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Dou Cai treated a fifteen-year-old patient who, due to extreme worry and anger, developed Spleen Qi deficiency (Spleen Qi deficiency). A mediocre physician administered Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) along with Qing Pi (Tangerine Peel) and Zhi Ke (Aurantium Fruit), which resulted in the patient's inability to eat and a sensation of chest stuffiness. Dou then ordered moxibustion on Ming Guan (Ming Gate, likely referring to a specific point or area outside standard meridian points, often associated with the Stomach meridian in some contexts, but here treated as a specific therapeutic site) for two hundred burns, and on Guan Yuan (Gate of Origin, CV4) for five hundred burns. The patient was given Jiang Fu Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction) for one or two doses and Jin Ye Dan (Golden Elixir Pill) for two jin, after which the illness was cured. Medical texts confuse such conditions with consumption (Lao Sun), using mild and neutral small prescriptions, misleading many people; this is truly sad.

Another person, frustrated in his official career, suffered from mental distress and unhappiness, leading to gradually decreasing food intake. He remained lethargic and silent day and night for half a year, with all treatments ineffective. This condition could not be cured by medicine alone. He was instructed to undergo moxibustion on Ju Que (Great Court, CV14) for one hundred burns and on Guan Yuan (CV4) for two hundred burns, which reduced the illness by half. He was then instructed to drink pure wine three times a day, resulting in complete recovery within one month. (Original note: For illnesses caused by unfulfilled ambitions, it is essential to relieve emotional constraints. Moxibustion grasps the key aspect, while intoxication helps cultivate emotions; this method is extremely effective.)

Zi He treated the wife of Xiang Guanling, who presented with hunger but no desire to eat, frequent loud shouting, cursing, and an urge to kill those around her, with abusive words continuing incessantly. After six months of ineffective treatment by various physicians, Zi He observed her and said, "This is difficult to treat with medicine." He then had two old women apply rouge and powder and act like actors, causing the woman to laugh heartily. The next day, he had them perform wrestling acts, causing her to laugh again. Two other women who ate well were placed nearby to constantly praise the deliciousness of the food, prompting the patient to ask for food and taste it. Within a few days, her anger subsided, her appetite increased, and she recovered without medication. She later gave birth to a son. Physicians must possess talent; without it, how can they respond to infinite changes?

Luo Taijian (Eunuch Luo) treated a sick monk who was yellow, thin, and fatigued. Upon inquiry, the monk stated, "I am from Shu. When I became a monk, my mother was alive. By the time I traveled to the right side of Zhejiang, seven years had passed. Suddenly, one day, my longing for my mother became unbearable. I wanted to return home but had no travel funds, so I could only weep facing west morning and evening, which led to my illness." The monk was twenty-five years old at the time. Luo had him stay in the adjacent room and cooked tender beef and pork stomach daily for him to eat. (The eunuch broke the monk's vegetarian fast.) This continued for over half a month, accompanied by comfort and advice. Luo also said, "I will give you ten ingots of silver for your travel expenses. I do not expect repayment; I simply wish to save your life." Observing that the monk's physical condition had slightly improved, Luo administered Tao Ren Cheng Qi Tang (Peach Kernel and Rhubarb Decoction to Drain the Lower Jiao), three doses per day, resulting in the passage of blood clots and phlegm accumulation. The next day, he provided a thin porridge made with dried vegetables, and after another half month of recuperation, the monk recovered. Half a month later, Luo gave him ten ingots of silver for his journey. (From *Gezhi Yulun*.)

