论散郁
天师曰∶散治者，有邪而郁结胸中，以表散之药散之也。
如人头疼身热，伤风咳嗽，或心事不爽，而郁气蕴于中怀，或怒气不舒，而怨愤留于胁下，倘以补药温
之，则愈甚矣。方用柴胡一钱，白芍三钱，薄荷一钱，丹皮一钱，当归二钱，半夏一钱，白术一钱，枳
壳三分，甘草一钱，水煎服。（〔批〕郁神丹。）此方纯治前症，投之一不效应如响，即逍遥散变之也。
开郁行气。去湿利痰，无不兼治。散之中有补之法，得补益之利，受解散之功，真药壶之妙药，刀圭之神
剂也。散之方无出其右，毋轻视之。
张公曰∶固然散之法无出其右，予再言其加入之味。如头疼，加川芎一钱；目痛，加疾藜一钱，甘菊
花一钱；鼻塞，加苏叶一钱；喉痛，加桔梗二钱；肩背痛，加枳壳二钱；两手痛，加桂枝一钱∶两胁痛，倍
加柴胡、白芍；胸痛，加枳壳一钱；腹痛手不可按者，加大黄二钱；腹痛手按之不痛者，加肉桂一钱。此
加减之得宜，人亦不可不知之也。
论消痞块
天师曰∶软治者，病有坚劲而不肯轻易散者，当用软治。如人生块于胸中，积痞于腹内是也。法用药以
软之。心中生块，此气血坚凝之故，法当用补血补气之中，少加软坚之味，则气血活而坚块自消。倘徒攻其
块，而不知温补之药，则坚终不得消。方用人参一钱，当归一钱，白芍三钱，青盐一钱，熟地五钱，山茱萸
二钱，麦冬三钱，北五味一钱，柴胡一钱，半夏一钱，附子一片，水煎服。（〔批〕软坚汤。）此方妙在
纯用补药，止加青盐一味以软坚，若无意于坚者，久之而坚自软，柔能制刚之妙法也。
痞块之坚，又不可以此法治之。盖坚在于腹中，若徒攻其坚，必致腹中不和，而损伤胃气。法当用和
解之中，软以治之，则坚之性可缓，而坚之形可化，坚之气可溃，坚之血可消。否则，有形之物盘踞于
中，无形之气必耗于外，日除坚而坚终不得去也。方用白术五两，茯苓三两，神曲二两，地粟粉八两，
鳖甲一斤，醋炙，人参五钱，甘草一两，白芍三两，半夏一两，白芥子一两，萝卜子五钱，浓朴五钱，肉
桂三钱，附子一钱，各为末，蜜为丸。每日临睡送下五钱，即以美物压之，（〔批〕消积化痞至神丹。）一
料未有不全愈者。此方有神功，妙在用鳖甲为君，则无坚不入。尤妙用地粟粉，佐鳖甲以攻邪，又不耗散
真气。其余各品，俱是健脾理正之药，则脾健而物自化。尤妙用肉桂、附子，冲锋突围而进，则鳖甲大军相
继而入，勇不可当。又是仁者之师，贼虽强横，自不敢抵敌，望风披靡散走。又有诸军在后，斩杀无遗，
剿抚并用，有不三月告捷者哉，此更软治之妙。倘不补正气，惟大黄、巴豆、两头尖、阿魏之类，直前攻
坚，虽亦有得胜之时，然中州扫荡，田野萧然，终必仓空箱罄。民众匮乏之形。有数年不能培植者也。人
乌可徒言攻坚哉。
张公曰∶奇论不磨。如人身生块而不消者，乃气虚而痰滞也，法当补气，而不可全然消痰，痰愈消而
气愈虚矣。方用人参一钱，白术五钱，薏仁五钱，茯苓三钱，黄 五钱，防风五分，白矾一钱，白芍三钱，
陈皮五分，白芥子三钱，水煎服。（〔批〕消补兼施汤。）此方妙在补气多，而祛痰之药少，气足而痰自
难留，况又有白芥子无痰不消，白矾无坚不入，况又有白芍以和肝木，不来克脾胃之土，而土益能转其生
化之机，又得薏仁、茯苓，以分消其水湿之气，何身块之不消乎。
瘰串之块，必须软治。方用柴胡一钱，白芍五钱，茯苓
五钱，陈皮五分，半夏一钱，甘草一钱，连翘一钱，香附一钱，皮硝五分，屋上瓦葱干者三分，生者用
一钱，水煎服。一剂动，二剂轻，三剂少愈，四剂全愈，神方也。人参，弱人加之一钱，不可多加。
On Dispersing Stagnation
The Heavenly Master said: "Dispersive treatment" refers to a condition where pathogenic factors cause stagnation in the chest. It should be treated with herbs that have dispersing properties to scatter the stagnation.
