十九、张君函：士谔医师赐鉴：久耳大名，素佩仁术惠护病家，无微不臻，迥非一般时医好利者所可比拟也。谨陈者鄙人向操船业，体格素健，往时从未缠病，讵于旧历七月间患时寒时热类似疟病。仿佛初则日必一次，嗣以职属受雇劳工，未便久延，又无力辞养。故曾求医诊治。乃服药后，虽不再日必一次，须隔二三日仍复如是，奈何每发之日，则不仅一次矣。冷时较热时为多，至饮食胃口及大小便暨睡眠等均与未病时无异，惟两腿乏力，行路气喘，口味苦，(生平好酒而今已戒除二月)未知何病，因知神术高明，慈肠古道，务乞鉴核赐方，以解二竖困缠，且赖不致失业，不胜感盼之至。专上顺请台安。根林拜手复函：贵恙乃是伏邪症。邪伏在腠理，与脏腑无涉，所以饮食起居如常，宜就近延名中医诊治，脉证不详，碍难拟方，谅之。
二十、肇嘉路708号范信愚君函：士谔先生大鉴：久读《钻报》，见先生之为读者答复医药上之疑难，而设“医药问答”一栏。以与读者之方便，而更得解惑之惠，实所钦佩之至，兹者邻居祝姓有一女，年36岁，幼年因性地窄狭，稍有逆意。即积气成郁，于30岁时，突因与丈夫争突，一时郁气上升，遂成痴癫之症，终日引歌高唱，时或漫骂，若见鬼状，而更日以继夜，烦扰不堪，当时困惑西医神经病之说，杂乱投药，俱无少效，后更延请中医，仍不见愈，至今终日高歌引唱，二日呆而直视，头眩胸满，眠食无定，饥而不欲食，食则不多，口渴而舌黄，面发白而瘦，大小便则仍通，惟经水须四五十天而一来。色亦鲜红，惟早岁因气郁而吸鸦片烟，至今仍欲吸此，然因环境而已少吸(虽欲为之戒除而不可能也)惟有时亦能清醒，与人谈话，然不一刻则又漫骂高歌而唱矣。六年以来，其家为此女之病，虽百计求方，因之而倾家荡产，然于此病仍无一效也。今复遭其走之遗弃，退居母家，以致贫病更加，奈何无馀力诊治，然其痴癫之状，至为痛苦。敝人忝居其乡，目睹其状，因感其可怜而请之于先生，尚望为之一发慈悲，义务答复，有否经济治法，尚祈惠赐以除宿疾，自当感铭五中，永垂不忘，实为切祷之至。耑此敬请诊安。
范××。
复函：郁怒伤肝，已成狂疾，病历六年，实难治疗，姑拟小方以试之。
鲜石菖蒲生山栀各三钱苍龙骨左牡蛎各八钱水煎服，连服三日。二十一、李××君函：士谔先生道鉴：敬启者，常于《金钢钻报》得见大作，著述宏深，钦佩之至。鄙人患鼻病多年，迄未治愈，素仰高明，谨列病状，请先生指示，鼻塞(惟两孔每轮流塞)鼻内时个个作声，多浓涕而两耳内多黄色薄垢，神经衰弱，嗅觉减退，而精神不能集中，痛苦万分。特冒昧来函，不知有何治法，以何法为有神效，谨请于《金钢钻报”端答示，是所至祷。肃此敬颂撰安。
李××复函：此鼻渊之初也，不治必成鼻渊。可向国药店购通关散时时嗅之。
二十二、刘××君函：士谔先生大鉴：地角天涯，缘悭一面，遥企泰斗，不觉怃然，先生学通《灵素》，术赛岐黄[指岐伯、黄帝]，普天之下，莫不同仰北辰，故虽荆州未识，而神登堂上者，非伊朝夕矣。敢布积悃，以表葵倾，兹有肃者，家父为二坚所困，所兹二月，尚未喜占勿药，深为抱虑。久仰先生道高德重，术可回生，法能再造，奈何以迢迢长路，不可梯航，言与及此，涕泪交并，前日检阅方书之馀，在尊著《医学南针》卷末，见有通函论证一例，不禁蹲蹲起舞，雀跃三千，用特条陈病状，以渎清鉴，恳为拟方掷下，俾病入膏肓者，得以著手回春，则感恩戴德于靡既矣。耑此敬请医安，惟照不宣。
刘××。
兹将病状条列于下：1，病之起源两足有一种无形之串痛，起于今年三月间下旬(此种足痛数年来时发时止，或系酒患亦未可知)，嗣服凉血清火之药已愈。
2、医治经过家父今年44岁，体质素来赢弱，故受滋补，因足愈后曾服花旗参汤及川芎蒸鸡蛋二物，以图健壮，讵知忽生寒热之病，延医诊治，连喂桂枝汤加减二剂无效。
