Library

The Shen Shui (Divine Water, referring to the clear fluid in the eye) is empty and its color changes frequently, violating both nature and human heart. May it dissipate the bloating caused by internal conflict, sparing the physician from helplessness.

This disease refers to the Shen Gao (Divine Paste, referring to the vitreous humor) losing its original black color, making the eye appear distinctly different from that of a healthy person. The patient's own vision also becomes blurry. This is because Yin Essence and Yang Qi have been completely depleted, causing internal wind and deficiency heat to reside long-term in the zang-fu organs. It is not merely due to indulgence in sexual activities, but specifically damages Kidney Water. Generally, food and drink enter the stomach, transform into Qi and Blood, manifest as Jin Ye (Body Fluids) in the body, and rise to the eyes to become Shen Shui. When nourished, it is moist and clear; when deprived, it becomes dry and turbid—this is an immutable principle. Therefore, when Yin and Yang are depleted and evil pathogens invade the root of the eye, the color changes. The variations are numerous: those who consume rich foods, alcohol, and meat often have yellowish water, sometimes mixed with blue; those who eat vegetables and soups often have bluish-green water; those in depressive circumstances have dull and uncheerful water; those chasing power and profit have murky and dirty water resembling the eyes of a newborn dog. This condition is most adverse; one regrets its late onset and mild pain. Although people know the details well, they often neglect it, leading to internal cataracts. How to treat it? The Classics state: "For what exists, seek its cause; for what does not exist, seek its absence; for deficiency, address the lack; for excess, address the surplus." By following the timing of Heaven, the illness can be expected to improve. If internal cataracts are forming or about to form, where needling cannot disperse them, and self-vision is chaotic yet slightly visible, this name should be used to match the pathology.

Qi is exhausted and Spirit is withered, seen rarely; moreover, few know the original causes. Yin and Yang fail to assist each other, True Yuan (True Origin) is lost, life is unpredictable, and death has its appointed time.

In this syndrome, the outline is undamaged, but vision is dim and blurry, and opening/closing the eyelids causes extreme dryness. Upon lifting the eyelid for close inspection, the Shen Shui nourishing the outside resembles snail mucus, wandering between the black and white parts of the eye, possessing only luster without moisture. Soon, the Feng Lun (Wind Wheel, referring to the cornea) inside and out gradually appears withered and decayed like a dead person, hence called "Shen Qi Ku Cui" (Withering of Spirit and Qi). Quickly closing the eyelids and sitting quietly for a while, then reopening reveals the same state, which recovers after a short time. This is due to declining organ function and rampant fire; although True Yuan may not be immediately severed, self-inflicted evil pathogens recklessly consume the paste and fluids. Thus contracting this illness, if ignored and untreated, how can life last long? The causes of illness are not carefully examined, generally revolving around the two characters of "Qing Yu" (Emotions and Desires); timely understanding brings resolution. The Book of Songs says: "Others have thoughts in their hearts, I estimate them." This applies here.

The above six items all relate to Kidney diseases. The Kidneys have no external symptoms and no purging methods; treatment always involves tonification, selecting formulas based on constitution, where two or three out of ten cases may be saved.

If a disease results from excessive use of attacking drugs, the Shen Shui also becomes withered, and the Bai Jing (White Sclera) wrinkles upon eye movement. If vision remains possible, massive tonification of True Yuan is required, and external treatments must be strictly avoided.