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Xia Ziyi recorded in *Qi Ji Fang* (Prescriptions for Strange Diseases): A person suffered from Yuan Ju (a deep, chronic abscess), which appeared under the ribs. After a long time, it formed a single orifice that emitted sounds resembling a baby crying. Moxibustion was applied to Yangquan point (BL58) fourteen times (two sets of seven), after which the sound ceased and the patient recovered.

[Shen Yuan's Commentary] In ancient texts, it is stated that if sores do not heal for a long time, insects may generate internally. The case of Yuan Ju emitting sounds like a baby crying is due to internal insect generation. However, no other special treatments were used; only moxibustion was employed. This is likely because cold qi in the blood and qi prevents the sore from dissipating or suppurating. Therefore, the warming power of mugwort was utilized to warm the interior, allowing the blood and qi to circulate, causing the abscess to subside naturally. Moreover, mugwort has the ability to kill parasites, so healing was achieved through moxibustion alone.

It is also recorded: A person had a sore treated with moxibustion. After the scab fell off, fresh red flesh pieces resembling butterflies emerged from the wound, appearing to fly in the air. The pain was unbearable, and both flesh and blood were damaged. This was a strange disease caused by fire toxicity. Powder made from Natrii Sulfas (Puxiao, 朴硝) and Rheum Palmatum (Dahuang, 大黄) was mixed with water and ingested. Mild diarrhea ensued, leading to recovery.

It is also recorded: A person suffered from red eyes, flaring nostrils with rapid breathing, spots all over the body, and hair as hard as copper or iron. This was caused by heat toxicity in the stomach binding in the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner). One dose consisting of Alum (Baifan, 白矾) and Talcum (Huashi, 滑石), each one liang, ground into powder, was taken. It was decocted in three bowls of water until reduced by half. Continuous administration led to relief upon completion.

It is also recorded: A person suffered from internal parasite generation. The parasites moved under the skin like crabs and emitted sounds like a crying child, transformed from muscle and tendon. One liang each of Realgar (Xionghuang, 雄黄) and Omphalia Lapidea (Leiwuan, 雷丸) were ground into powder, sprinkled on pork, roasted until cooked, and consumed entirely, resulting in natural peace.

It is also recorded: A person suffered from toxic swelling on the body and face, shaped like a snake. One qian of green moss growing on bricks after rain was mixed with water and applied topically, yielding immediate results.

It is also recorded: A postpartum woman drank more than twenty bowls of tea porridge. One month later, several cold patches appeared on her body. When pressed with a finger, the cold sensation traveled up from the finger to the heart. Various treatments failed. Ba Wu Tang (Eight Substance Decoction) without Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang, 地黄), plus Exocarpium Citri Reticulatae (Juhong, 橘红), Ginger Juice (Jiangzhi, 姜汁), and Bamboo Sap (Zhuli, 竹沥) one cup, was administered ten doses, leading to recovery.

It is also recorded: A person suddenly developed cone-like protrusions all over the body, accompanied by itching and pain, making eating impossible. This condition is named Blood Stagnation (Xue Yong, 血壅). If not treated promptly, it would inevitably ulcerate and discharge pus and blood. Red-skinned Scallion (Chipi Cong, 赤皮葱) was burned to ash, washed with water onto the affected area, and light Fermented Soybean (Danshi, 淡豆豉) soup was drunk several cups, resulting in comfort.

[Shen Yuan's Commentary] The Classic states: "When Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) does not flow smoothly and reverses into the muscle tissue." This symptom is caused by internal attack of heat toxicity, reversing Ying Qi into the muscle tissue, generating strange toxins. Itching is due to dryness and astringency of body fluids; pain is due to stagnation of blood and qi, hence both occur simultaneously. Scallion has the function of dispersing the exterior and unblocking qi; washing externally aids this. Fermented soybean clears heat and detoxifies; drinking internally aids this. Treating both interior and exterior leads to recovery.

It is also recorded: A person experienced continuous bleeding from hair follicles sequentially. Suddenly, the skin swelled like a drum, and within moments, the eyes, ears, nose, and mouth were swollen shut by gas, nearly causing death. This is called Mai Yi (Vessel Overflow). Emergency treatment involved mixing half a cup of Fresh Ginger Juice (Shengjiang Ziran Zhi, 生姜自然汁) with water and administering it orally, resulting in immediate relief.