再延一医，云是感暑，用香薷饮加葛根，桑菊饮加归身、萸肉等药。不期逼血上吐，其色鲜红。
乃另延一医施治。云是阴损，服鳖甲、牡蛎等药无效，又延一医，云是痰火，暇以清凉之品，误杂法夏七八钱，又无效。
又延一医，云是虚痨火炽，施以建中汤加冬虫草，又无效，且动则气高而喘。
现医以肃肺和肝、疏土滋水之法暇四日，略见微效，嗣因病者苦于粪逼，乃以元明粉三钱泻一次，肢体反觉倦怠，即用生党参五钱以顾元气，同时又因食猪肉粥，其病复笃，而病者仍有粪逼之苦，医者前因元明粉之峻有伤肠胃，不敢复用，乃改用郁李仁以滑之，尖槟榔直抵肛门者，仍希一泻，岂知不但不泻，其舌之上半截挨左处现有如山楂色之苔，刻即回用肃肺和肝之药，其苔又转回淡黄之色(其苔未变山楂色之前本属淡黄色)。
其脉，右手寸关浮数，然浮取则带小象，中取则略大；左手之脉，亦一如右手，惟比较小些。两目青龙略达四白。双足不能步履。两手接举物件，有些振动。腹不见饥，口不欲食，且不欲言，言则低微，凡饮食入腹，其腹部即格外发热，其气炙手，兼见脐上跳动等证。兹问数则，统希答复。
复函：气机窒滞，运化无权，议补议攻，皆非计也，补则气机愈滞，攻则正气益伤，当以轻清流动之品，先展其气机。
北沙参四钱生白芍三钱长须谷芽四钱枇杷叶(去毛)三钱鲜竹茹三钱鲜菖蒲三钱白茯苓三钱梗通草八分越一月，刘君来信道谢，言此方服二十三剂，而病如失，轻方愈重病，实出意外，并乞再与补方。余回信。劝乃翁薄滋味以养胃，游山水以养性，精神之补，较之药方功效相等也。
二十三、李××君函：士谔大医师伟鉴：敬启者，昨阅《医学南针》。藉悉先生并可通函治病，兹特恳请代为拟方，谨将病状开录如下：敝人自民二十二年即患大便带血夹脓，似痢非痢，鸡鸣起泻，日五六次，或八九次，时觉腹疼，所幸一显就过，千方百药，莫能奏效，时轻时重，实难除根，所便脓血，或在便前，或在便后，更有时统便全系脓血。大便绝少。惟在鸡鸣泻时大便较多，而脓血较少或无，早饭后则脓血多焉，时觉肠鸣，该症现已二年有馀，渐渐肌肉削瘦，四肢无力，精神颓萎，惟因饮食未减，故略能支持。顺祝台绥。车××。复函：便脓血，兼五更泻已历二载，形体瘦削，中虚可知，法与补中。。潞党参三钱生绵芪三钱黑姜一钱土炒白术三钱炙甘草八分鸡血藤胶三钱参三七二钱炒阿胶二钱扁豆衣三钱加升麻七分柴胡八分[此肠红肾泻也，方中鸡血藤胶乃治血症虚损要药。]二十四、谌××君函：士谔先生：鄙人现年45岁，十年前不断涉足花柳场所，现在则仅有吸纸烟嗜好，民十八年在上海时，头部忽发昏眩，睁眼闭眼，什物旋转如走马灯，几欲倒地，继即汗出如渗，为时约十分钟始已，继即作呕欲吐，以后每年约照样发二三次，至二十三年，几每月必发一次，时间约三四分钟，惟已无汗。眩晕后仍欲呕吐，投以豆蔻始已。
继求友人处检验血液，认为含有梅毒，经注射606，并服药粉共六次，至今约一年，眩症未发，(此一年中并练习太极拳，每天一次。每日两餐，每餐饭二碗半：早吃点心一次。每晨七时起，每晚至迟十一时以前入睡。每早必大便一次。)至全部身体现状，自腰以上颇为发达，头部尤甚，腰以下则甚瘦，今烦先生者，即头部特别发达，头部皮肤太紧，稍一用力，颈部筋即胀起露出，同时面部及眼球亦红胀，如低头拾物或作事，亦有同样情状，敢问服何药方能免去以上病态，敬函询高明于《金钢钻报》上赐示为感。
谌××。
复函：此肝升太过，肺降无权也，宜服降气平肝之剂，希就楚地名中医诊治，安心服药，自能全愈。
二十五、胡××君函：士谔先生惠鉴：久钦道范，弥切驰思，识荆无缘，徒怀慕蔺，兹恳者，敝友朱君每届冬令遍身干燥发痒，难过无比，偶一搔抓，非至皮破血出不能罢休，因此务乞赐一良方，不胜感激。嵩此即请壶安。
胡××。
复函：此风燥也，病虽不重，极难治。
