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Book Title: Selected Medical Discussions from Futai Caotang Chapter: Main Text (29/56) Category: Medical Discussion

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Chang'an Youth
January 22, 2003, 10:19
Respected Doctor Sanqisheng:
I am deeply grateful for your patience in treating my illness for such a long time. I have suffered many setbacks in the past, and years of fatigue and anger have made my condition increasingly chronic and complex. Since falling ill in 1998 until now, I have taken many medicines, but with little effect. It was heaven's will that gave me a way out, allowing me to find such a good doctor as you. I am very grateful to you.
My current situation is as follows: I am still taking the prescription you prescribed—adding Huangqi (Astragali Radix) and Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix). I did not take Buzhong Yiqi Wan (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Pill), because it raised my blood pressure in the past. My body is no longer in the original state of poor appetite, poor sleep, lack of energy throughout the body, and feeling on the verge of death. It is just that my waist and legs feel sore and heavy, as if I had climbed a mountain, and I always want to rub them with my hands. Especially at turning points, such as the root of the thigh, the edge of the hip, and the lower back, which are heavier, as well as the calf muscles. The person feels very weak; doing housework or walking a little causes great fatigue, requiring a long time to rest. Standing is still very uncomfortable, especially around 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, when there is an unbearable bout of soreness. Also, sometimes upon waking up at night, I feel a burst of soreness in the soft flesh of the abdomen and legs. When the weather changes, my blood pressure rises, my heart beats paroxysmally faster, my waist and leg soreness worsens, and I feel dizzy and numb-headed in the morning. Some doctors in the past said these symptoms were emotional fatigue syndrome; some doctors now say it is neurosis; others say it is insufficient blood supply or severe arteriosclerosis.
Please trouble yourself to see what the cause of this is and how it should be resolved. Thank you very much.
Note: Chief complaint of my mother.

Sanqisheng
January 23, 2003, 10:19
No need to be so polite. Your illness has improved significantly now, and the current symptoms are limited only to the surface of the limbs. Soreness and heaviness in the waist and legs, as if climbing a mountain, and the desire to rub them with hands. Especially at turning points, such as the root of the thigh, the edge of the hip, and the lower back, which are heavier, as well as the calf muscles. These are all symptoms of Cold Evil dissipating externally into the Foot-Shaoyin Meridian and Foot-Taiyang Meridian. The person feels very weak; doing housework or walking a little causes great fatigue, requiring a long time to rest. The sensation of Cold Evil stopping in the limbs is soreness, heaviness, and weakness. Around 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, there is an unbearable bout of soreness. Qi circulates between the Hand-Shaoyin and Foot-Shaoyin meridians; Cold Evil obstructs the middle, preventing smooth descent. Sometimes upon waking up at night, I feel a burst of soreness in the soft flesh of the abdomen and legs. This is the sensation where Cold Evil stays. When the weather changes, blood pressure rises, heart beats paroxysmally faster, waist and leg soreness worsens, and dizziness and numb-headedness occur in the morning. As Cold Evil worsens, symptoms become more obvious. Regarding the symptoms mentioned above, some doctors in the past called it emotional fatigue syndrome; some doctors now call it neurosis; others say it is insufficient blood supply or severe arteriosclerosis. All these statements describe superficial phenomena; in reality, they are all manifestations that Cold Evil has not yet completely dissipated. Now that Cold Evil has dispersed into the collaterals, we should take advantage of the momentum to drive it out. Please use the following prescription:
Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) 120g, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 60g, Zhigancao (Prepared Licorice Root) 30g
Soak in eight bowls of water for half an hour, decoct until three bowls remain. Take one bowl at 7:00 AM, one bowl at 3:00 PM, and one bowl at 11:00 PM. Continue taking for eight doses. Avoid eating raw, cold, and greasy foods.

Chang'an Youth
February 3, 2003, 09:33
Respected Doctor Sanqisheng:
First, I wish you a Happy New Year.
Sorry to trouble you again in the first lunar month:
After taking five doses of Guizhi, Danggui, and Zhigancao, the aspect of muscle soreness has improved, but I found that my blood pressure rose, stool became dry, mouth felt dry, and spirit was not as good as before. I feel that Huangqi is very important to me. Currently, my waist and legs basically have no discomfort, and shortness of breath has improved. Now the main issues are fatigue, weakness in the four limbs, unstable blood pressure (okay when quiet, rises slightly with movement), rough tongue surface, palpitations, and dry mouth.
Regarding blood pressure, some doctors believe my blood pressure is related to heat in the Liver and Gallbladder, requiring calming the Liver and extinguishing Wind. They suggested using "Maijun'an Pian" (ingredients: Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis, Hydrochlorothiazide, Puerariae Radix). After taking it, I felt efficacy in blood pressure, palpitations, and dizziness, but seemed to have stomach discomfort and hiccups... I do not know the reason, hoping for your guidance.
Thank you.

