但立方的原则：或遵仲景医圣的“六经”模式立方；或按温病的“三焦”立法。故上、中、下三焦与阴、阳六经、作为自立方药的规矩绳墨，历来一切治疗疾病的药方，都是从这“阴阳六经及三焦”的总纲之中化出。
前章转抄的十九个历代中药祖方、以作为调治上、中、下脏腑阴阳正、负运动的代表方剂。因人体之内“十二经脉”的运动、只有左、右、正、负阴阳升降四种类型，故研究用中药治病，要根据阴阳两性的药品、投入人体之后所发挥或升、或降的正、负药物功能，所以要根据阴阳脉象的往来盛衰而对证选方。
《素问·应象大论篇》云：“味厚者为阴、薄为明之阳，气厚者为阳、薄为阳之阴”这是古圣先哲将一切药物概括为四性。因古圣人们知无形的阴阳道机、故十分了解生天、生地、生人、生物全属一理。又云：“味厚则泄”如大黄、芒硝、甘遂、芦荟之类；“薄则通”的如当归、川芎、防已、木通之类；“气薄则发泄”如麻黄、羌活、荆介、防风之类；“厚则发热”如干姜、附子、肉桂、吴茱萸之类。古圣们认为：一切药物之中不外乎阴、阳、升、降四性、及酸、甘、苦、辛、咸五味。故药物投入人体之后即在阴、阳十二经脉升降往返的运动中、根据药物组方的正负能量而发挥药物作用。所以择方选药、定要根据“脉口、人迎”的阳盛阳衰或阴盛阳衰的出入升降偏差为纲，并结合浮、沉、迟、数、缓、紧、大、小、滑、涩等脉象、以确诊阴、阳、表、里、寒、热、虚、实而立出对一症的药方，其药物组成的作用要有益弱抑强的药物转化功能以调和阴阳。
贫道根据以上用中药治病的认识，在70年代作第一次试验。选择了二十种中草药，即桂枝、柴胡、薄荷叶、川芎、附子、干姜、白芍、生地、白术、党参、黄连、黄芩、知母、麦冬、杏仁、法半夏、甘草、茯苓、枳壳、大黄等来调治常见疾病，勿论是寒证、热证、表证、里证、虚证、实证均在这二十种药中选药立方，并能取得百分之二八十的疗效。
贫道在90年代又作第二次试验。并在以上二十种药品的基础上，又选择了三十九种中药：即防风、白芷、荆介、独活、牛膝、木瓜、山药、苍术、连翘、金银花、桔梗、黄芪、芒硝、厚朴、沙参、丹参、黄柏、栀子、泽泻、茵陈、制川乌、防已、玄胡索、乌药、当归、红花、桃仁、蓁艽、威灵仙、石决明、生石膏、五味子、天花粉、蒲公英、石菖蒲、虎杖、贝母、陈皮、香附子等共合为五十九种中药，来医治一切常见疾病，能取得百分之九十以上的疗效。
根据两次用中药试验的结果，贫道深刻地体会到古圣人对药物的“阴、阳、气、味’之理论论述非常重要。故认为只要用“十二经脉”道理作指南，准确的针对患者的病症，配合恰当的组方，充分发挥其药物作用和组方功能就能调治一切常见疾病，取得满意的疗效。
多年来，贫道用中药治病，其配方用药的理性指导、主要根据“脉口、人迎”的升、降、浮、沉盛衰现象来，“立方用药”。但是要注意：“外表有邪之浮脉”不可用收摄与下降治法；“邪结在腑里之沉脉”不用补助与提升治法。其他杂病都可以按照“脉口、人迎”的阴、阳、升、降盛衰给于调治平衡、病必袁去。
现将以上有表、里邪气之“浮、沉脉象”的辩证治疗经验介绍如下：
却说浮沉经验语，全凭脉口论浮沉。
贫道根据多年实验结果、证明识方用药不在于多，而在于随机应变运用处方。经云：“无阻则阳无以化，无阳则阴无以生。”所以医者在治病处方上，定要注重左、右、阴、阳相互转化机理，所施用的方药若能观照到“阴阳四方”，即是比较周全的处方。
假如有四个病人其病症各不相同：第一个胸闷咳嗽痰多；第二个两侧头痛、心胸不安、愠愠欲吐；第三个咽喉发炎疼痛；第四个情志郁闷、头昏嗜卧、胸隔痞满。但四个病人的阴、阳脉象大致相同，其左右“脉口”都是关尺两部脉显而寸部少脉，左右“人迎”都是寸部盛于尺部。其脉波的宽度比脉口阴脉稍大。这就证明阴阳脉波的升降运动、反运比较有余、而正运却不足。按这种脉同而症状不同的病人来拟定治疗处方如下：
治第一个胸闷咳嗽痰多病人的处方，用柴胡、当归以助左侧阴经的正运功能，用桔梗、甘草、苏叶以助右侧阴经的正运功能。用茯苓、陈皮、生姜、法半夏、前胡、枳壳为反佐、从阳经降逆化痰以助阳经的正运下达功能，共同起着协调阴阳、止嗽化痰、宽胸的作用。
治第二个两侧头痛、心胸不安、愠愠欲吐病人的处方，用柴胡、川芎、以助左侧阴经的正运功能兼治头痛，用白术、防风、白芷以助右侧阴经的正运功能兼治头痛，用法半夏、生姜、黄芩为反佐、从阳经降逆、以助阳经正运下达功能，共同起着协调阴阳、止头痛理心胸及降逆的作用。
治第三个咽喉发炎疼痛病人的处方，用当归、柴胡、板蓝根、以助左侧阴经的正运功能，用沙参、桔梗、薄荷叶。甘草、玄参、以助右侧阴经的正运功能，用麦冬、金果榄、山豆根为反佐、从阳经降逆、以助阳经正运下达功能，共同起着协调阴阳及清热止喉痛的作用。
治第四个情志郁闷、头昏嗜卧、胸隔痞满病人的处方，用柴胡、当归、香附子以助左侧阴经的正运功能，用苍术、党参、甘草以助右侧阴经的正运功能，用枳壳、黄芩、青木香、瓜篓子为反佐、从阳经降逆、以助阳经正运下达功能，共同起着协调阴阳消除痞满及疏肝达脾的作用。
以上四例的处方用药、是以调整阴、阳、升、降为“核心’，所以调治道理全是统一的，但药物的组成则各有所不同，虽然他们的脉象相同、但病症各异，故药物的组成却不能统一。