[Shen Yuan's Commentary] Sequential bleeding from follicles, sudden skin swelling like a drum, and near-asphyxiation due to gas swelling the orifices indicate an internal attack by epidemic pathogens forcing blood out of the vessels sequentially, termed Mai Yi. Pathogenic factors obstruct the middle, causing Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) to scatter and disintegrate. Since Wei Qi cannot circulate properly to protect the blood, blood flows outward. Although outward blood flow should theoretically expel pathogens, they persist because Wei Qi has lost its regulation and become deficient due to blood loss. The pathogen becomes stronger, causing sudden drum-like swelling and imminent suffocation. The Classic states: "Loss of control leads to closure of the nine orifices internally and obstruction of muscles externally, with Wei Qi scattering." Immediate symptomatic treatment is required to prevent instant death. Fresh ginger, pungent and dispersing, counteracts rebellious qi. Its juice mixed with water is drunk for its rapid action, opening blockages and lower gates, retreating pathogens and ensuring quick relief.

It is also recorded: A person suddenly heard gurgling, wave-like sounds under the skin all over the body, with unbearable itching. Scratching caused bleeding but provided no relief. This is called Qi Ben (Qi Rushing). One dose comprising Rhizoma Bupleuri (Kuzhang, 苦杖 - note: likely a variant or specific local name, often associated with Bupleurum or similar heat-clearing herbs in context, here kept as Kuzhang), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen, 人参), Halloysit Rubra (Qingyan, 青盐), and Asari Radix et Rhizoma (Xixin, 细辛), totaling one liang, was decocted in water and drunk completely, leading to cure.

[Shen Yuan's Commentary] This condition arises from heat in the Lung Qi combined with invasion by thief-wind, lodging between the skin and subcutaneous tissue, battling with qi, thus producing wave-like sounds, termed Qi Ben. The Lung belongs to Metal, its tone is Shang (Musical Note Shang), which is clear and forceful, hence such sounds. Without heat, there is no sound; without wind, there is no rushing qi. As the Neijing states, "All diseases with sounds belong to heat." Also, "Wind moves swiftly and changes frequently," explaining this presentation. Excessive wind causes dryness; dryness makes blood astringent and body fluids stagnant, causing generalized itching and uncontrollable bleeding. Kuzhang, Qingyan, and Xixin clear heat and disperse wind while calming rebellious qi; Ginseng tonifies healthy qi. This illustrates the principle: "Where pathogenic factors gather, healthy qi must be deficient."

It is also recorded: A person developed sores on the body and face resembling cat eyes, shiny, with pus and blood, but with irregular pain and itching, and reduced appetite. This is called Han Chuang (Cold Sore). Eating plenty of scallions, leeks, chicken, and fish leads to self-healing.

[Shen Yuan's Commentary] Generally, if internal toxicity is severe in sores, strange shapes and colors appear. This sore resembles a cat eye and is shiny due to severe toxicity (similar to how poisonous creatures have bright, shiny colors). Severe toxicity combined with internal cold closure prevents qi and blood from moving freely, resembling an attack but failing to produce pus, resulting in irregular pain and itching. Deep-seated toxicity with cold closure requires aggressive treatment; thus, consuming scallions, leeks, chicken, and fish promotes self-healing.

*Qi Bing Fang* records: Between the skin and extremities of hands and feet, sounds like earthworms singing are heard. This is caused by water-dampness generating parasites. Earthworm feces mixed with water are applied thickly (about one cun) to the affected area; the sound stops immediately. Then, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu, 白术) five qian, Coicis Semen (Yiren, 薏苡仁) and Euryales Semen (Qianshi, 芡实) one liang each, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草), Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi, 附子), and Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin, 黄芩) three qian each, and Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng, 防风) five fen are decocted in water and taken, leading to cure. Dampness eliminates the habitat for parasites; Gancao detoxifies and kills parasites; Fangfeng dispels wind and removes stasis; Fuzi attacks the pathogen directly, achieving miraculous results.

[Shen Yuan's Commentary] This condition involves parasites sounding like earthworms. However, some cases result from earthworm bites causing toxicity, manifesting like severe wind-disease with loss of eyebrows and hair, and hearing earthworm sounds at the site. Soaking in strong salt water broth several times heals this. General Zhang Shao of Western Zhejiang suffered this, hearing earthworms every night. A monk cured him using this method because earthworms fear salt.

