Library

[Biography of Wang Fengchun] Wang Fengchun (1884–1949), from Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, was one of the "Four Famous Doctors in Beijing." He devoted his life to TCM education and actively mentored younger scholars. In 1938, he served as the president of the National Medicine Professional Association and helped establish the *Beijing Pharmaceutical Monthly*. In 1942, he founded the Guoyao Guild Study Class in Beijing, contributing significantly to the training of TCM talents. Academically, he specialized in seasonal diseases and gastrointestinal disorders, making notable contributions to the understanding of Damp-Warmth diseases (Shiwen Bing). His main works include *TCM Pathology* and *Bolü Medical Cases*.

Wang Fengchun was born on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Jia-Shen year of the Guangxu era (May 29, 1884) and passed away on the twentieth day of the seventh month in the Ji-Chou lunar year (August 14, 1949). He was lifelong dedicated to public welfare, with a particular emphasis on talent cultivation and in-service education. In 1938, the National Medicine Professional Association was established, and Wang Fengchun was elected as its president. Simultaneously, he prepared for the launch of the *Beijing Pharmaceutical Monthly*, which debuted in January 1939. Mr. Wang personally presided over editorial work and contributed articles to promote the journal. In 1942, he founded the Guoyao Guild Study Class in the side rooms inside Tiananmen, Beijing, to train personnel for the TCM and Chinese materia medica fields. Although this was a short-term training program, it gathered many senior figures with genuine expertise, such as Qu Wenlou, Yang Shucheng, and Zhao Shuping, who served as lead instructors. Modern famous doctors Guo Shikui and Wang Hongshi were among the students at that time.

Wang Fengchun studied medicine profoundly, read widely, and sought knowledge with humility. In treating patients, he emphasized holistic concepts and syndrome differentiation. Practicing in Beijing, his clinic was bustling, and his name was known to women and children alike. The preface to *Bolü Medical Cases* states: "Mr. Wang Fengchun diagnoses diseases and discusses pathologies following the norms of past sages while adapting to climate, geography, and constitution. This is truly what is meant by 'following the ancients without being bound by them.' Whenever encountering diseases with bizarre and varied changes where other physicians were at a loss, he remained calm, acting with clarity and order. His prescriptions often yielded miraculous effects." Busy with clinical duties throughout his life, he had little time for writing. His visible works include: *TCM Pathology* (1942, lithographed edition by Beijing Medical Study Institute); *Bolü Medical Cases* (1941, compiled by students Xie Ziheng et al., lithographed edition by North China College of TCM); "My Views on Rheumatic Diseases This Winter, Open for Discussion with Colleagues" published in Issue 2 of *Beijing Pharmaceutical Monthly* (1939.2); "Differentiation between Scarlet Fever and Measles" published in Issue 4 of *Beijing Pharmaceutical Monthly* (1939.4); and "Humble Suggestions for Pediatric Experts in This City, Hope for Your Consideration" published in Issue 5 of *Beijing Pharmaceutical Monthly* (1939.5).

*Bolü Medical Cases*, compiled by disciples, represents Mr. Wang Fengchun's academic thoughts and medical experience. After his death, disciple Dr. Feng Yangzeng introduced several cases in the August 1958 issue of *Chinese Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine*. Professor Zhao Shaoqin of the Department of Warm Disease Studies at Beijing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine detailed his teacher Wang Fengchun’s experience in treating measles in his book *Comprehensive Study of Warm Diseases*. "At the onset of measles, wind-heat is internally retained, and the Lung is first affected, causing heavy coughing, nasal congestion, runny nose, restless sleep, yellow urine, crimson tongue with thick coating, and slippery-rapid pulse. Treatment should clear wind-heat and facilitate the eruption of the rash. Avoid wind and be cautious with diet to prevent worsening. If the rash does not erupt, add Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) 3 fen." "Measles complicated by pneumonia involves dampness-warmth accumulating and heat obstructing the Lung and Stomach, potentially leading to coughing, reversal, and syncope. Treatment should ventilate, transform, descend, clear heat, and resolve phlegm." Experience in treating scarlet fever: "Warm-toxin transforming into heat causes macules; gastrointestinal stagnation remains severe. Deeply fearing confusion and syncope, care must be taken with diet and temperature to prevent worsening. Wind-dispelling herbs are contraindicated." Though brief, every word is valuable, with principles, methods, formulas, and herbs fully equipped, serving as a model for future generations.

