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Wang Haicang stated: The disease of the "Big Head" (Da Tou Wen), although manifesting in the upper half of the body, arises because heat is latent within the meridians and one contracts epidemic qi that is out of season from heaven and earth. This leads to the formation of this illness.

When it progresses to ulceration, cracking, pus discharge, and transmission to others, it is referred to as Yi Li (epidemic pestilence). Generally, the pathogenic heat of the Foot-Yangming Meridian is excessive, which actually fuels the ministerial fire of the Shaoyang, causing it to blaze. The pathology mostly resides in the Shaoyang or Yangming meridians; in severe cases, it transmits reversely. One should observe which part of the body exhibits swelling and treat according to the affected meridian. Damp-heat causes swelling, while excessive fire causes pain. Since this pathogen originates in the head, it is mostly seen around the front and back of both ears. The symptoms that appear first are the primary manifestation and the root of the disease; treatment should be initiated early.

Medication should not be administered too rapidly or aggressively, lest the medicinal force overshoot the site of the disease. This could result in a situation where "the heat above has not been cleared, but cold in the middle has already arisen," thereby endangering life. This disease enters from the exterior into the interior and is classified as a blood-level disorder. Furthermore, since the head receives the pathogen at a high and formless location, treatment should proceed with a slow approach first, followed by an urgent one.

The "slow approach" refers to the fact that the pathogen is located superiorly, adhering to formless regions. Once adhering to the formless, its transmission is unpredictable. If heavy purgatives are used for drastic evacuation, the pathogen will not be expelled, but rather the condition will worsen. Even when using mild medications, if they are taken hastily—whether before meals or in a single dose—the essence of "slowness" is lost, and the medication will fail to eradicate the disease. It should be taken slowly to macerate and dissipate the formless pathogen. Whether considering the nature, flavor, and form of the drugs, or administering them based on symbolic correspondences, the principle must remain consistent with "slowness." For instance, using cold-natured herbs, or processing them with wine frying or wine soaking, all adhere to this principle.

The "urgent approach" refers to the stage after the previous mild agents have drained the heat from the high position, allowing the pathogen to descend into the middle, reaching the Yin regions, and attaching to tangible, substantial organs. If this is not removed quickly, it will damage the Yin. At this point, the pathogen becomes a "guest pathogen" and must be expelled immediately; this constitutes treating the guest pathogen with urgency.

Regarding the treatment of the "host" (primary condition) requiring slowness: this implies that Yang pathogens reside above and Yin pathogens below, each belonging to their respective home meridians. If one attempts to remove them hastily, it will not only fail to resolve the complexity but also cause further chaos; hence, treating the host requires a slow approach. Regarding the treatment of the "guest" (secondary/interfering condition) requiring urgency: this refers to situations where the Yang aspect receives Yang pathogens and the Yin aspect receives Yin pathogens (these are hosts); conversely, when the Yin aspect receives Yang pathogens or the Yang aspect receives Yin pathogens, these are guests. All so-called guest pathogens should be removed urgently; this constitutes treating the guest pathogen with urgency.

For example, in diseases involving the Shaoyang and Yangming meridians: if the Shaoyang is affected, symptoms manifest around the ears; if the Yangming is affected, there is massive swelling of the head and face. Initially, use Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma), and Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), all stir-fried together, decocted, and sipped continuously. After finishing this, one may administer Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), either wine-soaked or baked, along with Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus) stir-fried until fragrant, and Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas), all in equal parts. These should also be sipped slowly, preferably after meals, aiming for slight bowel movement. Once the pathogen is eliminated, continue only with the initial formula. If the condition persists, switch to the second formula, following the sequence previously described, aiming for thorough bowel evacuation, and stop once the pathogen is gone. If thirst occurs due to Yangming involvement, add Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix). If the pathogen traverses the Yangming channel, add Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Ge Gen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), and Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba). If the pathogen traverses the Taiyang channel, add Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), and Jing Jie (Schizonepetae Spica). Select and add these appropriately, dividing them equally with the main prescription; do not use powder formulations exclusively.