For instance, if a person suffers from headache, fever, wind-cold cough, or mental distress causing qi stagnation within the heart, or if anger is not vented leading to resentment lingering under the flanks, using tonifying and warming medicines will only exacerbate the condition.
The prescription consists of: Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) 1 qian, Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 3 qian, Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba) 1 qian, Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) 1 qian, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 2 qian, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) 1 qian, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 1 qian, Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus) 3 fen, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. (Commentary: This formula is named Yushen Dan [Soul-Calming Pill for Dispersing Stagnation].) This formula specifically treats the aforementioned symptoms; it acts swiftly like an echo upon administration. It is a variation of Xiaoyao San [Free and Easy Wanderer Powder]. It opens stagnation, moves qi, and simultaneously resolves dampness and phlegm. Its method lies in incorporating tonification within dispersion, gaining the benefits of tonification while achieving the effects of dispersion. It is truly a miraculous medicine among remedies and a divine prescription in medical arts. No dispersive formula surpasses this one; do not underestimate it.
Master Zhang said: Indeed, no dispersive method surpasses this. I shall further elaborate on modifications. For headache, add Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) 1 qian; for eye pain, add Ji Li (Tribuli Fructus) 1 qian and Gan Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi Flos) 1 qian; for nasal congestion, add Su Ye (Perillae Folium) 1 qian; for sore throat, add Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix) 2 qian; for shoulder and back pain, add Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus) 2 qian; for pain in both hands, add Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) 1 qian; for pain in both flanks, double the dosage of Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) and Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba); for chest pain, add Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus) 1 qian; for abdominal pain intolerable to touch, add Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) 2 qian; for abdominal pain relieved by pressure, add Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) 1 qian. One must understand these appropriate modifications.
On Dissolving Masses
The Heavenly Master said: "Softening treatment" applies to diseases characterized by hardness and resistance to easy dispersion. For example, masses forming in the chest or accumulations (Pi masses) in the abdomen require this approach. The method involves using medicines to soften the hardness. If a mass forms in the heart region, it is due to the coagulation of qi and blood. The treatment should involve tonifying qi and blood while adding a small amount of softening and hard-resolving herbs. This promotes qi and blood circulation, causing the hard mass to dissolve naturally. If one merely attacks the mass without employing warming and tonifying medicines, the hardness will never resolve.
The prescription consists of: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 1 qian, Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 3 qian, Qing Yan (Natrii Chloridum) 1 qian, Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) 5 qian, Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus) 2 qian, Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 3 qian, Bei Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) 1 qian, Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) 1 qian, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) 1 qian, Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) 1 slice. Decoct in water and take orally. (Commentary: This formula is named Ruanjian Tang [Decoction for Softening Hardness].) The brilliance of this formula lies in its pure use of tonifying herbs, adding only Qing Yan (Natrii Chloridum) to soften hardness. Though seemingly indifferent to the hardness, over time, the hardness naturally softens. This is the subtle art of softness overcoming hardness.
