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Strange diseases of ancient and modern times, along with secret methods attached to the Cold Gate, are all gathered in this section for easy reference and treatment.

Zhang Zhongjing said: There is a disease called "Snake Born in the Abdomen," which can be identified by manifestations on the body; the patient's body will surely become dry and emaciated like firewood, with skin appearing to have scales, indicating snake poison. This disease is easiest to identify; using only one herb, Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), made into pills, taken daily with rice gruel at a dose of five qian, results in complete recovery. Some people develop snakes in their abdomen due to the transformation of toxic vapors. This may result from inhaling mountain mist and water dampness, or contracting abnormal qi of the four seasons, or being exposed to corpse qi or disease qi. The formula is named Zhudu Dan (Poison-Punishing Pill). It uses Xionghuang (Realgar) one liang, Sheng Gancao (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) two liang, and Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) five qian. These are processed into powder on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, mixed with Zongzi rice to form pills the size of paulownia seeds, taken before meals. After eating, pain will inevitably occur; one must endure it forcefully and must not drink water, as drinking water renders it ineffective.

Hua Zhenjun said: When a snake-shaped mark appears on the skin of a person's hand, accompanied by unbearable pain, this is caused by a snake interacting with the human body while the person sleeps, resulting in this strange disease. Decoctions are ineffective; pricking the area with a knife to bleed out ink-like blood, then applying powdered Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) externally reduces symptoms slightly. The next day, prick the bleeding again as before and apply Baizhi powder; after two treatments, the snake shape dissolves. Prick the head first, then the tail; do not prick randomly. Some people suffer from epigastric pain that worsens with hunger, is particularly sensitive to extreme cold, and occurs daily. Administering juice pressed from three liang of garlic causes the sudden expulsion of a three-chi-long snake, leading to recovery. Snakes fear garlic odor most; this is a rare case. Some people suddenly experience severe back pain splitting open, from which a two-chi-long snake emerges, capable of jumping. Mr. Zhang Zhongjing personally treated this with verified success. The condition initially presents with severe spinal pain without swelling, but swelling develops over time. A snake about one chi long stands upright on the spine. Gently breaking the skin with a knife causes the snake to jump out, startling the patient into fainting. Treating with Renshen (Ginseng Radix) one liang, Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) one qian, Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Tian Nanxing (Arisaematis Rhizoma) each three qian revives the patient immediately; applying Shengji San (Flesh-Regenerating Powder) to the lesion cures the disease. I asked why the back suddenly hurt. The person replied: "I visited a temple and saw a beautiful female statue. An illicit thought arose, causing immediate back pain. For three months, the pain has been unbearable, feeling like a snake drilling and stabbing. I suspected a monster was growing. Seeing the person was robust, I pricked the flesh, but unexpectedly, the snake emerged and the person died. I immediately used Sansheng Yin (Three-Life Decoction) to save him. This case illustrates the strangeness of the disease and the sanctity of medical art, which should not be underestimated." In some cases, something resembling a snake tail grows two cun from the navel, neither painful nor itchy; this is a manifestation of malevolent spirits. However, it is also due to phlegm and qi stagnation in the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel), forming this anomaly. Sudden occurrence of this disease in the world implies an incurable disaster. If human bodies manifest turtle-snake imagery, the family will surely decline, and fortune may not prosper. The method involves using Pengsha (Borax), Bingpian (Borneolum Syntheticum), and Shexiang (Moschus) each one fen, Ercha (Catechu) two qian, Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) and Xionghuang (Realgar) each one qian, ground into fine powder. Prick the tail to bleed; the patient will likely faint. Immediately apply medicine to the spot, turning it instantly into black fluid. Quickly decoct and take three qian of Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) for self-healing. If it does not heal, let it be; do not treat further. Since demonic energy is strong, medicine cannot remove it. It is either a past-life enemy or a present-life demon. Suddenly growing scales on the abdomen and flanks is common in women, though men occasionally get it. Probably, evil dragons transform into humans to mate with women, creating this condition; men mating with dragons also occasionally grow scales. Treat this quickly; delay means the person will turn into a dragon. Now transmitting a formula: Leiyuan (Wormseed Fruit) Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Baifan (Alumen), Tieyi (Iron Rust), and Xionghuang (Realgar) each three qian, ground fine, mixed with jujube flesh into pills. For this disease, take three qian with wine; immediately expel a bowlful of substance resembling semen, feeling refreshed in the chest. Take another three qian, and the scales fall off completely. The brilliance of this formula lies in its non-toxic dispersal power and the fact that dragons detest Realgar, so they complement each other successfully. Moreover, all herbs remove toxicity and water; this is the most miraculous and strange formula. If a person first experiences whole-body itching, pricking with an awl brings slight relief; if itching returns, cutting