It is also recorded: A person suddenly developed a strip of flesh growth around the waist, reaching the navel like a belt, painless and itchless. Over time, food intake decreased, and qi and blood became depleted. This is disharmony between the Kidney Meridian and the Dai Mai (Conception Vessel/Belt Vessel), exacerbated by excessive sexual indulgence. Long-term deficiency of Dai Mai qi and gradual blood consumption lead to dark complexion. Though not severely painful, the disease is serious. Treatment should vigorously tonify Kidney Water and supplement the Dai Mai, naturally strengthening the body and eliminating the growth. Mie Hen Dan (Scar Eliminating Pill) taken morning and evening, one liang daily, reduces waist heaviness after ten days. Continued use for another ten days fades the flesh; further use eliminates it completely. Abstinence from sex for three months is mandatory, otherwise ineffective.

It is also recorded: A person experiences generalized itching. Pricking with an awl provides temporary relief before itching returns. Cutting with a knife feels good initially, but itching intensifies shortly after. Cutting causes pain and continuous bleeding. Using Ferruginis Sulphas (Duanshi, 锻石) stops bleeding but triggers itching again. Cutting resumes bleeding; Duanshi stops it again, only for itching to return. This cycle continues until the skin is completely destroyed. The prescription uses one liang of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen, 人参). If the patient cannot afford Ginseng, two liang of Astragali Radix (Huangqi, 黄芪) can substitute. Three doses stop itching and pain. This is essentially a karmic illness. Post-recovery, one must repent past evils to prevent recurrence; otherwise, recurrence will be incurable.

*Lei Bian* records: Jing Chen's disciple, Gong, aged seven, suddenly developed a swollen toxin between the ribs, visibly moving under the skin like a turtle, causing unbearable pulling pain. An old doctor outside Gucheng Village, Dexing, advised eating fresh shrimp soup. Despite concerns about contraindications for sores, the doctor insisted. Pain stopped shortly after ingestion. The doctor rejoiced, saying, "This is truly a Turtle Mass (Bie Xia, 鳖瘕). I sought what it likes to test the treatment." He formulated a medicine similar to spleen/stomach treatments but added two qian of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi, 附子) powder. Several doses eliminated the mass. The disease recurred the next year but was cured permanently with the same tonic treatment.

*Ming Yi Lu* records: Wang family member from Fenzhou suffered a condition in the hypochondrium emitting frog-like sounds, relieved by pressing. Constant sound succession baffled doctors. Zhao Luan, a skilled diagnostician from Liuyang Mountain, was consulted. Zhao said, "This is caused by shock qi entering the zang-fu organs, becoming pathological, hence the sounds." Wang explained, "While walking by water, a large frog jumped high and croaked loudly. I screamed in fright, then felt right hypochondriac pulling pain. Since then, the sound resembled a frog." Zhao palpated the pulse: Right Guan position was hidden and knotted, indicating an accumulation disease. Six Shen Wan (Six Spirit Pills) were used to purge green phlegm resembling frog skin, curing the patient.

*Yang Shi Zhi Zhi Fang* records: A person suffered from Cancer Sore (Ai Chuang, 癌疮), high above and deep below, hanging in clusters, cracking like blind eyes, green inside, with tongue-like projections on top. Deep toxicity perforates; males usually develop it on the abdomen, females on breasts, neck, or back, causing coma. Urgently use Ground Beetle (Didang, 地胆) as the chief herb, assisted by White Morning Glory Seed (Bai Qianniu, 白牵牛), Talcum (Huashi, 滑石), and Tetrapanacis Medulla (Mutong, 木通) to promote urination and vent toxicity. Drinking urine from a healthy child flushes residual pathogens, ensuring safety.

*Wu Hu Man Wen* records: A person in Wuxi had thread-like red worms, two to three cun long, visible and moving in the skin and flesh, causing unbearable itching. Doctors failed. One day, craving river frogs, he ate them, and the worms disappeared. Buying dried frog meat for morning and evening meals gradually eliminated the worms over a month.

It is also recorded: A person in Wucheng developed a boil on the waist, discharging four roundworms in the pus. Doctors were shocked, having never seen such a case. The boil healed spontaneously without fatal consequences. Gong Sheng, a surgeon from Fengqiao, witnessed a person with a small abdominal boil discharging two roundworms, six to seven cun long, which also healed later...

*Duan Xiao Fang* records: A person suffered from White Mouth Evil Sore, resembling wood ear fungus, caused by Liver Wood damp-heat. Applicable to adults and children alike. Equal parts of Galae Chinensis (Wubeizi, 五倍子) and Indigo Naturalis (Qingdai, 青黛) are ground into powder and blown into the lesion via a tube, leading to self-healing.