However, the severity of Pi masses varies, and this method alone may not suffice. Since the hardness resides in the abdomen, solely attacking the hardness will disrupt abdominal harmony and damage stomach qi. The treatment should employ harmonizing methods combined with softening. This can缓 (slow down) the nature of hardness, transform its form, disperse its qi, and eliminate its blood stasis. Otherwise, tangible pathogens occupying the center will consume intangible qi externally. Daily attempts to remove the hardness will fail.
The prescription consists of: Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 5 liang, Fu Ling (Poria) 3 liang, Shen Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata) 2 liang, Di Su Fen (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Amylum) 8 liang, Bie Jia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) 1 jin (prepared with vinegar), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 5 qian, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 1 liang, Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 3 liang, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) 1 liang, Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen) 1 liang, Luo Bo Zi (Brassicae Semens) 5 qian, Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) 5 qian, Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) 3 qian, Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) 1 qian. Grind all into powder and form pills with honey. Take 5 qian before sleep, followed by delicious food to settle the medicine. (Commentary: This formula is named Xiaoji Hua Pi Zhi Shen Dan [Divine Pill for Dissolving Accumulations and Melting Pi Masses].) A full course guarantees recovery. The efficacy lies in using Bie Jia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) as the sovereign herb, which penetrates all hardness. Especially brilliant is the use of Di Su Fen (Amylum), assisting Bie Jia in attacking pathogens without depleting true qi. The remaining herbs strengthen the spleen and regulate righteousness; a strong spleen transforms substances naturally. The addition of Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) and Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) acts as vanguard troops breaking through, allowing the main army of Bie Jia to follow, unstoppable. This resembles an army of benevolence; even if the enemy is strong, they dare not resist and flee at the sight. With supporting forces behind, eliminating remnants, combining suppression and pacification, victory is achieved within three months. This is the subtlety of softening treatment. If one does not tonify righteous qi but relies solely on harsh attackers like Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Ba Dou (Crotonis Fructus), Liang Tou Jian (Saussureae Radix), and Awei (Ferulae Resina) to directly assault hardness, although occasional victories occur, the central earth (spleen/stomach) is scoured bare, fields lie desolate, and granaries become empty, leaving a state of depletion requiring years to restore. How can one speak only of attacking hardness?
Master Zhang said: This is an unshakable profound theory. When masses form in the body and do not dissipate, it is due to qi deficiency and phlegm stagnation. The treatment should tonify qi rather than entirely eliminate phlegm; excessive phlegm removal worsens qi deficiency.
The prescription consists of: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 5 qian, Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen) 5 qian, Fu Ling (Poria) 3 qian, Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) 5 qian, Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) 5 fen, Bai Fan (Aluminis Sulphas) 1 qian, Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 3 qian, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 5 fen, Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen) 3 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. (Commentary: This formula is named Xiao Bu Jian Shi Tang [Decoction for Simultaneous Dissolving and Tonifying].) Its brilliance lies in using more qi-tonifying herbs and fewer phlegm-resolving ones. Sufficient qi prevents phlegm retention. Moreover, Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen) eliminates phlegm wherever it exists, and Bai Fan (Aluminis Sulphas) penetrates all hardness. Additionally, Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) harmonizes Liver Wood to prevent it from overacting on Spleen Earth, thereby enhancing the spleen's transformative functions. Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen) and Fu Ling (Poria) help drain dampness. How could body masses fail to dissipate?
For Luoli (scrofula) nodules strung together, softening treatment is mandatory.
The prescription consists of: Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) 1 qian, Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 5 qian, Fu Ling (Poria) 5 qian, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 5 fen, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) 1 qian, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian, Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus) 1 qian, Xiang Fu (Cyperi Rhizoma) 1 qian, Pi Xiao (Natrii Sulfas) 5 fen, Wushang Wa Cong (dried) 3 fen, or fresh 1 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, the mass loosens; after two doses, it lightens; after three doses, it improves slightly; after four doses, it cures completely. It is a divine formula. For weak patients, add Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian, but do not increase the dosage excessively.