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Huang Jinfang said: Edema (Edema) is a very complex disease, involving wind and water, including wind-dampness (Wind-Dampness), wind-phlegm (Wind-Phlegm), wind-heat (Wind-Heat), wind-toxin (Wind-Toxin), as well as water-dampness (Water-Dampness), water-qi (Water-Qi), damp-heat (Damp-Heat), food stagnation (Food Stagnation), and various deficiency syndromes with mixed patterns. However, it generally does not exceed the harm caused by water. Generally speaking, Yang constitutions (Yang Constitution) are prone to heat, and heat often indicates excess syndromes; Yin constitutions (Yin Constitution) are prone to cold, and cold often indicates deficiency syndromes. Conditions that first stagnate internally and then affect the exterior are mostly excess; conditions that first swell on the surface and then affect the interior are mostly deficiency. Red urine and constipation indicate excess; clear and profuse urination and loose stools indicate deficiency. A slippery pulse that is not distant indicates excess; a floating and fine pulse indicates deficiency. A ruddy and yellow complexion with normal voice indicates excess; a haggard complexion with short breath indicates deficiency. Youthful vigor with qi stagnation indicates excess; middle-aged decline with fatigue and qi deficiency indicates deficiency. If there is swelling without distension, the pathology lies in water, and qi is not firm. Drugs such as Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Bing Lang (Areca Seed), Zhi Qiao (Aurantium Peel), Ding Xiang (Clove), Bai Kou (White Cardamom), Gu Zhi (Psoralea Fruit), and Chen Xiang (Agarwood), which rapidly move qi downward, should never be used lightly. Similarly, for鼓胀 (Tympanites) where the pathology lies in qi, all lifting and tonic drugs should also not be used lightly. A relative of mine suffered from edema. His six pulses were floating, soft, and full at the fingertips, with the right Cun position particularly prominent. Pressing the swollen area showed it floated up but did not rebound immediately, indicating water overflowing into the Lung. The medicines he had taken were all qi-breaking and blood-breaking agents; how could the disease heal? I treated him with light and mild herbs such as Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit), Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit), Fu Ling (Poria), Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome), Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root), Hua Shi (Talcum), Ting Li Zi (Lepidium Seed), Mu Tong (Akebia Stem), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), and Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome). After a few doses, he recovered.

Ye Tianshi treated Chen Mou's swelling and distension with Shen Xiong Dao Shui Wan (Divine Celery Water-Guiding Pill). In two days, what was discharged were sticky, yellow, and turbid feces. The previous diagnosis was obstruction of fu-organ qi, sticky and stagnant water-dampness, with turbid pathogens attacking the Lung causing phlegm-cough, and water infiltrating the meridions causing edema. Generally, diseases of the meridians and fu-organs should always be treated with unblocking and promoting circulation. The *Neijing* states: "The fu-organs are tonified by unblocking." Modern physicians do not distinguish between zang-fu organs and meridians, insisting that Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) are tonics. Is this truly understanding principles? However, for dampness in the limbs and feet, if there is no outlet, acupuncture must be used to drain the flow, hoping for relief both internally and externally. Wu Ji Wan (Wuji Pill) 3 qian was administered for two days, followed by one dose of the previous medicine.

Xu Lingtai said: Every sentence is a golden saying. For symptoms like abdominal fullness, there must be an outlet, so acupuncture is used concurrently. However, the principle is subtle; pricking blindly without understanding the rationale can cause great harm. He also said: Distension and fullness, even if accompanied by righteous qi deficiency, ultimately belong to pathogenic excess, which is why ancient masters were cautious about using tonic methods. Furthermore, distension always involves dampness; dampness generates heat, so the *Neijing* classifies it as a heat syndrome. If warm-tonic medicines are used, even with diuretics, the minister herbs cannot overcome the sovereign herbs, leading to many errors. He also said: Distension always involves tangible pathogens, so gentle purgation is appropriate.

