之内,以法调之愈。至己卯复会于汶上云,不发矣。是岁公子箕川公长爱,忽患惊风,势甚
危笃,灸中冲、印堂、合谷等穴,各数十壮,方作声。若根据古法而止灸三五壮,岂能得愈?
是当量其病势之轻重而已。
己卯岁,因磁州一同乡,欠俸资往取,道经临洛关,会旧知宋宪副公,
云昨年长子得一痞疾,近因下第抑郁,
疾转加增,诸药不效,如之奈何?予答曰∶即刻可愈。
予即针章门等穴,饮食渐进,形体清爽,而腹块即
消矣。欢洽数日,偕亲友送至吕洞宾度卢生祠,不忍分袂而别。
庚辰夏,工部郎许鸿宇公,患两腿风,日夜痛不能止,卧床月余。宝源局王公,乃其
属官,力荐予治之。时名医诸公,坚执不从。许公疑而言曰∶两腿及足,无处不痛,岂一二
针所能愈?予曰∶治病必求其本,得其本穴会归之处,痛可立而止,痛止即步履,旬日之内
,必能进部。此公明爽,独听予言,针环跳、绝骨,随针而愈。不过旬日,果进部,人皆
骇异。假使当时不信王公之言,而听旁人之语,则药力岂能及哉?是惟在乎信之笃而已,信
之笃,是以获其效也。
己巳岁,张相公得肛门忽肿之疾,戎政王西翁,推予诊视,命之曰∶元老之疾,非常人
比,宜精思殚力调治,以副吾望!予谒,诊右寸浮数,是肺金受风热,移于大肠之中。然肛
门又居下之地,而饮食糟粕,流至于此,若无七情四气所干,则润泽而下。或湿热内蕴,邪
气所加,则壅滞而作肿痛。予制以加减搜风顺气之剂一罐,倍加酒蒸大黄,借酒力上升,荡
涤邪热,加麻仁润燥,枳壳宽肠,防风、独活驱除风热,当归清血凉血养血,枯芩以清肺与
大肠,共制成丸,服渐清安。
隆庆二年,四月初四日,奉旨传与圣济殿,着医去看徐阁老病,钦此。臣等谨钦遵,前
至徐阁老秋家,诊得六脉数大,积热积痰,脾胃虚弱,饮食减少。宜用清热健脾化痰汤医治,
黄芩、白术、贝母、橘红、茯苓、香附、芍药、桔梗、川芎、前胡、槟榔、甘草,水二钟,
姜一片,煎至一钟,不拘时服,药对症,即愈。
乙亥岁,通州李户侯夫人,患怪病,予用孙真人治邪十三针之法,
精神复旧,以见十三针之有验也。
己巳岁,尚书毛介川翁,患肝脾虚弱,时常泻痢,肢略浮肿。问于予曰∶时常泄泻,多
系湿热,夫人之一身,心生血,肝藏之,而脾为之统;脾得其统,则运化有常,水谷通调,
固无所谓湿,亦无所谓热也。夫唯精元之气,既不能保之于平时,而五味之养,又不节之于
将来,斯精血俱耗,而脾无所统矣。脾失所统,则运化通调,将何以为职?欲求其无泻,不
可得也。然则何以谓之湿热?盖运化通调,即失其职,则水谷不分,湿郁于内,而为热矣。
由是便血稠粘,里急后重,泻不独泻,而又兼之以痢焉,皆坐此也。其治之法,宜荡涤其湿
,然后分利,斯脾胃得统,而其症安矣。否则土不能治水,汜滥盈溢,浸于四肢,变而为气
者有之。信其言,调理而愈。
己卯岁,行人张靖宸公夫人,崩不止,身热骨痛,烦躁病笃,召予诊,得六脉数而止,
必是外感,误用凉药。与羌活汤热退,余疾渐可。但元气难复,后灸膏肓、三里而愈。凡医
之用药,须凭脉理,若外感误作内伤,实实虚虚,损不足而益有余,其不夭灭人生也,几希
辛酉,夏中贵患瘫痪,不能动履,有医何鹤松,久治未愈。召予视,曰∶此疾一针可愈
。鹤松惭去。予遂针环跳穴,果即能履。夏浓赠,予受之,逾数载又瘫矣。复来召予,因侍
禁廷,不暇即往,遂受鹤反间以致忿。视昔之刺鹊于伏道者,为何如?
