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In general, when decocting plasters, the utmost value lies in achieving a balance where the heat is neither too weak nor too strong, and the ingredients are properly combined.

(This plaster is suitable for cold-dampness in the lower jiao (lower burner) and conditions where both exterior and interior are cold; it is appropriate for all three yin syndromes. ○ For pure deficiency patterns, use Fuyang Tang (Support Yang Decoction); for patterns with mixed excess, use this plaster. ○ This plaster is effective for wind-cold-damp bi syndrome, injuries from falls and blows causing bone and tendon pain, and acts quickly to restore yang in yin syndromes. However, hot medicines often damage the lungs and deplete yin; since the heart belongs to the fire position, it should not be applied lightly. Even if cold evil affects the pericardium, caution must be exercised. ○ For ordinary cold patterns, simply use Jin Xian Gao (Golden Immortal Plaster) sprinkled with ginger and cinnamon powder; only use this plaster if the pattern is confirmed as yin-cold.)

It governs yin syndromes of Cold Damage:
Qiang Huo Tang (Notopterygium Decoction), Shen Mu San (Divine Wood Powder), Xiong Zhi Xiang Su Yin (Ligusticum, Angelica Dahurica, Cyperus, Perilla Decoction). The text mentions methods such as applying Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang) to the eyes, soaking with Cinnamon Twig Decoction (Guizhi Tang), spreading Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo) and Atractylodis Rhizoma (Cangzhu) on palms, sniffing Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong), rubbing Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu) on the back, fumigating the head and face with Perillae Folium (Zisu). The back corresponds to the Taiyang channel; the principle is the same internally and externally. By extension, rubbing the back with Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) is also acceptable. Subsequently transmitting to the Shaoyang Gallbladder channel, where the pathogen is half-exterior and half-interior, harmonization is indicated. Ancient methods used Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) and Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia), which can promote fluid metabolism and induce sweating; adding Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin) allows for resolution. The text records a method of rubbing Chaihu on the chest and back. The Yangming channel has channel and fu-organ aspects; channel patterns require clearing, so Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin) and Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao) can be rubbed on the chest. Fu-organ patterns require purging, as the Stomach fu-organ cannot heal without unblocking and draining; thus, Rheum Radix et Rhizoma (Dahuang) and Mirabilite (Mangxiao) added with Imperatae Rhizoma (Zhishi) etc. should be applied to the chest and abdomen. If there are concurrent or altered patterns, refer to the methods for concurrent and altered patterns in the text, and appropriately apply Jin Xian Gao, Qingyang Gao, Ziyin Gao, or Xingshui Gao, or decoct ancient formulas for rubbing, stir-frying, and warming. This plaster should not be used. ○ In Cold Damage, absence of fever but presence of aversion to cold indicates a yin pattern, often manifesting as cold limbs. Taiyin patterns often involve abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and no thirst; Shaoyin patterns often involve preferring to wrap oneself and lying curled up quietly; Jueyin patterns often involve cyanosis of fingernails and lips, and salivation. Taiyin belongs to the Spleen, which dislikes cold-dampness; only Dry Ginger (Ganjiang) and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) can dry dampness. Shaoyin belongs to the Kidney, which also dislikes cold-dampness; only Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) can warm yang. Jueyin belongs to the Liver, which stores blood and nourishes tendons; only Danggui (Angelica Sinensis) and warming middle-jiao herbs can moisten. Apply Taiyin plaster to the navel, Shaoyin plaster to the navel and opposite the navel (which is the Mingmen acupoint), and Jueyin plaster to the navel and below the navel (the location of the Liver). Following the above method, sprinkle Ganjiang and Baizhu for application, bind with a heated packet, or use Sini Tang (Four Reversal Decoction) ingredients, stir-frying Ganjiang and Fuzi to apply to cold areas like the back, arm pits, and knees. ○ False yang patterns present with red face and body heat but without irritability, drinking water that is immediately vomited. Apply plaster to the navel, then sprinkle Evodiae Fructus (Wuzhuyu) powder on the sole of the foot to guide heat downward. ○ This is the method of differentiating patterns and prescribing according to channels; the text also contains formulas for selection, and various patterns can be deduced accordingly. Cold invading the three yin.)

