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In general, if a patient's body is light and they can turn over independently, the condition is easy to treat; however, if the body feels heavy and turning over is difficult, it is hard to treat. This is because in Yin syndromes (syndromes characterized by deficiency of Yang or excess of Yin), heaviness of the body is invariably accompanied by cold feet, curling up while lying down, aversion to cold, a preference for lying facing the wall with eyes closed avoiding light, and reluctance to see people. Additionally, in Yin toxicity (a severe Yin-cold syndrome), pain feels as if beaten by a club, the body is as heavy as a mountain and unable to turn. Furthermore, dampness obstruction (obstruction caused by pathogenic dampness) and wind-dampness bi-syndrome both present with heavy, painful bodies unable to turn, which must be differentiated. Generally speaking, in Yang syndromes (syndromes characterized by excess of Yang or deficiency of Yin), the body is light, hands and feet are warm, eyes are open and the patient wishes to see people, indicating a treatable condition. If the head droops and the body is rigid, this indicates collapse of the Tianzhu bone (loss of neck support) and failure of Yuan Qi (Original Qi). In the progression of Shanghan (Cold Damage), symptoms such as picking at clothes and bedrails, and grasping at empty air indicate the departure of Shen (Spirit) and chaos of Hun (Ethereal Soul). In summary, patients with moist and lustrous skin will survive, while those with dry and rough skin will die. The Classic states: "If the pulse is floating and surging, sweat oozes like oil, panting does not cease, the body is insensible, alternating between quietness and confusion, this is a sign of impending death."

(Fever, Aversion to Cold, Aversion to Wind, Headache, Stiffness and Pain of the Neck and Occiput, Body Pain)
The Classic states: The hallmark of Taiyang disease (disease of the Taiyang channel) is stiffness and pain of the neck and occiput with aversion to wind and cold. While non-transmission occurs, transmission is common. As stated in the Classic: On the first day of Shanghan, when the Taiyang channel is affected, if the pulse remains calm (without rapid changes), it indicates no transmission; however, if the patient frequently desires to vomit and experiences irritability with a rapid and urgent pulse, transmission has occurred. It also states: If two or three days after Shanghan begin, there are no signs of Yangming disease (disease of the Yangming channel) or Shaoyang disease (disease of the Shaoyang channel), it indicates no transmission. Treatment methods for the Taiyang channel include sweating (diaphoresis), vomiting (emesis), purging (catharsis), warming, harmonizing, regulating, and acupuncture. These are all applicable because the pathogenic factors affecting the Taiyang channel vary, leading to diverse transmissions. Although releasing the muscle layer and inducing sweating is one method, syndromes vary in severity and pulses in depth and superficiality; medication must be tailored to the pulse and syndrome to align with Zhang Zhongjing's profound intent. For instance: Fever, aversion to cold, and a floating-tight pulse indicate the use of Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction); spontaneous sweating, aversion to wind, and a floating-slow pulse indicate the use of Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction). These are fixed methods corresponding to pulse and syndrome. For example: Stiffness and tension in the neck and back with paradoxical sweating and aversion to wind indicate Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Pueraria Decoction); a faint pulse with aversion to cold indicates Guizhi Mahuang Ban Ge Tang (Half-Cinnamon Twig and Half-Ephedra Decoction); fever, aversion to cold, more heat than cold, and a weak pulse indicate Guizhi Er Yuebi Yi Tang (Two-Parts Cinnamon Twig and One-Part Jade Breather Decoction); a floating-tight pulse with spontaneous sweating, frequent urination, irritability, slight aversion to cold, and leg cramps indicate Guizhi Jia Fuzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Aconite Decoction). Furthermore: After sweating, if sweating continues uncontrollably with aversion to wind, difficulty in urination, slight stiffness in the four limbs making flexion and extension difficult, Guizhi Jia Fuzi Tang should be used. After taking Guizhi Tang, if profuse sweating leads to a surging pulse, administer Guizhi Tang again according to previous instructions; if symptoms resemble malaria occurring twice daily, Guizhi Er Mahuang Yi Tang (Two-Parts Cinnamon Twig and One-Part Ephedra Decoction) is appropriate. Zhang Zhongjing’s twenty-seven sweating formulas treat fifty-nine syndromes with great precision. How to apply Qinglong Tang (Azure Dragon Decoction)? How to apply Wuling San (Five-Ling Powder)? How to apply Fuling Gancao Jiang Tang (Poria, Licorice, and Ginger Decoction)? This depends on the severity of the illness and the urgency of treatment. Mr. Qingbi Du stated: For Yang-heat syndromes in Shanghan, where transmitted pathogens manifest variably, imprecise differentiation can lead to fatal errors in sweating, vomiting, or purging treatments instantly. This differs from Yin-cold pathogens confined to one channel without transmission, which are easier to treat using fixed warming methods based on cold severity. Modern incompetent physicians often prefer hot remedies, unaware of the subtleties and difficulties of cooling medicines.

