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Sha disease resembles Taiyang disease (Exterior Syndrome of the Bladder Channel), not only manifesting as heat syndromes similar to the transmission stages of Taiyang disease. Observing the various pulse and symptom changes in Sha disease, there are cases that appear more like Yin syndromes than Yang syndromes. This almost leads one to suspect it is a True Cold syndrome caused by cold pathogens directly invading the Three Yin channels, but it is actually due to deep penetration of Sha toxin. If even slightly hot medicines or hot drinks are used, the condition becomes incurable.

Clinical Cases:
Zhang Jinqing presented with fever and heavy body sensation, thirst, redness on both malar areas, dry lips and thick tongue coating, and tremors in both hands, causing panic among his family. The pulse was deep, faint, and forceless. At that time, some physicians treated him with Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) and Rougui (Cinnamon Bark); others used Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root). This approach misidentified the pulse as indicating a Yin syndrome and treated it as a True Cold syndrome of the Three Yin channels in Taiyang disease. After taking these medicines, his condition became critical. He then consulted my fourth son, Duan Ying, who determined that the pulse and symptoms were inconsistent. Upon examining the Sha veins in the popliteal fossa, four needles were applied for bloodletting, releasing dark purple-black toxic blood. He was prescribed Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), along with herbs to invigorate blood and regulate Qi. Taken slightly warm, one dose alleviated the symptoms, and a second dose stabilized the condition.

Yang Fuyin suffered from fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, curled limbs and tendons, aversion to loud noises, and profuse sweating on the head. Some pointed out this was due to extreme deficiency and prescribed large doses of Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) for tonification, which instead worsened his drowsiness and oppression. I palpated his pulse, finding it deep, thin, and forceless. His facial complexion showed Daiyang (Floating Yang) signs. Upon inquiry, he rejected hot drinks but preferred cold ones. I reasoned that this must be internal Sha heat-toxin, explaining such pulse and symptom presentation. Two Sha veins in the popliteal fossa were identified; after needle insertion and bloodletting, dark purple-black toxic blood flowed profusely. Tao Ren Honghua Tang (Peach Kernel and Safflower Decoction) was administered with Jiaoci (Gleditsiae Spina) and Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), taken slightly warm for four doses. Subsequently, Qingliang Zhibao Yin (Cooling Precious Drink) with added Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) was taken warm for two doses, resulting in recovery.

He Xin Zhu had no fever, but experienced cough, vomiting, and diarrhea, lying curled with a heavy body, cold hands and feet, unconsciousness, and continuous phlegm rattle in the throat. Four physicians attributed the condition to improper bedding causing internal Yin cold, prescribing Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), and Ganjiang (Dried Ginger). The illness worsened daily. I palpated the pulse, finding it irregular in speed with intermittent pauses. Palpating the Qikou (Radial Artery at the wrist), it felt hot like a furnace. His tongue displayed yellow-black coating with prickles. I stated, "This is not a True Cold syndrome from direct invasion of the Yin channels." His clan brother argued vehemently. I replied, "How can a Yin syndrome present with tongue prickles and oral/nasal heat like a furnace? Moreover, the adverse reaction to Ginseng, Ginger, and Aconite serves as clear evidence. If you insist on treating it as a Yin syndrome, please excuse me." The family insisted on treatment. I first had him drink two bowls of Yinyang Shui (Yin-Yang Water), after which he regained slight consciousness. His two brothers helped sit him up, and six needles were inserted into the Sha veins in the popliteal fossae. Shegan Douleng Tang (Belamcanda and Scutellaria Decoction) was prescribed, excluding Ganju (Chrysanthemi Flos), and adding Wuyao (Linderae Radix), Xuanmingfen (Natrii Sulfas), Binglang (Arecae Semen), and Bobo (Raphani Fructus). Two doses were taken slightly chilled. Later, the dosage of Xuanmingfen was reduced, and Tongbian (Child's Urine) was added. Six doses resulted in full recovery.