服药3剂，头晕脑胀，站立不稳之状大减。继服20剂，头晕脑胀之状几乎消减80％，但又服10剂之后，头晕脑胀之状又见增加。细询其证，除头晕之外，并见心烦心悸，舌苔白，脉弦紧而数。综合脉证，思之：脉弦紧而数者，肝胆气郁，痰饮内阻，胶结难化也。治从柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤加减。处方：柴胡10克，半夏10克，人参10克，黄芩10克，生姜3片，大枣5个，桂枝10克，茯苓15克，熟军3克，龙骨15克，牡蛎15克。
服药10剂。愈。
某医云：何数年之疾诸药不效，而易方之后数十剂愈，其故何也?答曰：升降之法异耳，前用诸方均属降沉，清气不升者岂能降之又降，此治病之关键也。
2．不审逆从，不审适事，治此忽彼，治彼忽此，久治不效
张××，男，56岁。
过度劳累后，头晕不能站立，甚或恶心呕吐5年多。医诊梅尼埃病。先用西药治疗半年，头晕稍有好转，但阵发性眩晕，恶心呕吐仍时时发作，其后又配合中药半夏天麻白术汤、杞菊地黄丸等治疗数年，症状虽稍有进步，但仍不解决根本问题，而且近半年来似有加重之势。细审其证，除阵发性眩晕，恶心呕吐，不敢翻身，不敢走路外，就是平时亦感头晕乏力，失眠心烦，左耳听力丧失，右耳听力明显下降，且时时脑鸣耳鸣不止，舌苔薄白，脉濡缓，右脉大于左脉。综合脉证，思之：脉濡缓者，气阴俱虚，痰湿内郁也。治宜补气养阴，理气化痰。处方：黄芪15克，当归6克，人参10克，麦冬10克，五味子10克，竹茹10克，枳实10克，半夏10克，陈皮10克，茯苓10克，甘草10克，菖蒲10克，远志10克，生地10克。
服药3剂，诸证俱减，继服上药20剂，头晕恶心几减七八，耳聋耳鸣亦明显改善，左耳已能听见说话的声音，右耳听力已近正常。但又服7剂时，不但以上诸证不再改善，而且心烦乏力有所加重。细审其脉右侧弦大而紧，左侧弦紧稍滑。综合脉证，思之：右脉大于左脉者，气血或气阴俱虚也；弦大而紧者，气血俱虚也；弦脉者，肝脉也；紧脉者．寒也，结也；滑者，痰也。合之于症，乃气阴俱虚为本，痰湿郁滞，清升浊降失职为标。拟用补气养阴，燥湿清热，升清降浊。处方：党参10克，甘草6克，黄芪15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15克，苍术15克，白术10克，升麻10克，泽泻10克。
服药12剂，耳鸣耳聋消失，头晕未见发作，惟偶有失眠乏力。舌苔白，脉濡缓。综合脉证，思之：此气阴两虚，痰郁气结也。治宜改予补气养阴，理气化痰为方。处方：黄芪15克，当归6克，麦冬10克，党参10克，五味子10克，青皮10克，竹茹10克，枳实10克，半夏10克，陈皮10克，茯苓10克，甘草10克，菖蒲10克，远志10克，生地10克。
服药10剂，诸证消失，愈。
某医云：这位患者前医已屡用理气化痰，益气养阴，滋阴泻火者矣，然何故不效也?答曰：毛泽东在其所著《党委会的工作方法》一文中指出：“有了正确的方针政策，如果在工作方法上疏忽了，还是要发生问题。”“学会弹钢琴。弹钢琴要十个指头都动，不能有的动，有的不动。但是，十个指头同时都按下去，那也不成调子。要产生好的音乐，十个指头的动作要有节奏，要互相配合。党委要抓中心工作，又要围绕中心工作而同时开展其他方面的工作。我们现在管的方面很多，各地、各军、各部门的工作，都要照顾到，不能只注意一部分问题而把别的丢掉。凡是有问题的地方都要点一下，这个方法我们一定要学会。”《素问·至真要大论》指出：“主病之谓君，佐君之谓臣，应臣之谓使……所以明善恶之殊贯也……调气之方，必别阴阳，定其中外，各守其乡，内者内治，外者外治，微者调之，其次平之，盛者夺之，汗之，下之。寒热温凉，衰之以属，随其攸利，谨道如法，万举万全，气血正平，长有天命。”就是说治疗复杂疾病，不但要注意大的原则，而且要注意方法。前用诸方之所以不效，就在于未在抓主证的同时兼顾其他方面，在于处方上缺乏所谓的节奏，缺乏君臣佐使的配合。
