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Pathogenic factors are divided into Yin pathogenic factors and Yang pathogenic factors. Although failure to distinguish them clearly will not cause major harm, it is still necessary to differentiate them. If differentiated clearly and treated with appropriate prescriptions, therapeutic efficacy can be achieved naturally.

In cases of Yang pathogenic factor invasion, symptoms generally include incessant cursing and shouting, mania with running about, aversion to quietness, or crying out that one sees ghosts with large heads or deities clad in golden armor. The eyes may be fixedly staring, and white foam may be frothing from the mouth. If hot-natured herbs are administered, death will occur immediately. The treatment method should employ Xingxie Tang (Wake Up Evil Decoction), after which the patient will recover spontaneously. One might question: since this is a Yang syndrome, why use Yang-natured herbs? It must be understood that Yang-natured herbs can expel Yang pathogenic factors; however, without Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) to support the healthy Qi, the pathogenic factor cannot be expelled.

In cases of Yin pathogenic factor invasion, the eyes are invariably closed, the patient lies quietly without sound, or speaks to themselves in a low voice. Symptoms may also include urinary incontinence, relaxed hands (hand opening), phlegm rattling as if in deep sleep, or body heat with an aversion to light. If cold-natured herbs are administered, death will also occur immediately. The treatment method should employ Fuzheng Dangxie Tang (Support Righteousness and Sweep Away Evil Decoction). The brilliance of this prescription lies in using Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) as the sovereign herb, assisted by Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suanzaoren) used raw as the minister herb. Using Ziziphi Spinosae Semen raw indeed holds profound rationale. Since the disease of evil invasion involves drowsiness and confusion, if Ziziphi Spinosae Semen is not used raw, its qi will become even more turbid and fail to awaken. With the assistance of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), raw Ziziphi Spinosae Semen exerts special efficacy, thus complementing each other. Cold-Yin pathogens require Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi) and Aconite Lateral Root Preparata (Fuzi) for expulsion, yet without a group of righteousness-supporting herbs such as Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), Poria (Fuling), Licorice Root (Gancao), and Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Baizhu), it is impossible to restore the soul instantly and revive the spirit within moments. Theoretically, removing Fuzi and Guizhi from this prescription could also treat Yang-type evil invasion; however, treating them separately with two distinct prescriptions is ultimately superior. It is hoped that practitioners will carefully ponder these principles.

Xingxie Tang (Wake Up Evil Decoction)
Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen, 3 qian)
Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao, 1 qian)
Pinelliae Tuber (Banxia, 3 qian)
Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu, 1 qian)
Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian, 1 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.

Fuzheng Dangxie Tang (Support Righteousness and Sweep Away Evil Decoction)
Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen, 3 qian)
Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Baizhu, 1 liang)
Aconite Lateral Root Preparata (Fuzi, 1 qian)
Pinelliae Tuber (Banxia, 3 qian)
Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu, 1 qian)
Poria (Fushen, 5 qian)
Licorice Root (Gancao, 1 qian)
Ophiopogonis Tuber (Maidong, 3 qian)
Salvia Miltiorrhiza Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen, 1 qian)
Angelica Sinensis Radix (Danggui, 5 qian)
Cinnamon Twig (Rougui, 1 qian)
Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Sheng Suanzaoren, 3 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.