(Gradual injury is called "Shang" (injury), sudden invasion is called "Zhong" (strike). Although affecting the three yin, there is a difference between gradual and acute onset. Medical books state that if the stomach has accumulated cold, external cold breaks through the gates; since the Kidney is the gate of the Stomach, Zhonghan (Cold Strike) often occurs in the Shaoyin Kidney channel. It is also said that this is an emergency; when the whole body is affected by pathogens, it is difficult to distinguish channels, and only warming and tonifying are suitable. Without urgent rescue, death will ensue. ○ Initial symptoms of Zhonghan include no headache or fever, sudden aversion to cold and shivering, blue-green complexion, locked jaw, stiff limbs, or severe heart/abdominal pain leading to fainting. Use Wenwei Gao (Warm Stomach Plaster) on the heart region. This plaster is applied to the navel and opposite the navel, or additionally to the back and knees. First, rub with ginger juice and hot wine universally, or use Evodia steaming/warming, scallion cake warming, or moxibustion methods (formulas in text). Alternatively, follow Zhang Zhongjing's protocols: Taiyin uses Fuzi Lizhong Tang (Aconite and Poria Decoction), Shaoyin uses Fuzi Tang (Aconite Decoction), Jueyin uses Danggui Sini Tang (Angelica and Cinnamon Decoction) for rubbing and warming. Or follow Jie'an's treatment of three-yin cold reversal using Huiyang Jiujitang (Restore Yang Rescue Crisis Decoction - Liuzijunzi Tang plus Evodia, Aconite, Cinnamon, Schisandra, Ginger, Musk) or Wei Shi's Zhonghan Shufu Tang (Cold Strike Atractylodes and Aconite Decoction - Aconite, Ginger, Atractylodes plus Suhexiang Wan). One formula uses Musk, the other Suhexiang Pill, both particularly suitable for external therapy. Selecting ancient formulas for external application in this manner ensures effectiveness in rubbing, stir-frying, and warming. ○ For Zhonghan presenting with restlessness, heat, and thirst, do not use cooling medicines. Instead, use Fuzi Lizhong Tang or modified Lizhong Tang (Aconite, Ginseng, Atractylodes, Ginger, Licorice plus Evodia, Cinnamon, Angelica, Tangerine Peel, Magnolia Bark in equal parts, coarsely powdered, soaked in cold water or decocted and cooled, then wiped on the chest with cotton - a contrary treatment method). Further, follow the false yang pattern method: apply plaster to navel, sprinkle Evodia powder on soles to guide heat down. All false patterns are treated similarly; formulas are in the text. ○ Other cold-treating medicines: Ganjiang warms the middle and disperses exterior, suitable for vomiting, nausea, and no sweat; Fuzi restores yang everywhere, suitable for cold sweat and cold reversal. These two are key medicines for yin patterns in Cold Damage. Others include Yizhiren (Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit) tonifying the heart, Chuanwu (Aconitum Carmichaelii Lateral Root) warming the spleen, Roucou Ren (Myristica Seed) stopping diarrhea, Buguzhi (Psoralea Fruit) grasping qi and calming asthma, Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) resolving phlegm, Houpo (Magnolia Bark) dispersing fullness, Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) moving blood to limbs, Dingxiang (Clove) moving qi and stopping vomiting, Wuzhuyu and Pepper treating yin-pattern abdominal pain, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) opening stagnation, Congbai (Scallion White) unblocking yang, Baijiezǐ (White Mustard Seed) unblocking collaterals, Aiye (Mugwort Leaf) restoring nearly exhausted primordial yang. Ancient formulas use these; select as needed. Even a single herb can be effective.) Three-yin diseases deepening into Yin Du (Yin Toxin).

(Symptoms include cyanosis of face, lips, and nails, hardness under the heart, severe umbilical/abdominal pain, body feeling like being beaten, even unconsciousness. Apply Fahans Gao (Sweating Plaster) to the navel, then use Zhengyang San (Upright Yang Powder - Ephedra, Prepared Aconite, Ginger, Pinellia, Evodia, Stir-fried Rheum) for warming/ironing and binding to the navel. Using Ephedra and Rheum together promotes both sweating and purging, a very rapid method.) Miscellaneous Cold Strike.