3．胶于补益，不知逆从，郁证不解，清气不升
贺××，女，56岁。
头晕耳鸣4年多。医诊梅尼埃病。先用西药治疗2年多，效果不著，继用中药滋阴平肝，养心安神，化痰熄风等治疗一年多亦无明显改善。细审其证，除头晕恶心，耳鸣耳聋阵发性加剧外，并见心烦心悸，胸满纳差，舌苔薄白，脉弦紧。综合脉证，思之：脉弦者，肝脉也；紧脉者，寒也，结也，饮也；弦紧相合，寒饮结滞郁于肝胆之经也。合之于症，乃肝郁气结，寒饮内郁，清升浊降失职耳。治拟疏肝解郁，化饮散结，升清降浊。处方：柴胡10克，半夏10克，人参10克，黄芩10克，生姜3片，大枣5个，甘草10克，桂枝10克，茯苓15克，熟军3克，龙骨15克，牡蛎15克。
服药3剂，诸证好转，继服30剂，诸证消失，愈。
某医云：师用之药几乎余均用过耳，然其不效者何也?答日：从经验来看，我所采用之药前人肯定都已用过，因为诸医每剂少则20，多则40余味药物，既然所用之方如此庞大，岂能不包括余所应用之药物乎!然余用药特别注意组合，此恐你所不注意者耳。今余所处方，一者有小柴胡汤之疏理肝胆；二者有半夏、桂枝、甘草之半夏散方涤痰开结；三者有桂枝去芍药汤之强心阳；四者有桂枝加龙骨牡蛎汤之镇惊安神；五者有茯苓甘草汤之温阳化水。而侧重者在疏理、调和。至若为什么用养阴平肝而不效，依余之见，一者助痰，二者过降而郁其气，故尔。
4.胶于平降，不审郁滞，清阳失升，高巅雾阻
何××，男，48岁。
头晕头胀，恶心呕吐1年多。医诊内耳眩晕病。先以西药治疗半年多无明显效果，后又配合中药平肝熄风、养阴平肝、化痰熄风等仍无明显改善。细审其证，除经常头晕脑胀，早晨尤甚，时或阵发性天旋地转，恶心呕吐外，并见耳鸣耳聋，失眠，有时整夜整夜的难于入睡，舌苔白，脉虚大尺脉尤甚。综合脉证，思之：脉虚大者，气阴两虚，气血两虚也；尺大于寸关者，肾虚也。早晨头晕更甚者，气虚清阳失升也。证脉合参，乃脾肾俱虚，气阴不足，清阳失升也。治宜拟补阴益气，升举清阳。处方：黄芪15克，白术10克，人参10克，当归10克，陈皮10克，甘草10克，升麻10克，柴胡10克，生地15克，山药10克，五味子10克，茯苓10克，泽泻10克，丹皮10克。
服药2剂，头晕不能站立、行走、翻身之状消失，继服50剂，诸证消失，愈。
某医云：此病头晕之剧，病程之长，少见也，然服药之效亦少见也，其理安在?答曰：此病之晕甚为清阳不升所致，故治疗尤宜升阳益气，而前用诸药则多平降用事，故误也，今从升阳为法，阳升阴长，故愈也。
5.胶于阴虚，反助其痰，痰火化风，头转而动
那××，男，59岁。
眩晕，阵发性加剧3年多。医诊内耳眩晕病。医先以西药治之而不效，继又配以中药滋阴平肝之剂而仍无功。特别是近7～8个月以来，头晕脑胀，阵发性剧作，恶心呕吐更加严重。细审其证，除头晕脑胀，每2～3天即眩晕大发作，发时头晕不敢站立，自感自身及周围景物均颠倒旋转，剧烈的恶心呕吐外，近一个月来，几乎整天都感疲乏无力，头晕的不能走路，纳呆、面色青黄秽暗如烟尘涂脸状，舌苔黄白，脉濡缓。综合脉证，思之：面如烟尘而青黄者，湿热郁滞也；脉濡缓者，痰湿郁滞也。合之于症，乃湿热郁滞，痰火化风也。治拟化痰除湿，熄风泻火。处方：石决明15克，菊花10克、防风4克，薄荷3克，钩藤10克，半夏10克，陈皮10克，茯苓10克，甘草6克，生白术10克，玉竹6克，黄芩10克。
服药1剂，眩晕大减，继服5剂，眩晕减轻竞近80％．又服6剂，诸证全失。1个月后，眩晕又作，但较前明显为轻，患者又服上方3剂，全然不效。细察其证见：眩晕恶心欲吐，别无所苦，舌苔白，脉弦稍紧。综合脉证，思之：脉弦者，肝也；紧者，寒也。弦紧相合，乃寒饮阻郁，蒙敝清阳也。治宜温阳化饮降冲。处方：茯苓10克，泽泻10克，白术10克，桂枝10克，生姜3片，酒黄芩4克，薄荷1克，防风3克。
