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[On Being Affected by Evil Qi, Corpse Stupor, Sudden Collapse from Seeing Ghosts, Poisoning, and Zhong-E]

The Heavenly Master said: The so-called "Treatment for Death-like States" refers to conditions where a person suddenly falls into a stupor without regaining consciousness, suffers from stroke with loss of speech, or is afflicted by the influence of ghosts and deities, or invaded by mountain spirits. In such cases, the person collapses suddenly and loses consciousness. These illnesses are caused by evil qi invading the body and phlegm turbidity confusing the orifices of the heart. Strange diseases often arise from phlegm; there is no need for panic. Treating the phlegm will lead to spontaneous recovery. However, where evil qi gathers, the vital qi must be deficient. By incorporating tonifying herbs into phlegm-resolving prescriptions, the pathogenic factors can be eliminated as easily as sweeping dust, allowing the near-dead to regain life. The prescription consists of Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 3 qian, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 5 qian, Fu Ling (Poria), Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 3 qian, Tian Nan Xing (Arisaematis Rhizoma) 3 qian, Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen) 1 qian, Sheng Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata - Raw) 5 fen; one large piece of Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), crushed to extract juice; half a bowl of water and half a bowl of wine, totaling two bowls, decocted until eight-tenths remain, then taken orally. Externally, use Zao Jiao Ci (Gleditsiae Sinensis Spina) ground into powder. When grinding Zao Jiao Ci, (Note: The character 'Ci' [spine/thorn] may be a superfluous text, noted by Li Ziyong), first soak a sheet of paper thoroughly and seal it over the nostrils of those present, then grind the Zao Jiao Ci into a fine powder. Take one spoonful of the powder, place it in a goose feather tube, and blow it into the patient's nostrils to induce sneezing. Then administer the aforementioned decoction, and the patient will awaken immediately. The patient will inevitably vomit half a basin or a full basin of phlegm-water, with a consistency like glue or soup, in colors such as yellow, black, green, or red. The person will naturally feel drowsy and wish to sleep; do not startle them, let them sleep on their own. Upon waking, take Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian, Bai Wei (Cynanchi Stauntonii Radix) 1 qian, Fu Ling (Poria) 3 qian, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 5 qian, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 1 qian, Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen) 3 qian, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 5 fen, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 5 fen, decocted in water and taken orally. One dose ensures complete recovery. (Note: Hui Zheng San [Revive the Righteous Powder]). This is one method of treating death-like states. Generally, when a person is affected by evil qi, it is due to a deficiency of Yuan Qi (Original Qi), allowing the evil to enter through the deficiency. Therefore, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is used to assist the righteous qi, while Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen) are used to expel evil and phlegm. Tian Nan Xing (Arisaematis Rhizoma) is particularly effective in entering the Heart to dispel evil. Using Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) as a fierce general, striking directly, causes the evil to retreat in fear. Thus, upon ingestion, the evil rises and exits outward. After the evil has exited, pure tonification of Stomach Qi is required; therefore, phlegm-resolving agents are abandoned in favor of herbs that strengthen the Spleen and tonify the Stomach.

There is another treatment for death-like symptoms, such as Shi Jue (Corpse Stupor), which is also caused by Qi deficiency. One should use Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 1 liang, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 5 qian, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 5 qian, Fu Ling (Poria) 5 qian, Shi Chang Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) 5 qian, and Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 5 fen to treat it. (Note: Qu Yin Zhi Sheng Dan [Supreme Holy Pill to Expel Yin]. Lei Gong said: I find Shi Jue easier to treat; simply use Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) sliced at 3 liang, decocted in six bowls of water down to three bowls. Administering this will induce vomiting, after which the patient recovers. Cang Zhu is a Yang herb, excellent at expelling ghosts, thus yielding miraculous effects. This prescription is also wonderful for those who see ghosts.) Although both involve being affected by evil qi, the former condition involves Yang evil, whereas this one involves encountering Yin evil. Yang evil is encountered during the day; Yin evil is encountered at night. Although the latter prescription also uses Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to tonify righteousness, it ultimately does not use Tian Nan Xing (Arisaematis Rhizoma) or similar herbs to directly enter the Heart. If the patient cannot speak, Zao Jiao Ci (Gleditsiae Sinensis Spina) powder is also blown into the nose. If either of the previous two conditions presents with urinary incontinence and open hands (hand relaxation), rescue is unlikely. Otherwise, one dose brings back life. The above two conditions are methods for treating death-like states. Applying these principles broadly, the logic is sound. Generally, the two formulas mentioned suffice to encompass the methods for treating evil qi; adjusting the dosage based on the severity of the illness yields the correct approach.

