陶弘景曰∶相传有人患腰脚弱，往栗树下食数升，便能起行。此是补肾之义，然应生啖。若服饵，则宜蒸
暴之。按苏子由诗曰∶老去自添腰脚病，山翁服栗旧传方，客来为说晨兴晚，三咽徐收白玉浆。此深得食栗之
诀也。（《本草纲目》。）
窦材治一老人，腰脚痛不能行步，令灸关元三百壮，更服金液丹，强健如前。（ 按∶窦氏之法，惟沉
寒痼冷者宜之，有此痼疾，即有此蛮治，亦未可尽废，时误用，则受祸最最烈矣。）
张仲文传神仙灸法疗腰重，痛不可转侧，起坐艰难，及冷痹脚筋牵急，不可屈伸。灸曲 两纹头，左右脚
四处，各三壮，每灸一脚，二火齐下，艾炷才烧至肉，初觉痛，便用二人两边齐吹至火灭。午时着灸，至人定
以来，脏腑自动一二行，或转动如雷声，其疾立愈。此法神效，卒不可量也。（《纲目》。）
张子和治赵进道，病腰痛岁余不除。诊其两手脉沉实有加，以通经散下五七行，次以杜仲去粗皮，细切炒
断丝，为细末，每服三钱，猪腰子一枚，薄批五六片，先以椒、姜淹去腥水，掺药在内，裹以荷叶，外以湿纸
数重封，以文武火烧熟，临卧细嚼，温酒送下。每旦以无比山药丸一服，遂数日而愈。（ 按∶此子和用补药
法也，其精切简当，视后世之用补者何如。）
张子和女僮，冬间自途来，面赤如火，至HT 阳病腰胯大痛，里急后重，痛则见鬼神。张曰∶此少阳经也，
在身侧为相火。使服舟车丸、通经散，泻至数盆，病犹未瘥。人皆怪之，以为有祟。张大怒曰∶驴鬼也。复令
服调胃承气汤二两，加牵牛头末二两同煎，服之大下数十行，约一二缶，方舍其杖策。但发渴，恣其饮水、西
瓜、梨、柿等。张曰∶凡治火，莫若冰水，天地之至阴也。约饮水一二桶，犹觉微痛。乃刺其阳陵穴，以伸其
滞，足少阳胆经之穴也，自是方宁。女僮自言，此病每一岁须泻五七次，今年不曾泻，故如是也。常仲明悟其
言，以身有湿病，故一岁亦泻十余行，病始已。此可与智者言，难与愚者论也。（凡泄泻症极多。）
一人六十余，病腰尻脊胯俱痛，数载不愈，昼静夜躁，大痛往来，痛作必令人以手捶击，至五更鸡鸣则渐
减，向曙则痛止。左右及病者皆作鬼神阴谴，百方祷祝无验。淹延岁月，肉瘦皮枯，饮食减少，暴怒日增，惟
候一死。张诊其两手脉沉滞坚劲，力如张 ，谓之曰∶病虽瘦，难于食，然腰尻脊胯皆痛者，必大便坚燥。其
左右曰∶有五七日，或八九日见燥粪一块，如小弹丸，结硬不可言。曾令人剜取之，僵下一两块。浑身躁痒，
皮肤皱揭，枯涩如麸片。既得病之虚实，随用大承气汤，以姜、枣煎之，加牵牛头末二钱。不敢言是泻剂，盖
病者闻暖则悦，闻寒则惧，说补则从，说泻则逆，此弊非一日也。（雄按∶可谓洞明世事，练达人情，而况一齐人
传之，众楚人咻之乎。）及煎服，使稍热咽之，从少累多，累至三日，天且晚，脏腑下泄四五行，约半盆。以
灯视之，皆燥粪痹块及瘀血杂脏，秽不可近。须臾痛减九分，昏睡如常人。至明日将夕，始觉饥而索粥。温良
与之，又困睡一二日，其病尽去。次令饮食调养，日服导饮丸、甘露散滑利便溺之药，四十余日乃复。盖虚
结与闭，虽久犹可解而决去。腰脊胯痛者，足少阳胆经之所过也。《难经》曰∶诸痛为实。又痛随利减，不利
则痛何由去？故凡燥症，皆三阳病也。病者既痊，寿乃八十岁。
卫德新因之析津，冬月饮寒冒冷，病腰常直，不能屈伸，两足沉重，难于行步，途中以床舁，程程问医，
皆云肾虚。用苁蓉、巴戟、附子、鹿茸，大便反秘，潮热上周，将经岁矣，乃乞拯。张曰∶此十日之效耳。卫
曰∶一月亦非迟。张曰∶足太阳经血多，病则腰似折， 如结， 如裂。太阳所致，为屈伸不利，况腰者肾之
府也。身中之大关节，今既强直而不利，宜咸以软之，顿服则和柔矣。《难经》曰∶强力入房，则肾伤而髓枯，
枯则高骨乃坏而不用。与此正同。今君之症，太阳为寒所遏，血坠下滞腰间也。（原缺五字。）必有积血，非肾虚
也。节次以药之，下可数百行，去血一二斗。次以九曲玲珑灶蒸之，汗出三五次而愈。初蒸时至五日，问曰∶腹中
鸣否？曰∶末也。至六日觉鸣，七日而起，已能揖人。张曰∶病有热者勿蒸，蒸则损人目也。
饶之城中某病肾虚腰痛，沙随先生以其尊人所传宋谊叔方，用杜仲酒浸透炙干，捣罗为末，无灰酒调下。
如方制之，三服而愈。（《槎庵小乘》。）
薛立斋治一妇人，腰痛三年矣，每痛必头晕目紧。薛以为肝脾气虚，用补肝散而愈。三年后，因劳役患头
晕兼恶心，用补中益气汤加茯苓、半夏、蔓荆子而愈。
一妇人苦腰痛，数年不愈。薛用白术一味，大剂服，不三日而痊。乃胃气虚之症，故用白术也。
