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Pulse floating indicates Wind, pulse tight indicates Cold. Zhang Zhongjing divided them into two categories, hence the theories of Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) and Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction); this is an error. However, Shanghan (Cold Damage) involves injury to the fundamental Qi of the Taiyang (Greater Yang) channel; it should not be treated with heavy sweating. One need only take Jiangfu Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction) for spontaneous recovery; there is no need to force other remedies in pursuit of sophistication. (Floating pulse governing Wind and tight pulse governing Cold are general principles of the ancients; releasing the muscle layer and expelling the pathogen is a fixed method, difficult to alter; Zhang Zhongjing cannot be disparaged. As for when the pulse is tight and vigorous, or faint, or deep, and mental consciousness is slightly abnormal, with physical energy unable to perk up, then Master Dou's methods must not be delayed. For mild and superficial Wind-Cold syndromes, initially presenting with sore throat and pain in the larynx, and a sensation of fire issuing from the nose, this is due to Wind pathogen attacking externally the hair follicles and interstices, suppressing Yang Qi, thus manifesting these signs. Physicians who do not understand this may mistakenly use cold-natured herbs, gradually leading to severe illness.)

Pulse deep indicates Cold Stomach Qi; tight indicates abundant Cold Qi; slippery indicates indigestion. The symptoms include headache, fever, vomiting, epigastric fullness (Pi syndrome), and occasional abdominal pain. Treat with Dingxiang Wan (Clove Pill) and Laifu Dan (Reviving Life Pellet); if cold substances remain undigested, use Bichengqie San (Bladder Cherry Powder); for Spleen/Stomach deficiency, use Pingwei San (Calm the Stomach Powder) and Lizhong Wan (Regulate the Middle Pill).

During the third and fourth months, humans contract damp Qi, named Shibi (Damp Disease); or during the sixth and seventh months, when heavy rains prevail, indulging in ice water and cold foods is also called Zhongshi (Strike by Dampness), causing chills, fever, and spontaneous sweating. If Yang pattern: pulse is tight, limb joints hurt, toes are warm, treat with Shufu Tang (Atractylodes and Aconite Decoction). If Yin pattern: pulse is deep and tight, limb joints do not hurt, body is cool with spontaneous diarrhea, toes are cold, treat with Jiangfu Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction). Do not induce sweating; doing so will inevitably cause restlessness, unremitting deficiency sweating, or jaundice and edema. If cold-natured medicines are taken, death will result from diarrhea. (Although the Master distinguishes between Yin and Yang patterns for this condition, the use of Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) remains consistent. Nowadays, at the junction of the sixth and seventh months, people fail to distinguish between Cold and Damp, Yin and Yang, casually attributing it to Summerheat, exclusively using cold-natured herbs. When edema and diarrhea occur, they still claim the Summerheat toxin is unclarified and proceed with purgative treatments, continuing until the patient is killed by medical error, which is truly heartbreaking.)

In cases of Kidney deficiency, or after sexual intercourse, or when Cold Qi emanates from the Stomach, immediate abdominal pain and irritability occur; in severe cases, retraction of the scrotum leads to coma and death. Urgently moxa the Guan Yuan (CV-4) acupoint 100 moxibustions, and internally administer Jiangfu Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction) and Baoyuan Dan (Protect Origin Pill) to save one or two out of ten. If delayed, Qi will collapse; even moxibustion will be of no benefit. (Once the syndrome is accurately diagnosed, rescue must be swift; do not procrastinate, lest the patient reach a dead end.)