Library

Pingqin Shuwu Yilue (Medical Strategies of the Pingqin Study)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract
Yilue (Medical Strategies), consisting of three volumes, was authored by Pan Lanping from Panyu. The essentials of exogenous and endogenous diseases are comprehensively covered. Because Pan's sons and nephews studied under a master in Guangzhou, he feared that during their leisure time from studies, they might carelessly contract wind-cold or fail to regulate their diet. Therefore, he formulated prescriptions for seven conditions: exogenous disease, spring-warmth, summer-dampness, diarrhea, dysentery, and malaria. After taking these, most showed efficacy. He subsequently expanded this to thirty-three conditions to benefit his family and the world. The reasoning is clear and accessible, and the prescriptions are stable and balanced, avoiding the risk of latent pathogens and changes that damage vital energy (Yuan Qi). With this book, it is not difficult to select prescriptions according to symptoms, thereby avoiding misdiagnosis and mistreatment by incompetent physicians; its merit is profound. A careful reading of the entire book reveals it to be concise yet comprehensive, unbiased, and particularly insightful in treating colds according to the four seasons, with unique insights into treating spring-warmth that differ from Ye Tianshi's methods.

Preface by the Author

My sons and nephews went to Guangzhou to study. I worried that after their lessons, they might carelessly contract wind-cold or fail to regulate their diet. Thus, I prepared prescriptions for seven conditions—exogenous disease, spring-warmth, summer-heat, dampness, diarrhea, dysentery, and malaria—for them, hoping to avoid the predicament of digging a well only when thirsty. Later, they reported that these were mostly effective, and even their fellow students cured their illnesses by following this method. Hearing of these results, I reviewed my old prescriptions, which were all formulated on the principle of stability, avoiding both latent pathogens and damage to vital energy. Initially, I intended this only for my descendants, but later thought to benefit my peers as well. I added treatments for pain in the head, heart, waist, abdomen, hypochondrium, and feet; ear, tooth, hernia, and flaccidity syndromes; bleeding from urine, feces, nose, and vomiting; and conditions such as wasting-thirst, vomiting, dysphagia, regurgitation, cholera, jaundice, strangury, urinary retention, spermatorrhea, and cough. These largely result from young people's careless living and eating habits, totaling thirty-three conditions. Although many other conditions are omitted, these are common in life, and I often see contemporary physicians mistreating patients, causing much harm. Thus, I do not seek completeness but aim to extract the essentials, intending to publish this for enthusiasts, allowing those unfamiliar with medicine to self-regulate and avoid being misled by incompetent doctors. For mild initial illnesses, following the methods should lead to recovery. However, for chronic or severe illnesses, I dare not claim complete efficacy.

Pan Mingxiong Lanping, Preface at Pingqin Study, Xicun

Table of Contents
Volume 1: Exogenous Disease, Spring-Warmth (including Winter-Warmth), Summer-Heat Syndrome (Case 1), Dampness Syndrome, Diarrhea, Dysentery (including Epidemic Contagion), Malaria (Case 2)
Volume 2: Wasting-Thirst, Vomiting (including Dysphagia, Regurgitation), Jaundice (Case 2), Headache (including Migraine and Fixed Headache), Abdominal Pain (including Hernia, Cholera, Case 1), Heart Pain (Case 1), Hypochondriac Pain, Lower Back Pain, Foot Pain (including Flaccidity), Ear Pain (including Tinnitus, Deafness), Toothache
Volume 3: Strangury (including Turbid Urine, Urinary Retention, Case 2), Spermatorrhea, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Epistaxis (Gingival and Nasal Bleeding treated together), Hematemesis (Case 4), Cough (Case 1)
Appendix: Treatise on Spleen and Stomach sent to Friend Feng, Ancient Prescriptions, Poems and Inscriptions

General Rules

This book is prepared specifically for those unfamiliar with medicine for emergency use. Circles and dots are added for easy reference during busy times. The theory is kept simple, and prescriptions are based on gentle principles.

The conditions listed address young people suffering from improper diet and lifestyle, and vulnerability to emotional disturbances and climatic factors. Gynecology, pediatrics, and chronic conditions of the elderly are excluded.