Sanqisheng
February 4, 2003, 00:27
One must not calm the Liver and extinguish Wind, as Liver Qi is not excessive. Previously, Yang medicines were used repeatedly, and now Yin has been overcome. One should tonify Yin to coordinate with Yang, so that Yang has something to attach to, and naturally will not hyperactive upwards:
Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 30g, Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 30g, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 30g, Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) 30g
Decoct five bowls of water until two bowls remain. Four doses. Take one bowl at 7:00 AM and one bowl before bed at night.

Chang'an Youth
February 15, 2003, 09:27
Respected Doctor Sanqisheng:
Hello.
After my mother took this latest prescription, she felt much better in spirit. Her appetite improved, and she felt hungry like a normal person. She then continuously took six more doses. Previously, fatigue, weakness in the four limbs, dry mouth, and dizziness all improved. The rough tongue surface also improved greatly, and it turned red from the edges, except for a layer of white and rough coating from the tongue root to the middle part.
Her current main problem is blood pressure; she cannot stop antihypertensive drugs, taking "Byvalos" (Perindopril) once every other day. Additionally, the area under the lower back joint, which often hurt and turned blue in the past, always feels unsteady and hurts when the weather changes. There is also shortness of breath when the weather changes. Speaking more makes her head uncomfortable, and she still feels dizzy.
Trouble you to take care of this. Thank you.

Sanqisheng
February 15, 2003, 10:16
Taking another six doses was slightly excessive. The Yang Qi of the Lower Jiao is still weak. One should submerge Yang and protect Yin, making slight adjustments to the previous prescription:
Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 30g, Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 30g, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 30g, Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen) 30g
Follow the previous method and take four more doses. Stop antihypertensive drugs as soon as possible; do not rely on them.

Chang'an Youth
February 20, 2003, 10:08
Respected Doctor Sanqisheng:
My mother has finished taking the adjusted four doses of medicine. She feels very good; spirit, heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, and head discomfort after speaking more have all improved significantly. Blood pressure has also improved; she has stopped antihypertensive drugs for two days, and her blood pressure is around 130/80 mmHg when quiet. Her legs are not heavy when walking anymore. The area under the lower back joint that used to turn blue and its surroundings have become lighter in color, almost normal. Now only the lower limbs have some trouble; the coccyx area sometimes feels distended, bending over at the lower back joint feels tight, and sitting still feels sore and heavy. Sleeping on the side makes that area uncomfortable, but pressing or hitting it does not hurt. The hips and lower abdomen sometimes feel uncomfortable, and she dares not exert herself at all. Bowel movements are frequent, two to three times a day.
Please trouble yourself to diagnose and treat again. Thank you.

Sanqisheng
February 24, 2003, 14:33
The internal Cold Evil is emerging outward along with the rising Qi, which is a sign of recovery. You can continue taking the medicine for three doses. As the rising Qi grows stronger day by day, various symptoms can gradually disappear. After the Spring Equinox, there should be no worries. Sanqisheng is currently visiting a clinic in Xiangfan, Hubei, and internet access is inconvenient during the journey. Apologies for the late reply.

Chang'an Youth
March 10, 2003, 09:23
Respected Mr. Sanqisheng:
We are very grateful for your careful treatment of my mother. Recently, my mother's physical and mental health have improved a lot. Last week, she went to the hospital for a check-up. Except for thick blood, everything else was normal. Our whole family is very grateful to you. ^_^
She recently wanted to go out for a walk, but like when she was forty: when her spirit improved, she would overexert herself, resulting in being unable to get up after lying down: (she has been lying down for the past two days) sore waist and legs, loss of appetite, insomnia with many dreams, and dizziness. She needs to sleep for a few days to recover. Different doctors have different opinions: rheumatism, sciatica, deficiency of both Qi and Blood with poor circulation, poor blood transfer from Liver and Gallbladder, poor blood transfer from Liver and Kidney, poor Qi of Zang-Fu organs, etc. She has taken many medicines and suffered a lot. The place where her waist hurts is still the same; hitting or pressing it does not hurt, but there is a sense of discomfort. Moreover, small red spots appear there, which are quite painful. After using fire cups, the pores there turn red. It seems to be better when it is cloudy or raining. She feels that if this place heals, her body will recover completely. I hope Dr. Sanqisheng will bestow a good prescription again. Infinite gratitude.