一妇人先腰胯作痛，后两腿亦痛。薛以为足三阴虚寒，外邪所伤，用小续命汤及独活寄生汤，或作或止。
所用饮食极热，腹中方快。薛曰∶邪气去而元气虚寒也。诊其脉果沉细，用养肾散渐愈，又用十补丸而痊。
一妇人所患同前，但发热作渴，喜冷冻饮料食，脉洪数，按之迟涩。薛以为血虚有热，用羚羊角散去槟榔，加
白术、茯苓数剂，更用加味逍遥散而痊。
一妇人患前症，时或膝腿作痛，脉浮数，按之迟缓。此元气虚而风湿所乘，用独活寄生汤顿愈，又用八珍
汤而安。
一妇人因怒患前症，寒热往来，口苦不食，晡热内热。薛以为肝火血虚，先用小柴胡、山栀顿愈，又用加
味逍遥散瘳。
一妇人患前症，寒热头痛，殊类伤寒。此寒邪之症，用槟榔败毒而安。又用补中益气汤，调理而愈。
龚子才治一人，跌后腰痛，用定痛等药不效，气血日衰，面耳黧色。龚曰∶腰为肾之府，虽曰闪伤，实肾
经虚弱所致也。遂用杜仲、补骨脂、五味子、山楂、苁蓉、山药，空心服，又以六君、当归、白术、神曲各二
钱，食远服，不月而瘥。
张路玉曾治沈云步媳，常有腰痛带下之疾，或时劳动，则日晡便有微热。诊其两尺皆弦，而右寸关虚，
虚濡少力，此手足太阴气衰，敷化之令不及也。合用异功散加当归、丹皮，调补胃中荣气，兼杜仲以壮关节，
泽泻以利州都，则腰痛带下受其益矣。
江苏总藩张公，严冬腰腹重痛，甲夜延诊，候脉得沉，沉滑而驶，遂与导痰兼五苓之制，一剂而腹痛止，
三啜而腰胯驰纵自如，未尝用腰痛之药。（沉为热在里，滑为痰，故消导分利而愈。）
卢不远治陈孟杼父，六月中受寒，尚淹淹未甚也。至次年二月，忽小腹与腰急痛，即令人紧挽外肾，稍松
便欲死，与羌活、黄柏、茯苓、肉桂等剂，令刮委中，痛止而足软。至五月天热，身发紫瘢，有汗至足乃愈，
此乃肠腑病也。经曰∶小肠病者，腰脊控睾而痛。以羌活入小肠，故痛随愈。其足软未瘳者，原以寒邪郁火，
故需夏时，则火力全而血脉之邪始去，所以瘢出足汗，百骸畅美，寒净而火遂融通也。
吴孚先治尹瑞之腰痛异常，从目内 进药而愈。或问之，曰∶是乃精明穴也，在目内 红肉中，其脉行足
太阳经于腰背，下应足少阴通于心腹。腰背之痛，从精明进药，良有奇验。古来神圣，有从耳进药者，病愈而
耳聋，针之则愈矣。
苏颂治一女子，忽得小腹中痛，月经初来，便觉腰间切痛连脊间，如刀刺锥刺，痛不可忍。众医不别，谓
是鬼祟，妄服诸药，终无所益，其疾转增。审察前状相当，即用积雪草药，夏五月正放花时，即采曝干，捣节
为糁。每服二方寸，和好醋二小合，平旦空腹顿服之，每旦一服，以知为度。（天宝单行方，《本草纲目》。）
张三锡治一人，瘦弱，性复嗜酒，致腰及雨胫痛不可忍，作肾虚治不应。诊之，左脉濡细而数，乃血虚受
热也，遂以四物汤加生地、知、柏、牛膝、肉桂少许，二剂知，十剂已。
一人因太劳，又过饮酒，致湿热乘入客于经络，腰痛，夜更甚，不得俯仰，脉濡而弱，先与拈痛去参、术，
二剂稍愈。遂改用四物汤加杜仲、牛膝、独活、肉桂顿瘳。
一人脉症同上，服拈痛渐减。一人改用附、桂，遂攻出一痈，出脓，大补始消。
一人肥盛而肢节痛，腰更甚，脉沉濡而滑，知湿痰也。与二陈汤加南星、二术、二活、秦艽、防风，十剂愈。
一人因坠马后腰痛不止，日轻夜重，瘀血谛矣。与四物去地黄，加肉桂、桃仁泥、苏木，四服，大便下黑而痊。
王叔权曰∶舍弟腰疼，出入甚艰，余用火针，微微频刺肾 ，则行履如故。初不灸也，屡有人腰背伛偻，
来觅点灸。予意其是筋病使然，为点阳陵泉，令归灸即愈。筋会阳陵泉也。然则腰疼，又不可专泥肾 ，不灸
其他穴也。
陈三农治一士，精神倦怠，腰膝异痛不可忍。或谓肾主腰膝，乃用桂、附之剂，延两月，觉四肢痿软，腰
膝寒冷，遂恣服热药，了无疑惧。诊伏于下，及重按之，振指有力，此阳盛格阴，乃火热过极，反见胜己之化。
以黄柏三钱，胆草二钱，芩、连、栀子各一钱五分，加生姜七片为之向导，乘热顿饮，移时便觉腰间畅快，三
剂而痛若失。
立斋治一妇人，患腰痛，脚弱弛长，不能动履，以人参败毒散加苍术、黄柏、泽泻而愈。
一人体浓，腰间常冷，与肾着汤加星、半夏、术，三服而愈。
朱鹤山老年久患腰痛，用茯苓三钱，枸杞三钱，生地二钱，麦冬五钱，人参二钱，陈皮三钱，白术三钱，
河水二钟，煎八分，日服一剂。强健再生子，八十未艾。（《广笔记》。）
缪仲淳治钱晋吾文学，腰痛甚。诊之，气郁兼有瘀血停滞，投以牛膝五钱，当归二钱五分，炙甘草一钱，
苏梗一钱，五加皮一钱，橘红二钱，制香附二钱，续断二钱，水二钟，煎八分，饥时加童便一大杯服，二剂全