(Internal injury from raw/cold food, external contraction of wind-cold, headache, fever, stiffness of neck/back, abdominal distension/pain, resembling Zhonghan but milder. Apply plaster to back and navel, use Wuji San (Five Accumulations Powder) to release exterior and warm interior, stir-fry/warm and bind. Ingredients: Angelica Sinensis, Chuanxiong, Angelica Dahurica, Tangerine Peel, Atractylodes, Magnolia Bark, Pinellia, Ephedra, Aurantium, Platycodon each 1 qian, Dried Ginger, Cinnamon Twig, Evodia each 0.5 qian, Licorice 0.3 qian, add Ginger and Jujube. For spontaneous sweating, remove Atractylodes and Ephedra; for cold sweat, add Aconite. This formula treats many patterns and can be modified. Add Qianghuo, Du Huo, Chaihu, Qianhu for cold-damp heaviness/limb pain; add Qianghuo, Caoguo, Chaihu, Huangqin, Shudi for chills/fever like malaria; add Qingpi, Qingmuxiang, remove Ephedra for liver deficiency hypochondriac pain; add Qianghuo, Du Huo, Niuxi, remove Ginger/Cinnamon for menstrual body pain; add Xiangfu, Huixiang, Jingjie, Fulonggan, remove Ephedra for deficiency-cold leukorrhea. These are all valid methods.) Male/Female Sexual Exhaustion Yin Patterns.

(Caused by chilling/eating cold after intercourse, leading to colicky abdominal pain. Apply plaster to back, navel, opposite navel, and knees. Or sprinkle Cinnamon, Clove, Evodia, Aconite, Pepper, Musk for application. Then warm Evodia, Scallion, Wheat Bran, Salt and apply to navel/bind. Or use White Mustard Seed and Yellow Lead Oxide mixed with vinegar/flour paste on abdomen/navel. If heat is unbearable, remove medicine and cool with wet green cloth. Or cut hen breast, spray with burning wine, apply to lower navel to cure. Retractile testicles resolve naturally; consult Jianyang formulas in text.) Yin Jaundice.

(Jaundice with dark color, cold body, spontaneous sweating. ○ Sprinkle Aconite, Ginger, Artemisia Capillaris powder on plaster, apply to navel. Warm/stir-fry another dose and bind.) Yin Edema.

(Water swelling, difficult urination, wheezing, deep pulse, cold thighs, or loose stools. Apply plaster to navel/opposite navel, or Pingwei San combined with Wuling San for warming. If Kidney deficiency fails to move water, use Guifu Bawei Wan plus Cheqianzi and Niuxi. If Spleen deficiency, use Shipi San (Atractylodes, Atractylodes Macrocephala, Magnolia Bark, Tsaoko Cardamom, Betel Nut Peel, Papaya, Aconite, Plantago Seed, Achyranthes, Costus Root, Fried Ginger). If True Fire deficiency and Earth weakness fail to control water, use Weishi Fuyuan Dan (Atractylodes, Magnolia Bark, Actaea, Evodia, Official Cinnamon, Costus Root, Fennel, Sichuan Pepper, Myristica, Tangerine Peel, Areca Seed each 1 qian, Aconite 2 qian, Alisma 3 qian). Decoct/rub or warm/bind.) Cold Distension.

(Abdominal fullness, soft/reducing, vomiting/diarrhea/cold limbs, belonging to Spleen/Stomach deficiency-cold. Sprinkle Dried Ginger, Processed Magnolia Bark, Official Cinnamon powder into plaster, apply to navel. Or use Wenwei Gao/Jianpi Gao on chest/navel. This plaster on opposite navel, or use ancient Wenwei Tang ingredients (Prepared Aconite, Dried Ginger, Magnolia Bark, Pinellia, Tangerine Peel, Angelica, Sichuan Pepper each 1 qian) stir-fry/warm. For heart/abdominal stabbing pain/diarrhea, use Shunqi San ingredients (Atractylodes, Magnolia Bark, Qingpi, Chenpi, Amomum, Clove, Costus Root, Galangal, Dried Ginger, Fennel each 1 qian, 3 slices Ginger, 1 Jujube) stir-fry/warm. Both formulas suit Spleen/Stomach deficiency-cold, or use Danxi Zhongman Fenxiao Tang warm/bind.) Cold Diarrhea.

(Qi deficiency sudden diarrhea, cold sweat, thready pulse, emergency. Also use Fried Ginger, Aconite, Alpinia, Clove powder sprinkled on plaster at navel/opposite navel, bind with Mugwort. Sit on 1 jin of Mugwort or bind knees to soles. For chronic Spleen/Kidney deficiency-cold diarrhea, sprinkle plaster as above, or warm Star Anise, Myristica, Evodia, Psoralea, Schisandra. ○ Ordinary cold-induced diarrhea: apply Jin Xian Gao plus Official Cinnamon, Plantago, Atractylodes warm/bind.) Cold Dysentery.

