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Answer: Diseases have a root (Ben) and a branch (Biao). The pathogenic factor is the root, while the seasonal climate is the branch. Using cold herbs to treat follows the branch but deviates from the root; using hot herbs treats according to the root but contradicts the branch. Therefore, one should not follow merely the root or the branch, but adopt "middle treatment" (Zhong Zhi). Middle treatment involves using warm herbs. However, warm herbs cannot rescue severe cold diseases, so Ginger (Sheng Jiang) and Aconite (Fu Zi) should not be used. If Ginger and Aconite are used, it is no longer considered "warm treatment." Otherwise, one should follow the principle of "stopping when more than half of the pathogen is eliminated." When the pulse returns to four beats per respiration (normal rate), the remaining symptoms will resolve naturally in accordance with the season. Even if Ginger and Aconite are used, this still falls under the category of middle treatment; if it were not warm, what would it be? The Classics state: "When using hot remedies, avoid hot seasons." Although using them inappropriately might seem contrary, resolving the primary pathogen through treatment is also consistent with medical principles.

In the southeast regions, Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄) is used to open the interstices (Cou Li) and induce sweating. In the northwest regions, Cinnamon Twig Decoction (Guizhi Tang, 桂枝汤) is used to close the interstices and stop sweating.

[Diagram of Formulas for Coughs According to Zang-Fu Organs]
Chronic cough that does not heal affects the San Jiao (Triple Burner). The presentation includes coughing, abdominal fullness, and loss of appetite. This occurs because phlegm-fluids accumulate in the Stomach and affect the Lung, causing excessive nasal discharge and saliva, facial edema, and rebellious Qi. Yi Gong San (Isolated Efficacy Powder) by Qian Yi can be used.

[Diagram of Malaria Syndromes and Formulas]
Malaria arises when Summerheat (Shu) lingers between the Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) levels, and is triggered by Wind-Cold in autumn. There are also cases not caused by Summerheat complicated by Wind-Cold. When the pathogen merges with Yang, fever occurs, and drinking water cannot cool it; when it merges with Yin, chills occur, and fire cannot warm it. When merged, the disease manifests; when separated, it ceases, hence the periodicity. If in Qi, onset is early; if in Blood, onset is late. If shallow, it occurs daily; if deep, every other day. It may manifest in the head and neck, back, or waist and spine. Regardless of location, it often relates to the Taiyang (Greater Yang) channel. Manifestations in the limbs are due to Wind pathogen invasion, occurring at the site of injury, not necessarily only at Fengfu (GV16). Chills preceding fever is called Cold Malaria (Han Nue); fever preceding chills is called Warm Malaria (Wen Nue). These two types should not be treated solely by manipulating Water or Fire, but via middle treatment, which corresponds to Shaoyang (Lesser Yang). Thirst indicates Dryness predominance; lack of thirst indicates Dampness predominance. Although Malaria originates from Summerheat, its occurrence in autumn contradicts the nature of Summerheat. Autumn has severe cold, often involving Taiyang; winter cold is mild, with less Yang contention; spring onset involves aversion to wind; summer onset involves profuse sweating, all indicating Shaoyang deficiency. The disease presents differently across seasons. Some contracts pathogens in winter but manifests in summer, with pathogens lodging in the Kidney (Foot-Shaoyin); some lodge in the Heart, with inherent internal heat affecting the Lung (Hand-Taiyin), presenting with shortness of breath, vexation, heat in hands and feet, and vomiting. Only fever without chills is called Bi Malaria, relating to Foot-Yangming. How to treat? Do not attack forcefully when the pathogen is strong, lest you damage healthy Qi; treat when the pathogen is declining, and success is assured. Yi Lao's Treatise on Malaria provides comprehensive treatment methods.