由于各种药物虽然只具有明、阳、升、降四种性能，、因各药物之中所含的“药物元素”不同，故对某些疾病的疗效而各有所长。故认为：虽然按人体左、右、阴、阳、正、负升降的机理为调治的总纲、并可研究各门医科的“正确治疗方法”，其药品的组成定会各有所不同。但调治阴阳升降的道理却是一致的。
以上“四例”调治阴阳的用药拟方：可作为调治阴阳升降、用中药治病处方的型式，但亦是呆板的方案举例，是不足为用的。如要做到正确的用药处方治病，还应当从阴、阳脉象的寸、尺不足或有余的基础上，再结合辨清浮、沉、迟、数、缓、紧、大、小、滑、涩等脉象，以确定阴、阳、表、里、寒、热、虚、实之后，才能遵照古圣人所倡导的正确调治方案：而“寒者热之、热者寒之、温者清之、清者温之、散者收之、抑者散之、燥者润之、急者缓之、坚者软之、脆者坚之、衰者补之、强者泻之等等有原则性的调治方药。
至于用药的定量，“除含剧毒性药物”应当以一般的定量外，其他性质的药物，可根据病人脉象的高、中、低强弱等，来决定大、中、小多少适宜的药物用量。
例如谱曲，只用1、2、3、4、5、6、7七个音符，但作曲家能灵活、巧妙地利用其高、中、低音度的变化，配合不同的“主题意义”的音律与节奏、而能变化出千万条不同的歌韵。
医者亦然，但就患病者脉象的甚、微差别而灵活地掌握多、少不同的药物用量、亦可取得非常广泛的效果。
例如张仲景医圣的“‘桂枝汤方”、在原汤方的基础上，加重芍药三两，仅加入一味属生活物质的“饴糖”，即变化为“建中汤”。就证明增加一点“芍药”的比重差别，即将一个治“外感”的方剂，而转变为疗“内伤”的方药。所以仲景医圣虽然用药品极少、但变化多。
笔者多年以来，观察发现当前中、西医治病用药有不足之处。
中医由于对人体左、右“十二经脉”的道理不明，而临床经验不足的中医、在用药治病的处方中，因没有“原则性的阴阳运动机理”作指导，所以也难免有不当之处。
西医利用现代医疗仪器，可以检察出人体器官及各组织的病灶，但由于不知“十二经脉”和阴阳五行的道理；故用药只对准有形质的病灶进行治疗，却没有关照到“无形”的“十二经脉”之整体阴阳的机能与能量，虽治疗许多疾病有速效，但往往有付作用或不良反应。
所以，唯有将中、西医的医理、医术、医药结合起来，各取所长、互相利用，才是比较完美和理想的治病方针。
如果没有“真理”，便难立出“真法”。笔者现已经述了人体“十二经脉”的机理，望医学界的同仁，利用现代科技实验，探索出药物在人体阴阳经内所发挥的正运或反运作用，以研制出治疗各科疾病的特效药。
二十六、中西医结合提高疗效的唯一途径
人体“十二经脉”的感应性非常敏感，如缓慢进展性的疾病，当病人本身还未感觉到有疾病症状时，“十二经脉”先已生病而产生了明、阳经脉不平，在病症发展到一定的程度时，我们人体的感觉器官才感到自身有了病。
按古人有“治未病之说”以具两种含义：一是在患者还未有感觉到有病之时，而医者在诊候中已发觉到患者有了阴阳经脉偏差而给予及时的调正。二是如肝木有病，知道易传脾土，在治疗上当注重实脾以防其传。故曰：“治未病”。
笔者曾常见到有的病人到医院里通过各项医科仪器检察、化验、都察不出任何疾病的现象，但患者本身又确实感到有病。经我通过“两脉口及两人迎”的诊候，即能发现患者的阴、阳经脉不平衡，经过调治而到达阴、阳平衡之际，其患者即觉得自身的疾病消除。由此，才了解到，现代仪器检察疾病，只能诊断出有形有质肌体内外的器质病变，以及有化验数据的病变，但对一部分因“十二经脉”无形象之机理病变却难以诊断出来。因此，能证明十二经脉的正负机理、是诊疗疾病的“本中之本”，而肌体内、外形质的疾患变态乃是“本中之末”。如果遗弃祖国医学中“十二经脉”的本源基理，在辨证论治中就易于导致迷惑。
据现代医学观察人体之内亦有两种相对立的结构，在运行生理形态及病理形态，而在生生化化衍变无息，却不知皆发源于这无形无象之“十二经脉”正负机理的潜能。
我们祖国医学虽具备了这最本源最高深的中医体系理论，但在利用科学化的现代医疗条件上又远远不及西医。例如西医的输液、输血、输氧等，都是西医治疗最优良的疗法，利于急性病及垂危病的救治。但西医治疗慢性疾病在疗效上又远远比不上中医，如长期服用西药。甚至还有不良的药物反应。
因为一些慢性疾病，皆由于脏腑阴阳“十二经脉”在长期偏差不平的运行中、所形成的疾病。按中医治疗，是辨别脏、腑、阴、阳经脉的虚、实之后，才立方用药调治，所施治的原则，是转化脏腑阴阳经脉的运动，使之走向正常，所以恰合纠正患者的病因及病症，故服药虽然长久却少有不良的药物反应。
故认为西医如结合中医理论之阴阳“十二经脉”的正负运动机理，来配合药方而治疗，在疗效上应当更为理想。只有将中、值医理结合起来各取其长处、才是全面提高医学发展的方向。因此，“十二经脉”之阴、阳、正。负运动的机理，是导引融合贯通中、西医理的纲领。
这“十二经脉”的正负机理，能联系中、西医理使之在理性上互不矛盾，所以中医之“十二经脉”的阴阳对立机理是促进中、西医理相互协调的理性之一，实能促使研究中、西医学理论而共同到达最高的医学治疗水平。
