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Xiao Weng Sanlang (Xin Cheng), when young, contracted measles but was exposed to wind pathogens, causing the rash to be obstructed and internalized. He presented with panting, irritability, nasal flaring, closed eyes, dry and rough skin, inability to cry or eat, and no response to medication. Xiao Weng consulted me. Seeing that his condition was critical, I said: "This is an acute case of measles obstruction; only potent and refined medicines can save him." I prescribed Mahuang Xinggan Shigan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Seed, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction). After one dose, his skin became moist and the measles began to emerge; after a second dose, the measles covered his body like prickly heat, his spirit became clear, irritability ceased, his eyes opened, and panting stopped. Subsequently, Xiebai San (White-Draining Powder) was used to clear the lungs and detoxify, followed by yin-nourishing and yang-reducing formulas until he recovered. In my treatment of critical measles obstruction, I often use this formula with success. Generally, measles originate from the Lung; when obstructed, fire-toxins attack internally, often leading to panting, chest oppression, and danger. In this formula, Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) disperses Lung pathogens, Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum) directs Lung Qi downward, Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) relieves Lung urgency, and Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) clears Lung heat. The prescription is simple yet specific in action, hence its rapid effect. This demonstrates that Zhang Zhongjing’s formulas are not only for treating Shanghan (Cold Damage) but also applicable to miscellaneous diseases.

Brother Fang’s grandson, only two months old, suffered from taimie (congenital malaria). Pediatricians all used dredging and harmonizing methods without success. His complexion was sallow and dull, and his mouth, nose, hands, and feet were cold. I prescribed Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) with added Paojiang (Roasted Zingiberis Rhizoma). Brother Fang asked: "Can infants take Ginseng?" I replied: "Infants are like newly sprouted seedlings, unaccustomed to wind and sun; attacks (pathogen-dispelling treatments) should be minimal, while tonification should be abundant. Moreover, prolonged malaria damages the Spleen. Warming and tonifying the Spleen Yuan (Source Qi) to vigorously support vital energy is a method that is not easily altered." After taking the medicine, his complexion improved, limbs warmed, malaria ceased, and he recovered.

Weng Lifeng was over fifty years old, indulgent in alcohol and lust. One cold night, invited by neighbors to drink, he rose to urinate, suddenly felt dizzy, and collapsed. I was summoned urgently. His face was pale, limbs were cold (Jue), breath from mouth and nose was cold, consciousness was lost, and he had urinary incontinence. His pulse was fine as a silk thread. I said: "Yang Qi has collapsed." What to do? His relatives wept and begged for rescue. It was too late to purchase herbs hastily, so I ordered them to first use moxa moxibustion on Qihai (CV6) and Guanyuan (CV4) acupoints for several moxa cones, and simultaneously decoct ginger soup to administer orally. After a short while, he groaned. Then, Shenfu Tang (Ginseng and Aconite Decoction) was planned. Because Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) was difficult to obtain, Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix) 2 liang and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) 1 liang were used instead, decocted thickly and administered. His limbs gradually warmed, eyes opened, and he could speak. He was carried home. The next morning, his pulse and complexion slightly recovered, but he still had nausea, aversion to cold, and loss of appetite. The dosages of the previous formula were halved, combined with principles of Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction), and administered for two days. Then, Yougui Yin (Right-Restoring Infusion) was used to warm and tonify Kidney Yuan. Over a month later, he was able to get out of bed.