桑叶杭菊各三钱薄荷一钱三味泡汤，代茶服。(此由血虚风燥，可加竹二青、生白芍、丹皮、生地。]二十六、王××君函：陆士谔先生大鉴：径启者，不佞内子，素患经带疾。于兹有年，初遍服市上调经药剂，以其无见功效，乃延医诊视，亦无甚差异。久仰先生乃医界泰斗，妇科圣手，谨将详细情状，录呈奉教，即遵论症例汇上四元，敬恳赐示有效良方，俾得早脱苦海，不胜铭感，翘首切望之至。专此并请大安。王××。1、经过内子身体素弱，盖产于母之病后，先天不无影响，成年后，月信仅最初数月准期，以后则常后行、带盛，然于身体，尚不觉有甚关系也。婚后初无异于前，适后渐久，每于经前即腰酸，经行腹痛，经色时而红黑，时而淡黄，自服乌鸡白凤丸(丸烧猪肉，月服一次。)后，经即前行。本年六月间曾因血热妄行，(据当时医生所断)经血由鼻管流出，卧病多日，服药后鼻血即止，月信仅病后翌月对行一次，以后即月或行一次。或二次，病象无殊于前也。
2、现在月信仍不调，月行一二次无定，(上月旧历二十二日行而本月初九日复来)经量少色淡，面色枯黄。经血来时，腹部闷胀，时作阵痛，带甚盛(色白)多时犹经血之来潮也。心悸，头时眩，掌心热，小便不清(呈红黑色)，大便数日一通。胃不健，食量不多，腹时作雷鸣，右足麻木。
3、医言：敝医生多断为“肝郁症”，谓“即不宜补，复不能猛攻，惟和解一途”。
4、服过药品：天寿堂姑嫂丸，天喜堂调经丸，三友实业社妇女救苦丸(仅用一粒，取药时白带甚多。)及日本中将汤，乌鸡白凤丸，逍遥散，医生处方一二十荆(处方多失散，无从检呈)等。
5、附录：年岁22岁，性情沉默寡言笑。嗜好无。
复函：王××夫人，经前腰酸，经行腹痛，心悸，头眩，大便数日一行，此奇经八脉为病也，医言肝郁，只识其半。
全当归二钱川芎一钱生地砂仁拌四钱川断三钱川、广郁金各三钱大白芍二钱生香附二钱橘叶三钱夜交藤三钱加红鸡冠花三钱二十七、魏××君函：士谔先生有道，屡读大著，关于国药之发明，阐精辟微，至佩宏论，复于病家不惜指示迷津，援登彼岸，益见悲天悯人之怀，兹者仆以先天弱躯，后天失调，百病丛生，西医既立霸道，复以贵族化，不敢问津，而国医真正学识经验宏富如先生者亦不可多得，用敢不惮烦碎，冒读欲一求指示，先生其许我乎?仆之病原，不外体弱，然亦因环境不良，伊郁多时，亦不无关系，去岁腰上寸许背肋骨下之软肉，为脚车柄所冲，当时并不觉如何，曾服三七，外敷等，翌日即觉气喘，后亦不觉怎样。(曾照爱克斯光谓无伤)迄已有年馀，近时常痛，据云恐内部伤气，而皮外固无一些痕迹也。仆年34岁，素来本患腰痛，早起最甚，既起即不觉，而目光锐减，视物如雾。晚间灯光下尤甚，早起眼污黄厚，非细用巾拭不尽，而久视或就睡时，试一闭目，则眼酸不耐而泪出始快。今秋则头发锐脱，稍一梳洗，发即纷飞，集之得一指粗，听其长此，将不日成为牛山濯濯矣，凡此皆属虚弱情形，自不待言。而左胁新一病，似为气痛，上而牵连左乳作痛，下而及背部，腰上之板车冲处，亦隐隐作痛，日前因郁闷大发，三数日不止，弯腰上下如有一物悬吊于左胁内，试向下弯，物即上攻，痛苦非常，后服五灵脂末药稍愈。不知究是肝气，抑为旧创内伤。再饮食如常，每饭总不离三碗，而面容黄瘦，且面上如粉之刺粒干硬尤多，以上情形，似身体组织非常混乱，宜服何种药剂及补剂为当?又病之总因，究为何种?有否内伤及气，及发脱落之救济，渚如上述，仆因之心绪恶劣。而又窘于资，久仰先生苦海明灯。敢乞耗宝贵光阴，不吝珠玉，指示迷津，俾脱苦海而登彼岸，功德无量矣。嵩此敬颂道安魏××。复函：贵恙乃气滞作痛，升降失其常度，法当舒其气机，奉方如下：旋复花(包)三钱川、广郁金各二钱生香附三钱逍遥丸(包)三钱三剂，水煎服，日服一次。候痛愈，再治他症。缘脱发乃另一症，不能一方并治也。
19. Letter from Mr. Zhang: Respected Physician Shue Lo, I have long admired your reputation and consistently respected your benevolent medical skills in caring for patients with meticulous attention, which far surpasses that of ordinary contemporary physicians driven by profit. I hereby state: My family has been engaged in the shipping industry for generations, and my physique has always been robust; I was never troubled by illness in the past. Unexpectedly, in the seventh lunar month, I suffered from a condition characterized by alternating chills and fever, resembling malaria. Initially, it seemed to occur once daily. However, as an employed laborer, I could not afford prolonged absence, nor did I have the means to resign for recuperation, so I sought medical treatment. After taking medicine, although the daily occurrence ceased, it still recurred every two or three days. Regrettably, each episode now involves multiple occurrences. Chills are more frequent than fevers. My appetite, digestion, bowel movements, and sleep remain unchanged from before the illness, except for weakness in both legs, shortness of breath upon walking, and a bitter taste in the mouth. (I used to enjoy drinking but have abstained for two months.) I do not know what disease this is. Knowing your high medical proficiency and ancient compassion, I earnestly request your examination and prescription to relieve the torment of these "two thieves" (metaphor for disease) and thereby preserve my employment. I am filled with gratitude and anticipation. Sincerely yours, Genlin.
