曾治患者郭××，男，42岁。阳痿不举数年，中、西药，针灸等久治不效。旋邀某泌尿外科医生治之。医以西药注射局部后，阴茎骤然勃起，其后数日一直纵挺不收，走路、睡眠、坐立均纵挺直立，严重影响各种活动。为此，先请泌尿外科医生数次抽血进行治疗，虽抽血近百毫升亦不好转。为此不得不求中医治之。前医云为肝火，予龙胆泻肝汤10剂，不效；后医云其为命门相火妄动，予知柏地黄、大补阴丸加减近40剂，效亦不著。经人介绍，改邀余诊。思之：此乃药物注射伤其宗筋所致。诸药者治阳痿为促使阴茎充血，充血不除则成瘀血也。治宜疏肝通络，活血化瘀。前后以桃核承气、少腹逐瘀、复元活血、代抵当汤、红花散、虎杖散等加减近200余剂。然诸证仍不见减。因思仲景曾云：“太阳病三日，已发汗，若吐，若下，若温针，仍不解者，此为坏病，桂枝不中与之也。观其脉证，知犯何逆，随证治之。”细察其脉。两脉均弦细而尺大弦涩俱见。因思尺脉者，肾与命门也；弦细而涩者寒也。为肾阳不足，寒水凝滞，水凝不化之致也。拟用济生肾气丸加减。处方：熟地28克，山药12克，肉苁蓉15克，茯苓10克，泽泻10克，丹皮10克，附子10克，肉桂10克，五味子10克，怀牛膝10克，车前子10克(布包煎)。服药3剂，阴茎胀痛不适好转，继服10剂，阴茎异常勃起消失。后果愈。
休克
休克一病，既有虚证，又有实证；既有脱证，又有厥证。因此治疗之时必须详分虚实寒热。例如：患者康××，男，20岁。突然昼夜泄泻不止，次晨发现神志时明时昧，反应迟钝，四肢厥冷，脉沉微欲绝，某医查血压60／40mmHg，急予西药治之，不效。邀余审视。察其神志时明时昧，肢厥脉微，舌淡而润。综合脉证后，云：少阴脉微，肢厥，四逆汤证也，治宜四逆汤。处方：附子10克，干姜10克，炙甘草10克。并嘱先将三药共捣为粗末，急煎20分钟后，频频服之。服药1小时后，精神逐渐好转，3小时后，四肢转温，言语有力，血压上升至100／70mmHg，泄泻停止，继服1剂，诸证消失而愈。某医云：为什么不加人参?是否休克就用四逆汤?答曰：四逆汤回阳救逆最速，加人参之养阴益气则回阳之力稍缓耳。但若伤血伤阴者用之，非但可以回阳，亦且可以回阴耳。正如《伤寒论》所说：“下利清谷……脉微欲绝者，四逆汤主之”“下利而厥冷者，四逆汤主之”“恶寒脉微而复利，利止亡血也，四逆加人参汤主之。”若阴盛格阳，浮阳躁动者，宜四逆汤稍佐苦寒之品，《伤寒论》说：“少阴病，下利清谷，里寒外热，手足厥逆，脉微欲绝，身反不恶寒，其人面色赤……或干呕，或咽痛，或利止脉不出者，通脉四逆汤主之’，“少阴病下利，脉微者，与白通汤。利不止，厥逆无脉，干呕烦者，白通加猪胆汁汤主之。”例如：患者段××，男，57岁。冠心病数年，三天前，夜间突发腹痛泄泻，便如黑水。医察潜血强阳性，予止血之药不效，继而发现神志时明时昧，反应迟钝，面色苍白，四肢厥冷，血压下降至70／60mmHg。医急予输血等法抢救之，然经30多个小时后仍无效果。审其面色苍白，神志时明时昧，口唇、鼻尖、耳壳、四肢厥冷，口苦而干，舌苔薄黄，脉沉微欲绝。综合脉证后，云：太阴、少阴俱病也，然有寒格口苦之象，治宜附子理中汤加黄连。处方：附子10克，干姜10克，人参10克，白术10克，甘草10克，黄连10克。眼药1剂后，次日往诊，泄泻已止，精神好转，并云：已能进禽少许，血压100／70mmHg；继服1剂，血压升至120／80mmHHg，神志正常。
若高热汗出过多者，多为气阴俱脱所致。治疗之时除清热外，尤应益气养阴固脱。例如：于××，女，60岁。夏季暑热，加以过度劳累，突然出现发热汗出不止，疲乏无力，口渴喜饮，继而神志忽明忽昧，血压下降至70／50mmHg，某院急予西药抢救不效，后又配合中药人参仍不效。审视其证，病发夏季酷暑之时，又见发热汗出，神疲口渴，且但予人参治之不效，舌苔黄白腻，脉虚而数。综合脉证，云：此病乃夏季伤暑，气阴俱脱之证也，治宜清暑益气汤。处方：黄芪15克，人参1O克，甘草6克，当归6克，麦冬10克，五味子10克，青皮10克，陈皮10克，神曲10克，黄柏10克，葛根10克，苍术10克，白术10克，升麻10克，泽泻10克，生姜2片，大枣3个。医云：单用生脉散治之可否?前用人参何故不效?答曰：气阴两脱者，应予生脉散，但本病暑邪未去，恐但予补涩不可也。至于人参，因其养阴固脱之功不足，又且缺少祛暑之品，故不宜单独应用。药进1剂，精神、食欲好转，血压90／70mmHg，继进3剂，诸证消失，血压恢复正常。又如患者朱×x，女，70岁。慢性支气管炎、肺气肿，肺部感染两个多月，医予抗生素及葡萄糖静注治之，猝然发生高热寒战，体温41℃。某医突予安乃近1支，即刻发生汗出淋漓不断，烦渴引饮，神志时清时昧，舌质嫩红，无苔，脉沉微欲绝，血压50／?(数个医护人员均未听到)，医急予西药治疗，8个小时后，诸证不减。邀余配合中药治之。审其证，如上述，乃云：气阴俱脱，治宜生脉散，处方：人参10克，麦冬10克，五味子10克。捣为粗末，急煎，频频服之，半小时后，诸证俱减，10小时后，血压恢复正常，诸证大减。但是，发热之病的休克，并不完全都是由气阴俱脱所致的，有的是由腑实闭塞或里热炽盛引起，前者如《伤寒论·少阴篇》之三急下证，后者如白虎汤证，它说：“少阴病，得之二三日，口燥咽干者，急下之，宜大承气汤。”“少阴病，自利清水，色纯青，心下必痛，口干燥者，急下之，宜大承气汤。”“少阴病六七日，腹胀不大便者，急下之，宜大承气汤。”有的则是由阴脱而转阳脱。例如：张××，女，40岁。流行性乙型脑炎高热昏迷7天来，经中、西药物治疗，体温由40．1℃降至38．5℃，神志已清醒后，突然又发生昏迷，二便失禁，四肢、前额、下颌、鼻尖清冷，舌苔薄白，脉沉微欲绝，血压60／?(数个医护人员均听不到)，医予西药进行抢救，4小时后，诸证不见改善。邀余诊视，予四逆汤一剂。处方：附子3克，干姜3克，甘草3克，服药40分钟左右，四肢微温，2个小时之后，血压上升至90／75mrnHg，神志清醒，24小时后，血压正常。陈××，男，2岁。腺病毒肺炎在治疗过程中，突然体温、血压均下降，两足发冷，腹胀泄泻，呼吸微弱，深度昏迷，脉沉细无力。医先予西药治疗不效。邀李翰卿先生诊疗。处方：西洋参6克，附子3克，石菖蒲0．3克。是夜四肢转温，血压恢复至90／75mmHg，昏迷转为嗜睡，再以上方治之，两日后愈。