Some prescriptions list up to eight or nine additional herbs. This does not mean all must be used; only two or three matching the specific symptoms should be added. Herbs may need modification based on symptoms, rather than strictly adhering to the original prescription's dosage.

Physicians should first ensure no harm before seeking efficacy. Since this book is for laypeople ("box readers"), herb selection must be cautious. Prescriptions favor mild ingredients over potent ones. However, for severe conditions requiring specific additions, strongly acrid-hot or bitter-cold herbs may be necessary. Readers should add these carefully according to symptoms to ensure proper balance.

Pan Lanping, Pingqin Study Master

Preface by Li Guangting

The Way of Medicine is subtle. If the "Four Difficulties" are not examined and "Two Reversals" are applied hastily, a slight error leads to great deviation. Since Zhang Zhongjing set the example, using symptoms to formulate prescriptions, expounding on Cold Damage in *Shanghan Lun* and miscellaneous treatments in *Jingui Yaolue*, distinguishing extraordinary vessels through acupuncture, turning death into life like a wheat awn. For millennia, all have relied on this standard. However, transmission through meridians and collaterals varies, and the application of acrid-hot and bitter-cold agents is drastic. Occasionally encountering sneezing or runny nose, one should not arbitrarily use Aconite (*Fuzi*) as the sovereign herb; encountering masses or stagnation, one should not push Tribulus (*Baijiuling*) as the sovereign. Axe-like伐 may damage vital energy, and lifting/purging may consume fluids. To attain benevolence and longevity, there is no way without proper understanding. This is why my friend Pan Lanping wrote *Yilue*. Originally, wind and cold invade differently; decoctions distinguish between Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) and Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction). Exterior and interior attacks differ, treatment returns to meridians. Turbidity enters via the nose and breath, penetrating only to the Membrane Source. Cold expands qi with yang, or steams into internal heat. Invasion of hair follicles does not necessarily pass through Guan-Ge meridians; chills and shivers are pathogenic influences, not entering deep viscera. You distinguished "injury" from "contracting," separating heat from cold, using bland flavors to nourish harmony, mixing aromatic herbs to drive away turbidity. Placing Bupleurum (*Chaihu*) in the Eight Arrays, you criticized Jingyue's coarseness; clarifying summer-heat in the Triple Burner, you fully upheld Hejian's methods. Again, with damp-steaming causing stagnation, heavy dysentery and loose stools, you distinguished excess and deficiency in vomiting, assessed control of wasting-thirst in water and fire, avoided greedy purgatives, subtly distinguished clear and warm, establishing laws for exogenous warm-heat, attaching damp-malaria, diarrhea-dysentery, wasting-thirst, and vomiting. From then on, it spread rapidly. Holding bamboo slips, asking for secrets of the Bright Hall; knocking on doors, seeking forbidden prescriptions. You also edited *Waitai Miyao*, reconciled medical records, believing that if the door pivot does not turn, pain disturbs organs; if main storage fails, blood overwhelms hundred vessels. Without classification, how is it different from peering through a curtain without measuring fullness and emptiness, suddenly facing the disaster of bursting rivers? Moreover, depression and steaming cause illness, urinary retention brings disaster. The State Capital lacks qi transformation officials, the Water House obstructs dark commands. Xuanyuan loses control, turbid yellow overflows Longmen; Metal and Fire punish each other, void white damages the Tiger Cave. Thus, distinguishing pain and blood, reaching turbid strangury, distinguishing dryness and dampness in ulcers, separating wind pathogens in cough and asthma. Collecting seventy-seven prescriptions, listing thirty-three categories of conditions, requiring no ability of five examinations, fully conforming to the essence of six subtleties. Truly suitable for home storage, saving people from poverty and plague. Some say Bian Que was skilled in medicine, changing with customs: in Handan, valuing women, he became a gynecologist; in Luoyang, respecting elders, he became an eye and ear physician; in Xianyang, loving children, he became a pediatrician. You did not cite examples for various conditions, not knowing that evil pathogens and guest contractions often strike young people. Spring silkworms and autumn harvest easily attract diagnostic qi. Treatment should prioritize interstices, preventing illness from entering marrow. If weighing villages and calling oneself a考, storing treasures in cabinets, nurturing should be cautious on thick cushions; how can authority rely on hundred herbs? Infant drunkenness also transmits the chapter of Hundred Questions; women's specialized departments establish separate chapters on extraordinary vessels. Seeking no excess, making it convenient for box readers. As for harmonizing six openings, regulating three stops, Zhongshi wields the brush, elder brother treats complexion, divining unexpected joy, regarding non-medication as superior medicine, this view of human regulation is especially your grand wish. Having just finished writing, asking the blind for the Way, adding other words to the front of the volume. Ashamed of loving questions, daring to defile Li Gao's book; the world has Sima Qian, continuing Cang Gong's biography.

