Library

*Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot) and *Su Wen* (Basic Questions) constitute the orthodox lineage of medicine. Later physicians such as Zhang Zhongjing, Wang Shuhe, Sun Simiao, Sun Zhao, Chu Yushi, and Zhu Gong did not follow the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon); rather, they merely excerpted content from materia medica texts, each forming their own school of skill based on personal insights. While this approach may suffice for treating minor ailments, it proves ineffective for major diseases. (How can Wang Shuhe and Zhu Gong be ranked alongside Zhang Zhongjing? If one claims that Zhang Zhongjing did not follow the *Neijing*, let us examine his works *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage) and *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet). Without being rooted in the principles of *Ling Shu* and *Su Wen*, how could such profound theories exist?) As for Huangfu Mi (courtesy name Shi'an), Chao Yuanfang, and Wang Bing, although they studied *Su Wen*, they did not inherit the true transmission of formula studies; instead, they acted according to the methods of the aforementioned six physicians. This book has not been widely circulated from ancient times to the present. My family has practiced medicine for four generations, all benefiting from the power of this method, yet since the world does not deeply believe in it, it is difficult to publish. When I first began studying medicine, I extensively read the books of these six masters, believing that the principles of medicine were fully exhausted. However, while my treatments for minor ailments were successful every time, for major diseases, success occurred in less than two out of a hundred cases. I often lamented my lack of proficiency. Later, I encountered an old physician in Guanzhong who, after inquiring about my studies, laughed and said, "Your learning is not the orthodox Qi-Huang lineage; it is merely a trivial skill. It can only regulate minor ailments, waiting for them to heal spontaneously; how can it cure major diseases!" I then took him as my teacher. For three years, he transmitted the methods to me. Through repeated examination and study, I eventually aligned with the principles of the *Neijing*. Since then, my treatments have been successful every time. Re-examining the books of the six masters, they truly appear like child's play. Although the methods taught by my master are concise and appropriate, and I wish to publish them, I fear there may be incomplete aspects. Therefore, I have compiled the methods experienced under my late master, along with my own clinical validations over forty-plus years, into the orthodox path of medical practice, to save countless people from premature death. Those who obtain this book in later generations, if they diligently seek knowledge day and night, will naturally penetrate its principles and realize that my words are not false. As for the virtuous, loyal, upright, filial, and benevolent individuals, please disseminate it widely so that future generations may, above, rescue rulers and parents, and below, aid the common people. Fearing heavenly retribution, I dare not keep this to myself; thus, I have had it printed and circulated. I hope that benevolent scholars will not cling to preconceived notions and disdain it; this would be my greatest fortune.
Preface respectfully written by Dou Cai, Wuyi Lang and former Inspector of Kaizhou, in the 16th year of Shaoxing, Song Dynasty. (Upon close observation, the meaning before and after this preface is disjointed, suggesting it may not be the words of a knowledgeable person; it is suspected to be a forgery by later generations.)