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During the Liu Song dynasty, a palace maid of Emperor Ming suffered from lower back pain radiating to the heart, with episodes causing breathlessness. Xu Wenbo diagnosed it as Fa Jia (a pathological condition caused by the accumulation of hair). After administering oil orally, she vomited an object resembling hair, which measured three chi in length when pulled out; its head had formed into a snake-like shape and was capable of moving. When suspended until all fluid dripped off, only a single hair remained. (From *History of the Southern Dynasties*)

The patient's eyes suddenly drooped down to the tip of the nose, obstructed like black horns, accompanied by unbearable pain. Occasionally, blood would appear in the stool with severe suffering. This condition is named Gan Zhang (Liver Distension). It can be cured spontaneously by drinking several cups of decoction made from Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix). (From Xia Ziyi's *Strange Disease Formulas*)

In autumn and winter, take Hu Sui Zi (Coriandri Fructus) and boil them in vinegar for hot compress application; this is highly effective. (Hu Sui refers to Coriandrum sativum L., commonly known as coriander/cilantro.) (From Meng Shen's *Dietary Therapy of Bencao*)

(If a parasitic growth or foreign body) does not stop growing, and regrows after being cut off, making walking and sitting difficult. Take He Shi (Carthami Fructus, though historically debated as fox musk residue) powder, half liang, mixed with water and ingested; this leads to self-healing. (Avoid alcohol and meat.) (From *Strange Disease Formulas*)

There is a root-like structure extending over five cun, resembling a hairpin shaft. The patient can only eat after vomiting it up; pinching it causes excruciating pain piercing the heart. Administer She Xiang (Moschus) one qian, ground into powder and taken with water; it will dissipate on its own within three days. (From Xia Ziyi's *Strange Disease Formulas*)

In the Yuan period of the Song dynasty, a person developed Xia Jia (abdominal mass) due to eating duck. The physician treated them with Shu Mi (Sorghum vulgare var. glutinosum) powder mixed with water. Shortly after, the patient became restless and vomited out a duckling, leading to recovery. According to *Qianjin Fang*, for diseases caused by consuming duck meat, characterized by chest fullness and inability to eat, drinking one cup of Shu Mi soup is effective. (Shu Mi refers to the sticky variety of millet, now known as glutinous sorghum/millet).

Those who habitually indulge in alcohol may develop Jiu Bie (Alcohol Tortoise), where blood mixes with wine; those with abundant Qi and Blood may develop Qi Bie if stagnation occurs in the Qi level; those with deficiency-wasting, entrenched cold, stagnant blood, and phlegm may develop Xue Bie (Blood Tortoise). These pathogens move their heads and tails like insects, invading the throat upwards, eroding the anus downwards, attaching to the flanks and back, or hiding in the chest and abdomen. They range in size from that of a tortoise to a coin. The treatment method involves frying Wu Yi (Chaulmoograe Semen) and taking it in decoction. Additionally, methods to warm the stomach, nourish blood, and regulate the Middle Jiao should be combined to eliminate the pathogen. Merely using drugs like Lei Wan (Omphalia lapidescens) or Xi Hui (Tin Ash) is of no benefit. (From Yang Shiya's *Renzhai Zhizhi Fang*)

The patient cannot close their eyes (insomnia), does not respond to calls, but retains the ability to eat. Crush three liang of Suan (Allium sativum), extract the juice, mix with wine, and drink; this leads to recovery. (From Xia Ziyi's *Strange Disease Formulas*)