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This absurd theory, therefore, no one obstructed it, and she happened to recover by luck.

The wife of Cheng Shengbo from Fengjing, after a spontaneous abortion (half-birth), had her menstruation arrive early, dripping continuously, often accompanied by pain and distension, gum bleeding, reduced appetite, bitter thirst, yellow tongue coating, and a wiry and rapid pulse. Frequently taking tonics, she could not be cured for a long time. I prescribed Glehniae Radix (Shashen), Testudinis et Chelonae Carapax et Plastrum (Guiban), Cyperi Rhizoma prepared (Zhixiangfu), Luffae Fructus Retinervus (Sigualuo), Bambusae Medulla (Ruzhu), Meliae Cortex (Lianpi), Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu), Artemisiae Capillaris Herba (Yinchen), Gardeniae Fructus (Zhizi), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Weimu), Platycladi Cacumen (Baiye), and Lotus Rhizome (Ou) for more than ten doses. The following month, her menstruation became regular. She came again for consultation, and I used soft nourishing methods to conclude the treatment.

My wife, after recovering from illness last year, took a paste made of clearing and nourishing herbs until the end of the year, and had already recovered better than usual. On the 18th day of the first lunar month, she gave birth quickly and healthily. Seven days later, I traveled to Wulin, then returned to Xiachuan, touring Jiuxiu via Meixi, and returned around Qingming Festival to sweep the tombs. I learned that her left breast was cracked and painful, and her breasts were also itchy; scratching caused fluid to ooze out. This had been going on for over a month. Initially thinking it was a minor external condition, I advised her to apply good surgical medicines externally. I then rowed to Meijing and Li, and crossed the sea to Chongsha. By the time I returned, it was already the Duanwu Festival. I saw that her right eyelid was sunken and very red. Inquiring about her breast condition, I found the left side worsened and spread to the right. Various medications applied externally for a long time yielded no occasional effect. Additionally, she suffered from rebellious Qi, phlegm cough, thirst, and rough skin, indicating that body fluids were entirely consumed by the external lesion. Observing her slippery and rapid pulse, this was undoubtedly due to blazing heat in the Lung and Stomach. I prescribed Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu), Forsythiae Fructus (Lianqiao), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), Coicis Semen (Yiyiren), Trichosanthis Fructus (Gualou), Gardeniae Fructus (Zhizi), Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu), Chrysanthemi Flos (Juhua), Arcae Concha (Geqiao), and Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (Jinyinhua). After more than twenty doses, all ailments were eliminated. Later, after traveling in Wu and Yue for over a month, I returned to find her covered with summer heat boils, emaciated, with poor appetite, fatigue after eating, and unsmooth bowel and bladder movements. Her pulse was wiry, choppy, and irregular. I prescribed Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen), Luffae Fructus Retinervus (Sigualuo), Gardeniae Fructus (Zhizi), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi), Trichosanthis Fructus (Gualou), Polygalae Radix (Yuanzhi), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Weimu), and Perillae Caulis (Sugen). After four doses, the month-long illness seemed to vanish. This was also due to Qi stagnation and heat obstruction. Thus, treating disease requires exploring its source, not merely suppressing its flow. Hence, my friend Guan Rongtang once said that external conditions should not be treated with internal medicine; this was likely said for those who take medication improperly or rely too heavily on books and rigidly apply established formulas. However, methods that promote Qi circulation and clear blood are originally not prohibited.

