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Master Leigong said: In the case of "Liang Gan" (simultaneous contraction of two meridians in cold damage), and when the pathogen transmits across meridians, death often occurs. For instance, on the first day, the pathogen should be in the Taiyang meridian; on the second day, in the Yangming meridian; on the third day, in the Shaoyang meridian; on the fourth day, in the Taiyin meridian; on the fifth day, in the Shaoyin meridian; and on the sixth day, in the Jueyin meridian. This is called sequential transmission along the meridians. However, if on the first day the Taiyang pathogen immediately transmits to the Yangming meridian, on the second day the Yangming pathogen transmits to the Shaoyang meridian, on the third day the Shaoyang pathogen transmits to the Taiyin meridian, on the fourth day the Taiyin pathogen transmits to the Shaoyin meridian, and on the fifth day the Shaoyin pathogen transmits to the Jueyin meridian, this is called "Guo Jing Chuan" (transmission beyond the proper sequence). Even more severely, if on the first day the Taiyang pathogen transmits to the Shaoyang meridian, on the second day the Yangming pathogen transmits to the Taiyin meridian, on the third day the Shaoyang pathogen transmits to the Shaoyin meridian, and on the fourth day the Taiyin pathogen transmits to the Jueyin meridian, this is called "Ge Jing Chuan" (transmission skipping meridians). If on the first day the Taiyang pathogen transmits to the Shaoyin meridian, on the second day the Yangming pathogen transmits to the Taiyin meridian, and on the third day the Shaoyang pathogen transmits to the Jueyin meridian, this is called "Liang Gan Chuan" (transmission in Liang Gan syndrome). Sequential transmission originally retains vitality, and the illness will heal spontaneously by the seventh day. Transmission beyond the sequence has both survival and mortality rates. Skipping-meridian transmission has more deaths than survivals. In Liang Gan transmission, if the patient cannot take food or fluids for three days and loses consciousness, death ensues. Although Zhang Zhongjing established treatment methods in his classic works, these can only save those who are not destined to die, but cannot resurrect the dying. Out of pity for people dying in vain, I specially transmit two formulas: one to treat Cold Damage with transmission beyond the sequence, and one to treat Cold Damage with skipping-meridian transmission. The formula for transmission beyond the sequence is named Jiuguo Qisi Tang (Rescue from Sequence-Beyond Revival Decoction). Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang) 1 qian, Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) 1 qian, Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (Houpo) 1 qian, Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao) 5 qian, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu) 1 qian, Artemisiae Annuae Herba (Qinghao) 5 qian, Pinelliae Tuber (Banxia) 1 qian, Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin) 1 qian, Poria (Fuling) 5 qian, Gardeniae Fructus (Chao Zhizi) 5 fen, Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui) 3 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. One dose brings life back. Because transmission beyond the sequence inevitably leads to complex symptoms, it is certainly not in the initial one or two days. Therefore, Cinnamon Twig Decoction ingredients like Guizhi are not used to disperse Taiyang pathogens; instead, only Mahuang is used to disperse exterior pathogens. By the third or fourth day of Cold Damage, internal heat must be severe, so Shigao and Zhimu are used as sovereign drugs to purge Fire-Evil in the Yangming meridian. Once Yangming fire recedes, Jueyin Wood Qi will not stagnate, preventing Wood from generating Fire and stopping pathogens from re-aggregating after receding. Thus, Qinghao, Chaihu, and Zhizi are added to cool and disperse, ensuring Wood does not self-combust and pathogens in all meridians dissipate spontaneously. Moreover, heavy use of Fuling strengthens the Spleen, moves dampness, and guides Fire downward to exit via the Bladder. Huangqin clears the Lungs, Houpo expels turbidity, and Banxia clears phlegm; all are appropriately used, filling the five Zang organs with vital Qi. Therefore, one need not ask about the number of days; simply seeing signs of transmission beyond the sequence, administer this formula, and recovery is assured.