*Wei Shi Fang* records: A person developed blisters on the body resembling sand pears, each containing a stone fragment the size of a fingernail in the fluid. Once the blister dries, the muscle becomes untreatable. Five liang each of Sparganii Rhizoma (Sanleng, 三棱) and Curcumae Rhizoma (Ezhu, 莪术) are ground into powder, divided into three doses, taken with wine, leading to cure.

[Shen Yuan's Commentary] This condition occurs when pathogens lodge between the skin and muscle layers, causing Wei Qi to reverse. Reversal transforms Lung Metal into stubborn Metal. Instead of governing qi, it harasses Spleen Earth. Earth follows Metal's transformation, and since Metal is hard and rigid, muscle transforms into stone fragments. This aligns with the Neijing: "Its nature is rigid, its transformation is hardening." Stone fragments emerge from water because the body relies on Metal qi for nourishment; qi controls body fluids, transforming them into essence for internal nourishment. When Lung is harassed by pathogens, its nature becomes stubborn. Instead of controlling fluids and creating essence, it turns muscle to stone. Body fluids follow this transformation, forming blisters, hence stones emerge from water. Treatment uses Sanleng and Ezhu to break blood and qi and disperse toxicity. Once toxicity disperses and qi harmonizes, Metal qi regains its beneficial nature. Muscle tissue smooths out, and the disease heals. Materia Medica states these herbs treat hard sores and masses. They are suitable here for treating rigid stones.

Question: When blisters form on the sole of the foot and burst, leaving hard skin-like flakes inside, is this also muscle transformation? Answer: No. If pricked immediately, only water appears, no hard flakes. These flakes arise because the water is influenced by Metal qi. After the blister flattens, the flakes remain. This is not muscle turning to stone emerging from water.

Li Lou's *Guai Zheng Fang* records: A person received five moxa cones, causing continuous bleeding like urine, with cold hands nearing death. Two qian of Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin, 黄芩) stir-fried with wine, ground into powder, and taken with wine stopped the bleeding.

*Waitai Miyao* records: A person suffered from body abscesses like stones, resembling acne/boils with thick skin and little pus, named Shi Ju (Stone Abscess). Applying pounded Millet Seeds (Guzi, 谷子) cures it.

[Shen Yuan's Commentary] Materia Medica states: Guzhi is Broussonetia Papyrifera Fruit (Chushi, 楮实), common in mountains and fields. Its sap is sticky like glue, commonly called Gu Zhi Shu (Mulberry Tree Resin).

*Yan Yi* records: A person suffered from generalized heat toxicity pain without itching, worse on hands and feet, stopping at the neck. Clothes stuck to the sores, preventing sleep day and night, pain unbearable. Advice given: Chop three dou of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Shichangpu, 石菖蒲), dry it, grind into powder, spread on a mat, let the patient lie freely covered with blankets. This prevents sticking and allows sleep. Within five to seven days, the sores disappear. Subsequent cases responded similarly. For medicinal use, roots growing attached to rocks with dense nodes are preferred.

*Shengji Lu* records: A person suffered from persistent weeping from a hypochondriac fistula. Applying earwax from a black ox cured it.

Liu Yuxi's *Chuan Xin Fang* records: In the tenth year of Zhenyuan, Cui Yuanwai reported someone bitten by a spider on the abdomen, swelling like pregnancy, with silk growing all over. Family abandoned him to beg. A monk advised drinking sheep milk, leading to recovery. Another case: Zhang Jian Yuanwai lived in Jiannan. Official Zhang Yanshang was bitten on the head by a spider. Overnight, two red lines, thin as chopsticks, encircled the head, extending from the chest to the heart. After two nights, head and face swelled painfully to the size of several sheng, abdomen swelled, nearly fatal. Zhang offered 500,000 coins plus family wealth for a cure. A man volunteered, claiming he didn't know formulas but saved lives. He took a bowl of Indigo Tinctoria Juice (Lanzhi, 蓝汁), threw a spider in, which died instantly. Adding Musk (Shexiang, 麝香) and Realgar (Xionghuang, 雄黄) to the juice and throwing in another spider dissolved it instantly. Astonished, Zhang ordered application to the bite site. Healing occurred in two days with minor scarring.