Shen Xuejiang, Guanglu, at age fifty, suddenly suffered from dizziness in the twelfth lunar month of last year. Soon after, his right hand and foot became numb. Physicians administered Dozen Zzaizao Wan (Rebirth Pill) for more than ten pills, leading gradually to limb contracture and inability to extend. Acupuncture and medication were ineffective. In the second lunar month, while I was traveling in Li, Mr. Li Yucun from Wumen invited me to examine him. His hands and feet were swollen and painful, stool was hard, urine was red, mouth was dry, tongue was crimson, and there was a prominent lump on the tip of his nose. The pulse was wiry, slippery, and rapid. He frequently suffered from epistaxis in the past. His Liver Yang tends to move easily; he exerts his mind excessively. His constitution and temperament indicate Yin deficiency with abundant Fire. Wind arises from Fire, scorching fluids into Phlegm, which invades the collaterals, causing this syndrome. If initially treated by administering only Zhuli (Bamboo Sap), he could have gradually recovered. Instead, warming tonics were indiscriminately given, turning it into an entrenched disease. Fortunately, the disease was in the collaterals; stopping tonics could still prolong life. To hope for a turnaround, one must use clearing, unblocking, and draining methods. I prescribed three doses, and swelling and pain slightly improved. Critics said the medicine was too cooling and feared it would harm the Spleen and Stomach if taken in excess. Another physician continued with warming tonics, and even Li Yucun stopped consulting me. By mid-April, his stool suddenly became constipated, and he lost his appetite. For over half a month, defecation was extremely difficult and sluggish. After defecating, his chest felt even more blocked, so he ate nothing, although Ginseng preparations were not discontinued. On May 18th, he passed dry feces but still had no appetite. Forcing himself to drink porridge led to vomiting. The next day, it turned into dysentery with stool resembling fish brains, occurring dozens of times a day. Physicians said there was exit without entry, indicating failure of both Spleen and Kidney. They strengthened the warming tonic formula with astringents. Consequently, epistaxis poured forth, with tough, purple blood clots and strips gushing from the throat. Even rice water could not be swallowed. Urination was scanty and obstructed. He occasionally wanted to sip tea to moisten his mouth. Some said it had progressed to Guange (Obstruction and Rejection) syndrome, incurable. Methods like guiding fire back to its origin made it worse. Physicians had no strategy; family members were panicked and had already prepared funeral arrangements. His younger brother, Yunfeng Daizhao, whom I had entrusted in spring, sent someone to invite me for rescue. On the 24th, I arrived in Hecheng. His complexion was withered and dark. His jaw was tight, and his tongue could not protrude from his teeth. The pulse was slippery on the right and wiry, fine, and rapid on the left, all surging upward with no response at the Chi position. Chest fullness and urinary obstruction indicated Yang should be unblocked but was not, due to cloying substances blocking the Qi pathway. Blood loss and diarrhea indicated Yin should be conserved but was not, due to warming and drying substances scorching Ying fluids. As my late mother said, the human body is like a tilted vessel; when full, it must overturn. Six months of reckless tonification filled the stomach. If it did not pour out completely, it would surely cause blockage. How could one fail to consider this and mistakenly diagnose it as the cessation of Shenji (Spirit Mechanism) leading to waste of entry/exit, uncontrollable diarrhea due to failed gates, or吐衄 (vomiting blood and epistaxis) due to Yin excess repelling Yang, and then administer sedative, consolidating, and blocking drugs? Ancient texts say: "If there is a pulse above but none below, the person should vomit; if they do not vomit, they will die." Now, with blazing Fire flaming upward, massive epistaxis, inability to swallow even soup or water, rising without descending, what is the difference from vomiting? Although the symptoms are critical, breathing is not rapid, and he can sleep slightly, indicating surviving vitality. According to ancient classics, diarrhea with thirst belongs to Jueyin, treated with Baitouweng Tang; dysentery with inability to eat is called Jinkou Dysentery, treated with Shenlian Tang. I combined these, adding Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu) to promote Qi and unblock Yang, Dendrobii Caulis (Shihu), and Imperatae Rhizoma (Magen) to generate fluids and cool blood. After one dose, diarrhea halved. The next day, I removed Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian) and Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai), added Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen), Rhinocerotis Cornu (Xijiao - *Note: Substitute with Water Buffalo Horn/Shuiniujiao in modern practice*), and Child's Urine (Tongbian) to specifically treat epistaxis. After one dose, bleeding decreased, and diarrhea stopped. However, blood that has left its vessels must be allowed to exit, and blood that has not moved must be kept in place. Therefore, I used American Ginseng (Xiyangshen), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix (Danshen), Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong), Poria (Fuling), Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu), Dendrobii