二十七、论“十二经脉”与手术治疗
人体的脏腑阴阳经脉，若长期运行失调，就会产生脏腑疾病。有的甚至病情严重，需要手术切除。贫道认为，如利用“十二经脉”的理论长期治疗，部分患者是可以不需手术而病除。
例如在治愈的患者中，有数例因脏、器官病变的患者，病情甚重，都经过大医院确诊需要手术治疗。但经过贫道利用“十二经脉”的机理给与调治而愈。典型病例：
冯××，女，50岁，住公安县红旗大队。
患者右肾部常有轻微疼痛，小便频数，排尿时疼痛增加而尿量较少。经医院检察诊断为：“右肾结核”。患病三年有余，常用中、西医药治疗而病症时轻时重，未能解除病患。后来其病症逐渐加重，又通过沙市市两个人民医院检察诊断、均确诊为“右肾坏死”，皆决定用手术“切除右肾。”
因患者畏惧开刀治疗，经人介绍请我医治。通过阴阳脉象诊断之后，嘱咐患者每天用毛巾浸入70至80度温水内、在拧干水份后热敷右“太溪穴”、右“委中穴”；兼敷疗左、右“足三里穴”。敷疗时需温度适中以不烫伤皮肤为度，如毛巾温度太高可隔衣物外敷，毛巾变凉则重复加温，每次敷疗35至50分钟。并配制一料调正阴阳气血的中成药丸，日服两次以辅佐治疗。
经过六十多天理疗法，患者略见微效；经过半年理疗、患者才觉得肾部疼痛减轻其小便减少次数；理疗到达一年半时间其诸症悉除来告全愈。患者再到医院检察其“右肾”已恢复正常。追访八年病未再发。并能操持家务身体健康。
The principle of prescribing formulas: One may either follow the "Six Channels" (Liujing) model established by the Medical Sage Zhang Zhongjing to formulate prescriptions, or legislate according to the "San Jiao" (Triple Burner) theory of warm diseases. Therefore, the Upper, Middle, and Lower San Jiao, along with the Yin and Yang Six Channels, serve as the rules and standards for independently formulating medicinal prescriptions. Historically, all prescriptions used to treat diseases have evolved from this general outline of "Yin-Yang Six Channels and San Jiao."
The nineteen ancestral Chinese herbal medicine formulas transcribed in the previous chapter serve as representative prescriptions for regulating the positive and negative movements of Yin and Yang within the Zang-Fu organs of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiaos. Since the movement of the "Twelve Meridians" (Shi'er Jingmai) within the human body only has four types—Left, Right, Positive, and Negative Yin-Yang ascending and descending—research into treating diseases with Chinese herbs must consider the positive and negative medicinal functions that drugs with Yin and Yang properties exert after entering the human body, whether they ascend or descend. Thus, one must select prescriptions based on the fluctuation and abundance/deficiency of Yin-Yang pulse qualities corresponding to the syndrome.
