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The son of Yuan Zhongqing. Went into the water to catch small crabs for play. Accidentally fell into the water. Family members rescued him. After a short while, high fever and groaning appeared. Various pediatric physicians administered pills and powders combining calming fright and clearing heat for two days. Consequently, he fell into a coma. The chest protruded three cun high. The neck was soft with the head tilting to the side. Qi was on the verge of extinction. There was absolutely no hope of survival. After repeated entreaties, they asked me to examine him. I palpated his pulse; it was fine and weak like a spider's thread. Passing over the pulse position yielded no sensation. I dripped two tea spoons of decoction into his mouth. He showed a slight swallowing reflex. I said to them, "I have never feared severe external syndromes. However, the pulse has lost its root; it is incurable." A physician surnamed Zhao said, "The nostrils are black like soot; Lung Qi has already perished. Even with divine medicine, he cannot be revived." I said, "How did this child's condition reach such an extreme?" I asked the host and guests to step back slightly, allowing me to sit alone and calmly ponder the cause. After a long time, I said, "I have figured it out." His father was both surprised and delighted. The physicians wished to hear my explanation. I said, "Fright Wind (Jing Feng) is a syndrome fabricated by predecessors without basis. Countless children in later generations have suffered from it. Previously, I debated with pediatricians in my hometown but lacked evidence. Later, after seeing Mr. Fang Zhongxing's *Shanghan Tiaobian* (Delineation of Cold Damage), which included a volume on Spasm (Jing), specifically discussing this matter, I realized that ancient sages had anticipated my thoughts. I am not lonely in this understanding. This case, attributed to fright, actually resulted from falling into water and contracting cold-dampness, constituting an external contraction fever syndrome. Food in the stomach failed to digest due to this. It should be treated according to the example of Cold Damage with food retention, using Wuji San (Five Accumulations Powder). The physicians did not understand this. They used heavy, cold minerals and herbs to suppress the external pathogen, driving it deep into the Zang-Fu organs, thereby clouding the Shen (Spirit). The food stagnating in the stomach could not transform when encountering cold-cooling agents. The administered medicines remained above the gastric opening, unable to penetrate inward. Accumulation increased, causing the chest to bulge. One should use Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) to mobilize the previous medications. If symptoms subside and the pulse emerges, then one can proceed with treatments for Cold Damage, and there would still be a chance of survival." The physician said, "The nostrils are black like soot, indicating Lung Qi has perished. Using Lizhong Tang would only hasten his death." I said, "This is precisely why I sat in deep contemplation. Soot-like nostrils are merely a sign of dryness and constipation in the Large Intestine. If Lung Qi were truly perished, there would be profuse sweating and severe panting. How could there be body heat without sweat? Furthermore, how could the chest be elevated without rapid breathing? Moreover, the tip of the nose shows slight moisture. This is why I hoped for his survival." Thus, I decocted a cup of Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) for him to drink. It was poured down his throat. He took a large gulp. Indeed, all the medication ingested over the previous two days was vomited out. The chest protrusion flattened instantly, and the neck became slightly firmer. However, the pulse still did not emerge, and he remained unconscious. I said, "This confirms the treatment; it is a turning point. This is because the food has not moved, blocking the orifices." I administered a small amount of the previous medicine again. The heat gradually subsided, and the symptoms returned to their proper sequence. Then, following the purgative method for Cold Damage, I dissolved Xuanming Fen (Mirabilite) in water and administered it three times continuously to open the dryness and constipation of the Large Intestine. That night, he passed a large amount of black stool. The next morning, he suddenly cried out, "I want to drink wine." Afterwards, he remained unconscious. I frequently administered fluids-generating medicines. After one day, he regained consciousness.

Mr. Hu Youchen stated, "Fright Wind is a critical juncture for the life and death of children. Who knew it was an external contraction? Those practicing pediatrics who sincerely comprehend this case can avoid disaster. If they regard it as a heterodox theory, they commit boundless sin."

