicinal action to the bone joints, strengthening the tendons surrounding them. This is an excellent method of treating the root rather than the branch, cited here as an example.