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Chen Shiduo stated: The so-called "Sheng Zhi Fa" (Lifting Therapy) is a treatment method employed to lift Qi that has sunk due to deficiency and cannot rise on its own. Generally, people suffer from irregular eating habits or overexertion, which internally injures the Zheng Qi (Upright Qi), causing Qi mechanism to descend. Consequently, the Spleen and Stomach fail to transform and transport properly, food and drink cannot be moved and digested, often evolving into Lao Zhai (chronic consumptive diseases). If one mistakenly suspects that loss of appetite is due to Fire in the Spleen and Stomach, or suspects that damage from meat and millet is due to accumulation of water and grain, they may administer mild drugs such as Sha Ren (Amomi Fructus), Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus), Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus), and Mai Ya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus) for mild cases, or heavy drugs like Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas), Qian Niu (Pharbitidis Semen), and Ba Dou (Crotonis Fructus) for severe cases. Administering these indiscriminately will inevitably lead to persistent abdominal distension and fullness. Had lifting herbs been used first, how could such conditions have arisen? The prescription consists of Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian, Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) 3 qian, Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) 1 qian, Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) 3 fen, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 3 qian, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 1 qian, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian, and Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 3 qian. This formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Supplement the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction); I have adjusted its dosages to establish an unchangeable standard for generations. Li Dongyuan's lifelong scholarship is entirely centered on this formula. Whenever the Cun pulse (Inch position) on the right hand is larger than the Cun pulse on the left hand, regardless of the size or depth/superficiality of the Guan (Bar position) or Chi (Cubit position) pulses on either side, this formula should be administered with miraculous efficacy. This is because a right Cun pulse larger than the left indicates internal injury, making this formula precisely targeted. The brilliance lies in mixing Chai Hu and Sheng Ma among Ren Shen, Huang Qi, Dang Gui, and Bai Zhu to lift the Supreme Yang Qi, preventing it from sinking into the Yin compartments; even more brilliant is the addition of Gan Cao and Chen Pi to harmonize the tonification, ensuring that tonification is not stagnant and lifting is not lopsided, thus allowing safe administration and rapid effect. Some may suspect that Ren Shen and Huang Qi are too abundant; it is acceptable to reduce them slightly. However, if one believes that tonic herbs should not be used abruptly and removes Ren Shen and Huang Qi entirely, Chai Hu and Sheng Ma will lack strength. It is like using a thin rope to lift a thousand-jin weight to a height of a hundred zhang—difficult indeed. Using only Ren Shen without Huang Qi, or only Huang Qi without Ren Shen, will halve the efficacy, though this is still better than removing both entirely. If one argues that Chai Hu and Sheng Ma lift Qi, and suspects that clear Qi fails to rise while turbid Yin rises instead, this argument holds only if the left Cun pulse is larger than the right Cun pulse. Otherwise, misusing this approach would kill countless people; such claims must be baseless fabrications. I detest such ambiguous theories and those who appear orthodox but mislead—the "Xiang Yuan" (hypocrites) of our tradition—and urge you to thoroughly refute them.

Master Zhang said: No one has explained Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang so clearly and effectively; how fortunate is Li Dongyuan to receive such praise! What more can I say? Regarding Yang Deficiency with sinking, lifting should be done as described above; but for Yin Deficiency with sinking, what method should be used for lifting? Master Chen did not mention this, so I shall add it. For instance, when a person suffers from Spleen diarrhea due to Yin Deficiency, persisting for years, where food is not digested or digestion results in loose stools, the prescription uses Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) 5 qian, Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus) 5 qian, Bei Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) 1 qian, Bai Zhu 1 liang, Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) 3 qian, Che Qian Zi (Plantaginis Semen) 1 qian, Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) 1 qian, Fu Ling (Poria) 3 qian, and Sheng Ma 3 fen, decocted in water and taken orally. [Commentary: Sheng Yin Tang (Lifting Yin Decoction). The brilliance of this formula was unforeseen by others until Master Zhang proposed it. Lei Gong said: Master Zhang's formula is exquisite; he is truly a master capable of mending the heavens.] The brilliance of this formula lies purely in Yin-nourishing herbs, with only 3 fen of Sheng Ma added to lift the Qi within Yin. When Yin Qi rises, diarrhea stops naturally; furthermore, warm and hot herbs warm the Ming Men (Gate of Life) and strengthen the Spleen Earth, preventing recurrent loose stools. While Master Chen discussed lifting Yang Qi, I present a decoction for tonifying and lifting Yin Qi. With these two formulas, one can achieve longevity comparable to Heaven and Earth.

Master Hua said: This also remains an untransmitted secret.