Library

Changlin, a man surnamed Hu, invited me to treat his wife's illness. According to his account, the condition had persisted for half a year. There were no exterior symptoms of chills or fever, and her appetite and menstruation remained normal. However, she frequently wept with sorrow involuntarily; no matter how much she was comforted, she could not stop. When asked the reason, she herself did not know why. Many doctors had been consulted: some diagnosed it as depression (Yu Yi) and prescribed Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder); others diagnosed it as phlegm-fire (Tan Huo) and prescribed Wendan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction), but none of the medications were effective. It was also suspected to be caused by evil spirits, so exorcism and prayers were performed without success. Everyone called it a strange disease and earnestly requested my medical attention.

After examination, I came out and told Mr. Hu, "This is easy to treat." I immediately prescribed a formula consisting of Gancao (Licorice Root, *Glycyrrhizae Radix*), Xiaomai (Wheat Grain, *Tritici Fructus*), and Dazao (Jujube Fruit, *Ziziphi Jujubae*). Mr. Hu asked for the disease name and the rationale behind the medication. I replied, "The disease is named Zang Zao (Visceral Agitation, a syndrome characterized by mental depression and restlessness). The formula is Ganmai Dazao Tang (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction), which is detailed in the *Jingui Yufan* (Golden Chamber Jade Box). Since you have not seen this book and do not recognize the disease name, how could you possibly know the treatment method? No wonder you regard it as a strange disease." Mr. Hu said, "I appreciate your guidance, which demonstrates your high expertise. However, my wife has been ill for a long time, and all previous treatments failed. Your prescription contains only three ingredients, all of which are mild and plain. I am unsure if it can truly cure the disease." I said, "This is an ancestral formula from Zhang Zhongjing (the Ancestor of Clinical Medicine). Its efficacy is miraculous and unpredictable; it will certainly work without doubt." Upon taking the medicine, it indeed proved effective.

An Bo commented: Sometimes one follows the ancients without being bound by them; sometimes one follows the ancients but becomes rigidly bound by them. This distinction defines a skilled physician.

Brother Zhenru's son, at two months old, suddenly experienced limb convulsions and eye deviation, which subsided only after a long time. His feeding and eating habits remained normal. Initially thought to be a chance occurrence, it recurred the next day. Pediatricians treated him for Tai Jing (Fetal Startle) using wind-dispersing and spirit-calming medications, but there was no response. For several days, the episodes occurred specifically during the Si and Wu hours (9:00 AM to 3:00 PM). Upon examination, I said, "This is not Fetal Startle, but Tai Xian (Fetal Epilepsy)." Brother Zhenru said, "I have heard of Fetal Startle, but where does the term 'Fetal Epilepsy' originate?" I replied, "It originates from the *Neijing* (Inner Canon). The Yellow Emperor asked: If a person is born with dian-ji (epileptic seizures), what is the disease name? How is it acquired? Qibo answered: It is named Tai Bing (Fetal Disease). This results from severe fright suffered by the mother while in the womb, causing the child to develop dian-ji after birth. The commentary states: This refers to epilepsy. The convulsions of startle are irregular, whereas the attacks of epilepsy occur at fixed times. This holds true for adults as well. Because the attacks are timed, they are slightly milder than those of startle. Therefore, I used Fushen (Poria with Hostwood, *Polyporus*), Yuanzhi (Polygala Root, *Polygalae Radix*), Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber, *Ophiopogonis Tuber*), Danshen (Salvia Root, *Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix*), Gancao (Licorice Root, *Glycyrrhizae Radix*), Baishao (White Peony Root, *Paeoniae Radix Alba*), Juhua (Chrysanthemum Flower, *Chrysanthemi Flos*), Gouteng (Uncaria Ramulus cum Uncis, *Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis*), and Sangjisheng (Taxillus Stem, *Taxilli Caulis*) to calm the spirit and stabilize the mind, nourish the liver, and extinguish wind. A small amount of Juhong (Citrus Reticulata Pericarpium Rubrum, *Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Rubrum*) and Banxiaqu (Pinellia Fermented Paste, *Pinelliae Praeparatum*) was added to clear the phlegm-fluid disturbing the heart. Since the disease originated from fright in the womb, the pathological location lies in the Heart and Liver. Once the spirit is calm and the wind is extinguished, the disease naturally subsides. Indiscriminate use of wind-dispersing agents would agitate the wind further; given the infant's weak stomach qi, the use of heavy mineral sedatives is particularly inappropriate. After taking the medicine, the attacks gradually lessened and ceased shortly thereafter. Several other children with identical symptoms were cured using this same method.

An Bo commented: Recently, pediatricians often treat such cases with pills like Baolong Wan (Embrace Dragon Pill), unaware that the number of infants suffering from hidden trauma or fright is as countless as the sands of the Ganges.