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By using mild and harmonizing herbs, the fire of the Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) channel will not flare upward, and subsequently, Red Clay (Hematite) [Chi Shi Zhi] is used to astringe and stop slipping and leakage. Moreover, with the sweetness of glutinous rice [Nuomi] to tonify the deficiency of Middle Qi (Middle Jiao Qi), the Middle Qi will not sink, and the slipping and leakage will cease naturally as their source is cut off. Why use cold and cool substances to drain fire and transform pus and blood? When pus and blood dissipate into nothingness, what pathogenic factor remains in the Middle Jiao to cause vexation and oppression in the heart? Therefore, after one dose, all symptoms are cured. Who says that the decoction of Peach Blossom [Taohua] and Licorice [Gancao] cannot be selected?
This condition is also effective when treated with Zhicao Yin (Fat and Licorice Decoction).
Gancao (Licoriza Radix et Rhizoma), Chi Shi Zhi (Halloysitum Rubrum) (each 1 qian); Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (2 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

In winter, contracting Cold Damage (Shanghan), sweating occurs spontaneously within one or two days, accompanied by sore throat, simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea. People assume this is a disease of the Taiyin (Greater Yin) channel, but they do not realize it is actually a disease of Kidney Cold in the Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) channel, rather than a syndrome of Spleen Deficiency in the Taiyin channel. Generally, at the onset of Cold Damage, there should be no sweating; if sweating occurs instead, it is because there is no Yang Qi to secure the exterior, so the pathogen cannot exit while sweat comes out first. This condition resembles Taiyin disease, as Taiyin also has clauses regarding spontaneous sweating. However, sweating in Taiyin is due to Yang insufficiency leading to spontaneous leakage, whereas sweating in Shaoyin is due to Yang deficiency causing Yang to float outward. Since the pathogen of Shaoyin does not emerge from the Kidney channel and cannot disperse through the skin and hair, it must rush upward along the Ren (Conception Vessel) and Du (Governor Vessel) channels to the throat. The orifice of the throat is very small; the Shaoyin pathogenic fire rushes like a galloping horse. Because the orifice is small, it cannot fully vent, so it descends into the Large Intestine. However, the Lower Jiao is deficient and cold, unable to transport waste to the anus. It then rebels and rushes upward to the stomach cavity, causing vomiting. The formula used is Wen Shen Tang (Warm the Kidney Decoction):
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (3 qian), Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata) (1 liang), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (1 liang), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) (2 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, sweating stops, vomiting and diarrhea heal, and sore throat is eliminated.

This condition involves deficiency-cold in the lower part. Renshen and Baizhu are used to restore Yang Qi, and Rougui is used to assist the Fire of the Gate of Vitality (Mingmen). Thus, the Dragon and Thunder Fire (hyperactive fire due to kidney deficiency) prefers warmth and naturally returns to its channel, settling in the Kidneys. However, Rougui is somewhat pungent and hot, raising concerns about assisting heat. With the moderating effect of Shudi, Water and Fire achieve mutual interaction (Ji Ji).

This condition can also be treated with Guishu Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Atractylodes Decoction):
Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (5 qian), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

In winter, contracting Cold Damage for five or six days, abdominal pain persists with continuous diarrhea, extremities are cold (Jue), and the pulse is imperceptible. There is dry retching and vexation. People assume this is a condition of Cold striking directly into the Yin channels, but they are mistaken. Direct strike diseases occur suddenly in winter; the body is not hot, and true cases present with abdominal pain, vomiting, and cold limbs. Here, the body is hot, and the aforementioned symptoms appear only after five or six days. This is a disease transmitted to the Shaoyin channel, not a direct strike to Shaoyin. Although transmitted Yin syndromes can be treated with general methods for direct strike diseases, differentiation of syndromes must ultimately be clear. This condition naturally suits treatment with Baitong Tang plus Pig Gallbladder Juice. Since this is originally a Yin-Cold condition, why add human urine and pig gallbladder juice? It is unknown that Baitong Tang consists entirely of pure hot substances. To avoid rejection preventing absorption, human urine and pig gallbladder juice serve as guides. This employs the method of following the nature (Cong Zhi) for Yin excess repelling Yang. Violating nature causes opposition, while following nature brings peace. However, in such conditions, the pulse often hides and does not appear. If the pulse bursts forth suddenly after taking Baitong Tang, it is not a good omen; the pulse must emerge slowly to indicate vitality. This relies on mutual restraint. The intention is proper regulation, not mutual conflict leading to collapse.

This condition can also be treated with Guishu Tang plus Scallion:
Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (5 qian), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) (1 qian), add Congbai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus) (one stalk). Decoct in water and take orally.