Sanqisheng
March 11, 2003, 15:29
Warming medicines were somewhat excessive. One should nourish Yin and astringe: Fuling (Poria) 10g, Zexie (Alisma Rhizoma) 10g, Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 15g, Dangszen (Codonopsis Radix) 15g, Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) 20g, Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) 20g, Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) 20g, Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) 3g, Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) 7g
Decoct seven bowls of water until two bowls remain. Take one bowl at 11:00 AM and one bowl at 5:00 PM. Four doses.

Chang'an Youth
March 17, 2003, 16:49
Sorry, there was a problem with the webpage last time. Sending again as follows:
Respected Mr. Sanqisheng:
We are very grateful for your patient treatment of my mother.
My mother has finished taking the four doses. She feels that her waist has improved and does not hurt much. But it is still very weak, and she cannot sit for a long time. Moreover, her stomach and pharyngitis have relapsed slightly: hiccups, phlegm in the throat.
Then please trouble yourself to diagnose and treat again.

Sanqisheng
March 19, 2003, 17:41
This is a manifestation of Earth overcoming Metal. Emergency rescue is needed:
Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 10g, Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) 10g, Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 10g, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 60g, Fuling (Poria) 30g.
Decoct seven bowls of water until two bowls remain. Take one bowl at 7:00 AM and one bowl at 3:00 PM. Five doses.

Chang'an Youth
March 25, 2003, 10:21
Respected Mr. Sanqisheng, after my mother took three doses, her eating was very good. Today, all five doses were finished. Now she feels that only her waist is still troublesome: the color of the hurting waist area is still grayish-yellow, and there are small hard lumps. She always wants to rub it with her hands. Physical therapy has some effect, but does not cure the root. She wonders if it is also a stasis syndrome formed by mutual overcoming. I hope Mr. Sanqisheng can resolve this. Infinite gratitude.

Chang'an Youth
April 2, 2003, 10:21
Respected Doctor Sanqisheng, my mother's physical condition is much better now, but it is still the waist. She feels that as long as her waist is healed, she will be completely healthy. Doctors here say her pulse is very deep (Xuan), and Liver Qi and Heart Qi stagnation is severe. (My mother had bad encounters and suffered a lot.) She now feels that she is only one step away from complete recovery. But taking their medicines feels ineffective. Please help resolve this. I am extremely grateful. Thank you.

Sanqisheng
April 2, 2003, 12:19
Do not go to other places for treatment anymore. First, take six boxes of Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet), two pills at 5:00 PM every night, and two more pills before bed (preferably the eight-ingredient version, without Niuxi and Cheqianzi). Now is not the right time to tonify the Kidney. Wait until autumn and winter to take more of this medicine. Perhaps next spring, vitality will flourish.

Chang'an Youth
April 3, 2003, 10:14
Thank you. I will try hard to persuade my mother, please rest assured. She has been sick for five or six years and is extremely anxious.

Chang'an Youth
June 2, 2003, 09:38
Respected Mr. Sanqisheng, hello.
Sorry, due to "SARS" recently, I have not given you feedback. Please forgive me.
My mother's stomach is now fine. After mid-April, after finishing "Guifu" (Guizhi and Fuzi), combined with massage, etc., my mother's waist began to show a series of improvement reactions, which basically ended last week. Currently, the waist has basically returned to normal, she can sit for a relatively long time, and there is basically no discomfort when walking. Moreover, the original cyanosis has disappeared.
My mother still has palpitations, shortness of breath, and general weakness, but much better than last winter. A few days ago, she went to the hospital for an electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram. The ECG opinion was "Sinus rhythm, electrical axis not deviated, roughly normal ECG." The echocardiogram indicated "Consistent with ultrasound changes of hypertensive heart disease; widened ascending aorta, thickened interventricular septum (12mm, normal 6-11), reduced left ventricular relaxation function." Therefore, the doctor considered it hypertensive heart disease, but "not a big problem." Prescription: Shuxiong Capsules, Xintong Oral Liquid, and Enalapril.
Actually, my mother had these phenomena more than ten years ago, when her blood pressure was not high either, so it seems not to be "caused by hypertension affecting the heart." My mother appreciates your differentiation of syndromes and prefers to take your prescriptions, so I would like to trouble you to take a look. I am extremely grateful here. Below is her chief complaint:
Chest tightness, shortness of breath, sometimes wanting to sigh deeply. General fatigue and weakness, easy to feel sleepy, unable to do anything. Sometimes anxious, irritable, palpitations, and dry mouth, with a feeling of exhaustion. Sometimes seeing movement makes the heartbeat fast; sometimes slight movement causes lower abdominal pain. Encountering events or weather changes causes nausea and dry heaving inside. Cannot stand; standing feels bad. Sometimes there is a trembling sensation in the heart. (As if a rabbit were lying in the chest) Spontaneous sweating. Chronic pharyngitis. If sleep is poor, eyes will have fog and halos. Easy to wake up, feeling awake from the heart. Nails are slightly bluish-gray. Blood pressure is normal: 110-120/70-80.
My mother has many illnesses, all accumulated from overwork. Stomach disease, waist pain, and hypertensive heart disease are her three major illnesses. Under your patient and careful treatment, only the last one remains.
Finally, I would like to talk about my mother's personality: My mother has always been timid, prone to thinking badly of outcomes, and combined with bad encounters, she becomes nervous and afraid at the slightest thing. This may also be one of the reasons for her heart disease.