若大出血、腹胸剧痛者的休克，虽有虚证，亦有实证。李翰卿先生认为：突然腹部剧烈疼痛，有压痛，大便秘结，指趾、耳壳、鼻尖、下颌均冷，舌苔薄白，脉沉微欲绝或沉伏者，为寒实结滞，治宜温下通腑，方如：枳实9克，厚朴9克，附子6克，人参6克，大黄3克，芒硝3克；若大便秘结较轻者，去大黄、芒硝，加二丑3—6克，或九痛丸4～12粒；若舌苔黄厚干燥者，为热实于里，治宜寒下其积，可在上方基础上去附子；若舌有瘀斑或舌青紫者，加桃仁2～6克、苏木3～6克。若虽腹部剧痛，但无压痛，大便稀溏，或失禁，或正常，舌苔白，舌淡白，或暗，脉沉微欲绝，或沉伏者，为寒邪直中，治宜温里散寒，如附桂理中汤、《金匮》赤丸；舌苔茜，或兼口苦、口干者，加黄连。例如：李翰卿治一人，宫外孕合并肠梗阻、休克，前医以输血、独参汤大剂予之，不效。先生腹诊后，云：寒实结滞，与枳实、厚朴、二丑、桃仁、人参而愈。但若吐血、咯血、崩漏等大出血所致者，则主要是虚证，其中若面色皓白，神疲乏力，四肢微冷，舌质淡，舌苔白，脉虚大或芤者，治宜独参汤大剂益气固脱；手足厥冷，脉微欲绝，鼻尖、耳壳、下颌均冷者，宜参附汤。例如：安××，女，38岁。产后大出血不止，突然汗出，脉微，神志昏蒙，面色苍白，血压70／50mmHg。家父急予人参120克，频频灌服。两小时后，诸证好转，继而恢复正常。
感冒反复发作
有些患者非常容易感冒，轻则一周一次，重者二三天就一次，有些稍遇风吹，有些稍吃辣椒，有些稍劳汗出，有些一遇房事，有些一至经期，有些一吃冷食，即发生鼻塞、喷嚏，或全身酸痛，疲乏无力，头晕头痛，此证虽不严重，但却影响健康。
综合医家之报道和老师的经验，大致有以下诸法：①玉屏风散，②桂枝汤，③薯蓣丸。余试用于临床多见奇效。但是若虚中夹实，或脾胃虚寒者，多见无效。例如：患者李××，男，45岁。胃脘冷痛，食欲不振5年多。近三年来经常感冒，特别是在冬天、劳累之后，汗后，或从室内向院中走出时，最容易发作，轻则五六天，重则二三天，必然发生一次。每次感冒后，均感头痛身痛，畏寒怕风，轻微咳嗽，体温在37．5℃左右，一服姜糖水即可暂时缓解。此次感冒后，服用姜糖水、玉屏风散等多剂无效。审视其证，除感冒外，并见胃脘冷痛，疲乏无力，指趾厥冷，舌苔薄白，脉沉细而弦。综其脉证，诊为脾阳亏损，卫气不固。为拟温中健脾，益气解表。再造散加减，处方：党参10克，黄芪15克，甘草6克，肉桂10克。附子10克，白芍10克，防风4克，细辛1克，生姜2片，大枣3个。服药2剂后，诸证消失，以后每周2剂，共服10剂而愈。又如：患者殷××，女，19岁。半年来食欲不振，反复感冒，前医见其全身酸困，畏风，鼻痒，喷嚏，予桂枝汤治之，始而有效，继而无功。审之，脉缓，再询其证，时见便秘。乃与桂枝大黄汤2剂，一剂知，两剂愈。其后每周2剂，连服6剂而愈。
若三焦郁热，肺气不固者，或与玉屏风，或与桂枝汤、薯预丸，非但感冒不解，反而使郁热更甚。例如：患者韩××，男，2岁。近数月来反复感冒，长则1周，短则3日，发时鼻塞流涕，体温在38℃～39℃，每次发病非多种抗生素无效．但每次刚刚痊愈，两三天后又重复发作。审视其证，发热鼻塞，手足心反较手足背热，腹亦热，舌苔黄厚。证脉相参，诊为三焦郁热，食滞不化。乃拟升降散加减，处方：蝉衣9克，僵蛹6克，片姜黄9克，大黄3克，防风3克。服药1剂，大便通下两次，体温恢复正常，继进1剂而愈。后以牛黄E清丸，一日3次，一次1／3丸，服用10天而愈。
肝郁血虚，卫气失职，若与补益则郁结更甚，若与泻火则卫气反伤。例如：患者张××，女，成。数年来月经失调，有时提前七八天，有时错后五六天。近三年来，每至经期则鼻塞流涕，喷嚏头痛，全身酸痛。前医诊为气虚，卫气不固。先予玉屏风散加减不效，后以补中益气、桂枝汤仍不效。患者因久治不效，时见口鼻干燥，而数服牛黄解毒丸、牛黄上清丸、牛黄清心丸、清胃黄连丸，然而非但口鼻干燥不减，亦且感冒日渐加剧，不得已，再寻求中医治疗。审视其证，除感冒的一般表现外，并见胸胁苦满，心烦心悸，手心烦热，舌苔薄白，脉弦细小数。综合脉证，云：肝郁血虚之证也，治宜丹栀逍遥散．患者听后，云：肝郁血虚为什么反复感冒?答云：《内经》曰：肝为将军之官，将军者抵御外邪之官也，血虚肝郁，则将军之功能失职，卫气不固，故用丹栀逍遥散治肝之方治卫气不固之疾也。处方：丹皮10克，栀子10克，柴胡10克，当归10克，白芍10克，白术10克，茯苓10克，甘草10克，生姜10克，薄荷6克。服药4剂，感冒即愈，其后每至经前即投药4剂，调理3月而愈。
顽固失眠
曾治疗患者郭××，男性，42岁。患阳痿（阴茎不能勃起）数年之久，经中药、西药及针灸等长期治疗均无效。随后邀请某泌尿外科医生进行治疗。该医生采用局部注射西药后，患者阴茎突然勃起，此后数日一直持续勃起不消退，行走、睡眠、坐立时均呈直立状态，严重影响了各种日常活动。为此，先请泌尿外科医生多次抽血治疗，虽然抽取了近百毫升血液，但病情未见好转。因此不得不寻求中医治疗。前一位医生认为是肝火旺盛，给予龙胆泻肝汤10剂，无效；后一位医生认为是命门相火妄动，给予知柏地黄丸和大补阴丸加减近40剂，疗效也不显著。后经人介绍，改邀我诊治。思考之后认为：这是由于药物注射损伤了宗筋（指外生殖器，包括阴茎和睾丸）所致。各种药物治阳痿旨在促使阴茎充血，若充血无法消除则形成瘀血。治疗应当疏肝通络，活血化瘀。前后以桃核承气汤、少腹逐瘀汤、复元活血汤、代抵当汤、红花散、虎杖散等方剂加减服用近200余剂。然而诸症仍不见减轻。于是想到张仲景曾说：“太阳病（太阳经受邪所致的病证）三天，已经发汗，如果又用吐法、下法或温针，病仍不解的，这叫坏病，桂枝汤不再适用。应观察其脉象和症状，了解犯了什么错误，随证进行治疗。”仔细诊察其脉象，两手脉均弦细，且尺脉大弦涩并见。心想尺脉对应肾与命门；弦细而涩代表寒证。这是肾阳不足，寒水凝滞，水液凝结不化所致。拟定使用济生肾气丸加减。处方：熟地黄28克，山药12克，肉苁蓉15克，茯苓10克，泽泻10克，牡丹皮10克，附子10克，肉桂10克，五味子10克，怀牛膝10克，车前子10克（布包煎）。服药3剂后，阴茎胀痛不适感好转，继服10剂，阴茎异常勃起消失。后果痊愈。
休克