Caulis (Shihu), Triticum Semen (Xiaomai), Lophatheri Herba (Zhuye), Gardeniae Fructus (Zhizi), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma tip (Gancaoshao), and Bird's Nest (Yanwo) in varying combinations. After three doses, bleeding stopped, jaw opened gradually, tongue coating became yellow and greasy, and drinking required patting the diaphragm to go down. I incorporated Xiaoxianxiong Tang method. After several doses, he felt lighter, and wrist movement improved. I switched to clearing and purifying Lung and Stomach, promoting Qi transformation to replenish fluids. Tongue coating receded, thirst decreased, and pulse flattened. Keeping this regimen until the 22nd day of the leap month, the Chi pulse became slippery and moving. I added Cistanche Stem (Roucongrong) and Cannabis Seed (Maren). That night, he passed hard, black, dry feces and could gradually eat porridge. I then removed Maren and Roucongrong, added Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdi). By July 7th, his mouth was no longer thirsty, and he could eat rice. Later, due to excessive watermelon juice consumption, he had loose stools. I consulted him again. Using Liu Jun Zi Tang removing Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), adding Coicis Semen (Yiyiren) and Agastache Herba (Huoxiang), he stabilized after several doses. Then I removed Huoxiang, added Polygoni Multiflori Preparatum (Shouwu), Cryptostegiae Grandiflorae Caulis (Luoshi), Dendrobii Caulis (Shihu), and Mahoniae Caulis (Shida Gonglao). After twenty doses, he could sit up, and his right leg could flex and extend, though weak. After Mid-Autumn Festival, he invited me again. His Stomach Qi had recovered, right fingers extended, skin color improved, but right arm could not move, and right cheek felt stiff. This indicated residual Phlegm in collaterals and easy generation of Liver Wind. Irrigation and circulation of Qi and Blood were hindered. I used a formula to nourish Blood, extinguish Wind, dispel Phlegm, and promote Qi, using Bamboo Sap (Zhuli) as a guide. After taking it, his legs could stand gradually. In October, after eating too many crabs, he had diarrhea. I treated him with Liu Jun Zi Tang plus Lotus Rhizome (Ou), Aucklandiae Radix (Muxiang), and Perillae Folium (Suye) to cure him. Later, I traveled from Shenghu to Hecheng. It was near Winter Solstice, but the weather was warm, failing to store energy. Due to labor and anger, he suddenly developed dizziness, vomiting phlegm-saliva, closed eyes, silence, no eating, and no bowel movement. The family was at a loss. Physicians generally advocated Zizhong Qianyang (Nourishing Yin and Subduing Yang) with He Shou Wu (Shouwu) and Ostreae Concha (Muli). My pulse diagnosis showed wiry and slow, indicating Middle Deficiency unable to control Wood, causing internal Wind to rebel. Yin-nourishing substances only stagnate the center; they cannot be taken. I used Liu Jun Zi Tang removing Gancao, adding Changpu, Huanglian, Inulae Flos (Xuanjufhua), Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Jiangpi), and Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis (Gouteng). After three doses, he recovered suddenly. After Minor Cold, I traveled from Gusu to Hecheng. Again due to warm weather, he had epistaxis. Changing to Nourishing Yin and Subduing Yang methods, he recovered. The following spring, upon leaving home, due to lack of rest, he died of Summerheat at Duanwu.

In mid-summer, while traveling in Li, Lu Youxi invited me to see his friend surnamed Wang. Alternating chills and fever, profuse sweating without relief, loose and unsmooth stool, red urine, delirious speech, face black as coal, yellow tongue coating, great thirst, irritability, rebellious Qi, slippery and flooding pulse. Palpation of chest and heart revealed hardness and pain. This was Summerheat-Dampness complicated by Phlegm and Food retention. Physicians only knew it as seasonal infection and administered cooling herbs. Hearing of chest discomfort, they suspected rash and used Antelopis Cornu (Lingyangjiao), Rhinocerotis Cornu (Xijiao), Gelatin (Gao), and Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang). Exhausted of resources, they had already told the family to prepare for death. I said: "This is not a severe case, why panic?" Removing blankets and opening windows is better than medication. The family agreed verbally but didn't believe much. I personally lifted the blanket and opened the window. The patient said: "Much more comfortable." I prescribed Xiaoxianxiong Tang plus Scutellariae Radix (Qin), Aurantii Fructus (Zhi), Forsythiae Fructus (Qiao), Bambusae Medulla (Ru), Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus (Xie), Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu), and Saccharinae Thallus (Haizao). After several doses, he recovered. Next, a Zhang from the same village had similar symptoms, but his face was red, not black, and tongue had no coating but was dry. Physicians failed to notice the lingering Qi-level constraint and unpassed Phlegm-Food. They repeatedly administered Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang), causing lips and teeth to char. They were helpless. I used Xiaoxianxiong Tang plus Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen), Haizao, Changpu, Zhishi, Qin, and Qiao. One dose relieved epigastric fullness, allowing sleep, and restored moisture to teeth and tongue. Because constraints dispersed and pathogens exited, Qi flowed and fluids distributed.