Ye Tianshi treated Zhu Mou, who initially presented with facial swelling due to pathogens invading yang positions, causing qi stagnation and obstruction, resulting in scanty urination and defecation. Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Fu Zi (Aconite Root) were ineffective, so stagnation-resolving medicines were given. Stagnation refers to tangible substances, while damp-heat refers to intangible pathogens. When entering the Lung, it causes wheezing; when invading the Spleen, it causes distension. The opening and closing functions of the six fu-organs ceased, leading to unsatisfactory bowel movements and short, turbid urine, sometimes only dropping drops. The tongue was crimson with thirst. Fu-organ diseases manifest as back distension, while zang-organ diseases manifest as abdominal fullness. Additionally, the body leaned to one side, with swelling on left and right, worsening in specific areas. The damp-heat spread throughout the Sanjiao (Triple Burner), making it difficult for even skilled physicians to quickly resolve. The classics state: "For diseases descending from above, treat the upper part." And: "For diseases descending from above and worsening below, treat the upper part first, then the lower part." This case was chaotic and disordered, lacking clarity, due to failing to distinguish between tangible and intangible pathogens. Initially, focus was placed on clearing and purifying the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner): Fei Hua Shi (Precipitated Talcum) 0.5 qian, Da Xing Ren (Apricot Seed, peeled and tip removed) 10 grains, Sheng Yi Ren (Coix Seed) 3 qian, Bai Tong Cao (Stephania Stem) 1 qian, Xian Pi Pa Ye (Fresh Loquat Leaf, de-hairy) 3 qian, Fu Ling Pi (Poria Skin) 3 qian, Dan Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean) 0.5 qian, Hei Shan Zhi Ke (Gardenia Husk) 1 qian. Decocted rapidly with strong fire until reduced to 0.5 sheng and taken. These are medicines for the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. When Lung qi is obstructed and fails to descend, the slightly bitter nature of Xing Ren enables descent; Hua Shi is sweet and cool, leaching out dampness and resolving heat; Yi Ren and Tong Cao are bland and leach qi-level dampness; Pi Pa Ye is acrid and cool, opening Lung qi; using Fu Ling skin is based on the idea that all skins are cool; Zhi and Dou Chi dissipate stale and stagnant accumulation. All these have thin flavors and act on the Upper Jiao, imitating Qi Zhicai's principle that "lightness can remove excess."

Xu Lingtai said: This prescription is very suitable for wheezing and distension, showing ingenious thinking. Such treatment methods are truly worthy of being recorded in medical cases.

A eunuch, nearing eighty years old, injured his Spleen through fatigue. Spleen deficiency led to Malaria (Malaria); after the malaria subsided, the Spleen-Stomach deficiency worsened, followed by swelling. At this time, diet and daily activities were still relatively normal, so Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) should have been used with modifications to regulate Spleen-Stomach yuan qi. Instead, Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet) was used to tonify the Kidney and promote water metabolism, expecting the swelling to subside naturally, which would have been the ideal treatment. Instead, he took Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome), Zhu Ling (Polyporus), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Ge Gen (Kudzu Root), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), and Chen Pi (Citrus Peel) morning and night, refusing to change course. Two months later, his true qi was exhausted, swelling became severe, and he suffered from panting and insomnia for six days and nights. Another physician diagnosed it as a Lung disease and prescribed Su Zi (Perilla Seed), Jie Zi (Mustard Seed), Er Mu (Anemarrhena and Arisaema), and Er Dong (Asparagus and Ophiopogon roots). Ultimately, he died unable to take any food or drink. Wang Yutai said: Swelling of hands and feet does not necessarily mean water disease. Continuous use of qi-consuming and diuretic drugs leads to water disease. Zhao Yangkui said: Kidney deficiency failing to grasp qi and return it to its origin causes panting. Treating only the Lung is focusing on the branch and forgetting the root. What a pity!

Bianque Yu Hu Wan (Bianque Jade Pot Pill) treats Mingmen Fire Decline (Decline of Gate of Vitality Fire), sudden collapse of Yang qi, and cold-water tympanites, with miraculous effects. Eight liang of Liu Huang (Sulfur) is paired with eight liang of Zhen Ma You (True Sesame Oil). The sulfur is crushed and put into cold oil, stewed on a stove with mild charcoal fire, stirred slowly with mulberry branches. Once the sulfur dissolves, pour it into a large amount of water, quickly skim off the oil on the surface until the color is gold. Take the clean sulfur from the bottom of the vat, weigh it, and pair it with the corresponding amount of sesame oil, repeating the dissolution and pouring process until the color turns crimson. For the fifth cycle, add four liang of Soap Fruit (Fei Zao), boil in water for six hours. For the sixth cycle, add four liang of Toothed Soap Pod (Ya Zao), boil in water for six hours, then mix with the purified sulfur oil, removing the water until the color resembles the purple of burning sulfur. For the seventh cycle, use lye water from furnace ash to process for six hours. For the eighth cycle, use water tofu to process for six hours, removing the alkalinity of the soap. For the ninth cycle, use Tian Zi Cao (Field Character Herb - *Commelina communis*), found in abandoned rice fields, leaves shaped like characters, harvested in August and September. Crush and juice, boil with water for six hours. Grind into fine powder before use. One liang of purified sulfur is paired with two liang of fried glutinous rice flour, made into pills using water method or wet pounding. Each dose starts at 0.3 qian, gradually increasing to 1 qian, taken with boiled water.