The *Suwen: Yingxiang Dalun* states: "Substances with thick flavors are Yin; those with thin flavors are the Yang within Yin. Substances with thick Qi are Yang; those with thin Qi are the Yin within Yang." This summarizes all medicines into four natures. Because ancient sages understood the invisible mechanisms of Yin and Yang Dao, they fully comprehended that the generation of heaven, earth, humans, and all things follows a single principle. It further states: "Thick flavors induce purgation," such as Dahuang (Rhubarb Root), Mangxiao (Mirabilite), Gansui (Kansui Root), and Lvhui (Aloe); "Thin flavors promote unblocking," such as Danggui (Angelica Sinensis), Chuanxiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome), Fangji (Stephania Root), and Mutong (Akebia Stem); "Thin Qi induces sweating and dispersal," such as Mahuang (Ephedra Herb), Qianghuo (Notopterygium Rhizome), Jingjie (Schizonepeta Spike), and Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root); "Thick Qi generates heat," such as Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Lateral Root), Rougui (Cinnamon Bark), and Wuzhuyu (Evodia Fruit). Ancient sages believed that all medicines essentially possess the four natures of Yin, Yang, Ascending, and Descending, as well as the five flavors: Sour, Sweet, Bitter, Pungent, and Salty. Therefore, after entering the human body, within the ascending, descending, and reciprocal movements of the Yin and Yang Twelve Meridians, drugs exert their effects based on the positive and negative energy of the prescription composition. Consequently, when selecting prescriptions and medicines, one must take the deviation of entry and exit, ascending and descending caused by excess or deficiency of Yang or Yin at the "Maikou" (Radial Artery) and "Renying" (Carotid Artery) as the guideline. Combined with pulse qualities such as Floating, Deep, Slow, Rapid, Moderate, Tight, Large, Small, Slippery, and Choppy, one diagnoses Yin/Yang, Exterior/Interior, Cold/Heat, Deficiency/Excess to formulate a specific prescription for the symptom. The function of the drug composition should include the transformational capacity to benefit the weak and suppress the strong, thereby harmonizing Yin and Yang.
