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[Edema due to Dampness] Taiyang disease (disease of the Taiyang channel) leads to deficient Qi invading the abdomen; food poisoning/toxic vapors cause swelling; diarrhea and dysentery lead to deficient Qi invading the abdomen.

Discussion: Although these four conditions manifest differently, they all arise from either deficiency or excess. "Dampness invasion" refers to the Spleen and Stomach being affected by cold-dampness for a long time, failing to transform and transport fluids, causing Qi to float to the limbs, head, and face, resulting in generalized edema. "Food toxic vapor" occurs when the Spleen and Stomach are damaged, leading to cold accumulation and toxic vapors stagnating in the epigastrium, allowing deficient pathogens to enter the abdomen and cause swelling. "Taiyang disease" causes swelling due to premature purgation, allowing pathogens to invade the abdomen while the body is deficient. Prolonged diarrhea and dysentery weaken the Spleen Qi, thereby causing edema. For the above conditions, one should first harmonize the Stomach Qi and tonify the Zang organs to make them substantial before eliminating the edema. First, administer Siwei Lizhong Wan (Four-Ingredient Regulating Middle Pill), reducing the dosage of Shengjiang (Prepared Ginger), and decocting together with Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) and Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex). If it is edema due to Taiyang disease, add Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus); if accompanied by wheezing, add Dansh dou (Sojae Semen Praeparatum). If it is edema due to diarrhea/dysentery, administer Zhengqi Tiaowei Tang (Righteous Qi Regulating Stomach Decoction). Once the Stomach Qi is strengthened, use Jiusheng Dan (Life-Saving Pill) to promote urination and reduce edema, which will then subside. Subsequently, regulate and tonify the Zang-Fu organs using Guanyin San (Guanyin Powder), which yields good and stable results, leading to natural recovery.

[Qi Deficiency Edema (also known as Qi Gu)] [Blood Deficiency Edema (also known as Blood Gu)] [Ying-Wei Dual Deficiency Edema (also known as Qi-Blood Gu)]

Discussion: Among pediatric diseases, edema/swelling is among the most critical. Predecessors have rarely provided exhaustive discussions on this. However, once swelling manifests, it is invariably due to disordered Ying and Wei circulation, weak Zang-Fu organs, qi stagnation, and flow into the hundred vessels, resulting in exterior-interior deficiency and chaotic interaction between pathogenic factors and healthy Qi. Abdominal distension is mostly caused by food toxicity, improper diet, specific injuries/illnesses, irregular eating habits, long-standing accumulation not transforming, and various deficiencies. The disease originates from deficiency. If indiscriminate purgatives are used, it leads to further deficiency upon existing deficiency, the root cannot be removed, and the condition worsens; this is termed a "ruined syndrome" or critical prognosis. A timid physician may hesitate to treat, while a mediocre physician may attack aggressively; both approaches are difficult to manage successfully. Wise physicians deliberate on the severity, and good physicians examine carefully. Even skilled practitioners must assess the appropriateness of treatment. For cases where pathogenic excess is suspected and diuresis is contraindicated, only the "Ta" method (settling/subduing Qi) should be used to calm the Qi. For cases where deficiency and excess are clearly distinguished, good prescriptions can revive the patient. By strictly adhering to medical principles and using precise, symptomatic medications, efficacy is achieved, and the patient remains safe.

For the above conditions, first administer Yingwei Yinzi (Ying-Wei Decoction), followed by Fenqi Yinzi (Separating Qi Decoction).

[Regulating and Tonifying Infant Qi and Blood, Resolving Disordered Ying-Wei] If there is generalized edema of the limbs, head, face, hands, and feet, progressing to wheezing and urgency, Yingwei Yinzi (Ying-Wei Decoction) is suitable.

Ingredients: Chuan Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Shu Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Baifuling (Poria), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma - Honey-fried), Baishaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus - ground, processed separately), Huangqi (Astragali Radix - honey-fried), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium).

Equal parts of the above ingredients, coarsely crushed. Take two qianbi (approx. 6-9g) per dose, decoct with one small cup of water until half remains, strain, and drink orally at any time.

Discussion: Ying refers to Blood, which flows warmly within the vessels; Wei refers to Qi, which harmonizes smoothly within the collaterals. Thus, Ying circulates inside the vessels, and Wei circulates outside the vessels. Yin and Yang remain peaceful, cycling endlessly without interruption since childhood, synchronized with respiration without any lag. Only then are the pulses harmonious and Qi smooth. If during respiration the pulse does not correspond to the breath, it indicates Qi deviation and stagnation, flowing into meridians and hiding in Zang-Fu organs. Deficient heat may cause carbuncles and sores; Excess heat in the back may cause ulcers and scabies. Moreover, if Ying and Wei suffer from Yin-Yang imbalance or hemiplegia-like weakness, the body easily contracts cold pathogens and becomes deficient. All diseases originate from here. This prescription is excellent; even for young children, it can be administered to secure the root, making Blood Ying and Qi Wei smooth and harmonious. Cold in Fu organs and deficiency in Zang organs are warmed and strengthened. Balance and correction occur naturally. When Yin-Yang are balanced and Qi-Pulses are substantial, this is called the work of a master physician.