Dou Cai once passed through a wild inn in Quzhou and saw a woman with whole-body edema sitting on the ground outdoors. Dou Cai asked, "Why not sit inside the door?" The woman replied, "Yesterday the Earth God told me that Bianque would pass by tomorrow, and I could seek treatment, so I waited here." Dou Cai said, "If you listen to me, I will save you." The woman said, "You are not a doctor, how can you cure illness?" Dou Cai said, "Although I am not a doctor, I have received the true transmission of Bianque and have a miraculous formula, which is why the Earth God warned you." He gave her ten pills of Bao Ming Yan Shou Dan (Life-Preserving Longevity Pill). That night, she urinated about two sheng, and felt hungry at dawn. She took fifteen more pills twice, moxa-ed the Ming Guan point on both sides for 200 moxibustion cones, and passed five or seven pieces of white pus in her stool. Half a month later, she was completely recovered. The woman said, "Truly Bianque reborn!"

Note: Dou Cai was a person from the Shaoxing era, author of *Bianque Xin Shu* (New Book of Bianque), which was presented to the court, along with a prayer to Heaven stating that his book was transmitted to save people and was not false. This case is the first in the book, hence its attribution to Bianque. Dou Cai served as a Patrol Officer.

A man suffered from swelling of all four limbs, shortness of breath, and abdominal distension after eating, consuming only thin porridge. He was instructed to take 100 pills of Jin Ye Dan (Golden Liquid Pill) daily. By the fourth day, his bowels moved smoothly. Two days later, he was allowed to eat wheat noodles without issue, because the treatment was early. Dou Cai’s treatments for diseases relied purely on strongly heating agents. For swelling caused by true Yang collapse, they achieve rapid results. If mistakenly used for damp-heat syndromes, they can cause disaster. Users must be cautious.

A woman suffered from swelling of the face and feet and reduced appetite. Contemporary physicians treated it as Blood Deficiency (Blood Deficiency) without effect. Dou Cai said, "It is not a blood disease, but Spleen-Stomach deficiency." He instructed her to take ten pills of Yan Shou Dan (Longevity Pill) and fifty pills of Quan Zhen Dan (Complete True Pill) daily. By the tenth day, her bowels moved smoothly, and she recovered.

Zhang Hezi treated Zhang Xiaoyi, who initially had scabies and scratching, which transformed into swelling, wheezing, and inability to eat. Zhang diagnosed it as Feng Shui (Wind-Water), where water swells violently upon contact with wind, causing whole-body swelling. First, he had him bathe. While the pores were open, in a warm room, he induced vomiting using a sour and bitter preparation with one Quan Xie (Scorpion). Gradually administering powder medicine up to 3 qian, several sheng of phlegm were vomited, sweat poured out, and 80-90% of the swelling subsided. One day later, just before midnight, he administered over 70 pills of Shen You Wan (Divine Protection Pill) three times. By midnight, the bowels moved once. Then, 60 pills of Shui Zhu Tao Ren Wan (Water-Boiled Peach Kernel Pill) were administered with Musket (She Xiang) soup, resulting in three or four bowel movements. Two or three days later, Zhou Che Wan (Boat Cart Pill), Tong Jing San (Meridian-Unblocking Powder), and Bai Zhu San (Atractylodes Powder) were used to regulate and cure the condition.

Zhang Ziming’s mother was very obese and accidentally developed edema, rendering her limbs immobile. Zhang induced sweating and purging, removing three or four dou of water. When the medicine was first administered, she lay with her legs elevated on grass-filled cloth bags. As the medicine worked, she felt water flowing down from above the waist and up from the feet. The movement of water resembled a snake slithering or a thread pulling, with limbs feeling cold. The water converged below the navel and exited. Within ten days, the illness greatly decreased, but residual pathogens remained. Zhang wanted to continue medication, but she refused to follow his advice.