April, 4th Year of Tongzhi, Preface by Li Guangting, Fellow Townsman

Appendix: Poems and Inscriptions

Poem for Nephews Who Tried *Yilue* with Good Effect and Developed Ambition to Study Medicine

The small path is still difficult (Nephews once said studying Confucianism is hard), who can believe in no fault? Books also serve as pillars, how easy is it to break ten thousand scrolls? Without perseverance, nothing can be done; good and mediocre are separated by movement and laziness. A good doctor saves people; a mediocre doctor invites disaster. Symptoms must be clearly distinguished; herb compatibility must be appropriate. Misuse is like wielding a knife blindly; how can one trust in cause and effect? Knowing is best, practicing may not be feasible. Learning brings salary; how can medicine make one rich? Singing songs to inform you, Confucian arts comfort me.

Chen Guqiao (Pu) says: The author is skilled in medicine but warns his son against becoming a doctor. This is true skill, great insight, and compassionate intent. His words are not empty. Educating sons can be read by all learning medicine in the world.

On the Day of the Lotus Birthday, Just as *Yilue* Was Completed, Obtaining a Few Rhymes to Express Mood

Lotus fragrance assaults the book, the book's scent is pure. Looking up at the roof, writing is just completed. Text has affinity, fulfilling my desire; pigs and fish (errors) are not mistaken, ordering children to record. In old age, cultural artifacts concern feelings more; suffering and hardship evoke pity. Even if lifespan reaches a hundred years, it will end. What method can I use to help the master's spirit? Accidentally gaining something, writing *Yilue*,酌古准今 (weighing ancient and modern), narrating without creating. Expecting to save from distress and support vital energy, distributing to water villages and mountain suburbs. Every family raising a disease-free body, living together as peaceful people. Chanting poems while contemplating flowers tirelessly, when will Heaven comfort my wishes?

Jiang Xiangyu (Hao) says: The heart of a benevolent person, the words of a benevolent person. I wish to burn incense and praise before the Buddha with all sentient beings.

Huang Mingshi (Dehua) says: Based on daily pure cultivation, hanging the precious raft for universal salvation. Like chanting the Dirgha Agama, increasing five blessings for heavenly beings. Directly combining Buddha's hand and immortal heart, passing down immortality.

Zhang Yunyu (Shihui) says: The gentleman excels in poetry, poetry expresses his will; the gentleman understands medicine, medicine grasps its meaning. Brocade bags and green bags (medical texts), unwilling to keep secret, compiling into books. (The gentleman separately continued printing two volumes of Pingqin Shuwu Yincao, hence the saying) Presenting to the world, obtaining your poetry will cure foolishness, transmitting your medicine will still awaken the blind.

Cui Shouru (Tingsen) says: Mr. Lanping's Zen principles are profound, often seeing true nature in chanting. His written *Yilue* is no different from golden ropes and precious rafts, using it to save sentient beings, possessing great magical power.

Brother Yaochen (Lianggong) says: Brother Lanping's *Yilue*, symptom differentiation is precise and prescriptions are excellent. Compassionate boat for universal salvation, is it Zen or medicine? Rereading various works, a piece of compassionate heart, emotion seen in words, great Bodhisattva heart, good knowledge Dharma giving. So it is, so it is. Pingqin Shuwu Yilue Volume 1

Exogenous Disease

Also known as Wind-Cold Injury. Slightly craving cool wind makes one most susceptible. Symptoms include headache, nasal congestion, fever, or cough. Medication should be adjusted according to the season for better treatment. Now, prescriptions for spring, summer, autumn, and winter are listed below.

