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On Unblocking Liver Pathogens

The Heavenly Master said: "Fa Zhi" (Releasing Treatment) refers to the situation where pathogens have invaded the skin, hair, and interstices, and are about to enter the Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) levels. At this stage, it is imperative to employ dispersing methods. The prescription consists of Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) 1 qian, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) 3 qian, Jing Jie (Schizonepetae Herba) 1 qian, Su Ye (Perillae Folium) 1 qian, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) 1 qian, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian, Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) 1 qian, and Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) 1 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. This formula contains profound principles within its mild nature. Since the stagnation of Wood Qi (Liver Qi) is best treated by soothing and dispersing, the herbs used here all directly enter the Liver Meridian, naturally unblocking the Liver Wood and allowing its branches and leaves to grow smoothly and freely. Just as willow leaves flourish without wind, and tender green grass sprouts fresh blue-green hues everywhere, the universe is filled with the free flow of Spring Qi. This is the method of Fa Zhi.

Lord Zhang said: I did not expect that the Heavenly Master had already stated this; my previous prescription can be discarded. My prescription also aims at releasing, so it may be deleted. Yuan Gong is correct; let us preserve both prescriptions for now.

Lord Hua said: No objection.

On Edema, Abdominal Distension, and Dorsal Foot Swelling

The Heavenly Master said: "Duo Zhi" (Plundering Treatment) refers to the obstruction and stagnation of Earth Qi (Spleen/Stomach Qi). If one does not employ the 'plundering' method, the blockage will only worsen. Therefore, one must force the exit through a 'plundered gate,' causing the water to flow profusely. The symptoms resemble edema, with the abdomen distended like a drum, swelling on the dorsum of both feet, indentation upon pressure resembling mud, difficulty in urination, and constipation. People assume it is a water disease, but who knows that it actually stems from the stagnation of Earth Qi? The prescription uses Ji Shi Li (Chicken Dropping Wine Preparation) 1 sheng. It should be stir-fried until yellow, ground into powder, and mixed with 1 jin of yellow wine. First, place the chicken dropping powder on new cloth, then sprinkle the yellow wine over it. Do not do this too rapidly; rinse slowly so that the medicinal essence fully filters through. Take one bowl of the juice and administer to the patient. It is crucial that the patient is not informed beforehand; otherwise, they may lack faith and refuse to take it, potentially causing other ailments. After ingestion, thunderous sounds will immediately arise in the abdomen. Within the time it takes to eat one meal, the abdominal fluid will be expelled. The swelling in both feet will reduce by more than half after one dose, and completely resolve after drinking another bowl. Chicken droppings are excellent at expelling water and unblocking Earth Qi, penetrating every nook and cranny. They open all outlets for previously accumulated water, directing it entirely into the Large Intestine for excretion. This is the marvel of the Duo method. Although Qian Niu (Pharbitidis Semen) and Gan Sui (Kansui Radix) are not ineffective at expelling water, they ultimately cannot match the divine efficacy of chicken droppings. However, after using this treatment, dietary intake must be strictly prohibited; otherwise, recurrence will be incurable. Practitioners must be aware of this, and patients must remember it.

Lord Zhang said: Ji Shi Li is indeed efficacious. However, stating that Gan Sui and Qian Niu are inferior to chicken droppings is not necessarily true. Both prescriptions can be used酌情ly (at discretion).

Lord Hua said: I agree. Yet I have another method that has not been transmitted. For treating edema, decocting 2 liang of Da Mai Mang (Hordei Fructus Germinatus Arista) in water and drinking it can also resolve the condition, without sequelae. However, it requires continuous administration as a decoction for several months to expel water and achieve cure. The herbs are ordinary, yet the effect is remarkable. Why did the Heavenly Master not transmit this? Did he overlook it due to its perceived lack of uniqueness? Nevertheless, the efficacy is truly miraculous, and I dare not suppress its uniqueness.

The Heavenly Master said: This prescription is only suitable for treating initial-stage edema and is not applicable to chronic edema.