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The throat suddenly becomes swollen and painful, with the formation of double tonsillar swelling (tonsils red and swollen resembling silkworm moths), making it difficult to swallow water. This condition is easy to treat if caused by excess fire (excess heat pathogen) but difficult if caused by deficient fire (deficient heat pathogen). For excess fire, there are existing formulas in the world: *Shandougen* (Radix Sophorae Tonkinensis) and Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae), each 2 qian, decocted in water and taken orally.

If the throat is so swollen and blocked that even water cannot pass through, how can medicine be administered? Another method is available: use one Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata), 5 qian of Pogu Zhi (Semen Cistanches), 0.5 qian of Guang Muxiang (Radix Aucklandiae), 1 qian of Shengdi (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata), 1 qian of Chao Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis Preparated by Stir-frying), 1 qian of Jiu Chao Binglang (Arecae Semen Prepared by Wine-frying), 1 qian of Chenpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae), 1 qian of Banxia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Preparata), and 1 qian of Nongpo (Caulis Magnoliae Officinalis). Grind each herb into fine powder separately, mix with water or appropriate medium to form a paste, and apply externally to the affected area.

Another formula is used for conditions involving meridian transmission and cold damage syndrome. The prescription consists of: Mahuang (Herba Ephedrae) 1 qian, Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri) 1 qian, Nongpo (Caulis Magnoliae Officinalis) 1 qian, Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) 5 qian, Zhimu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae) 1 qian, and three slices of Shengjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens), decocted in water and taken orally.

For conditions involving transmission across meridians: Renshen (Radix Ginseng) 5 qian, Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) 5 qian, Zhimu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae) 1 qian, Qinghao (Herba Artemisiae Annuae) 1 liang, Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri) 2 qian, Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) 3 qian, Banxia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Preparata) 1 qian, decocted in water and taken orally.

To treat cases on the third day where both Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) and Jueyin (Terminal Yin) meridians are simultaneously affected, resulting in inability to ingest fluids and unconsciousness, another formula is recommended: Renshen (Radix Ginseng) 1 liang, Maimai Dong (Rhizoma Ophiopogonis) 3 qian, Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 1 qian, Xuanshen (Radix Scrophulariae) 3 qian, decocted in water and taken orally.

Skin eruptions (macules/petechiae) appearing during cold damage syndrome indicate a critical condition. However, presentations vary: some appear all over the body, while others appear only in the epigastric region. Eruptions covering the whole body may seem severe but are actually milder; eruptions confined to the epigastric region may seem mild but are actually more severe.

To treat patients whose hands are clenched shut and cannot open, hold the patient firmly, tie them to a pillar, and strike their back with a wooden stick. The patient will naturally relax, and their hands will open.

The *Neijing* (Inner Canon of the Yellow Emperor) has already elaborated extensively on these principles. Later, Wang Shuhe further elucidated them, though his work remains incomplete. The *Maijue* (Pulse Classic) generally discusses recovery scenarios; the more such cases mentioned, the more obscure the core meaning becomes. I have simplified this to nine pulse palpation techniques to understand the disease state.

Cao Daxian stated: The *Maijue* need not be extensive; too much detail leads to obscurity. Clearly stating ten pulse diagnosis methods, which are simple and essential, can serve as a standard for all generations.

If using genuine Lupardenshen (Codonopsis pilosula from Lu Prefecture), do not use those from Henan or Shaanxi. Place the herbs in a plate, add a few pinches of rice, cover with a bowl, steam three times, changing the rice each time, then...