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Chen Shiduo (styled Tianshi) stated: The method of inducing vomiting is applied when the pathogenic factor is located in the epigastrium and cannot descend, necessitating its upward expulsion through vomiting. For instance, when there is stagnation in the upper jiao (Upper Burner) with phlegm masses obstructing the flow, neither ascending nor descending, blocking the chest and diaphragm, causing panting, a desire to vomit that fails to materialize, or a reluctance to expectorate, this constitutes such a case. The treatment should employ Yin-Yang water (a mixture of raw and boiled water) to probe and induce vomiting, or decoct seeds of melon (Gua Di) and veratrum (Li Lu), drinking the juice to immediately trigger emesis. However, this method is only applicable when phlegm-qi and fire pathogens are knotted in the chest causing pain; otherwise, it must strictly be avoided. Human primordial qi (Yuan Qi) is delicate and difficult to restore once injured; each episode of vomiting causes turbulence in the five zang organs, inevitably damaging longevity and vital essence. Therefore, one must inquire whether the patient experiences chest pain, qi obstruction, foreign body sensation in the throat, or if the expectorated phlegm is yellow. Only when these indications are present can the aforementioned emetic drugs be used. If the symptoms do not fully align, even if the patient feels an urge to vomit, caution must be exercised, especially by practitioners. This represents one application of the vomiting method, relying on the physician's discretion.

Zhang Yinzhan (styled Zhang Gong) stated: The vomiting method should not be used lightly. Ignoring contraindications and using it recklessly will inevitably cause unrest and disorder in the five zang organs. Tianshi’s earnest warnings are indeed the words of a benevolent person; you should heed them respectfully. I have another method to teach you. For conditions suitable for vomiting, observe the sputum: if it adheres to the wall with a glossy sheen, the vomiting method may be safely employed; all other cases are contraindicated. "Glossy" refers to a shine similar to the slime left by a snail. However, even if such glossiness is observed, regardless of whether the phlegm originates from the upper, middle, or lower jiao, one must wait for the sputum trace to dry before distinguishing its color. One must not mistake the wet appearance of fresh phlegm for glossiness.

Hua Xiuyun (styled Hua Jun) stated: I agree with the above views.

Chen Shiduo (styled Tianshi) stated: The method of "xie" (draining/venting) refers to sweating to expel pathogens. When pathogens reside in the cou-li (interstices between skin and muscle) and refuse to exit spontaneously, herbs that induce sweating must be used to disperse and vent them. The prescription consists of: Jing Jie (Schizonepetae Herba) 1 qian, Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix) 1 qian, Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) 1 qian, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian, Zi Su Ye (Perillae Folium) 1 qian, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 5 qian, Fu Ling (Poria) 3 qian, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 0.5 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. The brilliance of this formula lies in using Bai Zhu as the sovereign herb, while employing exterior-releasing herbs as minister and envoy. When the spleen qi is robust, the pores and cou-li can open and close freely. Here, Bai Zhu strengthens the spleen, dries dampness, and benefits the waist and umbilical region, making it difficult for pathogens to remain. Furthermore, Fang Feng, Jing Jie, and Zi Su Ye thoroughly scatter external pathogens, preventing them from lingering in the Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) levels. With Gan Cao harmonizing the middle, the pathogens dissipate naturally without forceful attack. This is an excellent example of the draining method.

Zhang Yinzhan (styled Zhang Gong) stated: I have used many formulas for the draining method, none more exquisite than this one. My formulas typically rely on a single sovereign herb for dispersion, whereas Tianshi’s formula excels in strengthening the spleen while dispersing pathogens. If treating winter sweating syndromes with this formula, one might consider adding Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) 0.5 qian or Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba) 0.5 qian, depending on clinical judgment.

Hua Xiuyun (styled Hua Jun) stated: I agree with the above views.

(Note: The use of Bai Zhu in the draining formula shares the same principle as its use in Su He Wan (Styrax Pill); the method is highly ingenious. Recorded by Li Ziyong.)