Library

After returning to my hometown, I closed my door and shunned social interactions. My late mother suffered from phlegm-fluid retention (Tan Yin), treated by Ye Meishou for four years without recovery; he considered it a stubborn disease difficult to cure. Therefore, I extensively consulted medical formularies, grasped their essence, selected prescriptions for treatment, and recovered within a year. Thereafter, I collected broadly and explored profound principles, paying particular attention to the works of Changsha (Zhang Zhongjing), Hejian (Liu Wansu), Dongyuan (Li Gao), Zihe (Zhang Congzheng), and Danxi (Zhu Zhenheng). I have often said that in medicine, Changsha is the sage among contemporaries; while the other four schools stand side by side, each becoming a sage in their own right, reaching perfection through specialization. Without studying from these sources, one would be like sailing in a dry ditch hoping to reach the sea—how could success be achieved? However, apart from Hejian and Dongyuan, Zihe’s writings are incomplete; Danxi’s works are mostly recorded by disciples. Only *Maiyin Zhengzhi* (Pulse, Etiology, Syndrome, and Treatment) is known to be concise yet comprehensive. Following this book to explore Changsha’s methods is like having a boat and oars; proceeding without stopping, the potential is immeasurable. Yet copies are rare; after thirty years without seeing one, I felt uneasy. In the Yiwu year, a guest presented me with a copy, wishing to share it with enthusiasts. I eagerly requested its publication. Overcome with joy and emotion, I felt a ray of spiritual light suddenly appear, truly a blessing in my later years. Thus, I wrote this preface without hesitation, placing it at the beginning.

Mid-summer of the Yiwu year in Qianlong era, Wu Qu Miao Zunyi wrote at Zhitian Study.

[Pulse] The Cun Kou pulse is deep, large, and slippery. Deep indicates excess (Shi); slippery indicates Qi stagnation. When excess and Qi contend, if Jue Qi (Rebellious Qi) enters the Zang organs, death ensues; if it enters the Fu organs, recovery occurs. Cyan lips and cold body indicate entry into Zang (death); harmonious body and spontaneous sweating indicate entry into Fu (recovery). Tight and rapid pulses indicate Dun Shi (Escaping Corpse); absence of Shaoyin pulse indicates decline of Kidney Qi.

[Treatment] Superficial cases are treatable; internalized cases are fatal. If Blood and Qi rush upward simultaneously, Jue syndrome occurs, leading to sudden death. In patients with chronic diseases who acquire acute illnesses, treat the acute illness first. Shi Jue (Corpse Faintness) involves unconsciousness with normal pulse movement; opening Yang Qi of the Upper Jiao (Heart and Lung) leads to self-recovery. Shi Jue with pulse movement but absent Qi signifies Qi closure and stillness leading to death. Blow Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii powder into nostrils; place Cinnamon Twig powder under the tongue. Another method: Shave one square cun of hair from the left temple, burn to ash, mix with wine, and pour into throat for immediate revival. Verified prescription for sudden death with body heat: Half jin of Alum, boiled in 15 sheng of water until dissolved; soak feet up to ankles. This utilizes Alum’s astringent nature to gather rebellious Qi. Huanhun Tang (Revive Soul Decoction) treats sudden death and Ke Wu Qi (Guest Hostile Qi). Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 3 liang, remove nodes), Armeniacae Semen Amarum (Xingren, 80 seeds, remove skin and tips), Glycyrrhizae Radica et Rhizoma Praeparata (Zhi Gancao, 1 liang). Boil three ingredients in 8 sheng of water to obtain 3 sheng, strain, add ginger juice, and administer. This utilizes pungent-sweet properties to unblock Yang Qi and expel pathogenic factors. Prescription for sudden death with closed eyes: Crush Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus (Xie) juice and instill into ears; or blow Saponariae Fructus (Zaogeng) powder into nose for immediate effect. Xie juice dispels evil and calms the soul; Zaogeng induces sneezing to open orifices. Prescription for sudden death with open mouth and opisthotonos: Moxibustion on fourteen points behind fingernails/toenails; drink Wudu various plaster powders. External conditions such as Zhong E (Evil Strike), Zhong Qi (Qi Strike), and Zhong Shi (Food Strike) resemble Su Shi (Sudden Corpse); carefully examine pulse and syndrome before prescribing. Avoid superficial judgment to prevent hasty errors. Adaptation requires divine insight; methods cannot be fully enumerated.