Zhang Chengying, nearly fifty years old, had an abdomen like a pregnant woman, sallow complexion, and reduced appetite, suggesting water qi. Someone advised Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Astragalus Center-Supplementing Decoction) and other warming tonics, leading to complete urinary retention. Zhang said, "Jian Zhong Tang is a surface-releasing medicine. Using it to attack the interior in ancient formulas was already a mistake; using it now to remove accumulation is a double error." First, he induced vomiting with a emetic agent and caused heavy sweating near a fire. Then, he gave Si Zhu San (Pig Kidney Powder) 4 qian, guided by Zhou Che Wan, resulting in the discharge of six fan of fluid. There was no exhaustion. After two more purgations, totaling over thirty movements, the abdomen softened, and appetite returned to normal. Chang Zhongming said, "I heard people say that discharging five or six fan of fluid is unbearable. When I asked Zhang Chengying, he confirmed it. Thus, nourishing health and attacking pathogens are fundamentally different. Today, people use tonics to treat diseases, so of course they are ineffective." (This aligns with the discussion on Ge Mou. Danyang strongly disagreed, claiming Zhang Hezi’s book was not handwritten but authored by Ma Zhiji et al.)

Song Huizhi, a famous physician of the Yuan Dynasty, treated water-gu (abdominal swelling due to parasites) using one old loofah fruit, peeled and seeded, chopped, and stir-fried with fourteen Ba Dou (Croton Seeds) until the croton seeds turned brown. Remove the croton seeds and keep the loofah. Stir-fry the same amount of yellow millet with the loofah until the millet turns brown. Remove the loofah and grind the millet into powder. Mix with clear water to make pills the size of sophora seeds. Take 100 pills with warm water. The gu water exits entirely through the bowels, curing the disease. He stated: "Ba Dou expels water, but we fear its speed. We borrow the qi of the loofah; its fibers resemble human meridians, guiding the qi of Ba Dou to reach all meridians. We use millet to support stomach qi. We remove the loofah because we fear it absorbs too much of Ba Dou's qi." Xianyu Shu recorded this.

An Emei monk treated a man with abdominal and limb swelling using one sheng of dried Ji Shi (Chicken Droppings), stir-fried until yellow, boiled in three bowls of wine lees until reduced to one bowl. Strain and drink. It is named Qian Niu Jiu (Morning Glory Wine). Soon, qi moved vigorously in the abdomen, leading to diarrhea, and the wrinkled skin on the feet resolved. If not fully cured, repeat the next day. Also consume two Tian Lei (Field Snails) boiled in hot wine with white porridge to regulate and cure. The patient brought Morning Glory seeds to thank him, hence the name of the formula. (*Bencao Gangmu*).

The wife of Scholar Wei suffered from a large, drum-like abdomen, with limbs so emaciated they could not touch the bed, forced to sleep suspended in clothes and blankets, unable to eat grain for several days. Suddenly craving quail, she ate it according to proper methods, then fainted severely, sweated profusely, could not speak, and felt the urge to defecate/urinate. Upon being helped to the toilet, white fluid resembling goose fat erupted from the urine. After several such episodes, she recovered. This was caused by long-standing damp-heat accumulation in the Middle Jiao. (*Dong Bing Ji Yan Fang*).

Zhang Luyu treated Wang Yongruo with edema, vomiting, and complete urinary and fecal retention. Wuling San (Five-Ling Powder) and Ba Zheng San (Eight-Righteous Powder) were ineffective. The six pulses were deep and fine as threads. He administered fifteen pills of Jin Ye Dan (Golden Liquid Pill). Urine flowed like a spring, and the condition stabilized. Later, Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan (Jisheng Kidney Qi Pill) was used to nurture and recover.