Sun Wen Yuan treated the mother of Ding Yaochuan, aged forty-four, who frequently suffered from epigastric pain (Liver Wood insulting Stomach Earth). Having been a widow for fifteen years, she consumed only vegetarian food. In July, due to anger, she vomited approximately one bowl of blood, which resolved after a few days. In September, angered again, she vomited blood as before, accompanied by abdominal pain (Liver Wood invading Spleen Earth). In February of the following year, during the season when Wood energy is prosperous, she suddenly experienced tenesmus and severe anal pain (Liver Fire pressing downward posteriorly). Her urine was scanty and dysuric, painful and difficult to pass drop by drop (Liver Fire pressing downward anteriorly). Her lower back and lower abdomen felt hot as if soaked in boiling water (Blazing Fire of the Three Yin meridians). She could only lie supine and could not turn to her side, as doing so caused pain in her left hip and leg. She already had pain in both hips; pain in the anterior and posterior orifices would decrease in one area when severe in the other (All pains belong to Fire). Eventually, she could not sit. Fearfulness exacerbated the dragging pain in the lower body (Fear agitates Fire; agitated Fire damages Water). Her menstruation had ceased for two months. Previously, during menstruation, she always experienced waist and abdominal pain and passed large amounts of dark purple blood clots. Now, she had profuse leukorrhea, thirst, insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability, puffy face and extremities, a sensation of obstruction in the throat with phlegm, and significant muscle wasting. Pulse diagnosis revealed a rate of four beats per breath, weak and soft Cun positions on both sides, slippery Chi position on the right, wiry Chi position on the left, and choppy Chi positions on both sides. Based on the pulse, there was a deficiency of Qi and Blood in the Upper Jiao, Phlegm in the Middle Jiao, and stagnation of Qi and Blood transforming into Fire in the Lower Jiao. The Lower Jiao is governed by the Liver and Kidney; the waist and hips are traversed by the Liver meridian; and urination and defecation are controlled by the Kidneys. Based on symptoms, facial and extremity puffiness indicates very weak Spleen Qi; lack of appetite indicates insufficient Stomach Qi; insomnia results from excessive worry and thought depleting Heart Blood. All stem from injury by the Seven Emotions. The Classic states: "Diseases of the Two Yangs originate from the Heart and Spleen; in women, this leads to amenorrhea." This case is similar. Fortunately, the pulse is not rapid, and the voice is clear. Treatment should first focus on resolving stagnation, clearing heat, and smoothing Liver Qi, ensuring safety through the summer season. (Note: This reasoning is somewhat flawed.) Subsequently, vigorous tonification of Yin and Blood should be employed, along with strict avoidance of anger, allowing Blood to follow its normal pathways for recovery. Initially, Dang Gui Long Hui Wan (Angelica Sinensis and Gelsemium Pill) was administered to clear Lower Jiao heat. This was followed by Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) combined with Long Dan Cao (Gentian Root), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), and Ze Lan (Lygodium Spore), taken with Zi Shen Wan (Nourish Kidney Pill) for two days, gradually reducing heat in the waist and lower abdomen. Later, Xiang Ru (Mosla Herb), Shi Wei (Pyrrosia Leaf), Long Dan Cao, Tao Ren (Peach Seed), Hua Shi (Talcum), Du Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root), Gan Cao Gao (Licorice Tip), and Ruan Chai Hu (Soft Bupleurum) were decocted and taken with Zi Shen Wan, completely relieving symptoms in both orifices.

Han Yuezhai's daughter-in-law experienced sleeplessness upon anger, hallucinations of ghosts, and dribbling urine. Currently, she suffered from constipation, abdominal pain, distending and dragging pain in the waist and hips resembling labor, and restlessness. Due to pain, her pulse was often imperceptible. Sun Wen Yuan stated, "This is caused by stagnant Fire in the Liver Meridian. The treatment should promote free flow." He prescribed Xing Ren (Apricot Seed) and Tao Ren (Peach Seed), each 3 qian; Chu Pi (Tree Root Bark), Shan Zhi Ren (Gardenia Seed), and Qing Pi (Green Tangerine Peel), each 1 qian; Bing Lang (Areca Nut) 5 fen; and Zhi Ke (Aurantium Fruit) 8 fen, decocted in water. Soon after, bowel movements were relieved, and pain and distension decreased.

Commentary: This treats only the branch symptoms. Without nourishing Water to support the Liver, how can the disease cease?

A woman, whose husband indulged in alcohol and lust and neglected family duties, suffered from excessive worry and depression. Pain radiated from her left hip through the Huan Tiao (GB30) acupoint down past the knee (Stagnant Liver Fire descending into the meridians). She experienced frequent urination and defecation (Liver Fire pressing downward on the two orifices), umbilical and abdominal distending pain, and dry mouth. Pulse diagnosis showed a weak Right hand and a rapid Left hand. Recently, she developed fever and aversion to cold, sweating triggered by pain, and constant agitation. This was caused by Food Stagnation, Phlegm-Fluid retention, and Blood Stasis flowing into the lower Foot Jueyin (Liver) meridian, complicated by stagnant Fire causing pain. There was fear of developing Intestinal Abscess (Chang Yong). Shen Xiao Gua Lou San (Miraculous Trichosanthes Powder) was administered; after one dose, pain halved, sweating stopped, and the rapid pulse slightly receded. Her lower abdomen was hard as stone and painful to pressure. The same prescription was repeated, softening the lower abdomen slightly. With no further progression, the formula was advanced by adding two large Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Fruit) per dose, plus Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), E Zhu (Curcuma Rhizome), Wu Ling Zhi (Trogopterus Feces), and Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle Flower). All symptoms resolved.