(Pure white discharge, long duration with cold accumulation. Use Baren Lingzhi Fang or Baren Huangla Fang from text, sprinkle on plaster at navel/opposite navel. Or use Lengji Xielifang (Costus, Clove, Apricot Frost, Croton Frost, Charred Grass, Myristica Frost, Charred Dried Ginger, Spurge Seed Ash) sprinkle. Treating dysentery with Croton Frost is detailed in Materia Medica; external treatment is superior.) Three-Yin Malaria.

(Long duration, purely deficiency-cold. Use Xianling, Caoguo, Croton Frost, Official Cinnamon, Evodia, White Pepper, Clove powder sprinkled on plaster at Feishu acupoint, apply Ginger to knees. Very effective, see Brief Remarks.) Cold Excess Chest Binding.

(Hardness/pain under heart, no heat. Apply plaster to painful area, then stir-fry/warm Atractylodes, Magnolia Bark, Tangerine Peel, Dried Ginger, Aconite, Aurantium, Soap Bean. If too painful to touch, powder with Ginger juice/Vinegar. Severe cases: sprinkle Cinnamon, Croton Frost, Toad Venom, Calomel, Musk on plaster.) Long-standing Cold Hypochondriac/Umbilical Distension/Abdominal Pain.

(Becoming Qi stagnation, Blood stasis, Food accumulation, Phlegm癖, Parasites, etc., resistant to other medicines. Apply plaster to site, add sprinkling/warming/decoction medicines. Qi: Qingpi, Costus, Lindera. Blood: Burrel, Curcuma, Dry Resin. Food: Magnolia Bark, Aurantium, Areca, Croton. Phlegm: Arisaema, Pinellia, Pyrite, Ark Shell. Parasites: Pepper, Plum, Holotrichia, Morning Glory. Or use Bazhen Dan (Aconite 2 qian, Croton Frost/Soap Bean 1 qian, Clove/Costus/Fennel/Calomel/Cinnabar 0.5 qian) sprinkle. Croton Frost moves without purging, excellent. Combine with previous Cold Excess Chest Binding Toad Venom/Cinnamon/Magnolia/Aurantium/Ginger.) Yang Decline Back/Waist/Knee Cold Pain.

(Apply plaster to pain, assist with text's back-warming/waist-massage methods. Do not use for Yin deficiency pain.) Wind-Cold-Damp Bi.

(All leaking shoulders, crane knees, migrating joints, hemiplegia, numbness/pain, chronic non-healing. Apply plaster to pain, rub Ginger first, then apply. Or decoct Ginger, Scallion, Impatiens, Xanthium for fumigation. Method 1: Black carp filleted with Notopterygium, Saposhnikovia, Angelica, Cinnamon, Aconite, Ephedra, Lycopodium, Bone-setter, each 5 qian, simmer in 5 jin Papaya Wine for a week, wipe with cloth. Method 2: After plaster, burn Mugwort/Cloves/Musk wrapped in paper dipped in sesame oil to force penetration (poor people use Mulberry branch oil). Or mix Ginger/Scallion juice, Vinegar, Bovine Glue, Red Lead, Massicot, Frankincense, Myrrh, apply to bends where plaster won't stick, also stops pain. ○ Many formulas in text. ○ Migrating pain herbs: Xanthium disperses wind-damp, reaches brain/knees/skin; Spurge Seed pursues poison/stops waist pain; Arisaema tonifies liver wind/blood/damp; Epimedium benefits essence/bones/cold wind; Drynaria tonifies bones/joints; Eucommia strengthens bones/essence/dispels wind-damp; Trogopterus Dung disperses/moves blood/stops pain; Dragon's Blood removes blood pain; Natural Copper heals bones/blood; Tiger Bone pursues wind/stabilizes bones; White Snake penetrates bones/searches wind. Can be added. ○ For Yin deficiency/blood weakness knee pain, use Tortoise Shell/Rhinoceros Horn; do NOT use this plaster/herbs.) Cold Hernia.

(Lower abdomen pulling testicular pain, cold scrotum, entering abdomen striking heart/waist. Apply plaster below navel, then stir-fry/warm Prunus, Qingpi, Lindera, Costus, Fennel, Evodia, Galangal, Trigonella, Chuanxiong with Salt. Heavy cases add Aconite/Carmichael Aconite. Or just Ginger, Small Fennel, Pepper, Evodia with Salt. Bind, or sit on warm bag. ○ If striking heart, use Bihan Jian (Qingpi, Cyperus, Atractylodes, Morning Glory, Corydalis each 2 qian, Trogopterus, Costus, Evodia, Star Anise, Galangal, Official Cinnamon each 1 qian) warm/bind chest/abdomen, add Achyranthus/Betel Nut to guide down.) Cold-Damp Hong Kong Foot (Gout/Leg Ulcers).