Spring Exogenous Disease

The Classics say: Spring injury by wind. Also: Spring injury by warmth. Meaning wind received in spring days, where the qi is already warm, must guard against mixing into Spring-Warmth syndrome, because warm pathogens forbid sweating. Spring governs rising, Summer governs draining. Even exogenous diseases forbid heavy sweating (See Spring-Warmth below. If mouth and tongue are dry, with high fever and vexation, this is the definite sign of Spring-Warmth, treat according to the Spring-Warmth method below).

Northern Apricot Kernel (Beixingren) 1.5 qian
Perilla Stem (Zisugeng) 1.5 qian
Tender Bamboo Leaves (Nanzhuye) 4 qian (Fresh, cut and decocted)
Jian Shenqu (Jianshenqu) 1.5 qian
Fine Licorice Root (Xigancao) 0.8 fen
Gardenia Husk (Zhiziqiao) 1.5 qian

Add Scallion White (Congbai) 4 qian, Fermented Soybean (Dandouchi) 3 qian, decoct together. For headache, add Forsythia (Lianqiao) and Uncaria (Gouteng). For phlegm with thirst, add fresh Bamboo Shavings (Zhuru) and Trichosanthes Fruit (Gualou) (skin or kernel as needed). For no thirst, add Pinellia (Banxia) and Mustard Seed (Jiezi). For cough, add Platycodon (Jiegeng) and Loquat Leaf (Paye). For food stagnation, add Radish Seed (Laifuzi) and Malt (Maiya). If fatty/rich food was eaten, add Hawthorn (Shanzha). For excess heat, add Scutellaria (Huangqin) and Coptis (Huanglian) (replace husk with kernel). For night fever, add Moutan Bark (Danpi) and Groundcherry Root (Diguxin). If qi-deficient with middle-cold, use Congchi Tang alone plus Codonopsis (Dangshen) 4-5 qian, Ginger (Shengjiang) 4-5 slices, decoct and take. Combining Astragalus (Huangqi) and Shenqu is also optional. If both qi and blood are deficient showing slight chills and fever, use Shen-Gui Guizhi Tang with Tangerine Peel (Chenpi) decocted (Formula is Guizhi Tang plus Ginseng and Angelica).

Summer Exogenous Disease

Summer injury by dampness, should assist with damp-draining; Summer easily contracts summer-heat, should assist with clearing summer-heat.

Northern Apricot Kernel (Beixingren) 2-3 qian
Sichuan Talcum (Chuanhuashi) 3-4 qian
Artemisia Stem (Qinghao geng) 2-3 qian
Jianzhong Qu (Jianzhongqu) 1-2 qian
Licorice Tip (Gancaoshao) 0.7-0.8 fen
Winter Melon Peel (Dongguapi) 4-5 qian

Add Fresh Lotus Leaf (Xianlianye) 3-4 qian, Scallion (Cong) 1-2 stalks as guides.

If dampness is excessive, add Atractylodes (Cangzhu) or Coix Seed & Poria Peel (Yinchen Lingpi). For yellow short urine, add Gardenia (Zhizi) and Wood Betony (Mutong). For other symptoms, add herbs as shown in Spring Exogenous Disease above. For qi-deficient middle-cold, refer to Spring Exogenous Disease.

Autumn Exogenous Disease

Autumn injury by dryness, acrid-warm herbs should be used sparingly.

Northern Apricot Kernel (Beixingren) 2-3 qian
Shenqu (Shenqu) 1-2 qian
Loquat Leaf (Paye) 2-3 qian
Pear Skin (Lipi) 3-4 qian
Licorice (Gancao) 0.7-0.8 fen

Add Fresh Lotus Leaf (Xianlianye) 3 qian, Fresh Perilla Leaf (Xian Zi Su Ye) 1 qian as guides.

For fever with cough, add Mulberry Root Bark (Tusangbaipi) 3-4 qian, Groundcherry Root (Digupi) 3-4 qian. For dry thirst, add Ophiopogon (Maidong), Anemarrhena (Zhimu), or fresh Reed Rhizome (Sheng Lugen), Kudzu Root (Fenge Rou) (these two as tea are also good). If contracting autumn summer-heat, add Talcum (Huashi), Winter Melon Peel (Dongguapi), or Dew-covered, tender Bamboo Leaves (Zhu Ye). For other symptoms, add herbs as needed. For qi-deficient middle-cold, refer to Spring Exogenous Disease.

