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In recent years, among the epidemic diseases, there is one known as "throat sand" (Housha), which initially presents with a deep and fine pulse. Among the three positions (Cun, Guan, Chi) on both wrists, the Chi position is most pronounced, and within the Chi position, the left wrist is more significant than the right. Initially, the pulse rate is clear and feels forceful upon palpation; however, after one or two days, it gradually becomes restless and rapid, the pulse shape becomes blurred and hidden, and dissipates upon heavy pressure.

Old theories state: The pathogenic factor of plague enters from the middle pathway, originating in the Yangming channel, with the right pulse being larger than the left. I contend: This condition results from the steaming and steaming of heat-turbid toxic qi affecting the Lung and Stomach. The pulse shape must be slow, long, surging, and large, yet turbid and unclear, indicating turbid Qi and damp-heat in the Middle Jiao. In contemporary cases, the pathogenic factor lies latent in the Shaoyin channel. This may occur due to warm winters lacking cold, causing Yang Qi to fail in submerging and Yin Essence to dissipate; or due to unregulated consumption of rich and sweet foods, leading to turbid heat in the Spleen and Stomach flowing downward and damaging Kidney Water; or due to excessive sexual activity, depleting Yin Essence downward. When Spring arrives and Yang Qi attempts to ascend, the insufficient Yin Essence cannot carry the Yang upward. Consequently, the already ascended deficient Yang stops midway at the throat and fails to reach the exterior. The toxic qi that fails to fully ascend sinks into the Kidneys, where it steams and burns, leading to death when Yin fluids are exhausted. This corresponds to the principle: violating the winter storage leads to Shaoyin failing to store, with Kidney Qi sinking alone.

The treatment method I have proposed involves using Zhufu Tang (Pig Skin Decoction) and Maxing Fuzi Tang (Ephedra, Cinnamon Twig, and Aconite Decoction) together. The dosage of Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) is reduced, Sheng Fuzi (Raw Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) is used instead of processed Aconite, and Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix) is heavily added to vent the toxicity; once the toxicity disperses, Yin can be preserved. People often rigidly adhere to the established rule that throat disorders originate in the Lung and Stomach, using bitter-cold descending herbs to clear the Lung and Stomach. Consequently, the heat-toxicity has no way to vent. Zhang Shiwan stated: In Shanghan (Cold Damage), a deep pulse at both Cun and Chi indicates Shaoyin involvement; the Shaoyin channel has the most fatal syndromes because the pathogenic factor has penetrated deeply, and the healthy Qi lacks the strength to recover spontaneously. Regarding Warm diseases and Heat diseases in Spring and Summer, if a deep, small, weak, short, or choppy pulse appears, this indicates latent heat-toxicity stagnating in the Shaoyin channel, unable to emerge into the Yang divisions. Thus, patients presenting with high fever but cold feet are incurable. Only if the pulse is deep and solid, accompanied by Yangming Fu organ excess syndrome, should Chengqi Tang (Gastro Drainage Decoction) be urgently administered for purgation; one must not rigidly apply the example of Yang syndrome with Yin pulse. Generally, in seasonal epidemics, a deep pulse indicates internal entrapment of toxic pathogens. If there are no indications for purgation, there is absolutely no hope for survival. This discussion is quite detailed.

Regarding the assertion that a deep pulse without purgative indications inevitably leads to death: this is because purgation is contraindicated; if purged, death will still ensue. Then, how does one seek a sliver of life amidst certain death? The answer is: Do not rely on downward purgation, but rather vent from above; heavily tonify Yin to lift Yang, and there might be a chance. Why? Because this patient suffers from simultaneous deficiency of Metal (Lung) and Water (Kidney), and simultaneous excess of Wood (Liver) and Fire (Heart). Excess should be dispersed, deficiency should be nourished. When Lung Qi recovers, it lifts from above; when Kidney Water recovers, it supports from below. If such treatment fails, then one can claim innocence. Recently, some self-proclaimed skilled physicians have exclusively used Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata), Huajiao (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium), and Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), drying Yin and consuming Blood, falsely claiming these herbs expel pathogens outward and guide fire back to its source. These treatments result in immediate death. Their fault is equal to those who use bitter-cold herbs to clear the upper burner.