Li Shizhen treated the wife of a man with swelling below the waist and on the face, severe wheezing threatening death, inability to lie flat, loose stools, and scanty urine. Medicines were ineffective. Her pulse was deep and large; deep indicates water, large indicates deficiency. This was caused by catching wind after illness, named Feng Shui (Wind-Water). Shen Mi Tang (Divine Mystery Decoction) from *Qianjin* with added Ma Huang (Ephedra) was given. After one dose, wheezing improved by half. Then, Wei Ling Tang (Stomach-Calm Decoction) was used to swallow Shen Shi Ru Zhu Wan (Shenshi Artemisia-Atractylodes Pill). In two days, urination increased, and swelling reduced by 70%. After a few days of regulation, she fully recovered. (*Bencao Gangmu*).

Yu Dongfu said: Jin Ye Dan and Shen Mi Tang are rarely used by people, but when used skillfully, each achieves miraculous results. Ancient formulas exist in books; the problem is finding the correct match. Shen Mi Tang is Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder) combined with Er Chen Tang (Two-Chen Decoction), removing Mai Dong (Ophiopogon) and Fu Ling (Poria), adding Zi Su (Perilla Leaf), Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Root Bark), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Bing Lang (Areca Seed), and three slices of Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) as a guide. It fits this syndrome perfectly; adding Ma Huang is even better. It is not a standard "eight-inch-three" hat.

Zhu Sheng, friend of Qiu Rucheng, suffered from alcohol accumulation, presenting with whole-body yellow swelling. No one could cure him. Qiu examined him and said, "Curable." He took seven red pills from his pouch, swallowed them with wine. Soon, vessels filled with yellow water, and the abdomen reduced by half. After taking five more pills, he recovered. (*Hui Chen Xin Tan*).

Chen San Nong treated a man with abdominal distension and fullness. After taking Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) and Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six-Gentlemen Decoction), the distension reduced by 70-80%. Mistakenly taking Xing Ji Wan (Move Accumulation Pill), he suffered reduced appetite and severe distension with a fine and rapid pulse. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang was modified with Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) and Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) 0.5 fen each, Fu Zi (Aconite Root) 0.7 fen, and Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit) 0.1 fen, decocted in ginger water. He recovered after drinking it.

A man suffered from intermittent abdominal pain and vomiting. When urination was smooth, defecation was blocked; when defecation was smooth, urination was blocked. Chao Gan Jiang (Fried Dried Ginger) 3 qian, Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga Rhizome) 1.5 fen, and Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit) 0.5 fen (lightly fried) were decocted and taken. He recovered. (Original note: This is Cold Pathogen blocking the Bladder. Intermittent vomiting is due to cold forcing fire upward.)

A man suffering from isolated abdominal distension was nearly cured when anger caused abdominal pain, dry mouth, fever, reduced appetite, and pain near the right Shanzhong (Conception Vessel 17), relieved by pressure. Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), and Chao Ban Xia (Fried Pinellia) 0.7 fen each; Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Fu Ling (Poria), and Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) 2 qian each; Chen Pi (Citrus Peel) and Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven) 0.5 fen each; Gan Cao (Licorice Root) and Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) 0.2 fen each; Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit) 0.07 li. He recovered after taking it.

A man had swelling of the head, face, and limbs with a yellowish tint and weak legs when walking. This is Spleen-Stomach weakness; the main treatment should be strengthening the Spleen and consolidating Middle Qi. Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Fu Ling (Poria), Chen Pi (Citrus Peel), and Gan Cao (Licorice Root) were used. He gradually recovered.

Sun Wen Yuan treated Chen Guanglu Songluan, who often experienced chest and hypochondriac pain and distension at dawn. Various treatments failed. Diagnosis: Right Cun was weak, Left was level, both Chi were weak. Sun said, "Deficiency of the Lung and Kidney meridians. Tonify and astringe, and you will be safe." Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea Fruit), Yu Rou (Cornus Fruit), and Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 3 liang each; Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Antler Glue) and Lu Jiao Shuang (Deer Antler Frost) 5 liang each; Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark), Ba Ji Tian (Morinda Root), Bai Fu Ling (Poria), and Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed) 1.5 liang each; Shan Yao (Dioscorea Rhizome) 2 liang. Lu Jiao Jiao was melted with wine to make pills, taken on an empty stomach with light salt water. Also, Yu Mi Gu (Poppy Shell) de-filmed, stir-fried with honey water 3 liang; He Zi (Chebula Fruit) baked in flour, pitted 1 liang; Chen Pi (Citrus Peel) 1.5 liang. Made into pills with refined honey. Take 1 qian with white water at dawn on the pillow. After one month, the illness healed.