Academic Insights and Clinical Experience

Mr. Wang Fengchun specialized in treating seasonal diseases and gastrointestinal disorders. As his disciples said: "Our master has abundant experience in various miscellaneous diseases, and his prescriptions often have miraculous effects." He believed that the Spleen and Stomach are the source of Qi and Blood generation. The essence and Qi of the Five Zang organs rely on the transportation and transformation of the Spleen and Stomach and require supplementation from the refined grains produced by the Spleen and Stomach. If the source of transformation is exhausted, disasters will follow. The Classics state: "With Stomach Qi, there is life; without Stomach Qi, there is death," and "If gruel enters the Stomach and diarrhea stops, the deficient patient can survive." This emphasizes the importance of the Spleen and Stomach. Especially for some seasonal or gastrointestinal diseases, they are often caused by excessive fatigue, irregular eating, craving cold drinks, indulging in rich and sweet foods, excessive consumption of spicy foods, or unclean food and drink. Although the disease progresses rapidly, if treated appropriately, the pathogen is expelled quickly. However, if delayed, it may affect the Five Zang and Six Fu organs, bringing disaster swiftly. Mr. Wang carefully assessed deficiency, excess, cold, and heat in seasonal and gastrointestinal diseases, differentiated syndromes meticulously, established rigorous treatment principles, formulated flexible prescriptions, and used light and agile herbs. He commonly used Dan Fupian (Prepared Aconite Root), Dan Wuzhuyu (Evodia Fruit), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), Xinwei Jiang (Fresh Roasted Ginger), and Ziyou Rougui (Purple Oil Cinnamon Bark) to warm the Middle; Dangshen (Codonopsis Root), Yimi (Coix Seed), Zhigancao (Honey-fried Licorice Root), Lianpi Ling (Poria with Skin), Hongzao (Red Dates), Shimii (Broomcorn Millet), Chenlinmi (Aged Broomcorn Millet), and Jianlianrou (Lotus Seed Flesh) to tonify Spleen Qi and Yin; Jiaocangzhu (Charred Atractylodes Rhizome) and Chuan Houpo (Magnolia Bark) to dry dampness and strengthen the Spleen; Muxiang (Aucklandia Root), Zhike (Bitter Orange Fruit), Xinhuiqi (Tangerine Peel), Xiangyuanpi (Citron Peel), Meiguihua (Rose Flower), and Xianhuopei (Fresh Huoxiang and Peilan) to aromatic-transform turbidity, soothe the Liver, regulate Qi, and harmonize the Stomach; Sharen (Amomum Fruit) and Kourén (Cardamom) to awaken the Spleen and open the appetite; Shengshu Guyamai (Raw and Germinated Barley and Malt), Za'er Binglang (Areca Nut), Fanzhiqu (Fanzhi Qu), and Jineijin (Chicken Gizzard Lining) to resolve stagnation and harmonize the Middle; and often preferred patent medicines like Jiawei Baohe Wan (Modified Baohe Pill), Zhizhu Wan (Zhizhu Pill), Yueju Wan (Yueju Pill), and Xiangsha Yangwei Wan (Xiangsha Stomach-Nourishing Pill) decocted together with herbal decoctions to enhance efficacy. Single herb dosages ranged from 1 qian to 3 qians, with no more than ten herbs per prescription. Patent medicines added to decoctions were around 3 to 6 qians. The formulas were not peculiar but consisted of commonly used items, with small quantities and light weights, yet yielding remarkable effects, embodying the principle that "lightness can dispel excess," demonstrating exquisite medication skills.

For example, Case of Diarrhea of Patient Wang (Left): The patient was 67 years old, suffering from diarrheal stools, belching and nausea, chest tightness and discomfort, and epigastric burning sensation. Differentiated as decline of Middle Qi in the elderly and exhaustion of both Spleen and Stomach. Proposed treatment: Pungent-warm to harmonize the Middle, sweet-moist to vent and transform, as "insufficiency of Middle Qi leads to changes in urination and defecation." Prescription: Dan Wuzhuyu 4.5g, Ganjiang 2.1g, Sheng Yimi 9g, Lianpi Ling 12g, Xiangyuanpi 4.5g, Shengshu Guyamai each 9g, Fanzhi Qu 9g, Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan (wrapped for decoction) 12g, Dan Fupian 3g, Meiguihua 2.1g, Beishumi 30g, Lushen (Codonopsis) and Yitang (Maltose) each 15g, decocted in water.