Based on the above understanding of treating diseases with Chinese herbs, I conducted my first trial in the 1970s. I selected twenty Chinese herbal medicines: Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), Chaihu (Bupleurum Root), Boheye (Mint Leaf), Chuanxiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome), Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Lateral Root), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), Baishao (White Peony Root), Shengdi (Rehmannia Root), Baizhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Dangshen (Codonopsis Root), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), Huangqin (Scutellaria Root), Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Xingren (Apricot Seed), Fa Banxia (Processed Pinellia Tuber), Gancao (Licorice Root), Fuling (Poria), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus), and Dahuang (Rhubarb Root) to treat common diseases. Whether the condition was Cold Syndrome, Heat Syndrome, Exterior Syndrome, Interior Syndrome, Deficiency Syndrome, or Excess Syndrome, I selected medicines from these twenty to formulate prescriptions, achieving an efficacy rate of 80-28%.
In the 1990s, I conducted a second trial. Building upon the aforementioned twenty medicines, I selected another thirty-nine Chinese herbal medicines: Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root), Baizhi (Angelica Dahurica Root), Jingjie (Schizonepeta Spike), Duohuo (Notopterygium Rhizome), Niuxi (Achyranthes Root), Mugua (Chaenomeles Fruit), Shanyao (Dioscorea Rhizome), Cangzhu (Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome), Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit), Jinyinhua (Lonicera Flower), Jiegeng (Platycodon Root), Huangqi (Astragalus Root), Mangxiao (Mirabilite), Houpo (Magnolia Bark), Shashen (Glehnia Root), Danshen (Salvia Root), Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark), Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit), Zexie (Alisma Rhizome), Ychen (Artemisia Capillaris), Zhi Chuanwu (Prepared Aconitum Carmichaelii Lateral Root), Fangji (Stephania Root), Yanhusuo (Corydalis Rhizome), Wuyao (Lindera Root), Danggui (Angelica Sinensis), Honghua (Carthamus Flower), Taoren (Peach Seed), Qinjiao (Gentiana Macrophylla Root), Weilingxian (Salacia Root), Shijueming (Concha Haliotidis), Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum), Wuweizi (Schisandra Fruit), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes Root), Pugongying (Dandelion), Shichangpu (Acorus Rhizome), Huzhang (Polygonum Cuspidatum Root), Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb), Chenpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel), and Xiangfuzi (Cyperi Rhizoma), totaling fifty-nine Chinese herbal medicines. These were used to treat all common diseases, achieving an efficacy rate of over 90%.
Based on the results of these two trials using Chinese herbs, I deeply realized the importance of the ancient sages' theoretical exposition on the "Yin, Yang, Qi, and Flavor" of medicines. I believe that if one uses the principles of the "Twelve Meridians" as a guide, accurately targets the patient's symptoms, combines them with appropriate prescription formulations, and fully exerts the medicinal and formulaic functions, one can treat all common diseases and achieve satisfactory results.
For many years, my rational guidance for prescribing and using Chinese herbs has been primarily based on the phenomena of ascending/descending and floating/sinking abundance or deficiency at the "Maikou" and "Renying" to "formulate prescriptions and use medicines." However, attention must be paid: "Floating pulses with exterior pathogens" should not be treated with methods of astringency and descending; "Deep pulses with pathogen accumulation in the Fu organs" should not be treated with methods of tonification and ascending. Other miscellaneous diseases can be balanced and regulated according to the Yin/Yang and ascending/descending abundance or deficiency at the "Maikou" and "Renying," leading to the decline and removal of the disease.
Below is the introduction to my experience in dialectical treatment regarding "Floating and Deep Pulse Qualities" associated with Exterior and Interior pathogens:
Speaking of experiences with Floating and Deep pulses, it all relies on discussing Floating and Deep via the Maikou.
When Floating pulses indicate pathogens, release the Exterior; when Floating pulses lack pathogens, nourish the Lower Origin.
When Deep pulses indicate Fu organ obstruction, promote unblocking and purgation; when Deep pulses indicate slipping and discharge, tonify the Middle and Lower.
Based on years of experimental results, I have proven that knowing prescriptions and using medicines does not lie in quantity, but in flexible application of prescriptions according to changing circumstances. The Classics state: "Without obstruction, Yang cannot transform; without Yang, Yin cannot generate." Therefore, physicians must emphasize the mechanism of mutual transformation between Left/Right and Yin/Yang when prescribing. If the applied prescriptions and medicines can observe the "Four Directions of Yin and Yang," the prescription is relatively comprehensive.
