Library

(Zhang Zhongjing) Treats Taiyang syndrome (Taiyang disease) of cold damage, where pathogenic factors are in the exterior. Symptoms include fever, headache, body pain, lower back pain, joint pain, stiffness of the neck and back, aversion to cold, and aversion to wind. (As long as there is even a slight headache and aversion to cold, it indicates the pathogen remains in the exterior.) Absence of sweating with wheezing, pulse floating and tight.

It also treats combined diseases of Taiyang and Yangming, presenting with wheezing and chest fullness. (This is because exterior pathogens are congested, preventing the proper dispersion of Yang Qi, leading to rebellious Qi causing wheezing. If there is fullness below the heart and abdominal pain, dispersing methods are appropriate. Furthermore, if there is tenacious phlegm in the lungs compounded by a new cold contraction, this decoction disperses cold and benefits the lungs; however, it should only be used temporarily for those with robust Qi.)

Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄) (3 liang, nodes removed) Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi, 桂枝) (2 liang) Apricot Seed (Xingren, 杏仁) (70 seeds, skin and tips removed) Licorice Root (Gancao, 甘草) (1 liang, honey-fried). Boil Ephedra first for several boils, remove the foam, remove nodes, decoct with vinegar water. Cure is achieved when sweat appears.

Exterior syndromes require diaphoresis. Diaphoresis should be prompt yet mild and sustained, harmonying Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive levels), initiating life-generating mechanisms, using sweet-hot herbs. Remove Cinnamon Twig, add Gypsum, named Mahuang Xinggan Caoshigao Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Seed, Licorice, and Gypsum Decoction). (Zhang Zhongjing) Zhang Zhongjing said: After inducing sweating, Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) should not be administered again, as it may injure Yin and aid Fire. Regarding the method of inducing sweating... [Text contains fragmented/corrupted passages regarding fire therapy, water retention, Fu Zi Tang (Aconite Decoction), etc.] ...differentiating between Cold Damage and Wind Strike, and Yin-Yang Exterior-Interior.

Zhang Zhongjing said: For Taiyang Wind Strike, if the pulse is floating and tight, with fever, aversion to cold, body pain, absence of sweating, and irritability, Da Qinglong Tang (Great Azure Dragon Decoction) is the primary treatment. If the pulse is weak and faint, with sweating and aversion to wind, it must not be taken. Taking it will lead to cold limbs (Jue Ni, 厥逆) and twitching muscles/fasciculations (Jin Ti Rou Tiao, 筋惕肉瞤), which constitutes an adverse reaction; Zhen Wu Tang (True Warrior Decoction) should be used to rescue the patient.

He also said: In cold damage, if the pulse is floating and slow, the body does not ache but feels heavy, occasionally becoming lighter, and there are no Shaoyin syndrome signs, Da Qinglong Tang (Great Azure Dragon Decoction) should be used to induce sweating. (Yu Jiayan stated:)

Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄) (6 liang) Licorice Root (Gancao, 甘草) (fried) Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi, 桂枝) (2 liang) Apricot Seed (Xingren, 杏仁) (40 seeds, skin and tips removed) Gypsum (Shigao, 石膏) (size of a chicken egg) Ginger Root (Shengjiang, 生姜) (3 liang).

The intention behind Zhang Zhongjing's formulation was originally to combine Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) and Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction), replacing Red Peony Root (Shaoyao, 芍药) with Gypsum. This serves to overcome internal heat constrained by cold pathogens and assists... [Text ends abruptly]