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Luo (63 years old): Heat arising from internal emotional stagnation fiercely burns the body's fluids and fats, causing gastric discomfort resembling hunger (gastric嘈杂), aversion to food, and a tasteless sensation. The Stomach is Yang Earth, functioning through Yin; with the depletion of fluids and the ignition of the Five Fires (internal heat generated by the five zang organs), this is not an external pathogen of the Six Qi (Six Exogenous Pathogens). Therefore, bitter, acrid, and cold herbs such as Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian) and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix (Kushen) are contraindicated. One must maintain mental tranquility and sit in peace to calm the Fire of the Five Emotions (Wu Zhi); daily administration of decoctions is useless. (Note: The formless fire of the Five Emotions originates from congenital Primordial Yang. Tranquility nourishes the Zhen Qi of the viscera, constituting the vital energy of life. Fierce burning forces the evaporation of fluids, leading to daily wasting of muscles.)
Prescription: Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu), Poria (Fushen), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma preparata (Gancao), Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdi), Asparagi Radix (Tian Dong), Fresh Lotus Seeds (Xian Lian Zi).

Commentary: The Stomach is Yang Earth, utilizing Yin for its function; thus, the statement that "Stomach Yin must be nourished" is indeed a profound truth. Temperament shifts with Qi and Blood. Those with thick and abundant muscle and skin often have a relaxed disposition. Conversely, those who are dry and irritable are often emaciated, standing like bones, due to insufficient fluids and soaring fire qi.

Pan (26 years old): Hemorrhage and seminal emission in youth indicate predominant Yin deficiency. Essence and blood are tangible substances; once lost, they are difficult to restore, constituting internal damage and Yin deficiency. Over time, it affects Yang positions, and Liver-Kidney disease inevitably extends to the Stomach Fu organ. The listed etiology coincides with the Great Heat solar term, representing the transition of Heaven and Earth's Qi. When human Qi is weak and loses its regulatory continuity, discomfort is inevitable. (This is a profound argument.) Chu Cheng stated: "Difficult-to-describe diseases" refers to suffering that is hard to articulate. (Very clear; precisely because the disease extends to the Stomach Fu, human Qi becomes weak and loses its sustaining power.)

During seasonal transitions, those with robust Qi do not notice subtle changes. However, in those with deficient Middle Qi and lack of strength, the pivot mechanism nearly ceases, making maintenance difficult. Gu: Summer-heat and Dampness inevitably injure the Spleen and Stomach. Both pathogens are Yin in nature; there is no need to use Bitter-Cold herbs to clear heat. Regulating the Qi aspect and promoting urination can eliminate these pathogens. In middle age, illness weakens Qi; one must strengthen the Middle Jiao to awaken the Post-Heaven foundation. (In middle age, Qi aspect is already not vigorous; further injury by illness makes Qi weaker. Strengthening the Middle Qi is equivalent to expelling pathogens.)
Prescription: Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), Stir-fried Lablab Seed (Chao Bian Dou), Chaenomelis Fructus (Mu Gua), Poria (Fuling), Prepared Licorice Root (Zhi Cao), Tangerine Peel (Guang Pi).

Commentary: Summer-heat relies on Dampness; when accompanied by dampness, it steams and transforms into heat. Sweet-Cool and Light-Diaphoretic methods are required; Bitter-Cold herbs are unnecessary. If it has not transformed into heat, it will not injure fluids or rob essence, and regulating Qi and promoting urination suffice. Summer-heat and Dampness involve numerous variations and must be distinguished. This case likely involves summer-heat that has not yet transformed into heat.

Hu (34 years old): Acting beyond one's capacity and striving to be first in everything (this person's constitution is likely prone to excessive Fire). This is not an acute injury. In spring and summer, when the weather is warm and Earthly Yang rises, hemorrhage and cough occur, and the voice gradually becomes hoarse. Treatment should fill True Yin to harmonize Yang. (The human body follows the ascending and descending of Heaven and Earth's Qi mechanisms. When Yuan Qi is vigorous, it goes unnoticed; when Qi and Blood decline and disease arises, the Six Qi dominate, and the body loses its autonomy.)
Prescription: Prepared Rehmanniae Radix (Shu Di), Cornus Officinalis Fruit (Yu Rou), Chinese Yam (Huai Shan Yao), Poria (Fuling), Asparagi Radix (Tian Dong), Ophiopogonis Radix (Mai Dong), Tortoise Plastron Heart (Gui Jia Xin), Ligustrum Lucidum Fruit (Nv Zhen), Euryale Seed (Qian Shi), Jian Lotus Seeds (Jian Lian Rou).

Qian (47 years old): A thin person suffers from Summer-heat entering the Ying (Nutritive) level. During malaria attacks, coughing produces bowlfuls of phlegm. Daily alcohol consumption accumulates heat in the Liver and Stomach, presenting with a yellow tongue coating and thirst with desire to drink. It is proposed to use Yü Nü Jian (Jade Woman Decoction).
Commentary: Yü Nü Jian specifically targets the Liver and Stomach. With Summer-heat invading externally and Wine-Heat responding internally, the pathogens combine internally and externally, focusing on the Ying level. Without herbs such as Gypsum Fibrosum (Shi Gao) and Rehmanniae Radix (Sheng Di), it is difficult to clear heat within the Ying level.

Yang (38 years old): Stomach injury leads to reduced appetite, physical fatigue, and a red tongue. This belongs to Spleen disease. (Physical fatigue and red tongue indicate Spleen Qi injury and Spleen Ying depletion.)