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Wang Sun'an treated Han Zhuquan, Grand Court Censor (Dali Qing), who suffered from generalized numbness and inability to move. Wang prescribed a modified Shenxiao Huangqi Tang (Divine Efficacy Decoction of Astragalus). The formula contained Huangqi (Astragali Radix) 1 liang 2 qian, Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 6 qian each, with other herbs halved in dosage per dose. The patient desired rapid efficacy and combined two doses into one. After ten days of taking this concentrated dose, his symptoms disappeared. Wang commented that the Yuanqi (Primal Qi) had not yet recovered; it was advisable to rest quietly to consolidate the root before venturing out. The patient did not comply. In midsummer, he suddenly went out to receive visitors for court audiences, enduring fatigue and worry for several days. Suddenly, he felt as if falling off his horse and was helped home by his attendants. When invited to treat him, Wang declined, stating he would not treat the case. A few days later, the patient died. Alas! One who travels a hundred li must complete the last ten li; how can one not take this to heart? (From *Zhifa Hui*)

Zhang Luyu treated Shen Buyun, who, after resigning from office, frequently suffered from numbness due to his constitution predisposed to Phlegm. Zhang prescribed Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction), which proved effective. However, the patient disliked taking medicine. Since autumn began, he gradually felt limb immobility. Pulse diagnosis revealed a soft and slippery pulse with a faint quality. Zhang continued with the previous formula, removing Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), and adding Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Bajitian (Morinda Officinalis Radix). After half a month of mild regulation, he recovered. Nevertheless, this condition primarily requires moderation (in diet and activity) to preserve health; one cannot rely solely on medicinal power.

The wife of Ba Cimings suffered from vertigo and palpitations postpartum, with scattered soul and spirit, feeling as if her Zang-Fu organs were unsupported. Opening her eyes caused whole-body numbness, as if amidst clouds and mist; closing them provided slight relief. She was irritable during the day but quiet at night. Taking Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) induced vomiting and anorexia, while taking Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) caused restlessness. Her pulse was deficient, large, and rapid, scattering upon deep pressure but responding to light touch. This indicated floating and dispersing Heart Fire. Due to difficult childbirth and fright, Phlegm-Fluid invaded the Xinbaoluo (Pericardium Meridian) vacuously, lodging above the diaphragm, entering but not exiting, causing prolonged illness. Opening the eyes opens all orifices, allowing Phlegm-Fire to block the Heart orifices, leading to loss of mental mastery; closing the eyes closes the orifices, keeping Phlegm-Fire latent, thus providing slight peace. This is distinctly different from Dongyuan's description of numbness caused by Yang Qi failing to circulate when eyes are closed. Moreover, symptoms being worse by day and lighter by night clearly indicate a disease in the Upper Jiao (Yang region). Prescribing agents to regulate Phlegm and clear Fire gradually calmed the symptoms. However, due to fright/anger or dietary indiscretion, the condition recurred intermittently because the latent Phlegm above the diaphragm could not be thoroughly scavenged. During attacks, Dushen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction) was used to administer Zixue Dan (Purple Snow Pill) to open the diaphragm membrane, followed by the previous medicines. After six months of regulation and tonification, she recovered.

Huang Lusu stated: At age forty-seven, I suddenly suffered numbness and weakness in my little finger, intermittent, healing in summer and worsening in winter. Having heard that finger numbness warns of stroke, I sought preventive methods. Some advocated expelling Wind and resolving Phlegm, which is grossly erroneous. Others advocated regulating Qi and invigorating Blood, arguing that moving Qi eliminates Phlegm and moving Blood extinguishes Wind; this view was closer to truth. Later, reading *Xue Shi Yi An* (Cases of Master Xue) regarding Jiang Zhoupan's abdominal fullness, expectoration, dizziness, and finger numbness, it stated: Abdominal fullness is Spleen Qi deficiency; abundant Phlegm is Spleen Qi's failure to transport; dizziness is Spleen Qi's failure to ascend; finger numbness is Spleen Qi's failure to function. Thus, Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Middle-Boosting Qi-Enhancing Decoction) was used with Fuling (Poria) and Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) to tonify Spleen Earth, and Bawei Dihuang Wan (Eight-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) to tonify the Mother of Earth (Kidney), resulting in recovery. Later, misled by *Qiankun Shengqi Fang*, which claimed finger numbness precedes stroke by three years and advised preventive use of Soufeng Tianma Erwan (Wind-Searching Gastrodia Two Pills), I took them morning and night. This led to fecal incontinence, anorexia, and death. The principle of prevention should be nourishing Qi and Blood, moderating diet, guarding against Seven Emotions, and avoiding sexual excess. Using those pills for prevention merely attracts Wind and invites internal injury. Reading this made me indignant, so I strictly adhered to my own method, which has now lasted thirteen years.

