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Li Xing'an stated: Sudden death (Bao Si) refers to collapsing abruptly. There are many causes, which have been detailed in various disease discussions. Here, they are classified and listed again to enable clear differentiation of syndromes during emergencies.

For instance: If a person suddenly collapses, has clenched jaws (Kou Jin), vomits saliva, feels warm to the touch, and has a deficient pulse, it is Wind Stroke (Zhong Feng). Treat with Erchen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction) plus Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) and Gouteng (Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis).

If there is abdominal pain, a blackish forehead, contraction of hands and feet, a deep and slow pulse, and faint breathing, it is Cold Strike (Zhong Han). Immediately moxa Guanyuan (CV-4) and administer Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) and Sini Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction).

If the patient originally had Yin deficiency and then encountered summer heat, compounded by hunger, fatigue, and overwork, leading to sudden collapse and unconsciousness, this is Summerheat pathogen invading the House of Spirit (Shenming zhi fu) due to deficiency. Treat with Shengmai San (Generate the Pulse Powder) plus Xiangru (Elsholtziae Herba).

If accompanied by phlegm rattle, it is called Phlegm Jue (Tan Jue), caused by deficient Yang carrying phlegm upward. Treat with Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) plus Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) and Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice). Do not use drying-phlegm agents like Erchen Tang.

If during walking or standing, one suddenly feels dizzy, collapses, and loses consciousness, without phlegm sounds in the throat and no external pathogenic heat, this is Yin deficiency with sudden collapse of Yang. Treat with Dushen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction).

If due to sudden rage, one collapses, body becomes cold, without saliva or filth, it is called Qi Jue (Qi Jue). Treat with Simo Tang (Four-Marrow Decoction); for severe cases, use Suhexiang Wan (Styrax Pill) taken with ginger juice.

If after eating, one is exposed to cold or anger and dies suddenly, it is called Food Jue (Shi Jue). Induce vomiting with Erchen Tang. This condition is common in children.

If due to extreme anger, blood stasis forms in the heart and chest leading to sudden death, it is called Blood Ascension (Xue Sheng). Treatment should focus on removing stasis and promoting blood circulation. This often occurs in women postpartum or during menstruation following anger.

If due to inhaling foul miasma or toxic vapors leading to sudden death, it is called Zhong E (Pestilence Poison). Examine the knees and wrists for red veins; if present, prick to release purple blood, or prick the tips of the ten fingers. After regaining consciousness, regulate with Huoxiang Zhengqi San (Agastache Powder to Rectify the Qi).

Alternatively, if one enters a funeral site, an uninhabited room, or a heaven-and-earth altar and returns with sudden collapse, red face, and inability to speak, it is called Corpse Jue (Shi Jue). Medication will cause death immediately. One should move the patient's head to the east, burn incense facing north, and pray. It is also advisable to fumigate the nose with vinegar and charcoal.

If sexual intercourse occurs shortly after recovering from Cold Damage (Shanghan), resulting in sudden lower abdominal urgency and pain, contraction of the external genitalia, rapid panting, and spontaneous cold sweat, it is called Tuo Yuan (Collapse of the Origin).

If after severe vomiting and diarrhea, one suddenly experiences cold limbs and unconsciousness, it is called Tuo Yang (Collapse of Yang). In both cases, immediately bind scallion whites tightly around the navel and apply moxibustion to allow heat to enter the abdomen, followed by rescue with Renshen Fuzi Jiang Tang (Ginseng, Aconite, and Ginger Decoction). Cessation of sweating and stabilization of breathing indicate treatability; delay renders it hopeless.

Those who die during sexual intercourse: men are said to suffer Zou Yang (Running Yang), women Tuo Yin (Collapse of Yin). Even if the man is dead, the penis remains erect; even if the woman is dead, the vagina remains open. Those who die from nocturnal emission have an erect penis and leaked fluids, with a corpse facial expression suggesting pleasure, which serves as evidence. All these conditions are incurable.