愈。（同上。）
缪之外祖李思塘，少年患腰痛，至不能坐立，诸医以补肾药疗之不效。朱远斋者，湖明医也，用润字号丸
药下之，去黑粪数升。盖湿痰乘虚流入肾中作苦，痰去方以补药滋肾，不逾月起。惜其方传者不真。（同上。）
李季虬曰∶先安人因女亡，忽患腰痛，转侧艰苦，至不能张口授食，投以鹿角胶不愈，以湿痰疗之亦不
效。遍走使延仲淳。曰∶此非肾虚也，如肾虚不能至今日矣。用白芍药、制香附各三钱，橘红、白芷、肉桂各
二钱，炙甘草一钱，乳香、没药各七分半，灯心同研细，临服下之，一剂腰脱然，觉遍体疼。仲淳曰∶愈矣。
再煎滓服立起。予骇问故，仲淳曰∶此在《素问》木郁则达之，顾诸君不识耳。（《广笔记》。）
薛治一男子，年四十余，患腰痛，服流气饮、寄生汤不应，热手熨之少可。盖脉沉弦，肾虚所致，以补肾丸愈之。
张景岳治董翁，年六旬，资禀素壮，因嗜火酒，致湿热聚于太阳，（膀胱。）忽病腰痛不可忍，至求自尽。诊六
脉皆甚洪滑，且小水不通，而膀胱胀急，遂以大厘清饮倍加黄柏、龙胆草，一剂小便顿下，腰痛如失。
刘宏辟曰∶一女病腰痛，医以杜仲、补骨脂等治之不效。诊其脉浮细缓涩，知为风寒入于血脉耳。与当归
四逆汤，剂尽痛瘥。同年周六谦患腰痛，牵及两胯，每酉、戍、亥三时则发，余时则否，脉沉而涩，予以此汤
少加附子，二剂而愈。次日前医来，深诋此汤之谬，复进杜仲等药，腰痛如故。怪而问之，曰∶或又服他药耶？
己以实对。令其再服四逆汤一帖愈。
钱国宾治榆林张参戎，体浓力大，素善骑射，壮时纵欲，水败火亏，腰胯如折，其脉寸关浮大，两尺若有
若无，不可以揖，非人扶不起，已三年，筋骨皆冷，以六味丸加河车膏、龟鹿胶、参、归、桂、附，补其真元
肾命，年余方能步，又五年卒。
魏玉横曰∶陆茂才父，年七十，素有肝病，偶于春分日玉皇山顶烧香。玉皇之高，为湖上众山之最，晨而
往，晡而归，足力可云健矣。至夜忽腰大痛，不可转侧。或以为劳伤兼感冒，宜先表散，与羌活、秦艽等，一
剂痛益剧。脉之弦硬，三五不调，二便俱秘，面黯囊缩，日夜不得眠。曰∶此肝肾大伤，疏泄太过，症频危矣，
岂可再投风药？以养青汤加牛膝、当归，痛略减，二便仍秘，且呕恶发呃。地气不得下行，而反上攻也。前方
重用熟地，外以田螺、独蒜捣烂系脐下，二便既行，呕呃遂止。痛忽移入少腹，控引睾丸，前方杞子至二两，
再入白芍、甘草，数剂渐瘥。乃畏药停数日，觉复甚，又与数剂而安。
裴兆期治一人腰痛，用杜仲、山萸、当归、续断之类，久而弥甚。就质于裴，裴细审之，其人饮食减少，
时发恶心呕吐，乃胃中湿痰之候也。且其痛卧重而行轻，每卧欲起，则腰胯重坠不能转侧，必将身徐徐摆动，
始克强起而行，迨行久反渐觉舒和。此盖湿痰乘气静而陷于腰胯之间，故作痛；乘气动而流散于腰胯之外，故
渐舒和。若肾虚则卧而逸，痛必当轻；行而劳，痛必当重。何以如是之相反耶？初与小胃丹五十粒，连下宿水
Tao Hongjing said: It is said that someone suffering from weakness in the waist and legs went to a chestnut tree, ate several sheng of chestnuts, and was then able to stand and walk. This embodies the principle of tonifying the Kidney, but it should be eaten raw. If taken as medicine, it should be steamed and dried. According to a poem by Su Zhiyou: "As I grow old, my waist and legs have become weak; / The mountain hermit uses chestnuts, an old prescription. / Guests come to recount his morning rise and evening rest, / Swallowing slowly, gathering the white jade pulp." This deeply grasps the secret of eating chestnuts. (Bencao Gangmu.)
