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Severe diseases in the world are surpassed by none other than Wind (Zhongfeng), Consumption (Lao), Distension (Gu), and Dysphagia (Ge). However, there are always patterns to be found in treating these four categories. For instance, Wind diseases are divided into only two types: True Wind Stroke (Zhenzhong, stroke caused by direct invasion of external wind pathogens) and Resembling Wind Stroke (Leizhong, stroke-like syndrome caused by internal deficiency of Qi and Blood). True Wind is extremely rare, with few treatment methods; Resembling Wind is merely a deficiency of Qi and Blood. Therefore, Zhang Jingyue feared that people might mistake this condition for Wind and specifically established a category called "Non-Wind." Ultimately, its treatment method consists solely of greatly tonifying Qi and Blood.

Consumption (Lao, chronic deficiency syndrome), although considered difficult to treat, involves merely identifying which aspect—Yin-Yang, Water-Fire, Qi-Blood, Congenital Essence, or Acquired Foundation—is deficient and tonifying it accordingly. Distension (Gu, abdominal distension with fluid accumulation) has distinct methods for driving out water and regulating Qi, while Dysphagia (Ge, difficulty swallowing and chest obstruction) relies on methods to moisten dryness and nourish Blood. Only when it comes to Epidemic Diseases (Yi), changes are unpredictable, and symptoms are manifold, like a divine dragon that cannot be grasped. Clinicians must not overlook this point.

Plague (Wenyi) is relatively easier to treat; once the Exterior or Interior pattern is identified, the general principle is grasped. Even if complicated symptoms arise, such as macules (Ban), sweating (Han), or jaundice (Huang), they are easy to manage. Even miscellaneous epidemics, such as various Plagues (Wen), Sha Syndrome (Sha), and Zheng Syndrome (Zheng), each have specific therapies and are relatively easy to treat. However, in the Yisi year, the ailments suffered by the people were not bizarre diseases, but simply dysentery (Liji), diarrhea (Xiexie), and abdominal distension and pain (Fuzhang Tongtong)—what could be more treatable? Unexpectedly, using the usual methods for these diseases resulted in half being ineffective. Sometimes two or three people suffered from the same symptom, yet the treatments differed; what worked for one person was ineffective for another. Or, a person recovered from a certain illness only to relapse, requiring a different treatment method; what worked previously was ineffective subsequently. Unless one possesses keen insight and discernment to perceive subtle details, how can everyone be saved?

This is because one must deeply understand the annual influences of Si Tian and Zai Quan (factors governing climate in Chinese medical astrology), the distinction between Zheng Qi (Correct Qi/Normal Climate) and Ke Qi (Guest Qi/Abnormal Climate), the subtleties of Wu Yun Liu Qi (Five Movements and Six Qi theory), and the variations of Yin-Yang across the four seasons. Whether due to extreme drought causing dry heat and vexation, or continuous rain causing cold-dampness stagnation, sudden cold or warmth, fleeting sunshine or gloom, bias in the Seven Emotions (Qi Qing), deviant desires of the Six Desires (Liu Yu), differences in constitution among the old, young, strong, and weak, or divergent paths of the rich, noble, poor, and humble—all require careful investigation into principles. Combined with Observation, Auscultation/Olfaction, Inquiry, and Palpation (Wang Wen Wen Qie), detailed analysis ensures no disease remains hidden and prescriptions are not issued arbitrarily. Treatment methods vary infinitely, adapting to circumstances, defying verbal description. Thus, Zhang Zhongjing stated: "Epidemics cannot be treated with pre-determined formulas; their arrival has no fixed pattern." This statement is profound. Can the category of Epidemic Diseases be exhausted by just 113 formulas! It depends on those attentive to this field to comprehend it spiritually and illuminate it.