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The patient, your respected wife, suffers from phlegm caused by fright blocking the orifices and collaterals. This pathogenic phlegm is present everywhere between the Liver, Lung, and Pericardium. The pulse at the three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi) is deficient, soft, and powerless, indicating that the pathogen is abundant while the healthy Qi is declining, making it difficult to disperse through conventional methods. Some suggest using an emetic agent to induce vomiting of about 30% of the phlegm, which would indeed be a relieving act. However, after careful deliberation, I believe this method is likely inadvisable. The emetic method is akin to the military tactic of raiding the enemy camp; safety and danger can reverse in the flip of a hand, and it inherently belongs to dangerous strategies. Moreover, the state of phlegm misting the mind lasts only for a short moment. If emetic drugs are administered, as soon as the phlegm moves, the patient will faint. Fingers cannot be inserted to probe, and the breath cannot descend. The force of the medicine and the force of the disease will choke each other, potentially leading to days of unconsciousness. What then should be done? Alternatively, as Danxi stated, for those afraid of vomiting, one might consider using purgatives with caution. Yet, phlegm within the orifices and collaterals cannot easily be guided downward. Even if forced downward, it merely injures Spleen Qi, causing the phlegm to become more obstructed. Thus, this method is also unusable.

The current strategy must prioritize regulating the Spleen. Spleen Qi is the Yang Qi responsible for robust transportation and transformation in the body, analogous to the Sun in the sky. When Yin cold condenses and blocks all directions, it is because the Sun has lost its proper position. When phlegm mists the mind and causes loss of consciousness, it is because the Spleen has lost its authority. Regulating the Spleen is like the scorching sun shining overhead; how can a wisp of cloud obscure it? The next best approach is to clear the Lungs. The Lung is the official of generalship; when Lung Qi is clear, it descends solemnly. As Lung Qi descends, the solid fortresses formed by the phlegm reveal gaps, allowing for effective attack. This corresponds to the principle: "When attacking the strong, the weak becomes vulnerable; when attacking the weak, the strong becomes exposed." Currently, swelling and numbness in the four extremities indicate severe Qi stagnation, which urgently requires attention.

The method for regulating the Spleen must combine medicinal herbs with diet. Plain rice, fragrant vegetables, and bitter tea are excellent choices. Greasy foods must be strictly prohibited, and even congee (rice porridge) should not be consumed, as liquid intake easily consolidates into phlegm-fluids. Not only miscellaneous foods but also regular meals should be reduced. This is because Spleen Qi, instead of being used to digest grains, is redirected to resolve phlegm, which is vastly more effective than medicinal power alone. Spicy foods, alcohol, meat preserves, and fried or sun-dried items all damage the Lungs and should be avoided. Regarding medication, I have my own step-by-step protocol. As the condition gradually improves, full recovery may be achieved in the coming spring. Since this patient lacks understanding of treatment principles, and previous experts have not shown superior insight, I have pondered this for days and believe the key lies here. The necessity for prolonged treatment aligns with the strategy of besieging a fortified city: first eliminate the followers, then annihilate the leaders. Such matters are rarely resolved quickly. I hope you, dear brother, will review and advise. Do not think that managing a minor illness is overly restrictive or impractical. It would be a great favor.

The onset of fright-phlegm originates in the Liver and Gallbladder. In winter, when Water Qi returns to its root, aggressive treatment is avoided, so only Spleen-regulating herbs are used for mild regulation. It is not until spring, when Wood Qi flourishes, that pills made from Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) plus Long Dan Cao (Gentian Root), Lu Hui (Aloe), Dai Zhe Shi (Hematite), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), and Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis) are administered. After taking these, the symptoms of phlegm-misting-the-mind were completely cured, and there has been no recurrence since.

Mr. Hu Youchen remarked: "The situation and strategy are depicted without omission. One would find such individuals among ancient famous generals with difficulty."