休克一病，既有虚证，又有实证；既有脱证（正气衰竭外脱），又有厥证（阴阳之气不相顺接）。因此治疗时必须详细分辨虚实寒热。例如：患者康××，男性，20岁。突然昼夜泄泻不止，次日早晨发现神志有时清醒有时模糊，反应迟钝，四肢冰冷，脉象沉微欲绝，某医生检查血压为60/40mmHg，急予西药治疗，无效。邀请我审视。观察其神志时明时昧，肢冷脉微，舌质淡而湿润。综合脉证后判断：少阴脉微，肢冷，属于四逆汤证，治疗宜用四逆汤。处方：附子10克，干姜10克，炙甘草10克。并嘱咐先将三药共捣为粗末，急煎20分钟后，频频服用。服药1小时后，精神逐渐好转，3小时后，四肢转温，言语有力，血压上升至100/70mmHg，泄泻停止，继服1剂，诸症消失而愈。某医生问：为什么不加人参？是否休克就用四逆汤？回答说：四逆汤回阳救逆速度最快，加入人参的养阴益气作用会使回阳之力稍缓。但如果伤血伤阴者使用它，不仅可以回阳，也可以回阴。正如《伤寒论》所说：“下利清谷……脉微欲绝者，四逆汤主之”“下利而厥冷者，四逆汤主之”“恶寒脉微而复利，利止亡血也，四逆加人参汤主之。”若阴盛格阳，浮阳躁动者，宜在四逆汤中稍佐苦寒之品，《伤寒论》说：“少阴病，下利清谷，里寒外热，手足厥逆，脉微欲绝，身反不恶寒，其人面色赤……或干呕，或咽痛，或利止脉不出者，通脉四逆汤主之’，“少阴病下利，脉微者，与白通汤。利不止，厥逆无脉，干呕烦者，白通加猪胆汁汤主之。”例如：患者段××，男性，57岁。患冠心病数年，三天前夜间突发腹痛泄泻，大便如黑水。医生检查潜血强阳性，予止血药无效，继而发现神志时明时昧，反应迟钝，面色苍白，四肢厥冷，血压下降至70/60mmHg。医生急予输血等方法抢救，然而经过30多个小时仍无效果。审视其面色苍白，神志时明时昧，口唇、鼻尖、耳壳、四肢厥冷，口苦而干，舌苔薄黄，脉沉微欲绝。综合脉证后判断：太阴、少阴俱病，然而有寒格口苦之象，治疗宜用附子理中汤加黄连。处方：附子10克，干姜10克，人参10克，白术10克，甘草10克，黄连10克。服药1剂后，次日往诊，泄泻已止，精神好转，并说：已能进食少许，血压100/70mmHg；继服1剂，血压升至120/80mmHg，神志正常。
若高热汗出过多者，多为气阴俱脱所致。治疗之时除清热外，尤应益气养阴固脱。例如：于××，女性，60岁。夏季暑热，加上过度劳累，突然出现发热汗出不止，疲乏无力，口渴喜饮，继而神志忽明忽昧，血压下降至70/50mmHg，某院急予西药抢救无效，后又配合中药人参仍无效。审视其证，病发于夏季酷暑之时，又见发热汗出，神疲口渴，且单用人参治疗无效，舌苔黄白腻，脉虚而数。综合脉证，判断：此病乃夏季伤暑，气阴俱脱之证也，治疗宜用清暑益气汤。处方：黄芪15克，人参10克，甘草6克，当归6克，麦冬10克，五味子10克，青皮10克，陈皮10克，神曲10克，黄柏10克，葛根10克，苍术10克，白术10克，升麻10克，泽泻10克，生姜2片，大枣3个。医生说：单用生脉散治疗可否？之前用人参为何无效？回答说：气阴两脱者，应予生脉散，但本病暑邪未去，恐怕单用补涩不可行。至于人参，因其养阴固脱之功不足，又缺少祛暑之品，故不宜单独应用。药进1剂，精神、食欲好转，血压90/70mmHg，继进3剂，诸症消失，血压恢复正常。又如患者朱×x，女性，70岁。慢性支气管炎、肺气肿，肺部感染两个多月，医生予抗生素及葡萄糖静注治疗，猝然发生高热寒战，体温41℃。某医突予安乃近1支，即刻发生汗出淋漓不断，烦渴引饮，神志时清时昧，舌质嫩红，无苔，脉沉微欲绝，血压50/?（数个医护人员均未听到），医生急予西药治疗，8个小时后，诸症不减。邀我配合中药治疗。审视其证，如上所述，于是判断：气阴俱脱，治疗宜用生脉散，处方：人参10克，麦冬10克，五味子10克。捣为粗末，急煎，频频服用，半小时后，诸症俱减，10小时后，血压恢复正常，诸症大减。但是，发热之病的休克，并不完全都是由气阴俱脱所致的，有的是由腑实闭塞或里热炽盛引起，前者如《伤寒论·少阴篇》之三急下证，后者如白虎汤证，它说：“少阴病，得之二三日，口燥咽干者，急下之，宜大承气汤。”“少阴病，自利清水，色纯青，心下必痛，口干燥者，急下之，宜大承气汤。”“少阴病六七日，腹胀不大便者，急下之，宜大承气汤。”有的则是由阴脱而转阳脱。例如：张××，女性，40岁。流行性乙型脑炎高热昏迷7天来，经中、西药物治疗，体温由40.1℃降至38.5℃，神志已清醒后，突然又发生昏迷，二便失禁，四肢、前额、下颌、鼻尖清冷，舌苔薄白，脉沉微欲绝，血压60/?（数个医护人员均听不到），医生予西药进行抢救，4小时后，诸症不见改善。邀我诊视，予四逆汤一剂。处方：附子3克，干姜3克，甘草3克，服药40分钟左右，四肢微温，2个小时之后，血压上升至90/75mmHg，神志清醒，24小时后，血压正常。陈××，男性，2岁。腺病毒肺炎在治疗过程中，突然体温、血压均下降，两足发冷，腹胀泄泻，呼吸微弱，深度昏迷，脉沉细无力。医生先予西药治疗无效。邀请李翰卿先生诊疗。处方：西洋参6克，附子3克，石菖蒲0.3克。是夜四肢转温，血压恢复至90/75mmHg，昏迷转为嗜睡，再以上方治疗，两日后愈。
若大出血、腹胸剧痛者的休克，虽有虚证，亦有实证。李翰卿先生认为：突然腹部剧烈疼痛，有压痛，大便秘结，指趾、耳壳、鼻尖、下颌均冷，舌苔薄白，脉沉微欲绝或沉伏者，为寒实结滞，治疗宜温下通腑，方如：枳实9克，厚朴9克，附子6克，人参6克，大黄3克，芒硝3克；若大便秘结较轻者，去大黄、芒硝，加二丑3—6克，或九痛丸4～12粒；若舌苔黄厚干燥者，为热实于里，治疗宜寒下其积，可在上方基础上去附子；若舌有瘀斑或舌青紫者，加桃仁2～6克、苏木3～6克。若虽腹部剧痛，但无压痛，大便稀溏，或失禁，或正常，舌苔白，舌淡白，或暗，脉沉微欲绝，或沉伏者，为寒邪直中，治疗宜温里散寒，如附桂理中汤、《金匮》赤丸；舌苔茜（此处疑为“黄”或特定描述，依原文保留），或兼口苦、口干者，加黄连。例如：李翰卿治一人，宫外孕合并肠梗阻、休克，前医以输血、独参汤大剂予之，无效。先生腹诊后，判断：寒实结滞，给予枳实、厚朴、二丑、桃仁、人参而愈。但若吐血、咯血、崩漏等大出血所致者，则主要是虚证，其中若面色皓白，神疲乏力，四肢微冷，舌质淡，舌苔白，脉虚大或芤者，治疗宜独参汤大剂益气固脱；手足厥冷，脉微欲绝，鼻尖、耳壳、下颌均冷者，宜参附汤。例如：安××，女性，38岁。产后大出血不止，突然汗出，脉微，神志昏蒙，面色苍白，血压70/50mmHg。家父急予人参120克，频频灌服。两小时后，诸症好转，继而恢复正常。
感冒反复发作
有些患者非常容易感冒，轻则一周一次，重者二三天就一次，有些稍遇风吹，有些稍吃辣椒，有些稍劳汗出，有些一遇房事，有些一至经期，有些一吃冷食，即发生鼻塞、喷嚏，或全身酸痛，疲乏无力，头晕头痛，此证虽不严重，但却影响健康。