The formula for skipping-meridian transmission is named Jiuge Qisi Tang (Rescue from Skipping-Meridian Revival Decoction). Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) 5 qian, Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao) 5 qian, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu) 1 qian, Artemisiae Annuae Herba (Qinghao) 1 liang, Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) 2 qian, Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao) 3 qian, Pinelliae Tuber (Banxia) 1 qian, Gardeniae Fructus (Chao Zhizi) 3 qian, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) 1 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. Skipping-meridian transmission becomes clear only by the third day. Although past the Yangming stage, residual fire remains, causing Shaoyin Fire to fuel the flames and Shaoyang Fire to lose control. Without continuing to use Shigao and Zhimu, Yangming fire will not recede and Shaoyin fire will not cease; thus, these two must be primary. However, using only them without rescuing the Taiyin Spleen Earth allows extreme Fire to overwhelm, destroying vital Qi. Hence, Renshen is added to assist vital Qi. But if vital Qi exists while Jueyin is invaded, Wood Qi dries up and attacks Taiyin Spleen Earth, endangering the remaining vital Qi. Therefore, Chaihu, Baishao, Zhizi, and Qinghao are used to cool and disperse Wood pathogens. Once Wood pathogens disperse, Wood Qi is nourished and stops attacking Earth, allowing Taiyin Qi to generate. With Taiyin Earth having vital Qi, Yangming Fire must vanish, preventing it from burning out the Shaoyin organ. Additionally, Banxia clears phlegm and Gancao harmonizes the Middle Jiao, making their use appropriate. Reviving the dead is no empty talk. Upon seeing skipping-meridian transmission, administer this formula to turn defeat into victory. Some doubt the large dose of Qinghao, not knowing it clears Liver Wood fire and Yangming flames, acts calmly without agitation, and tonifies Yin. When Fire is rampant, other heavy Yin-tonics are avoided; Qinghao, combining attack with tonification alongside Renshen, generates Yin and Yang Qi from nothing. Using only Renshen generates Yang Qi but not Yin Qi. When Yin generates, Yang Fire loses power; this method of restraint is beyond worldly understanding.

For Liang Gan transmission, Master Qi has already transmitted four formulas that can save lives, so I need not repeat them. Due to persistent requests from distant scholars for miraculous formulas to save the world, regarding Liang Gan of Shaoyang and Jueyin on the third day where patients cannot take fluids and lose consciousness, I transmit one more formula to supplement Master Qi’s work. Named Zang Tang (Organ Rescue Decoction): Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) 1 liang, Ophiopogonis Tuber (Maidong) 3 liang, Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui) 1 liang, Trichosanthis Radix (Tianhuafen) 3 qian, Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen) 2 liang, Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao) 2 liang, Schizonepetae Spica (Jingjie) 2 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. My formula uses more Danggui to aid Liver and Gallbladder in generating Blood. More Maidong is used to rescue Lung Qi extinction, restraining Liver-Gallbladder Wood so Fire does not rage and Blood generates easily, nourishing Stomach Qi and saving failing organs. This differs slightly from Master Qi’s formula but shares similar wonders. In Cold Damage mania, such as climbing high singing, running naked, jumping into water, cursing loudly regardless of kinship, survival is distant. Zhang Zhongjing used Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) effectively because Yangming Fire is most fierce; once unleashed, it is uncontrollable without a large dose of Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction). Yet people hesitate, using small doses, akin to saving a cartload of burning wood with a cup of water. Shigao must be used in doses of 3-4 liang or even half a jin per dose to reduce Fire and calm mania. Since Shigao is harsh and damages Stomach Qi, it must be combined with Renshen. I transmit a new formula, Reheat Shengwei Tang (Expel Heat Generate Stomach Qi Decoction), using half the dose of Baihu Tang plus other herbs: Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao) 3 liang, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu) 3 qian, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) 5 qian, Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen) 3 liang, Poria (Fuling) 1 liang, Ophiopogonis Tuber (Maidong) 3 liang, Plantaginis Semen (Cheqianzi) 5 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. Shigao and Zhimu purge Stomach Fire; Renshen generates Stomach Qi; Yuanshen removes floating flame; Maidong generates Lung Yin; Fuling and Cheqianzi guide Fire down to the Bladder for urination. Since Fire excess causes thirst and excessive drinking, these herbs separate dampness, dispersing Fire with water flow. This formula purges Fire without damaging Qi, surpassing Baihu Tang. Mania settles in one dose, thirst halves in two, ceases in three, and Fire extinguishes. No need for four doses. For any mania due to Fire, sweating profusely, dry tongue with prickly sensation, this formula saves instantly, preventing death.

