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Qian Zhongzhao suffered from an external contraction of seasonal pathogenic factors. After three or five days, he developed fever and headache. He took diaphoretic (sweating-inducing) medicines; the pain ceased but the heat did not clear. His mouth became dry and lips cracked. Consequently, purgatives were administered. This resulted in red macules all over the body, coma with delirious speech, inability to take food or drink, constipation again, and hot, dark-red urine. The pulse was tight, fine, and rapid. I said to him: This condition is entirely due to mismanagement. The exterior and interior of the Yangming Stomach Meridian are unclear, with pathogenic heat trapped inside, like a prairie fire burning out of control, having exhausted all body fluids. Hence, coma and delirium occur. If the tongue turns purple-black, death will ensue immediately. Although the condition is currently difficult to save, his facial complexion is not withered, and his voice remains resonant. This indicates that he has maintained himself well in daily life, and his Kidney Water is abundant. It is like a side spring in a drought-stricken field that has not yet dried up. Therefore, although his spirit is confused, his urination remains patent, which is a sign that Yin Qi has not yet perished. Treatment is still possible. Do not use exterior-releasing or interior-purging methods; solely employ the Harmonizing Method (He Fa). Select a Minor Formula (Xiao Fang) from the Seven Categories of Formulas, using herbs with sweet and cold properties. Only the Rushen Baihu Tang (Miraculous White Tiger Decoction) is sufficient to treat this. Because the Yuan Qi (Original Qi) of the Middle Jiao has already dispersed, large doses, urgent doses, or repeated doses dare not be used. Since deficiency-heat blazes internally, only sweet-cold properties can harmonize it. However, the formula dosage must be small, while medication should be taken frequently. Like a starving person who desires food but must be given it gradually. Five or seven doses must be administered frequently within one day and night, employing the method of soaking and irrigating. Thus, pathogenic heat may gradually resolve, and Yuan Qi may gradually regenerate. If the dose is reduced but the interval between doses is prolonged, even if the medication is appropriate, it will be too late. Following this treatment, after one day and night, the patient’s heat subsided, spirit cleared, pulse became harmonious, and appetite returned; the macules transformed and disappeared naturally.
Mr. Hu Youchen commented: The analysis of the reasons behind the disease and the medicine is clear and strikingly enlightening.

Zhang Lingshi’s younger brother suffered from a Ruined Syndrome of Cold Damage (Shanghan Huai Zheng). His lower back was bent and paralyzed, lying in bed crying out in pain throughout the night. Various treatments failed. He sought my diagnosis. His pulse was smooth and regular without danger. The pain had decreased significantly compared to before. I said: This is not a fatal syndrome, but he may become disabled. The key point for potential recovery in this condition lies in the pain feeling like knife-stabbing, indicating a struggle between pathogenic factors and healthy Qi. If there were no pain at all, pathogenic factors and healthy Qi would merge into one family, coexisting peacefully on the surface. Now that the pain sensation has greatly diminished, it is truly concerning. Immediate treatment is necessary. The patient said: Since my body is already disabled, how can my life survive? It is better to die quickly. I frowned, wanting to save him, but could not find a treatment method. After deep contemplation for a long time, I reasoned that heat pathogens had penetrated deeply into the lower back, causing long-term closure of blood vessels, preventing them from reopening. Only the method of attacking and dispersing remained viable. However, since the pathogens had invaded for a long time, healthy Qi was completely deficient, and attacking would likely yield no response. Therefore, I prescribed Taoren Chengqi Tang (Peach Kernel and Rhubarb Decoction), adding large doses of Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) and Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root). After taking it, he was able to rise with effort. Again, following the previous intention, I made pills. After more than ten days of intake, he fully recovered. This was not a pre-tested method by ancients, but a temporary expedient measure. Yet, it had its origins. Zhang Zhongjing, in treating Chest Binding Syndromes (Jie Xiong Zheng), employed the Fuzi Xiexin Tang (Aconite and Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Heart) method, originally combining Fuzi with Dahuang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome). In upper-level syndromes where Qi pathology predominates, this method drains the Heart Fire. Then, in lower-level syndromes where Blood pathology predominates, why not imitate this intent and combine Taoren (Peach Seed) and Rougui to disperse blood stasis in the waist region? Later, Jiang Gusheng’s younger brother suffered from Cold Damage resulting in lower back bending, paralysis, and pain. Without much deliberation, I directly applied this method for two doses, and he was cured.
Mr. Hu Youchen commented: Although the golden needle has been passed on, one must interpret ancient principles and melt them into modern practice to effectively apply treatment.