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Shen Ruoci's son, due to irregular diet after recovering from smallpox, developed diarrhea. Prolonged diarrhea led to Spleen deficiency (Spleen Qi deficiency), which subsequently caused malaria. This resulted in abdominal pain and distension. For three years, he took countless digestive-promoting and stagnation-resolving medicines, yet the abdominal distension and diarrhea never healed. Last year, a physician was invited; taking Shenling Baizhu San (Ginseng, Atractylodes Macrocephala, and Poria Decoction) showed slight effect, but once the physician left, the condition reverted.

The root of his illness was abdominal distension, complicated by "Chang Xie" (Intestinal Leakage). "Chang Xie" refers to the condition where the Qi of the Large Intestine is hollow and prone to dispersion, causing food residues transmitted from the Stomach to fail to stay, resulting in uncontrolled discharge of foul-smelling watery stool. This is a critical syndrome with a mortality rate of 50%. Now, the disease has deepened, accompanied by four "Ni" signs (adverse prognostic indicators): evening fever and morning chills, which is the first adverse sign; extreme thirst requiring large amounts of water for relief, the second adverse sign; wheezing and inability to lie flat to sleep, the third adverse sign; profuse sweating and restlessness, the fourth adverse sign.

In a healthy person, the Qi in the abdomen moves and retains properly, resulting in a light body and normal bowel movements. Due to prolonged diarrhea, the Qi has become scattered and unable to consolidate. The abdominal distension, borborygmus (intestinal rumbling), and involuntary defecation are all due to this reason. Since the Qi is already scattered and unconsolidated, administering Qi-moving and diuretic drugs would only further increase its dispersion.

In a healthy person, Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi are balanced. Thus, Yang excess causes fever, and Yin excess causes aversion to cold. During malaria, alternating chills and fever indicate that Yin and Yang are still battling. However, after prolonged diarrhea depletes Yin, the remaining trace of Yin is overwhelmed by Yang, leading to night-long fever, making any further battle between Yin and Yang impossible. With internal fluids exhausted, it is like a prairie fire burning itself out; external water must be drawn to save the emergency. However, tangible water cannot control intangible fire, merely increasing distension and diarrhea while severely injuring Yin Qi.

The physician failed to clear the source of the disease, instead using aromatic and drying herbs to assist fire and rob Yin, such as Guirou (Cinnamon Bark) and Roudoukou (Nutmeg), which was a mistake. In men, the Qi Sea is located below the navel, being the residence of Yuan Qi (Original Qi) and the root of life. Prolonged diarrhea scatters True Qi, causing it to ascend and harass the clear orifices rather than descend. Snoring sounds from the nose and inability to lie supine are signs of this. The already scattered Qi cannot return to its place; one can only hope that the not-yet-scattered Qi does not fully dissipate. Repeatedly administering descending-Qi herbs like Muxiang (Aucklandia Root), Binglang (Areca Seed), Suzi (Perilla Fruit), Fupi (Tangerine Peel), and Houpo (Magnolia Bark) was an error compounded by another error. As for sweating and restlessness, these are omens that Yin Qi is completely exhausted and Lone Yang cannot remain long. This is akin to a yearly climate cycle having warmth and growth but no coldness and storage; how can people and things avoid premature death, plagues, and diseases? Under such circumstances, attempting to reverse the situation is extremely difficult.

Upon seeing the case analysis, Shen Ruoci, through relatives and friends, strongly requested medication. Therefore, the treatment focused on clearing dryness and moistening the Lungs. Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), Dihuang (Rehmannia Root), and Donggen (Ophiopogon Tuber) were boiled with honey to make three jin (approx. 1.5 kg) of paste. His son, who had suffered from medication for three years, called this sweet taste "candy." He eagerly took it more than ten times a day. After half a month, when the medicine was finished, significant efficacy was achieved: the body became cool, breathing normalized, and there was no thirst, restlessness, or diarrhea. All symptoms receded. Subsequently, Spleen-tonifying powder was prepared for convalescence, leading to complete recovery.

Mr. Hu Youchen stated: Using moistening herbs for prolonged diarrhea seems contrary to the syndrome but ultimately proves suitable. By refuting three erroneous treatment methods during the diagnosis, the main idea was implicitly revealed. Comparing this with the treatment verification of Wu Jichang's wife will make the principles clear.