Winter Exogenous Disease

Winter injury by cold. Autumn governs gathering, Winter governs storing. Using acrid-dispersing herbs is acceptable, but Winter-Warmth syndrome is not suitable (See Winter-Warmth note under Spring-Warmth). In the South, wind injuring Wei is common, cold injuring Ying is rare. If definitely Cold Damage, follow Zhongjing's Cold Damage diagnosis and treatment, no need to repeat.

Northern Apricot Kernel (Beixingren) 2-3 qian
Shenqu (Shenqu) 2-3 qian
Perilla Leaf (Suye) 2-3 qian
Saposhnikovia (Fangfeng) 1-2 qian
Licorice (Gancao) 0.7-0.8 fen

Add Ginger (Shengjiang) 2-3 slices, Scallion (Cong) 1-2 stalks as guides.

For other symptoms, add herbs as needed. For qi-deficient middle-cold, refer to Spring Exogenous Disease.

Spring-Warmth Syndrome

(Winter-Warmth discussed similarly in symptoms and treatment)

Winter injury by cold, spring must suffer warmth. Because cold pathogens lie latent for long, transforming into heat, and upon entering spring, contracted by Shaoyang. The general principle is cooling. Thus ancients used Huangqin Tang and Qingxin Liangge San, truly because bitter-cold solidifies yin as the correct treatment. This syndrome initially shows high fever, vexation, dry mouth, and dry tongue, inevitably appearing together. Most forbids acrid-warm dispersing drugs that rob and injure fluids, differing from ordinary exogenous treatment. If external pathogens are first contracted, triggering latent heat inside, must first use slightly acrid-cool to resolve new pathogens, such as Congchi Tang being the shortest path. Once exterior is cleared, then advance bitter-cold to clear interior heat. Contemporary physicians do not discuss this method, using Chai Ge Qiang Fang to sweat and injure fluids, leading to delirium and coma (Original Spirit resides in fluids; if fluids injured, spirit loses nourishment and becomes confused), hallucinations emerge, ultimately incurable, truly sigh-worthy. Winter should be cold but turns hot, also having this syndrome, named Winter-Warmth. Symptoms same, treatment same, both forbid sweating.

White Peony Root (Baishao) 2 qian
Forsythia (Lianqiao) 1.5 qian
Gardenia (Zhizi) [Text corrupted]
Northern Apricot Kernel (Beixingren) 1.5 qian
Scutellaria Root (Huangqin) 1.5 qian
Licorice (Gancao) 0.8 fen

Add Fresh Bamboo Leaves (Xian Zhuye) 3 qian, cut and decoct together.

For thirst, add Ophiopogon (Maidong), Lotus Plumule (Lianzixin), Fresh Pear Skin (Xian Lipi), Fresh Reed Rhizome (Xian Lugen), Trichosanthes Root (Huafen), etc. For stomach heat, add Anemarrhena (Zhimu), Gypsum (Shigao), Rice (Jingmi). If tongue is dry and dislikes drinking, heat lies in Heart Ying (Throat dry, tongue dry, likes drinking = Heat in Qi level; Throat dry, tongue dry, dislikes drinking = Heat in Blood level). Add Rhinoceros Horn (Xijiao - substitute with Water Buffalo Horn), Rehmannia (Shengdi), Honeysuckle (Yinhua), Ophiopogon (Maidong), Asparagus (Tiandong) (Remove Huangqin, Baishao, Beixingren, Zhizi, use Bamboo Heart instead of Bamboo Leaf). For night fever, add Groundcherry Root (Diguxin), Moutan Bark (Danpi), Artemisia (Qinghao), Rehmannia (Shengdi) (Remove Zhizi, Huangqin). If additionally affected by wind, named Wind-Warmth (symptoms include sweating and cough), add Mint Stem (Bohe geng), Budling Seed (Niubangzi). If additionally affected by dampness, named Damp-Warmth, add Fresh Reed Rhizome (Xian Lugen), Sichuan Talcum (Chuan Huashi). If other accompanying symptoms exist, refer to Ye Tianshi's books for treatment.