Sanqisheng
June 3, 2003, 12:40
Very good. The diseases in the Middle and Lower Jiao have finally stabilized. The Upper Jiao symptoms manifested now are still caused by insufficient ascending Qi. Palpitations, shortness of breath, general weakness, widened ascending aorta, thickened interventricular septum (12mm, normal 6-11), reduced left ventricular relaxation function. Chest tightness, shortness of breath, sometimes wanting to sigh deeply. General fatigue and weakness, easy to feel sleepy, unable to do anything. Sometimes anxious, irritable, palpitations, and dry mouth, with a feeling of exhaustion. Sometimes seeing movement makes the heartbeat fast; sometimes slight movement causes lower abdominal pain. Encountering events or weather changes causes nausea and dry heaving inside. Cannot stand; standing feels bad. Sometimes there is a trembling sensation in the heart. (As if a rabbit were lying in the chest) Spontaneous sweating. All are like this.
Huangqi (Astragali Radix) 60g, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 30g, Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) 30g, Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 20g, Changpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) 10g, Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix) 10g, Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 10g, Zaoren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) 10g
Soak seven bowls of water for one hour, decoct until two bowls remain. Take one bowl at 7:00 AM and one bowl at 11:00 AM. Seven doses.

Chang'an Youth
June 13, 2003, 10:11
Respected Doctor Sanqisheng: After my mother took these seven doses of medicine, her heartbeat and shortness of breath improved a lot, and her legs were no longer uncomfortable. In the past two days, she started acupuncture and supplemented some estrogen (Nilestriol), and felt some effect. Now she only has a bearing-down sensation in the lower abdomen when standing, so she prefers lying down. Additionally, she feels somewhat weak. Do you think further medication is needed for consolidation? Thank you very much.

Chang'an Youth
August 14, 2003, 19:52
Respected Mr. Sanqisheng, my mother has recovered well recently. Eating and sleeping are both good, and waist and legs are also okay. However, when the weather changes, the heart experiences pauses; and there will be palpitations. Also, she had back pain and a feeling of poor Qi recently, which later slowly shifted to the hip area, feeling heavy, sore, and heavy. She recently took some Ziheche Capsules (Placenta Human) and felt some effect.
Please trouble yourself to take a look. Thank you.

Sanqisheng
August 14, 2003, 21:29
Ah! Still, Yin Qi has not been completely transformed. Truly difficult!
Guizhi Fuzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Aconite Decoction) for two doses:
Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) 30g, Zhigancao (Prepared Licorice Root) 20g, Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) 10g, Dazao (Jujubae Fructus) eight pieces (broken open), Heifuzi (Aconiti Radix) 20g
Soak five bowls of water for one hour, decoct until two bowls remain. Take one bowl at 3:00 PM and one bowl before bed at night.

Chang'an Youth
August 18, 2003, 10:30
Respected Mr. Sanqisheng, after my mother took these two doses, she felt much better: the feeling of waist stiffness and difficulty bending over decreased, the pause phenomenon decreased, and there was little sensation. Moreover, the phenomenon of eye fogging decreased. Thank you very much. The current problem is that the flesh of the buttocks still has soreness, heaviness, and pain, light on the left and heavy on the right; the waist and hips also have some soreness and weakness. Please diagnose again. Thank you.