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Although epilepsy is divided into seven types, historical treatments have only been effective when addressing Yang Epilepsy and Yin Epilepsy.

In one scenario, the patient dies after a single seizure, characterized by clenched teeth, limb convulsions, phlegm obstructing the throat, and loss of consciousness. If it occurs during the day, it is called Yang Epilepsy (Yang Xian). The patient's complexion is lustrous, indicating the disease is in the Six Fu Organs (Six Yang Organs) and the muscle-surface level. If the patient is unresponsive to stimulation, Moxibustion should be applied to each side of Feishu (BL13, Lung Shu) with three moxa cones. Immediately thereafter, Tianbao Caiwei Decoction (Tianbao Caiwei Tang) should be administered, with each herb at 1 qian (approx. 3-5g), taken continuously for two to three doses, which will lead to spontaneous recovery.

In another scenario, upon initial onset, there is no high fever, but the hands and feet are cyanotic and cold, the jaw is locked, the child cries in fright, protrudes the tongue, and shakes the head; this is called Yin Epilepsy (Yin Xian). The complexion is dull and dark, or it occurs at night, indicating the disease is in the Five Zang Organs (Five Yin Organs) and the bone marrow. This is the most difficult to treat. It is suitable to use Guzhen Decoction (Guzhen Tang) added with Tiantan (Arisaema Cum Bile).

Xia Yuzhu stated: In this condition, there is initially high fever, leading to death-like state after one seizure. Stimulation brings the patient back to consciousness. Symptoms subside slightly with sweating, but recur when sweating stops. This is Yang Malaria combined with Yang Epilepsy. Malaria is the root disease, while epilepsy is the branch symptom. In acute cases, treat the branch first. Use Tianbao Caiwei Decoction to release the exterior, adding Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) doubled to 3 qian. Take continuously for two to three doses, then take Qingpi Yin (Qingpi Decoction) for one or two doses. When both root and branch are cleared, the patient recovers.

These diseases are caused by Wind-Dampness. Dampness is the root, and Wind is the branch. If the face and eyes are red, there is no sweat, aversion to cold, tight jaw, whole-body stiffness, abundant phlegm-saliva, red and scanty urine, and once the seizure starts, the patient remains unconscious for the whole day, preceded by delirium, it is called Gang Ji (Rigid Spasm). This reflects the rigid and urgent nature of Wind, so the syndrome belongs to Wind. Treatment is suitable with Xiao Xuming Decoction (Xiao Xuming Tang) without Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata). If the limbs are cold, there is sweat, no aversion to cold, loose stools, no thirst, and silence, it is called Rou Ji (Soft Spasm). This reflects the mild nature of Dampness, so the syndrome belongs to Dampness. Xiao Xuming Decoction is also used, but without Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba).

If symptoms include phlegm obstruction and qi stagnation, add Tiantan (Arisaema Cum Bile), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), and Baifu Ling (Poria) to clear phlegm, and Zhike (Aurantii Fructus), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), and Zisu (Perillae Folium) to regulate qi. If there is internal heat and constipation, use Chengqi Tang (Chengqi Decoction) to purge. For Rou Ji, use Fuzi Lizhong Tang (Aconite and Atractylodes Macrocephala Decoction) to warm, and Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) to tonify. If the condition lingers, it becomes difficult to treat. If the disease persists for a long time and reappears with limb convulsions and spasms resembling opisthotonos, this is due to blood deficiency failing to nourish the tendons. Treatment uses Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) added with Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), and Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix). Do not mistake this for Jing Xian (Convulsive Epilepsy); error may lead to death.

My grandson and nephew both suffered from Heat Malaria. I diagnosed it accurately. My wife, seeing that Qingpi Decoction failed after two doses, said, "Is there such a malaria in the world? Perhaps my old eyes are mistaken." I said, "Persist to four doses, and it will self-heal." It proved correct. The nephew took the Qingpi Decoction prescription home but did not take it, treating it as another disease instead. His condition worsened, and he returned. He insisted I visit. I was angry, but my wife comforted me and urged me to go. Upon arrival, I prescribed two doses of Qingpi Decoction again. My old friend Fang Huansui marveled, "Such a strange case requires such a strange doctor." Everyone followed orders and took Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) for three doses to prevent relapse. This verified the accuracy of diagnosing Heat Malaria despite opposition.