Lu Yangyu treated Ding Muyun, who suffered from numbness, inability to raise left limbs, aversion to wind, and spontaneous sweating. Ten doses of Xiao Xuming Tang (Minor Continuation of Life Decoction) were ineffective. Someone argued that Wind syndromes require heavy sweating; Xiao Xuming Tang failed because it mixed Wind-expelling drugs with Qi and Blood tonics. Consequently, Wind drugs were doubled, and Renshen/Baishao reduced. After two doses, profuse sweating occurred, followed by generalized wandering pain, inability to raise left limbs, lethargy, and cold extremities, a critical state. Pulse diagnosis showed Yang pulses wiry, thin, and rapid; Yin pulses slow, choppy, and empty. Lu said: Although resembling Wind syndrome, ancients stated: Numbness indicates Qi deficiency; stiffness indicates Blood deficiency; inability to bear weight indicates Spleen deficiency. With these three deficiencies, only Qi and Blood regulation is suitable; Wind will naturally resolve. Xiao Xuming Tang already had excessive Wind drugs and insufficient Blood-invigorating drugs; why double Wind drugs and remove tonics? Aggravation was inevitable. Zhongjing stated: In summer, sweating is appropriate as Yang Qi is exterior. In spring, Yang Qi is tender, just emerging underground; heavy sweating causes Wei Qi to rapidly deplete and lose control, while Ying Blood fails to follow, resulting in wandering pain, lethargy, and cold extremities—signs of impending Qi and Blood exhaustion. Urgently, a large dose of Shiquan Dabu Tang (Complete Great Tonifying Decoction) was decocted thickly and administered, leading to slight revival. Acupuncture points Fengchi (GB20), Baihui (GV20), Jianjing (GB21), Quchi (LI11), Jiashi (PC5), and Zusanli (ST36) were moxa-burned (several moxa cones each) to prevent internal organ involvement. Symptoms gradually decreased, and appetite improved. However, constipation persisted with slight chest stuffiness and heat, due to fluid depletion from sweating preventing downward movement, causing upper discomfort. Runzi Wan (Moistening Pill) 5 fen was taken twice daily. Stool remained dry, so Bayu Tang (Eight Substance Decoction) with doubled Danggui, plus Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) and Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) for moistening, assisted by Binglang (Arecae Semen) and Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix) and Douren (Cardamomi Fructus) for Qi regulation. This part was optional. Thereafter, for each instance of dryness, Runzi Wan 5 fen was taken, up to 1 qian if severe. Full recovery occurred within a month.

Zhang Wenshu transmitted Muxiang Wan (Costus Pill) and Xuming Dan (Continuation of Life Pill). In the spring of Wuchen year, Zhongshu Zuocheng Zhang Zhongqian suffered from hemiplegia and numbness. Imperial Physician Liu Ziyi administered these pills. Profuse sweating ensued, and he recovered after one dose. Recorded here. (From *Baojian*, Luo You's treatment of Zhang recorded in Jiang Xuan.)

Li Dongyuan treated Du Yikui, suffering from numbness in the left hand and right leg, and right thumb and index finger extending to the wrist, for three to four years. Other physicians failed. Li said: Numbness is Qi deficiency. True Qi is weak and fails to circulate, filling the meridians; limbs are deficient, causing numbness and insensitivity. He prescribed one medicine, promising efficacy in three days. Renqi Yiqi Tang (Ginseng Qi-Enhancing Decoction) was prepared. After two days, palms felt hot, fingers felt distended with Qi. On the third day, fingers felt like they were rubbed; touching them confirmed True Qi had arrived. Three-pronged needles pricked beside the fingernails of both hands until blood appeared like millet grains; Bi syndrome ceased. Subsequent regulation led to recovery.

Miao Zhongchun treated Gu Zhonggong, with Heart-Kidney non-interaction. Previous frustration and long-term depression, plus mental overwork, depleted Heart Blood. Last October, upon waking, before leaving bed, left foot five toes suddenly became numb and cold, spreading to the knee, followed by unconsciousness. Recovery took time, with alternating consciousness and confusion occurring十余 times in a day and night. Physicians diagnosed Tan Jue (Phlegm Syncope); Miao diagnosed pure Deficient Fire. One dose of pill medicine improved him slightly in spring. By April, pills ran out, and sexual activity increased. On June 10th, going out triggered recurrence; brought home, he woke after a long time. That day once; six days later, rain and cold exposure triggered it twice more. Now legs are weak, severely afraid of cold, except above the abdomen. Miao said: Each Zang organ has specific causes of disease; careful observation ensures accuracy. Unfulfilled ambition harms the Heart; sexual excess harms the Kidney. Simultaneous Heart-Kidney disease leads to Yin-Yang separation, causing major illness due to lack of interaction. Treatment should clear heat and tonify Heart, descend Qi and resolve Phlegm above; benefit essence and strengthen Kidney, nourish Yin and boost Will below. Root cause will be eradicated. Heart houses Spirit; Kidney houses Essence and Will. One should dwell alone in wilderness, discuss with Daoists and scholars, detach from desire's root, explore life's source, keep mind peaceful, temporarily leave attachments, so thoughts cease, True Essence solidifies, Yin-Yang mutual absorption, body-spirit harmonized. Decoction: Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus) 3 qian, Fuling (Poria) 3 qian, Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix) 1.5 qian, Zaoren (Ziziphi Spinosomi Semen) 5 qian, Suzi (Perillae Fructus) 2 qian, Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis) 3 qian, Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 5 qian, Zhigancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle) 0.5 qian, Mugua (Chaenomelis Fructus) 3 qian, Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) 8 qian, Shichangpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) 1 qian, plus Niuhuang (Bovis Calculus) 1 fen, Tianzhuhuang (Sinense Jasmati Rhizoma) 1 fen, Zhuli (Bambusae Succus) 1 cup. Take before sleep and when hungry. After three doses, add Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 5 qian, Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium) 3 leaves, Xiatiangao (Asini Corii Colla processed with herbs) 5 qian. Pill: Yuanzhi, Tiandong (Asparagi Radix), Maidong, Fushen (Poria cum Radix), Fuling each 6 liang; Zaoren 8 liang, Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix) 8 liang, Duzhong (Eucommiae Cortex) 4 liang, Baishao 6 liang, Zhigancao 3.5 liang, Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex) 6 liang, Niuxi 10 liang, Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus) 6 liang. Honey pills. Take 5-6 qian on empty stomach and before sleep, washed down with Shihu decoction plus Zhuli.