A disciple asked, "Although Fright Wind is not found in classical texts, it has been transmitted for thousands of years. Although you refute its fallacy, dull minds still harbor doubts. Please clarify it to dispel ignorance." I replied, "This question is necessary. I will greatly dispel your confusion and thereby dispel the confusion of the world and future generations. Generally, newborns and young children have muscles, bones, tendons, Zang-Fu organs, blood, and vessels that are not yet fully developed. Yang is in excess, and Yin is insufficient. This differs from adults whose Yin and Yang are balanced. Because Yin is insufficient and Yang is in excess, internal heat easily generates. When heat is excessive, it produces phlegm, wind, and fright, which is common. If we had simply named it 'Heat-Phlegm-Wind-Fright,' later generations might not have exaggerated it. Since four characters were inconvenient for naming, two were removed, leaving 'Fright' at the beginning and 'Wind' at the end. Later generations misunderstood, regarding it as a unique disease. They claimed this disease has eight manifestations: due to head shaking and stiff hands, they named it 'Twitching'; due to sudden jaw clenching and leg cramping, they named it 'Eye deviation, heart chaos, convulsions'; due to spinal rigidity and opisthotonos, they named it 'Opisthotonos.' Long transmission led to unawareness of its fabrication. Upon seeing these symptoms, everyone regarded them as peculiar, failing to realize that children's couli (pores/skin texture) are not dense, making them prone to Wind-Cold invasion. Wind-Cold entering the human body first invades the Taiyang Meridian. The Taiyang meridian originates from the inner canthus, crosses the vertex, enters the brain, emerges, descends behind the neck, and runs along the spine to the waist. Therefore, illness causes tendon and vessel tension. Due to this tension, twitching, convulsions, and opisthotonos arise—various nonsensical terms. Physicians then used mineral drugs to suppress external pathogens, driving them deep into the Zang-Fu organs. Thousands treated, thousands died; ten thousand treated, ten thousand died. Occasionally, those with strong constitutions and mild symptoms recovered, leading others to marvel at this 'miraculous regeneration.' Consequently, each adhered to their own school. Although killing several children daily, they were unaware of their guilt. Within a century and a thousand miles, one or two wise individuals emerge, but they cannot resolve all doubts. Medical books claim, 'Children under eight do not suffer from Cold Damage.' Such nonsense comes from so-called experts, inadvertently supporting the Fright Wind theory. Did they not consider that children tolerate Cold Damage poorly? Once the pathogen transmits to the Taiyang meridian, the body becomes rigid with profuse sweating, tendon tension, and mental confusion. The condition reaches its peak in the primary meridian. Random prescription leads to successive deaths. How could they observe transmission and resolution? This is why it was erroneously said that children do not suffer from Cold Damage. In reality, children are prone to external contraction and fever, with Cold Damage being most common. What the world falsely calls Fright Wind is exactly this. For pediatric Cold Damage, recovery within three days is precious. If one waits for the meridian cycle to complete before resolution, the child certainly cannot endure. Also, Gang Jing (Stiff Spasm) has no sweat; Rou Jing (Flexible Spasm) has sweat. Children have few cases of Gang Jing and many of Rou Jing. Physicians seeing continuous sweating and unconsciousness often diagnose Slow Fright Wind and use Ginseng, Atractylodes, and Aconite to close the couli, preventing heat pathogens from venting outward, which is also harmful, though less so than mineral drugs. Therefore, treating pediatric heat, one must thoroughly vent it outward, not consolidate it inward. Zhang Zhongjing originally had the Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) method. Abandoning it to follow Li Dongyuan's internal injury treatment is a mistake of huge magnitude, requiring careful attention. Similarly, postpartum women losing excessive blood suffer from Yin deficiency and Yang hyperactivity. Their contracted fever is identical to that of children. Physicians call this Postpartum Fright Wind, which is laughable. Know that refuting Fright Wind does not mean denying fright illnesses. Children have timid Qi and weak Shen. Encountering strange sights or sounds, or sudden falls, they generate fear. Symptoms include blue face and stool, irritability, and crying. This is often over-interpreted. It differs from heat pathogens blocking orifices causing Shen coma, where one hears nothing despite loud noises nearby. Careful examination reveals the fabrication of Fright Wind. Since you study under me, daily exposed to bright principles, cleansing your lungs and intestines, sudden enlightenment occurs, akin to drinking from Shangchi Spring. If you only seek understanding in words, much remains untransmitted."

Another disciple asked, "Cold Damage originally has exterior and interior methods. Now you say heat pathogens should exit via the exterior and not deepen inward. Are interior-resolving drugs entirely excluded? Does this contradict ancient methods?" I replied, "This question is also necessary. Ancient methods are clear, but later generations were rash and ignorant. The human body is a shell containing the Zang-Fu organs. From the perspective of the shell, even bones are exterior. From the perspective near the shell, areas between the bladder and the coccyx are also pathways for exiting the exterior. Externally, skin and hair constitute the 'exterior of the exterior.' Internally, the large and small orifices constitute the 'interior of the exterior.' The goal is to drive heat pathogens out. Only between the five Zang organs, where Spirit, Soul, Ethereal Soul, Corporeal Soul, and Intent reside, is it truly called 'Interior,' and external pathogens must not enter deeply. Like thieves entering a house, if near the front door, drive them out the front; if near the back door, drive them out the back. Do not let them enter deeply to peek into the bedroom. If thieves haven't reached the back door, forcing them there is wrong; if they are at the back door, forcing them out the front is also wrong. Both fail to ensure self-preservation. Observe inside the Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Liver, and Kidneys; there are no blood vessels, skin, hair, muscles, or bones. What they govern are the blood vessels, skin, hair, muscles, and bones outside. Thus, how can what is outside be named 'Exterior'? Therefore, Cold Damage pathogens entering inward differ in transmitting to Fu or Zang organs, and transmission to Fu organs varies in depth. The Stomach's Fu organ governs muscles externally (near the front door), so muscle-releasing methods apply. Internally connecting to the Large and Small Intestines (near the back door), purgative methods occasionally apply. The Gallbladder's Fu organ is hidden deep within the liver lobes (inside the bedroom), far from both doors, so neither sweating nor purging is suitable; only harmonizing applies. If transmitting to the Three Yin meridians, the pathogen has abandoned the front door and approaches the bedroom. Assuming no other constraints, one must open the back door wide and attack vigorously to expel via the stool. Current practitioners mistakenly divide the shell surrounding the Zang-Fu organs into exterior and interior, leading to frequent errors. Truly knowing that the five Zang organs are deeply hidden within the shell and govern the external blood vessels, skin, hair, muscles, and bones brings clarity."