综合医家之报道和老师的经验，大致有以下诸法：①玉屏风散，②桂枝汤，③薯蓣丸。我试用于临床多见奇效。但是如果虚中夹实，或脾胃虚寒者，多见无效。例如：患者李××，男性，45岁。胃脘冷痛，食欲不振5年多。近三年来经常感冒，特别是在冬天、劳累之后，汗后，或从室内向院中走出时，最容易发作，轻则五六天，重则二三天，必然发生一次。每次感冒后，均感头痛身痛，畏寒怕风，轻微咳嗽，体温在37.5℃左右，一服姜糖水即可暂时缓解。此次感冒后，服用姜糖水、玉屏风散等多剂无效。审视其证，除感冒外，并见胃脘冷痛，疲乏无力，指趾厥冷，舌苔薄白，脉沉细而弦。综其脉证，诊断为脾阳亏损，卫气不固。为此拟定温中健脾，益气解表。再造散加减，处方：党参10克，黄芪15克，甘草6克，肉桂10克，附子10克，白芍10克，防风4克，细辛1克，生姜2片，大枣3个。服药2剂后，诸症消失，以后每周2剂，共服10剂而愈。又如：患者殷××，女性，19岁。半年来食欲不振，反复感冒，前医见其全身酸困，畏风，鼻痒，喷嚏，予桂枝汤治疗，始而有效，继而无功。审之，脉缓，再询其证，时见便秘。于是给予桂枝大黄汤2剂，一剂见效，两剂痊愈。其后每周2剂，连服6剂而愈。
若三焦郁热，肺气不固者，或与玉屏风，或与桂枝汤、薯蓣丸，非但感冒不解，反而使郁热更甚。例如：患者韩××，男性，2岁。近数月来反复感冒，长则1周，短则3日，发时鼻塞流涕，体温在38℃～39℃，每次发病非多种抗生素无效，但每次刚刚痊愈，两三天后又重复发作。审视其证，发热鼻塞，手足心反较手足背热，腹亦热，舌苔黄厚。证脉相参，诊断为三焦郁热，食滞不化。于是拟定升降散加减，处方：蝉衣9克，僵蛹6克，片姜黄9克，大黄3克，防风3克。服药1剂，大便通下两次，体温恢复正常，继进1剂而愈。后以牛黄清心丸，一日3次，一次1/3丸，服用10天而愈。
肝郁血虚，卫气失职，若与补益则郁结更甚，若与泻火则卫气反伤。例如：患者张××，女性，成年。数年来月经失调，有时提前七八天，有时错后五六天。近三年来，每至经期则鼻塞流涕，喷嚏头痛，全身酸痛。前医诊断为气虚，卫气不固。先予玉屏风散加减无效，后以补中益气、桂枝汤仍无效。患者因久治无效，时见口鼻干燥，而数服牛黄解毒丸、牛黄上清丸、牛黄清心丸、清胃黄连丸，然而非但口鼻干燥不减，亦且感冒日渐加剧，不得已，再寻求中医治疗。审视其证，除感冒的一般表现外，并见胸胁苦满，心烦心悸，手心烦热，舌苔薄白，脉弦细小数。综合脉证，判断：肝郁血虚之证也，治疗宜用丹栀逍遥散。患者听后，问：肝郁血虚为什么反复感冒？回答说：《内经》曰：肝为将军之官，将军者抵御外邪之官也，血虚肝郁，则将军之功能失职，卫气不固，故用丹栀逍遥散治肝之方治卫气不固之疾也。处方：丹皮10克，栀子10克，柴胡10克，当归10克，白芍10克，白术10克，茯苓10克，甘草10克，生姜10克，薄荷6克。服药4剂，感冒即愈，其后每至经前即投药4剂，调理3月而愈。
顽固失眠
Zeng treated a patient, Guo XX, male, 42 years old. He suffered from impotence (inability of the penis to erect) for several years, and long-term treatments with Chinese medicine, Western medicine, and acupuncture were ineffective. Subsequently, a urologist was invited for treatment. After local injection of Western medicine by this doctor, the patient's penis suddenly became erect and remained so for several days thereafter. It stayed erect during walking, sleeping, sitting, and standing, severely affecting daily activities. To address this, the urologist performed bloodletting several times, extracting nearly 100 ml of blood, but there was no improvement. Consequently, he sought Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment. The previous physician attributed the condition to Liver Fire and prescribed Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Decoction to Drain the Liver) for 10 doses, which was ineffective. The subsequent physician diagnosed it as hyperactivity of Mingmen (Gate of Life) Ministerial Fire and prescribed modified Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (Anemarrhena, Phellodendron, and Rehmannia Pill) and Da Bu Yin Wan (Great Yin-Nourishing Pill) for nearly 40 doses, also without significant effect. Introduced by others, I was invited to consult. Upon reflection, I considered this condition resulted from damage to the Zongjin (tendons of