论治气不顺 论治上焦之痰 论中风不语
天师曰∶小治法者，乃上焦之病也。病既在上焦，若大
其剂，则势下行，反为不美。如胸膈不利，或痰盛闭塞，或一时中风不语，皆当以小剂治之。小剂方
甚多，举三，四之病，可悟其余。譬如胸膈不利，此气不顺也，可用苏叶一钱，半夏一钱，甘草一
钱，桔梗一钱，百部五分治之。（〔批〕顺气汤。）一剂快然无碍矣。如痰盛闭塞作痛者，乃痰在上
焦也，用天花粉一钱，甘草一钱，柴胡一钱，陈皮五分，半夏一钱，苏子一钱治之。（〔
批〕化痰饮。）或用瓜蒂七个，或用皂角一个，以水煎汤吐之，皆小治之法也。或中风不语者，亦用瓜
蒂散、皂角汤探吐之。然必看其真正中风，始用二方吐之，否则，万万不可轻用。真正中风，平日自然壮
盛，能御风寒，不畏寒热之人；既中之后，双目突出，手足乱舞，痰色黄，结成块，大小便闭塞不通者
是。若安静，平日人衰弱，临症之时，气息如无，大小便自遗，手撒眼闭，浮肿，作水鸡声，不十分
响者，乃气虚也，切不可与瓜蒂、皂角二汤。当与前三生饮，加人参一两治之。
张公曰∶人以为轻病也，不十分留心，谁知大病成于小病乎。小病而斟酌尽善，又何大病之生
也。岐天师忽用大剂以治大病，忽用小剂以治小病，如神龙变化，不可测度，真圣化神兼而立方也。
华君曰∶不必谈，亦无可谈。
The Heavenly Master said: The so-called "Minor Treatment Method" refers to therapies for diseases in the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner). Since the disease is located in the Upper Jiao, if the dosage is too large, the therapeutic force will descend downwards, which is counterproductive. For instance, when there is discomfort in the chest and diaphragm, or obstruction due to excessive phlegm, or sudden aphasia caused by wind-stroke, all should be treated with small-dosage prescriptions. There are many small-dosage formulas; by citing treatments for three or four conditions, one can infer the rest.
For example, discomfort in the chest and diaphragm indicates stagnation of Qi (Vital Energy). One may use Perilla Leaf (Zi Su Ye) 1 qian, Pinellia Rhizome Prepared (Ban Xia) 1 qian, Licorice Root (Gan Cao) 1 qian, Platycodon Root (Jie Geng) 1 qian, and Stemona Root (Bai Bu) 0.5 qian. (Commentary: Shun Qi Tang [Qi-Smoothening Decoction]). After one dose, the patient will feel relieved and unobstructed. If obstruction causes pain due to excessive phlegm, this indicates Phlegm in the Upper Jiao. One may use Trichosanthes Root (Tian Hua Fen) 1 qian, Licorice Root (Gan Cao) 1 qian, Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu) 1 qian, Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) 0.5 qian, Pinellia Rhizome Prepared (Ban Xia) 1 qian, and Perilla Seed (Su Zi) 1 qian. (Commentary: Hua Tan Yin [Phlegm-Transforming Drink]). Alternatively, use seven seeds of Melon Tip (Gua Di), or one piece of Gleditsia Sinensis Fruit (Zao Jiao), decocted in water to induce vomiting. These are all methods of minor treatment. In cases of aphasia due to wind-stroke, one may also use Gua Di San or Zao Jiao Tang to induce vomiting via probing. However, one must confirm it is a true wind-stroke before using these two formulas to induce vomiting; otherwise, they must never be used lightly. True wind-stroke occurs in individuals who are naturally robust, capable of resisting wind-cold, and not fearful of heat or cold. After striking, symptoms include protruding eyes, chaotic movements of hands and feet, yellow sputum forming clumps, and complete obstruction of urination and defecation. Conversely, if the person was previously quiet and frail, and upon illness exhibits faint breath, incontinence of urine and feces, relaxed hands, closed eyes, edema, and a croaking sound in the throat (like a water chicken, but not very loud), this is Deficiency of Qi. Under no circumstances should the Gua Di or Zao Jiao decoctions be administered. Instead, one should administer Qian San Sheng Yin [Three Raw Life Decoction] with added Ginseng Root (Ren Shen) 1 liang.
Master Zhang said: People consider it a mild condition and do not pay enough attention. Who would know that major illnesses arise from minor ones? If minor illnesses are handled with perfect deliberation, how could major illnesses arise? The Heavenly Master Qi suddenly uses large dosages to treat major illnesses and suddenly uses small dosages to treat minor illnesses, changing like a divine dragon, unfathomable. This truly represents a prescription method combining sage-like wisdom and divine efficacy.
Master Hua said: No need to discuss; there is nothing more to say.