己巳岁,蔡都尉长子碧川公,患痰火,药饵不愈。辱钱诚斋堂翁,荐予治之。予针肺俞
等穴愈。后其女患风痫其危,其乃郎秀山,乃婿张少泉,邀予治之,乃针内关而苏,以礼浓
赠,予固辞不受。遂以女许聘豚儿杨承 焉。
庚辰岁过扬,大尹黄缜庵公,昔在京朝夕相与,情谊甚笃,进谒留疑,不忍分袂,言及
三郎患面部疾,数载不愈,甚忧之。昨焚香卜灵棋课曰∶兀兀尘埃久待时,幽 寂寞有
谁知,运逢宝剑人相顾,利遂名成总有期。与识者解曰∶宝者珍贵之物,剑者锋利之物,必
逢珍贵之人,可愈。今承相顾,知公善针,疾愈有期矣。予针巨 、合谷等穴,更灸三
里,徐徐调之而愈。时工匠刊书,多辱蟹米之助。
甲戌岁,观政田春野公乃翁,患脾胃之疾,养病天坛,至敝宅数里,春野公每请必亲至
,竭力尽孝。予感其诚,不惮其远,出朝必趋视。告曰∶脾胃乃一身之根蒂,五行之成基,
万物之父母,安可不由其至健至顺哉?苟不至健至顺,则沉 之咎必致矣。然公之疾,非一
朝所致,但脾喜甘燥,而恶苦湿,药热则消于肌肉,药寒则减于饮食,医治久不获当,莫
若早灸中脘、食仓穴。忻然从之,每穴各灸九壮,更针行九阳之数,疮发渐愈。春野公今任
兵科给事中,乃翁、乃弟,俱登科而盛壮。
庚辰岁,道经扬州,御史桑南皋公夫人,七旬余,发热、头眩、目涩、手挛、食少,公
子迎予。诊得人迎浮而关带弦,见症虽多,今宜清热为先,以天麻、僵蚕为君,升麻、知母
为臣,蔓荆、甘草等为使佐,服至三帖,热退身凉,饮食渐进,余症亦减,次日复诊,六脉
平匀。昆玉喜曰∶发热数月,医不见效,昨方制服一帖,热退食进,何耶?予曰∶医者意也
,得其意,斯握医之要枢矣。昔司马尝称扁鹊随俗为变,及述其论齐桓侯疾,语多近道,皆
以其意通之耳。昨脉浮弦,疑是过用养血补脾之剂,闭塞火邪,久则流溢于太阳膀胱经,起
至阴,终睛明,故目涩头眩;支走三焦经,故手挛也。少南、少玄公与缜庵公姻联之好,予
辱故人之托,精思脉理,意究病源,故制立前方,用以引经之剂,其热速退,热退,脾阴渐
长,而荣血自生,余症亦因之除矣。二公曰∶然。
Within the body, it was cured by regulating it with appropriate methods. In the year of Ji Mao (己卯), we met again in Wenshang, and he said that the disease had not recurred. That year, the eldest son of Lord Jichuan (公子箕川公) suddenly suffered from convulsive wind (Jing Feng, 惊风), and the condition was extremely critical. I moxaed the Zhongchong (中冲), Yintang (印堂), and Hegu (合谷) acupoints, applying dozens of moxa cones to each point, before the child could make a sound. If one were to follow ancient methods and apply only three or five cones, how could it be cured? One must measure according to the severity of the disease.