In winter, contracting Cold Damage, four or five days later abdominal pain occurs, urination is difficult, hands and feet are heavy and painful, or there is coughing or vomiting. People assume this is a Shaoyin condition and rightly suggest treating it with Zhenwu Tang. However, they do not understand the pathology. I will explain thoroughly. Abdominal pain after four or five days indicates Yin-Cold entering the abdomen and attacking the Kidneys. If urination is free, the Bladder still connects with Kidney Qi, allowing elimination of Cold pathogens via urine. If urination is difficult, the Bladder contains cold without the warming Qi of Kidney Fire. How can weak fire move the limbs? This explains why hands and feet are heavy and painful. Since fire cannot descend to the Bladder to guide Cold downward, it must rebel upward, causing cough and vomiting. Zhenwu Tang tonifies Earth (Spleen/Stomach). When Earth is strong, Water cannot flood. Zhang Zhongjing formulated this to tonify Earth within Fire. When Earth is warm, Water becomes warm, eliminating Yin and securing Yang. Its miraculous efficacy is inconceivable.

This condition is also effectively treated with Sijunzi Tang plus Ganjiang and Fuzi:
Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (1 liang), Fuling (Poria) (5 qian), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) (1 qian), Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (5 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (1 qian), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

In winter, contracting Cold Damage, four or five days later hands and feet are cold, aversion to cold with curling up, and pulse is absent. Added to this is restlessness and agitation. People assume this is Yang exhaustion in Shaoyin, but they do not realize that not only is Yang exhausted, but Yin is also nearing exhaustion. Aversion to cold, curling up, and absent pulse indicate Yang has departed. If Yang departs without restlessness, Yin is not yet exhausted, and Yang can be restored. Now, with restlessness, the foundation is broken; how can Yang be restored? Nevertheless, as long as a breath remains, rescue measures should be sought, as Human Yin and Yang do not perish instantly. If even a thread of Yang Qi remains, Yang can be saved; if even a thread of Yin Qi remains, Yin can be supported. Yin and Yang have roots; they are originally pre-Heaven formless Qi, not post-Heaven tangible matter. Tonifying Pre-Heaven Qi ensures Post-Heaven Qi continues spontaneously. The formula used is Shenfu Tang (Ginseng and Aconite Decoction):
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (2 liang), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) (2 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Often, patients survive.

Although this formula cannot save everyone, given these symptoms, it is better to use this formula and fail than to discard it and let death occur. Moreover, Renshen can restore Yang in the realm of non-existence; Fuzi can retrieve spirit at the moment of separation. They restore soul and regenerate Yin and Yang, possessing miraculous powers. One should not presuppose death or harbor thoughts of lifelessness.

This condition is also effectively treated with Shen Zhu Fu Zao Tang:
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (1 liang), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (2 liang), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) (1 qian), Chao Zaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae Preparatum) (5 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

In winter, contracting Cold Damage for six or seven days, the disease transmits to Shaoyin, presenting with shallow, rapid breathing (Xi Gao). People assume this is wheezing due to unresolved Taiyang symptoms, but they are mistaken. Taiyang wheezing and Shaoyin Xi Gao look similar but differ essentially. Taiyang wheezing features coarse, vigorous breath due to excess pathogen; Shaoyin Xi Gao features slow, fine breath due to deficiency of True Qi, insufficient for respiration. The breath seems high but is not truly high. Thus, Taiyang wheezing requires dispersing pathogens, while Shaoyin Xi Gao requires tonifying Righteous Qi. Due to severe deficiency in the Shaoyin Kidney Palace, Kidney Qi cannot descend and store in the Qi Sea, but rushes upward to scatter. This is a critical condition. Treat with Zhaozong Tang:
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (3 liang), Maimai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) (3 liang), Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata) (3 liang), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) (1 liang), Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) (1 liang), Pogu Zhi (Psoraleae Fructus) (1 qian), Hetao (Juglandis Semen) (one nut).
Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, breathing stabilizes; after two doses, breathing settles.

This formula uses purely Qi-tonifying and Essence-filling herbs, not directly treating breathing, but Qi returns to its source because it is tonified and has a place to reside. Like a prodigal son who has lost his estate and flees outside, he wishes to return home but has no means. If provided with livelihood, he naturally returns. Some ask: Lower cold causes Fire to float upward; is this Xi Gao not due to Kidney Qi deficiency and cold? Why not use Rougui to guide Fire back to its source? Alas! The surging of Kidney Qi is caused by Kidney Fire rushing up. However, Gui and Fu are not used because Kidney Fire requires nourishment by Kidney Water. Tonifying Fire before Water leads to Fire without Water control, causing Dragon and Thunder Fire to rise further, failing to quiet breathing. Hence, I tonify Water first, not urgently tonifying Fire. Moreover, Pogu Zhi also tonifies Fire and guides Qi into the Qi Sea. Why use the disruptive Gui and Fu?

