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It is strictly forbidden to use methods of inducing sweating, vomiting, and purging. When the primordial qi (Yuan Qi) is robust, pathogenic factors cannot cause harm, and the disease will resolve spontaneously after spreading through the meridians. Zhang Zhongjing dared not employ tonification, but instead attacked the pathogenic factors, thereby injuring the healthy qi, leading to numerous cases of medical error. In such cases, one should simply administer large doses of Jiang Fu Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction), and the pathogens will naturally dissipate. (When primordial deficiency is compounded by injury from attacking treatments, this applies not only to the elderly; even Zhang Zhongjing, a sage of medicine, surely knew this.)

In cases of Yang-pattern Shanghan where sweat is about to occur, or Yin-pattern Shanghan where moxibustion has been applied, as the true yuan recovers and contends with pathogenic factors, chills, epistaxis, coma, slight rigidity of the jaw, and slight coldness of the four limbs will inevitably manifest. This represents the transformation of yin and yang qi. After one or two hours, sweat will naturally appear in the axillae, and the patient will recover. (The transformation of yin and yang qi refers to what is now called "battle sweat." It is necessary to warn the patient's family in advance so they do not panic; otherwise, the household will be in turmoil, rumors will spread, and a misprescribed dose at that critical moment could determine life or death.)

Delirium in Shanghan belongs to the Shaoyin channel; Zhang Zhongjing’s attribution to the Yangming channel is incorrect. Internal heat in the Yangming channel must lead to mania; since there is only delirium here, it belongs to the Shaoyin channel. (Zhang Zhongjing’s references to spiritual emptiness did not exclude Shaoyin involvement.) Urgent moxibustion on Guanyuan (CV4) for 300 moxa cones is required. If symptoms persist after moxibustion, death ensues.

If epistaxis does not exceed one or two small cups, it indicates that qi and blood are harmonizing, and recovery will occur without sweating. If bleeding reaches the volume of a sheng or dou, it signifies the collapse of true qi. Needle Guanyuan (CV4) to a depth of three cun, retain the needle for twenty breaths, and the bleeding will stop immediately. Follow with moxibustion on Guanyuan (CV4) for 200 cones and administration of Jin Ye Dan (Golden Fluid Pill). Otherwise, xu lao (deficiency consumption) and zhong man (abdominal fullness) may develop. (One must decide whether to release the exterior, clear heat, warm the interior, or tonify, treating according to a careful assessment of the syndrome to avoid errors.)

After recovery from Shanghan, fever recurs due to improper diet, daily activities, or overexertion. Symptoms include headache, body heat, irritability, abdominal pain, and a floating and tight pulse. This is known as Lao Fu (recurrence due to labor). Administer Ping Wei San (Peaceful Stomach Powder) and Fen Qi Wan (Qi-Separating Pill); recovery occurs with sweating. If taken three or four times without effect, it indicates severe deficiency of primordial qi. Moxibustion on Zhongwan (CV12) for 50 cones is indicated. (For Lao Fu, Zhang Zhongjing provided several formulas; their use requires careful consideration. First, one must ascertain the presence or absence of pathogenic factors and distinguish the degree of cold and heat to ensure correct treatment.)