Suppose there are four patients with different symptoms: The first suffers from chest tightness, cough, and excessive phlegm; the second has headaches on both sides, heart/chest discomfort, and a feeling of nausea; the third has inflamed and painful throat; the fourth suffers from emotional depression, dizziness, lethargy, and chest/diaphragm fullness. However, the Yin and Yang pulse qualities of all four patients are roughly identical. Their left and right "Maikou" show prominent Guan and Chi positions but weak Cun positions. Their left and right "Renying" show stronger Cun than Chi positions. The width of their pulse waves is slightly larger than the Yin pulses at the Maikou. This proves that the ascending and descending movements of Yin-Yang pulse waves have excess in reverse operation but insufficiency in normal operation. Based on this pattern of identical pulses but different symptoms, I formulated the following treatment prescriptions:
For the first patient with chest tightness, cough, and excessive phlegm, use Chaihu and Danggui to assist the normal operation function of the Left Yin Meridians; use Jiegeng, Gancao, and Ziye (Perilla Leaf) to assist the normal operation function of the Right Yin Meridians. Use Fuling, Chenpi, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), Fa Banxia, Qianhu (Peucedanum Root), and Zhike as counter-assistants to descend rebellion and resolve phlegm from the Yang Meridians, assisting the downward delivery function of the normal operation of Yang Meridians. Together, they coordinate Yin and Yang, stop coughing, resolve phlegm, and broaden the chest.
For the second patient with bilateral headaches, heart/chest discomfort, and nausea, use Chaihu and Chuanxiong to assist the normal operation function of the Left Yin Meridians and treat headaches; use Baizhu, Fangfeng, and Baizhi to assist the normal operation function of the Right Yin Meridians and treat headaches. Use Fa Banxia, Shengjiang, and Huangqin as counter-assistants to descend rebellion from the Yang Meridians, assisting the downward delivery function of the normal operation of Yang Meridians. Together, they coordinate Yin and Yang, relieve headaches, regulate the heart/chest, and descend rebellion.
For the third patient with inflamed and painful throat, use Danggui, Chaihu, and Banlangen (Isatis Root) to assist the normal operation function of the Left Yin Meridians; use Shashen, Jiegeng, Boheye, Gancao, and Xuanshen (Scrophularia Root) to assist the normal operation function of the Right Yin Meridians. Use Maidong, Jinguolan (Holboella Corniculata Root), and Shandougen (Sophora Tonkinensis Root) as counter-assistants to descend rebellion from the Yang Meridians, assisting the downward delivery function of the normal operation of Yang Meridians. Together, they coordinate Yin and Yang and clear heat to relieve throat pain.
For the fourth patient with emotional depression, dizziness, lethargy, and chest/diaphragm fullness, use Chaihu, Danggui, and Xiangfuzi to assist the normal operation function of the Left Yin Meridians; use Cangzhu, Dangshen, and Gancao to assist the normal operation function of the Right Yin Meridians. Use Zhike, Huangqin, Qingmuxiang (Aquilaria Wood), and Gualouzi (Trichosanthes Seed) as counter-assistants to descend rebellion from the Yang Meridians, assisting the downward delivery function of the normal operation of Yang Meridians. Together, they coordinate Yin and Yang, eliminate fullness, and soothe the Liver to reach the Spleen.
The medication and prescription formulation for the above four cases take the adjustment of Yin, Yang, Ascending, and Descending as the "core." Thus, the principles of regulation are unified, but the composition of medicines differs. Although their pulse qualities are the same, their symptoms vary, so the drug compositions cannot be uniform.
Although various medicines only possess the four properties of Yin, Yang, Ascending, and Descending, because each contains different "medicinal elements," they each have strengths in treating certain diseases. Therefore, although the mechanism of Left/Right, Yin/Yang, Positive/Negative ascending and descending serves as the general guideline for regulation, and one can study "correct treatment methods" for various medical specialties, the composition of medicines will inevitably differ. However, the principle of regulating Yin-Yang ascending and descending remains consistent.