Cold Damage macules (ban) indicate a critical condition, but types vary. Whole-body macules seem severe but are lighter; epigastric macules seem mild but become severe. Whole-body macules mean internal heat has fully expressed externally; epigastric macules mean heat remains trapped internally. Macule-resolving herbs are needed to clear internal heat-toxin. I have a miraculous formula, Qiban Tang (Revive Macules Decoction): Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Shengma) 2 qian, Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui) 1 liang, Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen) 3 liang, Schizonepetae Spica (Jingjie) 3 qian, Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian) 3 qian, Trichosanthis Radix (Tianhuafen) 5 qian, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) 1 qian, Poria Cum Radix (Fushen) 3 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. Internal heat-toxin must be fully expelled, but without Blood nourishing the Heart, internal heat intensifies, trapping toxin. Danggui and Yuanshen nourish Heart Blood; Huanglian cools Heart Fire; Tianhuafen eliminates Heart phlegm. Without opening agents, Fire stays trapped; Shengma and Jingjie disperse it; Gancao and Fushen harmonize, guiding Fire outward. As Fire exits, macules fade, saving life.

In Cold Damage Taiyang syndrome, if Jie Xiong (Chest Binding) is present with irritability, death is indicated. Downward purgation is contraindicated; even if used, death results. Chest binding with irritability signals impending Stomach Qi extinction. Without Stomach Qi, Jin Ye (Body Fluids) cannot generate; without fluids, the Heart lacks nourishment. Thus, chest binding with irritability is often untreatable. However, fluid depletion stems from chest binding, not spontaneous Zang failure. One must attack the central hardness to resolve chest binding, allowing fluids to regenerate and hope for revival. I transmit Huajie Tang (Resolve Binding Decoction): Trichosanthis Radix (Tianhuafen) 5 qian, Aurantii Fructus (Zhike) 1 qian, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi) 5 fen, Maltyum (Maiya) 3 qian, Asparagi Tuber (Tianmendong) 3 qian, Mori Cortex (Sangbaipi) 3 qian, Massae Fermentatae Medicatae (Shenqu) 3 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. One dose opens the binding, generating fluids. Tianhuafen replaces Gualou to avoid overly harsh chest-binding action, yet effectively resolves binding without being too harsh. Zhike aids digestion and expands the middle; Maiya and Sangbaipi accelerate transformation; Shenqu and Chenpi regulate the Stomach with miraculous effect; Tianmendong generates fluids, synergizing with Tianhuafen. This combination transforms phlegm and food unpredictably, opening blockages and saving lives. Using Daxiexiong Tang after sweating or purging would hasten death.

Cold Damage Zang Jie (Organ Knotting) is recorded in the Taiyang chapter, though it is not a Taiyang disease. Zhang Zhongjing included it to distinguish Taiyang symptoms resembling Zang Jie, which must not be treated with purgatives. Zang Jie presents as pain connecting the lower abdomen to both sides of the umbilicus, extending to the genital tendons, sometimes with cyanotic tendons leading to death. This is Yin Evil knotting in Yin regions. There are no exterior symptoms, so exterior treatment is wrong; interior attack is required. I have a formula, Sanjie Jiuzang Tang (Disperse Knot Rescue Organ Decoction): Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) 1 liang, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) 5 qian, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) 1 qian, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) 1 qian, Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui) 1 liang, Cinnamomi Cortex (Rougui) 5 fen. Decoct in water and take orally. Baizhu benefits Waist-Umbilicus Qi; Renshen saves Yuan Yang (Primordial Yang); Danggui activates whole-body Blood, further benefiting Waist-Umbilicus Qi; Gancao harmonizes the Middle to stop pain; Fuzi and Rougui dispel Cold to expel Evil. Warming the Organs resolves knots. Attacking within tonification and dispelling Cold within tonification yields unique success.

