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Vomiting and Retraction of the Scrotum

The Jueyin (Jueyin, 厥阴) channel is governed by the Wind-Wood qi. The Hand Jueyin Pericardium transforms into Ministerial Fire (Xianghuo, 相火) within the context of Wind-Wood. In health, Wood qi flows freely to generate warmth; in disease, Fire qi becomes stagnant and generates heat. Since Jueyin Yi-Wood originally embodies Ding-Fire, the Jueyin channels are most prone to heat pathologies. In epidemic febrile diseases (Wenbing, 瘟病), Wei (Defensive) closure obstructs Ying (Nutritive) blood, causing Ying stagnation and subsequent fever. As Ying blood resides in the Liver, during deep winter when Fire qi leaks outward, Ying blood is already damaged and turbulent. If contracted in spring or summer with Wei closure and Ying obstruction, blood-heat becomes even more severe. The Foot Jueyin Liver Channel ascends from the foot to the chest, runs along the lateral aspect of the body, circles the genitalia, and connects with the Liver; thus, it presents with vexation, fullness, and retraction of the scrotum. The Ministerial Fire of the Hand Jueyin fans the Wind of the Foot Jueyin; wind aids fire, intense flames scorch and press upon Ying blood, leading to desiccation and death. Treatment should clear and disperse the skin and hair, vent the blazing Ministerial Fire, and nourish the dryness of Wind-Wood. Canglin Dan (Canglin Decoction) is the primary formula.

Canglin Dan: Treats Jueyin vexation, scrotal retraction, fever, and thirst.
* *Poria Cocos* (Fuping, 浮萍) - 2 qian
* *Rehmanniae Radix Preparata* (Shengdi, 生地) - 4 qian
* *Paeoniae Radix Alba* (Shaoyao, 芍药) - 2 qian
* *Angelicae Sinensis Radix* (Danggui, 当归) - 2 qian, washed with wine
* *Moutan Cortex* (Danpi, 丹皮) - 2 qian
* *Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma* (Gancao, 甘草) - 5 fen
* *Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens* (Shengjiang, 生姜) - 2 qian

Decoct with flowing water until half a cup remains. Take hot, then cover with clothing to induce sweating.

Eruptions on the Jueyin Channel

When epidemic pathogens transmit to the Jueyin channel, evil heat becomes extreme. If Wood qi is flourishing and blood flows smoothly, meridians and zang-fu organs are moistened, and Ying-heat cannot transmit internally. After traversing all six channels without another outlet, the accumulated heat erupts externally as red macules. If Ying deficiency prevents eruption, and macules appear late with purple-black coloration, it indicates destruction of Ying blood, often resulting in untreatable conditions. Treatment should release the exterior and cool the blood to allow Ying-heat to dissipate; Canglin Dan is also indicated here.

Wu Youke’s use of Daren Yin (Daren Decoction) for plague was excellent. However, recovery from plague ultimately depends on resolution through sweating. Often, after purgation, spontaneous sweating still occurs, indicating that plague requires diaphoresis, which may be urgent. I considered that nothing surpasses Fuping (*Poria Cocos*) for inducing sweat in plague. Its nature is cool and dispersing, entering the Lung Channel, reaching the skin, and inducing sweat more powerfully than Mahuang (*Ephedrae Herba*). This is well-documented in materia medica. I occasionally used it to treat plague with consistent efficacy. Later, I consulted Huang Yuqiu, an old physician from Beihai, whose views aligned closely with mine. After years of successful application, I dared to record this in writing. I added treatment methods for the Three Yin channels to supplement what Youke omitted. Yet, medicine relies on intuition. These are merely guidelines. Having the formula does not guarantee the disease matches it. Divine understanding depends entirely on the practitioner.