Reply: Your condition is a latent pathogen syndrome (Fu Xie Bing). The pathogen is latent in the interstices (Cou Li - spaces between skin and muscles), unrelated to the Zang-Fu organs, hence diet and daily life remain normal. It is advisable to seek treatment from a renowned local TCM physician. Without detailed pulse and symptom information, it is difficult to prescribe. Please understand.
20. Letter from Mr. Fan Xinyu, No. 708 Zhaojia Road: Respected Mr. Shue Lo, I have long read the "Zuan Bao," seeing your establishment of the "Medical Q&A" column to answer readers' medical difficulties, providing convenience and resolving doubts, which I deeply admire. Recently, a neighbor's daughter, surnamed Zhu, aged 36, developed emotional stagnation due to minor grievances since childhood. At age 30, following an argument with her husband, sudden rising of stagnant Qi led to insanity. She sings loudly all day, curses occasionally, appearing as if possessed by ghosts, causing unbearable disturbance day and night. Confused by Western medicine's diagnosis of nervous disorders, she took various medications without effect. Later, TCM was consulted with no improvement. To date, she sings constantly, stares blankly for two days at a time, suffers from dizziness and chest fullness, has irregular sleep and eating habits, feels hungry but lacks appetite, drinks little, has a yellow tongue coating, pale and emaciated face, yet normal bowel and urinary functions. Her menstruation occurs only once every 40-50 days, bright red. Having smoked opium due to emotional stagnation in her youth, she still desires it, though reduced due to environment (unable to quit completely). She can sometimes converse clearly but soon resumes cursing and singing. For six years, her family has tried countless remedies, bankrupting themselves, yet with no effect. Now abandoned by her husband, she lives with her mother, becoming poorer and sicker. Witnessing her suffering, I humbly ask for your compassionate, unpaid advice. Is there an economical treatment? Please bestow a prescription to cure this chronic ailment. I will forever remember your kindness. Sincerely, Fan XX.
Reply: Emotional anger injuring the Liver has resulted in mania. With a six-year history, it is indeed difficult to treat. A small formula is tentatively prescribed for trial.
Fresh Shi Chang Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) and raw Shan Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus) 3 qian each; Cang Long Gu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi) and Zuo Mu Li (Ostreae Concha) 8 qian each. Decoct in water, take orally for three consecutive days.
21. Letter from Mr. Li XX: Respected Mr. Shue Lo, I often see your works in the "Jingangzuan Bao." Your profound writings are highly admired. I have suffered from nasal disease for many years without cure. Respectfully listing my symptoms for your guidance: Nasal congestion (alternating nostrils), sounds inside the nose, excessive thick discharge, yellow thin debris in both ears, neurasthenia, reduced olfaction, inability to concentrate, extreme suffering. I boldly inquire if there is any effective treatment. Please reply via the newspaper. Sincerely, Li XX.
Reply: This is the initial stage of Bi Yuan (Nasal Sinusitis). If untreated, it will develop into full Bi Yuan. Purchase Tong Guan San (Pass Through Powder) from a Chinese pharmacy and sniff it frequently.
22. Letter from Mr. Liu XX: Respected Mr. Shue Lo, Though we are strangers separated by distance, I look up to you as a master whose learning penetrates the *Ling Shu* and *Su Wen*, and whose skill rivals Qi Bo and Huang Di. Everyone admires you like the North Star. Although we have not met, I have long revered you spiritually. I dare to express my feelings. My father has been plagued by illness for two months, showing no sign of recovery. I deeply worry. Hearing of your virtue and life-saving skills, yet unable to travel far to consult you, I shed tears. While reviewing medical texts, I saw an example of correspondence diagnosis in your book *Yi Xue Nan Zhen*. Overjoyed, I list my father's symptoms below, begging for a prescription to save him from critical condition. Sincerely, Liu XX.