Second visit: Proposed mild warming and grasping, assisted by middle-tonifying flavors. Third visit: Adjusted previous method, and the illness recovered.

Another case, Diarrhea of Patient Gu (Left): Severe diarrhea, abdominal distension and pain, white greasy tongue coating, fine and soggy pulses, dietary imbalance. Differentiated as cold injuring the intestines and stomach, likely to turn into dysentery. Urgently applied aromatic separation and draining method. Advised avoiding raw and cold foods. Prescription: Xian Peilan 6g, Zhi Houpo 4.5g, Hua Binglang 9g, Muxiang and Wei Gegen each 3g, Jiao Cangzhu 9g, Baohe Wan 12g, Zhike Pian 4.5g, Xian Huoxiang 4.5g, Xian Wei Jiang 2.1g, Jiao Maiya and Chi Lingpi each 12g, Sheng Chishao 4.5g, Jian Xie Pian 9g, Bai Kou Ren and Luoshui Chenxiang each 0.6g. The latter two ground into fine powder, divided into two doses, taken with medicinal soup.

Second visit: Diarrhea and stagnation discharged together, frequency reduced, abdominal pain and tenesmus resolved. Tongue coating white, greasy, and thick; pulses fine, wiry, and soggy. Differentiated as fluid-stagnation transformed but not cleared. Proposed again to raise Yang and harmonize the Middle, push out residual filth, and be careful with diet. Slightly adjusted previous prescription, cured immediately after taking.

Even in treating other miscellaneous diseases, he often added various grain-sprout preparations like Fanzhi Qu, Xiatian Qu, and Chenxiang Qu to invigorate Stomach Qi, increase appetite, ensure sufficient source of transformation, fill Qi and Blood, and enhance physical constitution.

Mr. Wang was also skilled in treating Damp-Warmth diseases. Treatment of Damp-Warmth is quite complex. Wu Jutong’s medical cases mention a method to resolve pathogens using Douchi (Fermented Soybean), Jingjie (Schizonepeta), Qinghao (Artemisia Annua), Jiegeng (Platycodon), Xingren (Apricot Seed), Yujin (Curcuma), Lianqiao (Forsythia), and Yinhua (Honeysuckle) to treat body heat, red face, slightly cold limbs, full tongue coating, and lack of thirst, heavily emphasizing ventilation and penetration within aromatic clearing and resolving. Xue Shengbai’s *Chapter on Damp-Warmth* also states: "In Damp-Heat syndrome, aversion to cold and fever, heaviness of body, joint pain, dampness in muscles, not resolved by sweating, suitable for Shishi (Talcum), Dadoujuan (Soybean Sprouts), Fulingpi (Poria Skin), Cangzhu Pi (Atractylodes Skin), Huoxiang (Agastache), Heye (Lotus Leaf), Tongcao (Tetrapanax), Jiegeng, etc." He also said: "At the onset of Damp-Warmth syndrome, fever, sweating, chest tightness, thirst, white tongue, dampness hidden in the Middle Jiao, suitable for Huoxiang, Kourén, Xingren, Zhike, Jiegeng, Yujin, Cangzhu, Houpo, Caoguo (Black Cardamom), Banxia (Pinellia), Changpu (Acorus), Peilan, Liuyisan (Six-One Powder)." Mr. Wang Fengchun followed the ancients in treating Damp-Warmth without being rigid. From his medical cases, it is clear that he balanced clearing heat and resolving dampness, adjusting herbs based on whether dampness or heat was predominant. Simultaneously, he combined ventilation, soothing depression, mild diuresis, and gentle purgation to break down the disease process. He excelled in using pungent-aromatic ventilation and aromatic clearing methods, and most avoided simply clearing heat when heat appeared, because at that time, heat could not be cleared, and instead, dampness would become more stagnant, creating a lingering situation. Formula selection generally involved modifications of Huopo Xialing Tang (Agastache, Magnolia, and Pinellia Decoction) or Ganlu Xiaodu Dan (Sweet Dew Detoxification Powder). He skillfully used Dayou Huangjuan (Yellow Soybean Sprouts), Xiang Qinghao (Artemisia Annua), Huoxiang, Peilan, Heye, Bohe (Mint), Jiegeng for light, clear ventilation and aromatic transformation; Houpo, Banxia, Cangzhu, Kourén, Changpu for sweet-pungent-warm aromatic transformation; Shanzhizi (Gardenia), Huangqin (Scutellaria), Danpi (Moutan), Lianqiao, Yinhua, Yinchén (Artemisia Capillaris) for clearing heat; Mutong (Akebia), Shishi, Zhuye (Bamboo Leaf), Tongcao, Dengxin (Juncus), Zexie (Alisma), Chi Lingpi, Zhuling (Polyporus), Yimi for mild diuresis and clearing; and Jiu Jun (Rhubarb wine-treated), Binglang (Areca Nut) for gentle purgation. Clearing, transforming, ventilating, draining, and purging were applied together, allowing dampness to clear and heat to resolve, eliminating all ailments.

