论曰仲景云凡自缢死,心下微温者,一日犹可活,葛氏云心下尚微温,虽久犹可活,二
家所论,必须有暖气,阴阳未尽,根本尚存,则可以救,苟非此,虽死未久,必不活也,大
抵自缢以升降出入之气暴绝不通,若解其绳有法者,固有复生之理,解失其理,体虽尚温
,不能无害,所谓救经引其足也,仲景葛氏各有辨证并解绳法,宜详审之。
凡自缢,若觉才死,徐徐抱下,其阴阳经络,虽暴壅闭,而脏腑真气,尚或未尽,所以
犹可救疗,若见其垂挂,忽遽截断其绳,则不可救,此言气已壅闭,绳忽暴断,其气虽通而
奔迸,气不能还,即不复得生,又云自缢死,旦至暮虽已冷必可活,暮至旦则难疗。谓其昼
则阳盛,其气易通也,夜则阴盛,其气难通也,又云夏则夜短又热,则易活,又云气虽已断
而心下微温,一日以上,犹可活也。盖夏时夜短于昼又热,犹应可疗,心下微温者,一日以
上犹可活,然皆徐徐抱解,不得截绳,上下安被卧之,一人以脚踏其两肩,手小挽其发,常
弦弦勿纵之,一人以手按据胸上微动之,一人摩捋臂胫屈伸之,若已僵,但渐渐强屈之,并
按其腹,如此一炊顷,气从口出,呼吸眼开,而犹引按莫置,亦勿苦劳之,须以少桂心汤,
及粥清,含与之,才令濡喉,渐渐能咽,乃稍止耳,兼令两人各以管吹其两耳,弥好,此最
善,无不活者。
Commentary states: Zhang Zhongjing said that in cases of hanging death, if the area below the heart remains slightly warm, life can still be saved even after a day. Ge Shi (Ge Hong) stated that if the area below the heart is still slightly warm, life can be saved even after a long time. The theories of these two schools imply that rescue is possible only if there is residual warmth (vital breath), indicating that Yin and Yang have not completely severed and the root Qi is still preserved. Otherwise, even if death has not occurred for long, survival is impossible. Generally, hanging causes a sudden and complete obstruction of the ascending, descending, exiting, and entering Qi mechanisms. If the rope is untied with proper technique, there is indeed a principle for revival; however, if the method is flawed, despite the body retaining some warmth, harm will inevitably occur, akin to "pulling the feet when saving someone from hanging" (i.e., improper intervention exacerbates the injury). Both Zhang Zhongjing and Ge Shi provided specific syndrome differentiation and rope-untie methods, which should be carefully examined.
In cases of hanging, if one perceives that death has just occurred, the victim should be slowly lowered. Although the Yin and Yang meridians may be suddenly congested and blocked, the True Qi of the Zang-Fu organs may not yet be entirely exhausted, thus allowing for potential treatment. However, if the rope is abruptly cut while the person is still suspended, rescue becomes impossible. This is because when Qi is already congested and the rope is suddenly severed, the Qi, though momentarily unblocked, scatters violently and cannot return, leading to immediate death. It is also stated that if hanging occurs from morning until evening, survival is likely even if the body has cooled; whereas if it occurs from evening until morning, treatment is difficult. This is because Yang Qi is abundant during the day, facilitating Qi flow, while Yin Qi dominates at night, hindering Qi circulation. Additionally, it is noted that summer nights are short and hot, making revival easier. Furthermore, even if Qi has ceased but the area below the heart remains slightly warm, survival is possible for more than a day. Generally, due to shorter nights and higher temperatures in summer, treatment should theoretically be feasible. For those with slight warmth below the heart, even after more than a day, rescue is possible, provided the rope is untied slowly rather than cut. The victim should be gently laid flat on bedding. One rescuer stands on the victim's shoulders, gently pulling the hair with constant, moderate tension without releasing; another presses on the chest and moves it slightly; a third massages and extends the arms and legs. If the body is stiff, gradually force flexion while pressing the abdomen. After approximately the time it takes to cook a meal, Qi may exit through the mouth, breathing resumes, and eyes open. Continuous traction and pressure should be maintained without letting go, avoiding excessive exertion. A small amount of Guixin Tang (Cinnamon Heart Decoction) and thin rice gruel should be given via the mouth, moistening the throat initially, and gradually allowing swallowing before stopping. Additionally, two rescuers should blow air into both ears using tubes, which is considered optimal and highly effective for ensuring survival.