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Numbness must be differentiated by left/right and upper/lower positions. Numbness on the left is due to deficiency of blood within Qi, treated with Guipi Tang (Spleen-Restoring Decoction); numbness on the right is due to deficiency of Qi within Blood, treated with Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (Astragalus Middle-Builder Decoction); numbness in both left and right sides is treated with Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten-Tonics Great-Replenishment Decoction); numbness in the upper body indicates failure of Clear Yang to ascend, treated with Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Middle-Boosting Qi-Enhancing Decoction); softness and numbness in the lower limbs extending to the knees are caused by damp-phlegm and dead blood in the Stomach obstructing the descent of Yang Qi, causing Yin Qi to gradually rebel upwards, treated with Siwu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction) added with Renshen (Ginseng), Niuxi (Achyranthes Root), and Yiyiren (Coix Seed) to guide Yang Qi downwards; numbness in the lower body with a large, empty, and forceless pulse is suitable for Bajia Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) added with Renshen (Ginseng); numbness in all ten fingers indicates failure of Spleen transportation, suitable for warming the Spleen Earth; numbness in a single finger is a sign of Zhongfeng (Wind-Stroke).

Clinical Case:
A thirty-year-old patient had a weak constitution and chronic overstrain injury, with numbness gradually spreading from the feet to the knees, varying day and night. The prescription used Bajia Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) added with Renshen (Ginseng) to grasp Qi.

Another patient had weakness and numbness in the right half of the body, was obese, with a deep and fine pulse, but the Spleen pulse alone was floating. This indicated Spleen deficiency with cold-dampness. The formula consisted of Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) 8 liang, Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) 2.5 liang, Gancao (Licorice Root) 5 qian, Qinjiao (Gentiana Macrophylla Root) 3 liang, Yiyiren (Coix Seed) 1 liang, and Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) 4 liang, made into pills with rice paste.

Another patient suffered exclusively from numbness in the four limbs. This was due to Spleen deficiency failing to transport, causing Qi and Blood not to circulate to the limbs; it should not be treated as Wind-Stroke. The formula used Sijunzi Tang (Four-Gentlemen Decoction) added with Chenpi (Tangerine Peel) to awaken the Spleen, and Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) to circulate Yang Qi to the limbs, resulting in recovery.

The human body belongs to Yin; its pliability and flexibility are maintained by Yang Qi. If Yang Qi is deficient, the whole body becomes stiff, requiring tonification of the Kidney and warming of the Stomach. "Yang" refers to the Yang of the Epigastrium; the Kidney is the cavity of True Yang. If stiffness arises from anger, it is due to rebellious Liver Qi, requiring soothing of the Liver and regulation of Qi. If stiffness arises from cold exposure, it is due to constrained Yang, requiring warming the interior and dispersing cold. If stiffness arises from overeating, it is due to Spleen transportation failure, treated with Sixni San (Four-Inverse Powder) to digest food and strengthen the Spleen. If stiffness arises from Jue syndrome (Cold Extremities), treating the Jue will resolve the stiffness spontaneously.

Stiffness may result from closure of Yang Qi by cold, but etiologies vary, so treatment must follow the pattern. It is not exclusively a deficiency condition; there are excess conditions where Yang Qi cannot flow freely, which require unblocking rather than tonification. Pulse differentiation is essential.

Clinical Case:
A patient had fever for six or seven days. After a physician administered Dihuang Tang (Rehmannia Decoction), the patient developed severe body stiffness, deep and hidden pulses in all six positions, fixed eyes, open mouth, panting with inability to inhale. This presentation of exhalation without inhalation indicates an Excess pattern in the Middle Jiao; specifically, Spleen transportation failure. The formula used Yuanzhi (Polygala Root) and Fushen (Poria with Hostwood) each 1 qian, Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Lateralis Radix) 4 fen, Qu Bai Guangpi (Dried Tangerine Peel) 6 qian, Cishi (Magnetitum) and Sugeng (Perilla Stem) each 1.5 qian, and Chenxiang (Aquilaria Wood) 2 fen. After one dose, the body harmonized; after six doses, peace was restored. This is because the Spleen transports fluids for the Stomach; when the Spleen fails to transport, Stomach Yang cannot reach the muscles. Lack of Yang in the muscles causes stiffness. Awakening Spleen transportation allows Stomach Yang to flow, restoring harmony.