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Lei Gong Zhen Jun said: Yin-cold pathogenic factors tend to invade the Shaoyin meridian, affecting the Kidney. If the hands and feet turn cyanotic and black, it is an incurable condition. This is because Yin-toxin condenses between the Spleen and Stomach, while the Fire of the Kidney completely floats outward; how can such a case be saved? However, if there is no pain in the heart region, it indicates that a trace of residual Yang-Fire remains within the Heart. Urgently administer Jiuxin Danghan Tang (Rescue Heart Decoction to Dispel Cold): Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) 3 liang, Liang Jiang (Galangal Rhizome) 3 qian, Fu Zi (Aconite Lateralis Radix Preparata) 3 qian, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 3 liang. Decoct in water and take orally. This formula assists the Heart's Yang-Fire so as not to let it abruptly cease, allowing the Ministerial Fire (Xiang Huo, fire residing in the Liver and Kidneys) to gradually return to its origin under the guidance of the Sovereign Fire (Jun Huo, Heart Yang). Once the Fire energy becomes vigorous, the Cold pathogen loses its power, naturally generating Earth via the "Fire generates Earth" cycle. The Qi of the Spleen and Stomach then recovers, leading to the return of one Yang (Yi Yang Lai Fu), filling the body with the warmth of spring, causing the hands, feet, and limbs to become warm. The brilliance of this formula lies in Liang Jiang entering the Heart meridian, working together with Fu Zi to break through barriers directly. Yet, without the heavy use of Ren Shen and Bai Zhu, it would be impossible to restore Yuan Yang (Primal Yang) from non-existence. Therefore, these herbs must be used in large quantities to achieve success together.

If Yin-cold strikes the Kidney meridian directly, presenting with a cyan face, black nose, severe abdominal pain nearly causing death, and retraction of the scrotum, the condition is more severe than the previous ones. Death occurs within moments; any delay in rescue will result in the whole body turning black before death. Urgently administer Jiuwang Dan (Rescue Life Pill): Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) 5 qian, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 3 liang, Fu Zi (Aconite Lateralis Radix Preparata) one piece, Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) 3 qian, Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) 5 qian. Decoct in water and administer urgently by force-feeding. My prescription appears hotter than those used by Zhang Zhongjing, but one does not realize that this condition manifests as a mass of dead Qi throughout the body. Without using such fierce, heavy-dosed hot formulas, how can one drive out Yin-cold, chase back the wandering soul, dispel toxic vapors, and reclaim the Yang spirit? Thus, Ren Shen can actually be used in smaller amounts, whereas Fu Zi and Rou Gui must be used in larger quantities. But why use Bai Zhu in large amounts? It is unknown that Bai Zhu is most beneficial for the waist and umbilical region. Severe abdominal pain cannot be relieved without it. Hence, Bai Zhu is used heavily to command Gui and Fu, completing their task of sweeping away pathogens, thereby achieving the effect of returning the soul.

If Yin-cold strikes the Kidney meridian directly, presenting with heart pain nearly causing death, vomiting with inability to retain food, and diarrhea of clear water, this is originally an incurable disease. Since Cold pathogens attack the Heart and the Spleen/Stomach Qi is about to perish, urgency leaves no time for searching for medicine. One should quickly prick one fen above the heart point to release a small amount of purple blood, then use Zhuhan Fanhun Tang (Expel Cold and Return Soul Decoction) for rescue. Formula: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) 1 liang, Liang Jiang (Galangal Rhizome) 3 qian, Fu Zi (Aconite Lateralis Radix Preparata) 5 qian, Fu Ling (Poria) 5 qian, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 3 liang, Ding Xiang (Caryophylli Flos) 1 qian. This formula specifically enters the Heart meridian to expel pathogens, restoring Yuan Yang within moments. Once the Heart stabilizes, various evils retreat, the Spleen and Stomach settle naturally, preventing upper and lower rebellions, offering a chance for rebirth. Otherwise, hesitation and delay will surely lead to death.

If Yin-cold strikes the Kidney meridian directly, presenting with pain in both hypochondriac regions, cyanosis of all fingernails and toenails, retracted scrotum that cannot be pulled out, and a curled-up sleeping posture, this is also an incurable condition. This occurs because Yin-cold moves from the Kidney to the Liver, causing Liver Qi to approach extinction, thus affecting the sinews first and leading to death. Although slightly milder than the previous three conditions, it is equally fatal. What method do I have to save him? The failure of Liver Wood stems from the prior failure of Kidney Qi. To save the Liver, one must first save the Kidney. Use Jiushen Huogan Tang (Rescue Kidney and Revive Liver Decoction): Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 3 liang, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 1 liang, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) 5 qian, Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) 1 liang, Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus) 5 qian, Fu Zi (Aconite Lateralis Radix Preparata) 1 qian, Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) 2 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. While this formula dispels cold and uses Yang-restoring herbs, the addition of Shu Di Huang and Shan Zhu Yu prevents Ren Shen and Bai Zhu from being overly drying, and aids Fu Zi and Rou Gui in mutual support. The Liver receives warmth from Fire and nourishment from Water, naturally resulting in flexible sinews, disappearance of cyanosis, and relaxation of the retracted scrotum.

If Yin-cold strikes the Kidney meridian directly, presenting with a black tongue, closed eyes, complete blackness of the lower body, complete blueness of the upper body, fecal incontinence, and urinary incontinence, this is an even more critical condition. Even with immortal prescriptions, full recovery may be difficult. However, I am determined to save them, so I have formulated a prescription. Although I dare not claim everyone can be saved, perhaps one or two out of ten might be rescued. Named Jiuxin Tang (Rescue Heart Decoction): Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) 5 liang, Fu Zi (Aconite Lateralis Radix Preparata) one piece, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) half jin, Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) 1 liang, Shi Chang Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) 5 fen, Liang Jiang (Galangal Rhizome) 3 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. The reason for using large doses of Ren Shen and Bai Zhu here is the fear that insufficient dosage would lack the strength to control the heat of Gui and Fu. Therefore, they must be increased to ensure penetration throughout the body and complete expulsion of cold toxins. If bowel movements stop and urinary incontinence ceases, there is hope for life. Administer another dose, and the eyes will open, black tongue will disappear, and black/blue discoloration of the body will resolve. If incontinence persists after taking the medicine, do not administer further doses; accept death. Approximately, this formula can save three or four out of ten patients with this disease.

When anyone suffers direct invasion of Yin-cold, where cold qi attacks the lower abdomen, not transmitted via meridians but directly contracted, it is called Direct Invasion of Yin Meridians. The Yin Meridian refers to the Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. Symptoms necessarily include aversion to cold, abdominal pain with vomiting, and cold extremities (Jue Ni). In severe cases, hands and feet turn cyan, sinews become blue, and the scrotum retracts. If not treated urgently with warming and hot medicines, death can occur instantly. This is the most terrifying condition. Use Danghan Tang (Dispel Cold Decoction): Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 3 liang, Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) 3 qian, Ding Xiang (Caryophylli Flos) 1 qian, Wu Zhu Yu (Evodiae Fructus) 1 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. One dose eliminates Yin and restores Yang; a second dose is unnecessary. The brilliance of this formula lies in using Bai Zhu alone in a large dose of 3 liang, greatly benefiting the waist and umbilical region, combined with Rou Gui to warm the Fire of the Gate of Vitality (Ming Men). Ding Xiang and Wu Zhu Yu stop vomiting and reverse cold extremities. With no place for Yin-cold to hide, one dose brings about recovery.