In the sixth month of Yi Mao year, my third daughter-in-law contracted a pathogen. Fever, heavy head, epigastric stuffiness, frequent vomiting, anorexia, deafness. I gave one dose of clearing-resolving medicine, but the condition did not improve. Menstruation arrived unexpectedly. Although the pathogen was still in the Qi level, her Ying-Yin was chronically deficient, fearing invasion of the Blood Chamber. I urgently summoned Banshi. I prescribed modified Xiao Chai Hu Tang for one dose. Condition improved slightly, but deficiency signs appeared fully. Severe pulling pain in the lower right abdomen. Banshi added nourishing Ying, unblocking collaterals, and softening Liver herbs to the clearing-resolving base. After four doses, on the seventh day of the illness, she recovered after a severe battle sweat. The original prescription was lost by the children; I only remember that the last four doses heavily used Rehmanniae Radix Preparata (Di Huang) as the sovereign herb. For blood deficiency, one must nourish blood to induce sweat. Since the daughter-in-law had significant Qi depression, if Qi mechanism is not first cleared and expanded, blood-nourishing herbs cannot enter quickly. This illustrates the difficulty of adapting to circumstances, relying on first distinguishing constitution and disease condition. More strangely, at the same time, my nephew Xu Guanzhi's wife, extremely thin, seemingly weaker than my daughter-in-law, and having given birth five times, developed high fever immediately postpartum. Banshi diagnosed it as Summerheat and gave large doses of cooling-resolving herbs for several doses. She recovered after battle sweat. Soon Stomach Qi recovered, but suddenly high fever returned, constipation, thirst, stuffiness, anorexia. Some suspected new birth mistook cooling medicine. Fortunately, the family trusted Banshi. Right pulse was slippery and solid. He said it was food recurrence. Inquiry confirmed she ate slightly too much tofu. I prescribed Zhishi Zhizi Chi Tang plus Gualou, Qiao, Jiegeng, Bohe, and Radish Juice. After three doses, she recovered. Other doctors would have seen this case and assumed severe Ying-Yin deficiency, but Banshi ignored this, diagnosed correctly, and cured promptly. Post-recovery, no tonification was needed, and she soon returned to normal. This shows postpartum is not always deficiency, and constitutional strength cannot be judged solely by appearance. Alas, it is difficult. In winter of Ding Si year, I was teaching at Qianzhai. Banshi was drafting "Gui Yan Lu". Reading "Constraints disperse, pathogens exit, Qi flows, fluids distribute," I recalled these two cases and wrote them here. It shows many good cases are omitted. I hope colleagues copy and preserve them for future collection. Renhe Xu Ran Shi adds notes.

In early July, returning from Yuan Lake, my third nephew Shouhe suddenly had chills, fever, muscle stiffness, red face, delirium, frequent sweating, and cold limbs. Only six years old, his mother was alarmed. I observed yellow-greasy tongue coating, thirst, and red lips. It was food stagnation with cold damage. I used Zhishi Zhizi Chi Tang plus Changpu and dried winter Radish Leaves. Decoction mixed with 5 fen of Yushu Dan and administered. Next day, delirium decreased, but mild abdominal pain with slight vomiting/diarrhea occurred. Upon waking, spirit was still confused. Knowing pathogens had an outlet, treatment should guide them. I added Perillae Folium (Suye) 1 fen and Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian) 2 fen, stir-fried together, decocted, and administered. Vomited 3-5 times, diarrhea 6-7 times, pain decreased. Third day, spirit clear. I said remove disease completely. One more dose of original formula, and he recovered. Children's diseases are often due to food stagnation. Disharmony of Stomach leads to restless sleep. Yangming excess causes delirium. People usually treat it as Convulsion, often causing failure. Ignorant people are further confused by shamans, worshipping wrong ghosts, which is laughable. In August, returning from Hulin, my second daughter Dingyi had a cold for over ten days. Fever subsided but dry cough without phlegm, insomnia, anorexia, constipation. No chest/abdominal distress, no desire for liquids. Five-center heat, emaciation. Everyone worried it would become Consumption. Pulse wiry and fine indicates Phlegm obstruction blocking Qi. I used Ziwan, Baiqian, Gualouren, Xiebai, Juhong, Banxia, Changpu, Zhuru, Zhike, and