Liangqing's wife suffered from headache and generalized body pain (complicated by Summerheat). Distension affected the chest, back, and breasts; vaginal contraction urgency, and anal pressure (all caused by Liver Fire). Constipation for three days and dry mouth. The onset followed a major frustrating event. Fever resembling malaria appeared in the afternoon, accompanied by nausea, irritability, and restlessness. Given the peak of summer, this was attributed to Anger injuring the Liver, complicated by Summerheat-Fire. Shi Gao (Gypsum) 3 qian, Qing Pi, Chai Hu, and Zhi Ke, each 1 qian, Ban Xia Qu (Pinellia Fermented Paste), and Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), each 8 fen, Gan Cao (Licorice Root) and Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), each 5 fen, were decocted. At night, Dang Gui Long Hui Wan was administered to purge. Bowel and urinary functions cleared, fever subsided, and symptoms largely resolved. Only slight nausea remained, which was cured with two doses of Qing Pi Yin (Green Tangerine Peel Decoction).

Cheng Xiang's wife experienced dizziness and tinnitus after epistaxis, vomiting of clear fluid, sleeplessness, and hunger without ability to swallow. Sun Wen Yuan attributed this to Spleen deficiency with stagnant Fire in the Liver and Gallbladder. Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Bian Dou (Lablab Bean), Gan Cao, Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber), Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings), Fu Ling (Poria), and Shi Gao were decocted, leading to recovery.

Huang Lv Su stated: "In my youth, I suffered from Stagnant Fire syndrome, characterized by occasional facial redness and heat, cool hands and feet, dry throat and mouth, slight yellowing of the body, worsening at night. Seeking treatment in Wu men, a crude physician prescribed Huang Lian, Huang Qin, and Huang Bo. After two doses, my hands and feet became extremely cold, spreading past wrists and knees. Cold air seemed to emanate from my nose, and my spirit felt as if falling from a high bridge into a deep abyss, shivering uncontrollably, nearly dying. I sought the famous physician Zhang Lianshui. Zhang said, 'Although the condition resulted from mistaken cold herbs, sudden use of hot herbs is also dangerous. Take Ba Zhen Tang (Eight-Treasure Decoction) with Ginger and Tian Ma (Gastrodia Rhizome); it will heal over time.' Following this regimen, although I gradually stabilized, my Yuan Qi was significantly depleted. Later, consulting medical texts, I found the statement: 'Stagnation should not be broken with cold agents; mistreatment leads to death.' Thus, my survival was fortunate. I record this as a warning."

Pan Xun stated: "My constitution is naturally prone to Fire. In my later years, facing difficulties, I harbored depression, causing Liver Qi imbalance, rushing upward to the Heart and Lungs, preventing the interaction of Water and Fire. Lacking appropriate medicine, I formulated a prescription named Jian Zhi Wan (Simultaneous Restraint Pill). It contains Chai Hu, Long Dan Cao, and Qing Pi (each 5 qian) to calm the Liver; Dang Gui Shen (Angelica Body) 1 liang to nourish the Liver; Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root) 1 liang, Sheng Gan Cao (Raw Licorice) 5 qian, Huang Bo, and Zhi Mu (each 5 qian/1 liang respectively) to tonify the North (Kidney); Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome) 8 qian to dry Dampness; Huang Qin and Huang Lian (each 6 qian) to clear Heart and Lung heat; Gui Xin (Cinnamon Heart) 2 qian to guide the herbs; plus Bai Zhu, Fang Ji (Stephania Root), Chen Pi, and Fu Ling, prepared as honey pills. Each dose consists of eighty pills. Regular use proved effective. (From *Chu Ji Shi*.)"

Commentary: Comparing the cases of Huang and Pan, both involve Stagnant Fire. One nearly died from bitter-cold herbs; the other recovered with them. Ultimately, individual constitutions differ, and Yin-Yang balances vary. Clinicians should not adhere rigidly to fixed methods.