the external genitalia, including the penis and testes) caused by drug injections. Medications used to treat impotence aim to promote penile congestion; if this congestion is not resolved, it leads to Blood Stasis. The treatment principle should be to soothe the Liver, unblock collaterals, invigorate Blood, and resolve stasis. Over time, modified formulas including Taohe Chengqi Tang (Peach Kernel and Rhubarb Decoction), Shaofu Zhuyu Tang (Lower Abdomen Blood-Invigorating and Stasis-Resolving Decoction), Fuyuan Huoxue Tang (Restore Vitality Blood-Invigorating Decoction), Daidang Tang (Substitute Dangui Decoction), Honghua San (Safflower Powder), and Huzhang San (Polygonum Cuspidatum Powder) were used in modifications for over 200 doses. However, symptoms persisted. I recalled Zhang Zhongjing's statement: "In Taiyang disease (disease pattern resulting from pathogenic invasion of the Taiyang channel), after three days, if sweating has been induced, or if vomiting, purging, or warm needle therapy have been applied, yet the disease remains unresolved, this is termed a 'ruined disease' (Huai Bing). Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is no longer appropriate. One must observe the pulse and symptoms, identify the error committed, and treat according to the current syndrome." Careful examination of the pulse revealed that both wrists showed a string-taut and fine quality, while the Chi position (corresponding to the Kidney and Mingmen) was large, string-taut, and choppy. I reasoned that the Chi position corresponds to the Kidney and Mingmen; a string-taut, fine, and choppy quality indicates Cold. This was due to insufficient Kidney Yang, stagnation of Cold Water, and failure to transform condensed water fluids. I formulated Jisheng Shenqi Wan (Jisheng Kidney Qi Pill) with modifications. Prescription: Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) 28g, Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) 12g, Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche Stem) 15g, Fu Ling (Poria) 10g, Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome) 10g, Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) 10g, Fu Zi (Aconite Lateral Root) 10g, Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) 10g, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit) 10g, Huai Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) 10g, Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed) 10g (wrapped in cloth and decocted). After taking 3 doses, the distending pain and discomfort of the penis improved. After continuing for 10 more doses, the abnormal erection disappeared. The patient eventually recovered completely.
