Library

The palm area is where the Ying (Nutrient) Qi of the Heart gathers, known as Laogong (PC8). The meridian of Hand-Shaoyin (Heart) enters the palm; therefore, diseases generated by the Heart manifest as heat and pain in the palm. The meridian of Hand-Jueyin (Pericardium) also enters the palm; when this meridian is disturbed, it causes heat in the palm. Diseases governed by this meridian include vexation in the heart and heat in the palm. From this, we know that heat in the palms is caused by Fire from these two meridians, leading to a myriad of pathologies, which cannot be addressed by merely citing one symptom and one formula.

Examining the purport of the original formula, it must have been prescribed because the patient had previously suffered from excessive worry, causing Jin-Ye (Body Fluids) to fail in their distribution, stagnating and accumulating into Tan (Phlegm). The warmth and depression of this Phlegm-Heat became latent in the Pericardium, preventing the Fire from venting outward. Thus, this formula was used, and this case is collected here.

Cases of heat due to Yin-Blood deficiency are described too briefly. Yin and Yang in the human body are like the counterpoise and beam of a scale; neither can be excessively high or low. Excess Yang generates heat; excess Yin generates cold. Moreover, the Qi of Heaven and Earth: Yang is large, Yin is small. Humans are born receiving this Qi; thus, Yang is prone to excess, and Yin is prone to deficiency. When Yin cannot withstand Yang, heat arises internally and permeates externally. Therefore, all diseases arise from the victory and defeat of Yin and Yang. If Yang is strong or if external pathogens harm the Zheng (Upright) Qi, heat diseases will manifest according to the site of victory and defeat. Hence, the chapters of Nei Jing (The Inner Canon) record this repeatedly. Zhang Zhongjing clarified the treatment methods for the Six Meridians and Five Zang Organs; Liu Wansu clarified the subtle principles of Water and Fire, Yin and Yang; Li Dongyuan proposed medicines for treating internal injury fire classified by meridians. Now, Mr. Dai synthesizes the theories of these three masters. He once stated that Xiang Huo (Ministerial Fire) easily rises; when affected by the Five Emotions and external stimuli, it inevitably moves. Once moved, Jue Yang (Revolted Yang) and its five fires fan each other. Ministerial Fire arises from reckless movement; such recklessness boils down Zhen Yin (True Yin). Yin deficiency leads to disease; Yin exhaustion leads to death. This is the source of diseases involving Water, Fire, Yin, and Yang. In treating heat due to Blood deficiency, Mr. Dai distinguishes between Yin and Yang within Blood. If the Yin aspect of Blood is insufficient, pungent-warm herbs like Xiong Gui (Ligusticum Chuanxiong and Angelica Sinensis) are not used. If the Yang aspect of Blood is insufficient, even pungent-hot herbs like Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) and Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) may be used. This aligns with the methods of clearing Fire, employing either direct treatment (Zheng Zhi) or contrary treatment (Cong Zhi), adapting to circumstances on the spot, demonstrating his non-adherence to fixed formulas.

Wine is extremely hot and toxic. Furthermore, the Yang Qi of the human body is inherently warm; upon consuming wine, the heat becomes more intense and rigid, causing Yin Qi to scatter and disperse, while Yang Qi diminishes, potentially leading to death. It is not merely difficult to treat! Assuming the body's Yin Qi is consumed by wine, and self-generated heat is not severe, but the illness is solely due to wine-heat toxicity, if the dispersion of Yin Qi has not reached exhaustion, there remains a possibility of cure. I record one or two cases for verification.

One person drank several cups of distilled liquor every morning, then progressed to drinking regular wine throughout the day. By the fifth and sixth lunar months, he developed severe fever. Physicians applied water poultices to the chest and abdomen; the condition improved slightly but then worsened. Internal medication was administered, and he recovered after three days.

Another person, aged twenty, fell ill with fever in the fourth month. His pulse was present at both superficial and deep positions. Initially, he did not pay attention, but later a Hong Shuo (Surging and Rapid) pulse appeared, fluctuating with the fever. At that time, he realized it was not Shang Han (Cold Damage). Upon inquiry, I asked: "Is it likely that excessive alcohol consumption left toxin inside, and now, due to sexual exhaustion, Qi and Blood are deficient, triggering the illness?" He replied: "In the first month, I drank distilled liquor every morning and ate large amounts of meat for nearly a month!" Understanding the pathology, I prescribed Qi and Blood tonics, adding Ge Gen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) to resolve alcohol toxicity. After one dose, he sweated slightly but felt lethargic, and the fever persisted. I reasoned that since both Qi and Blood were deficient, he could not tolerate the dispersing nature of Ge Gen. Only Gou Qi Zi (Lycii Fructus) could resolve the toxicity. Fortunately, a small dried branch of Gou Qi Zi was found in a book, unrotted. I added it to the previous prescription. After one dose, he was cured. Alas! Sun Simiao said: "Medicine lies in the physician's intent." The only dangers are failing to examine the pathology thoroughly or failing to conceive the appropriate herbs. If the disease and the medicine match perfectly, what reason is there to doubt recovery?