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In the "Shanghan Lun" (Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases), regarding the treatment of Huoluan (cholera-like disease with vomiting and diarrhea), it is stated that after taking pill medicine, if there is a sensation of throbbing or moving Qi above the umbilicus, Baizhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) should be removed and Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) added. In the section on Shuiqi (Water Qi/Edema) in the "Jingui Yaolue" (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet), under the usage of Linggui Zhugan Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes Macrocephala, and Licorice Decoction), it is indicated that if there is a sensation of Qi rushing upward from the lower abdomen to the chest, Baizhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) should be removed and Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus) added. The world believes that moving Qi contraindicates the use of Baizhu because Baizhu can obstruct Qi flow. Generally, moving Qi rushing upward indicates that Qi cannot reach all directions. When cold water pathogen blocks the surroundings, the true Qi of the Kidney cannot spread laterally but is forced to rush directly upward, thus causing moving Qi. Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) are used to dissipate water pathogen and unblock collaterals, allowing Qi to reach laterally; Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus) is used to astringe Lung Qi and descend rebellious Qi, allowing Qi to return to its root. As for Baizhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), although it can benefit the Qi stagnation at the waist and umbilicus, seemingly not conflicting much with the syndrome, one does not realize that if there is no Qi stagnation at the waist and umbilicus, suddenly using Baizhu to drain it would empty the location to invite pathogens. The pathogens will then firmly knot at the waist and umbilicus, causing rejection between upper and lower parts, and Kidney Yang will be extinguished thereby. Moreover, sweet and bitter flavors can firm and ascend; if body fluids do not circulate freely, the Qi mechanism will be lifted, which would hinder the efficacy of Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma). Therefore, I believe that whenever encountering acute diseases such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping pain, Sha Zhang (sand swelling) with tendon twitching, dizziness, or fainting, or critical diseases like dry retching, dysphagia, or hiccups, it is advisable to use Baizhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) cautiously. Predecessors said: Moving Qi is difficult to diagnose by pulse alone and should be known through inquiry, but this is not entirely accurate. The pulse should be round, rapid like a bean, continuous, and sometimes racing upward like an arrow.

Note: Moving Qi arises because Qi movement is obstructed and impacted. The movement varies from mild to severe, always involving heat in the middle and cold in the lower jiao, cold in the Kidney and heat in the Liver, compounded by cold closure above, making the condition more urgent. In cases where phlegm-fluids are stagnant, or where there is a history of hernia or masses causing periodic surging, it is merely due to obstruction of ascending Qi. If mistaken sweating, purging, or emesis causes Qi to rush upward from the lower abdomen, one must prevent sudden collapse. If chronic illness leads to weak Yang and upward floating of Kidney Qi, the situation is even harder to reverse. Predecessors attributed this to the exhaustion of Liver and Kidney Qi and invasion of Yin pathogens. Thus, sudden and dangerous outbreaks of moving Qi are generally due to the sudden extinction of Kidney Yang, preventing the distribution of water essences, extreme cold transforming into dryness, similar to water turning to ice. The Qi rebels upward, directly attempting to invade the position of Jun Huo (Heart Fire). The human body is like the Six Directions (Heaven, Earth, and four cardinal points); at this time, Qi is blocked everywhere, leaving only a single line rising straight up. Pungent flavors can open interstices, promote Qi circulation, and distribute fluids, so heavy doses of Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) are used to open these blockages. The contraindication of Baizhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) stems from its tendency to astringe fluids and lift Qi; the contraindication of sweating, emesis, and purging stems from their tendency to damage fluids and Qi. Another note: Sudden elongation of teeth, termed Marrow Overflow, can be resolved by drinking concentrated decoction of Baizhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma). Wei Yuheng claimed this was a case of Baizhu eliminating Kidney Qi. This is incorrect. Sudden elongation of teeth is caused by excessive damp-heat in the Liver and Kidney, with fire stagnation generating wind, causing stillness to become motion. Baizhu can gather damp pathogens and strengthen Earth to suppress Wind; once the wind settles, the teeth return to their firm and quiet state. This is suppressing the Liver, not eliminating Kidney Qi.