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[Initial Stage of Yin Toxin]
Yin toxin originates from deficiency-cold of the Kidney Qi, caused by excessive sexual activity or consumption of cold foods, followed by wind invasion. Internally, yin-cold is latent; externally, cold damage has occurred. Alternatively, external cold is contracted first, followed by internal latent yin. With both interior and exterior dominated by yin pathogens, Yang Qi fails to maintain its post, leading to symptoms such as headache, heaviness in the waist, eye pain, bodily fatigue with a sensation of intense heat, cold reversal of the four limbs, continuous cold sweat on the forehead and back of hands, frequent thirst and irritability, mental confusion and distraction (as if having lost something). Within two or three days, the patient may still be able to rise and walk, without feeling excessively heavy. Pulse diagnosis reveals six pulses that are deep, fine, and rapid; the Chi position pulse is short and small, while the Cun position pulse may be large (If all six pulses are floating and large, or if they appear large upon deep pressure but are not overly rapid, this is not a Yin syndrome). If cooling medicines are administered, thirst will worsen, and restlessness will become more urgent. For those presenting these symptoms, immediate administration of medicines that restore Yang and retreat Yin will bring relief. The treatment principle is solely to tonify deficiency and harmonize Qi. Suitable formulas include Zhengyuan San, Tuiyin San, and Wusheng San. Yin syndromes are generally unsuitable for diaphoresis (sweating therapy); however, if the healthy Qi is intact, the pulse is large, the body is hot, yet the disease has not resolved, using medicine to induce sweating is permissible.

[Progressive Stage of Yin Toxin]
Alternatively, the Cun position pulse is small while the Chi position pulse is slightly large. This is similar to accumulated yin-cold affecting the lower part, causing slight Yang to diminish in the upper part. Consequently, symptoms manifest as heaviness, cold reversal of the four limbs, worsening abdominal pain, throat obstruction, epigastric distension and hardness, irritability and thirst, continuous spontaneous sweating, occasional delirium, cyanosis of the fingernails and complexion, and six pulses that are deep, fine, and rapid (seven beats per respiration or more). For patients with these signs, moxibustion should be rapidly applied to the Qihai (CV 6) or Guanyuan (CV 4) acupoints, three to two hundred moxa cones, taking the warming of the hands and feet as the sign of efficacy. Simultaneously, administer medicines such as Jin Ye Dan, Laifu Dan, Yunu San, Huan Yang San, or Tuiyin San, selecting according to the specific syndrome.

[Severe and Debilitated Stage of Yin Toxin]
The symptoms of severe debilitation are identical to those of the progressive stage described above, but even more severe. The six pulses can only be felt when pressed deeply against the bone; they disappear upon light pressure. The rate exceeds eight beats per respiration, or is too rapid to count. At this stage, medicinal treatment becomes difficult to effect! Only moxibustion applied directly to the umbilicus, with an moxa cone the size of half a jujube, totaling three to two hundred cones, is indicated. If the hands and feet do not warm up, the condition is incurable. If warmth occasionally returns, assist it with Sulfur and other heating medicines. Once Yin pathogenic factors dissipate and Yang Qi returns, gradually reduce the heating medicines and treat with mild methods to achieve recovery.