In the year of Ji Mao, because a fellow townsman from Cizhou owed salary funds and went to collect them, passing through Linluo Pass, he met an old acquaintance, Vice Commissioner Song (宋宪副公). He said that last year his eldest son contracted a Pi disorder (Pi Ji, 痞疾 - abdominal mass/blockage). Recently, due to depression from failing the imperial examinations, the illness worsened, and various medicines were ineffective. What should be done? I replied: It can be cured immediately. I then needle-charged the Zhangmen (章门) and other acupoints. His diet gradually improved, his body felt refreshed, and the abdominal mass disappeared. We enjoyed ourselves for several days. Relatives and friends escorted me to the Temple of Lü Dongbin Guiding Lu Sheng, where we parted reluctantly.
In the summer of the year Geng Chen (庚辰), Director Xu Hongyu (许鸿宇公) of the Ministry of Works suffered from wind-bi (Feng Bi, 风痹) in both legs, experiencing unceasing day and night pain, keeping him bedridden for over a month. Director Wang of the Baoyuan Bureau, his subordinate, strongly recommended me to treat him. At that time, famous doctors insisted against my treatment. Director Xu doubted and said: Both legs and feet are painful everywhere; can one or two needle insertions cure it? I said: Treating disease requires seeking its root. Once the root acupoint convergence is found, pain can stop immediately. Once pain stops, walking becomes possible, and within ten days, he will surely be able to attend to his duties. This gentleman was clear-minded and straightforward, listening only to my words. I needle-charged Huantiao (环跳) and Juegu (绝骨), and he recovered as the needle was inserted. Within ten days, he indeed returned to work, and people were amazed. If at that time he had not trusted Director Wang but listened to others, how could the medicinal power have reached there? It lies solely in firm trust; firm trust leads to efficacy.
In the year of Ji Si (己巳), Minister Zhang (张相公) suffered from sudden swelling of the anus. Wang Xiweng (王西翁), Minister of Military Affairs, recommended me to diagnose and treat him, instructing: This is a serious illness of a senior official, unlike ordinary people. You should think carefully and exert all your strength to regulate and treat it, to fulfill my expectations! Upon my visit, I palpated the right Cun position pulse as floating and rapid. This indicates Lung Metal affected by wind-heat, transferring to the Large Intestine. However, the anus is located inferiorly, where dietary waste flows. Without interference from the Seven Emotions and Four Qi (climate factors), it would flow down smoothly. If damp-heat accumulates internally and evil qi attacks, stagnation occurs causing swelling and pain. I prepared a jar of Modified Soufeng Shunqi Decoction (加减搜风顺气之剂), doubling the amount of wine-steamed Rhubarb (Dahuang, 大黄) to borrow the ascending power of wine to purge evil heat. I added Hemp Seed (Maren, 麻仁) to moisten dryness, Bitter Orange (Zhiqiao, 枳壳) to widen the intestines, Saposhnikovia (Fangfeng, 防风) and Angelica Pubescens (Du Huo, 独活) to dispel wind-heat, Angelica Sinensis (Danggui, 当归) to clear, cool, and nourish blood, and Scutellaria (Kuhuang Qin, 枯芩) to clear the Lung and Large Intestine. These were combined into pills. After taking them, he gradually became clean and peaceful.
In the second year of Longqing (隆庆二年), on the fourth day of the fourth month, an edict summoned us to the Shengji Hall, ordering physicians to examine Grand Secretary Xu's illness. "So be it." We respectfully followed the decree, proceeding to Grand Secretary Xu's autumn residence. We palpated six pulses that were rapid and large, indicating accumulated heat and phlegm, with weak Spleen and Stomach and reduced appetite. It is suitable to use Qingre Jianpi Huatan Tang (清热健脾化痰汤 - Clear Heat, Strengthen Spleen, Transform Phlegm Decoction) for treatment. The ingredients include Scutellaria (Huang Qin, 黄芩), Atractylodes (Baizhu, 白术), Fritillaria (Beimu, 贝母), Tangerina Peel (Juhong, 橘红), Poria (Fuling, 茯苓), Cyperus (Xiangfu, 香附), Peony (Shaoyao, 芍药), Platycodon (Jiegeng, 桔梗), Ligusticum (Chuanxiong, 川芎), Peucedanum (Qianhu, 前胡), Areca Nut (Binglang, 槟榔), and Licorice (Gancao, 甘草). Boil two zhong of water with one slice of ginger until one zhong remains. Take at any time. When the medicine matches the syndrome, recovery follows.
