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I once read Zhu Gong's *Huoren Shu* (Book of Vitality), which states: "For women suffering from Shanghan (Cold Damage), the treatment method differs from that for men; generally, one regulates Qi in men and Blood in women." This seems to supplement what previous authors omitted. However, I believe this view cannot be applied universally.

Zhang Zhongjing of Changsha is a sage among physicians. His work, *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage), was originally established for treating sudden illnesses, hence it is also called *Zubing Lun* (Treatise on Sudden Illness). For sudden illnesses, one should abandon the root and treat the branch; therefore, the 113 formulas contained therein are shared by both men and women. Even in cases of Heat entering the Blood Chamber (Re Ru Xue Shi), Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) is used; and for Yin-Yang Yi disease (a condition recurring after intercourse following a major illness) in women, Shao Kun San (Burnt Undergarment Powder) is employed. Since *Huoren Shu* established the theory that women's treatment differs from men's, many later generations have followed it blindly, failing to realize that Zhang Zhongjing's formulas had long integrated Qi and Blood as one. Now, let us examine the herbs to verify this; the intent behind the formulation becomes self-evident.

Take Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Shaoyao (White Peony Root): they stabilize Ying (Nutritive Qi) and secure Wei (Defensive Qi); are they not Blood-invigorating herbs? Mahuang (Ephedra Herb) and Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root), although termed diaphoretic herbs, were originally used to treat residual ailments postpartum; are they not Blood-invigorating herbs? In Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) and Xiao Chai Hu Tang, Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) treats Kidney-related issues, and Chaihu (Bupleurum Root) regulates menstruation; these are all Blood-invigorating herbs within the context of Qi regulation. Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root) and Dihuang (Rehmannia Root) need not be mentioned. Even Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) and Renshen (Ginseng Root), which people consider Qi-tonifying herbs, according to *Bencao* (Materia Medica) can "benefit blood in the waist and umbilical region," indicating they are also Blood-invigorating herbs. Generally speaking, when used in Yang aspects, they act as Qi herbs; when used in Yin aspects, they act as Blood herbs. In summary, Shanghan syndrome involves pathology of Ying and Wei; why distinguish between regulating Qi first for men and Blood first for women?

Yunqi Zhang Yuansu and Haogu Wang Haogu both regarded Zhu Gong's theory as the standard method for treating miscellaneous diseases. This is truly possessing unique insight, not being confused by predecessors.

This text follows Zhang Zhongjing's approach to discussing Shanghan treatment, taking the orthodox path. The middle section elucidates the dispersion and regulation of Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang with particular brilliance, carving out a new path. This can indeed be described as utilizing ancient methods without being bound by them. Henceforth, those who read *Huoren Shu* should know how to select their references. (Commentary by Master Gu Yeshi of Xichou)