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Lei Zhenjun said, "To know life and death is the prerequisite for becoming a physician. Distinguishing death within life, and life within death, is not an easy task. How to identify death within life? For instance, in Taiyang disease (disease of the Taiyang channel), if there is no sweating after seven days, it indicates a fatal prognosis. How to identify life within death? Conditions such as Zhongfeng (Wind Stroke), Zhong'e (Sudden Evil Invasion), and poisoning are examples. If one can distinguish non-fatal outcomes from seemingly fatal 'death within life,' and recognize hopeless cases from seemingly salvageable 'life within death,' then one's medical art is nearly complete."

Regarding Taiyang disease where no sweating occurs by the seventh day, people generally consider it fatal. However, I alone assert that it will not be fatal. This is not because the absence of sweating implies survival. Rather, although the pathogenic factor is exuberant and sweating is contraindicated or inhibited, preventing sweat discharge, the patient does not exhibit severe restlessness. This indicates that Kidney Water (Kidney Yin/fluids) is still preserved, and the pathogen cannot boil it dry. Although there is currently no sweat, sweat will inevitably follow. The principle of 'recovery every seven days' (the cyclical restoration of healthy Qi) is not an empty statement. This is the method for distinguishing non-fatal outcomes from 'death within life.'

In Zhongfeng (Wind Stroke) causing aphasia, Zhong'e (Sudden Evil Invasion) causing silence, or poisoning causing mental confusion, although vital Qi remains, suggesting they are not immediately fatal, certain signs indicate organ failure: enuresis indicates Kidney failure; flaccid paralysis of the hands indicates Liver failure; inability to swallow fluids indicates Spleen and Stomach failure; stiffness of the tongue base indicates Heart failure; and snoring-like sounds indicate Lung failure. If all five Zang organs fail, death is inevitable. However, if even one Zang organ has not failed, there is still hope. By identifying which Zang organ fails first and urgently rescuing its Qi, a fatal condition can be turned into a non-fatal one. Among the five Zang organs, the most critical are the Heart and Kidney. The best herbs to rescue the Heart and Kidney are Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata). When combined, these two herbs penetrate all channels. Rescuing the Heart and Kidney ensures the rescue of other organs. Even in near-death situations, phlegm and saliva often cause complications. Medications for resolving phlegm should not be used lightly. If Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is not used in large doses, but only phlegm-resolving agents are employed, it may hasten death. Even if the patient occasionally survives temporarily, they will soon return to death. This is the method for distinguishing hopeless cases from 'life within death.'

Master Zhang said: "This is truly extraordinary writing."

Lei Zhenjun said: "Diseases present with both true and false manifestations. Cold and heat patterns are predominant, and the *Neijing* (Inner Canon) has already analyzed them exhaustively. I discuss them again because true and false diseases are difficult to discern, and physicians must not rigidly adhere to general counter-treatment methods. I have methods for treating 'True Cold with False Heat' that do not necessarily rely on decoctions. For example, if a person has cold lower limbs and intense upper body heat, feels thirsty and desires water, but vomits immediately upon swallowing, this is True Cold presenting as False Heat to deceive observers. One should use Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia Root) in a large dose, cooled before administration. If patients or others dare not use it, use insufficient dosage, or refuse to take it, my external treatment method should be applied. Have a strong person rub the soles of the feet vigorously until they feel hot like fire, continuing until a high degree of heat is achieved. Then, mix 1 liang of Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus) powder, 1 qian of Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), and 1 fen of Shexiang (Musk) into fine powder. Add a small amount of wheat flour paste to form two medicated plasters. Apply them to the center of the soles. After a short while, the patient will fall into a deep sleep. Upon waking, the lower body will become warm, and the upper body heat will naturally subside. Immediately administer Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia Root), and the illness will vanish as if lost.

As for treating 'True Heat with False Cold,' the approach differs. For example, if a person has cold extremities externally but intense internal heat, experiencing chills, fever, and uncontrollable tremors, this is True Heat internally presenting as False Cold externally. One should use Sanhuang Shigao Tang (Three-Yellow and Gypsum Decoction) with added fresh ginger, administered warm. If the physician doubts its efficacy or the family refuses administration, my method is highly suitable. Take a bucket of well water and splash it onto the chest and heart region. The patient will feel relief. After splashing 20 to 30 times, the internal heat will cease, and external tremors will suddenly disappear. Immediately prepare a decoction of Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), and Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), each in 2 liang quantities. Allow the patient to drink freely, and the condition will not worsen further.

Master Zhang said: "How can methods be so miraculous? Following these practices, there will be no unavoidable deaths."