Dou Cai treated an elderly man who suffered from pain in the waist and legs so severe he could not walk. He ordered moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV-4) for three hundred burns, followed by administration of Jin Ye Dan (Golden Elixir Pill). His strength returned as before. (Note: Dou's methods are suitable only for those with deep cold and entrenched cold patterns. For such stubborn diseases, such fierce treatments are appropriate and should not be entirely discarded, though misuse brings severe disaster.)
Zhang Zhongwen transmitted the Divine Moxibustion method for treating heavy sensation in the waist, pain preventing turning or side-bending, difficulty rising and sitting, as well as cold bi syndrome causing tethering and spasm of the leg tendons, preventing flexion and extension. Moxibustion is applied to the two heads of the creases at Qu Chi (LI-11), four points on both feet, three burns per point. When moxibusting one foot, two fires are lit simultaneously. As soon as the moxa cone touches the flesh and causes initial pain, two people blow from both sides until the fire extinguishes. Moxabustion is performed at noon; by dusk, the zang-fu organs move spontaneously one or two times, or rotate making thunderous sounds, and the disease is instantly cured. This method is miraculous and its efficacy is immeasurable. (Gangmu.)
Zhang Zihe treated Zhao Jindao, who had suffered from lower back pain for over a year without relief. Palpating both wrists, he found the pulses deep and solid with excess. He administered Tong Jing San (Unblocking Meridian Powder) to purge five or seven times. Then, he prepared Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark), removing the rough skin, cutting finely, stir-frying until the silk threads break, and grinding into fine powder. Each dose was three qian, combined with one pig kidney sliced thinly into five or six pieces. The kidney slices were first soaked in pepper and ginger to remove the fishy smell, the powder was sprinkled inside, wrapped in lotus leaves, sealed with several layers of wet paper, and cooked over mild heat. It was chewed thoroughly before bed and swallowed with warm wine. Every morning, one dose of Wu Bi Shan Yao Wan (Wu Bi Yam Pill) was taken, and he recovered in a few days. (Note: This is Zhang Zihe's method of using tonic herbs; its precision and appropriateness contrast sharply with later practitioners' use of tonics.)
Zhang Zihe's female servant returned from a journey in winter, her face red as fire. She developed Tai Yang Bing (Tai Yang Disease) with severe pain in the waist and hips, tenesmus, and hallucinations of ghosts and spirits during pain attacks. Zhang Zihe said: This is a Shaoyang Jing (Shaoyang Channel) disorder; located on the side of the body, it belongs to Ministerial Fire. He prescribed Zhou Che Wan (Boat Cart Pill) and Tong Jing San, resulting in purging of several basins, yet the illness persisted. People were puzzled, attributing it to demonic influence. Zhang Zihe angrily declared: "It is merely a donkey ghost!" He again prescribed Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang (Regulate the Stomach and Direct Downward Decoction), two liang, mixed with Qian Niu Tou Mo (Head Powder of Morning Glory Seed), two liang, decocted together. After taking it, she purged dozens of times, totaling about one or two jars, before she could discard her crutches. She felt thirsty, so she drank freely, along with watermelon, pears, and persimmons. Zhang Zihe said: In treating Fire, nothing surpasses ice water, the ultimate Yin of Heaven and Earth. After drinking one or two buckets, slight pain remained. He then punctured Yang Ling Quan (GB-34) to relieve stagnation; this is a point of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel. Only then did she calm down. The servant stated that this illness required purging five to seven times annually; since she had not purged this year, the condition manifested thus. Chang Zhongming understood her words; having damp-phlegm himself, he purged over ten times a year, and his illness ceased. This can be discussed with the wise, but not with the foolish. (There are many types of diarrhea syndromes.)
