Library

During the eruption phase of the rash, first observe the head, then immediately check how well the rash is emerging on the hands and feet. If the rash reaches the tips of the fingers and toes and the forehead (Tian Ting) appears bright and clear, this indicates that the pathogenic toxins are being vented, and the Spleen and Stomach were originally strong; there is no need to worry, and recovery can occur without medication. If the rash covers the whole body but does not reach the tips of the hands and feet, this signifies that the toxins are stagnating in the Spleen and Stomach. In the human body, the Spleen and Stomach serve as the sovereign organ, subsequently irrigating the four limbs. Now, since the fluids of the Spleen and Stomach cannot circulate, the toxins cannot be vented, so the eruption fails to reach the extremities. This is a sign that the root has been uprooted, leading to the withering of the branches. The Tian Ting (forehead) is also a critical area that must erupt; if the areas governed by the Taiyang and Taiyin meridians—specifically the cheeks and the sides of the nose—do not erupt, this condition differs from "Metal and Wood not distinguished" patterns and may not be salvageable.

After the rash has emerged, if invaded by Wind-Cold pathogens affecting the shoulder hollows and arms, the toxic fire stagnates and fails to dissipate, causing unceasing pain and immobility of the limbs. Later, this will inevitably lead to swelling and obstruction. Adding Antelope Horn (Lingyang Jiao), Green Tangerine Peel (Qing Pi), Platycodon Root (Jie Geng), Angelica Pubescens Root (Duhuo), and Szechuan Lovage Rhizome (Chuanxiong) to the formula for reducing fire and detoxifying can cure the condition.

Thirst occurs because there is heat in the Stomach, and the Body Fluids are consumed by the heat, leading to thirst and a desire to drink. It is appropriate to brew tea with stir-fried rice, Mung Bean, and Sesame Seed for the patient to drink; direct water intake should be strictly avoided. Once the acute phase recedes, add Gypsum (Shi Gao), Anemarrhena Rhizome (Zhi Mu), Ophiopogon Tuber (Maidong), Fritillaria Bulb (Donghua), Trichosanthes Root (Huafen), and Kudzu Root (Gegen) to generate fluids and stop thirst. The fluids circulate through the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) to control the fire. When Fire Qi flares upward, it scorches the Heart and Spleen, causing the fluids to sink and the oral cavity (Hua Chi) to dry up, resulting in thirst. Treatment should focus on clearing Metal (Lungs). The Classic states: "Fierce fire punishes Metal, causing dry throat and thirst; once the fire is cleared, the Hua Chi naturally moistens." Dryness of the throat leads to thirst; whether due to deficiency or excess, it belongs to Lung disease. Metal generates Water and fears Fire; if Fire cannot descend and transmit downward, causing the Hua Chi to dry up and induce thirst, one should distinguish the pattern. If the patient prefers hot drinks and dislikes cold, drinking only a little before stopping, it is suitable to generate fluids, and the thirst will cease spontaneously. If the patient prefers cold and dislikes heat, drinking hundreds of cups is insufficient, it is necessary to restrain the fierce fire, and the thirst will resolve spontaneously. This indicates that Metal is being melted by Fire, the flames are like a furnace, the Five Zang organs are exhausted, let alone the Lungs! The Classic further states: "Reducing the fire stops the thirst."