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In the discussion and treatment of stroke (Zhong Feng), Master Dai used the *Neijing* (Classic of Internal Medicine) to correct the errors of the *Jufang* (Formulas of the Bureau), and supplemented Zhang Zhongjing's theories with the concept of internal injury due to damp-heat. Only Liu Wansu (Hejian), Zhang Congzheng (Dairen), and Li Dongyuan were able to elucidate these three aspects.

Liu Hejian stated: Stroke paralysis is not caused by an excessive excess condition of Liver Wood, nor is it due to external wind invasion. Rather, it arises from daily habits in clothing, diet, rest, and movement, as well as spiritual and mental states, including emotional preferences and aversions. When the Five Emotions (Joy, Anger, Worry, Thought, Fear) reach their extreme limits without adhering to propriety, normal physiological functions are lost. Over time, the Qi undergoes changes in decline or prosperity, leading to a sudden暴 (violent/excessive) rise of Heart Fire. Due to the weakness of Kidney Water failing to control this fire, Yin becomes deficient while Yang becomes excessive. Heat qi becomes stagnant and depressed, causing confusion of the Heart Spirit and dysfunction of the sinews and bones, resulting in sudden collapse and loss of consciousness.

Zhang Dairen stated: Sudden stiffness and sudden collapse all belong to the lack of restraint of Jueyin Liver Wood. When Liver Wood becomes excessively strong, only wind pathology manifests thus, because Metal of the Lung is controlled by Fire of the Heart and cannot overcome Wood.

Li Dongyuan stated: Anyone over forty years old, at a stage of declining Qi, or those whose Qi is injured by sorrow, joy, anger, or indignation; as well as robust individuals in their prime who are obese but have weak Qi, are all prone to stroke. The treatment method should harmonize the Zang-Fu organs and unblock the meridians.

Someone asked: Why do Masters Liu and Zhang still use wind-dispelling herbs, assisted by purgative agents for fire, to open stagnation and dissipate wind-heat? Now, Master Danxi uses none of these methods but treats according to Wei Syndrome (Flaccidity). Why is this?

The reply was: Master Dai simply avoids using formulas that release the exterior and damage the Defensive Qi (Wei Qi). However, regarding herbs like Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii), which can disperse wind-heat toxins in the joints, sinews, bones, and throat, and which raise Yin Qi and unblock the Twelve Meridians, he did employ them in such conditions. Although treated as Wei Syndrome, the actions of dispersing wind from Liver Wood and resolving heat from stagnation are included within this approach!

The general principle is: Purging Heart Fire clears Lung Metal, preventing Liver Wood from becoming excessive, thereby sparing the Spleen. Tonifying Kidney Water lowers Heart Fire, protecting the Lung from heat. When the Spleen and Lung are peaceful, the Yangming channel becomes full. When Yangming is full, the Zong Jin (General Sinews) are moistened, enabling them to bind the bones and facilitate joint movement. Furthermore, following Li Dongyuan’s methods, herbs such as Huang Bo (Cortex Phellodendri) and Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) are used as assistants. Depending on whether there is phlegm accumulation, excessive heat, or a mix of dampness and heat, formulas are adjusted case-by-case without fixed rules. This represents skillful treatment of Wei Syndrome.

I privately discuss: The Yangming channel is the Stomach pulse, and the Stomach is the Sea of Water and Grain. The Classics state: "Humans rely on Stomach Qi as their foundation; without Stomach Qi, death ensues." Essentially, Yuan Jing (Primordial Essence), Yuan Qi (Primordial Qi), and Yuan Shen (Primordial Spirit) cannot survive a day without nourishment from water and grain. When food and medicine enter the Stomach, the aromatic/ascending aspect (Qi/Yang) transports upward to the Qi Sea, while the heavy/descending aspect (Flavor/Yin) transports downward to the Blood Sea. These two seas are the convergence points of Qi and Blood, from which the Five Zang and Six Fu organs and the Twelve Meridians draw their resources. Thus, when these two seas are full, Qi and Blood throughout the body are sufficient. Abundant Qi allows Ying and Wei Qi to circulate, surging strength into the limbs and hundred bones. Abundant Blood allows the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) to guide its seepage and irrigation into the muscle valleys, enabling the four extremities and nine orifices to function properly, while the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) constrains the twelve meridians, preventing laxity and flaccidity.

Master Dai employed this method to treat stroke-induced paralysis and limb flaccidity, providing a model for posterity! Yan Yonghe (Yan Shi) insisted on regulating Qi first, failing to recognize that Qi rushes upward due to Fire. Instead, he used acrid-warm herbs to aid fire and scatter Qi, causing much harm!