Gong Zicai treated the wife of Scholar He, who suffered from epigastric pain during menstruation, aversion to cold, and fever. A physician prescribed Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) with Guan Gui (Cassia Twig) and Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rhizome). After ingestion, she vomited blood, and pain worsened. Pulse diagnosis revealed six rapid and surging pulses, indicating Stagnant Fire. Shan Zhi (Gardenia Fruit) 2 liang, stir-fried with Ginger Juice until black, was administered, resulting in immediate cure.

Feng Chuzhan treated a young man who, frustrated in his official career, retired and fell ill due to depression. This corresponds to the Classic's description of "De Ying" (Loss of Vitality) for those who were once noble but became humble, and "Shi Jing" (Loss of Essence) for those who were once wealthy but became poor. His Qi and Blood diminished daily, his Spirit did not manifest outwardly, and his six pulses were wiry, fine, and choppy. Food entering the stomach transformed entirely into Phlegm, requiring expectoration before he could lie down. Internal depletion of fluids and external疏 (looseness) of the skin surface caused aversion to cold and emaciation. Ren Shen (Ginseng) was used as the Sovereign herb to preserve Yuan Qi and consolidate the Middle; Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) as the Minister to assist the Exterior and protect Wei Qi; Dang Gui (Angelica Root) to harmonize and nourish Qi and Blood; Bai Zhu to assist the Spleen in overcoming Dampness; Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) to protect Lung Qi; Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry) to收敛 (astringe) dissipating Metal; and Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) to harmonize properties and tonify the Spleen, serving as Assistants. Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), with its pungent-sweet nature, harmonizes Ying and Wei, warms muscles, and reaches the exterior; Ma Huang (Ephedra Stem), light and potent, leads the group of herbs through the skin and hair, driving out latent Yin-congealing Phlegm and transforming it into Yang-harmonizing fluids, serving as Envoys. However, fearing the pungent and acrid nature of Ma Huang and Gui Zhi might consume Ying-Yin, Bai Shao (White Peony Root) was added to soothe the Liver and inhibit their harshness. Additional Bai Zhu consolidates the Middle, while Ginger and Jujube assist the Spleen in generating fluids. After two or three doses, the pulse became full and spirited, and phlegm coughing ceased. Subsequently, Shi Bu Wan (Ten Tonics Pill) and modified Gui Pi Yang Rong (Restore Spleen and Nourish Ying) formulas led to complete recovery.

Lu Dongzhuang treated Bian Yu, who initially had alternating chills and fever, which progressed to persistent fever and chest nausea. Diagnosis indicated Liver Stagnation leading to External Contraction. Modified Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) was prescribed, reducing fever by half after one dose. Next, Chai Hu Yin (Bupleurum Drink) and Di Huang Yin Zi (Rehmannia Decoction) were administered. Lu was away, and the subsequent day, Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six-Gentleman Decoction) with Huang Qin was used. Lu advised, "If slight internal heat remains tomorrow, use Di Huang Yin Zi the day after, followed by Liu Jun Zi. The sequence must not be disrupted." Due to taking Di Huang Yin Zi, the heat fully subsided, leading to the use of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction). That night, he experienced irritability and restlessness, confirming the sequence was crucial. Resuming Di Huang Yin Zi brought peace. Following the sequence until the third day, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang was used successfully. However, post-illness irritability and weakness led him to self-prescribe Gui Pi Tang (Restore Spleen Decoction). Upon Lu's return, he noted the pulse was normal but insomnia persisted. Lu prescribed Modified Gui Pi Tang. The patient claimed prior ineffectiveness. Lu insisted, "Try my modification." One dose resulted in sound sleep until dawn. (Must remove Yuan Zhi and Mu Xiang, add Di Huang, Mai Dong, and Bai Shao.)

Commentary: For such illnesses, I typically prescribe Di Huang Yin Zi for five to seven doses, ensuring no further complications. Why insist on Liu Jun Zi, Bu Zhong Yi Qi, and Gui Pi Tang, causing confusion? This reflects a rigid adherence to Li Zhai's established methods.