Madam Wu Yonglan, magistrate of Lishui, always had one episode of diarrhea after overeating at dawn, with frequent abdominal distension and occasional pain. Pulses: Cun and Guan on both hands were surging and slippery; Chi on both hands were deep and hidden. Sun said, "There is food stagnation and phlegm-fluid in the intestines and stomach." Zong Guan Wan (Chief Commander Pill) 3 qian was given with ginger water. Bowels moved but not smoothly. Shen Shou Xiang Lian Wan (Divine Transmission Fragrant-Berberine Pill) was added. Externally, Hua Shi (Talcum), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia Root), Zhi Qiao (Aurantium Peel), Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit), Chen Pi (Citrus Peel), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), and Jiu Lian (Wine-processed Coptis) were used for regulation. She recovered.

Official Xiong Chengba, from Nanchang, Jiangxi, suddenly saw two balls of evil fire rolling towards him while walking early in the morning, causing great fright. The next day, his abdomen bloated and gradually became distended. Complexion was pale with thin skin, hands emaciated, feet had edema that did not rebound when pressed (dampness), shortness of breath when moving, and weak form and spirit. Physicians said that weak spirit and shortness of breath, with blue veins on chest and abdomen like ropes, clear and long urination, and these symptoms, indicated Spleen deficiency. Can Ling Bai Zhu San (Canling Atractylodes Powder) was administered. Ten days later, the abdomen was hard as a drum, with a lump protruding, hard as iron, navel flat and full, unable to ingest even a spoonful. The physician declared the disease incurable and advised him to return home soon to avoid dying as a foreign ghost. Sun palpated the pulse: deep, wiry, and forceful. He said, "This is not a sign of qi deficiency and middle-fullness. Previous aggressive tonification only aided the pathogen. Given the rainy season and long journey, returning home is impossible, and poor treatment would lead to death. I have a medicine that offers hope." Hu Po Tiao Zhong Wan (Amber Regulating-Middle Pill) was administered twice daily. The first dose felt pleasant, the second felt relieving. After ten days, the abdomen widened, the lump softened. Half a month later, it disappeared completely, and blue veins retracted. Modified to Ping Wei San (Peace the Stomach Powder) with Luo Bo Zi (Radish Seed), Jiang Huang (Turmeric), Yi Ren (Coix Seed), and Mu Xiang (Aucklandia Root) for one month of regulation. Appetite greatly increased, and foot edema resolved. (Method of draining water and eliminating accumulation.)

Yu Jiayan treated Liu Tailai, 32 years old, pale and plump. In summer, he used cold water to wash away sweat, sat and slept facing the wind, and contracted Malaria in early autumn. After three or five attacks, medication stopped the malaria, leading to chest and abdominal distension. Within ten days, abdomen enlarged, chest high, upper body wheezing and urgent, no urination or defecation, unable to eat or drink, able to sit but not lie down, able to bend forward but not backward, critical condition. Physicians, seeing no urination or defecation, attempted purgation without success. A merchant proposed two liang of Da Huang (Rhubarb) as one dose. Yu was horrified, asking, "What is this disease, and how dare you kill boldly?" The physician said, "Typhoid intestinal binding, purgation fails, only strong purgation works. How is this bold?" Yu said, "Is there typhoid without fever? Typhoid causes fever, drying fluids and causing dry intestinal binding, allowing purgatives to open blockage. However, the warning against attacking those who do not pass gas applies, fearing misdiagnosis of Taiyin abdominal distension. This disease is due to scattered and unrestrained qi in the abdomen, causing water to overflow horizontally and form distension, entirely due to Taiyin Spleen qi failing to control. Scattered vs. Bound, a world apart. Using strong Da Huang would cause death by bursting abdomen if not by distension." The physician agreed and left. The family still wanted to administer it. Yu threw away the medicine and prescribed Li Zhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction). They feared taking it and wanted to wait until the next day. Yu said, "True qi in the abdomen is dispersing. Tonight, during the Zi and Chou hours (boundary of yin-yang exchange), there will be heavy sweating and dizziness, beyond help." Reluctantly, he ordered decoction to wait. Indeed, dizziness occurred. Taking it allowed brief sleep. Next day, slight improvement. Three doses were combined into one, with Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) increased to 3 qian. After taking another large dose with a little Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), distension greatly reduced. He stated that since bowels were not open, he dared not proceed...