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Su You discussed: Generally, the symptoms of "Chuan Shi" (Transmitted Corpse Disease/Tuberculosis) in both men and women include chest and heart fullness and oppression, pain and discomfort in the back and shoulders. The eyes may appear bright, but the four limbs are weak. Although there is a desire to lie down and sleep, one often fails to fall asleep. There is acute pain in the spine and loins, soreness and pain in the knees and shins. One lies down much more than gets up, resembling someone feigning illness. Upon waking in the morning, the spirit seems good, as if free from disease. However, after noon, the four limbs become slightly hot, the complexion looks rosy and healthy. The patient tends to find fault with others, harboring anger frequently; any slight dissatisfaction leads to irritation and wrath. Walking and standing feel weak. Night sweats occur during sleep. Dreams involve intercourse with spirits or seeing deceased ancestors. Palpitations and fright occur at times. Shortness of breath and coughing happen intermittently. Although there is an appetite for food and drink, intake remains low. Death can come suddenly, yet the spirit appears vigorous. Alternatively, there may be distension in the hypochondriac regions or occasional mild diarrhea. The nose is dry, the mouth is parched, and there is excessive sticky saliva. Lips may turn red at times, or drowsiness sets in. Gradually, the body becomes emaciated and frail, like water drying up, leading to death without one realizing it.

Another discussion states: This disease originates from unknown causes. It affects people of all ages and genders. Generally, this disease spreads through transmission. Initially, toxic qi transmits internally. In the early stage, when the patient alternates between lying and sitting, it is called [Term missing in original text]. When accompanied by shortness of breath and cough, it is named "Fei Wei" (Lung Withering). Heat in the bone marrow is termed "Gu Zheng" (Bone Steaming). Internal transmission to the five zang organs is called "Fu Lian" (Hidden Connection). If left untreated, it can lead to the extinction of the family line. If a man contracts this due to deficiency and exhaustion, it is named "Lao Ji" (Extreme Exhaustion). In the Wu and Chu regions, it is called "Lin Li"; in Ba and Shu regions, it is called "Ji Lao". The source begins with the Kidney. Upon initial infection, there is soreness in the shins, stiffness and tension in the waist and spine, weakness in walking and standing, reduced appetite, a buzzing sound in the ears resembling wind, nocturnal emissions, sweating in the genital area, and impotence. After the Kidney is affected, the pathogen transmits to the Heart. Upon initial Heart involvement, there is fright during sleep, frequent palpitations, a sensation of emptiness and qi deficiency in the chest, shallow breathing as if about to cease, dreams of deceased relatives, night sweats, loss of taste, oral ulcers, internal irritability and heat, a strong desire to sleep, symptoms that are lighter in the morning and heavier in the evening, and bright red cheeks and lips resembling rouge. Sometimes, the palms, soles, and chest feel hot. After the Heart is affected, the pathogen transmits to the Lung. Upon initial Lung involvement, there is intermittent coughing, weak energy, occasional asthma worsening upon lying down, dryness of the nose and mouth, loss of smell, and if smell is perceived, only putrid odors are detected. Nausea, dizziness, and a desire to vomit may occur. The skin becomes dry and rough, with occasional stinging pain or sensations like insects crawling. Fine scales appear on the skin, resembling bran. After the Lung is affected, the pathogen transmits to the Liver. Upon initial Liver involvement, vision becomes blurred, the face lacks blood color, the patient often frowns, has difficulty seeing far, eyes feel dry and gritty, occasionally red and painful, or yellowish sclera. Eyes squint frequently day and night, and despite wanting to close them, sleep is elusive. After the Liver is affected, the pathogen transmits to the Spleen. Upon initial Spleen involvement, there is distension in the hypochondriac regions, indigestion, occasional thirst and diarrhea, undigested food in stool, abdominal pain, borborygmus, dry and cracked lips, oral ulcers or swelling, dry and brittle hair lacking luster, upward rushing of qi, shoulder-lifting dyspnea, and passage of dark red or black liquid stools. This stage indicates impending death.

Another discussion states: Toxic vapors transmitting through the five zang organs follow these patterns. Careful observation ensures accuracy.

Another discussion states: Patients with "Zheng Pi" (Masses and Accumulations) often develop "Gu Zheng". Otherwise, they may develop edema ("Shui Bing"). Treatment should follow methods for "Pi" masses, involving moxibustion combined with diuretic herbs to achieve recovery.

Another discussion states: If the muscles of the spine and arms are completely wasted, and the bones of the chest protrude, the condition is difficult to treat. Bloody or black stools combined with dyspnea and shoulder-lifting breathing indicate impending death due to organ failure.

Another discussion states: For virgins under thirteen whose menstruation has not started, sexual intercourse causes gradual emaciation and sallow complexion. Without treatment, it develops into "Gu Zheng". Incorrect treatments have caused deaths. In such cases, treatment should be withheld until menstruation begins, after which recovery will naturally occur.

Another discussion states: Some obtain a prescription claiming to treat "Gu Zheng" without investigating the root cause, using it recklessly. If the prescription does not match the disease, recovery is delayed. Ignoring expert advice and relying solely on oneself is common. Using formulas for "Fei Wei" or "Gu Zheng" to treat "Zheng Pi Chuan Shi" exacerbates the condition. Formulas for "Fei Wei" contain many cold-natured herbs, which are unsuitable for "Zheng Pi". Using them harms the Spleen, which prefers warmth. Failure to understand this is lamentable. This example illustrates the principle for other cases.