Madam Shen developed chills and fever in summer. Physicians diagnosed Malaria. Her menstruation had just begun, resulting in continuous dripping, leading to a diagnosis of Heat Entering the Blood Chamber. Several doses of medication intensified chills and fever, increased menstrual flow (dark purple or like spoiled sauce). Physicians claimed symptoms would worsen before improving. Suspecting this, she consulted Lu. She was too weak to sit up, with a fine, rapid pulse barely perceptible. Chills and fever occurred from Wei/Shen hours (1-5 PM) to Zi/Hai hours (9 PM-1 AM). Lu diagnosed it as Deficiency Syndrome with Stagnant Fire. Reviewing previous prescriptions, Xiao Chai Hu Tang was used for alternating chills/fever and Heat Entering the Blood Chamber. Adding a large handful of Xiang Ru (Mosla Herb) suggested suspicion of Summerheat-toxin Malaria. Lu laughed, stating, "Heat Entering the Blood Chamber occurs when menstruation begins and heat prevents flow, requiring cooling resolution. Here, bleeding continues, and lower abdominal pain exists, unrelated to this syndrome. Why administer Huang Qin? Even if confirmed as Heat Entering the Blood Chamber, blood-invigorating and meridian-unblocking herbs should be added. What purpose does a handful of Xiang Ru serve?" Lu prescribed Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) 2 qian, Bai Zhu 4 qian, Pao Jiang (Prepared Ginger) 2 qian, Dang Gui and Bai Shao, each 3 qian, Ren Shen 3 qian, Chen Pi and Gan Cao, each 4 fen. One dose stopped pain and bleeding, eliminated chills/fever, and five doses enabled sitting up. Occasional sole pain indicated excessive blood loss injuring Liver and Kidney. Du Qi Yin Zi (Du Qi Drink) with Rou Gui and Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root), each 1 qian, achieved full recovery. Had cold-cooling herbs been administered abruptly, heavy Yin would have pressed downward, freezing life force and causing death within seven days. Claiming worsening before improvement is deception! How mediocre and reckless physicians evade responsibility and attack aggressively!

Zhu Qi, prone to anger and depression, compounded by internal illness and worry, fell ill. Initial chills and fever (Shaoyang syndrome) progressed unresolved. In mid-winter, doctors prescribed Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang (Nine-Ingredient Notopterygium Decoction) without effect. Changing physicians, aggressive exterior-releasing and middle-clearing herbs were used, including harsh ingredients, forming a chaotic prescription. Three doses worsened the condition. Further administration of Da Huang (Rhubarb) and purgatives resulted in passing several sheng of black water, leading to high fever, mania, coma, and vomiting upon drinking. Family tried Ren Shen Tang (Ginseng Decoction), which he accepted, reviving him from near-death. The next day, Lu arrived; he was still confused and unconscious. Swelling and sores appeared at Cheng Ling (beside Tong Tian acupoint on vertex), Zheng Ying (beside Cheng Ling), and Chang Qiang (below Yao Shu acupoint on sacrum), with constant agitation. Pulse was rapid and large. Lu said, "Fortunately, the pathogen has not collapsed inward; there is hope." Heavy doses of Ren Shen, Huang Qi, Dang Gui, and Bai Zhu, plus 1 liang of Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), were used. A village doctor present wanted to administer Lian Qiao (Forsythia) and Ci Ji (Thorns) for detoxification, strongly opposing Shu Di Huang. The family followed Lu's advice. That night, he slept; by morning, his mind cleared. He said, "I didn't understand why I lay here before; now I know the illness, feeling like waking from a dream." The next day, rapid pulse subsided, and irritability calmed. Appetite remained poor, and sores interfered. For ten days, maintaining this prescription cured all symptoms. Lu explained the modifications, warning, "Do not use Qi-breaking herbs to open appetite, bitter-cold herbs to descend fire, purgatives to open the rear, or detoxifying herbs to reduce swelling. Any of these would be fatal." Leaving the county, he met a friend asking about the illness. Lu explained, "Seven emotions injured internally, external pathogens exploited this, injuring Jueyin and contracting Shaoyang, following their kind. Ignoring meridians and indiscriminately releasing the exterior exhausted the Three Yang. However, the pathogen had not entered the Fu organs. Switching to Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Shan Zha (Hawthorn), and Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Fruit) allowed the pathogen to enter the Two Yang. Yin was still unaffected, but Da Huang and Yuan Ming Fen (Mirabilite) injured the Three Yin. Ultimately, the original pathogen could not exit externally, turning inward, meeting Cold rejection in the Middle. Fortunately, Ginseng supported Stomach Qi, driving the pathogen out. Sores at Cheng Ling and Zheng Ying represented undischarged stagnant Fire of the local meridian; sores at Yao Shu and Chang Qiang resulted from lower injury to Extreme Yin, congealing into toxicity. The release of toxicity was due to Ginseng's merit. Current numbness and flatness of sores, requiring future regulation, is the harm of previous medications." The family followed precautions, and he recovered.