(Apply plaster to Zusanli acupoint (3 cun below kneecap, lateral side, Yangming Stomach channel), or instep/sole. Step on bag of Pepper/Mugwort. Or stir-fry Ginger/Scallion/Pepper/Fennel with Wheat Bran/Vinegar, lie prone, fumigate to sweat. ○ For damp-heat pain/atrophy, apply Qingyang Xingshui Ziyin Gao, spread Atractylodes, Saposhnikovia, Stephania, Anemarrhena, Phellodendron.) ○ Female Leukorrhea Persistent.

(Clear/cold/thick/sticky leukorrhea, sadness, lower back/umbilical pain/cold, cold-damp type. Apply plaster to navel/opposite navel/lower back. Stir-fry/warm/bind Cangzhu, Banxia, Fuzi, Ganjiang, Guigui, Zaoxintu, Chenbitu, Guanzhong, Cock Comb. Or use Bencao deficiency-cold leukorrhea formula (Shechuangzi, Chebula, Schisandra, Cornus, Eucommia, Dipsacus).) Uterine Cold.

(Cold-damp type, apply plaster below navel, or wash with Shechuangzi decoction then apply. Formula in text.) ○ Pediatric Slow Spleen Wind.

(Chronic diarrhea due to Spleen Qi deficiency-cold, symptoms in text. Apply plaster to navel/opposite navel. Formula in text, also consult Varicella section.) Treats external Yin Abscesses, Cold Phlegm Nodes, Frostbite, Trauma/Sprains. ○ This plaster is powerful; do not use large sheets for non-severe cases. Do not lightly add heavy medicines. (Ginger/Scallion can be added.) Commonly used single plasters account for 90%; this plaster is only 2-3 fen, sufficient for effect. Added medicines assist where the plaster falls short. If unnecessary, do not add arbitrarily; excess causes harm.

Raw Aconite (5 liang), White Aconite (4 liang), Raw Arisaema, Raw Pinellia, Raw Chuanwu, Raw Caowu, Raw Ephedra (devoid of joints), Raw Rheum (1 liang), Angelica Pubescens, Trogopterus Dung, Black Morning Glory Seeds, Schizonepeta, Burrel, Curcuma, Ligusticum, Red Peony, White Peony, Perilla, Cyperus, Angelica Dahurica, Green Tangerine Peel, Tangerine Peel, Gastrodia, Gentiana, Aurantium, Magnolia Bark, Areca Seed, Polygala, Alpinia, Eucommia, Achyranthes, Cyathula, Bauhinia, Cinnamon Bark, Eucommia Bark, Papaya, Evodia, Cnidium, Psoralea, Star Anise, Morinda, Trigonella, Croton Seed, Apricot Seed, Peach Seed, Sappanwood, Safflower, Tsaoko Cardamom, Galangal, Soap Bean, Drynaria, Natural Copper, Josephina, Verbena, Red-root Large Euphorbia, Phytolacca, Genkwa, Stephania, Licorice, Spurge Seed, Castor Bean, Raw Pangolin Scales, Honeycomb, Whole Scorpion, Snake Slough, Long Pepper, Nardostachys, Kaempferia, Coptis, Phellodendron (each 1 liang), Hair Bun (2 liang), Stir-fried Silkworm Sand (2.4 liang), Dried Earthworm (10), Fresh Ginger & Scallion White (2 jin each), Garlic, Mulberry Branch, Xanthium Herb (1 jin each), Impatiens Herb (2-3 jin), Locust/Peach/Willow Branches (8 liang each), Dried Ginger Mugwort, Platycladi Leaf (4 liang each), Fried Ginger, Acorus, Pepper, Sichuan Pepper, White Mustard Seed (2 liang each). ○ Boil 35 jin Oil in two batches, reduce to丹 (Dan consistency). ○ Add Purified Pine Rosin (8 liang), Gold Turban Monk (4 liang), Wall Earth, Red Halloysite (2 liang each), Realgar, Alum, Costus, Clove, Crimson Sandalwood, Processed Frankincense, Processed Myrrh, Official Cinnamon, Camphor, Pure Calomel (each 1 liang), Bovine Glue (4 liang steamed in wine like Qingyang Gao method), Suhexiang Oil (1 liang) mix well. ○ Sprinkle Musk before use. ○ One variant adds Processed Sulfur (add temporarily for severe extreme cold patterns, most stable).