Another discussion states: Patients with "Gu Zheng" should avoid cold and excessive heat in their living environment. Excessive cold impedes medicinal action, causing distension and indigestion, or rebellious qi. Excessive heat obstructs blood vessels, causing dizziness, eye pain, dry lips and mouth, chest oppression, and thirst. These result from improper self-care. Regulation requires appropriate temperature management: remove clothing if warm, add clothing if cold. Cold exposure to the back causes coughing; heat to extremities causes irritability; heavy bedding causes night sweats; thin bedding causes abdominal distension. Meals should be small and frequent to avoid stagnation and aid medicinal efficacy. Food must be soft and well-cooked to protect stomach qi. Adjustments should be made based on individual judgment.

Another discussion states: Treatment requires identifying the root, assessing symptoms, diagnosing via three pulse positions, determining severity, and deciding on decoction therapy. If the root is deep, even small doses aim for cure. Stopping medication prematurely and blaming the remedy is misguided. Causes vary, including post-malaria or post-dysentery origins. Principles are outlined below.

Another discussion states: Patients with "Gu Zheng" must abstain from sexual activity and strenuous labor. Avoid aged sour/salty foods, sticky indigestible foods, beef, horse, donkey, mutton, beans, pork, fish, greasy foods, alcohol, wheat products, fruits, wild boar, sunflower shoots, garlic, ferns, and raw/cold foods. Diet can gradually resume after one month of stability. Suitable foods include cooked rice, salted soybeans, bean paste, roasted ginger, scallions, leeks, goji berries, alfalfa, bitter vegetables, rehmannia root, and cow knee leaves, all boiled thoroughly. As recovery progresses, dried venison may be consumed for weak patients. Specific dietary guidelines follow.

Gu Ji Formula for Women's Abdominal Cold Masses, Blood Stasis Distension, Irregular Menstruation, Emaciation, Anorexia, and Pallor Resembling Chuan Shi (Zhang Wenzhong's Formula):

Qu Mo (Qu Powder, 2 sheng), Da Mai Mo (Barley Powder, 2 sheng), Sheng Di Huang (Fresh Rehmannia Root, sliced 3 sheng), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome, 8 liang), Niu Xi (Achyranthes Bidentata Root, sliced 3 sheng), Sang Er (Ficus Microcarpa Fungus, chopped 3 sheng, golden variety preferred), Xing Ren (Apricot Seeds, 2 sheng each, peeled, tips removed, double kernels discarded, roasted), Ju Pi (Tangerine Peel, 8 liang, added in recent usage).

Twelve ingredients are finely cut, pounded in a mortar with a wooden pestle until paste-like, placed in a jar, sealed tightly to prevent gas escape, and steamed over a large stone [text incomplete]. Dosage/usage details [text incomplete]. In the first ten days, avoid raw, cold, and hard-to-digest foods to assist medicinal power. After ten days, no dietary restrictions apply except peaches and plums. If using peaches/plums, remove Bai Zhu. If powder form is difficult, honey pills are acceptable. Take 30 pills twice daily.

Zhang Wenzhong discusses: "Chuan Shi" is also known as [Term missing], Malaria, Dun Zhu, Gu Zheng, Fu Lian, [Term missing]. This disease often arises from weeping over corpses, allowing corpse qi to enter the abdomen, spreading continuously within the household, potentially wiping out the family. Treatment formula:

Ta Gan (Rabbit Liver, split, dried, roasted), Bie Jia (Softshell Turtle Shell, roasted), Ye Li Tou (Wild Cat Head, roasted), Zi Wan (Aster Tataricus Root, 4 fen), Han Fang Ji (Stephania Tetrandra Root, 1.5 liang), Shu Qi (Perilla Leaf/Stem, washed), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon Japonicus Tuber, heart removed), Gan Cao (Licorice Root, roasted, 1 liang each).

Eight ingredients are pounded and sifted into powder. Melt Sheep Kidney Fat (2 parts) and Honey (1 part), mix with powder to form pills the size of wu zi (Chinese apricot seeds). Start with 10 pills, increase to 15. [Text incomplete regarding application sites]. Apply to arm then door frame for verified effect. Avoid Seaweed, Chinese Cabbage, and Amaranth.

Moxibustion Method:

Stand at the horizontal crease where shoelaces tie. Measure four finger-widths outward from the tibial crest. Press midway at the middle joint of the fourth finger; a small acupoint is found. Take a strand of hemp, thin it, tie it loosely to the point, and moxa until the hemp burns out. Left side for males, right for females. Reduces symptoms significantly.

Another Formula:

Qing Ling Yang Fei (Blue Antelope Lung, split, dried on cloth), Lang Dang Zi (Datura Seed, 1 sheng in silk bag), Cu (Vinegar, 1 sheng). Soak together for three days, remove, dry on cloth, lightly roast Datura seeds. Pounded, sifted, mixed with honey into pills size of wu zi. Take 3 pills, increase to 4.

Di Gu Pi (Bark of Ground Tree Bone), Bai Wei (Cynanchum Atratum Root), Shao Yao (Peony Root), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn - *Note: Substitute per modern regulations*), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga Rhizome), Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Da Huang (Rhubarb Root), Qian Hu (Peucedanum Root), Fu Ling (Poria), Tian Men Dong (Asparagus Tuber), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), Sang Gen Bai Pi (Mulberry Root Bark), Ling Yang Jiao (Antelope Horn), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Zhu Sha (Cinnabar - *Note: Use with caution/substitute*), Xiong Huang (Realgar - *Note: Use with caution/substitute* or Xuan Fu Hua/Bai Ji depending on context, here likely Xiong or similar mineral, text says Xiong), Bie Jia (Softshell Turtle Shell), Shu Qi (Perilla), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Chang Shan ( Dichroa Root), Wu Mei (Mume Fruit), Xiang Chi (Fermented Soybean), Huang Qi (Astragalus Root), Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), Ju Pi (Tangerine Peel).

These herbs can be selected based on detailed symptom assessment. (All from Volume 1)