*Qianjin Fang* records: A person suddenly developed nodules in the flesh, bean-sized to millet-sized, or plum-sized with roots. Pain radiated to the heart. Later, surrounding blisters formed. If toxins enter organs via meridians, death ensues. Named Bao Ju (Blistering Abscess), caused by heat toxicity. Wash with warm vinegar and rice water. Apply soil from swallow nests aged 100 days, mixed with urine from a boy. Another type affects ten fingers, resembling Dai Zhi (Subungual Hyponychium Infection), deep-rooted to muscle, destroying bones/tendons, killing via organ entry. Cauterize with hot iron or apply hundred moxa cones. Daily drinking of Rhinoceros Horn (Xijiao, 犀角) juice cures it.

*Jiuji Fang* records: A newborn appeared like a fish bubble or crystal, leaking water if broken. Finely sifted Zinc Oxide (Mituo Seng, 蜜陀僧) dusted on the infant cured it.

It is also recorded: A newborn lacked skin, showing only red flesh, due to the mother living upstairs during pregnancy, deprived of earth qi. Placing the baby on mud overnight grew skin. Another method: Dusting with dry rice flour until skin forms.

*Xiao'er Mijue* records: Infantile convulsion with whole-body black discoloration is named Wu Sha Jing Feng (Black Gauze Convulsion). Push downward urgently. Grind one bowl of yellow earth into powder, mix with one cup of aged vinegar, heat, wrap in silk, and apply as a compress. Guide the pathogen down to extremities and prick to release.

*Nan Shi* records: General Fang Boyu took five doses of Wushi San (Five Minerals Powder) repeatedly, developing cold phlegm, wearing extra clothes in summer. Xu Sibai diagnosed latent heat requiring sweating with water, possible only in winter. In late November during heavy snow, he had Boyu undress, sit on stone, and pour fresh cold water from head, consuming twenty hu. Boyu went into spasm and stopped breathing. Family cried and begged to stop, but Sibai persisted, pouring another hundred hu. Boyu finally moved, gasping from his back, sat up saying, "Heat is unbearable, request cold drink." Sibai gave one sheng of water, curing the disease. Thereafter, Boyu ran hot, wore single shirts in winter, and gained strength.

[Shen Yuan's Commentary] The Classic states: "For constrained fire, vent it." Sibai treated this case in late November when yang qi is internal. Using water stimulation at dawn (when yang qi begins to rise) excited the constrained heat, resolving it through sweat. This aligns with Suwen: "Correct treatment for correct conditions, contrary treatment for contrary conditions; follow and oppose accordingly." In spring, yang qi leaks; in summer/autumn, yin qi is internal. Thus, late winter execution is necessary.

Question: The Classic says yang qi governs the exterior daily: rising at dawn, peaking at noon, declining at dusk, closing pores. Human qi opens/closes with heaven/earth. Dawn sees rising yang qi externally, yet why is it cold then? Dusk sees declining yang qi, yet why not cold? Answer: At dusk, though declining, residual solar warmth remains, so not cold. Late night warmth fades, becoming cold. At dawn, although sun rises, heaven/earth haven't warmed, so still cold. Noon peaks in yang qi, hence warmth.

Question: Why dew at dawn? Answer: Rising yang qi lifts earth qi. Earth qi is underground water vapor rising as dew. This process is constant day and night. Sun hides it by day; night reveals it slightly, but less than dawn.

Question: Why no dew at dawn sometimes? Answer: Disharmony of earth qi causes vapor to rise as clouds, no dew. In drought, dry soil restricts rising qi, no dew.

Question: Origin of fog? Answer: Underground qi rises with yang as dew. Slight disharmony prevents dew/rain, creating fog (cloud-like/dew-like mist).

Question: Rain from clouds? Why clouds without rain? Answer: Clouds are earth water vapor. Harmony of heaven/earth qi lifts vapor to clouds and rain ("Yin-Yang harmony brings rain"). Lack of harmony varies. Mild lack: vapor scatters in air, clouds but no rain (like boiling water vapor escaping). Severe lack: abundant vapor cannot scatter, falls as rain. Clouds often originate from mountains ("Mountain and Lake communicate"), per I Ching.

Question: Origin of wind? Answer: Wind is the "breath of the Great Void" (like belching, rising from below). Caused by heaven/earth disharmony. Nature has natural wind; disharmony creates "belching" wind. Heaven/earth qi rises/falls like breathing. Harmonious qi moves smoothly (natural wind); disharmony causes rebellion, creating wind. Disharmony in East generates East wind; West generates West wind, etc. Wind with rain occurs because discordant water vapor rises with wind. Question: If East is discordant and West is also discordant, if belch...