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Investigating the principles, there are many types of causes and varying degrees of severity; how can one make a definitive statement?

It is discussed that "Li" (dysentery) is synonymous with "Li" (diarrhea/flux). This disease cannot form without accumulation (food stagnation); once the accumulation transforms into dysentery, the Spleen and Stomach are already deficient, so purgative methods should not be used again. A skilled practitioner treats dysentery by nourishing Stomach Qi, warming the Spleen, thickening the intestines, and harmonizing Qi; thus, no case remains untreatable. If dysentery has formed, it must not be purged. Purging will instead cause deficiency, leading to thirst, edema, epigastric fullness, abdominal distension and urgency, and anorexia. One must not immediately tonify, as tonification can exacerbate heat, leading to rectal prolapse. Instead, all toxic foods should be prohibited, and frequent administration of herbs that nourish Stomach Qi and regulate Qi is required. If the stool is red or white, this indicates imbalance of cold and heat, or dampness caused by summerheat; in such cases, Yin and Yang Qi should be differentiated and regulated, and the pathways of water and grain should be cleared. If tenesmus is present, the intestines should be thickened and moistened; if abdominal pain is present, the internal organs should be harmonized and warmed. If the discharge is purely white, it is due to accumulated cold-toxin; the toxin should be expelled first, followed by warming the Spleen and Stomach, after which the dysentery will cease naturally. Any patient with dysentery who can eat may be cured; with appropriate medicinal regulation, recovery is assured. If Stomach Qi is slightly damaged and eating is impossible, the condition is named "Jin Kou Li" (Forbidden Mouth Dysentery); some patients die from inability to eat. Additionally, toxic vapors invading the stomach gate may also cause anorexia. Or, if dysentery occurs due to consuming toxic substances, accompanied by frequent dripping of bright red blood from the anus, a wide and deep black anal opening which is terrifying, abdominal pain, and tenesmus, it is called "Gua Chang Li" (Scraping Intestine Dysentery). If it occurs frequently day and night, with food passing straight through without retention, it is called "Hua Chang Li" (Slippery Intestine Dysentery). These three types of dysentery are the most malignant conditions, capable of developing from any of the twenty-two types of dysentery. When referring to children's diet, "Yin" refers to drinking milk, and "Shi" refers to eating rice. If during illness, the child desires water or soups, or likes fruits, fish, and meat, these still aid deficiency and do not consolidate the internal organs. Only well-cooked, soft white rice is suitable. Sticky and indigestible foods further burden the Spleen and Stomach. Infants suckling milk digest it gradually, leading to peace; when the Five Viscera are harmonious and the Six Bowels are balanced, Yin and Yang become even, and Qi and pulses strengthen. Pill and powder formulas (Yang agents) need not be suppressed. If residual toxins remain, gentle regulation and support should be employed rather than aggressive attack. Furthermore, epidemic qi may induce dysentery through contagion, caused by irregular weather changes where dampness interacts with cold and heat, preventing the proper aggregation of intestinal waste, thus causing the disease. For abdominal pain and tenesmus unresponsive to other medicines, Muxiang (Costus Root), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), Diyü (Sanguisorba Root), Chuan Danggui (Angelica Sinensis), and Baishao (White Peony Root) should be administered. Doukou (Cardamom) is powdered and taken with steamed Wumei (Mume Fruit) flesh and Jujube decoction, 30–50 pills the size of sesame seeds, adjusted according to the condition.