Shock
The disease of shock presents both deficiency (Xu) and excess (Shi) patterns; it includes both collapse (Tuo) and jue (Jue) patterns. Therefore, during treatment, one must carefully differentiate between deficiency/excess and cold/heat. For example: Patient Kang XX, male, 20 years old. Suddenly experienced continuous diarrhea day and night. The next morning, his consciousness fluctuated between clear and confused, his reaction was sluggish, his limbs were cold, and his pulse was deep, faint, and nearly imperceptible. A doctor checked his blood pressure at 60/40 mmHg and urgently administered Western medicine, which was ineffective. I was invited to examine him. Observing his fluctuating consciousness, cold limbs, faint pulse, pale and moist tongue, and synthesizing the pulse and symptoms, I concluded: A faint Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) pulse, cold limbs, and indications of Si Ni Tang (Four Counterflow Decoction) syndrome. The treatment should utilize Si Ni Tang. Prescription: Fu Zi (Aconite Lateral Root) 10g, Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) 10g, Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice Root) 10g. He was instructed to crush the three herbs into coarse powder, decoct rapidly for 20 minutes, and take frequently. After 1 hour of medication, his spirit gradually improved. After 3 hours, his limbs warmed, his speech became forceful, his blood pressure rose to 100/70 mmHg, and diarrhea ceased. After taking one more dose, all symptoms disappeared, and he recovered. A doctor asked: Why not add Ren Shen (Ginseng)? Is Si Ni Tang always used for shock? I replied: Si Ni Tang restores Yang and rescues from collapse most rapidly. Adding Ren Shen's Yin-nourishing and Qi-tonifying properties would slightly slow the Yang-restoring power. However, if used for those who have injured Blood and Yin, it can restore both Yang and Yin. As stated in *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage): "For diarrhea with undigested food... and a pulse faint and nearly imperceptible, Si Ni Tang governs." "For diarrhea accompanied by cold limbs, Si Ni Tang governs." "For aversion to cold, faint pulse, recurrent diarrhea, cessation of diarrhea indicating loss of Blood, Si Ni Jia Ren Shen Tang (Si Ni Decoction plus Ginseng) governs." If Yin excess repels Yang, causing floating Yang to agitate, one should add bitter-cold herbs to Si Ni Tang. *Shanghan Lun* states: "Shaoyin disease, with diarrhea of undigested food, interior cold with exterior heat, cold limbs, faint and nearly imperceptible pulse, yet the body feels no aversion to cold, and the person's face is red... or dry heaving, or sore throat, or cessation of diarrhea with absent pulse, Tong Mai Si Ni Tang (Pulse-Restoring Si Ni Decoction) governs." "Shaoyin disease with diarrhea and faint pulse, give Bai Tong Tang (White Passage Decoction). If diarrhea does not stop, with cold limbs and absent pulse, dry heaving and irritability, Bai Tong Jia Zhu Dan Ji Tang (White Passage Decoction plus Pig Bile) governs." For example: Patient Duan XX, male, 57 years old. Suffering from Coronary Heart Disease for several years, he suddenly developed abdominal pain and diarrhea like black water three days prior. Doctors found strong positive occult blood in stool; hemostatic drugs were ineffective. He then exhibited fluctuating consciousness, sluggish reaction, pale complexion, cold limbs, and blood pressure dropped to 70/60 mmHg. Doctors urgently attempted resuscitation with blood transfusion, but after over 30 hours, there was no effect. Examining his pale complexion, fluctuating consciousness, cold lips/nose tip/ears/limbs, bitter and dry mouth, thin yellow tongue coating, and deep, faint, nearly imperceptible pulse, I synthesized the findings: Both Taiyin (Greater Yin) and Shaoyin diseases are present, yet there are signs of cold rejection with bitterness in the mouth. Treatment should use Fuzi Lizhong Tang (Aconite and Magnolia Bark Decoction to Warm the Middle) added with Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome). Prescription: Fu Zi (Aconite Lateral Root) 10g, Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) 10g, Ren Shen (Ginseng) 10g, Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) 10g, Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 10g, Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) 10g. After one dose, on the next day's visit, diarrhea had stopped, spirit improved, and he reported being able to eat a little. Blood pressure was 100/70 mmHg. After another dose, blood pressure rose to 120/80 mmHg, and consciousness normalized.