Master Zhang said: The subtlety of treating death-like states lies entirely in these two formulas. If seeking further methods, there is one more: a method for saving the poor. If a person suddenly collapses upon seeing ghosts, whether in a temple or beside a coffin, having accidentally encountered corpse qi and been affected by Yin evil or ghosts, causing unconsciousness, use Gua Di San (Melon Seed Powder) to induce vomiting. There will inevitably be profuse vomiting of phlegm like a gushing spring, pouring out like a basin. If the ghosts depart, so be it. If ghosts are still seen after vomiting, it indicates the phlegm is not yet cleared. Use the aforementioned Gua Di San (Melon Seed Powder) again until the ghosts disappear. Afterwards, take Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 1 liang, Fu Ling (Poria) 5 qian, Bai Wei (Cynanchi Stauntonii Radix) 1 qian, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 5 fen, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 1 qian, Shen Qu (Massae Medicatae Fermentatae) 1 qian, Pao Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Preparata) 1 qian, decocted in water and taken orally. (Note: Qu Gui San [Expel Ghosts Powder]). This method can treat impoverished people, comforting the compassionate heart of distant officials. Zi Jin Ding (Purple Gold Pellet) is also a sacred medicine for resolving phlegm.

Master Hua said: The Heavenly Master transmitted to me two additional formulas, which I pass on to you. Regarding death-like states, we have discussed Yin and Yang evil afflictions. There are also distinctions between Zhong E (Sudden Attack by Evil) and Zhong Du (Poisoning). Zhong E refers to situations like those described by the Heavenly Master; Zhong Du was not previously mentioned. For instance, poisoning from snake or insect bites also causes sudden collapse. Snake venom poisoning results in the body becoming rigid and straight, the tongue protruding outside, and the eyes opening only in a narrow slit. Urgently use Xiong Huang (Realgar) 1 liang, ground into a fine powder, washed with water (water-flotation method), and use the water supernatant, not the raw powder. Add a small amount of edible salt to one bowl of water, pour in one bowl of boiling water, mix well, and administer. Use a goose feather to probe the throat and induce vomiting. The patient will inevitably vomit about one bowl of foul phlegm resembling snail slime, after which they will recover. Afterwards, take Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 5 qian, Fu Ling (Poria) 5 qian, Sheng Gan Cao (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 3 qian, decocted in plain boiled water. Additionally, take Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) 2 qian, decocted separately in water, and mix it into the main decoction before taking. Two doses ensure no future complications. (Note: Lei Gong said: I also have a divine formula for poisoning, effective against all toxins. It uses Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) 2 qian, Sheng Gan Cao (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 3 qian, Jin Yin Hua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos) 2 liang, Bai Fan (Alumen) 5 qian, decocted in three bowls of water down to one bowl. Taking it detoxifies immediately. The Heavenly Master's formula is superior to mine.) There is also poisoning from Jin Can (Golden Silkworm). In the regions of Guangdong and Guangxi, there exists the "Golden Silkworm." Some families keep it at home and cannot get rid of it despite various schemes. Initially, there was a method to transfer the Golden Silkworm to others. Once a family acquires this silkworm, their descendants can never escape it; it is the most detestable entity. It is believed that a deity haunts the family and refuses to leave. If the family wishes to discard it, they wrap their accumulated wealth along with the Golden Silkworm and deliberately place it by the roadside. If someone ignorant picks it up and takes it home, the Golden Silkworm attaches to that person and cannot be removed. Prayers and attempts to send it away are futile. The Heavenly Master once transmitted a formula to cure a person, achieving miraculous eradication. The formula uses Lei Wan (Omphalia Lapponica) 3 qian, ground into powder, mixed with a small amount of Bai Fan (Alumen). When the Golden Silkworm appears, sprinkle a little powder onto the insect, which instantly turns into red blood-like fluid. The deity will surely become enraged and haunt. If there is a voice in the air, look up towards the source of the sound and sprinkle the powder into the air. The deity will curse loudly, betray its oath, and never return. I witnessed this personally when entering Shu during the Three Kingdoms period. This trend has subsided recently, but in the Miao caves of Nanning, this poison still exists. Transmitting this formula now serves as a precaution, which is acceptable. Perhaps the Heavenly Master did not transmit it because Far Gong did not value traveling to Western Yue. However, I have concealed the Heavenly Master's methods no longer; I transmit everything without reservation to praise the miraculous nature of his art. I asked him about the origin: when one first obtains this object, they become suddenly wealthy. The object comes from the sky. Overjoyed, the person worships the Golden Silkworm in the kitchen cabinet, praying morning and evening. Over time, the person's face turns golden, resembling the silkworm. Medication becomes ineffective. Later, the abdomen swells like drum distension. At that time, this phenomenon was prevalent in Shu. Those who acquired the Golden Silkworm would typically die within five years, and the silkworm would not leave. It was passed to sons, then grandsons, often leading to the destruction of the entire clan. Fortunately, Mr. Kong Ming entered Shu and resolved this curse using talismans and water, so this disease no longer exists in Shu today.