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1. The formulation of attacking methods (therapeutic approaches utilizing purgative, resolving, or breaking actions) aims to eliminate excess pathogens within the body. When treating Qi stagnation, one attacks the site of Qi accumulation; such accumulation can be dispersed. When treating Blood stasis, one attacks the stasis; such stasis can be unblocked. When treating accumulations, one attacks the hardness; if located in the Zang organs, it may be broken down or supported with tonification; if located in the meridians, acupuncture or moxibustion may be employed. When treating Phlegm, one addresses the urgency: for true excess patterns, temporarily relieving the branch symptoms is appropriate; for patterns with significant deficiency, seeking the root cause is the only proper approach. However, excess conditions vary in severity, and the application of attacking methods must be graded according to lightness or heaviness. In cases of severe excess, if the initial attack is insufficient, the dosage may be increased; in cases of mild excess, excessive attacking often causes harm, which requires caution. If the disease is in the Yang aspect, one must not attack the Yin aspect; if the disease is in the chest, one must not attack the internal organs. Such errors allow pathogens to sink inward due to deficiency, described as "inviting thieves into the house." If the disease is in the Yin aspect, one must not attack the Yang aspect. If the disease is in the interior, one must not attack the exterior; such errors cause the condition to worsen due to mismanagement, described as "removing one's own defenses." Generally, attacking methods are indicated only when pathogens are extremely strong. If excess pathogens are indeed severe, they naturally suit attacking herbs, without the need to mix in tonifying agents. Excess patterns do not fear attacking; however, adding even slightly cloying or stagnant sweet herbs will hinder the action. Deficiency patterns do not fear tonification; however, adding even slightly dispersing or reducing herbs will interfere with recovery. Therefore, Cold-excess patterns dislike clearing heat, while Heat-excess patterns dislike warming. Nevertheless, mistaking an excess pattern for a deficiency and using tonics merely increases the disease, which can still be resolved; but mistaking a deficiency pattern for an excess and using attacking methods first depletes Yuan Qi (Original Qi). Once Yuan Qi is depleted, there is no cure. These are the essentials of attacking methods. In cases where deficiency coexists with excess, or excess coexists with deficiency, one must weigh the circumstances appropriately, as these do not fall under the rules of urgent attacking or urgent tonification. Although so, the purpose of attacking methods is to remove perilous and violent pathogens, akin to an army in chaotic times—indispensable yet to be used only when absolutely necessary. If there is doubt, one should err on the side of extreme caution. For although attacking methods remove pathogens, they inevitably damage Zheng Qi (Upright Qi); four parts benefit, while six parts suffer. Thus, the method of attacking is deeply avoided by benevolent physicians of antiquity, precisely because success is difficult while failure is easy. Anyone who acts arbitrarily without thought can be judged accordingly.