This condition is also excellently treated with Yanxi Tang:
Renshen, Shudi (each 1 liang), Shanzhuyu (5 qian), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Pogu Zhi (each 3 qian), Hetao (one nut), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) (3 fen), Paojiang (Prepared Zingiberis Rhizoma) (1 qian), Baihe (Lilii Bulbus) (1 liang). Decoct in water and take orally.

In winter, contracting Cold Damage, headache and body ache throughout. Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) is suitable for inducing sweating. However, if Yuan Qi (Original Qi) is inherently weak, and the Chi (cun-chi) pulse is slow and sluggish, although this is the standard treatment for Taiyang, one should not lightly use Ma Huang to induce sweating. People suggest Jianzhong Tang (Build the Middle Decoction) because the "city walls" are incomplete, "armor" is weak, and "grain" is scarce, favoring defense over attack. But Jianzhong Tang can only defend, not fight. If bandits surround the city and traitors are inside, how can they be expelled? This is a Taiyang Ying (Nutritive Level) injury. Discarding Ma Huang Tang is not the correct method. Using Ma Huang Tang with 1 liang of Renshen allows Ma Huang to disperse pathogens and Renshen to support Righteous Qi. This combines tonification and purgation, protecting Righteous Qi while expelling pathogens. Someone asks: If Ma Huang syndrome necessitates adding Renshen, can the dose be reduced? Those who know that severe Yuan Qi deficiency requires large doses of Renshen to bear the burden understand that 1 liang is necessary to prevent excessive weakness and generate Yang in the realm of non-existence to resist enemies. Without Renshen in Ma Huang Tang, pathogens remain in the chest, Yuan Qi fails to recover, and defending the city is impossible. If Ma Huang were the Sovereign herb and Renshen the Assistant, failure would ensue. Now, using 1 liang of Renshen and only 1 qian of Ma Huang makes Renshen the Sovereign and Ma Huang the Assistant. Combining orthodox and unorthodox tactics mirrors military strategy applied to medicine.

This condition can also be treated with Shenling Macao Tang:
Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba) (1 qian), Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (3 qian), Fuling (Poria) (1 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

In winter, contracting Cold Damage, after vomiting, purging, and sweating, deficiency-vexation and faint pulse appear. After eight or nine days, epigastric fullness and hardness, hypochondriac pain, Qi rushing to the throat, dizziness, and twitching of meridians occur, inevitably leading to Wei Syndrome (flaccidity syndrome). People assume this is a deteriorated Taiyang condition, but it is more than that. After sweating, vomiting, and purging, deficiency-vexation indicates extreme deficiency. A faint pulse confirms deficiency. Wei Syndrome is attributed to the Yangming channel. Before Wei Syndrome forms, should Yangming be neglected? Treating Yangming Fire suggests Renshen Shigao Tang. However, after sweating and purging, Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is too harsh for Stomach Earth. Fire may not subside, and the Upper Jiao might be injured first, which is improper. Use Qinghao Fangwei Tang (Artemisia Prevents Flaccidity Decoction):
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (1 liang), Qinghao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba) (5 qian), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) (1 qian), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) (5 fen), Genge (Puerariae Radix) (1 qian). Take continuously for two doses. Stomach Qi is preserved, Stomach Fire dissipates, symptoms improve, and Wei Syndrome is avoided.

This condition involves not only boiling Stomach Fire but also rising Liver and Kidney Fire. Qinghao clears Stomach Fire and disperses Liver and Kidney Fire, achieving three goals with one application. However, without sufficient Renshen, Qinghao’s power is weak to treat organs separately. Adding Banxia and Chenpi is crucial; otherwise, Phlegm is not fully resolved, Qi does not descend, and fullness/pain persist. Qinghao clears Stomach Fire, but strength may be insufficient. Adding Genge helps clear Yangming Fire, enhancing Qinghao’s efficacy. Genge disperses pathogens without excessively depleting Qi. Supported by Renshen, Qinghao works synergistically.

This condition can also be treated with Tiaowei Ershen Tang:
Renshen, Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix) (each 5 qian), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) (3 qian), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix) (2 qian), Genge (Puerariae Radix) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

In winter, contracting Cold Damage, delirium and tidal fever occur. After administering Chengqi Tang (Bowel-Purging Decoction) without effect, the pulse becomes faint and choppy, indicating interior deficiency. Zhang Zhongjing states this is difficult to treat and advises against further Chengqi Tang. Is Chengqi Tang absolutely contraindicated? Having used Chengqi Tang, constipation persists because excess pathogen burns fluids, causing choppy/weak pulse. This proves interior deficiency with exterior pathogen excess. Attacking pathogens may fail and further weaken Zheng Qi, making it difficult. Inform the family: This is a deteriorated condition. Medication may revive, but survival is not guaranteed. Use Renshen Dahuang Tang (Ginseng and Rhubarb Decoction):
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (1 liang), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, bowel movement occurs. If Qi does not collapse, the patient lives; otherwise, death ensues. If bowels open and Qi holds, administer next:
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (3 qian), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) (3 fen), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (3 fen), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take. After two doses, recovery is assured.

