Library

In women, deficiency consumption (Xu Lao) may arise from emotional depression damaging Yin blood, from postpartum overexertion (Ru Lao), or from metrorrhagia and leukorrhea. For cases caused by emotional depression damaging Yin blood, the priority in treatment is to regulate the Liver. Postpartum overexposure (Ru Lao) is not identical to pulmonary tuberculosis cough; only when Ru Lao is severe does it damage the Lung, thereby forming pulmonary tuberculosis cough. Treatment for this should primarily employ Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) and Yangrong Tang (Nourish the Vigor Decoction), combined with herbs that clear and moisten Metal (the Lung). There is another condition known as "Qi Ji" (Extreme Qi Deficiency), characterized by shortness of breath and inability to speak; this does not fall under the category of Yang deficiency but is a disease of the Lung. Although this condition appears mild, Chenpi (Dried Tangerine Peel) is among the contraindicated substances.

Regarding the state of extreme exhaustion (Lao Ji), due to blood deficiency and scantiness, the flow and distribution of blood become difficult. In severe cases, blood does not leak externally but accumulates internally. After prolonged accumulation, "blood worms" (pathogenic factors) emerge throughout the body, leading to the formation of Shizhu Zhai (Corpse-Infesting Tuberculosis). These conditions arise either from steaming transformation by damp-heat fire or from the infiltration of stale phlegm into the meridians, all belonging to this category. This pathology depletes the spirit and Qi of the human body while nourishing the spirit and Qi of the parasites; when the person dies, the parasites also die. However, those wandering spirits (pathogenic agents) that do not perish will transmit to close contacts, attaching themselves to the blood vessels, appearing present yet absent. Subsequently, the parasites flourish daily while the human body withers and declines, ultimately leading to death. Therefore, Chuanshi Lao (Transmitting Corpse Consumption) differs from Shizhu Zheng (Corpse-Infesting Syndrome): Shizhu arises from deficiency and damage, whereas Chuanshi occurs in individuals who previously had no deficiency; upon transmission, symptoms of consumption and timidity immediately appear, such as fever, bone-steaming heat, cough, hemoptysis, red lips, and cyanotic complexion. The transmitted pathogen also affects the Five Zang organs: affecting the Spleen and Intestines leads to diarrhea or bloody stools; affecting the Heart leads to hemoptysis; affecting the Liver and Lung leads to cough. The treatment of Shizhu takes clearing and moistening Metal (Lung) and nourishing blood and vigor as the root principle. To kill parasites and dispel malign influences, Dan medicines made from Otter Liver (Tiegan), Otter Claws (Tiezha), Bear Fingers (Xiongzhi), and Woodpecker (Zhuomu) should be used. As for those infected with Chuanshi, if external signs such as red lips, cyanotic complexion, bone-steaming heat, and internal heat are observed, along with robust appetite but progressive emaciation, it indicates the presence of parasites. Treatment should be directed with Tazha Baibu Wan (Otter Claw and Stemona Pill).

For patients suffering from deficiency consumption, if treatment is delayed until the disease has already manifested, even if cured, the patient will remain frail, unable to withstand wind, rain, or hard labor. Among the wealthy, there are still methods to sustain life, allowing them to properly care for their health. By administering several doses of decoctions, or two to three jin of pills and gelatin preparations, the root of the disease can be eradicated. Is this not an excellent preventive strategy?