服药1剂，诸证全失。再以上方5日1剂服之，共服8剂，愈。
多发性神经炎
1．病在肺胃，痰热不化，灼伤阴液，治从肺胃，化痰养阴，清热而痊
苏××，男，60岁。
发热、瘫痪1个多月。医诊多发性神经炎。始予西药效果不著。审其除四肢瘫痪不能活动之外，并见身热，汗多．咳嗽多痰，咽干口燥，烦渴多饮，舌质红，苔黄而干，脉浮滑数。综合脉证，思之：脉浮者，表也，邪在肺也；滑数者，痰热也，肺胃俱热也。合之于症，乃肺胃俱热，痰火阻滞，热灼阴液也。治宜清热养阴，化痰振痿。处方：党参10克，沙参15克，甘草6克，炙杷叶10克，生石膏30克，阿胶10克(烊化)，杏仁10克，麦冬10克，黑芝麻10克，桑叶10克。
服药2剂，身热咳嗽，汗多口渴俱减，四肢稍有活动，继服10剂，诸证大减，在他人扶持下可走十几步，并开始能自主翻身、起坐，又服上药60剂，诸证消失，愈。
某医云：余听老师讲课时说清燥救肺汤有治多发性神经炎之效，甚表怀疑，所以邀老师诊治之。结果服药后效果甚佳，始坚定学习中医之信心。
2．久病从脉，参之色证，疗效提高
童××，男，32岁。
四肢瘫痪9个多月。医诊多发性神经炎。先用西药治疗半年多不见改善，后又配合中药养阴清肺等治疗3个多月亦无明显好转。细审其证，除四肢瘫痪不能翻身起坐外，并见身热汗出，心悸气短，烦躁失眠，面色皓白，舌苔黄白而腻，脉虚大滑数。综合脉证，思之：脉虚大者，气阴两虚也；滑数者，热也。合之于症，乃气阴两虚，湿热内郁也。治宜益气养阴，燥湿清热。处方：黄芪15克，当归10克，党参10克，麦冬10克，五味子10克，黄柏10克，苍术10克，怀牛膝10克，石斛10克，桑枝30克。
服药20剂，四肢开始稍能自主的活动，并能自由的翻身，坐着，且身热、乏力、汗出、心悸、气短亦减，继服60剂，诸证大减，在他人扶持保护下可以自由活动1个小时而不感到疲乏，身热、汗出、心悸、气短消失，但仍有全身筋骨发僵不适，加木瓜10克。炼蜜为丸，每丸9克。每日3次，每次2丸。服药2月，愈。
3．细审脉证，精于处方，祛邪务缓，扶正勿急，始可取效
张××，男，19岁。
四肢瘫痪2个多月。医诊多发性神经炎。先以西药治疗1个多月，不但无效，反见加重，后又配用中药补气养阴之剂，不但症状不减，反见食欲更差。细审其证，除四肢瘫痪，不能活动，不能翻身，又见躯干、大腿、前后臂肌肉明显萎缩，并见四肢厥冷，舌苔薄白，脉沉细缓。综合脉证，思之：脉沉缓者，寒湿郁滞也。合之于症，乃风暑寒湿杂感，气不主宣也，正如吴鞠通《温病条辨》云：“风暑寒湿，杂感混淆，气不主宣，咳嗽头胀，不饥舌白，肢体若废，杏仁薏苡汤主之。”“故以宣气之药为君。既兼雨湿中寒邪，自当变辛凉为辛温。”处方：杏仁9克，薏米9克，桂枝1．5克，生姜3片，厚朴3克，半夏4．5克，防己35克，白蒺藜6克。
服药10剂，患者不但能自由的翻身，而且可以走路100米左右，四肢、躯干肌肉亦较前丰满；继服100剂，诸证竟消失，而愈。
坐骨神经痛
1．审季节，察病因，合脉象，始知证
张××，男，40岁。
腰腿疼痛，翻身活动均感困难3个多月。医诊坐骨神经痛。先用西药内服、封闭有所好转，但稍停药即疼痛又剧，后又改用中药活血止痛、针灸配合治疗，开始时似有好转，但继续治疗则无效。细审其证，本病乃突然而发，发病之始，先感腰部酸痛僵直，继而大腿、小腿沿膀胱经持续不断的剧烈疼痛，翻身、起坐十分困难，舌苔白，脉弦紧。因思脉弦紧者，寒也。病始于冬季，且为突然发病，亦寒也。脉证合参，乃风寒湿邪外客所致也。拟祛风除湿，散寒蠲痹。处方：独活10克，桑寄生15克，秦艽10克，防风10克，细辛3克，川芎10克，当归10克，熟地10克，白芍10克，肉桂10克，茯苓10克，杜仲10克，川牛膝10克，党参10克，甘草10克。
