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Wind-stroke (Shangfeng) and Cold-injury (Shanghan) present with similar symptoms, while Yin-patterns (Yinzheng) and Yang-patterns (Yangzheng) differ in pathogenesis; these must be distinguished. Failure to clarify these distinctions often leads to death, a phenomenon that occurs frequently. Although Master Zhang Zhongjing has dedicated works on Cold-injury, we need not repeat them. However, since they have distinct differences, transmission is indeed necessary.

How to distinguish Cold-injury from Wind-stroke? The difference lies in the severity of the pathogenic invasion. Wind-stroke is a mild form of Cold-injury, whereas Cold-injury is a severe form of Wind-stroke. Originally, there is little distinction between them; if not treated promptly, Wind-stroke may transform into Cold-injury. This is because the body's Original Qi (Yuanshi) abhors external pathogens. Once the body is invaded by wind-pathogens, Original Qi inevitably battles against them. In individuals with robust Original Qi, pathogens cannot penetrate deeply and remain superficially between the skin and hair, daring not enter the interstices (Coulí). Within one or two days, the pathogens dissipate due to the ease with which righteous Qi expels them. Conversely, in those with deficient righteous Qi, pathogens enter internally, transforming into Cold-injury. This is not an inherent difference between Wind-stroke and Cold-injury, but rather depends on the deficiency of the individual's Original Qi.

Therefore, when encountering wind-pathogen invasion, why would Wind-stroke transform into Cold-injury if one immediately employs formulas that tonify righteousness and expel pathogens? If wind-pathogens have already entered the interstices, the pathogens can be classified as Yin-pathogens or Yang-pathogens. Generally, pathogens entering the Fu-organs constitute Yang-pathogens, while those entering the Zang-organs constitute Yin-pathogens. Pathogens themselves do not possess Yin-Yang attributes; rather, this distinction arises from the Yin-Yang nature of the affected Zang-Fu organs. However, each Fu-organ differs, and each Zang-organ varies; how then can one distinguish them?

I have a method for syndrome differentiation that is most straightforward: generally, fever accompanied by restlessness indicates a Yang-pattern; fever accompanied by quietness and a desire to sleep indicates a Yin-pattern. Although further distinctions exist within both Yin and Yang patterns, this method remains an unchanging principle through the ages. Upon encountering wind-cold invasion, whether it is Cold-injury or Wind-stroke, one dose of medicine will suffice for recovery, absolutely no second dose is needed. This formula is named "Zhuan Chun Dan" (Spring-Turning Elixir), used for treating early-stage Cold-injury and Wind-stroke.

If after three days the body temperature does not subside, the condition has evolved into typical Cold-injury. At this point, there is no need to inquire whether it is a Yin-pattern or Yang-pattern; I have a formula to treat it, yielding immediate results. This formula is named "Hui Chun Dan" (Return-to-Spring Elixir). One dose will cool the body and repel pathogens; a second dose will ensure complete recovery. If one disregards this advice, complications will arise like swarms of insects. At that stage, one may consult Zhang Zhongjing’s specialized texts.

The subtleties of these two formulas are profound. "Zhuan Chun Dan" utilizes Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) components (Guizhi) and Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) components (Mahuang). These can be used together to rapidly dissipate pathogens in the Taiyang meridian, preventing their entry into the Shaoyang meridian. Since the pathogens have not yet entered the interior, tonifying herbs can be used to harmonize. Baishao (White Peony Root) is included to first pacify the Liver, cutting off pathways for pathogen invasion; Fuling (Poria) guides pathogens downward via the Bladder and Taiyang channels, ensuring efficacy. This instantly restores Yang energy.

The subtlety of "Hui Chun Dan" lies in the exclusion of Baishao and Guizhi. Since pathogens have entered the interior and left the Taiyang meridian, why use Guizhi? Furthermore, as pathogens move from the Wei-level (Defensive level) into the Shaoyang meridian, using Baishao would not only fail to pacify the Liver but also draw pathogens into the Liver. The Liver detests pathogenic invasion; preventive measures are effective before pathogens approach, but difficult to implement once they are near. Hence, I dare not use them in other contexts. Shigao (Gypsum), Mahuang (Ephedra), and Qinghao (Sweet Wormwood) are supreme herbs for entering the Defensive level and expelling pathogens. By attacking pathogens in a single Fu-organ, retention becomes difficult. Since pathogens entered from the exterior, they should exit from the exterior. Moreover, the formula contains harmonizing agents, ensuring rapid efficacy like an echo. Reflecting carefully on my formulas, even when taught to treat Cold-injury, how could they cause harm like a blade?

Zhuan Chun Dan
Guizhi (5 fen) Chaihu (1.5 qian) Mahuang (3 fen) Baishao (5 qian) Fuling (3 qian) Gancao (1 qian) Chenpi (7 fen) Baizhu (3 qian) Banxia (3 fen) Shenqu (1 qian) Suye (8 fen) Decoct in water and take orally.

Hui Chun Dan
Mahuang (1 qian) Shigao (2 qian) Qinghao (5 qian) Chaihu (2 qian) Gancao (1 qian) Fuling (5 qian) Danggui (5 qian) Chenpi (1 qian) Shenqu (1 qian) Maidong (3 qian) Shengdi (3 qian) Baijiezi (2 qian) Renshen (3 fen) Xuanshen (2 qian) Decoct in water and take orally.