A man over sixty suffered from pain in the sacrum, spine, and hips for years without cure. He was quiet by day and restless by night, with severe wandering pain that compelled him to beat himself with his hands. Pain subsided slightly after cockcrow at dawn and ceased by sunrise. Those around him attributed it to yin retribution from ghosts and gods; various prayers and rituals failed. After dragging on for years, he became emaciated, his diet decreased, and his anger increased daily, awaiting death. Zhang Zihe palpated both wrists, finding the pulses deep, stagnant, hard, and strong, like a drawn bow. He said: Although you are thin and have difficulty eating, the pain in your waist, sacrum, spine, and hips indicates dry stool. Those present replied: For five to seven, or eight to nine days, a hard, dry fecal mass, small as a pellet, has been expelled. It was dug out once, weighing one or two liang. The whole body itched restlessly, skin wrinkled and peeled, dry and flaky like bran. Having determined the deficiency and excess, Zhang Zihe immediately used Da Cheng Qi Tang (Great Order the Qi Decoction), decocted with ginger and jujube, adding two qian of Qian Niu Tou Mo. He dared not call it a purgative because the patient welcomed warmth and feared cold, agreed with tonification but resisted purgation due to long-standing bias. (Xiong notes: This shows profound understanding of human nature and worldly affairs, akin to "one person teaching while many distract.") The decoction was swallowed warm, starting with small amounts and increasing gradually. Over three days, by evening, the bowels purged four or five times, about half a basin. Inspected by lamp, it contained dry fecal masses mixed with blood stasis and foul matter. Almost instantly, pain reduced by ninety percent, and he slept soundly like a normal person. By the next evening, he felt hungry and asked for porridge. Given gentle nourishment, he slept another day or two, and the illness vanished. Subsequently, dietary regulation was advised, with daily Dao Yin Wan (Guide and Pull Pill) and Gan Lu San (Sweet Dew Powder) to lubricate urination and defecation. After forty-plus days, he recovered. Even chronic constipation and closure can be resolved if addressed correctly. Pain in the waist, spine, and hips follows the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel. The Nan Jing states: All pain is Excess. Furthermore, pain decreases with free passage; without passage, how can pain depart? Thus, all dryness syndromes belong to the Three Yang channels. The patient recovered and lived to eighty.
Wei Dexin passed through Xijin in winter, drinking cold water and catching cold. He developed a stiff waist unable to flex or extend, heavy legs, and difficulty walking, requiring a litter. Everywhere he asked doctors, they diagnosed Kidney Deficiency. They used Cong Rong (Cistanche), Ba Ji (Morinda Root), Fu Zi (Aconite), and Lu Rong (Deer Antler), which caused constipation and tidal fever lasting nearly a year. He sought help from Zhang Zihe. Zhang said: This will be cured in ten days. Wei said: A month is not too late. Zhang said: The Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel has abundant blood; when diseased, the waist feels broken, stiff as knotted, and painful as torn. Taiyang invasion causes stiffness and limited movement. Moreover, the waist is the mansion of the Kidneys, a major joint of the body. Now stiff and immobile, it requires salty herbs to soften it; a single dose will restore flexibility. The Nan Jing says: Forceful intercourse injures the Kidneys, drying the Marrow; dryness leads to destruction of the high bones and loss of function. This matches your case exactly. Your Taiyang channel is obstructed by cold, causing blood to sink and stagnate in the waist. (Five characters missing in original.) There must be accumulated blood stasis, not Kidney Deficiency. Gradual medication induced hundreds of purgations, expelling one or two dou of blood. Next, he was steamed in a nine-curved玲珑 stove, sweating three or five times until cured. On the fifth day of steaming, Zhang asked: Is there rumbling in the abdomen? Wei replied: No. On the sixth day, rumbling began; by the seventh day, he rose and could bow. Zhang warned: Do not steam patients with heat syndromes; it damages the eyes.
Someone in Raozhou city suffered from Kidney Deficiency lower back pain. Mr. Shasui used a formula passed down from his ancestor, Song Yishu: Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark) soaked in wine, roasted dry, ground to powder, taken with unfermented wine. Following this prescription, he recovered after three doses. (Cha'an Xiaocheng.)
Xue Lizhai treated a woman with lower back pain for three years, accompanied by dizziness and tightness in the eyes upon each attack. Xue diagnosed Liver and Spleen Qi Deficiency and used Bu Gan San (Tonify Liver Powder), resulting in recovery. Three years later, due to overwork, she developed dizziness and nausea. Xue used Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) plus Fu Ling (Poria), Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome), and Man Jing Zi (Vittex Fruit), leading to recovery.
Another woman suffered from lower back pain for years without relief. Xue Lizhai used Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) alone in large doses, curing her in less than three days. This was a Stomach Qi Deficiency syndrome, hence the use of Bai Zhu.
