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When epidemic pathogens are complicated by hernia (Shàn, a condition characterized by pain in the scrotum and lower abdomen), there is pulling pain from the scrotum to the lower abdomen. This presents entirely as a hernia syndrome and should be differentiated according to the methods of observing Qi, complexion, spirit, pulse, and tongue coating. Once an epidemic pathogen is present, there is no need to treat the hernia specifically; simply treating the epidemic will cause the hernia to resolve spontaneously. If one follows the conventional method for treating hernia, using drying and warming herbs such as Evodiae Fructus (Wúyú), Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guì), Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata (Fù), and Foeniculi Fructus (Huíxiāng), mild cases may transform into scrotal abscess (Nángyōng), while severe cases may deteriorate into hiccups (Ènì), retching (Yuě), cold extremities (Jué), and deep coma (Chénhūn), becoming incurable.

In seasonal epidemics complicated by heart and stomach pain, during episodes of pain, observe the patient's Qi, complexion, spirit, pulse, and tongue coating. If signs of an epidemic are present, treat only the seasonal epidemic. Even if the heart and stomach pain usually arises from cold exposure, in this context, one must treat only the heat. This is because the epidemic pathogen lodges in the Mouyuan (Membrane Source) and transmits to the Taiyin channel, thereby triggering the chronic disease of heart and stomach pain. Add Costi Rhizome (Mùxiāng) and Atractylodis Rhizoma (Cāngzhù) to the Damoyin Decoction (Dámoyuán Yǐn) to open up the stagnant epidemic qi, allowing it to penetrate to the exterior, at which point the pain will cease. Mistaking this for ordinary heart and stomach pain and using Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guì), Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata (Fù), Zingiberis Rhizoma (Jiāng), or Evodiae Fructus (Yú) will inevitably lead to critical danger.

Asthma (Xiàochuǎn) stems from phlegm-fire previously existing in the Lung system. Upon contracting an epidemic pathogen, damp-heat qi enters the lungs following its kind, triggering asthma. In such cases, observe the Qi, complexion, spirit, pulse, and tongue coating. If an epidemic pathogen is present, treat only the epidemic, and the asthma will resolve spontaneously. Add Fritillariae Bulbus (Bèimǔ), Trichosanthis Fructus (Guālóu), Sojae Semen Praeparatum (Dànchǐ), and Morus Cortex (Sāngpí) to the anti-epidemic formula. This resolves both the epidemic pathogen and asthma simultaneously, employing a more precise method.

Regarding the above clauses: "Complicated by" (Jiān) refers to the epidemic pathogen accompanying other external pathogens, where both enter from outside. "Mixed with" (Jiā) refers to the epidemic pathogen mixed with internal diseases, representing an internal-external simultaneous onset. When two pathogens arise together, the epidemic is heavy and the other pathogen is light; thus, slightly addressing the other pathogen suffices to resolve the illness. When two pathogens mix, such as with water retention, food stagnation, blood stasis, qi stagnation, or phlegm-turbidity (real/excess pathogens), treat the mixed pathogen first and the epidemic pathogen second. Clearing the mixed pathogen allows the epidemic toxin to penetrate; penetration enables transmission; and transmission facilitates resolution. If mixed with deficiency syndromes such as Spleen deficiency, Kidney deficiency, or blood loss, treat the pathogen primarily and support the healthy Qi secondarily. Since epidemic pathogens easily damage the healthy Qi, one must not nourish the healthy Qi to the detriment of leaving the pathogen behind. If mixed with old diseases such as hernia, asthma, or heart and stomach pain, treat only the epidemic pathogen, and the old diseases will resolve themselves. This is because old diseases are triggered by the pressure of new pathogens.