In Cold Damage Yangming syndrome, simultaneous staring, delirious speech, panting/fullness, and diarrhea indicate death. If only some symptoms appear, death is not certain. All three together signify a fatal prognosis. Staring and delirium stem from excessive Stomach Fire burning the Heart, unassisted by Kidney Water, causing unrestrained Fire. Panting indicates Fire flaring upward with Qi attempting to escape upwards; diarrhea indicates Fire sinking with Qi attempting to escape downwards. These are critical states of impending collapse. With proper treatment, survival is possible. I have a miraculous formula, Yuantuo San (Support Collapse Powder): Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao) 5 qian, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) 1 liang, Ophiopogonis Tuber (Maidong) 1 liang, Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao) 1 liang, Bamboo Shavings (Zhuru) 3 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. Renshen rescues collapse; Shigao calms Fire; Maidong calms panting; Baishao stops diarrhea; Zhuru clears the Heart. Qi remains intact and recoverable.

Cold Damage "Huai Zheng" (Ruined Syndrome) occurs when fever persists like fire despite prior sweating, vomiting, or purging, indicating unresolved pathology. Various death signs may appear. How to save? Unresolved after sweating means inappropriate sweating was performed; unresolved after vomiting means inappropriate vomiting; unresolved after purging means inappropriate purging. Remedying these errors is a method, but not fixed. I transmit Jiuhuai Tang (Rescue Ruined Syndrome Decoction): Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) 5 qian, Poria (Fuling) 5 qian, Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) 1 qian, Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao) 1 liang, Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen) 5 qian, Ophiopogonis Tuber (Maidong) 5 qian, White Mustard Seed (Baijiezi) 2 qian, Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui) 5 qian, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi) 5 fen. Decoct in water and take orally. This formula cleverly avoids treating specific errors of sweating, vomiting, or purging. Instead, it heavily tonifies with Renshen, Fuling, Danggui, and Baishao, adding Chaihu to harmonize, naturally reducing Fire and generating Stomach Qi. Repeating errors on a weakened body ensures death. Only my formula can revive the dying.

Cold Damage Shaoyin syndrome with aversion to cold, curled posture, diarrhea, and cold extremities is incurable. Yin excess without Yang means abdominal Cold; Yang is nearly extinct, and continuous diarrhea drains Yang further. Death seems inevitable. However, near-extinction is not total extinction. Urgent Yang-tonifying herbs can restore life. Formula: Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) 2 liang, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) 2 qian, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) 2 qian, Zingiberis Rhizoma (Ganjiang) 2 qian, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) 1 liang, Poria (Fuling) 5 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. Named Niuzhi Lizhi Tang (Reverse Cold Stop Diarrhea Decoction). Extremities warm in one dose; diarrhea stops in two; full recovery in three. Renshen and Fuzi rapidly restore Yuan Yang, chasing scattered Yang and dispelling Yin Cold. Baizhu and Fuling drain dampness while securing Yuan Yang. Ganjiang and Ganjiang harmonize the abdomen, creating internal heat so external Cold dissipates spontaneously, leaving no residual pathogens. Cold, curling, reversal, and diarrhea all cease, ensuring life.

Cold Damage Shaoyin syndrome with vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, and cold extremities is fatal. Upper vomiting and lower diarrhea with irritability indicate chaotic Yin-Yang and suppressed vitality. Cold extremities signal impending Spleen-Stomach Qi extinction. It is undoubtedly fatal. However, early treatment may save. Administer Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) 2 liang, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) 2 liang, Cinnamomi Cortex (Rougui) 2 qian, Eugeniae Flos (Dingxiang) 2 qian immediately. Named Zhini Dian’an Tang (Stop Reverse Stabilize Peace Decoction). Renshen saves Yuan Yang; Baizhu saves Spleen-Stomach collapse; Dingxiang stops vomiting; Rougui warms the Middle and stops diarrhea. Saving the Central Earth and stabilizing upper-lower chaos turns life around instantly. No other formula compares.