Zhang Luyu treated the second daughter-in-law of Jiang Like, who in early spring suffered from fever, headache, abdominal pain, retching without phlegm, and purple-black painful fingers. Exterior-releasing and Qi-smoothing herbs failed. Pulse was wiry, rapid, fine, stronger on the Left than Right. Zhang stated, "Uncomfortable emotions caused Liver Fire to stagnate and invade Spleen Earth, causing fever; heat steaming the Lungs causes cough; since Lungs are inherently dry, there is no phlegm; Spleen suffers Wood oppression, causing abdominal pain; Yang Qi cannot diffuse, causing headache; limbs are the root of all Yang; Yang Qi failure leads to Qi stagnation and Blood stasis, causing finger pain and discoloration. Wiry pulse indicates Liver; rapid indicates Fire; fine indicates Fire stagnating in Blood level." Modified Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Plus Decoction) with Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) to reach Wood from Earth was prescribed. After three doses, symptoms vanished, and fingers returned to normal color.

Consort Xu's wife suffered from insomnia, anorexia, mental vagueness, slight cold limbs, hot sweaty palms, evening throat heat with phlegm, and intermittent ear blockage. Calming and heat-clearing herbs failed. Pulse was thread-like, wiry, and rapid, indicating long-term Middle Qi stagnation and deficient Fire flaming upward. Although Gui Pi Tang should tonify Heart and Spleen deficiency, chronic deficient Phlegm and Yin Fire could not tolerate the cloying nature of Ren Shen/Huang Qi or the dryness of Mu Xiang. Thus, Wu Wei Yi Gong San (Five-Ingredient Extra-Efficacy Powder) was used, slightly modified with Dang Gui, Bai Shao, and Rou Gui to harmonize Yin and guide Fire. After a few doses, appetite improved, sleep normalized, and symptoms resolved.

Zhang Feichou treated a woman with easily ascending deficient Fire. Unexpressed anger caused abdominal fullness, reduced appetite, acid regurgitation, alternating cold/heat in head/face/extremities, periodic lower abdominal soreness, and amenorrhea for over half a year. Pulse was vague, rapid, and powerless. Qi-breaking, Qi-descending, and Blood-moving herbs failed. This was suppressed anger injuring the Liver, with Liver Fire exploiting deficiency to oppress Spleen Earth. Spleen oppression prevented distribution of Great Qi in the chest, which scattered with Liver Fire throughout the body. Qi rises with Dampness; Dampness dries from Fire. Only when the Sun shines do shadows disperse; only when True Fire governs does stagnant vapor subside. With fire under the pot, food digests; digestion empowers Spleen/Stomach, restoring Great Qi and curing symptoms. Raw Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) with doubled Rou Gui and Fu Zi was used. After ten days, temperature fluctuations ceased. Intermittent Yi Gong San widened the middle and improved appetite. Two months of regulation restored menstruation and health.

Chai Yuqing treated the mother of the Prefect of Tongchuan, aged eighty-three. While in the Ministry of Rites in Shenyang, she heard her mother in Beijing was critically ill. Suddenly, she developed fever, phlegm, delirium, and confusion. Physicians advocated exterior release, worsening the condition. She sought treatment, weeping and despairing of death. Right Guan pulse was deep, choppy, and slightly slippery. Chai diagnosed: "Worry injures Spleen, compounded by stagnation, leading to abundant Phlegm-Saliva and Spleen failure to transport. Fever and confusion indicate failing Clear Yang and damaged Spleen Qi." Er Chen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction) and Gua Lou were used first to treat the branch. Then, Gui Pi Tang with Shen Qu, Ban Xia, and Chai Hu was used for several days, resulting in recovery. Had exterior-releasing herbs been mistakenly used, it would have violated the ancient warning against treating deficiency with draining methods.

Lin Suchen of Shanyin contracted a seasonal pathogen, mistreated by physicians, resulting in fever, vomiting of green water, and restlessness. Chai attributed this to Liver Stagnation, prescribing Xiao Yao San with Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit)...