In the year of Yi Hai (乙亥), the wife of Li Huhou (李户侯) of Tongzhou suffered from a strange illness. I used Sun Simiao’s Thirteen Needles for Expelling Evil method. Her spirit returned to normal, demonstrating the efficacy of the Thirteen Needles.
In the year of Ji Si (己巳), Minister Mao Jiechuan (毛介川翁) suffered from Liver and Spleen deficiency, frequent diarrhea and dysentery, and slight edema in the limbs. He asked me: Frequent diarrhea is often related to damp-heat. In the lady's body, the Heart generates blood, the Liver stores it, and the Spleen controls it. When the Spleen controls it, transformation and transportation are regular, water and grain are regulated, so there is no so-called dampness or heat. Only when the essence and yuan qi cannot be preserved in normal times, and the nourishment of the Five Flavors is not regulated in the future, do essence and blood deplete, and the Spleen lose control. When the Spleen loses control, how can transformation and transportation perform their duties? Seeking no diarrhea is impossible. Then why call it damp-heat? Generally, when transformation and transportation fail, water and grain are not separated, dampness stagnates internally, and transforms into heat. Thus, bloody stool is thick and sticky, with tenesmus; it is not just diarrhea but also dysentery. All this is due to this cause. The treatment method should first purge the dampness, then separate and promote urination. Thus, the Spleen regains control, and symptoms subside. Otherwise, Earth cannot control Water; flooding overflows, soaking the four limbs, potentially turning into Qi distension. Trusting his words, she recovered after regulation.
In the year of Ji Mao (己卯), the wife of Zhang Jingchen (张靖宸公), a Herald, suffered from continuous uterine bleeding, fever, bone pain, restlessness, and critical illness. Summoning me to diagnose, I found six pulses rapid and intermittent. It must be an external contraction, mistakenly treated with cooling medicines. Given Qianghuo Tang (羌活汤), the fever subsided, and other illnesses gradually improved. However, Yuan Qi was hard to recover. Later, moxa was applied to Gaohuang (膏肓) and Zusanli (三里), leading to recovery. Physicians must rely on pulse principles when using medicines. Mistaking external contraction for internal injury, treating excess as excess and deficiency as deficiency, damaging what is insufficient and increasing what is surplus, few avoid causing premature death.
In the year of Xin You (辛酉), in summer, a eunuch suffered from paralysis and inability to move. Physician He Hesong treated him for a long time without success. Summoning me, I said: This disease can be cured with one needle. Hesong left in shame. I then needle-charged the Huantiao acupoint, and he could indeed walk. Xia Nong presented gifts, which I accepted. Over years later, he became paralyzed again. He summoned me again, but since I was serving in the palace, I could not go immediately. Consequently, I fell out due to Hesong's sowing discord. How does this compare to stabbing the magpie in the ambush path mentioned previously?
In the year of Ji Si (己巳), Bi Chuan Gong (碧川公), eldest son of Commandant Cai, suffered from Phlegm-Fire, which medication could not cure. Honored by the recommendation of Qian Chengzhai (钱诚斋堂翁), I treated him. I needle-charged Feishu (肺俞) and other acupoints, curing him. Later, his daughter suffered critically from Wind-Epilepsy. His son Xiushan and son-in-law Zhang Shaoquan invited me to treat her. I needle-charged Neiguan (内关), and she regained consciousness. They offered generous gifts with etiquette, which I firmly declined. Instead, they betrothed their daughter to my son, Yang Cheng.
