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On Gout, On Feng Yi (Sudden Loss of Consciousness), On Feng Fei (Paralysis), On Wei Fei (Atrophy and Paralysis), and on Jing Zheng (Spasm)

The Heavenly Master said: "Wu Zhi" (Treatment while lying down) refers to treating the patient while they remain in a recumbent position. This applies to patients suffering from gout, as well as those with symptoms of Feng Yi (sudden loss of consciousness), Feng Fei (paralysis of limbs), and Wei Fei (atrophy and inability to move). The pathology of gout lies in dampness obstructing the interior. When dampness enters the joints and bone marrow, it causes unbearable pain, pulling and cramping of the hands and feet, curvature of the waist and spine, leaving the patient bedridden for years. It is impossible for them to sit or stand up. Given this condition, how can one treat them without employing the method of treatment while lying down?

Prescribe Coicis Semen (Yiren) 1 liang, Euryales Semen (Qianshi) 1 liang, Poria (Fuling) 3 qian, Plantaginis Semen (Cheqianzi) 1 qian, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) 5 qian, and Cinnamomi Ramulus (Rougui) 1 fen (do not use more). Decoct in water and take orally. (Annotation: Jie Shi Tang / Dampness-Resolving Decoction.) The brilliance of this formula lies in its ability to eliminate dampness without depleting Qi. Its particular ingenuity lies in using only 1 fen of Rougui; by utilizing the qi of cinnamon twig without its harsh flavor, it can penetrate into various joints to guide out the pathogenic water-dampness. This formula should be taken long-term as a decoction; do not expect immediate results. This is one method of Wu Zhi.

The symptom of Feng Yi involves sudden loss of consciousness without pain, with the patient remaining in bed for years. This is also a wind-dampness syndrome where pathogens enter the skin and flesh, rendering the limbs useless. Prescribe Baizhu 5 qian, Yiren 1 liang, Qianshi 5 qian, Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao) 3 qian, Cheqianzi 1 qian, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) 3 qian, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) 1 qian, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi) 1 qian, Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) 1 qian, Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao) 3 qian, and Sinapis Semen (Baijiezi) 3 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. (Annotation: Jian Wei San Shi Dan / Stomach-Strengthening and Dampness-Dispersing Elixir.) This formula is also a divine agent for removing dampness; when water-dampness is removed without consuming Qi, blood circulation in the skin and flesh naturally improves, and the wind syndrome can be cured. However, do not expect immediate results. This is another method of Wu Zhi.

The symptom of Feng Fei belongs to heat-fire syndromes. Excessive fire arises from insufficient Kidney Water; replenishing the water causes the fire to vanish into nothingness. Prescribe Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (Shudi) 4 liang, Corni Fructus (Shanzhuyu) 3 qian, Schisandrae Fructus (Beiwuweizi) 2 qian, Ophiopogonis Tuber (Maidong) 2 liang, Scrophulariae Radix (Yuanshen) 1 liang, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) 1 fen, and Baijiezi 3 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. (Annotation: Xi Huo Tang / Fire-Extinguishing Decoction.) The brilliance of this formula lies in its pure water-nourishing ingredients. When water is sufficient, fire extinguishes itself, and the affliction of Feng Fei is naturally eliminated. This is yet another method of Wu Zhi.

The symptom of Wei Fei belongs to Yangming Fire syndromes. When Kidney Water is insufficient to nourish, the bones become empty and cannot support standing. Prescribe Yuanshen 3 liang, Maidong 1 liang, Shudi 3 liang, and Shanzhuyu 2 liang. Decoct in water and take orally. (Annotation: Sheng Yin Zhuang Sui Dan / Yin-Nourishing and Marrow-Strengthening Elixir.) The brilliance of this formula lies in using Shudi and Shanzhuyu entirely to nourish water, while Yuanshen clears floating fire, and Maidong generates Lung Metal Yin. As Yin grows and Yang declines, the Yangming fire naturally subsides. Once the flame is extinguished, Metal and Water generate each other, organs and bowels receive fluids, and bone marrow becomes full. Would there still be cases of legs unable to walk? This is yet another method of Wu Zhi.

Master Zhang said: Illnesses requiring recumbent treatment are certainly not limited to these; there is also Jing Zheng (spasm), which also requires treatment while lying down. The symptoms inevitably include retracted legs and contracted sinews, inability to stand, with or without pain, making it difficult to get out of bed for a whole year, necessitating treatment in a supine position. Prescribe Yiren 5 qian, Qianshi 5 qian, Shanyao 5 qian, Fuling 5 qian, Baizhu 5 qian, and Rougui 1 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. (Annotation: Feng Shi Liang Qu San / Wind-Dampness Dual-Expelling Powder.) This formula consists purely of herbs that remove dampness and strengthen the Spleen; it does not directly dispel wind, but wind-dispelling action is inherent within it. Jing Bing (spasm disease) is originally a dampness syndrome, not a wind syndrome. When the Spleen is healthy, water-dampness dissipates naturally; when dampness is removed, sinus pain disappears, and when sinews relax, joints become flexible. However, this medicine must be taken in large quantities over time to be effective.

Master Hua said: I agree.

Sun Zhenjun (Sun Simiao) said: A miraculous prescription for Wei Syndrome: Use Yiren 3 liang, Shudi 3 liang, Maidong 1 liang, Beiwuweizi 1 qian, and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi) 5 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. The brilliance of this formula lies in using Yiren up to 3 liang; thus, Shudi is not feared for being too cloying/damp, Maidong is not feared for being too cold, and Niuxi is not feared for being too dispersing. Instead, it gains the benefits of all three, allowing for long-term administration to achieve success. (Annotation: Profound discussion, profound prescription.) I have transmitted only this to you. The Heavenly Master has already revealed the wonders of Heaven and Earth; why should we others trouble ourselves? My prescriptions have all been passed down to the world. What I am transmitting to you now are formulas previously untransmitted. There is truly nothing left to transmit; it is not due to secrecy.