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Medicines are not bound by fixed prescriptions; they should be used when appropriate. This implies that prescriptions need not be rigidly adhered to. Prescriptions are established through therapeutic principles, and principles are adapted to specific circumstances; this implies that prescriptions are indispensable. A good prescription is one that is applied appropriately. One that is applied appropriately can serve as a model. A poor prescription is one that is misapplied. One that is misapplied can serve as a warning. However, since principles vary in quality and people differ in their understanding, only those skilled in comprehending the rationale of prescriptions can both utilize them flexibly and know when to deviate from them. Only those who adapt to changing conditions can master the art of both following and transcending prescriptions. The purpose of establishing prescriptions is precisely to inspire such insight. Therefore, I have selected several ancient prescriptions that were well-applied and categorized them into Eight Arrays (Ba Zhen), which is already a considerable number. Yet, in my view, there remain areas not fully covered. Thus, I created new formulations within the Eight Arrays, incorporating personal insights, clinical experience, and supplements to the inadequacies of ancient formulas. Beneath each prescription, various modifications and dosage variations are often listed, demonstrating that prescriptions should not be rigidly followed. Within the Eight Arrays, for instance, the number of attacking (Gong) or cooling (Han) prescriptions is not extensive because ancient methods are already plentiful and do not require artificial supplementation. Generally, prescriptions should be simple, yet I have elaborated extensively, which might seem pedantic. However, the true intent is to seek simplicity within complexity; this is the philosophy behind formulating prescriptions. Nevertheless, regarding the application of prescriptions, further explanation is needed: The key lies in being flexible and comprehensive while avoiding rigidity. If one is flexible without a core principle, chaos ensues, leading to confusion. It must be understood that amidst ambiguity, there are unchanging truths; thus, flexibility must be grounded in firm principles. Conversely, if one sticks rigidly to one approach without adaptation, bias arises, causing treatments to contradict the pathology. One must recognize that sudden changes due to the Three Causes (San Yin - internal, external, and non-internal/external factors) are unpredictable; therefore, adherence to principles must allow for flexibility. Flexibility requires careful consideration, while adherence requires definite judgment. One who can both adhere to principles and act flexibly is truly a master of prescription application. Who could such a person be?

I. The formulation of Tonifying Formulas (Bu Fang) aims to replenish deficiency. For Qi deficiency, tonification should focus on the upper body, using herbs such as Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and Huangqi (Astragali Radix). For Essence (Jing) deficiency, tonification should focus on the lower body, using herbs such as Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata) and Gouqi (Lycii Fructus). For Yang deficiency, tonification should include warming properties, using herbs such as Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), and Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma). For Yin deficiency, tonification should include clearing and moistening properties, using herbs such as Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), and Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix). These represent the fundamental distinction in treating Yin and Yang. If Qi deficiency stems from Essence depletion, one must tonify Essence to generate Qi. If Essence deficiency stems from Qi weakness, one must tonify Qi to nourish Essence. Furthermore, if Yang becomes detached due to lack of Yin support, how can scattered Yang Qi be gathered without tonifying Yin? If Kidney Water fails due to lack of Fire warmth, how can nearly extinguished Yin essence revive without tonifying Fire? This illustrates the subtle interaction where Yin and Yang mutually support each other. Therefore, those skilled in tonifying Yang must seek Yang within Yin, so that Yang receives assistance from Yin, resulting in endless generation. Those skilled in tonifying Yin must seek Yin within Yang, so that Yin benefits from Yang's ascent, ensuring an inexhaustible source. Hence, I say: When distinguishing Yin and Yang based on Essence and Qi, Yin and Yang are inseparable; when distinguishing them based on Cold and Heat, they must not be confused. This refers to the separation and union of pathogenic and righteous factors. Thus, for cases of Yang deficiency with cold predominance, sweet-warm tonics are appropriate, while cooling-moistening agents are unsuitable. For cases of Yin deficiency with heat predominance, sweet-cool tonics are appropriate, while acrid-dry agents are contraindicated. Knowing what is suitable and what to avoid allows one not only to apply tonification correctly but also to comprehend the principles underlying all Eight Arrays.