In the year of Geng Chen (庚辰), passing through Yangzhou, I visited Huang Zhen'an (黄缜庵公), a Prefect. We had been close companions in the capital, sharing deep friendship. During my visit, we lingered, reluctant to part. He spoke of his third son suffering from a facial disease for several years without cure, causing great worry. Yesterday, he burned incense and cast Lingqi divination, receiving the verse: "Long waiting in dust and mire, who knows my loneliness? When fortune meets the sword, a person looks upon you; profit and fame will eventually come." Interpreting this with those who understand: 'Treasure' refers to precious things, 'Sword' to sharp things. One must meet a precious person to be cured. Now, receiving your care, knowing you excel in acupuncture, the cure has a date. I needle-charged Juliao (巨髎) and Hegu (合谷), and moxaed Zusanli (三里), regulating slowly until cured. At that time, craftsmen printing books received much help from crab rice.
In the year of Jia Xu (甲戌), Tian Chunye (田春野公), a political observer, whose father suffered from Spleen-Stomach diseases, was recuperating at the Temple of Heaven, a few li from my residence. Chunye always personally visited whenever requested, exerting filial piety. Moved by his sincerity, I did not fear the distance, hurrying to see him after court sessions. I told him: The Spleen and Stomach are the roots of the body, the foundation of the Five Elements, and the parents of all things. How can they not be supremely vigorous and smooth? If not supremely vigorous and smooth, the disaster of chronic illness will surely occur. However, your illness was not caused overnight. The Spleen likes sweet and dry, dislikes bitter and damp. Hot medicines consume muscle energy; cold medicines reduce dietary intake. Medical treatment has failed for a long time. It is better to moxa Zhongwan (中脘) and Shicang (食仓) early. He happily agreed. Each acupoint received nine moxa cones. Needle insertion followed the number of Nine Yang. After the sores appeared, he gradually recovered. Chunye now serves as a Censor in the Office of Scrutiny. His father and brother both passed the examinations and are strong.
In the year of Geng Chen (庚辰), passing through Yangzhou, the wife of Censor Sang Nangao (桑南皋公) was over seventy years old. She suffered from fever, dizziness, dry eyes, hand spasms, and poor appetite. Her son welcomed me. Palpating, I found the Renying pulse floating and the Guan pulse string-like. Although symptoms were many, clearing heat should be prioritized. Gastrodia (Tianma, 天麻) and Silkworm (Jiangcan, 僵蚕) served as Sovereign herbs; Cimicifuga (Shengma, 升麻) and Anemarrhena (Zhimu, 知母) as Ministers; Vitex (Manjingzi, 蔓荆) and Licorice (Gancao, 甘草) as Assistants and Guides. After three doses, fever subsided, body cooled, diet increased, and other symptoms decreased. On the second day, upon re-diagnosis, the six pulses were even and balanced. Kun Yu (honific for brothers) joyfully said: Fever for months, doctors showed no effect. Yesterday, after just one dose, fever subsided and appetite increased. Why? I said: Medicine relies on intent. Grasping the intent grasps the pivot of medicine. Sima Qian once praised Bian Que for adapting to customs, and narrated his discussion of Duke Huan of Qi's illness, with words close to the Dao, all connected by intent. Yesterday, the pulse was floating and stringy. I suspected excessive use of blood-nourishing and Spleen-strengthening agents, blocking Fire evil. Over time, it flowed into the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang, starting from Zhiyin and ending at Jingming, causing dry eyes and dizziness; it branched into the Sanjiao Meridian, causing hand spasms. Shaonan and Shaoxuan Gongs had marital ties with Zhen'an Gong. Honored by the entrustment of an old friend, I carefully pondered pulse principles and investigated the disease source. Thus, I formulated the previous prescription, using meridian-guiding agents. The heat retreated quickly. With heat gone, Spleen Yin gradually grew, Ying Blood naturally generated, and remaining symptoms were eliminated. The two Gongs said: Indeed.