服药1剂，疼痛大减，已可以自由的翻身活动，继服10剂，愈。
某医云：如此之痛，前用诸药与针灸、封闭均不效，而独活寄生却1剂知，数剂已，余真不曾予知也。答曰：此病发于感受风寒之后，寒痛之疾其痛尤烈，若以温热之剂治之则往往有立止之效，正如《素问·举痛论篇》所云：“寒气客于脉外，则脉寒，脉寒则缩蜷，缩蜷则脉绌急，则外引小络，故卒然而痛，得炅则立止。”其若以活血治之，则非其治也，故其效亦差。
2．寒湿外客，肝木失达，不理其肝，柔其筋，反以散风损筋，治之不愈
张××，男，40岁。
服药3剂后，头晕脑胀、站立不稳的症状大幅减轻。继续服用20剂后，头晕脑胀的症状几乎减少了80%，但再服10剂后，头晕脑胀的症状又有所增加。详细询问病情，除了头晕之外，还伴有心烦心悸，舌苔白，脉象弦紧而数。综合脉象和症状分析：脉象弦紧而数，说明肝胆气机郁滞，痰饮内阻，胶结难化。治疗采用柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤加减。处方：柴胡10克，半夏10克，人参10克，黄芩10克，生姜3片，大枣5个，桂枝10克，茯苓15克，熟大黄3克，龙骨15克，牡蛎15克。
服药10剂后，痊愈。
某医生说：“为什么多年的疾病用各种药物都无效，而更换方剂后几十剂就治好了，这是什么原因？”回答说：“升降的方法不同罢了，之前用的各种方剂都属于沉降类，清气不升的人怎么能再用降法呢？这是治病的关键。”
2．不审察逆证顺证，不审察是否适宜，顾此失彼，久治不效
张××，男，56岁。
过度劳累后，头晕不能站立，甚至恶心呕吐5年多。医生诊断为梅尼埃病。先用西药治疗半年，头晕稍有好转，但阵发性眩晕、恶心呕吐仍时常发作，之后又配合中药半夏天麻白术汤、杞菊地黄丸等治疗数年，症状虽稍有进步，但仍未能解决根本问题，而且近半年来似乎有加重之势。仔细审查其症状，除了阵发性眩晕、恶心呕吐、不敢翻身、不敢走路外，平时也感到头晕乏力，失眠心烦，左耳听力丧失，右耳听力明显下降，且时时脑鸣耳鸣不止，舌苔薄白，脉象濡缓，右脉大于左脉。综合脉象和症状分析：脉象濡缓，说明气阴两虚，痰湿内郁。治疗宜补气养阴，理气化痰。处方：黄芪15克，当归6克，人参10克，麦冬10克，五味子10克，竹茹10克，枳实10克，半夏10克，陈皮10克，茯苓10克，甘草10克，石菖蒲10克，远志10克，生地黄10克。
服药3剂，所有症状均减轻，继服上方20剂，头晕恶心几乎减少了七八成，耳聋耳鸣也明显改善，左耳已能听见说话的声音，右耳听力已接近正常。但再服7剂时，不但以上诸证不再改善，而且心烦乏力有所加重。仔细审查脉象，右侧脉弦大而紧，左侧脉弦紧稍滑。综合脉象和症状分析：右脉大于左脉，说明气血或气阴两虚；脉弦大而紧，说明气血俱虚；弦脉是肝脉；紧脉主寒、主结；滑脉主痰。结合症状，乃气阴两虚为本，痰湿郁滞，清升浊降失职为标。拟定补气养阴，燥湿清热，升清降浊。处方：党参10克，甘草6克，黄芪15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15克，苍术15克，白术10克，升麻10克，泽泻10克。
服药12剂，耳鸣耳聋消失，头晕未见发作，仅偶有失眠乏力。舌苔白，脉象濡缓。综合脉象和症状分析：此为气阴两虚，痰郁气结。治疗宜改为补气养阴，理气化痰的方剂。处方：黄芪15克，当归6克，麦冬10克，党参10克，五味子10克，青皮10克，竹茹10克，枳实10克，半夏10克，陈皮10克，茯苓10克，甘草10克，石菖蒲10克，远志10克，生地黄10克。
服药10剂，所有症状消失，痊愈。
