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Asthma (Chuan Bing) invariably originates from the Lung. Therefore, the *Classic of Internal Medicine* states: "All flaccidity syndromes, asthma, and vomiting belong to the Upper Jiao." This is because the Lung governs Qi; when Qi rebels upward, asthma occurs. The Lung is located at the highest position, hence it is said to belong to the Upper Jiao.

Chao Yuanfang and Yan Yonghe, based on the *Classic of Internal Medicine*'s statement that "all rebellious Qi rushing upward belongs to Fire," only discussed excess-heat patterns. Only Wang Haizang analyzed Hua Tuo's assertion that "excess Lung Qi causes asthma," and the *Jiu Liu Bie Lu* states "excess Qi leads to asthma." These two statements imply: "Qi excess" should be understood as Qi deficiency, and "having surplus" should be interpreted as insufficiency. If Lung Qi were truly excessive or in surplus, its clearing and descending function would proceed downward, and how could it result in asthma? In these cases, Fire pathogen enters the Lung, scorching the True Qi, causing the True Qi to become deficient and insufficient, thereby leading to asthma. What is referred to as "excess" and "surplus" is actually the Fire within the Lung, not the Lung's True Qi. This insight indeed surpasses previous scholars. However, observing the discussions of past sages, all have their basis and cannot be disregarded partially. If confirmed to be caused by excess-heat and surplus, treat according to Chao Yuanfang's various methods. If confirmed to be caused by Fire scorching Lung Metal, resulting in True Qi deficiency, treat according to Wang Haizhang's methods. Thus, for those caused by Wind-Cold, resolve the pathogen; for those caused by Summer-Heat and Dampness, clear the vexation; for excess Fire, clear it; for Qi stagnation, soothe it; for Phlegm obstruction, open it; for Food Stagnation, digest it. For Qi deficiency with Fire entering the Lung, tonify Qi as the primary method; for Yin deficiency with Fire attacking Lung Metal, urgently nourish Water to control Fire; for Kidney deficiency where Qi does not return to its root, grasp Qi and return it to the root; for Kidney deficiency with flooding of Water pathogen, drain water downward. The above items constitute the general outline. However, there are many causes for asthma; one must infer other instances from one example to be considered a wise and competent physician.

Shu Xie Li Jin Tang (See Shang Feng chapter).
This is a formula for treating asthma caused by Wind-Cold.

Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang (See Shang Han chapter).
This is a formula for treating asthma caused by Summer-Heat injury.

Xie Bai San (See Huo chapter).
Add Bai Mao Gen (White Imperata Rhizome). (For Lung Heat causing urgent asthma, decocting this single herb alone is miraculous.)
This is a formula for treating asthma caused by Lung Heat. For Excess Fire, add bitter-cold herbs; for Deficient Fire, add sweet-cold herbs.

Chen Xiang Jiang Qi San
Zhen Chen Xiang (True Agarwood), Sha Ren (Amomum Fruit), Su Zi (Perilla Seed), Ju Hong (Tangerine Peel), Yu Jin (Curcuma Root), Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf - honey-fried for asthma, ginger-fried for vomiting), Bai Fu Ling (Poria), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) [These are all herbs that descend Qi and counteract rebellion]. For severe Lung obstruction and asthma, add Tian Ting Li (Sweet Descurainia Seed) [to drain obstructed and rebellious Lung Qi]. If accompanied by heat, add Bai Mao Gen [to cool Metal and calm asthma, dosage 3-5 liang], decoct in water instead of regular water.
This is a formula for treating asthma caused by Qi stagnation.

Shun Qi Kai Tan Yin (See Zhong Feng chapter).
Or add Dong Chong Xia Cao (Cordyceps), Tian Dong (Asparagus Tuber), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), or Sha Shen (Glehnia Root).
This is a formula for treating asthma caused by Phlegm obstruction. According to Shicai (Li Zhongzi): The *Classic of Internal Medicine* discusses numerous causes for asthma, but ultimately they do not exceed Fire rebelling upward while Qi fails to descend. This statement captures the essence. Therefore, Zhongchun (Zhang Jingyue) stated: Asthma belongs to Lung deficiency with Heat, leading to Phlegm obstruction; this formula can be taken as a model for modification and use. If it is indeed caused by Phlegm leading to asthma, then Er Chen Tang or Liu Jun Zi Tang can be used.

