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Whenever warm diseases manifest, there must be thirst and restlessness, distension in the hypochondrium, bitter taste in the mouth, aversion to heat but not aversion to cold. This clearly indicates that the pathogen originates from within, with no exterior syndrome (a pattern caused by external pathogens affecting the body surface). Although different meridians may be involved, the Shaoyang meridian is invariably affected first, as spring governs the wind element corresponding to Wood in the Five Elements.

Method 1: In cases of combined Shaoyang and Yangming diseases where interior syndromes (heat excess patterns involving internal organs) predominate, Chengqi Tang (Cathartic Decoction) is indicated.

Method 2: In cases of combined Three-Yang diseases (Taiyang, Yangming, and Shaoyang), Da Chaihu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction) or Shuangjie San (Double-Release Powder) may be used.

Method 3: If the Shaoyang meridian is invaded by an exogenous pathogen leading to disease, characterized by a wiry pulse, pain on both sides of the forehead, alternating chills and fever, and bitter taste, Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) should be modified by removing Renshen (Ginseng Root), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), and Banxia (Pinellia Tuber), and adding Gualou Gen (Trichosanthes Root). If vomiting is present, only remove Renshen.

Method 4: If the pulse is slightly tight, accompanied by aversion to cold and headache, Zhizi Chi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction) or Yi Yuan San (Benefit Origin Powder) added with Congbai (Scallion White), Douchi (Fermented Soybean), and Bohe (Mint Leaf) is suitable. If the heat is severe, Liangge San (Cool the Diaphragm Powder) is used, removing Dahuang (Rhubarb Root) and Poxiao (Mirabilite), and adding Congbai and Douchi.

Method 5: If the headache is excruciating as if the head were splitting, due to sudden contraction of exogenous pathogens, Gegen Congbai Tang (Kudzu and Scallion Decoction) is indicated. After dispersing the pathogen, Huangqin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction) should be administered.

Method 6: If the pulse is surging and rapid, with external fever and delirious speech, the heat resides in the Triple Burner; Sanhuang Shigao Tang (Three-Yellow and Gypsum Decoction) is indicated.

Method 7: For any syndrome requiring purgation, if the heat persists after purgation, or temporarily subsides and then returns, purgation may be repeated.

Method 8: If the heat continues after purgation, accompanied by a choppy pulse, sore throat, chest fullness, and profuse sweating, this indicates heat damaging the Blood level. Tingli Kujiu Tang (Descurainia and Vinegar Decoction) should be used to induce vomiting.

Method 9: If interior heat is extremely severe, with Yang pathogenic factors constrained internally, causing agitation without the ability to sweat, even if the indications for purgation are not fully met, Liangge San (Cool the Diaphragm Powder) is appropriate.

Method 10: If abdominal fullness, restlessness, and thirst are present with a deep and solid pulse, one of the three Chengqi Tang formulas should be selected. If the condition is critical, it should be combined with Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Coptis Detoxification Decoction).

Method 11: If latent pathogens in the Shaoyin meridian emerge in warm diseases, and are simultaneously exposed to Taiyang exogenous pathogens, this condition is called Fengwen (Wind-Warmth). The Yang pulse (Cun position) will be floating and slippery, and the Yin pulse (Chi position) will be soft and weak. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, bitter taste, and slight aversion to cold. Huangqin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction) added with Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Shigao (Gypsum) is indicated. Alternatively, use Congbai and Douchi first to release the exterior, followed by Huangqin Tang. In severe cases, Weirui Tang (Polygonatum Decoction) should be modified.

Method 12: Originally a Taiyang disease presenting with fever and thirst, if mistakenly treated with diaphoresis (sweating method), resulting in burning hot skin, this is also termed Fengwen (Wind-Warmth). The pulses at all positions (Yin and Yang) will be floating as described previously. Mahuang Shengma Tang (Ephedra and Asarum Decoction) should be used, removing Mahuang (Ephedra Herb), Shengma (Cimicifuga Rhizome), Jiang (Ginger), and Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome). Note: Regarding the Fengwen syndrome caused by erroneous diaphoresis, Zhang Zhongjing did not provide a formula because he considered it a simultaneous attack of Taiyang and Shaoyin, which is more dangerous than Lianggan (simultaneous invasion of Yin and Yang meridians) and has a very poor prognosis.