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The disease of stroke (Zhong Feng) is often mistakenly treated by the general public as caused by wind, which is a grave error. The pathogenesis of stroke lies in the deficiency of Yang Qi and the exhaustion of Yin Qi within the body; where does external wind come from?

People observe that the illness strikes suddenly, like a violent storm or heavy rain, hence naming it "stroke" (wind-strike). In reality, it is caused by an internal disturbance of Yuan Qi (Primordial Qi), not by actual wind pathogens. Treatment methods that target only wind will invariably lead to death; only by regulating Qi can effective results be achieved. However, disturbances of Qi differ: some involve the deficiency of Middle Yang Qi, while others involve the exhaustion of Middle Yin Qi. These must be distinguished.

What constitutes the deficiency of Middle Yang Qi? It manifests as sudden collapse, foaming at the mouth, snoring-like phlegm sounds in the throat, fixed staring eyes, and delirious speech. This is a Yang syndrome. What constitutes the exhaustion of Middle Yin Qi? It also presents with sudden collapse and loss of consciousness, alternating between restlessness and quietness, desire to sleep but inability to speak, continuous phlegm production with a sawing sound, and unceasing salivation. This is a Yin syndrome. Both syndromes share the symptom of unconsciousness, making them difficult yet easy to distinguish. They are easy to distinguish because one needs only to observe the eyes. Fixed staring indicates Qi deficiency (Yang deficiency), while tightly closed eyes indicate Yin deficiency. Both syndromes may present with urinary incontinence and relaxed hands (hand-spread), which are traditionally considered untreatable signs. However, these symptoms are treatable; approximately four or five out of ten patients can be saved, meaning they are not entirely incurable.

For stroke caused by Yang Qi deficiency, when using San Sheng Yin (Three-Life Decoction), one must add two or three taels of Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to restore life. It is better to administer large doses of Ginseng while the breath is nearly extinguished but not yet gone, facilitating recovery from near-death states. For stroke caused by Yin Qi exhaustion, one cannot use San Sheng Yin alone. As there were no specific ancient formulas for this, I have devised a miraculous formula to save those suffering from Yin-deficiency stroke, named Shen Xiao Fang (Divine Efficacy Formula) or Shi Bao Dan (Ten-Treasure Pill). One dose brings back vitality. Although this formula consists purely of Yin-nourishing herbs, why is Ginseng added? Without Yang, Yin cannot generate; therefore, Ginseng must be added as an assistant drug so that Yin generates within Yang, and Yang returns within Yin. The two complement and complete each other.

If one abandons San Sheng Yin for Yang-deficiency stroke and switches to wind-dispelling and phlegm-resolving drugs, survival is unlikely. Even if San Sheng Yin is used, reducing the dose of Ginseng and increasing phlegm-resolving herbs may prevent immediate death but will likely result in sequelae such as hemiplegia (Ban Zhi Feng) or lateral paralysis (Pian Ku). Using San Sheng Yin for Yin-deficiency stroke without modification will inevitably lead to death. Follow my advice and use my formula to ensure survival. If you disdain the number or dosage of my herbs and reduce them lightly, you risk contracting hemiplegia or lateral paralysis. Respect my instructions strictly. My formula must be used according to the specified dosages. During treatment, arbitrary modifications are forbidden. However, after administering the formula, slight adjustments based on the patient's spleen and stomach strength are permissible. Crucially, never add even a single wind-dispelling herb, as it could kill instantly. Be cautious, be cautious!

Shi Bao Dan (Ten-Treasure Pill)
Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) - 3 taels
Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix) - 3 taels
Shan Yu Rou (Corni Fructus) - 2 taels
Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen) - 2 qian
Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) - 5 qian
Shang Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) - 1 qian
Fu Ling (Poria) - 5 qian
Sha Shen (Glehniae Radix or Adenophorae Radix) - 5 qian
Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus) - 3 qian
Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) - 2 qian
Decoct in water and take orally.