[Sweating Methods]
Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Pueraria Decoction), Guizhi Jia Nongpo Xingzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Magnolia Bark and Apricot Kernel Decoction), Guizhi Jia Fuzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Aconite Decoction), Guizhi Qu Shaoyao Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction minus Peony Decoction), Guizhi Qu Shaoyao Jia Fuzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction minus Peony plus Aconite Decoction), Guizhi Mahuang Ban Ge Tang (Half-Cinnamon Twig and Half-Ephedra Decoction), Guizhi Er Yuebi Yi Tang (Two-Parts Cinnamon Twig and One-Part Jade Breather Decoction), Guizhi Er Mahuang Yi Tang (Two-Parts Cinnamon Twig and One-Part Ephedra Decoction), Guizhi Qu Gui Jia Fuling Baizhu Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction minus Cinnamon plus Poria and Atractylodes Macrocephala Decoction), Gegen Tang (Pueraria Decoction), Gegen Jia Banxia Tang (Pueraria Decoction plus Pinellia Decoction), Gegen Huanglian Huangqin Tang (Pueraria, Coptis, and Scutellaria Decoction), Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction), Da Qinglong Tang (Major Azure Dragon Decoction), Xiao Qinglong Tang (Minor Azure Dragon Decoction), Guizhi Jia Shaoyao Renshen Xinjia Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Peony and Ginseng New Formula Decoction), Mahuang Xingren Gancao Shigao Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Licorice, and Gypsum Decoction), Wuling San (Five-Ling Powder), Guizhi Qu Shaoyao Jia Shuke Longgu Muli Jiuni Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction minus Peony plus Coelia, Dragon Bone, and Oyster Shell Rescue Decoction), Guizhi Jia Gui Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Extra Cinnamon Decoction), Guizhi Gancao Longgu Muli Tang (Cinnamon Twig, Licorice, Dragon Bone, and Oyster Shell Decoction), Guizhi Fuzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Aconite Decoction), Fuling Gancao Jiang Tang (Poria, Licorice, and Ginger Decoction), Wenli San (Clam Shell Powder), Qu Gui Jia Baizhu Tang (Remove Cinnamon Add Atractylodes Macrocephala Decoction), Gancao Fuzi Tang (Licorice and Aconite Decoction).

[Vomiting Methods]
Zhizi Chi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction), Zhizi Gancao Chi Tang (Gardenia, Licorice, and Fermented Soybean Decoction), Zhizi Shengjiang Chi Tang (Gardenia, Ginger, and Fermented Soybean Decoction), Zhizi Nongpo Tang (Gardenia and Magnolia Bark Decoction), Zhizi Ganjiang Tang (Gardenia and Dried Ginger Decoction), Gouti San (Melon Seed Powder).

[Purging Methods]
Tiaowei Chengqi Tang (Regulating the Stomach and Directing Downward Decoction), Da Chaihu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction), Chengqi Tang (Directing Downward Decoction), Chaihu Jia Mangxiao Tang (Bupleurum plus Mirabilite Decoction), Tao Ren Chengqi Tang (Apricot Kernel Directing Downward Decoction), Didang Wan (Defending Against Pill), Da Jianxiong Tang (Major Constraining Chest Decoction), Didang Tang (Defending Against Decoction), Da Jianxiong Wan (Major Constraining Chest Pill), Baisan (White Powder), Shizao Tang (Ten Jujubes Decoction), Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Tang (Rhubarb, Coptis, and Heart-Draining Decoction), Fuzi Xiexin Tang (Aconite Heart-Draining Decoction).

