Library

The *Qianjin Yaofang* states: The parasites that arise in the human abdomen are generally of nine types, all capable of eroding the internal organs. The first is called *Fuchong* (Hidden Worm), measuring four fen in length, which serves as the master of all worms. The second is called *Hui Chong* (Roundworm), measuring one chi in length; if numerous, it may pierce the heart and cause death. The third is called *Bai Chong* (White Worm), measuring one cun in length; its offspring multiply continuously, with the mother growing larger, reaching lengths of four to five zhang, also capable of causing death. The fourth is called *Nei Chong* (Internal Worm), resembling rotten apricots, causing irritability and fullness. The fifth is called *Fei Chong* (Lung Worm), resembling silkworms, causing coughing. The sixth is called *Wei Chong* (Stomach Worm), resembling a toad, causing vomiting, rebellious stomach qi, and frequent belching. The seventh is called *Ruo Chong* (Weak Worm), also known as *Ge Chong* (Diaphragm Worm), resembling melon seeds, causing excessive salivation. The eighth is called *Chi Chong* (Red Worm), resembling raw meat, causing borborygmus (bowel sounds). The ninth is called *Tao Chong* (Pinworm), extremely minute, resembling vegetable larvae, residing between the broad intestines; when numerous, they cause hemorrhoids, and when severe, they cause leprosy-like conditions. Due to skin sores and ulcers, various abscesses, tinea, scabies, and dental caries worms arise, doing no evil they do not commit, their harm being significant. All these worms, whether large or small, either attach themselves between the internal organs or erode within the skin and muscles. If the primordial qi (*Yuan Qi*) remains substantial, they are not a major threat; however, with slight deficiency or damage, they unleash their toxicity, even killing like *Lao Zhai* (Consumption/Tuberculosis) or spreading through *Chuan Shi Zhu Guai* (Transmitted Corpse Parasitic Diseases), or involving phenomena like the "Echoing Stream Rat," many of which defy rational explanation. Practitioners of medicine must not fail to investigate the root causes of their emergence and the methods of treatment.

Zhang Zhongjing stated: In the disease of *Hu Huo* (Fox-Hu Syndrome), the presentation resembles *Shang Han* (Cold Damage); the patient is silent and desires sleep but cannot close their eyes, feeling restless sitting or lying down. Erosion of the throat is termed *Huo*, while erosion of the yin organs is termed *Hu*. There is a lack of appetite and aversion to food odors; the facial complexion alternates between red, white, and black. If erosion occurs in the upper part, hoarseness results, treated primarily with *Gancao Xiexin Tang* (Licorice Decoction for Draining the Epigastrium). If erosion occurs in the lower part, dryness of the throat results, washed with *Kushen Tang* (Sophora Root Decoction). If erosion occurs at the anus, fumigation with *Xionghuang* (Realgar) is used. I observe: Since Zhang Zhongjing stated that the symptoms of *Hu Huo* resemble *Shang Han*, it is evident that this condition is originally not *Shang Han*. Yet later generations equated *Hu Huo* with *Shang Han*; is this not an error?

The *Qianjin Yaofang* states: Whenever one contracts *Shang Han* or epidemic febrile diseases, heat accumulates in the abdomen. Coupled with poor intake and empty intestines and stomach, the three worms become active seeking food, eroding the five viscera and the lower body. If the gums appear colorless and the tongue is entirely white, or severely, sores appear inside the lips, accompanied by heavy limbs, mental confusion, and drowsiness, one should frequently inspect for sores and spitting of blood inside the upper lip, or millet-grain-like sores inside the lips; this indicates inner restlessness, pain, and oppression, signifying worms eroding the five viscera from above. If sores appear on the inside of the lower lip, the person tends toward sleep, indicating worms eroding the lower body from below. If people do not understand this, they may take vermifuge medicines; otherwise, the worms will kill. It further states: Those suffering from *Shi Bi* (Dampness Bi Syndrome) often do so after febrile diseases, or due to chronic diarrhea, or because pathogenic heat is knotted in the abdomen, or due to acclimatization issues where warm and cold qi invade. Dry *Bi* may not involve severe diarrhea but presents with itching sores in the lower parts. Whether wet or dry, prolonged duration leads to death. When dampness encounters cold, it causes painful dysentery; decocting alone *Huanglian* (Coptis Rhizome), *Ai Ye* (Mugwort Leaf), or *Kushen* (Sophora Root) is applicable. If the patient has colorless gums, a white tongue, or prefers sleep with irritability and confusion, losing sensation of pain and itch, or suffers dysentery, urgent treatment of the lower part is required. Those ignorant of this principle attack only the upper part, neglecting the lower part; consequently, worms arise in the lower part, eroding the anus until it rots exposing the viscera, leading to death. Moxa burned in a bamboo tube should be used for fumigation.