某医生说：“这位患者前医已经多次使用理气化痰、益气养阴、滋阴泻火的药物，为什么却无效呢？”回答说：“毛泽东在其所著《党委会的工作方法》一文中指出：‘有了正确的方针政策，如果在工作方法上疏忽了，还是要发生问题。’‘学会弹钢琴。弹钢琴要十个指头都动，不能有的动，有的不动。但是，十个指头同时都按下去，那也不成调子。要产生好的音乐，十个指头的动作要有节奏，要互相配合。党委要抓中心工作，又要围绕中心工作而同时开展其他方面的工作。我们现在管的方面很多，各地、各军、各部门的工作，都要照顾到，不能只注意一部分问题而把别的丢掉。凡是有问题的地方都要点一下，这个方法我们一定要学会。’《素问·至真要大论》指出：‘主病之谓君，佐君之谓臣，应臣之谓使……所以明善恶之殊贯也……调气之方，必别阴阳，定其中外，各守其乡，内者内治，外者外治，微者调之，其次平之，盛者夺之，汗之，下之。寒热温凉，衰之以属，随其攸利，谨道如法，万举万全，气血正平，长有天命。’”就是说治疗复杂疾病，不但要注意大的原则，而且要注意方法。之前用的方剂之所以无效，就在于未在抓住主证的同时兼顾其他方面，在于处方上缺乏所谓的节奏，缺乏君臣佐使的配合。
3．拘泥于补益，不知逆从，郁证不解，清气不升
贺××，女，56岁。
头晕耳鸣4年多。医生诊断为梅尼埃病。先用西药治疗2年多，效果不显著，继用中药滋阴平肝、养心安神、化痰熄风等治疗一年多亦无明显改善。仔细审查其症状，除了头晕恶心、耳鸣耳聋阵发性加剧外，并见心烦心悸，胸满纳差，舌苔薄白，脉象弦紧。综合脉象和症状分析：脉弦是肝脉；紧脉主寒、主结、主饮；弦紧相合，说明寒饮结滞郁于肝胆之经。结合症状，乃肝郁气结，寒饮内郁，清升浊降失职所致。治疗拟疏肝解郁，化饮散结，升清降浊。处方：柴胡10克，半夏10克，人参10克，黄芩10克，生姜3片，大枣5个，甘草10克，桂枝10克，茯苓15克，熟大黄3克，龙骨15克，牡蛎15克。
服药3剂，所有症状好转，继服30剂，所有症状消失，痊愈。
某医生说：“老师所用的药物几乎我都用过，为什么我的无效呢？”回答说：“从经验来看，我所采用的药物前人肯定都已用过，因为各位医生每剂少则20味，多则40余味药物，既然所用的方剂如此庞大，岂能不包括我所应用的药物呢！然而我用药特别注意组合，这恐怕是你没有注意到的地方。现在我开的方子，一者有小柴胡汤的疏理肝胆作用；二者有半夏、桂枝、甘草组成的半夏散方涤痰开结的作用；三者有桂枝去芍药汤强心阳的作用；四者有桂枝加龙骨牡蛎汤镇惊安神的作用；五者有茯苓甘草汤温阳化水的作用。而侧重点在于疏理、调和。至于为什么用养阴平肝而不效，依我之见，一者助痰，二者过降而郁其气，所以无效。”
4．拘泥于平降，不审郁滞，清阳失升，高巅雾阻
何××，男，48岁。
头晕头胀，恶心呕吐1年多。医生诊断为内耳眩晕病。先以西药治疗半年多无明显效果，后又配合中药平肝熄风、养阴平肝、化痰熄风等仍无明显改善。仔细审查其症状，除经常头晕脑胀，早晨尤甚，时或阵发性天旋地转、恶心呕吐外，并见耳鸣耳聋，失眠，有时整夜整夜地难于入睡，舌苔白，脉象虚大，尺脉尤其明显。综合脉象和症状分析：脉象虚大，说明气阴两虚，气血两虚；尺脉大于寸关脉，说明肾虚。早晨头晕更甚者，说明气虚清阳失升。证脉合参，乃脾肾俱虚，气阴不足，清阳失升。治疗宜补阴益气，升举清阳。处方：黄芪15克，白术10克，人参10克，当归10克，陈皮10克，甘草10克，升麻10克，柴胡10克，生地黄15克，山药10克，五味子10克，茯苓10克，泽泻10克，牡丹皮10克。
服药2剂，头晕不能站立、行走、翻身的症状消失，继服50剂，所有症状消失，痊愈。
某医生说：“此病头晕之剧烈，病程之长，少见，但服药之效亦少见，道理何在？”回答说：“此病的晕甚为清阳不升所致，故治疗尤宜升阳益气，而前用诸药则多平降用事，故误也，今从升阳为法，阳升阴长，故愈也。”
5．拘泥于阴虚，反助其痰，痰火化风，头转而动
那××，男，59岁。