Symptoms listed below:
1. Origin: Invisible stitching pain in both feet started late March this year (this foot pain has occurred intermittently for years, possibly related to alcohol). It healed after taking blood-cooling and fire-clearing medicines.
2. Treatment History: My father is 44, constitutionally weak. After his feet healed, he took American Ginseng Soup and Chuan Xiong Steamed Eggs to strengthen himself. Unexpectedly, he developed chills and fever. Two doses of Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) modified were ineffective. Another doctor diagnosed summerheat, prescribing Xiang Ru Yin (Elsholtzia Decoction) plus Ge Gen (Puerariae Radix), Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Decoction) plus Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Yu Rou (Corni Fructus). This provoked hematemesis (vomiting fresh red blood). Another doctor diagnosed Yin deficiency, prescribing Bie Jia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) and Mu Li (Ostreae Concha), ineffective. Another diagnosed Phlegm-Fire, using cooling herbs but mistakenly adding Fa Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) 7-8 qian, ineffective. Another diagnosed Deficiency Consumption with blazing fire, prescribing Jian Zhong Tang (Middle-Joint Building Decoction) plus Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps), ineffective, with worsening dyspnea on exertion. Another prescribed Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) and Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus), ineffective. The current doctor used methods to soothe Lung and harmonize Liver, regulate Spleen and nourish Kidney for four days, showing slight improvement. Due to fecal urgency, Yuan Ming Fen (Mirabilite) 3 qian was used for purgation, causing fatigue, so Sheng Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix) 5 qian was given to support Qi. Eating pork porridge worsened the condition. Fecal urgency persists. Fearful of Mirabilite damaging the intestines, the doctor switched to Yu Li Ren (Prunus Semen) and Bin Lang (Arecae Semen) for lubrication/purgation, but failed to induce defecation. The upper left part of the tongue now shows a hawthorn-colored coating; reverting to Lung-soothing/Liver-harmonizing herbs turned the coating back to light yellow (it was originally light yellow before turning hawthorn-colored).
Pulse: Right Cun/Guan positions are floating and rapid; superficial touch shows slightness, middle touch shows largeness. Left pulse is similar but smaller. Eyes show slight redness extending to the white area. Legs cannot walk. Hands tremble when lifting objects. No hunger sensation, no desire to speak (speaking is faint). Abdomen becomes extremely hot after eating, feeling burning. Pulsation above the umbilicus is observed. Questions follow, hoping for answers.
Reply: Qi mechanism is obstructed, transformation and transportation lack power. Neither tonification nor purgation is suitable; tonification increases obstruction, purgation damages healthy Qi. Use light, clear, and moving herbs to first unblock the Qi mechanism.
Bei Sha Shen (Glehniae Radix) 4 qian, Sheng Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 3 qian, Chang Xu Gu Ya (Sacchari Stulis Germinatus) 4 qian, Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf) 3 qian (dehired), Xian Zhu Ru (Bambusa Caulis in Taeniam) 3 qian, Xian Chang Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) 3 qian, Bai Fu Ling (Poria) 3 qian, Geng Tong Cao (Tetrapanacis Medulla) 0.8 fen.
One month later, Mr. Liu wrote thanking me, stating that after 23 doses, the illness vanished. Light prescriptions curing severe illness was unexpected. He requested a tonic. I replied advising his father to eat bland foods to nourish the Stomach and enjoy nature to nourish the Spirit; spiritual nourishment equals medicinal efficacy.