The above "four cases" of adjusting Yin and Yang in medication and prescription formulation can serve as a model for regulating Yin-Yang ascending and descending and prescribing Chinese herbs for disease treatment. However, they are also rigid examples and insufficient for universal application. To achieve correct medication and prescription for treating diseases, one must, based on the insufficiency or excess of the Cun and Chi positions of Yin and Yang pulses, further distinguish Floating, Deep, Slow, Rapid, Moderate, Tight, Large, Small, Slippery, and Choppy pulse qualities. After determining Yin/Yang, Exterior/Interior, Cold/Heat, Deficiency/Excess, one must follow the correct regulatory plans advocated by the ancient sages: "Treat Cold with Heat, Treat Heat with Cold, Warm what is Cool, Cool what is Warm, Astringe what is Scattered, Disperse what is Suppressed, Moisten what is Dry, Relax what is Spasmodic, Soften what is Hard, Firm what is Fragile, Tonify what is Declining, Drain what is Excessive," and other principled regulatory prescriptions.
Regarding the quantitative dosage of medicines, except for those containing highly toxic drugs which should use standard dosages, the dosage (large, medium, small) of other medicines should be determined based on the high, medium, low strength of the patient's pulse.
For example, in composing music, only seven notes (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) are used, but composers can flexibly and cleverly utilize changes in high, medium, and low volumes, combined with rhythms and melodies of different "thematic meanings," to create millions of different song rhymes.
Physicians are the same. By flexibly mastering varying amounts of medicines based on the significant or subtle differences in the patient's pulse, one can achieve very broad effects.
For instance, the "Guizhi Tang" (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) of the Medical Sage Zhang Zhongjing, on the basis of the original decoction, increases the amount of Shaoyao (Peony Root) by three liang and adds only one substance, Yitang (Malt Sugar), transforming it into "Jianzhong Tang" (Middle-Joint Restoring Decoction). This proves that increasing the proportion of "Shaoyao" slightly transforms a formula for treating "External Contraction" into one for treating "Internal Injury." Thus, although the Medical Sage Zhang Zhongjing used very few medicines, his variations were numerous.
Through observation over many years, I have found shortcomings in the current use of medicines by both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine.
Because TCM lacks clarity on the principles of the Left and Right "Twelve Meridians," and TCM practitioners with insufficient clinical experience, lacking the guidance of "principled Yin-Yang movement mechanisms" in their prescriptions, inevitably make inappropriate choices.
Western medicine utilizes modern medical instruments to detect lesions in human organs and tissues. However, due to ignorance of the principles of the "Twelve Meridians" and Yin-Yang Five Elements, its medication targets only tangible, material lesions, neglecting the overall Yin-Yang function and energy of the "invisible" Twelve Meridians. Although it provides rapid effects for many diseases, it often causes side effects or adverse reactions.
Therefore, only by integrating the medical theories, techniques, and medicines of TCM and Western Medicine, taking advantage of each, and utilizing them mutually, can we achieve a more perfect and ideal approach to treating diseases.
Without "Truth," it is difficult to establish "True Methods." Having now described the mechanism of the human "Twelve Meridians," I hope colleagues in the medical field will use modern scientific experiments to explore the positive or reverse operations played by medicines within the human Yin and Yang meridians, thereby developing specific effective medicines for treating diseases in various specialties.
Twenty-Six: The Only Path to Improving Efficacy through Integrating TCM and Western Medicine
The sensitivity of the human "Twelve Meridians" is extremely high. In slowly progressing diseases, before the patient themselves feels any disease symptoms, the "Twelve Meridians" have already become diseased, producing imbalance in Yin and Yang meridians. Only when the disease develops to a certain extent do our human sensory organs perceive illness.
The ancient saying "Treating Disease Before It Arises" (Zhi Wei Bing) has two meanings: First, when the patient has not yet felt ill, the physician detects deviations in Yin-Yang meridians during diagnosis and provides timely correction. Second, if the Liver Wood is diseased, knowing it easily transmits to the Spleen Earth, treatment should focus on strengthening the Spleen to prevent transmission. Hence, it is called "Treating Disease Before It Arises."
I have often seen patients who, after examination and testing with various medical instruments in hospitals, show no signs of disease, yet genuinely feel ill. Through my diagnosis of the "two Maikou and two Renying," I can discover imbalances in the patient's Yin and Yang meridians. After regulation reaches Yin-Yang balance, the patient feels their illness eliminated. This leads me to understand that modern instrument examinations can only diagnose organic lesions inside and outside the muscular body with tangible quality, as well as lesions with laboratory data. However, they struggle to diagnose lesions arising from the intangible mechanisms of the "Twelve Meridians." Therefore, it proves that the positive/negative mechanism of the Twelve Meridians is the "root of roots" in diagnosing and treating diseases, while physical and morphological disorders inside and outside the muscular body are merely the "branches of the root." If one abandons the fundamental principles of the "Twelve Meridians" in TCM, confusion easily arises in dialectical treatment.