眩晕，阵发性加剧3年多。医生诊断为内耳眩晕病。医生先以西药治之而不效，继又配以中药滋阴平肝之剂而仍无功。特别是近7～8个月以来，头晕脑胀，阵发性剧作，恶心呕吐更加严重。仔细审查其症状，除头晕脑胀，每2～3天即眩晕大发作，发时头晕不敢站立，自感自身及周围景物均颠倒旋转，剧烈的恶心呕吐外，近一个月来，几乎整天都感疲乏无力，头晕得不能走路，纳呆、面色青黄秽暗如烟尘涂脸状，舌苔黄白，脉象濡缓。综合脉象和症状分析：面如烟尘而青黄者，说明湿热郁滞；脉象濡缓者，说明痰湿郁滞。结合症状，乃湿热郁滞，痰火化风。治疗拟化痰除湿，熄风泻火。处方：石决明15克，菊花10克，防风4克，薄荷3克，钩藤10克，半夏10克，陈皮10克，茯苓10克，甘草6克，生白术10克，玉竹6克，黄芩10克。
服药1剂，眩晕大减，继服5剂，眩晕减轻竟近80％，又服6剂，所有症状全失。1个月后，眩晕又作，但较前明显为轻，患者又服上方3剂，全然不效。细察其症状见：眩晕恶心欲吐，别无所苦，舌苔白，脉象弦稍紧。综合脉象和症状分析：脉弦主肝；紧主寒。弦紧相合，乃寒饮阻郁，蒙蔽清阳。治疗宜温阳化饮降冲。处方：茯苓10克，泽泻10克，白术10克，桂枝10克，生姜3片，酒黄芩4克，薄荷1克，防风3克。
服药1剂，所有症状全失。再以上方5日1剂服之，共服8剂，痊愈。
多发性神经炎
1．病在肺胃，痰热不化，灼伤阴液，治从肺胃，化痰养阴，清热而痊
苏××，男，60岁。
发热、瘫痪1个多月。医生诊断为多发性神经炎。始予西药效果不显著。审查其除四肢瘫痪不能活动之外，并见身热，汗多，咳嗽多痰，咽干口燥，烦渴多饮，舌质红，苔黄而干，脉浮滑数。综合脉象和症状分析：脉浮，说明表证，邪在肺；滑数，说明痰热，肺胃俱热。结合症状，乃肺胃俱热，痰火阻滞，热灼阴液。治疗宜清热养阴，化痰振痿。处方：党参10克，沙参15克，甘草6克，炙枇杷叶10克，生石膏30克，阿胶10克（烊化），杏仁10克，麦冬10克，黑芝麻10克，桑叶10克。
服药2剂，身热咳嗽，汗多口渴俱减，四肢稍有活动，继服10剂，所有症状大减，在他人扶持下可走十几步，并开始能自主翻身、起坐，又服上药60剂，所有症状消失，痊愈。
某医生说：“我听老师讲课时说清燥救肺汤有治多发性神经炎之效，甚表怀疑，所以邀老师诊治之。结果服药后效果甚佳，始坚定学习中医之信心。”
2．久病从脉，参之色证，疗效提高
童××，男，32岁。
四肢瘫痪9个多月。医生诊断为多发性神经炎。先用西药治疗半年多不见改善，后又配合中药养阴清肺等治疗3个多月亦无明显好转。仔细审查其症状，除四肢瘫痪不能翻身起坐外，并见身热汗出，心悸气短，烦躁失眠，面色皓白，舌苔黄白而腻，脉象虚大滑数。综合脉象和症状分析：脉象虚大，说明气阴两虚；滑数，说明热。结合症状，乃气阴两虚，湿热内郁。治疗宜益气养阴，燥湿清热。处方：黄芪15克，当归10克，党参10克，麦冬10克，五味子10克，黄柏10克，苍术10克，怀牛膝10克，石斛10克，桑枝30克。
服药20剂，四肢开始稍能自主的活动，并能自由的翻身，坐着，且身热、乏力、汗出、心悸、气短亦减，继服60剂，所有症状大减，在他人扶持保护下可以自由活动1个小时而不感到疲乏，身热、汗出、心悸、气短消失，但仍有全身筋骨发僵不适，加木瓜10克。炼蜜为丸，每丸9克。每日3次，每次2丸。服药2月，痊愈。
3．细审脉证，精于处方，祛邪务缓，扶正勿急，始可取效
张××，男，19岁。
四肢瘫痪2个多月。医生诊断为多发性神经炎。先以西药治疗1个多月，不但无效，反见加重，后又配用中药补气养阴之剂，不但症状不减，反见食欲更差。仔细审查其症状，除四肢瘫痪，不能活动，不能翻身，又见躯干、大腿、前后臂肌肉明显萎缩，并见四肢厥冷，舌苔薄白，脉象沉细缓。综合脉象和症状分析：脉象沉缓，说明寒湿郁滞。结合症状，乃风暑寒湿杂感，气不主宣也，正如吴鞠通《温病条辨》云：“风暑寒湿，杂感混淆，气不主宣，咳嗽头胀，不饥舌白，肢体若废，杏仁薏苡汤主之。”“故以宣气之药为君。既兼雨湿中寒邪，自当变辛凉为辛温。”处方：杏仁9克，薏米9克，桂枝1.5克，生姜3片，厚朴3克，半夏4.5克，防己35克，白蒺藜6克。
