形不足者,温之以气,气为阳。天之所以食人者也,精不足者,补之以味,味为阴,地
之所以食人者也。人受天地之中以生,阴阳不可偏胜,有偏胜斯有不足。于是有补养之法,
然必适平而止,不可太过,过则复为有余,亦非中道也。常人之情,知补养为益,而不知阴
阳欲其平均。故言补者,必专以金石灸 为务。名曰补之,适以燥之也,是岂知补虚扶羸之
道哉。夫男子、肾虚、水不足也。凡补虚多以燥药,是不知肾恶燥也。女子阴虚,血不足也
。凡补虚多以阳剂,是不知阳胜而阴愈亏也。况补上欲其缓,补下欲其急。五脏之虚羸,其
补必于其母,运气之主客,其补各有其味,非通乎天地阴阳。消息盈虚之道者,未易语此。
邪之伤人有浅深。药之攻邪有轻重。病之始起,当以汤液治其微。病既日久,乃以醪醴
攻其甚。是故病患色见浅者,汤液主治,其见深者,必齐主治,其见大深者,醪醴主治,又
有形数惊恐,经络不通,病生于不仁者,治以醪药,以此见受邪既深,经脉闭滞,非醪药散
发邪气,宣、通血脉,安能必愈,然则汤液者,取其荡涤邪气,醪醴者,取其宣通闭滞。凡
病始作,多以汤液,盖取其荡涤之功,甚于丸散,病久日深,乃以醪醴,其法众多。以夫受
邪坚牢,取差或迟,是故服饵之方,用酒醴者十常六七。大法醪醴之方,冬三月宜用,立春
后宜止,服饵之家,不问有疾,冬三月宜常得酒药两三剂,至立春勿服,故能使百疾不生。
又况酒性酷热,主行药势,所以病患素有血虚气滞,陈寒痼冷。偏枯不遂,拘挛痹厥之类,
悉宜常服,皆取其渐渍之力也。又古法服药,多以酒者,非特宣通血气而已,亦以养阳也。
When the physical form is deficient, warm it with Qi; Qi belongs to Yang. This is what Heaven uses to nourish humans. When essence is deficient, tonify it with flavor; flavor belongs to Yin. This is what Earth uses to nourish humans. Humans are born receiving the central energy of Heaven and Earth; Yin and Yang must not be excessively dominant. Excessive dominance leads to deficiency. Thus, methods of tonification and nourishment exist, but they must reach a state of balance and stop; excess leads to surplus, which also deviates from the Mean. The common sentiment is that one knows tonification is beneficial but does not understand that Yin and Yang require equilibrium. Therefore, those discussing tonification focus exclusively on mineral drugs (Jinshi) and moxibustion. What is named "tonification" actually causes dryness; how can this be said to know the way of tonifying deficiency and supporting emaciation? Men often suffer from Kidney deficiency, which is a lack of Water. Generally, tonifying deficiency uses drying herbs, which ignores the fact that the Kidney dislikes dryness. Women often suffer from Yin deficiency, which is a lack of Blood. Generally, tonifying deficiency uses Yang-promoting agents, which ignores the fact that Yang excess leads to further Yin depletion. Moreover, tonifying the upper body should be gradual, while tonifying the lower body should be rapid. For the deficiency and emaciation of the Five Zang organs, tonification must proceed via the generating mother organ (Tonify the Mother when deficient). Regarding the host and guest factors of Yunqi (Five Movements and Six Qi), each tonification corresponds to specific flavors. Those who do not comprehend the principles of Heaven and Earth's Yin-Yang dynamics, and the laws of waxing and waning, will find it difficult to discuss these matters.
The pathogenic factor injuring humans varies in depth. The drug's attack on the pathogen varies in intensity. At the onset of disease, treat the mild stage with Tangye (decoctions). If the disease has persisted for a long time, use Jaoli (fermented wine preparations) to attack the severe stage. Therefore, if the patient's complexion indicates shallow pathogenic involvement, Tangye is the primary treatment; if deep, "Qi" (a potent medicinal preparation or therapy) is required; if extremely deep, Jaoli is the treatment. Additionally, for conditions arising from fright or shock affecting the form, leading to meridian obstruction and numbness (Bu Ren), treat with Jaoyao (wine-based medicine). From this, we see that when pathogens have penetrated deeply and meridians are blocked, without the ability of Jaoyao to disperse pathogens and promote blood circulation, recovery cannot be guaranteed. Thus, Tangye functions to cleanse and wash away pathogens, while Jaoli functions to promote circulation through obstructions. For newly onset diseases, Tangye is mostly used, taking advantage of its cleansing power, which is superior to pills and powders. For chronic, deep-seated diseases, Jaoli is used, employing various methods. Because pathogens are firmly entrenched, recovery may be slow; thus, in prescription usage, wine-based preparations account for six or seven out of ten cases. The general rule is that Jaoli formulas are suitable for the three winter months and should be discontinued after Lichun (Start of Spring). Those using herbal pastes/powders should keep two or three doses of wine medicine during the three winter months regardless of illness, and cease intake after Lichun, thereby preventing myriad diseases. Furthermore, wine has a fierce heat nature and primarily promotes the action of drugs. Therefore, patients with pre-existing Blood deficiency and Qi stagnation, chronic cold and stubborn cold, hemiplegia and paralysis, spasms, bi-syndrome, and convulsions are all suitable for regular consumption, relying on its gradual permeating power. Additionally, ancient methods of administering medicine often used wine, not only to promote Qi and Blood circulation but also to nourish Yang.