[Warming Methods]
Gancao Ganjiang Tang (Licorice and Dried Ginger Decoction), Shaoyao Gancao Tang (Peony and Licorice Decoction), Sini Tang (Reverse-Recovery Decoction), Ganjiang Fuzi Tang (Dried Ginger and Aconite Decoction), Fuling Guizhi Gancao Dazao Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Licorice, and Jujube Decoction), Nongpo Shengjiang Gancao Banxia Renshen Tang (Magnolia Bark, Ginger, Licorice, Pinellia, and Ginseng Decoction), Fuling Guizhi Baizhu Gancao Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes Macrocephala, and Licorice Decoction), Shaoyao Gancao Fuzi Tang (Peony, Licorice, and Aconite Decoction), Fuling Sini Tang (Poria Reverse-Recovery Decoction), Guizhi Gancao Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Licorice Decoction), Zhenwu Tang (True Warrior Decoction), Xiao Jianzhong Tang (Minor Constructing the Middle Decoction), Zhigancao Tang (Roasted Licorice Decoction).

[Harmonizing Methods]
Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang (Bupleurum plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction), Xiao Xiantong Tang (Minor Obstructed Chest Clearing Decoction), Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Tang (Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig, and Dried Ginger Decoction), Banxia Xiexin Tang (Pinellia Heart-Draining Decoction), Shengjiang Xiexin Tang (Ginger Heart-Draining Decoction), Gancao Xiexin Tang (Licorice Heart-Draining Decoction), Chaihu Guizhi Tang (Bupleurum and Cinnamon Twig Decoction), Guizhi Renshen Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Ginseng Decoction), Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction), Baihu Jia Renshen Tang (White Tiger plus Ginseng Decoction), Huangqin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction), Huangqin Jia Banxia Shengjiang Tang (Scutellaria plus Pinellia and Ginger Decoction).

[Regulating Methods]
Chishizhi Yuyuliang Tang (Red Halloysite and Yuliang Stone Decoction), Xuanshu Zheishi Tang (Inula and Magnetite Decoction), Huanglian Tang (Coptis Decoction).

[Acupuncture Methods]
Longitudinal and transverse needling of Qimen (LR14); administering Guizhi Tang combined with needling Fengchi (GB20) and Fengfu (GV16); needling Qimen (LR14) for simultaneous Taiyang and Shaoyang disease; needling Qimen (LR14) for Heat entering the Blood Chamber; needling Dazhui (GV14) and Feishu (BL13) for simultaneous Taiyang and Shaoyang disease.

Taiyang disease presents with a floating pulse, stiffness and pain of the neck and occiput, and aversion to cold. (Cheng Wuji notes: The Classic states that floating pulses at both cun and chi positions indicate Taiyang involvement. Taiyang governs the exterior and is the master of all Yang channels. Floating pulse, neck/occipital stiffness/pain, and aversion to cold signify Taiyang exterior disease. Any headache indicates an exterior location.)
Taiyang disease presenting with fever, spontaneous sweating, aversion to wind, and a slow pulse is named Wind Strike (Zhongfeng). (As described in the preceding Taiyang disease条目. Cheng Wuji notes: Wind is Yang, Cold is Yin. Wind injures Wei (Defensive Qi), causing fever, sweating, and aversion to wind. Ying (Nutritive Qi) disease causes fever, no sweating, aversion to cold but not wind. Wei disease causes fever, sweating, aversion to wind but not cold. Since Wei is Yang and protects the exterior, its dysfunction leads to loose pores, sweating, and aversion to wind. Shanghan pulses are tight, while wind injury pulses are slow, due to the taut nature of cold and the lax nature of wind.)
Taiyang disease with headache, fever, spontaneous sweating, and aversion to wind is primarily treated with Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction). (Fever and sweating in Taiyang disease result from weak Ying and strong Wei. To rescue from pathogenic wind, Guizhi Tang is appropriate. Cheng Wuji notes: In Taiyang Wind Strike, wind merges with Wei, making Wei solid and Ying deficient. Ying is Yin, Wei is Yang. Fever and sweating indicate Yin weakness and Yang excess. The Inner Canon states: When Yin is deficient, Yang invades, causing shortness of breath, intermittent fever, and sweating. Guizhi Tang disperses wind and harmonizes Ying and Wei.)
Taiyang Wind Strike with a floating Yang pulse and weak Yin pulse: Spontaneous heat arises from floating Yang; spontaneous sweating occurs from weak Yin. Shivering aversion to cold, rustling aversion to wind, mild fever, nasal congestion, and dry retching are primarily treated with Guizhi Tang. (Cheng Wuji notes: Yang pulse reflects Wei, Yin pulse reflects Ying. Floating Yang pulse indicates Wind injuring Wei; weak Yin pulse indicates weak Ying Qi. Wind merging with Wei makes Wei solid and Ying weak, causing fever and spontaneous sweating. The Classic states: Fever and sweating in Taiyang disease indicate weak Ying and strong Wei. 'Shivering' describes the sensation of cold; 'rustling' describes the sensation of wind. Weak Wei causes aversion to wind; weak Ying causes aversion to cold. Both aversions occur due to sweating, loose skin, and open pores. 'Mild fever' resembles warmth under feathers, indicating exterior heat. Nasal congestion and dry retching result from wind obstructing and reversing Qi. Guizhi Tang harmonizes Ying and Wei and disperses wind.)
When internal organs are healthy but the patient experiences periodic fever and spontaneous sweating without resolution, this is disharmony of Wei Qi. Sweating before the onset of symptoms cures the condition; Guizhi Tang is indicated. (Periodic fever and sweating imply intermittent episodes. Because they come and go, the disease lingers. Medication should be given just before the episode starts, after it subsides. The Suwen states: Act when the pathogen is declining to ensure success.)

Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) Formula
Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, 3 liang, bark removed), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 3 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 2 liang, honey-fried), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, 3 liang, sliced), Dazao (Jujubae Fructus, 12 pieces, crushed). Five ingredients. Crushed, boiled in 7 sheng of water with mild fire to yield 3 sheng. Strain. Drink 1 sheng at a comfortable temperature. Shortly after ingestion, drink hot thin porridge (1 sheng) to assist medicinal power. Cover warmly for about one hour until slight perspiration is achieved throughout the body. Profuse sweating is undesirable as it fails to resolve the disease. If one dose resolves the condition, stop subsequent doses; do not finish the decoction. If no sweating occurs, repeat administration. If still no sweating, shorten the interval, aiming to complete three doses within half a day. For severe cases, administer over 24 hours. If symptoms persist after one dose, prepare another. If no sweating, continue to two or three doses. Avoid cold, sticky, slippery, meat, flour, five pungent spices, alcohol, dairy, and foul-smelling foods. (Song edition reads 'shao cong rong' instead of 'xiao cu').
Cheng Wuji notes: The Classic says Guizhi Tang primarily releases the muscle layer. It is contraindicated for floating-tight pulses, fever, and absence of sweating. Guizhi Tang is specific for Taiyang Wind Strike with loose pores, spontaneous sweating, and Wind invading Wei Qi. Zhang Zhongjing considers releasing the muscle layer lighter than inducing sweating. After sweating, vomiting, or purging, persistent body pain indicates internal depletion of fluids. Even with exterior pathogens, only muscle-layer release is needed, hence small amounts of Guizhi Tang to harmonize. Guizhi is acrid and hot, serving as the Sovereign herb. Its name implies guiding other herbs. Acrid and sweet disperse Yang. Dispersing wind requires acridity; the Inner Canon states wind excess is treated with acrid, assisted by bitter, relaxed by sweet, and gathered with sour. Thus, Shaoyao is Minister, Gancao is Assistant. The Inner Canon states internal wind is relaxed by sweet and dispersed by acrid. Shengjiang is acrid-warm, Dazao is sweet-warm, serving as Envoys. Ginger and Daze promote Spleen fluid transformation to harmonize Ying and Wei. Mahuang Tang omits ginger and jujube because it focuses purely on sweating, allowing fluid passage without digestion assistance.

Pang Anshi notes: Indications for Guizhi Tang include spontaneous sweating, normal urination frequency, warm extremities (slightly cool if exposed, warm if covered), mild whole-body heat, slight irritability, and aversion to cold. Contraindications include absence of sweating, frequent urination, cold extremities, aversion to heat rather than cold, or recent alcohol consumption. Tight pulses indicate no sweating; sweating with tight pulses is not Guizhi Tang syndrome.