A woman initially had pain in the waist and hips, later extending to both legs. Xue Lizhai diagnosed Deficiency-Cold of the Three Foot Yin channels with external pathogenic invasion, prescribing Xiao Xu Ming Tang (Minor Continuation Brightening Decoction) and Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (Angelica Pubescens and Mistletoe Decoction), alternating based on symptoms. She preferred very hot food/drink for abdominal comfort. Xue explained: Pathogens have left, leaving Yuan Qi deficient and cold. Her pulse was indeed deep and fine. She gradually improved with Yang Shen San (Nourish Kidney Powder) and fully recovered with Shi Bu Wan (Ten Tonics Pill).
Another woman had similar symptoms but presented with fever, thirst, preference for cold drinks/food, a surging-rapid pulse that was slow-choppy on deep pressure. Xue diagnosed Blood Deficiency with Heat, prescribing Ling Yang Jiao San (Antelope Horn Powder) minus Bing Lang (Areca Nut), plus Bai Zhu and Fu Ling for several doses, followed by Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer Powder), resulting in recovery.
A woman with previous symptoms occasionally had knee and leg pain, with a floating-rapid pulse that was slow-slippery on deep pressure. Xue diagnosed Yuan Qi Deficiency with Wind-Damp invasion, prescribing Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang for immediate relief, followed by Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction) for stabilization.
A woman developed previous symptoms due to anger, presenting with alternating chills and fever, bitter taste, anorexia, and afternoon/internal heat. Xue diagnosed Liver Fire with Blood Deficiency, using Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) and Shan Zhi (Gardenia Fruit) for rapid improvement, followed by Jia Wei Xiao Yao San for resolution.
A woman suffered from previous symptoms with chills, fever, headache, resembling Shang Han (Cold Damage). Xue identified this as a Cold Pathogen syndrome, using Bing Lang Bai Du San (Areca and Detoxifying Powder) for relief, followed by Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang for convalescence.
Gong Zicai treated a man with lower back pain after a fall. Ding Tong (Settling Pain) herbs were ineffective, and Qi and Blood declined daily, with dark complexion of face and ears. Gong said: The waist is the mansion of the Kidneys. Although called a sprain, it is actually caused by Kidney Channel weakness. He prescribed Du Zhong, Gu Sui Bu (Psoralea Fruit), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry), Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit), Cong Rong (Cistanche), and Shan Yao (Dioscorea Rhizome), taken on an empty stomach. Additionally, Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) with Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Bai Zhu, and Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven), two qian each, taken well after meals. He recovered within a month.
Zhang Luyu treated the daughter-in-law of Shen Yunbu, who often suffered from lower back pain with leukorrhea. Sometimes after exertion, she had slight fever in the late afternoon. Palpating both Chi positions, the pulses were wiry; the right Cun and Guan positions were deficient, soggy, and weak. This indicated decline of Hand and Foot Taiyin Qi, failing to distribute and transform. He combined Yi Gong San (Master Yi’s Powder) with Dang Gui and Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) to tonify Ying Qi in the Stomach, supplemented with Du Zhong to strengthen joints and Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome) to benefit the Lower Jiao. Her lower back pain and leukorrhea benefited.
Lord Zhang, Provincial Administrator of Jiangsu, suffered from heavy pain in the waist and abdomen during severe winter. Visited at night, his pulse was deep, deep-slippery, and rapid. He was given Dao Tan (Resolve Phlegm) combined with Wu Ling San (Five Ingredient Powder with Poria) formulas. One dose stopped abdominal pain; three doses allowed free movement of the waist and hips without using specific back-pain medicines. (Deep indicates interior heat; slippery indicates phlegm; thus, resolving and draining led to recovery.)
Lu Bu Yuan treated the father of Chen Mengzhu. He caught cold in June, remaining mildly ill. By February of the next year, he suddenly developed urgent pain in the lower abdomen and waist. Someone tightly bound his external genitalia; loosening them caused near-death agony. He was given Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Rhizome), Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark), Fu Ling, Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark), etc., and had Wei Zhong (BL-40) scraped. Pain ceased, but legs became weak. In May, during hot weather, purple macules appeared on his body, and sweat reached his feet, marking recovery. This was an Intestine-Fu disorder. The Classics state: Small Intestine disease causes pain in the waist, spine, and testicles. Using Qiang Huo to enter the Small Intestine channel, the pain resolved. The lingering leg weakness was due to cold pathogen suppressing fire; summer heat was needed to fully activate fire energy and expel blood vessel pathogens. Thus, macules appeared, foot sweat ensued, meridians opened, cold cleared, and fire flowed freely.
Wu Fuxian treated Yin Ruizhi’s abnormal lower back pain, administering medicine via the Jing Ming (BL-1) acupoint at the inner canthus, resulting in recovery. When asked, he explained: Jing Ming is located in the red flesh of the inner canthus. Its channel runs along the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Channel to the waist and back, connecting downward to Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Channel, linking to Heart and Abdomen. For waist-back pain, administering medicine via Jing Ming yields miraculous results. Ancient sages also used ear administration; if deafness resulted post-recovery, acupuncture cured it.