If high fever and excessive sweating occur, it is mostly due to simultaneous depletion of Qi and Yin. During treatment, besides clearing heat, one must especially tonify Qi and nourish Yin to secure against collapse. For example: Yu XX, female, 60 years old. Due to summer heat and overexertion, she suddenly developed fever with incessant sweating, fatigue, weakness, thirst with desire to drink, followed by fluctuating consciousness and blood pressure dropping to 70/50 mmHg. Emergency Western medicine rescue at a hospital was ineffective, and adding Ren Shen (Ginseng) to TCM also failed. Examining the case, the illness occurred during peak summer heat, presenting with fever, sweating, fatigue, and thirst. Single use of Ren Shen was ineffective. Tongue coating was yellow-white and greasy; pulse was deficient and rapid. Synthesizing pulse and symptoms, I judged: This illness is Summerheat injury leading to simultaneous depletion of Qi and Yin. Treatment should use Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (Clear Summerheat and Tonify Qi Decoction). Prescription: Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) 15g, Ren Shen (Ginseng) 10g, Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 6g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) 6g, Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) 10g, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit) 10g, Qing Pi (Green Tangerine Peel) 10g, Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel) 10g, Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven) 10g, Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark) 10g, Ge Gen (Kudzu Root) 10g, Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome) 10g, Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) 10g, Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga Rhizome) 10g, Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome) 10g, Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) 2 slices, Da Zao (Jujube) 3 pieces. The doctor asked: Could Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder) alone be used? Why did previous Ren Shen fail? I replied: For dual Qi-Yin depletion, Sheng Mai San should be used. However, since the Summerheat pathogen has not been eliminated, using only astringents and tonics is inappropriate. Regarding Ren Shen, its ability to nourish Yin and secure against collapse is insufficient, and it lacks Summerheat-resolving properties, so it should not be used alone. After one dose, spirit and appetite improved, blood pressure reached 90/70 mmHg. After three more doses, all symptoms disappeared, and blood pressure returned to normal. Another example: Patient Zhu XX, female, 70 years old. With chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and lung infection for over two months, treated with antibiotics and intravenous glucose, she suddenly developed high fever and chills, temperature 41°C. A doctor suddenly administered one ampoule of Analgin, immediately causing profuse continuous sweating, irritability, intense thirst, fluctuating consciousness, tender-red tongue body, no coating, deep/faint/nearly imperceptible pulse, and blood pressure 50/? (unheard by several medical staff). Urgent Western medicine treatment for 8 hours yielded no improvement. I was invited to combine TCM treatment. Examining the symptoms as above, I judged: Simultaneous depletion of Qi and Yin. Treatment should use Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder). Prescription: Ren Shen (Ginseng) 10g, Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) 10g, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit) 10g. Crushed into coarse powder, rapidly decocted, and taken frequently. After half an hour, symptoms decreased significantly. After 10 hours, blood pressure normalized, and major symptoms subsided. However, shock in febrile diseases is not entirely caused by Qi-Yin depletion. Some are caused by bowel obstruction (Fu Shi Bi Sai) or intense interior heat. The former corresponds to the Three Urgent Purging Syndromes in the Shaoyin Chapter of *Shanghan Lun*; the latter corresponds to Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) syndrome. It states: "Shaoyin disease, developing within two to three days, with dry mouth and throat, purge urgently, Da Cheng Qi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) is suitable." "Shaoyin disease, self-clearing diarrhea of pure green water,必定 pain in the epigastrium, dry mouth, purge urgently, Da Cheng Qi Tang is suitable." "Shaoyin disease, six to seven days later, abdominal fullness and constipation, purge urgently, Da Cheng Qi Tang is suitable." Others may transition from Yin collapse to Yang collapse. For example: Zhang XX, female, 40 years old. Suffering from Epidemic Encephalitis B with high fever and coma for 7 days, after TCM and Western medicine treatment, temperature dropped from 40.1°C to 38.5°C. After regaining consciousness, she suddenly fell into a coma again, lost control of urination and defecation, and her limbs, forehead, chin, and nose tip were cold. Tongue coating was thin white; pulse was deep, faint, and nearly imperceptible; blood pressure was 60/? (unheard by several staff). Western medicine rescue for 4 hours showed no improvement. I was invited to consult and prescribed one dose of Si Ni Tang (Four Counterflow Decoction). Prescription: Fu Zi (Aconite Lateral Root) 3g, Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) 3g, Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 3g. After about 40 minutes of ingestion, limbs became slightly warm. After 2 hours, blood pressure rose to 90/75 mmHg, and consciousness cleared. After 24 hours, blood pressure was normal. Chen XX, male, 2 years old. During treatment for Adenovirus Pneumonia, temperature and blood pressure suddenly dropped, feet became cold, abdomen bloated with diarrhea, breathing weak, deep coma, pulse deep, fine, and powerless. Western medicine treatment initially failed. Mr. Li Hanqing was invited to diagnose. Prescription: Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng) 6g, Fu Zi (Aconite Lateral Root) 3g, Shi Chang Pu (Acorus Rhizome) 0.3g. That night, limbs warmed, blood pressure recovered to 90/75 mmHg, coma turned to drowsiness. Continuing the same formula, he recovered in two days.
For shock caused by massive hemorrhage or severe abdominal/chest pain, there are both deficiency and excess patterns. Mr. Li Hanqing believed: Sudden severe abdominal pain with tenderness, constipation, cold fingers/toes/ears/nose/chin, thin white tongue coating, and deep/faint/nearly imperceptible or hidden pulse indicates Cold Excess Stagnation. Treatment should warm and purge to unblock the bowels, using formulas such as: Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) 9g, Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) 9g, Fu Zi (Aconite Lateral Root) 6g, Ren Shen (Ginseng) 6g, Da Huang (Rhubarb Root) 3g, Mang Xiao (Mirabilite) 3g. If constipation is mild, remove Da Huang and Mang Xiao, add Er Chou (Canarium Album Seed and Croton Seed) 3–6g, or Jiu Tong Wan (Nine Pain Pill) 4–12 pills. If tongue coating is yellow, thick, and dry, it indicates Heat Excess in the interior; treatment should purge heat accumulation, removing Fu Zi from the above base formula. If the tongue has ecchymosis or is cyanotic, add Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) 2–6g and Su Mu (Sappan Wood) 3–6g. If there is severe abdominal pain but no tenderness, loose stools, incontinence, or normal stools, white tongue coating, pale/dull tongue body, and deep/faint/nearly imperceptible or hidden pulse, it indicates Direct Invasion of Cold Pathogen. Treatment should warm the interior and dispel cold, using formulas like Fugui Lizhong Tang (Cinnamon and Aconite Decoction to Warm the Middle) or Jingui Chi Wan (Red Pill from the Golden Cabinet). If tongue coating is yellow, or accompanied by bitter/dry mouth, add Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome). For example: Li Hanqing treated a patient with Ectopic Pregnancy complicated by Intestinal Obstruction and Shock. Previous doctors used blood transfusion and large doses of Du Shen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction) without effect. After abdominal palpation, Mr. Li diagnosed Cold Excess Stagnation and prescribed Zhi Shi, Hou Po, Er Chou, Tao Ren, and Ren Shen, resulting in recovery. However, for shock caused by massive hemorrhage such as hematemesis, hemoptysis, or metrorrhagia, it is primarily a deficiency pattern. If the complexion is bright white, spirit is fatigued, limbs are slightly cold, tongue is pale with white coating, and pulse is deficient-large or hollow (Kou), treatment should use large doses of Du Shen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction) to tonify Qi and secure against collapse. If hands and feet are cold, pulse is faint and nearly imperceptible, and nose tip/ears/chin are cold, Shen Fu Tang (Ginseng and Aconite Decoction) is suitable. For example: An XX, female, 38 years old. Postpartum massive hemorrhage continued unabated, sudden sweating, faint pulse, confused consciousness, pale complexion, blood pressure 70/50 mmHg. My father urgently administered 120g of Ren Shen (Ginseng), given frequently via gavage. After two hours, symptoms improved and subsequently normalized.
