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Ancient scholars stated that Zhang Zhongjing's formulas for treating cold damage (Shanghan) are divided into three main categories: namely, Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction), and Qinglong Tang (Azure Dragon Decoction). However, these three formulas all belong to Taiyang disease (a syndrome caused by pathogenic factors invading the Taiyang channel, typically manifesting with aversion to cold and fever), so how can they encompass the purport of the entire book? I have repeatedly studied the *Treatise on Cold Damage* (*Shanghan Lun*) and believe that its formulas should be divided into four schools: The first school, represented by Guizhi Tang, Mahuang Tang, Gegen Tang (Kudzu Root Decoction), Xiao Qinglong Tang (Lesser Azure Dragon Decoction), and Xixin (Asarum), employs the method of releasing the exterior (dispersing exterior pathogens); the second school, represented by Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction), Sini Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction), Baitong Tang (White Through Decoction), and Zhenwu Tang (True Warrior Decoction), employs the method of warming the interior (warming the yang qi of the zang-fu organs); the third school, represented by Chaihu Tang (Bupleurum Decoction), Xiexin Tang (Drain the Epigastrium Decoction), Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction), and Zhizi Chi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction), employs the method of clearing formless deficient heat from the Qi level; the fourth school, represented by Chengqi Tang (Purge the Bowels Decoction), Xianxiong Tang (Sunken Chest Decoction), Didang Tang (Aiming to Reside Decoction), and Huayu Tang (Invigorating Blood Decoction), employs the method of attacking tangible excess pathogens in the Blood level. Among them, the formulas are interwoven and complex: formulas for releasing the exterior may additionally warm the middle, clear the Qi, or attack the Blood; formulas for clearing the interior may additionally attack the Blood, release the exterior, or even combine with warming the interior. Their variations are boundless, containing myriad methods. Therefore, students who diligently study the formulas in the *Treatise on Cold Damage* (*Shanghan Lun*) and the *Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet* (*Jingui Yaolue*), and reflect deeply upon them, will gain insights as if originating from themselves. They will naturally act within proper principles and respond infinitely to changes.

Opium is bitter in taste and astringent in nature. Bitterness belongs to Fire and is drying, penetrating the bones and blood; astringency belongs to Metal and is urgent, circulating in the Lungs and skin. It contains turbidity within clarity and can bind the Qi of the body and constrict the Blood vessels. When Qi is initially bound, its momentum becomes vigorous and pulsating with strength; when Blood is initially constricted, the pulses become relaxed and circulation throughout the body proceeds without stagnation. The tendons and joints also borrow its binding and constricting force, suddenly feeling strong and firm. Thus, one feels refreshed and physically robust. Its ability to relieve pain is also due to its capacity to bind Qi and constrict Blood. Its nature is insidious, with toxicity lying dormant within. Its toxic power can alter the nature of the Blood, causing a strange evil Qi to arise within the blood vessels, bone marrow, and zang-fu organs. This evil Qi takes the shape of insects and causes complete changes in a person's temperament. Since temperament changes along with Qi and Blood, this "insect" is essentially the spiritual energy within the Blood. Long-term binding and constriction of Qi and Blood trap them, depriving them of vitality. Consequently, over time, shortness of breath and coarse voice occur, the Blood deteriorates, and the complexion sours. Those who often suffer from dry constipation do so because the power of Qi and Blood is bound and constricted by the force of smoking, preventing dissemination and leading to internal accumulation. Upon withdrawal, Qi relaxes and sweating occurs, Blood scatters and the body becomes cold, and the sinews and bones become lax and unable to contract, sometimes even resulting in incessant wheezing and coughing. This is because Qi and Blood, accustomed to being bound and constricted, become scattered and decadent upon relaxation, failing to warm the interior and protect the exterior. Treatment must employ bitter, drying, and astringent substances combined with agents that promote Blood circulation and consolidate Qi, capable of searching into the deep recesses of bones and vessels. These agents must extract the latent evil Qi, allowing it to gradually dissipate outward, while righteous Qi gradually fills the interior. Through eliminating the old and absorbing the new, normalcy is gradually restored, which constitutes true cessation of addiction. Caution is always required; slight negligence easily leads to illness and the recurrence of addiction symptoms. If Qi and Blood are originally deficient and the addiction is deep-seated and long-standing, cessation becomes even more difficult, representing a lifelong suffering.