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General principles. In spring and summer, it is appropriate to induce sweating.
In spring and summer, Yang Qi (vital energy) floats on the exterior, and pathogenic factors also remain on the exterior; therefore, inducing sweating is permissible.
When inducing sweating, one should aim for a uniform, mild perspiration over the hands and feet, lasting approximately the time it takes to eat a meal, which is ideal. One must not allow sweat to flow profusely like water. If the disease does not resolve, sweating may be repeated, but excessive sweating will inevitably lead to the loss of Yang Qi (collapse of vital energy). Patients with deficient Yang Qi are contraindicated for repeated sweating.
If sweat emerges slowly, both exterior and interior pathogens will be eliminated; if sweat gushes out excessively, pathogens will not be removed, resulting only in the loss of Yang Qi. Deficient Yang implies a lack of body fluids (Jin Ye), so repeated sweating is prohibited.
When administering decoctions to induce sweating, stop medication once the condition improves; there is no need to finish the entire dose.
Excessive sweating leads to the loss of Yang Qi.
Wherever it is stated that sweating can be induced but no decoction is available, pills or powders may also be used, provided that sweating occurs to resolve the condition. However, this is not as effective as decoctions, which offer better efficacy tailored to specific syndromes.
The *Shengji Jing* states: Decoctions treat conditions rooted in the congestion and stagnation of the Cou Li (skin texture and pores); they are suitable for eliminating pathogenic factors. The *Jingui Yufan* states: Water can purify all things; hence, decoctions are used.
If the pulse is floating and large, and the patient reports only that their stool is hard, using purgatives would be a major error. Hard stool indicates excess; why should it resolve through sweating? Because a floating pulse requires resolution via sweating.
The classics state: A floating and large pulse indicates the need for sweating; if a physician instead uses purgatives, it constitutes a major error. Even if constipation is difficult and represents an interior excess syndrome, the exterior must be resolved first. Using purgatives in this context is a major error. Even in urgent cases of Jie Xiong (chest binding due to phlegm-heat accumulation), if the pulse is floating and large, purgatives must not be used; purging will result in death, let alone in cases of mere constipation. The classics state: Inducing sweating first and then purging is an incorrect treatment sequence. If sweating is induced first, the treatment is not incorrect.
After diarrhea ceases, if the body still feels painful but bowel and bladder functions are normal, the exterior syndrome should be urgently treated with Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) to induce sweating.
The *Waitai Miyao* states: When the interior is harmonious but the exterior remains diseased, inducing sweating leads to recovery.

If excessive sweating leads to the loss of Yang Qi accompanied by delirium (Zhen Yu, incoherent speech), purgatives are contraindicated. Administer Chaihu Guizhi Tang (Bupleurum and Cinnamon Twig Decoction) to harmonize Ying Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi) and facilitate the flow of Jin Ye (body fluids); the condition will subsequently resolve spontaneously.
The Stomach is the sea of water and grain and the master of Jin Ye (body fluids). Excessive sweating depletes Jin Ye, causing dryness in the Stomach, which inevitably leads to delirium. This is not a excess-heat syndrome; therefore, purgatives are contraindicated. Administer Chaihu Guizhi Tang (Bupleurum and Cinnamon Twig Decoction) to harmonize Ying Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi) and promote the circulation of Jin Ye (body fluids). Once Jin Ye (body fluids) are generated, the Stomach becomes moist, and delirium stops spontaneously.
This chapter, the Seventeenth, contains thirty-one syndromes, which have been detailed previously.