The son of Cheng Zhuo, a student from Wushajia, fell ill at age nine. I was invited to treat him. Many doctors were present. The child was brought out, his hands having been cut open by tendon-picking, with pus and blood streaming, too gruesome to behold. He convulsed dozens of times daily with unremitting high fever. I jokingly asked, "Why have you all failed to cure such a case? I wish to hear what medicines you used." Some mentioned Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) to descend phlegm, some Niuhuang Zhenjing Wan (Calculus Bovis Convulsion-Calming Pill), some Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) and Gouteng (Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis) to calm wind, and some blamed the harm of tendon-picking and fire therapy. I covered my mouth laughing. You ignorant ones do not know this case. Requesting to see the symptoms, I said, "This is Yang Malaria combined with Yang Epilepsy. With thousands of such treatment methods, I don't know where to start." One asked, "From which book did you learn this diagnostic method?" I replied, "Xu Yunzong of the Tang Dynasty said, 'Medicine is intention.' Precise thinking leads to discovery. I create my own ancestors; why rely on books?" The crowd fell silent. I used Tianbao Caiwei Decoction, 1.5 qian of each herb, with doubled Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), totaling about 3 liang. After one dose, convulsions stopped, and fever halved. Then, one dose of Qingpi Decoction led to full recovery. I explained to the other doctors why I left. This verified that tendon-picking is useless and observing color reveals divine insight.

Shen Cangxi from the neighboring county of Shidai, over fifty years old, had only one son from his wife's family, aged two. The illness prompted a plea for help. I immediately pinched the Jingwei acupoints. The child made no sound, had whole-body fever, pale but vibrant complexion, and skin that was not flaccid or glossy. Based on color, silence shouldn't occur. But based on silence, it indicated a fatal syndrome. I asked if prior treatment occurred. Shen said, "Initially, a neighbor picked his tendons twice, and others pushed/massaged several times. Yesterday, someone pushed/scraped his body with soft peach and willow branches, and he became silent that evening." I surmised that prolonged illness depleted Lung Qi, and frequent crying exhausted his spirit, causing silence. I treated based on color. I used Tianbao Caiwei Decoction plus Donghua (Dendrobii Caulis) 1 qian, decocted and taken at dusk. Fever subsided by midnight. This verified observing color and listening to voice in Heat Malaria combined with Epilepsy.

Xu Shengxu's son suffered from Convulsive Epilepsy, unconscious for five to six days. His uncle, Cuo, and eldest uncle, Fu Zeng, were former classmates of mine. Invited to treat at a banquet, I pinched Jingwei acupoints; the child was silent. I then heavily rubbed Feishu (BL13, Lung Shu). Although no sound came out, there was a struggle like pearls threading through beads. I applied Moxibustion to Feishu (BL13, Lung Shu), three cones each side. I used Tianbao Caiwei Decoction with doubled Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma). I went alone to Xu Zhongshi, a senior physician and friend, to retrieve herbs. I told Shengxu, "Trust Yu Zhu. Even Arsenic Trioxide (Pishuang) can be used here. This dose is either good or bad." Upon leaving, I said, "After one dose, fever will break at cockcrow." Indeed, fever broke as predicted. Two doses led to full recovery. This verified probing the Lung orifice via rubbing Feishu in fatal Yang Epilepsy.

Wang Shaozong, son-in-law of Zhang Kong'er (a xueyou) and a shengyuan, aged twenty-something, fell into epileptic coma for half a month. Other doctors used purely Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) and Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) formulas with no effect. They invited me. I declined, citing it as an adult case (Da Fang Mai). Kong'er forced me to go. Seeing his complexion, I knew it was Phlegm Obstruction. Pinching Jingwei acupoints failed. Pinching Laolong (GV14, Dazhui area or specific point depending on lineage, often associated with heart/spirit) made him stare at me, producing a humming sound like inside a jar. I used Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 4 qian, Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) 2 qian, Zhike (Aurantii Fructus), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix) 1 qian each. One dose brought slight revival; five doses led to full recovery. This shows that even if the Lung has no sound, it is not shattered metal; medication can still work. This verified diagnosing Phlegm Obstruction by form and orifices.

Chen Chunzhui of Zhutang had a son, eleven years old, unconscious for over ten days. Initially thought dead from fright, people pinched/bitten the Xiedai and Renzhong points until they were ruined. I was invited. His lips and mouth were dark like soy sauce, no convulsions, no thirst, limbs cold as ice. I treated with Fire-Light Moxibustion (Denghuo Jiu) fifteen applications, followed by one dose of Xiao Xuming Decoction without Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba). He revived immediately. This verified identifying Rou Ji (Soft Spasm) by observing color and checking orifices.