Recurrent Common Cold
Some patients are very prone to catching colds. Mild cases occur once a week; severe cases every two to three days. Triggers include slight wind exposure, eating chili peppers, slight exertion causing sweating, sexual activity, menstruation, or eating cold foods. Symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, generalized body ache, fatigue, dizziness, and headache. Although not severe, these affect health.
Synthesizing reports from physicians and my teacher's experience, the main methods are: ① Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder), ② Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), ③ Shu Yu Wan (Dioscorea Pill). Clinical application often yields miraculous effects. However, for patterns with deficiency mixed with excess, or Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold, they are often ineffective. For example: Patient Li XX, male, 45 years old. Cold pain in the epigastrium and poor appetite for over 5 years. In the last 3 years, frequent colds, especially in winter, after exertion, post-sweating, or moving from indoors to outdoors. Episodes occurred inevitably every 5–6 days (mild) or 2–3 days (severe). Each cold presented with headache, body ache, aversion to cold and wind, mild cough, and temperature around 37.5°C. Ginger-sugar water provided temporary relief. After this cold, ginger-sugar water and multiple doses of Yu Ping Feng San were ineffective. Examining the case, besides cold symptoms, there was cold epigastric pain, fatigue, cold fingers/toes, thin white tongue coating, and deep, fine, string-taut pulse. Synthesizing pulse and symptoms, diagnosed as Spleen Yang Deficiency and insecure Wei Qi (Defensive Qi). Prescribed Wen Zhong Jian Pi (Warm the Middle and Strengthen Spleen), Yi Qi Jie Biao (Tonify Qi and Release the Exterior). Zaizao San (Revive the Constitution Powder) with modifications. Prescription: Dang Shen (Codonopsis Root) 10g, Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) 15g, Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 6g, Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) 10g, Fu Zi (Aconite Lateral Root) 10g, Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 10g, Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) 4g, Xi Xin (Asarum) 1g, Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) 2 slices, Da Zao (Jujube) 3 pieces. After 2 doses, all symptoms disappeared. Taking 2 doses weekly for a total of 10 doses led to recovery. Another example: Patient Yin XX, female, 19 years old. Poor appetite and recurrent colds for half a year. Previous doctors saw generalized body ache, aversion to wind, nasal itching, and sneezing, prescribing Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction). Initially effective, then ineffective. Examination showed a slow pulse. Further inquiry revealed occasional constipation. Prescribed Gui Zhi Da Huang Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Rhubarb Decoction) for 2 doses. Improved after 1 dose, cured after 2 doses. Taking 2 doses weekly for 6 consecutive doses led to recovery.
If there is Depressed Heat in the Triple Burner and insecure Lung Qi, using Yu Ping Feng San, Gui Zhi Tang, or Shu Yu Wan will not resolve the cold but may intensify the depressed heat. For example: Patient Han XX, male, 2 years old. Recurrent colds for several months, lasting 1 week to 3 days. Onset included nasal congestion, runny nose, temperature 38°C–39°C. Multiple antibiotics were required each time, but recurrence happened 2–3 days after recovery. Examining the case: fever, nasal congestion, palms/soles hotter than dorsum of hands/feet, hot abdomen, thick yellow tongue coating. Correlating symptoms and pulse, diagnosed as Depressed Heat in the Triple Burner and Food Stagnation. Prescribed Sheng Jiang San (Ascending and Descending Powder) with modifications. Prescription: Chan Yi (Cicada Slough) 9g, Jiang Can (Silkworm) 6g, Pian Jiang Huang (Turmeric) 9g, Da Huang (Rhubarb Root) 3g, Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) 3g. After 1 dose, two bowel movements occurred, temperature normalized. One more dose led to recovery. Later, Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan (Calculus Bovis Clear Heart Pill) was taken 3 times daily, 1/3 pill per dose, for 10 days, resulting in cure.
Liver Depression and Blood Deficiency with dysfunctional Wei Qi: Tonification worsens depression; purging fire damages Wei Qi. For example: Patient Zhang XX, female, adult. Menstrual irregularities for years, sometimes 7–8 days early, sometimes 5–6 days late. For the past 3 years, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, headache, and body ache occurred every menstrual period. Previous doctors diagnosed Qi Deficiency and insecure Wei Qi. Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder) with modifications was ineffective. Bu Zhong Yi Qi (Tonify the Middle and Augment Qi) and Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) were also ineffective. Due to lack of efficacy, she experienced dry mouth/nose and took multiple doses of Niu Huang Jie Du Wan (Calculus Bovis Detoxification Pill), Niu Huang Shang Qing Wan (Calculus Bovis Upper Clearing Pill), Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan (Calculus Bovis Clear Heart Pill), and Qing Wei Huang Lian Wan (Stomach-Clearing Coptis Pill). Mouth/nose dryness persisted, and colds worsened. Seeking TCM again, examination revealed general cold symptoms plus chest/hypochondriac fullness, irritability, palpitations, hot palms, thin white tongue coating, and string-taut, fine, small, rapid pulse. Synthesizing pulse and symptoms, judged: Liver Depression and Blood Deficiency. Treatment should use Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San (Moutan and Gardenia Free Wanderer Powder). The patient asked: Why does Liver Depression and Blood Deficiency cause recurrent colds? I replied: *Neijing* states: The Liver is the General, the official responsible for resisting external pathogens. Blood deficiency and Liver depression cause the General to fail in his duty, leading to insecure Wei Qi. Thus, a formula treating the Liver (Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San) is used to treat insecure Wei Qi. Prescription: Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) 10g, Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit) 10g, Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root) 10g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) 10g, Bai Shao (White Peony Root) 10g, Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) 10g, Fu Ling (Poria) 10g, Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 10g, Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) 10g, Bo He (Mint) 6g. After 4 doses, the cold was cured. Thereafter, 4 doses were administered before each menstruation. Regulation for 3 months led to recovery.
Stubborn Insomnia