with a knife provides rapid relief; soon after, severe itching returns, cutting causes pain and unceasing bleeding; if itching returns, stop bleeding with Duan Shi (Ferrum Oxydatum); when bleeding stops, itching returns, cut again; bleed again, stop with Duan Shi; stop again, itch returns, inevitably cutting until no skin remains. This is retribution from vengeful ghosts claiming lives, incurable. Master Qi felt pity for people who did not know, and those who committed sins by mistake, so he specifically created Jiuge Quansheng Tang (Rescue-Cutting Whole-Life Decoction) to save them. Formula: Renshen (Ginseng Radix) one liang, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) three liang, Jingjie (Schizonepetae Spica) three qian, decocted in water. Poor people unable to buy Ginseng use Huangqi (Astragali Radix) two liang instead. Three doses are effective, relieving itching and pain. One must swear an oath to heaven, never commit illegal acts, and those with grievances should repent through sutra chanting and Buddha worship, hoping for no recurrence. Otherwise, if it recurs, there is no cure. Some people suddenly grow bird-sparrow-like growths on the head or arms, covered by a layer of skin, sometimes tumor-like or just raised skin, making bird sounds inside, crying at dawn, calling during rain, hurting when hungry or cold, resisting all medicines. This is retribution for disrespecting and mocking sacred entities. Must cut the skin open so the bird-sparrow cannot hide, emerging from the hole looking like a bird-sparrow but featherless. After emergence, apply Shengji San (Flesh-Regenerating Powder) to the lesion, and Shen Gao (Divine Ointment) externally (formula recorded in Carbuncle and Ulcer Section); heals in three days. Master Qi saw this several times; Bian Que's treatment and Hua Tuo's medical skills were taught by Master Qi. Some people suddenly develop ulcers outside the heart pit, bowl-sized, splitting into multiple openings, emitting human voices shouting. This is due to depression and maladjustment with spirit possession. Formula: Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos) and Sheng Gancao (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) each three liang, Renshen (Ginseng Radix) five qian, Fushen (Poria Cum Radix) and Baifan (Alumen) each three qian, decocted in water; calms and stops noise. Two more doses cure. Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) detoxifies, Renshen (Ginseng Radix) and Fushen (Poria Cum Radix) calm the mind, Baifan (Alumen) stops noise, Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos) clears heat-fire, hence effective. If someone sees ghosts spontaneously, like three heads six arms, or golden-armored gods, or decapitated dead ghosts, black, white, green, or red, these are strange diseases. All are due to heart deficiency and spirit possession, treated with Shishi Midan (Stone Chamber Secret Pill). Formula: Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) and Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) each three liang, Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Daji (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix), Shancigu (Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma) each one liang, Tian Nanxing (Arisaematis Rhizoma) three qian, Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) one qian, ground fine, add Shexiang (Moschus) one qian, make into cakes like Yushu Dan (Jade Pivot Pill). This formula is superior to Zijin Ding (Purple Gold Tablet). For previous diseases, dissolve one cake in ginger soup and take; vomits about a bowl of stubborn phlegm, heals spontaneously. A flesh band like a belt suddenly grows around the waist to the navel, painless and itchless; over time, food intake decreases, qi and blood wither. This is disharmony between Kidney Meridian and Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel), plus excessive sexual indulgence. Over time, Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) qi declines, blood depletes, complexion darkens; though no major illness, the condition is serious. Method: Tonify Kidney Water significantly and supplement Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel); naturally body strengthens and form thins. Formula: Miehen Dan (Mark-Eliminating Pill): Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) and Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) each one jin, Duzhong (Eucommiae Cortex) and Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) half jin, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) one jin, Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) six liang, Baiguo (Ginkgo Semen), Chao Poguzhi (Fructus Psoraleae Praeparatus), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen) each three liang, ground fine, honey pills. Take one liang morning and evening; after ten days, waist feels light; take ten more days, flesh fades; continue until gone, no need for two courses. Must abstain from sex for three months, otherwise ineffective. This formula purely tonifies Kidney Meridian, less so Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel). Using Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) herbs for Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) diseases, how could it fail? A sound-echoing worm suddenly appears in the abdomen; anti-parasitic, phlegm-resolving, heat-clearing, and cold medicines fail. How to treat? Ancients read Ben Cao (Materia Medica); if the worm didn't echo, that herb cured it. Now Master Qi has a magical method, saving the effort of reading Ben Cao (Materia Medica). Formula: Sheng Gancao (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) alone, equal parts Baifan (Alumen), not exceeding two qian, taken orally, cures immediately. The sound-echoing worm is not a worm but toxic vapor in organs possessed by spirits. Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) detoxifies, Baifan (Alumen) resolves phlegm. These two herbs represent benevolence and courage, applied with wisdom; wisdom, benevolence, and courage complete, spirits bow and retreat. For mountain spirits, wood guests, foxes, insects, snakes possessing bodies, apply raw Tung Oil (Verniciae Folii Oleum) to private areas. Or wrap head in own pants; demons laugh and leave, never returning. Demons steal essence but love cleanliness; seeing filth wrapped on head indicates uncleanness, so they leave, disturbed by their preference for purity. Useless objects pressing on people in dreams are treated similarly. An abalone grows in the abdomen from overeating during irregular meals, indigestible, forming shell-like worms resembling abalone but not abalone. Also use Zhudu Dan (Poison-Punishing Pill) with horse urine one bowl and child's urine half cup, drunk, dissolves immediately. Xionghuang (Realgar) kills snakes, Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) rots snakes, Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) removes toxins, and horse urine is the holy medicine for dissolving abalone, hence effective. This is strange disease using strange medicine. If abdomen swells high like pregnancy, emaciated, sallow face, dry bones and hair, this is Ghost Fetus. Formula: Honghua (Carthami Flos) half jin, Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) five qian, Leiyuan (Wormseed Fruit) three qian, decocted in water; pours out hundreds of chicken-liver-like blood clots, cures. Then use Liujunzi Tang (Six-Gentlemen Decoction) to regulate, naturally resolves. This disease arises when women's lust arises suddenly, possessed by objects. Whether virgin or married,邪气 (evil qi) gathers where qi is deficient; with lust, how can evil not approach evil? The formula's brilliance is Honghua (Carthami Flos) as sovereign, used in large quantity (half jin), promoting blood flow vigorously, combined with Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) moving freely, and Leiyuan (Wormseed Fruit) expelling evil, achieving speed. If sores grow on forehead/hairline, head heavy as mountain on day one, turns blue-purple day two, spreads to body day three causing death, this is toxic vapor attacking heart. Often caused by taking aphrodisiacs. Aphrodisiacs are usually single pills inducing strong yang and stamina; without great heat drugs, how? Great heat drugs are Yangqishi (Stolitonis Saxicola) and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), both highly toxic. Yangqishi (Stolitonis Saxicola) must be calcined before use, extremely dry, consuming fluids. Seeking pleasure exhausts sinews, bones, qi, blood; prolonged intercourse leads to massive depletion, water gone, fire blazing. Long-term indulgence forms great toxin, fire rises, so sores appear on forehead/Taiyang (Bladder Meridian) area. Initially, if head heavy as mountain, it is this malignant syndrome. Quickly decoct one jin of Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), drink dozens of bowls to relieve toxicity, save life, though ulceration inevitable. Then use Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos) and Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix) each three liang, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) two liang, Sheng Gancao (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) one liang, decocted daily for seven days; sores converge and heal. This disease is common, yet people refuse to quit aphrodisiacs, tragic! If gangrene grows on big toe, often incurable, treatment same. Sudden head/face swelling like a bucket, seeing people as three inches tall, no appetite, groaning like sleeping, this is Phlegm. Use Goudi San (Melon Stalk Powder) to induce vomiting; head/face swelling subsides; vomit again, vision normalizes. Then use Liujunzi Tang (Six-Gentlemen Decoction) decocted in water, three doses cure; this is also spirit possession. Someone feels severe chest oppression, red face, unable to eat, caused by eating fishy food, worms in chest. Use Jiawei Goudi San (Modified Melon Stalk Powder): Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) each three qian, Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) each one qian, Goudi (Melonis Fructus) seven pieces, induce vomiting. Vomits several sheng of worms, red-headed, fish-tailed. Must abstain from alcohol and sex, otherwise full and dead in three years.

Zhang Zhongjing said: Someone's leg swells, hurts, hard as stone, extremely painful. Tying foot high on beam stops pain; lowering causes pain like chopping, loud crack in leg, swelling moves to buttock, bucket-sized, cannot lie on mat, must hang in cloth bag to stop pain. This is also spirit possession. Formula: Sheng Gancao (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) one liang, Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) three liang, decocted in water. Raw Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) drains toxic vapor; Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) soothes Liver Wood to stop pain. Pain stops, swelling subsides; toxin exits, spirits suppressed. "Zhengzong" (Orthodox Standard) Evil Disease Section also has this case. People with bumps all over body, internal nodules or external mushroom-like shapes, caused by damp-heat; years later, holes break, bleed, die. First wash with external medicine, then decoction to resolve. Bath formula: Cang'erzi Cao (Xanthii Herba) one jin, Jingjie (Schizonepetae Spica), Kushen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) each three liang, large pot of water, boil, pour into bath tub, surround with mat, steam when hot, wash when warm, stop when cold. After three days, use decoction named Honghuang Pili San (Red-Yellow Thunderbolt Powder): Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) each one liang, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Qianshi (Nelumbinis Semen) each five qian, Yichen (Artemisiae Capillaris Herba), Baijiezi (Sinapis Semen), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) each three qian, Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) one qian, decocted in water, ten doses naturally eliminate traces. External also eliminates.