Xu Shimicro notes: A case of fever, aversion to cold, spontaneous sweating, and weak-floating pulse cured in three doses illustrates Guizhi Tang's primacy among Zhang Zhongjing's 113 formulas. Modern neglect stems from misunderstanding Zhang's description of Yang floating and Yin weak pulses. Micro pulse at Cun indicates insufficient Yang, allowing Yin to invade Yang causing chills. Weak pulse at Chi indicates insufficient Yin, allowing Yang to sink into Yin causing sweating. This reflects Yuan Qi pathology. Yang deficiency leads to Yin invasion (chills); Yin deficiency leads to Yang invasion (fever). These clear principles justify Guizhi Tang usage.

Li Dongyuan notes: Zhang Zhongjing formulated this for Exterior Deficiency. Guizhi is acrid-hot, dispersing and assisting Yang, light in nature. Shaoyao and Gancao assist. For abdominal pain with涩 (choppy) Yang and string-taut Yin pulses, Xiao Jianzhong Tang (Minor Constructing the Middle Decoction) uses Shaoyao as Sovereign with Guizhi and Gancao. One treats exterior deficiency, the other interior deficiency. Replace Guizhi with Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi) for cold-induced abdominal pain. In summer heat with abdominal pain, add Huangqin and remove Guizhi. Guizhi is contraindicated in Spring and Summer.

Tao Hua notes: Guizhi and Mahuang Tangs were designed for contemporary Shanghan, not later Warm Diseases or Summerheat. Using them for Spring Warmth or Summer Heat is a grave error.

Taiyang disease, whether fever has appeared or not, invariably presents with aversion to cold, body pain, vomiting, and tight pulses at both Yin and Yang positions, named Shanghan. (Cheng Wuji notes: Cold injury generates heat due to Yang channel stagnation. Wind causes immediate fever as it is Yang; Cold is Yin and takes time to generate heat. Wind injures Wei, Cold injures Ying. Wei deficiency causes aversion to wind; Ying deficiency causes aversion to cold. Ying Cold causes definite aversion to cold. Qi pathology involves numbness; Blood pathology involves pain. Cold causes Qi reversal. Body pain and vomiting indicate Cold in Ying. Tight pulses confirm Shanghan. Aversion to cold confirms exterior location.)
Taiyang disease with headache, fever, body pain, lower back pain, joint pain, aversion to wind, absence of sweating, and wheezing is primarily treated with Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction). (Cheng Wuji notes: Cold injures Ying. Pain radiating to joints indicates impaired Ying blood in Taiyang. The Inner Canon states cold closes pores, trapping heat. Wind merging with Wei causes sweating and aversion to wind/cold. Cold merging with Ying causes no sweating and aversion to wind. Strong Ying and weak Wei cause Qi reversal and wheezing. Mahuang Tang induces sweating.)

Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) Formula
Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, 3 liang, nodes removed), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, 2 liang, bark removed), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 liang, honey-fried), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum, 70 seeds, soaked, skin and tips removed). Four ingredients. Boil Mahuang in 9 sheng water, reduce by 2 sheng, skim foam. Add remaining herbs, boil to 2.5 sheng. Strain. Drink 8 ge warm. Cover for slight sweating. No porridge required. Follow Guizhi Tang precautions. (Soak Mahuang in vinegar briefly to prevent excessive sweating. Use raw in deep winter when pores are tight.) If sweating persists after Mahuang, immerse patient's hair in water basin, expose feet, and dust body with roasted glutinous rice, Longgu (Dragon Bone), Muli (Oyster Shell), and Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) powder to prevent Yang collapse.

Wu Qian notes: Mahuang is essential for sweating in cold weather Shanghan with closed pores, body pain, rigidity, aversion to cold, and no sweating. It opens pores and expels cold. Contraindicated in summer heat; use acrid-cool agents like Gegen (Puerariae Radix), Congbai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus), and Chidou Chi (Sojae Semen Praeparatum). Mahuang can be combined with cooling agents, e.g., Tongjie San.

