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Swelling disorders are categorized into five types: edema (Shuizhong, water swelling), qi distension (Qizhong, gas swelling), blood stasis swelling (Xuezhuang), insect-induced swelling (Chongzhong), and food stagnation swelling (Shizhong). Among these five, food stagnation swelling is the easiest to treat. There is no need to differentiate between yin and yang syndromes; treating it with food-resolving agents will lead to recovery. The next most difficult to treat is insect-induced swelling, which also does not require yin-yang differentiation. This is because insect swelling is a transformation of food stagnation that damages Spleen Yin. By strengthening the Spleen and administering vermifuge herbs, it can naturally be cured. Although many prescriptions exist in the world, they often fail when used. Why? It is because practitioners fail to recognize the underlying Yin deficiency and instead use Yang-tonifying or acrid-warm drugs to expel the pathogen. I now leave a miraculous prescription specifically for treating abdominal distension caused by parasites (Chonggu), named "Huachong Jueshen Dan" (Insect-Expelling Divine Miracle Pill). Take one qian (approx. 30g) orally with plain boiled water on an empty stomach, twice daily (morning and evening). After three days of administration, worms will appear in the stool. After ten days, the swelling will subside; continue for another ten days for complete recovery. It is not necessary to consume the entire course. This formula consists entirely of Yin-nourishing herbs that also possess vermifuge properties. It benefits the Zang-Fu organs without damaging them, achieving results through subtle influence rather than aggressive confrontation—a strategy superior to direct combat.

Qi distension arises from the stagnation of Qi. Many patients' conditions deteriorate into critical states because practitioners mistakenly treat it using methods for water retention. How then to distinguish Qi distension? If there is distension primarily between the two hypochondriac regions, while the hands and feet are not significantly swollen, it is Qi distension. This differs from insect-induced distension, which is localized solely in the abdomen. Such diseases should be treated primarily by resolving stagnation, with soothing the Liver being the urgent priority. I have formulated a prescription called "Kaiyu Xiaozhong Tang" (Stagnation-Resolving and Swelling-Reducing Decoction). Using Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) and Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) to soothe Liver Qi will naturally resolve the fullness in the hypochondriac region. Why then resort to harsh draining agents like Da Fu Pi (Arecae Pericarpium) and Bing Lang (Arecae Semen)? Administer four doses of this formula, then reduce the dosage by half. Add Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 3 qian, and continue for four more doses. Qi distension will dissipate spontaneously.

Blood stasis swelling (Xuegu) is not a Qi disorder but a Blood disorder. It arises half from improper diet and half from excessive mental constriction or emotional stress. Symptoms include a sallow complexion, abdominal distension, a sensation of mass upon palpation, mild pain despite the presence of a mass, and thin extremities. This characterizes Blood stasis swelling. The prescribed formula is "Poxue Anquan Tang" (Blood-Breaking and Safety-Guaranteeing Decoction). Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) is used to purge blood stasis. However, purging without supporting the Middle Jiao risks a catastrophic collapse of vital energy. Therefore, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) is used to stabilize the waist and umbilical area; Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) generates new blood and eliminates old stasis; Bie Jia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) and Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) penetrate deep-seated hardness to move the stasis. To prevent the depletion of Spleen Qi, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is added to invigorate Qi. How could the Spleen fail to function properly if Qi is secured, thereby preventing the descent of blood stasis?

Regarding water retention disorders, there is indeed a distinction between yin and yang. Initially, if the feet are pitting like mud upon pressure, it is a Water syndrome. Although water dampness invades the Spleen Earth, it is due to Spleen Qi deficiency allowing pathogenic water to invade. This Spleen Qi deficiency stems from weak Stomach Qi, representing a disease of Spleen Yin and the decline of Yang. At the onset, before Yin is depleted, administer Qian Niu Zi (Pharbitidis Semen) and Gan Sui (Kansui Radix), each 2 qian. The water will be eliminated rapidly as if echoing. Thus, what water distension is truly difficult to treat? However, water distension resulting from Yin deficiency, while involving Spleen meridian weakness, is not due to Stomach Qi failure. Instead, it is caused by the decline of Ming Men Fire (Gate of Life Fire), lacking the heat to warm Spleen Earth, leading to water transforming into phlegm, accumulating in the Stomach and Spleen, and gradually invading the limbs. This differs from external water invasion. The treatment method should employ Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet) to tonify Kidney fire to generate Spleen and Stomach Earth, causing water to return to its source and eventually dissipate completely. Furthermore, there is a type of pure Yin deficiency causing water to flood upward, unrelated to insufficient Kidney fire. Symptoms include generalized edema with sac-like swelling making supine position impossible, normal bowel movements, free urination, and preserved appetite/taste. In such cases, Liu Wei Di Huang Tang (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill Decoction) should be decocted and consumed freely. It will produce miraculous effects. This knowledge is indispensable.

Huachong Jueshen Dan (Insect-Expelling Divine Miracle Pill)
Bie Jia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum, 1 jin)
Di Li Fen (Dioscorea opposita starch, 1 jin)
Lei Wan (Polyporus Umbellatus sclerotium, 2 liang)
Sheng He Shou Wu (Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata, raw, 1 jin)
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3 liang)
Shen Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata, 0.5 jin)
Fei Zi Rou (Torreya Seed flesh, 0.5 jin)
Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, 5 liang)
Bing Lang (Arecae Semen, 3 liang)
Shi Jun Zi (Quisqualis Fructus, 3 liang)
Grind all ingredients into powder and form pills with rice paste.

Kaiyu Xiaozhong Tang (Stagnation-Resolving and Swelling-Reducing Decoction)
Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix, 3 qian)
Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 5 qian)
Yu Jin (Curcumae Radix, 3 qian)
Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 5 qian)
Hong Hua (Carthami Flos, 5 qian)
Fu Ling (Poria, 5 qian)
Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen, 2 liang)
Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus, 1 qian)
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 fen)
Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 5 fen)
Shen Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata, 3 qian)
Ban Xia (Pinelliae Tuber, 1 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.

Poxue Anquan Tang (Blood-Breaking and Safety-Guaranteeing Decoction)
Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 1 liang)
Lei Wan (Polyporus Umbellatus sclerotium, 5 qian)
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 1 liang)
Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, 2 qian)
Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex, 2 qian)
Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 1 liang)
Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, 3 qian)
Bie Jia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum, 3 qian)
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 5 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.