Jiegeng. Several doses brought gradual improvement. My third daughter Xingyi, fourteen years old, exhausted caring for her sister, exposed to wind/rain for ten days, feared collapse, forced herself to eat. Illness started with chills, slight fever, leg swelling/pain, nausea, slight cough. I returned the next day. Tongue slightly yellow-greasy, tip slightly crimson, pulse slow-slippery. Zhishi Zhizi Chi Tang plus Qianhu, Suye, Xingren, Jiegeng, Huangqin, and Radish Juice. At dusk, returning from South Country, my wife said after medication, spirit was confused, vomited medicine/food, fearing Sha pathogen, had back scraping. I said this is upper Jiao food stagnation, turbidity not descending. Night was quiet. Next morning, chest still rejected pressure. Original formula plus Changpu and Ziwan. I traveled to Xiachuan, returned at dusk. Wife said afternoon spirit confused again, fearing change. Asked me not to go elsewhere. I agreed. Night quiet. Next morning, conversation normal, chest still rejected pressure. Since vomiting not smooth, stool not passed, I combined original formula with Xiaoxianxiong Tang. Externally applied Mirabilite (Piaoxiao) to chest. At Si hour, coma-like sleep, covering self, unresponsive, occasional delirium, dull complexion, intermittent cold limbs. Wife wept. Pulse unchanged. Confirmed Turbid Qi steaming upward, Clear Yang failing to distribute. Not deep Cold, nor reverse transmission of Warmth. One more dose of original formula, condition unchanged. Thinking deeply, I prescribed Xiebai and Changpu 1 qian each, Gualouren 3 qian, decocted and mixed with one cup of pure wine, administered. Externally, mashed Green Onion White (Congbai) applied to chest, Toothpod powder (Yaokao) blown into nose to induce sneezing. Near dusk, until first watch, slight sweat, limbs harmonized. Soon loose stool once, recognized people, slept peacefully at night. Fourth/fifth day, chest comfortable, no delirium, but visual hallucinations, bad dreams, tidal fever. I used Gualou, Xiebai, Changpu, Zhuru, Qiao, Weimu, Ziwan, Banxia, Zhizi, Zhichi, and Shentoucao to purge Fu organs and cleanse turbidity. Three stools passed, all ailments settled. Switched to clearing Liver and purifying Lung. By seventh day, fever gone, fully recovered. Then treated Jiang Yinwu's son Quanguan. Fever, convulsions, no crying/suckling, dull spirit,嗜睡. Suspected Convulsion. Summoned in middle of night. Wind-Heat complicated by Food. Opened and resolved clearing methods for several doses. Bowel movement occurred, phlegm coughed out, condition improved. Though not major cases, slight mismanagement leads to rapid danger. Recorded here for reference.

Mr. Guan Zhishan asked me to treat his cousin Wu Ao, 55 years old. Last mid-summer, she suffered from strangury for over 20 days. After recovery, urination remained unsmooth, becoming an entrenched disease. After Autumn Equinox this year, urine retention occurred. Medical treatment for ten days included warming herbs like Ginger, Cinnamon, Lindera; cooling herbs like Gardenia, Scutellaria, Phellodendron; and draining herbs like Akebia, Talcum. None worked. Some used益智仁 (Yizhiren) to astringe. Gradually, waist and abdomen distended and rejected pressure. High chest, swollen legs, anorexia, constipation, scanty drops of urine, extreme heat/pain, crimson tongue without fluid, thirst preferring boiling water but afraid to drink much due to distension. Moaning, awaiting death. Pulse soft and faint, indicating Yin deficiency with powerless Qi transformation. I prescribed Glehniae Radix (Shashen), Prepared Rehmanniae Radix (Shudi), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Trichosanthis Fructus (Gualou), Poria (Fuling), Alisma Rhizoma (Zexie), Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong), Asteris Radix (Ziwan), Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi), Plantaginis Semen (Cheqian), plus Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata (Fuzi) 1 qian and Cinnamomi Cortex (Guixin) 5 fen. Decocted and taken cold. Within a week, a bucket of urine passed, followed by stool. Porridge eaten, sleep obtained. Bitter mouth, preference for cool drinks. Removed Fuzi, Guixin, Huanglian, Gualou, Yuanzhi, Niuxi. Added Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu), Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Shaoyao), Amomi Fructus (Sharen). Several doses brought recovery. Due to poverty, no further conditioning, the entrenched disease reportedly remains.

