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The works of Zhang Zhongjing originally consisted of sixteen volumes, yet only ten volumes are currently transmitted in the world. Could it be that the category of epidemic diseases and rashes (Yi Zhen) is also among those lost? This has led to numerous conflicting theories in later generations. It was not until Liu Hejian proposed the theory of clearing heat and detoxifying (Qing Re Jie Du), demonstrating profound insight and unique understanding, with principles that were both subtle and far-reaching, that a solid foundation was laid. However, later practitioners failed to expand upon this theory and instead regarded it as biased. *Feng Shi Jin Nang* also stated: "Rashes and macules should not be treated with diaphoresis (Fa Biao)." This can be considered a theory of great centrality and correctness. Alas, its essence was not fully elucidated, leaving later generations unsure of what to follow. Yu Yuke's differentiation of epidemics was very detailed. For instance, regarding headache, fever, and aversion to cold, one must not mistake them for exterior syndromes of Cold Damage (Shang Han) and forcibly induce sweating, which would merely damage the exterior Qi. If the heat does not subside, purgation should not be used, as it would merely damage Stomach Qi. These words have grasped the subtleties. However, his assertion that epidemic Qi enters through the mouth and nose, bypassing the Stomach to transmit to the Membrane Source (Mo Yuan), seems flawed. The use of Da Yuan Yin and various Cheng Qi Decoctions for three purgations still carries an element of forced association with exterior-interior relationships. Only Xiong Nen Zhao's *Re Yi Zhi Yan* first employed Baidu San to remove the "claws and teeth" (the support of the pathogen), followed by Jiegeng Tang acting as a carrier agent (Zhou Ji) to treat pathogenic heat in the chest-diaphragm area and the Hand Six Meridians. Since the Hand and Foot Shaoyang meridians pass below the diaphragm and connect to the chest, and the San Jiao Qi belongs to Fire, traveling with Ministerial Fire throughout the exterior of the body, the diaphragm and the Six Meridians occupy the highest positions. These floating and lifting agents are also high-positioned prescriptions; applied within the formless realm, they retreat the heat of the chest-diaphragm and Six Meridians according to their height, truly being excellent formulas. Wang's commentary notes: Baidu San seems not entirely appropriate and should be used with caution. I now adopt his method, removing Mang Xiao (Mirabilite) and Huang Lian/Rhubarb (here implied as Da Huang, Rhubarb Root and Tuber, though text says 硝黄 usually Mirabilite and Rhubarb), because Heat Epidemic involves formless toxic pathogens, which cannot withstand猛烈 (fierce) medicines. By heavily using Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum), entering directly into the Lung and Stomach, we first destroy the nest of harm, making the ailments of the Twelve Meridians easy to pacify. This has been repeatedly tested and verified; let the discerning observe.

Rashes originate from the Stomach. Ancients said: If heat has not entered the Stomach but purgatives are used, heat enters the empty Stomach, causing macules (Ban). If heat has already entered the Stomach and purgatives are not used promptly, heat cannot escape, also causing macules. This refers to Cold Evil transforming into Heat, resulting from erroneous or missed purgation. If epidemic rash occurs without prior diaphoresis or purgation, and heat manifests within a day, I therefore state that Heat Epidemics present with macules and rashes, whereas Cold Damage does not. The later the macules and rashes of Heat Epidemic appear, the heavier the toxicity. If they appear immediately upon illness onset, it is because the Stomach was originally not deficient; accidentally contracting epidemic evil, it cannot enter the Stomach, just as a high and thick wall with tight doors prevents intruders from entering. This is what Yu Yuke called reaching the Membrane Source. If they remain unmanifested after four or five days, it is either due to Stomach deficiency and deep toxin absorption, or excessive diaphoresis and purgation. The Stomach is the Sea of the Twelve Meridians; all Twelve Meridians above and below pay homage to the Stomach. The Stomach can distribute nutrients to the Twelve Meridians, nourishing the hundred bones, penetrating every hair follicle. Once the toxin enters the Stomach, it inevitably distributes to the Twelve Meridians, harming the hundred bones. If its blazing intensity is not suppressed, the hundred bones will suffer roasting; how could it not be critical? Since epidemics are termed toxins, their nature as Fire is evident. The harm caused by Fire is great: Earth scorches when meeting it, Metal melts, Wood burns, and Water dries up if it cannot overcome it. Thus, the *I Ching* states: "Nothing dries the myriad things more than Fire." The ancients called it the thief of Original Qi. From this, we know that Fire is the root of rashes, and rashes are the sprouts of Fire. If you wish for the sprouts to emerge outwardly, how can they flourish without nourishing the root? Diaphoresis on a blazing flame is like wind fanning fire; will the flames not become more intense? The more intense the flames, the more suppressed the sprouts. Deaths from rashes due to diaphoresis are common. Those who survive diaphoresis belong to categories like Measles (Ma Zhen) or Wind Rash (Feng Zhen). Some say rashes are treatable but macules are difficult to treat; this likely refers to epidemic rashes as macules! Why are epidemic rashes difficult to treat? It is simply that people do not know how to apply this method.