Even for severe Damp-Warmth cases, he advocated light entry and exit. For high-fever patients, bitter-cold herbs should not be too heavy; instead, aromatic ventilating and transforming products like Dayou Huangjuan, Shanzhizi, Huoxiang, Peilan, Yinhua, and Lianqiao were selected. He particularly did not advocate using Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum). If the pathogen was in the Wei (Defensive) level and aversion to cold had not ceased, early use of Gypsum could cause "ice-freezing and cold-suppression" drawbacks. Regarding the "Three Treasures" (An Gong Niu Huang Wan, Zhen Xiang Su He Wan, Niuhuang Jiedu Wan), he believed they could be appropriately selected according to the condition and could be used early, believing they have the function of aromatic awakening and opening orifices. For some severe cases presenting with intermittent coma, they could wake the patient up quickly.

Although treating Damp-Warmth is as difficult as peeling a cocoon, Mr. Wang Fengchun, with years of clinical experience, handled it adeptly. His experience in treating Damp-Warmth is worthy of learning and emulation. Only two cases are cited to illustrate.

Case 1: Wet-Warmth of Patient Xing (Left), 21 years old, first visit on September 4.

Body heat, headache like splitting, stiff neck, whole-body spasms, vomiting, no bowel movement for seven days, thick greasy tongue coating, wiry-slippery-rapid pulses, weak upon deep pressure. Differentiated: Disease is severe, likely to cause syncope due to severe pain. Tentatively applying Jin Gui method with modifications. Prescription: Wei Gegen 3g, Jiang Zhuru 9g, Jiukong Shijueming (Decoct first) 30g, Lianpi Ling 12g, Xian Peilan (Add later), Xian Huoxiang (Add later), Ku Ziqin each 4.5g, Zi Beichi 30g, Jian Xie Pian 9g, Longdancao 2.1g, Sigualuo 9g, Chuanjun Tan (Add later) 4.5g, Xiang Douchi 12g, Baijili 9g, Lingyangjiao Jian 0.3g, ground into powder, divided into two doses, taken with water.

September 7, fourth visit: Headache reduced, bowels moved smoothly, vomiting continued, body heat persisted, tongue coating yellow and thick, difficult urination, wiry-slippery-rapid pulses. Proposed pungent-aromatic opening of the Fu organs. Prescription: Xiang Douchi 15g, Zhi Houpo 4.5g, Foshou Pian 9g, Baohe Wan (Wrapped in cloth) 15g, Chi Lingpi 12g, Nen Qianhu 4.5g, Quan Gualou 15g, Xinhuiqi 4.5g, Hua Binglang, Jian Zexie each 9g, Xian Peilan 4.5g, Jiang Zhuru, Baijili, Jiao Yimi each 9g, Jiu Dahuang, Fang Tongcao each 4.5g. Lingyangjiao 0.3g, Taiyi Yushu Dan 0.6g, Salt 0.3g, three ground into fine powder, packed in small gelatin tubes, taken with decoction of Xian Wei Jiang 1.5g and Foshou 9g, divided into two doses, take medicine first.

Seventh visit: Heat subsided, headache stopped. Based on symptoms, differentiated as damp-heat accumulating and obstructing the Middle. Applied aromatic soothing and harmonizing, clearing residual heat methods. By the fifteenth visit, the disease was improving. Used purging to clear residual heat and sweet-moistening to harmonize the Middle to complete the cure. Prescription: Xizhi Chuanhu, Huomaren, Tian Xingren, Jineijin each 9g, Fen Danpi 4.5g, Xiangsha Zhizhu Wan (Wrapped in cloth) 15g, Chi Fuling 12g, Dongguaren 30g, Xiang Qinghao 4.5g, Nan Huafen 9g, Quan Gualou 30g, Shengshu Guyamai each 12g, Fresh Apple (sliced with skin, core removed) 1 piece.

