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The methods for treating phlegm: In cases where the disease is not initially wind-stroke and the phlegm-qi is not severe, one must never speculate that it is phlegm. To recklessly use phlegm-resolving drugs is a major taboo. If indeed there is excessive phlegm-saliva filling the chest and diaphragm, such that even decoctions and food cannot be taken in, then one must first open the phlegm obstruction to restore the pathway for medicine and food. The method for opening phlegm obstruction is vomiting, which is the most rapid. Ancient formulas such as Dusheng San (Single Miracle Powder), Chatiao San (Tea Regulation Powder), and Xixian San (Thin Saliva Powder) belong to this category of phlegm-vomiting agents. However, one must fear that if the primordial qi is severely deficient, the patient cannot withstand such harsh and penetrating substances. It may be more appropriate to use newly formulated vomiting methods, or to employ Niuhuang Wan (Calculus Bovis Pill) or Baolong Wan (Embracing Dragon Pill). As long as the throat's qi pathway becomes unobstructed and the patient can take fluids, stop immediately. Do not exhaustively attack the phlegm, causing critical distress; this requires utmost caution. Therefore, when treating phlegm, one must observe whether attack is feasible before applying treatment, thus avoiding errors. If the patient has fixed eyes, clenched teeth, limb stiffness and urgency, red face, and strong physical resistance, although unconsciousness is present, it is still treatable. First, use a coarse tendon-like tool to pry open the mouth, then hold the jaw firmly with a solid brush handle. Slowly pour in weak ginger-salt water. Then insert the middle and index fingers into the throat to gently induce vomiting. If fingers cannot enter, using a goose feather dipped in fluid to probe and induce vomiting is also acceptable. After several such attempts, if vomiting occurs and the airway clears, the patient will gradually regain consciousness. Subsequently, administer medication according to suitability. This is the method for treating excess phlegm stagnation.

One: If signs of death are already present, yet rattling phlegm sounds are heard in the throat, vomiting is of no benefit and should not be performed. If phlegm-qi is extremely abundant but cannot be vomited, it is also an untreatable condition. Furthermore, for those with severe deficiency of form and qi, vomiting methods are contraindicated; these are all cases where attack is prohibited.

One: When the clinical presentation is established and phlegm-qi is not severe, do not treat the phlegm at all. One should only regulate qi and blood, and gradual recovery will occur naturally. If phlegm-saliva remains unclear, the method for treating phlegm must distinguish between deficiency and excess. If qi is not significantly deficient, and phlegm is generated due to cold or dampness, Liu'an Jian (Six-Safe Decoction) or Erchen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction) should be used as main formulas. For phlegm caused by fire, Qingge Yin (Clear Diaphragm Infusion) along with Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) and Tongbian (Child's Urine) are suitable; for severe fire, Chouxin Yin (Draw Firewood Infusion) is the main formula. For spleen deficiency accompanied by vomiting and excessive phlegm, Liujunzi Tang (Six-Gentlemen Decoction) or Wuwei Yigong San (Five-Ingredient Extraordinary Merit Powder) are indicated. For insufficient yin qi, with excessive phlegm, dryness, and cough, Jinshui Liujun Jian (Metal-Water Six-Gentlemen Decoction) is used. For yin deficiency leading to water flooding and forming phlegm, Liuwei Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill) or Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) should be used酌情 (as appropriate). Making them into decoctions is also excellent. For spleen and kidney yang deficiency and cold, failing to transform and transport, leading to phlegm, there is no need to simultaneously treat phlegm-qi; instead, warming and tonifying the root is appropriate. For deficiency of middle qi, Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) or Wenwei Yin (Warm Stomach Infusion); for yin insufficiency, Liyin Jian (Nourish Yin Decoction) is best.

One: Xue Lizhai stated: If spleen qi is damaged, and phlegm lodges in the middle jiao, blocking the clear pathways, thereby causing various diseases in the four limbs and hundred bones, the proper approach is primarily to strengthen spleen qi, supplemented by treating phlegm. Thus, middle qi becomes robust and phlegm-saliva transforms naturally. Without Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) or Renshen Baizhu Erchen Tang (Ginseng Atractylodes Two-Aged Decoction), it cannot be treated. One must strictly avoid qi-moving and phlegm-resolving methods, as well as the Daocang therapy (Stomach Purging Method).