Cheng Wuji notes: Light herbs remove excess, referring to Mahuang and Gegen for exterior excess with closed pores. Mahuang is acrid-bitter, Sovereign for dispersing. For loose pores with Wind, Guizhi releases the muscle layer. For tight pores with Cold, Mahuang is necessary with Guizhi as Minister. The Inner Canon states cold excess is treated with acrid-hot, assisted by acrid-bitter. Liver suffers from urgency, treated with sweet to relax. Mahuang Tang uses Gancao (sweet-flat) and Xingren (bitter-warm) to assist. Guizhi Tang uses Shaoyao to harmonize Ying; Mahuang Tang uses Xingren to benefit Qi.

Taiyang Wind Strike with floating-tight pulse, fever, aversion to cold, body pain, no sweating, and irritability is primarily treated with Da Qinglong Tang (Major Azure Dragon Decoction). If pulse is weak, with sweating and aversion to wind, do not administer. Doing so causes cold limbs, twitching muscles, and palpitations, constituting a therapeutic error. (Cheng Wuji notes: Wind Strike showing Cold pulse. Floating indicates Wind injuring Wei; tight indicates Cold injuring Ying. Both injured causes fever, aversion to cold, pain. Wind/Cold dual injury makes Ying and Wei solid, causing no sweating and irritability. Da Qinglong Tang disperses both. Weak pulse with sweating indicates Ying/Wei deficiency; administering Qinglong Tang causes Yang collapse.)
Shanghan with floating-slow pulse, body heaviness without pain, fluctuating severity, and no Shaoyin syndrome is treated with Da Qinglong Tang. (Cheng Wuji notes: Shanghan showing Wind pulse. Wind dominance prevents pain; Wind inclusion causes heaviness. Absence of Shaoyin symptoms allows Da Qinglong Tang to disperse exterior Wind-Cold.)

Da Qinglong Tang (Major Azure Dragon Decoction) Formula
Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, 6 liang, nodes removed), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus, 2 liang, bark removed), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 2 liang, honey-fried), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum, 40 seeds, skin/tips removed), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, 3 liang, sliced), Dazao (Jujubae Fructus, 12 pieces, crushed), Shigao (Gypsi Fibrosus, size of chicken egg, crushed). Seven ingredients. Boil Mahuang in 9 sheng water, reduce by 1 sheng, skim foam. Add others, boil to 3 sheng. Strain. Drink 1 sheng warm. Aim for slight sweating. If sweating is excessive, dust with warm powder. Stop after one dose if sweating occurs. Overdose causes Yang collapse, aversion to wind, irritability, and insomnia.

Cheng Wuji notes: Azure Dragon corresponds to Wood/Liver/Spring, governing growth. It disperses dual Ying-Wei injury. Guizhi Tang treats Wind Strike; Mahuang Tang treats Shanghan. Floating-tight in Wind Strike and floating-slow in Shanghan indicate mixed Wind-Cold. Neither Guizhi nor Mahuang alone suffices; Da Qinglong Tang addresses both. Mahuang (sweet-warm) relaxes Ying; Guizhi (acrid-hot) disperses Wei. Sweet-acrid combination disperses dual injury. For loose pores, Guizhi dominates; for tight pores, Mahuang dominates. Gancao and Xingren assist Mahuang; Dazao and Shengjiang assist Guizhi. Wind injures Yang, Cold injures Yin. Heavy/light herbs combine to resolve Yin-Yang pathogens. Shigao (bitter-pungent, slightly cold, heavy) reaches the muscle layer. Da Qinglong Tang is a heavy sweating formula; overdose risks Yang collapse. Use with caution.

Wu Qian notes: Da Qinglong Tang treats Shanghan with fever, aversion to cold, and irritability due to trapped exterior pathogens. With floating-tight or floating-rapid pulses, urgent use induces sweating and cure. It is akin to rain cooling extreme heat. Misusing cooling herbs for irritability is harmful. Do not use if pulses are not floating-tight/rapid or if aversion to cold/body pain are absent. Misuse causes significant harm.

Xu Shimicro notes: Zhang Zhongjing's three primary formulas: Guizhi for Wind Strike, Mahuang for Shanghan, Qinglong for Wind Strike with Cold pulse or Shanghan with Wind pulse. They stand together like a tripod.