Bao He Wan (See Xie Xie chapter).
This is a formula for treating asthma caused by Food Injury, used with modifications.

Sheng Mai San (See Shu chapter).
Original formula plus Su Zi (Perilla Seed), Bai Mao Gen (White Imperata Rhizome), Bei Mu (Fritillaria Bulb). (Qi deficiency causes asthma, Ren Shen tonifies it. Asthma consumes Qi, Wu Wei Zi astringes it. The Lung prefers moisture, thus Mai Dong is used; the Lung desires unobstructed flow, thus Su Zi is used; the Lung dislikes Heat, so Bai Mao Gen clears Fire; the Lung dislikes obstruction, so Bei Mu eliminates Phlegm.)
This formula is suitable for asthma caused by Qi deficiency with Fire entering the Lung.

Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan (See Xu Lao chapter).
Original formula plus Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) [combined with Mai Dong to clear Lung], Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) [6 liang each], Zi He Che (Human Placenta) [powerfully tonifies the Kidney, 1-2 units], or additionally add Qing Qian (Lead Oxide) [black in color, guides Kidney Qi and has heavy-sinking properties, miraculously reduces Phlegm, melt in an iron pot, remove dregs, collect residue, 2 liang], Zhen Chen Xiang (True Agarwood), Sha Ren (Amomum Fruit) [If Qi rebels upward from the navel, this indicates Kidney deficiency failing to grasp Qi and return it to the root; without Chen Xiang and Sha Ren to guide, it will not work, 5 qian each]. (Take with Bai Mao Gen decoction.)
This formula is suitable for asthma caused by Yin deficiency with Fire attacking Lung Metal.

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (See Zhong Zhang chapter).
This formula is suitable for asthma caused by Kidney deficiency with flooding of Water pathogen. If there are indeed signs and pulses of Fire deficiency, Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan may be used.

Shen Fu Tang Treats True Yang deficiency, upper body asthma and urgency, shortness of breath and dizziness [Yang about to escape upward], sweating and cold limbs [Yang about to escape outward].
Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) [1-3 liang], Zhi Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Root) [1-5 qian].
If this formula is indeed for asthma caused by impending collapse of True Yang, use it urgently to rescue; otherwise, do not administer recklessly.

Ma Xing Gan Shi Tang Treats Xiao Chuan (Wheezing/Asthma).
Ma Huang (Ephedra Stem) [stir-fried, 3-7 qian], Xing Ren (Apricot Seed) [disperses Wind-Cold], Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum) [clears Lung Heat]. Combine with Er Chen Tang plus Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Fruit) [eliminates Phlegm], Su Zi (Perilla Seed), Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Root Bark), Zhi Ke (Aurantium Fruit) [descends Qi].
This is a formula that descends Qi, eliminates Phlegm, clears Fire, and simultaneously disperses pathogens. This disease contraindicates hot agents, and pure cold/cool agents should also be avoided, lest external pathogens fail to resolve. Generally, Xiao syndrome is mostly caused by Phlegm-Fire郁结 internally and Wind-Cold binding externally. It may also result from overconsumption of sour and salty foods, or steaming by accumulated Fire. The disease root is deep and long-standing, difficult to eliminate abruptly. One should avoid Wind-Cold and regulate rich flavors.

The pulse of asthma should not be rapid and hurried.
Death ensues if asthma is accompanied by sweating and free urination; death also ensues if diarrhea persists uncontrollably; death ensues if sweat is like oil and asthma does not cease. Death is certain if chronic muscle wasting is accompanied by asthma and the six pulses appear normal [a sign of lamp running out and flame extinguishing].