Summer-Heat Syndrome

Before Summer Solstice is Warmth disease, after Summer Solstice is Summer-Heat disease. Fever with heart vexation is Summer-Heat definite sign. Ancients distinguished Injury by Summer-Heat and Midst of Summer-Heat, due to distinction between Yin Summer-Heat and Yang Summer-Heat. Injury by Yin Summer-Heat: pulse is empty, symptoms show fever and aversion to cold, slight coldness of hands and feet, pores open causing chilliness, closed causing steaming heat and oppression. Treatment includes Sanwu Shi Wu Xiangru Yin, Qingshu Yiqi Tang, etc. Midst of Yang Summer-Heat: pulse is surging-large or surging-weak, symptoms show high fever, vexation, thirst, spontaneous sweating, dirty face, body fatigue, panting, disease reduces at dusk. Treatment includes Liu Yi San, Baihu Tang plus Ginseng, Bamboo Leaf, Ophiopogon, etc. (Yang Summer-Heat greatly forbids Xiangru warm dispersal; Ye Tianshi also used small amounts assisted by Coptis). Regarding various transmissions, former sages have refined meanings to refer to, not repeated here. After autumn, there is Summer-Heat latent qi disease, *Lin Zheng Zhi Nan* cited by Shao Xinpu is quite detailed, should refer to it. Here, the prescribed formula is only for Yang Summer-Heat, light cases formulated for discussion (If Yin Summer-Heat, use the three Yin Summer-Heat formulas listed above with modifications; if prescription does not fit, if sweating frequently occurs, it is Summer-Heat injuring Yuan Qi, use Qingshu Yiqi Tang modified. If it becomes Summer-Malaria, Malaria section explains fully, refer to it).

Sichuan Talcum (Chuan Huashi) 4 qian
Cushion Flower Herb (Mian Yichen) 1.5 qian
Artemisia Stem (Qinghao geng) 3 qian
Licorice Tip (Gancaoshao) 0.8 fen
Wood Betony (Ximutong) 1.5 qian
Northern Apricot Kernel (Beixingren) [Text corrupted]
Add Fresh Lotus Leaf (Xian Lianye) 3 qian, Fresh Luffa Leaf (Xian Siguye) 3 qian, cut and decoct together.

For excess heat in Qi level, optionally add Gypsum (Shigao), Anemarrhena (Zhimu), or Gardenia, Scutellaria, Coptis. For heart heat with vexation/thirst, add Ophiopogon (Maidong), Lotus Plumule (Lianzixin), or Fresh Bamboo Heart (Xian Zhuxin), Fresh Reed Rhizome (Xian Lugen) (Remove Mutong, Yichen; if vexation/thirst severe, use Watermelon Juice, Fresh Pear Juice as tea, also good). If tongue is crimson, Summer-Heat has entered Heart Ying, add Rhinoceros Horn (Xijiao), Ophiopogon (Maidong), Rehmannia (Shengdi), Honeysuckle (Yinhua), Forsythia (Lianqiao), Scrophularia (Yuanshen), assist with Acorus (Changpu) 0.3-0.4 fen (Remove Beixingren, Qinghao, Mutong, Yichen). Tender Bamboo Leaves, Watermelon Rind (Xigua Cuiyi), Winter Melon Peel (Dongguapi), Mung Bean Skin (Lvdoupi) are all suitable for Summer-Heat. If no sweating, even Yang Summer-Heat may assist with Xiangru 0.6-0.7 fen. Ye Tianshi said Xiangru assisted by Luffa Leaf can dispel wind in Summer-Heat. Summer-Wind attacking externally, Lung-Stomach qi obstruction, even Yang Summer-Heat may have no sweating. Any summer day fever with cough is named Summer-Wind, do not need wind-dispersing drugs too scattered, just this formula assist with Xiangru or add Mulberry Root Bark (Sangbai), Loquat Leaf (Paye), Platycodon (Jiegeng), Mint Stem (Bohe geng) fits.

Appendix Case (Summer-Heat Pathogen Transforming into Malaria)