Cold Damage Shaoyin syndrome where diarrhea stops but dizziness and vertigo occur is also fatal. Yang returns but Yin is extinct; excessive diarrhea depleted Yin to extinction, seemingly incurable. However, Yin and Yang root each other and generate each other. Yin extinction causes Yang Qi to gather chaotically at the head, causing dizziness. Yang is欲脱 (about to escape) but not yet escaped. Tonify Yang to generate Yang; as Yang generates, Yin can reconnect since Yin is born from Yang. Formula: Shengsheng Tang (Generate Life Decoction): Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) 2 liang, Cinnamomi Cortex (Rougui) 2 qian. Decoct and take. Renshen returns Yang Qi from nothing. Though Yang-dominant, it contains Yin (80% Yang, 20% Yin). Returning Yang gradually returns Yin. Rougui, though pure Yang, enters Liver-Kidney and is a supreme Yin-tonic. Success follows.

Cold Damage Shaoyin syndrome with cold extremities, aversion to cold, curled posture, absent pulse, no irritability but restlessness is usually fatal, but I consider it salvageable due to the absent pulse and lack of irritability. Cold extremities indicate impending Yin-Yang extinction. Absent pulse may be due to extreme Cold hiding the pulse; otherwise, Yang extinction would cause irritability. Lack of irritability suggests Yang is not yet extinct but nearing it, which is fearful. Yang extinction drags Yin with it. Tonify Yang; returning Yang returns Yin. Any trace of life allows salvation. Like sparks from dying embers igniting a forest, True Yin and True Yang are Pre-heaven Qi, not visible fire/water. Once connected, life returns. Use Shengsheng Tang urgently: Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) 3 liang, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) 3 qian, Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Chao Zaoren) 5 qian. Decoct and take. Renshen restores Yin-Yang; Fuzi dispels Cold-reversal; Zaoren calms the Heart. Calm heart stops restlessness; stable pulse emerges. This formula seeks life from death.

Cold Damage Shaoyin disease, breathing elevated (Xi Gao) on the sixth or seventh day indicates death. Xi Gao appearing then is Shaoyin, not Taiyang. Xi Gao differs significantly from Asthma (Qi Chuan). Taiyang asthma stems from pathogen excess; Shaoyin Xi Gao stems from Qi deficiency. Asthma features coarse nasal breathing; Xi Gao features faint nasal breathing. This is Pre-natal Qi at the Lower Origin nearing extinction, connected to the Qi Sea, rising to cause急促 (rapid) breathing, able to go up but not down. It is extremely critical. Formula: Zhixi Tang (Stop Breathing Decoction): Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) 3 liang, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata (Shudi) 3 liang, Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi) 3 qian, Ophiopogonis Tuber (Maidong) 2 liang, Psoraleae Fructus (Poguzhi) 3 qian, Juglandis Semen (Hutaoren) 1 piece, Zingiberis Rhizoma (Ganjiang) 5 fen. Decoct and take. This formula greatly tonifies Guan Yuan and Qi Sea, guiding Fire downward, avoiding Cold-dispelling herbs to allow Qi return and normalize breathing. Mistaking this for Taiyang asthma and using Guizhi Tang kills instantly. Zhixi Tang offers 50-60% survival. Long-term administration is crucial; stopping after one dose fails.

Cold Damage Shaoyin disease with faint, deep, fine pulse, desire to sleep, sweating, no irritability, spontaneous urge to vomit, progressing to diarrhea on day 5-6, followed by irritability and insomnia, is fatal. Faint/deep/fine pulse indicates Yin syndrome; desire to sleep confirms it. Sweating indicates no internal Yang syndrome. No irritability and vomiting suggest Yang pathogen has dispersed, leaving Yin pathogen to wreak havoc. Warming is urgent. Neglecting this leads to diarrhea by day 5-6, indicating...