Library

According to the *Yu Ji Zhen Zang Jing* (Classic of the Jade Machine and True Viscera): Wind is the leader of all diseases. The pathology of wind is characterized by its migratory nature and frequent changes. The *Jin Gui Yao Lue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet) states: There are eight winds in heaven, and five types of wind affecting the meridians. The eight external winds induce pathogenic factors into the meridians; when wind touches the five Zang organs, pathogenic qi activates. The names of these eight winds are: Pian Feng (Lateral Wind), Nao Feng (Brain Wind), Mu Feng (Eye Wind), Lou Feng (Leaking Wind), Nei Feng (Internal Wind), Shou Feng (Head Wind), Chang Feng (Intestinal Wind), and Xie Feng (Discharging Wind). These eight winds are discussed in relation to the Zang and Fu organs. Using the five musical tones (Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, Yu) to correspond with the five Zang organs, although the specific wind pathogens differ, the resulting diseases are largely similar with minor variations.

Qi Bo stated: There are four names for wind diseases. The first is Pian Ku (Hemiplegia/Paralysis), characterized by hemiplegia, deviation of the mouth and eyes, and unilateral muscle atrophy with dysfunction and pain, while speech remains clear and intelligence is undisturbed; the disease is located between the muscles and interstices. The second is Feng Fei (Wind Paralysis), characterized by no body pain, flaccidity and lack of control of the four limbs, mild confusion of intelligence, and partial ability to speak, which is treatable; if severe enough to cause inability to speak, it is untreatable. The *Mai Jie* chapter of the *Nei Jing* (Inner Canon) discusses: When internal essence is depleted leading to Jue (syncope/cold extremities), it results in Yin Fei (aphasia and paralysis). This is caused by Kidney deficiency. The manifestation of Fei includes aphasia (tongue stiffness preventing speech) and foot paralysis (inability to use the legs). Since the Kidney meridian connects to the root of the tongue, inability to speak becomes "Yin"; the Kidney meridian runs along the medial aspect of the thigh, obliquely enters the popliteal fossa, follows the medial aspect of the tibia and inner ankle, and enters the sole of the foot. When Kidney Qi is obstructed, the feet become paralyzed, termed "Fei". The third is Feng Yi (Wind Stupor), characterized by sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, phlegm-saliva rising to confuse the Heart orifices, throat obstruction, sudden tongue stiffness and aphasia, locked jaw, limb spasms, and failure of Qi ascending and descending. The disease is in the Zang and Fu organs; thus, wind striking the Zang endangers life, while wind striking the Fu paralyzes the limbs. The fourth is Feng Bi (Wind Bi), characterized by a floating and moderate pulse, weak sinews and bones, and numbness and insensitivity of the limbs.

There is also wind strike occurring after drinking alcohol, called Lou Feng (Leaking Wind), manifesting as fever, lethargy, sweating, and shortness of breath. This is because wine nourishes Yang; upon entering the Stomach, it clashes with Grain Qi, causing intense heat in the Middle Jiao. Its Qi is fierce and rapid, causing simultaneous leakage of Yang Qi,疏松ness of the interstices, allowing wind pathogen to enter. Symptoms resemble Feng Yi. The pulse is short and slippery, or large and rapid, with internal heat and external sweating. The treatment method should be clearing heat and resolving the exterior, eliminating phlegm and dispelling wind. Regarding Internal Wind, named Lao Feng (Labor Wind), it arises from sexual exhaustion causing deficiency, internal depletion of True Qi, allowing wind pathogen to enter. The onset begins here, manifesting as stiff hair, foaming at the mouth, urinary incontinence, open mouth and closed eyes, snoring, relaxed hands, head shaking and upward staring, face red like makeup, or cyanotic/black head and face, sweat dropping like pearls, and coma. These are all untreatable conditions.

Wind syndromes are diverse, and the causes vary. In clinical practice, one must distinguish carefully, examine the pulse and observe the form, and prescribe medication according to the syndrome. Therefore, maintaining tranquility closes the interstices and repels pathogens; even great wind and severe toxins cannot harm the body. This is due to following the seasonal order, and one must particularly investigate through pulse diagnosis. Wind should be dispersed, cold should be warmed, excess should be drained, deficiency should be tonified, heat should be cooled, and phlegm should be vented.

There is also Zhong Qi (Qi Strike) which resembles Zhong Feng (Wind Strike), manifesting as slurred speech, flooding saliva, stupor, loss of consciousness, and tight jaw, but distinguished by the absence of limb paralysis. Generally, medicines for treating Zhong Feng must first regulate Qi, then disperse wind, to achieve efficacy. If Zhong Qi is mistakenly treated with wind-dispersing herbs, the error is significant. This disease is caused by disharmony of the Seven Emotions and Qi stagnation. Whether due to the anxious pursuits of the wealthy or the sorrow of the poor, prolonged unfulfilled thoughts, or depression and frustration, these lead to this Qi-related illness. The prescribed agents should regulate and descend the Qi, leading to natural recovery. The Classics state: Sudden joy injures Yang, sudden anger injures Yin, and worry/sorrow without joy often leads to Jue (syncope). Is this not what is meant?

How to distinguish between Zhong Feng and Zhong Qi? One must differentiate by the pulse. If the pulse is floating, full, wiry, and rapid, or floating and large, it is Wind. If the pulse is deep and hidden, it is Qi Strike. For treating Qi Strike, where Qi stagnation predominates over wind, first use Su He Xiang Wan (Styrax Pill) ground in ginger juice, applied to the teeth to open the orifices. Once consciousness gradually returns, administer slowly. Assess deficiency or excess: tonify if deficient, drain if excessive, warm if cold, clear if hot. Carefully examine the pulse principles and the detailed condition; prescribing accordingly yields effective results. If treated uniformly as Wind Strike, it will further damage Spleen Qi, and the mistake occurs in an instant. The Classics say: Aphasia arising without cause, with absent pulse, is untreatable, due to sudden reversal of Cold Qi. Wait for the Qi to recover; do not immediately use wind-dispersing and Qi-draining formulas, lest you endanger life. Physicians who do not understand this principle may incorrectly add dispersing and guiding agents, causing True Qi to become more deficient and pathogenic factors more active, ultimately leading to untreatable conditions. Is this not painful?