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In the course of epidemic febrile diseases, some patients are able to eat from beginning to end; this indicates that the pathogenic factor has not transmitted to the Stomach. Under no circumstances should their diet be strictly prohibited, though overeating should be avoided. In some cases, several days after recovery, the patient experiences slight thirst, mild fever, and loss of appetite. This is due to slight residual pathogens remaining in the Stomach and the weakness of the healthy Qi (Zhengqi). Forcing food upon them will lead to "food relapse" (recurrence of illness caused by improper diet). If, one day after purgative treatment, the patient desires food and finds it palatable, food should be provided. Start with a small cup of rice water, gradually increasing to the amount of a tea bowl, then slowly advance to thin congee. Do not allow the patient to eat to fullness; feed again when hungry. If sudden acid regurgitation occurs and food suddenly tastes bland, this indicates injury to the Stomach Qi. Grain intake should be suspended for one day. Once the Stomach Qi recovers and the desire to eat returns, resume the gradual advancement method. In some cases, more than ten days after recovery, the pulse is calm, the body is cool, and both exterior and interior are harmonious, yet there is still no desire to eat. This signifies that the Middle Jiao Qi has not yet revived. Provide congee or soup to guide the Stomach Qi; once grain is ingested, the desire to eat and hunger will return. If there is prolonged lack of appetite, administer a decoction of one qian of Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to slightly awaken the Stomach Qi. Once the desire to eat suddenly appears, discontinue further administration.

For cases of irritability, thirst, and desire to drink, provide fluids according to the patient's capacity. If excessive drinking leads to a sensation of water stagnating beneath the heart, this is termed "fluid retention" (Ting Yin); Si Ling San (Four-Ingredient Powder) is most appropriate. If extreme thirst drives the patient to desire ice water or frozen beverages, these may be given in moderation regardless of the season. Since internal heat is at its peak, cold beverages are highly suitable for relief. If the patient can drink one sheng, provide only half a sheng; it is better to allow them to drink again after a short interval. Pear juice, lotus root juice, sugarcane syrup, and watermelon can all serve as emergency supplies. If the patient does not desire cold drinks, switch to boiling hot water until they no longer wish to drink, indicating that the Stomach Qi has harmonized.

Si Ling Tang Formula: Fu Ling (Poria, 2 qian), Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome, 1.5 qian), Zhu Ling (Polyporus, 1.5 qian), Chen Pi (Citrus Reticulata Peel, 1 qian).
Decoct with long-flowing water. The ancient formula Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder) includes Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) because in Taiyang Wind Strike syndrome, the exterior pattern has not resolved, and the pathogen has entered the Bladder. Si Ling San is used to promote urination, while Gui Zhi is added to resolve the exterior pathogen, forming a dual-resolution strategy. This is analogous to Shaoyang pathogen transmitting to the Stomach, treated with Da Chai Hu Tang to unblock both exterior and interior. Currently, people use Gui Zhi merely upon seeing difficulty in urination; how is this different from a deaf person attempting to distinguish musical tones? The Stomach itself is not diseased, which is why Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) is used in ancient formulas to strengthen the Middle Jiao. It is omitted here because epidemic pathogens have transmitted to the Stomach causing thirst; Bai Zhu has a cloying nature, and using it might exacerbate excess conditions ("filling excess with excess"). Chen Pi is added to harmonize the Middle and regulate Qi.