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The Liver is the official of the General, and it is the root of endurance. It stores blood and governs the sinews. When the liver is diseased, blood disorders occur; when the sinews lose nourishment, symptoms such as vertigo, tremors, stiffness, and rigidity arise, and various pathologies emerge. One must understand that this is wind generated internally from the liver itself, not wind invading from the exterior. Should not the methods for treating the liver be considered the primary approach? However, Wood of the East is born from Water of the North. Without this Water, how can Wood grow? If Water is insufficient, how can it nourish and contain Wood? Tonifying the mother organ in cases of deficiency holds profound significance.

In the past, the patient indulged in wine and spirits, damaging Yin fluids. He frequently suffered from "flowing fire" (a condition characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain in the lower limbs) in his feet, experienced tremors while walking, and had dry, emaciated skin and muscles. As spring arrived, he gradually developed symptoms of vertigo. Liver wind stirred vigorously within. Additionally, blood from the yin collaterals leaked from the hemorrhoidal orifices, dripping incessantly. How could this possibly nourish the sinews and moisten the flesh? This ailment has its origins. Currently, his age is still vigorous, and he can still endure. Beyond this point, seeking effective treatment will be impossible.

The eyes see because they receive blood. The upper part of the black pupil (referring to the eyelids or surrounding eye area) has become dry, itchy, photophobic, and prone to angular blepharitis with tearing over a long period. Ophthalmic treatments using bitter-cold dispersing agents have been taken repeatedly without effect. It can be known that formless deficient fire cannot be subdued by bitter-cold herbs. Wang Bing stated: "If cold does not cure cold [heat], it is due to lack of water. Strengthen the master of water to suppress the sunlight." Children possess pure Yang constitution; therefore, treat according to Qian Yi's Liuwei Dihuang Tang (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia). Blood deficiency and liver dryness cause eye pain and photophobia; bitter-cold dispersing agents further weaken Yin Qi. This year, Jueyin Wind-Wood governs the climate, and the Wind-Wood Qi is prosperous. In late autumn, Dryness Qi expands doubly. The Liver stores blood, and its flourishing manifests in the nails. Observing his brittle and peeling nails clearly indicates internal depletion of Liver blood. The previous proposal was to strengthen Water to calm the aggressive counter-flow of Jueyang. Subsequently, assist Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (Peony and Licorice Decoction) to cultivate Earth. Sour flavors enter Yin, and sweet flavors relieve urgency. When Winter arrives and Kidney Water takes charge, Wood will be nourished by Water, and peace may hopefully be achieved. Crying and restlessness ultimately stem from organ dryness. The Liver opens into the eyes, and the Lung's sound is crying. Shudi (Prepared Rehmannia Root) nourishes Kidney Water to generate Liver Wood; Dongguandong (Tianmen Dong and Maidong) clears the Lung and moistens dryness. The added black sheep gallbladder bile serves as a guiding agent. Since the Liver occupies the position of the General and the Gallbladder governs decision-making, and the Gallbladder attaches beneath the liver lobes, when the Liver is dry, the Gallbladder is also dry. Thus, taking animal gallbladder bile to aid it follows the principle of seeking resonance among similar entities.

An Bo's commentary: Sheep gallbladder bile is bitter, which risks repeating previous mistakes. It would be better to use Magnetite (Cishi, Magnetitum) from Cizhu Wan (Magnetite Pill). Its nature can attract iron and control Metal, revealing the meaning of subduing Wood. If the Liver and Gallbladder are controlled, their momentum will have no leisure to attend to other matters and will only suffice to guard their proper positions. Assisted by tonification and nourishment, those who are thirsty will obtain drink, and those who are dry will be moistened. As the aggressive counter-flow subsides downward, the eye disease will be resolved.