Su Song treated a young woman who suddenly developed lower abdominal pain. Upon menstruation onset, she felt sharp pain in the waist radiating to the spine, like knife or awl stabbing, unbearable. Other doctors misdiagnosed it as demonic possession, prescribing random herbs with no effect, worsening the condition. Careful examination matched the presentation, so he used Ji Xue Cao (Snow Accumulation Herb). Harvested in May when blooming, dried, and ground stems into powder. Each dose was two square cun, mixed with two small he of good vinegar, taken fasting at dawn, once daily, stopping when effective. (Tianbao Danxing Fang, Bencao Gangmu.)
Zhang Sanxi treated a thin man addicted to alcohol, causing unbearable pain in the waist and calves. Treatment as Kidney Deficiency failed. Palpation revealed left pulse soggy, fine, and rapid, indicating Blood Deficiency with Heat. He prescribed Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) plus Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Huang Bo, Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root), and a little Rou Gui. Two doses showed improvement; ten doses cured him.
Another man, due to excessive labor and drinking, contracted Damp-Heat invading the collaterals. He had lower back pain, worse at night, unable to bend or straighten, with soggy-weak pulse. Initially given Nian Tong San (Relieve Pain Powder) minus Ren Shen and Bai Zhu, two doses brought slight improvement. Then switched to Si Wu Tang plus Du Zhong, Niu Xi, Du Huo, and Rou Gui, resulting in rapid recovery.
A third man had same pulse/symptoms; Nian Tong San gradually reduced pain. Another man used Fu Zi and Rou Gui, expelling a carbuncle with pus; only after strong tonification did it resolve.
A fourth man, obese with limb joint pain, worse in the waist, had deep-soggy-slippery pulse, indicating Damp-Phlegm. He was given Er Chen Tang (Two Aged Herbs Decoction) plus Nan Xing (Arisaema Rhizome), Er Zhu (Atractylodes), Er Huo (Qiang Huo and Du Huo), Qin Jiao (Gentiana Macrophylla Root), and Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), cured in ten doses.
A fifth man had persistent lower back pain after falling from a horse, lighter by day, heavier by night, confirming Blood Stasis. He was given Si Wu Tang minus Sheng Di Huang, plus Rou Gui, Tao Ren (Peach Kernel Paste), and Su Mu (Sappan Wood). Four doses resulted in black stools and recovery.
Wang Shuquan said: My brother suffered from lower back pain, making movement difficult. I used fire needles, pricking Shu Fen (BL-27) frequently and lightly, restoring normal walking. Initially, I did not moxa. Many people with stooped backs came seeking moxibustion. I suspected tendon pathology, so I pointed to Yang Ling Quan (GB-34), instructing them to moxa at home, which cured them. Since Yang Ling Quan is the Hui-Meeting point of Tendons, lower back pain cannot be treated solely by focusing on Shu Fen; other points must be considered.
Chen San Nong treated a scholar with mental fatigue and unbearable, distinct pain in waist and knees. Some claimed Kidneys govern waist/knees, prescribing Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Fu Zi. After two months, limbs became flaccid, waist/knees cold. He recklessly took hot herbs without fear. Pulse was hidden below, but forceful pressing revealed strong rebound. This was Yang Excess repelling Yin, extreme heat manifesting as cold-like symptoms. He prescribed Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark) three qian, Long Dan Cao (Gentiana Root) two qian, Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), and Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit) 1.5 qian each, with seven slices of fresh ginger as guide. Taken hot in one gulp, he felt relief in the waist shortly after; three doses eliminated pain.
Lizhai treated a woman with lower back pain, weak/flaccid legs unable to walk. She recovered with Ren Shen Bai Du San (Ginseng and Detoxifying Powder) plus Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome), Huang Bo, and Ze Xie.
Another man, thick-bodied with constant coldness in the waist, was given Shen Zhuo Tang (Kidney-Damp Decoction) plus Nan Xing, Ban Xia, and Bai Zhu. Cured in three doses.
Zhu Heshan, an elderly man with chronic lower back pain, used Fu Ling (Poria) three qian, Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry) three qian, Sheng Di Huang two qian, Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) five qian, Ren Shen two qian, Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) three qian, Bai Zhu three qian, decocted in river water. One dose daily. He regained strength, fathered children, and lived past eighty without decline. (Guang Biji.)
Miao Zhongchun treated Wenxue Qian Jinwu with severe lower back pain. Palpation revealed Qi Stagnation with Blood Stasis. He prescribed Niu Xi five qian, Dang Gui 2.5 qian, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice Root) one qian, Su Geng (Perilla Stem) one qian, Wu Jia Pi (Five-Palm Tree Bark) one qian, Ju Hong (Citrus Peel) two qian, Zhi Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rhizome) two qian, Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root) two qian, decocted in water. Added one large cup of child’s urine at hunger time. Two doses cured completely. (Ibid.)
Li Sitang, maternal grandfather of Miao, suffered from lower back pain in youth, unable to sit or stand. Doctors treating with Kidney tonics failed. Zhu Yuanzhai, a famous doctor from Huzhou, used "Run" (Moistening) category pills to purge, expelling several sheng of black stool. Damp-Phlegm had entered the Kidneys due to deficiency; after phlegm removal, Kidney tonics were used. He recovered within a month. Regrettably, the formula transmission was inaccurate. (Ibid.)