23. Letter from Mr. Li XX: Respected Great Physician Shue Lo, Reading *Yi Xue Nan Zhen*, I learned you also treat via correspondence. I request a prescription. Symptoms: Since 1933, I suffer from bloody, pus-filled stools, resembling dysentery but not quite. Morning diarrhea (Wu Geng Xie), 5-8 times daily, abdominal pain briefly relieved after passing stool. Countless medicines failed, symptoms fluctuate, hard to cure. Pus/blood appears before or after stool, sometimes entirely pus/blood. Stool volume is very low. During morning diarrhea, stool is larger, pus/blood less or absent. After breakfast, pus/blood increases. Intestinal rumbling heard. Condition lasts over two years, muscle wasting, limb weakness, mental depression. Diet remains normal, allowing survival. Sincerely, Che XX.
Reply: Bloody/pus stools combined with morning diarrhea for two years, emaciation indicates Middle Jiao deficiency. Method: Tonify the Middle... Lu Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix) 3 qian, Sheng Mian Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) 3 qian, Hei Jiang (Scorched Ginger) 1 qian, Tu Chao Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma stir-fried with soil) 3 qian, Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma prepared with honey) 0.8 fen, Ji Xue Teng Jiao (Spatholobi Caulis Gelatin) 3 qian, Shen San Qi (Notoginseng Radix) 2 qian, Chao E Jiao (Asini Corii Colla fried) 2 qian, Bian Dou Yi (Dolichoris Semen) 3 qian, add Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) 0.7 fen, Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) 0.8 fen. [This is intestinal bleeding and kidney diarrhea; Ji Xue Teng Jiao is a key herb for treating blood disorders and deficiency.]
24. Letter from Mr. Chen XX: Mr. Shue Lo, I am 45. Ten years ago, I frequented brothels; now I only smoke cigarettes. In 1929 in Shanghai, I suddenly experienced dizziness, where objects spun like a kaleidoscope, nearly falling, followed by profuse sweating for ten minutes, then nausea/vomiting. This occurred 2-3 times yearly until 1934, when it became monthly, lasting 3-4 minutes, without sweating. Dizziness induced vomiting, relieved by Dou Kou (Cardamomi Fructus). Blood test showed syphilis. Six injections of Salvarsan (606) and powder medication stopped attacks for about a year. During this year, I practiced Tai Chi daily, ate twice daily (2.5 bowls per meal), had snacks, slept early. Body development: Upper body/head well-developed, lower body thin. Head skin is tight; straining causes neck veins to bulge, face and eyes become red/swollen, especially when bending down. What medicine can prevent this? Please advise via newspaper. Chen XX.
Reply: This is excessive Liver Yang ascending and Lung Qi failing to descend. Take Qi-descending and Liver-calming agents. Consult a local TCM physician in Chu region, take medicine calmly, and you will recover.
25. Letter from Mr. Hu XX: Respected Mr. Shue Lo, I admire your conduct. My friend Mr. Zhu suffers from dry, itchy skin all over in winter, unbearable. Scratching leads to broken skin and bleeding. Please provide a good prescription. Grateful. Hu XX.
Reply: This is Wind-Dryness. Though not severe, it is hard to treat. Sang Ye (Mori Folium) and Hang Ju (Chrysanthemi Flos) 3 qian each, Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba) 1 qian. Steep three herbs in water, drink as tea. (If due to Blood deficiency and Wind-Dryness, add Zhu Er Qing, Sheng Bai Shao, Mu Dan Pi, Sheng Di Huang.)
26. Letter from Mr. Wang XX: Mr. Lu Shue Lo, My wife has long suffered from menstrual and leukorrhea disorders. Market medicines failed. Local doctors offered little difference. You are a master of gynecology. I submit detailed symptoms and 4 yuan fee, begging for an effective prescription. Wang XX.
