Library

Dai Ren (Zhang Congzheng) stated in his book that according to the *Neijing* (Classic of Internal Canon), acupuncture for Leprosy (Lai Feng, leprosy-like disease) for two hundred days can cause eyebrows to regrow; its effect is equivalent to diaphoresis (inducing sweating). If herbs are unavailable, using only acupuncture, one session of inducing sweating can equal the effect of a thousand needle treatments. Therefore, Gongong Gaofeng once used Ping (Poria Cocos / Floating Duckweed, specifically referring to *Salviniae Herba* or similar floating plants in this context, often interpreted as *Salvia* or *Marsilea* in historical texts, but literally "Ping" usually refers to *Salviniae Herba* or *Azolla*, here likely *Salviniae Herna* or similar diaphoretic herb) to treat Paralysis Wind (Tanhuan Feng, wind-stroke with paralysis) by inducing sweating, achieving a cure. Zhang Zhubo suffered from Leprosy for over ten years. Dai Ren said, "If there is sweat on the feet, it is curable; diaphoresis should be induced." His sweat had an offensive odor, and his saliva was fishy. Thus, he was placed in an Ao Shi (warm chamber) and administered San Sheng San (Three Saints Powder) to induce vomiting. Sweat covered his whole body as if he were lying in water; the sweat indeed smelled foul, and the phlegm was as fishy as fish saliva. There was slight sweating on the soles of the feet. Subsequently, Zhou Che Wan (Boat Vehicle Pill) and Xuan Chuan San (Xuan Chuan Powder) were used to purge, resulting in five to seven bowel movements. Repeating this several times led to recovery. Another patient suffered from Wind Disease, with a black complexion, incessant scratching, loss of eyebrows, and severe bleeding from the face like ink. Bloodletting was performed three times until the blood color changed. Needles were arranged from the forehead to the chin, both upper and lower, every other day, continuing for more than twenty days before stopping.

Commentary: This discussion indicates that in the *Neijing*, acupuncture is equivalent to diaphoresis, and bloodletting is also equivalent to diaphoresis. However, since Li Zheng (Leprosy) resides in the meridians and the exterior, acupuncture and diaphoresis are appropriate. Because evil blood stagnates, bloodletting is appropriate, either at the site of swelling or at Weizhong (BL-40). Furthermore, since the intestines and stomach contain filth and parasitic accumulations, purgation is appropriate. Generally, these methods all serve to vent the toxic heat of pathogens from the interior and exterior, and from the qi and blood.

The *San Yin Fang* describes Leprosy as the "evil disease" mentioned in the *Suwen: Feng Lun* (Wind Treatise). Although named "Wind," it is not necessarily caused solely by external wind. Mostly, it results from excessive desires and labor causing qi and blood dysfunction, where heat rises and induces sweating, yet exposure to pathogenic wind, cold, and dampness is not avoided. This allows pernicious qi to interfere with defensive qi (Wei Qi), leading to ulceration and decay of muscles and skin, and collapse of the nasal bridge. As stated in the *Qianjin Fang*, this is due to one's own unrighteous and vile actions; although there may be words of regret, there is no heart of repentance, which accurately reflects the situation. However, there are cases of contagion. Investigating the etiology, these are not internal or non-internal causes, but result from external factors. Treatment must deduce the specific cause. Causes involving wind, cold, dampness, and heat combined with labor, diet, and contagion are distinctly different. If one universally uses wind-dispelling purgatives, it would be a mistake.

Commentary: The statement that although named "Wind," it is not necessarily caused by wind is sound. This disease is mostly caused by accumulation of toxins from desires and diet. Due to the filthy and terrifying nature of the symptoms, it cannot help but be called "Wind." Regarding the theory of contagion, it may exist in the world, but if it is merely transmitted through the bloodline, diet, residence, and odors of a family, and the patient has no internal heat or accumulated toxins, infection cannot occur.