Case 2: Wet-Warmth of Li Jingxi, 41 years old.

Body heat for six days, headache radiating to behind the left ear, eyes reluctant to open, slight cough, nausea, white greasy coating floating yellow with crimson substance, whole-body pain, hand spasms during sleep, spontaneous diarrhea, then no bowel movement for five days after two days, red urine, left pulse fine-small and slippery, right wiry-slippery-rapid. Habitually likes tea and alcohol, contracted warm pathogen externally. Treatment: Light aromatic ventilation and transformation assisted by bitter purgation. Condition critical, first visit on one day.

Prescription: Baijili (De-thorned) 9g, Jia Suzi, Zhi Houpo each 4.5g, Ku Xingren, Jian Xie Pian each 9g, Shentoucao 4.5g, Laifuzi 6g, Jiang Zhuru, Jiao Yimi, Xian Foshou each 9g, Nen Qianhu 3g, Xiang Beimu, Xiang Douchi each 9g, Chi Lingpi 12g, Zhen Yujin 4.5g, Xian Pipaye 9g, Xi Qinjiao 4.5g, Baohe Wan (Wrapped in cloth) 15g, Bai Kou Ren 0.9g, Jiu Jun 0.6g. The last two ground into fine powder, packed in small gelatin tubes, divided into two doses, taken with medicine.

Second visit: Based on symptoms, proposed light aromatic resolution and bitter purgation opening Fu organs method, modified previous prescription. Third visit: Added separation and渗 (percolation) to resolve dampness method, adding Zhuling, Mutong, Yinchén.

Sixth visit: Disease recovered.

For febrile diseases with high fever above 39.5°C and white blood cell count between 15,000–20,000, Mr. Wang did not advocate using antibiotics. Instead, he still used Yinhua, Lianqiao, Pugongying (Dandelion), Lugén (Reed Rhizome), Baimaogen (Imperata Rhizome) to clear heat and detoxify, achieving good results, normalizing body temperature and white blood cell counts.

Nourishing Yin in the late stage of Warm diseases is also very important, especially for those with dry mouth and damaged fluids. Often selected Xian Shihu (Dendrobium), Xian Lugén, Lianqiao, Fei Zhimu (Anemarrhena), Mudanpi, Shengdi (Rehmannia). Taking hormones for over two months, Mr. Wang believed could severely damage Yin. Selected Zengye Tang (Increase Fluid Decoction) with good effect; Zengye Tang is a good Yin-nourishing and fluid-increasing agent, composed of Xuanshen (Scrophularia), Maidong (Ophiopogon), and Shengdi.

Extreme cold generates heat, extreme heat generates cold. For extremity cold-reversal in febrile diseases, Mr. Wang Fengchun did not use Sizini Lei (Si Ni Decoction type) but used some supporting-righteous herbs to restore Yang. These herbs are relatively light, such as Nanbeisha Shen (North and South Schisandra/Ginseng types), Chuanzhe Beimu (Fritillaria), especially for breathing difficulties. For example, he treated an out-of-town patient who had used Sueye (Perilla Leaf) 5 qians, causing profuse sweating. After using Shengmai San (Generate Pulse Powder) plus Fuxiaomai (Floating Wheat) and Mahuanggen (Ephedra Root) in small amounts (mainly Taizishen), the cold-reversal was reversed. He advocated that when righteous Qi cannot overcome pathogenic factors, clearing and resolving herbs might not even be used. For bradycardia (less than 50 beats per minute), this method was also adopted.

Mr. Wang Fengchun often said, checking the patient's old medical records to understand previous symptoms is crucial, especially for hospitalized patients, facilitating TCM intervention. Emphasized the relationship between seasons and disease onset. For example, in Beijing, from June to early August annually, "Japanese Encephalitis" (Yinao) epidemic mortality is low regardless of severity, but after mid-August, mortality is high. Generally, fever can subside in two weeks, recovery within two months without sequelae, and consciousness completely normal within half a year constitutes recovery. Among these, clearing heat and nourishing Yin in the second to fourth months can help improvement.

Also, for "Japanese Encephalitis," efficacy in adults is worse than in children. For those whose intelligence and memory have not yet recovered, regularly consuming fragrant fried Black Sesame mixed with Four-Dimensional Glucose helps. Also, long-term consumption of Black Sesame, Heshouwu (Polygonum Multiflorum), Heisangshen (Black Mulberry Fruit) aids recovery.

Clinical medication shows unique ingenuity.