Modern medical observations show that within the human body, there are two relatively opposing structures operating physiological and pathological forms, evolving endlessly. Yet, it is unknown that all originate from the potential of the intangible, imageless positive/negative mechanism of the "Twelve Meridians."
Although our national medicine possesses this most fundamental and profound TCM system theory, it lags far behind Western medicine in utilizing scientific modern medical conditions. For example, intravenous infusion, blood transfusion, and oxygen therapy in Western medicine are excellent treatments suitable for acute and critical illnesses. However, Western medicine's efficacy in treating chronic diseases falls far short of TCM. Long-term use of Western medicines even leads to adverse drug reactions.
This is because some chronic diseases result from long-term imbalanced operation of Zang-Fu Yin-Yang "Twelve Meridians." According to TCM treatment, after distinguishing the deficiency or excess of Zang, Fu, Yin, and Yang meridians, prescriptions are formulated to regulate. The principle applied is to transform the movement of Zang-Fu Yin-Yang meridians towards normalcy. Thus, it correctly addresses the patient's etiology and symptoms. Although medication lasts long, adverse drug reactions are rare.
Therefore, I believe that if Western medicine integrates the positive/negative movement mechanism of Yin-Yang "Twelve Meridians" from TCM theory to cooperate with prescriptions for treatment, the efficacy would be more ideal. Only by combining TCM and Western medical theories and taking their respective strengths can we comprehensively improve the direction of medical development. Therefore, the mechanism of Yin/Yang and Positive/Negative movement of the "Twelve Meridians" is the guideline for integrating and connecting TCM and Western medical theories.
This positive/negative mechanism of the "Twelve Meridians" connects TCM and Western medical theories, making them non-contradictory rationally. Thus, the Yin-Yang opposition mechanism of the TCM "Twelve Meridians" is one of the rationales promoting coordination between TCM and Western medical theories, truly facilitating research into both theories to reach the highest level of medical treatment together.
Twenty-Seven: On "Twelve Meridians" and Surgical Treatment
If the Zang-Fu Yin-Yang meridians of the human body operate out of harmony for a long time, Zang-Fu diseases will arise. Some cases become severe enough to require surgical excision. I believe that with long-term treatment using the theory of "Twelve Meridians," some patients can be cured without surgery.
For example, among cured patients, several cases involving Zang or organ lesions were severe and diagnosed by large hospitals as requiring surgery. However, they were cured after I regulated them using the mechanism of the "Twelve Meridians." Typical case:
Feng XX, Female, 50 years old, residing in Hongqi Brigade, Gong'an County.
The patient frequently experienced slight pain in the right kidney area, frequent urination, increased pain during urination, and reduced urine volume. Hospital examination diagnosed "Right Kidney Tuberculosis." Having suffered for over three years, she commonly used TCM and Western medicines, but symptoms fluctuated, and the disease was not resolved. Later, her symptoms gradually worsened. Examination and diagnosis at two people's hospitals in Shashi City both confirmed "Right Kidney Necrosis," and both decided on surgical "excision of the right kidney."
Fearful of surgery, she was introduced to me for treatment. After diagnosing via Yin-Yang pulse qualities, I instructed the patient to soak a towel in warm water at 70-80 degrees Celsius daily, wring out the moisture, and apply hot compresses to the right "Taixi Point" (KI3) and right "Weizhong Point" (BL40); additionally, apply to the left and right "Zusanli Points" (ST36). During compression therapy, the temperature should be moderate to avoid burning the skin. If the towel is too hot, apply over clothing; reheat when cool. Each session lasts 35-50 minutes. I also prepared a batch of Chinese patent pills to regulate Yin-Yang and Qi-Blood, taken twice daily to assist treatment.
After more than sixty days of physiotherapy, the patient showed slight improvement. After half a year of physiotherapy, she felt the kidney pain lessen and urination frequency decrease. Upon reaching one and a half years of physiotherapy, all symptoms disappeared, and she reported complete recovery. Subsequent hospital examination showed her "right kidney" had returned to normal. Follow-up for eight years showed no recurrence. She could manage household chores and remained healthy.