Zhang Zhongjing said: Someone suddenly grows two fingers on sole, unbearable pain, caused by damp-heat knotting, offending deities. Formula: Xiaozhi San (Finger-Eliminating Powder): Pengsha (Borax) one fen, Renshen (Ginseng Radix) one qian, Bingpian (Borneolum Syntheticum) three fen, Wachong (Allium fistulosum?) one liang, ground fine. Lightly prick to bleed on new fingers, water flows out immediately, sprinkle powder on flowing blood, mix as blood flows, stop when blood ends. After three days no water flows, pain lessens. Then use Huashui Tang (Water-Dissolving Decoction): Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) one liang, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) five qian, Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Chuan Bi (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma), Sheng Gancao (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Baijiezi (Sinapis Semen) each three qian, Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) one qian, decocted in water, four doses cure, fingers turn to water. Apply Master Qi's plaster externally with Shengji San (Flesh-Regenerating Powder) to heal. Between skin and hands/feet, singing earthworms indicate water-dampness producing worms. Formula: Earthworm feces mixed with water applied thickly one cun; singing stops. Then decoction: Yiyiren (Coicis Semen), Qianshi (Nelumbinis Semen) each one liang, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) five qian, Sheng Gancao (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) three qian, Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) two qian, Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) three fen, Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) five fen, decocted in water, cures. Treating dampness starves worms; additionally, Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) detoxifies/dissolves worms, Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) dispels wind/drives stasis, Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) breaks barriers/smashes evil, hence divine efficacy. Palm suddenly raises one cun, painless/itchless, due to Yangming Meridian fire stagnating in hand. Should itch/pain, but doesn't; fire stagnates in interstices, water floods skin. Method: External medicine to resolve. Yangming fire excess causes thirst; now no thirst, stomach fire exhausted, toxin flows to palm. Likely Yangming fire excess, hand pressed on bed during intercourse, excessive force, qi/blood stagnation in palm, slowly bulges, painless/itchless, becomes dead flesh. One Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), decocted, soak hand until cold, ten days, inevitably painful; soak again, itchy; soak again, height flattens. Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) is great heat, enters all meridians; even external soak enters internally. If drunk Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) Tang, whole body heats, stimulates stomach fire, palm flesh doesn't resolve, internal symptoms surge; hence external cure. Add Qingfen (Calomelas) one fen to Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) Tang to enter marrow, more effective. Sole red as fire, cannot touch ground, not phlegm-toxin, year-round uncured. Caused by taking heat drugs then having sex, fire gathers in sole, doesn't disperse, hence uncured. Method: Internal medicine to resolve. External causes sole rot. Use Quhuo Tang (Fire-Dispelling Decoction): Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) three liang, Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Shashen (Glehniae Radix), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix?), Shan Yurou (Corni Fructus), Ganjuhua (Chrysanthemi Flos), Fuling (Poria) each five qian, Danpi (Moutan Cortex), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen), Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma) each three qian, Bi (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma?) two qian, decocted in water, ten doses resolve, twenty doses cure. Abstain from sex three months, else relapse, relapse means death, beware. Someone loses hands/feet but lives. During Typhoid, excessive thirst drank cold water to quench temporarily; water stayed in abdomen, couldn't dissipate, limbs affected. Qi/blood stopped, limbs rotted, fingers/toes fell, or sole rotted after toes fell, eventually sole fell. If Typhoid thirst drank cold water, post-recovery fingers/toes weep, urgently use Master Qi's formula to save digits/soles. Formula: Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) three liang, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) one liang, Fuling (Poria) two liang, Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen) five qian, Rougui (Cinnamomi Ramulus) one qian, decocted in water, ten doses, urination profuse, hands/feet stop weeping. No future trouble, no need for more doses. Nails fall off, painless/itchless, due to Kidney Meridian fire deficiency, washing hands in cold water after sex. Formula: Liuwei Dihuang Tang (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) plus Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Gusuibu (Drynariae Rhizoma) cures. Fingers bleed continuously, small flies-like worms drill out, fly away shortly. This is damp-heat producing worms. Why worms flying? Not just damp-heat, but Wind Evil. Worms sensing wind have wings to fly; why not human body getting wind qi? Formula: Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Yiyiren (Coicis Semen), Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) each five qian, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Fuling (Poria), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) each three qian, Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Jingjie (Schizonepetae Spica), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) each one qian, decocted in water. Brilliance: Doesn't kill worms, only tonifies qi/blood, assists removing damp/wind. Harmonious qi/blood doesn't produce worms; tonifying harmony leaves no hiding place for worms; expelling water/dispelling wind, where do worms live? This formula is peaceful yet strange. Four doses stop bleeding/worms; four more doses restore fingers perfectly.