Madam of Minister Xunzhai, son-in-law of Wang Xiquan from Shengze, under forty. Eighteen years ago after childbirth, menstruation ceased. Physicians thought it deficiency, gave warming tonics yearly with no effect. Dong Weiqing Mao Cai asked me to diagnose. Pulse wiry-slippery, body very plump. Qi stagnation generating Heat, Heat scorching fluids into Phlegm, Phlegm blocking Qi pathway, unable to transform into Blood for circulation. Resulting in delayed menstruation, abdominal distension/pain, limb/back discomfort, bone pain, startle during sleep, thirst without desire to drink, occasional sour regurgitation, unsmooth bowels/bladder, yellow coating, bitter mouth. All due to floating Wind-Yang and disorderly regulation. Prescribed Glehniae Radix (Shashen) and Concha Arcae (Ge Fen) 4 qian each, Luffae Fructus Retinervus (Sigualuo) and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu) 1 qian each, Asteris Radix (Ziwan), Pinelliae Preparata (Xianxia), Inulae Flos (Xuanjufhua), Tribuli Fructus (Jili) 1.5 qian each, Poria (Fuling) 3 qian, Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix (Danshen) 2 qian, Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian) 4 fen, Saccharinae Thallus (Haizao) 2 liang, Eleocharis Tubers (Fuchi) 1 liang. Over ten doses, letter received: Pain/distension eliminated, back/abdomen comfortable, sleep peaceful, bowels/bladder smooth, no sour regurgitation, phlegm loose. Liver softening. Only poor appetite, bone/joint pain worse on right. Yangming deficiency fails to bind bones and benefit joints. Proposed Tonifying-Nourishing method: Ginseng Tendril (Renshenxu) and Changpu 1 qian each, Poria Spirit (Fushen) and Cryptostegiae Grandiflorae Caulis (Luoshi) 3 qian each, Coicis Semen (Yiyiren) 4 qian, Xianxia and Zhuru 1.5 qian each, Papaveris Fructus (Mugua) 8 fen, Huanglian stir-fried with Ginger Juice 3 fen, Mahoniae Caulis (Shida Gonglao) 1 liang. Mid-winter visit: All ailments safe, only right leg pain. Added Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai) and Epimedii Folium (Xianlingpi) to Tonifying-Nourishing formula. Recovered.

Grandson Zhisheng Mao Cai's wife of Wang Xi Weng. Long-term rapid menstruation, headache, fatigue, emaciation, internal vexation, thirst preferring hot drinks, food stagnation in chest, collateral distension, little sleep. Pulse soft-slippery-deficient-wiry. Leg pain with red painful lumps. Yin deficiency, Water fails to nourish Wood, internal blazing Wind-Yang, Qi stagnation, Phlegm condensation. Discussed alternating Promoting-Nourishing and Clearing-Sinking methods: Glehniae Radix (Shashen) 6 qian, Testudinis Carapax (Biejia) 8 qian, Polygoni Multiflori Radix (Shouwu) 3 qian, Fushen and Chrysanthemi Flos (Juhua) 2 qian each, Gardeniae Fructus Charred (Zhitan), Zhuru, Mori Folium (Sangye) 1.5 qian each, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Weimu), Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai), Sigualuo 1 qian each. Decoct with Lotus Rhizome (Ou) 2 liang and Mahoniae Caulis (Shida Gonglao) 1 liang. Externally: Mashed Congbai mixed with honey, applied to red lumps on legs. Mid-winter revisit: Vexation reduced, sleep improved, menstruation slower, headache/leg lumps improving. Given Tonifying-Supplementing Softening-Sinking agents. Letter later said effective.

Wu Xiaoyu from Yuan Lake's favored son. Years ago, after childbirth, ate raw vegetables, developed diarrhea. Long-term treatment failed. Mid-autumn visit: Wiry-rapid pulse. Said: Not the vegetable's fault. Earth conquered by Wood. Yearly warming tonics widened the pathology. Headache, leukorrhea, epigastric pain, anorexia, sour regurgitation, phlegm cough, five-center heat, insomnia. All due to powerless Eight Extraordinary Vessels, dominant Wind-Yang. Taught Promoting-Nourishing Clearing-Sinking method, cured. His sister married to Yue family. Long-term leukorrhea. Last winter metrorrhagia, red and white discharge. Continued until now, bedridden for months. All said hopeless.