Another disciple asked, "Having heard that the shell encloses the five Zang organs, revered as the master, my mind is opened. But I have one doubt: Which Zang organ governs the head?" I replied, "The head is the chief of the body, situated high above. It is governed by a Zang organ but does not house one. Although the eyes connect to the Liver, ears to the Kidney, nose to the Lung, mouth to the Spleen, and tongue to the Heart, these serve merely as windows and doors, not as governors. The governing Zang organ is the one whose outer shell encloses the Brain Marrow. The Brain is the Sea of Marrow, governing the essence and marrow of all bones. Hence, when elders lose marrow, their heads droop and vision sinks. The *Neijing* mentions Nine Zang organs: the Five Zang plus Brain Marrow, Bones, Vessels, Gallbladder, and Uterus. Five Spiritual Zang and Four Form Zang, totaling nine. Is this not proof that the Brain is a master Zang itself? I believe although the Brain does not house the Shen, the top of the Brain is the Heavenly Gate, the gathering place of ten thousand spirits in the body, the Niwan Palace, known as the Upper Eight Views. Only those achieving extreme emptiness can communicate spiritually upward. Why do you ask about governance? For Cold Damage presenting with headache, use light and clear medicines to vent pathogens from above (Exterior). Use nasal insufflation medicines to remove yellow fluid from the brain (Interior). If heat subsides but residual heat remains, when using purgatives, Rhubarb must be soaked in wine to ascend via the wine's power, following the method of 'shooting from below to hit the nest high up.' Today, treating Big Head Plague, physicians divide exterior/interior based on the body's shell, not the head's shell, leading to untreatable deaths. Truly knowing the Brain is a Zang organ and attacking it directly covers half the understanding."

[Appendix: Case of Pediatric Treatment at the Sha Residence]
Sha Wuyi, a student of the Imperial Academy and cousin of my disciple Wang, had a son late in life. Allowing indulgence in raw, hard, and cold foods, one night he vomited, became rigid, and lost consciousness. Physicians treated with Fright Wind medicines. He developed high fever, flushed face like rouge, retracted eyes, and everted lips. Diarrhea was countless, soiling the bed. He knelt long at my residence begging for help. After diagnosis, I said, "This is the pattern of Slow Spleen Wind. Spleen Qi has been chronically damaged, further severely injured by mineral drugs. It is now nearly extinct, hence the critical signs. There is a cure, but it requires seven days for awakening. Doubt may lead to changing doctors, and ignorance may result in blame and slander." Wang insisted on supervising at home, assisting, and bolstering courage. Thus, I prescribed Wuxie Sijunzi Tang (Black Scorpion and Four Gentlemen Decoction), administering one large dose daily, with one qian of Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) per dose. Although secretly panicked, they saw the red flush recede, complexion become bright and moist, diarrhea stop, and movement become lighter. There seemed to be a desire to speak but silence. They endured silently. On the sixth night, he suddenly felt restless limbs, kicked off blankets, and eagerly swallowed medicine. Previously, he had strongly condemned the harm of Ginseng. Wang initially panicked and did not inform me, allowing them to consult another physician. Upon using a small amount of Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis), the critical symptoms returned. The face showed a mass of deathly qi, except for the cessation of diarrhea. Re-administering Spleen-regulating medicines, he awakened after five more days.

In this case, Wang seemed oblivious to the Yuan Zhongqing case and ignored my usual instructions: for Yin diseases, if they transform into Yang diseases, they heal spontaneously without medicine; if not, a single dose of Yin-nourishing medicine, such as Siwu Erlian Tang (Four Substances and Two Lotus Herbs Decoction) or Liuwei Dihuang Tang (Six Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia), to correct the imbalance, ensures recovery. He acted as if he hadn't heard, serving as a drumbeat warning to demonstrate the teaching of disdain for the unworthy.