Library

The pulse is extremely large, but completely empty upon deep pressure. I said: This indicates an extreme deficiency of both Yin and Yang. As stated in the classics: Yin deficiency leads to cold extremities (Jue), while Yang deficiency leads to heat. This condition requires massive tonification. Therefore, I prescribed Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) 3 qian, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 3 qian, Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) 2 qian, Dang Gui Shen (Angelicae Sinensis Radix Corportion) 1.5 qian, and Shu Fu Zi (Prepared Aconiti Lateralis Radix) 2.5 qian. The patient's father said: Previously, even a small amount of Ginseng could not be tolerated; how can we use such a large quantity? Moreover, using Aconite as well? He firmly refused to take the medicine. I said: Have you not heard the words of the sages? When pathogenic factors are mild, the prescription should be gentle; when they are severe, the prescription must be potent. This is a case of great deficiency, requiring great tonification. Currently, with excess pathogens and deficient healthy Qi, using a small amount of Ginseng mixed with cold-cooling herbs would naturally result in ineffectiveness. This prescription matches the syndrome perfectly; if there were even a slight error, who would dare guarantee its efficacy? The family then relaxed slightly and administered one dose. That night, the patient felt calm, and the cold extremities decreased by half. The father said: It is miraculous! He then trusted and continued this medication. After half a month of regulation, Fu Zi was removed, the dosage of Ren Shen was increased to 5 qian, and Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber) 1.5 qian was added. After one month, full recovery was achieved.

Another woman suffered from malaria, occurring every two days, for two years, without effect from various medicines. Upon examination, her six pulses were surging, rapid, yet forceless, indicating extreme deficiency of Qi and Blood. Thus, I prescribed Ren Shen and Bai Zhu 3 qian each, Dang Gui and Huang Qi 2 qian each, Jiu Leng Bie Jia (Carapax Trionycis prepared with butter) 1.5 qian, Di Gu Pi (Lycii Cortex) 1 qian, Qing Hao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba) 0.7 fen, Shu Fu Zi 1 qian, Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) 0.5 qian, and Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) 0.3 qian. After two doses, symptoms reduced by half; after four doses, complete cure was achieved.

Another woman, prone to anger, suddenly developed headache, distending pain in the chest and diaphragm extending to both hypochondria for several days, accompanied by dry retching. She took Qi-moving and pain-relieving herbs, but after two doses, there was no effect, and the condition worsened. Upon my examination, the Cun positions of both hands showed a string-taut (Xian) pulse; the Guan positions showed Xian pulse with a hollow (Kou) quality; the Chi positions showed choppy (Se) pulse with rapid (Shuo) quality. I determined that blood stasis accumulation was causing the distending pain. Thus, I prescribed Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang (Rhino Horn and Rehmannia Decoction).