Library

Treats Qi-level disease, presenting with hardness in the epigastrium (upper abdomen), large as a plate, with edges resembling an inverted cup, caused by fluid retention (water-drink).
Combine Guizhi Qu Shaoyao Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction without Paeonia) and Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang (Ephedra, Aconite, and Asarum Decoction). Use seven sheng of water, boil Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) first to remove the foam, then add the remaining herbs, boil until two sheng remain, divide into three warm doses.
It should be cured through sweating.

Guizhi Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang, originally a compound formula after removing Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix). When the epigastrium feels hard and large like a plate, this decoction can dispel the accumulation of cold-fluid here. Another prescription is Zhizhu Tang (Immature Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Macrocephala Decoction) (Zhizhu Tang also treats this syndrome; its verse is compiled separately); its method distinguishes Yin and Yang, making the principle even more clear. (Yu Jiayan stated that "epigastrium" refers to the upper part of the Stomach. When Yang Qi of the Stomach fails to distribute, the epigastrium is occupied by the Yin of fluid retention. Although it is ultimately due to the failure of Yang Qi's authority to extend, there are two distinct presentations of Yin and Yang. If Yang Qi is deficient and Yin pathogen takes advantage to invade, knotting in the epigastrium, one must use Guizhi Tang removing the sour-cold nature of Shaoyao, and add Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), and Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) to jointly disperse the cold-fluid in the chest. Since the Shaoyin channel governs the interior, when cold-fluid enters from the interior upwards, treatment follows the method of warming the Shaoyin channel and dispersing cold. Hence, the note under the formula states "when sweat comes out feeling like insects crawling on the skin, then recovery occurs," showing that if Stomach Yang cannot distribute, Chest Yang is also deficient; if Chest Yang is deficient, the defensive Yang protecting the exterior is also insecure. Thus, when sweating, the sensation of insects crawling on the skin still reveals the image of sluggish Yang Qi. Unless Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba), Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), and Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) cooperate with the great power of Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), how could the cold-fluid in the epigastrium disperse and move to the subcutaneous tissue? Once the cold-fluid disperses, the previously hard and large area becomes hollow. For cases where Yang-heat pathogen knots itself in the Yang position, and Yin-cold has not yet entered upwards, simply using Zhi Shi (Immaturus Citri Grandis Fructus) and Zhu Bai (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) opens phlegm-knots and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, making the resolution of Yang-heat in the Yang portion easy. Although the *Jin Gui Yao Lue* does not explicitly state this, ultimately, fluid diseases at the Qi level do not exceed these two treatments of Yin and Yang.)

Treats Taiyang-Shaoyang combined disease occurring six or seven days after contracting Cold Damage, presenting with fever, slight aversion to cold, vexing pain in the limbs and joints, slight vomiting, support and knotting in the epigastrium, and unresolving exterior symptoms.
Chai Hu (Four liang), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix), Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) (each one and a half liang), Gan Cao (Licorice Radix et Rhizoma) (one liang), Ban Xia (Pinelliae Tuber) (two he and a half).

Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) combined with Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) (named Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang), this is a formula for Taiyang-Shaoyang combined disease. The combination of these two decoctions achieves harmonizing Ying and Wei (nutritive and defensive levels) and unblocking Jin Ye (body fluids). Vexing pain in limbs and joints belongs to Taiyang syndrome; fullness and vomiting belong to Shaoyang syndrome, and health is restored. For Taiyang syndrome with heavy heat and light cold, if the pulse is weak and Yang is slightly deficient, this formula is suitable for correction. Do not induce heavy sweating when Yang is slightly deficient; mistaken sweating will damage Jin Ye and Yang, leading to collapse of Yang. (For Taiyang syndrome with much heat and little cold, and a weak pulse indicating absence of Yang, Zhang Zhongjing advocates using Guizhi Er Yuebi Yi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Twice Yuebi One Decoction). Ke Yunbo said: "With a weak pulse and deficient Yang, sweating is contraindicated; how could one use Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba) and Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum) again, severely exhausting Yang? Carefully examining the syndrome to select the formula, only Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang is most appropriate.")