This condition can also be treated with Biaoli Jinggu Tang:
Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (2 qian), Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (5 qian), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) (3 fen), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (1 qian), Danpi (Moutan Cortex) (2 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

In winter, contracting Cold Damage, fever with cold limbs. After cold limbs, fever returns. Few cold limbs and much fever indicate recovery. If fever persists after cold limbs, pus and blood in stool will occur. More cold limbs and less fever indicate progression. Few cold limbs/much fever mean pathogen lightens and heat retreats. In Cold Damage, deep cold limbs imply deep heat. Why does little cold limb imply deep heat? Pathogen cannot contend with Zheng Qi; Zheng Qi overwhelms pathogen. Like a master defeating a thief, the thief flees, and the master’s vigor suppresses the thief. Disease recovers. If fever persists after cold limbs, like capturing the thief leader but leaving remnants, the remnants fight desperately, injuring both sides. Heat subsides but doesn’t vanish, wandering intestines, causing pus/blood stool. Treatment need not use major cold herbs to purge; use harmonizing agents. Thieves surrender, becoming citizens. No residual pathogens remain. Use Sanqun Tang (Disperse the Crowd Decoction):
Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (2 qian), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) (3 qian), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) (5 qian), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) (1 liang), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.
After one dose, no pus/blood stool; disaster averted. If already present, it will stop.

The skill lies in using Danggui and Baishao to invigorate Blood, and Gancao/Huangqin to cool and harmonize Blood. Pathogenic heat is cleared, not just by Zhike’s purgation.
More cold limbs/less fever, more cold/less heat, indicate Zheng Qi deficiency. Deficiency allows pathogen excess to overwhelm Zheng. Zheng cannot fight, leading to disease progression. Treatment requires major tonification of Zheng Qi with slight pathogen-dispelling herbs. Heat increases, cold limbs decrease, cold diminishes. Use Qujue Tang (Eliminate Cold Limbs Decoction):
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (5 qian), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (1 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (2 qian), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) (5 qian), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) (1 qian), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) (1 fen). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, heat returns; after two, cold limbs cease and cold vanishes.

Deep heat implies deep cold limbs; seemingly clearing heat clears cold limbs. Why assist heat? These conditions are not heat-excess cold limbs, but heat-decline cold limbs. Heat decline reflects Zheng Qi decline, not pathogen decline. Renshen, Danggui, Baizhu tonify Zheng Qi, not pathogenic heat. Strong Zheng fights pathogen, generates heat, wins battle, and eliminates cold/cold limbs. Adding Fuzi is ingenious. Renshen/Baizhu are gentle; without Fuzi (the General), benevolence lacks courage for swift victory. Adding 1 fen aids Chaihu, reaching all channels, scattering cold. Great courage supports supreme benevolence.

This condition can also be treated with Shengxie Tang:
Gancao, Chaihu (each 1 qian), Danggui, Baishao (each 5 qian), Zhike (5 fen), Baizhu (3 qian), Fuzi (1 fen), Renshen (2 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

In winter, contracting Cold Damage, four or five days later diarrhea, cold limbs, and absent pulse. People assume Jueyin cold syndrome. Urgent moxibustion fails to warm limbs or restore pulse; slight panting occurs. All declare it a death sentence, untreatable. I believe it is treatable precisely because the pulse is absent. Death follows absent pulse; here, breath remains, pulse is hidden, not truly absent. Truly absent pulse is incurable; hidden pulse resembling absence is curable. Moxibustion aims to reveal pulse. If pulse doesn’t return after moxa, Qi is exhausted. But Qi hasn’t abruptly failed; slight panting appears, indicating vitality. If pulse were truly gone, moxa couldn’t cause panting. Panting shows pulse responding to moxa but hindered by extreme internal cold. Star-like moxa heat cannot penetrate instantly. Panting proves pulse wants to emerge but cannot. Urgently use Shenfu Tang to assist Yang Qi, and pulse will emerge. Shen and Fu should be used in large, not small, doses. Formula:
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (2 liang), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) (3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, limbs warm; after two, pulse emerges gradually; after three, diarrhea stops and cure is complete.

Fuzi has the bravery to breach gates; Renshen restores Yang and continues Yin. Without large doses, overwhelming cold cannot be overcome in the realm of non-existence or revived from near-extinction. For such conditions, deep faith, profound insight, bold usage, and great responsibility are required. Mere moxibustion without decoctions, or small doses of Shen/Fu, shows ignorance and harm, compounded by lack of resources.

This condition can be treated with Renshen Shuangjiang Tang:
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (1 liang), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) (3 qian), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) (3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.