Li Jijiu said: My deceased mother, grieving her daughter’s death, suddenly developed lower back pain, difficulty turning, unable to open mouth to eat. Deer Antler Glue failed; treating as Damp-Phlegm also failed. Sent for Zhongchun. He said: This is not Kidney Deficiency; if it were, she wouldn’t have lasted this long. He prescribed Bai Shao Yao (White Peony Root) and Zhi Xiang Fu three qian each, Ju Hong, Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica Root), Rou Gui two qian each, Zhi Gan Cao one qian, Ru Xiang (Frankincense) and Mo Yao (Myrrh) 0.75 qian each, ground with Deng Xin (Juncus Medulla). Taken just before administration. One dose relieved waist pain, but body ache ensued. Zhongchun said: Cured. Decocted dregs and took them; she stood up immediately. Astonished, I asked why. Zhongchun said: This follows Su Wen: "When Wood is stagnant, release it." You gentlemen do not recognize this. (Guang Biji.)
Xue Lizhai treated a man over forty with lower back pain. Liu Qi Yin (Flowing Qi Drink) and Ji Sheng Tang failed. Warm hand application provided slight relief. Pulse was deep-wiry, indicating Kidney Deficiency. He cured him with Bu Shen Wan (Tonify Kidney Pill).
Zhang Jingyue treated Old Man Dong, sixty years old, constitutionally robust, addicted to spicy liquor, causing Damp-Heat accumulation in Taiyang (Bladder). Suddenly, unbearable lower back pain drove him to seek suicide. Six pulses were surging-slippery; urination blocked, bladder distended. He gave Da Li Qing Yin (Great Clearing Decoction) doubled with Huang Bo and Long Dan Cao. One dose restored urination; lower back pain vanished.
Liu Hongbi said: A woman had lower back pain; doctors using Du Zhong and Gu Sui Bu failed. Pulse was floating-fine-slow-choppy, indicating Wind-Cold entering blood vessels. Given Dang Gui Si Ni Tang (Angelica and Cinnamon Twig Decoction); pain ceased after finishing the dose. Fellow provincial examinee Zhou Suqian had lower back pain radiating to hips, occurring only during You, Xu, Hai hours (5 PM–1 AM), otherwise none. Pulse was deep-choppy. I added a little Fu Zi to this decoction; two doses cured him. Next day, previous doctor criticized this method, resumed Du Zhong, etc., pain returned. I questioned him; he admitted taking other drugs. Ordered another dose of Si Ni Tang; cured.
Qian Guobin treated Military Commander Zhang of Yulin, robust, skilled in riding/archery, indulgent in youth, depleting Water and Fire. Waist/hips felt broken. Pulse: Cun/Guan floating-large, Chi faint/non-existent. Could not bow; needed support to stand. Ill for three years, sinews/bones cold. Prescribed Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Flavor Rehmannia Pill) plus He Che Gao (Placenta Paste), Gui Lu Jiao (Deer-Turtle Glue), Ren Shen, Dang Gui, Gui Zhi, Fu Zi to tonify True Yuan and Kidney Life Gate. Walked after over a year; died five years later.
Wei Yuheng said: Father of Lu Maocai, seventy years old, chronic Liver disease, burned incense atop Yuhuang Peak on Spring Equinox. Highest peak in the lake region, visited morning, returned evening, legs seemed strong. That night, sudden severe lower back pain, unable to turn. Some attributed to strain plus cold, suggested releasing exterior with Qiang Huo, Qin Jiao, etc. One dose worsened pain. Pulse wiry-hard, irregular every 3-5 beats, constipation of both bowels/bladder, dark face, retracted scrotum, insomnia day/night. I said: Severe Liver-Kidney injury, excessive dispersion, critical condition. How can wind herbs be given again? Used Yang Qing Tang (Clear Green Decoction) plus Niu Xi, Dang Gui. Pain slightly reduced, but bowels/bladders still blocked, vomiting/hiccups started. Earth Qi failed to descend, attacked upward. Previous formula heavily used Shu Di Huang; externally applied snail and garlic paste to umbilicus. Bowels/bladders opened, vomiting/hiccups stopped. Pain shifted to lower abdomen, radiating to testicles. Increased Qi Zi (Goji Berry) to two liang in previous formula, added Bai Shao, Gan Cao. Several doses improved. Fear of medicine caused pause; symptoms worsened. More doses stabilized him.
Pei Zhaoqi treated a man with lower back pain using Du Zhong, Shan Yu, Dang Gui, Xu Duan, etc., worsening over time. Consulted Pei. Pei examined carefully: Reduced appetite, occasional nausea/vomiting, indicating Stomach Damp-Phlegm. Pain was heavier lying down, lighter walking. Wanting to rise from bed, waist/hips felt heavy, unable to turn; had to sway body slowly to stand. Walking久了 felt comfortable. This is Damp-Phlegm sinking into waist/hips during Qi stillness, causing pain; flowing outward during Qi movement, causing comfort. If Kidney Deficiency, resting eases pain, exertion worsens it. Why opposite? Initially gave Xiao Wei Dan (Small Stomach Pill) fifty grains, purging old water continuously.