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Mr. Jiang Dinghuan, former Xiantai (Provincial Surveillance Commissioner), was in his seventies. His spirit was vigorous, his pulse qi firm and solid, his voice resonant. He did not tire of receiving guests frequently and could still manage complex official duties.
He did not envy the elders of the Luoshe (a gathering of retired dignitaries), and it seemed he would become a veteran statesman of this prosperous era. Occasionally, he suffered from minor ailments such as chest and diaphragm discomfort, unclear lung qi, and excessive turbid nasal discharge. Upon consultation, he also mentioned toothache. I respectfully prescribed four doses of herbs to consolidate Kidney Qi, including Tian Dong (Asparagi Radix), Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), Gou Qi Zi (Lycii Fructus), and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus), with a small amount of Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) added as a guiding herb. After taking them, the toothache stopped immediately, and the nasal breathing became clear. However, due to dryness in the throat, he was unwilling to take more. The physicians in my gate, who were accustomed to flattering the host, saw only the superficial heat and ignored the root deficiency. They specifically argued:
The Ancestor's innate Yang Qi is very strong. In winter, he still rises early and sleeps late, drinking sugarcane juice and eating pears. Therefore, he prefers cooling medicines and fears tonifying ones. However, tonification differs in Yin and Yang. Although Yang Qi is abundant in the upper jiao, Yin Qi may not be abundant in the lower jiao. His beard and temples are black, yet his steps are slow; this is one sign. His arms move lightly, but lifting his waist feels heavy; this is another sign. His sexual function is easily aroused, but his essence is difficult to secure; this is a third sign. His stomach can accept much food, but his intestines do not retain it long; this is a fourth sign. The lower root is not deficient; the essence of the lower jiao secretly transfers to the upper jiao, making the upper appear deficient. The upper jiao is originally not substantial; the realm of clear Yang is invaded by Yin pathogens, appearing as an excess syndrome. Thus, when Yin invades the upper and opens into the eyes, tears are produced; when it opens into the nose, nasal discharge is produced; when it opens into the mouth, saliva and sputum are produced. The Classic says: "At fifty, decline begins," meaning that Yin Qi begins to decline at this age. Because Yin Qi declines, it cannot control itself and follows Yang Qi upward. What is lost are the supreme treasures of the body. If they are not gathered and returned to the source, where will it end? Therefore, all prescriptions for caring for parents and the elderly focus on warming and tonifying the lower Yuan. It is truly observed that young and old differ: treating the young, we fear fire; treating the elderly, we fear lack of fire. Without fire, transformation is difficult and decline is easy; with fire, spirit is vigorous but aging is hard. Fire is the root of life for the elderly; it should not be easily extinguished with water. Former sages treated throat dryness, regarding Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) as a sacred medicine. It is like adding firewood to the bottom of a pot, causing the fluids and qi within the pot to rise; the principle is sound. Thus, it is seen that those with lower deficiency suffer not only from True Yin deficiency but ultimately from True Yang deficiency as well. Why? Because Yang Qi values submergence. Submerged, it does not hyperactive; submerged, it lasts long. This is the way of Yi Jing. Adding oil to a lamp makes the light brighter; covering ashes on a stove keeps the fire from extinguishing. Rather than allowing solitary Yang to float upward causing heat, why not gather it back to the lower jiao? Then turbid nasal discharge will not occur, and clear fluids in the mouth will constantly generate. Even if Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) are taken daily, one would not feel heat. How much less so for clearing and lubricating agents that descend, which might cause suspicion? This is my argument.
Mr. Hu Youchen said: Among the elders in our hometown, many enjoy long life. Dinghuan, the Inspector, has recently abstained from desires and forgotten worldly schemes, finding joy in his nature. The great medicine does not rely on the biases of herbal plants; extreme longevity is immeasurable. This case merely uses him as a model for the elderly; the principle is undoubtedly correct.