1. History: Wife constitutionally weak, born after mother's illness affecting congenital essence. Menstruation regular only initially, then delayed with heavy leukorrhea, otherwise fine. Marriage initially fine, but later pre-menstrual lower back soreness, dysmenorrhea, variable color (red-black or pale yellow). Taking Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan (once monthly with roasted pork) caused early menstruation. In June this year, heat in blood caused epistaxis (nosebleed) instead of menstruation. Bedridden for days, nosebleed stopped with medicine. Menstruation resumed only once the month after illness, then irregular (monthly or bi-monthly).
2. Current: Irregular menstruation (last month 22nd, this month 9th), scanty pale flow, sallow complexion. Abdominal distension and cramping during flow, heavy white leukorrhea resembling menstruation. Palpitations, occasional dizziness, hot palms, cloudy dark urine, infrequent bowel movements. Poor stomach function, low appetite, borborygmus, right leg numbness.
3. Doctor's Opinion: Diagnosed as Liver Stagnation. Said: "Neither tonify nor purge strongly, only harmonize."
4. Medications Taken: Gu Sao Wan, Tiao Jing Wan, Fu Nu Jiu Ku Wan, Japanese Zhong Jiang Tang, Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan, Xiao Yao San, various prescriptions lost.
5. Appendix: Age 22, silent temperament, no hobbies.
Reply: Mrs. Wang, pre-menstrual back soreness, dysmenorrhea, palpitations, dizziness, infrequent stools indicate pathology of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels. The doctor's diagnosis of Liver Stagnation is only half correct.
Quan Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 2 qian, Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) 1 qian, Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) mixed with Sha Ren (Amomi Fructus) 4 qian, Chuan Duan (Dipsaci Radix) 3 qian, Chuan/Yu Jin (Curcumae Radix) and Guang Yu Jin (Curcumae Aromatae Rhizoma) 3 qian each, Da Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 2 qian, Sheng Xiang Fu (Cyperi Rhizoma) 2 qian, Ju Ye (Citri Reticulatae Folium) 3 qian, Ye Jiao Teng (Polygoni Multiflori Caulis) 3 qian, add Hong Ji Guan Hua (Celosiae Cristatae Flos) 3 qian.
27. Letter from Mr. Wei XX: Respected Mr. Shue Lo, I admire your insights on national drugs and your compassion. My congenital weakness and acquired imbalance cause myriad diseases. Western medicine is domineering/expensive; true TCM masters like you are rare. I dare ask for guidance. Cause: Weakness and environmental depression. Last year, my lower back/rib area was hit by a cart handle. Took San Qi, applied external meds, felt shortness of breath next day, otherwise okay (X-ray negative). For over a year, recent frequent pain suggests internal Qi injury despite no external marks. Age 34, chronic lower back pain worst in morning, clears after rising. Vision declining, blurry, worse at night. Thick yellow eye discharge in morning requiring wiping. Eye soreness/tearing when closing eyes after long viewing/sleeping. Autumn hair loss severe, clumps fall out. All signs of weakness. New left hypochondriac pain, radiating to left breast and back, dull pain at old injury site. Recent emotional outburst caused persistent pain for days; bending forward makes a hanging object feel like it attacks upward, causing great pain. Five Ling Zhi powder helped slightly. Is it Liver Qi or old trauma? Diet normal (3 bowls/meal), but sallow/emaciated face, many dry acne-like bumps. Body organization seems chaotic. What medicine/tonic? What is the root cause? Internal Qi injury? Hair loss remedy? Mood is bad, funds low. Please guide me. Wei XX.
Reply: Your ailment is pain due to Qi stagnation, with abnormal ascending/descending. Method: Soothe the Qi mechanism. Prescription: Xuan Fu Hua (Inulae Flos wrapped) 3 qian, Chuan/Guang Yu Jin 2 qian each, Sheng Xiang Fu 3 qian, Xiao Yao Wan (Xiao Yao Powder pills wrapped) 3 qian. Three doses, decoct in water, take once daily. Treat other symptoms after pain subsides. Hair loss is a separate issue, cannot be treated in one formula.