Library

The Way of Medicine is closely related to the daily life of the people. Its principles are near and accessible, yet its practice is difficult. Therefore, in ancient times, physicians were given the title "Siming" (Guardian of Life). Since Zhang Zhongjing compiled one hundred and thirteen prescriptions, later sages inherited and expanded upon them. Consequently, decoction prescriptions surpassed acupuncture and stone therapy. Later, figures such as Liu Wansu (Hejian), Li Dongyuan, and Zhu Zhenheng (Danxi) rooted their learning in the sacred classics and elaborated on their personal insights. Students became increasingly immersed in this study, applying treatments based on prescriptions, while the methods of acupuncture and stone therapy gradually declined.

Mr. Jin Baosan from Wu (Jiangsu region), who practiced the medical arts of Huangdi and Qibo, was able to integrate and comprehend the *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot), *Su Wen* (Basic Questions), and Qin Yue Ren's (Bian Que's) *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues), varying his approach according to circumstances. With a sincere desire to aid the world, he was highly regarded and accepted by the scholar-official class. Recently, he obtained a book titled *Houke Zhenmi* (Secrets of Throat Surgery for the Pillow). In this book, acupuncture/stone therapy and herbal decoctions are applied simultaneously. Symptoms are carefully examined and illustrated, with details presented thoroughly. However, since no copies existed for transmission, he discussed this with Mr. Sun Yunzhai. Yunzhai took this responsibility upon himself, raised funds for printing (*Jiju*, woodblock carving), and placed this preface at the beginning.

I hold that the throat receives Qi and connects with the harmony of Heaven; the pharynx receives food and connects with the way of Earth. The epiglottis governs the upper part, controlling opening and closing. It is truly the pathway for the respiration and entry/exit of the Heart, Lungs, Liver, and Kidneys, and the channel for voice production and breathing. This relationship to life and death is extremely weighty. Ancestors have said: Swelling of the pharynx belongs to Phlegm; Houfeng (Wind-Throat, an acute throat condition) belongs to Fire. The treatment method should be to dispel Wind and resolve Phlegm, clear Heat, and relieve stagnation, thereby avoiding errors. If pungent and dispersing herbs are suddenly administered, they will fan the flames of Wind and Fire, inevitably leading to increased swelling, ulceration, and burning. The Yin and Yang collaterals will lose their nourishment, becoming incurable.

Now, observing this book, it integrates symptoms and etiology, listing key treatments in an orderly manner. It disentangles complex and ambiguous cases with meticulous precision, allowing one to grasp the therapeutic method at a glance. What benefit does this bring to the daily lives of the people? And what is the value of acupuncture/stone therapy supplementing herbal decoctions? Indeed, it is fitting that this book spreads rapidly without legs and is revered by all as a precious treasure kept close to the pillow.

Nevertheless, Yin and Yang interconnect like a ring without end. Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) circulates within the vessels, while Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) circulates outside the vessels. If the understanding of pulse patterns is occasionally confused, who can penetrate the walls (see inside the body) and serve as the standard for judgment? The depth of disease, the root and branch of treatment, and the selection of established prescriptions—can they achieve miraculous effects? The subtle guidance provided by the physician lies in the hands of those who are good at reading and studying.

Written by Ying Baoshi of Yongkang in the first month of the spring season of the year Wuchen, the 7th year of the Tongzhi reign.