服药10剂，患者不但能自由的翻身，而且可以走路100米左右，四肢、躯干肌肉亦较前丰满；继服100剂，所有症状竟消失，而痊愈。
坐骨神经痛
1．审季节，察病因，合脉象，始知证
张××，男，40岁。
腰腿疼痛，翻身活动均感困难3个多月。医生诊断为坐骨神经痛。先用西药内服、封闭有所好转，但稍停药即疼痛又剧，后又改用中药活血止痛、针灸配合治疗，开始时似有好转，但继续治疗则无效。仔细审查其症状，本病乃突然而发，发病之始，先感腰部酸痛僵直，继而大腿、小腿沿膀胱经持续不断的剧烈疼痛，翻身、起坐十分困难，舌苔白，脉象弦紧。因思脉弦紧者，寒也。病始于冬季，且为突然发病，亦寒也。脉证合参，乃风寒湿邪外客所致也。拟祛风除湿，散寒蠲痹。处方：独活10克，桑寄生15克，秦艽10克，防风10克，细辛3克，川芎10克，当归10克，熟地黄10克，白芍10克，肉桂10克，茯苓10克，杜仲10克，川牛膝10克，党参10克，甘草10克。
服药1剂，疼痛大减，已可以自由的翻身活动，继服10剂，痊愈。
某医生说：“如此之痛，前用诸药与针灸、封闭均不效，而独活寄生却1剂知，数剂已，余真不曾予知也。”回答说：“此病发于感受风寒之后，寒痛之疾其痛尤烈，若以温热之剂治之则往往有立止之效，正如《素问·举痛论篇》所云：‘寒气客于脉外，则脉寒，脉寒则缩蜷，缩蜷则脉绌急，则外引小络，故卒然而痛，得炅则立止。’其若以活血治之，则非其治也，故其效亦差。”
After taking 3 doses, the symptoms of dizziness, head distension, and instability when standing were significantly reduced. After continuing to take 20 doses, the symptoms of dizziness and head distension were almost reduced by 80%, but after taking another 10 doses, the symptoms of dizziness and head distension increased again. Upon detailed inquiry into the syndrome, in addition to dizziness, there was also mental restlessness, palpitations, a white tongue coating, and a wiry-tight-rapid pulse. Synthesizing the pulse and symptoms: a wiry-tight-rapid pulse indicates stagnation of Qi in the Liver and Gallbladder, with internal obstruction by Phlegm-Fluids that are difficult to resolve. The treatment adopted Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang (Bupleurum Decoction plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell) with modifications. Prescription: Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) 10g, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 10g, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 10g, Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) 10g, Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) 3 slices, Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus) 5 pieces, Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) 10g, Fu Ling (Poria) 15g, Shu Jun (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma processed) 3g, Long Gu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi) 15g, Mu Li (Ostreae Concha) 15g.
After taking 10 doses, the patient recovered.
A certain physician asked: "Why did years of illness fail to respond to various medications, yet recover after dozens of doses following a change in prescription?" The answer was: "It lies in the difference in methods of ascending and descending. The previous prescriptions all belonged to the category of descending/sinking. How can one who has failed to ascend clear Yang use descending methods again? This is the key to treating the disease."
2. Failure to examine reverse/normal patterns, failure to assess appropriateness, attending to one aspect while neglecting another, prolonged ineffective treatment
Zhang XX, Male, 56 years old.
For over 5 years, following excessive fatigue, he experienced dizziness preventing him from standing, and even nausea and vomiting. Diagnosed with Meniere's disease. He first received Western medicine treatment for half a year; dizziness improved slightly, but paroxysmal vertigo, nausea, and vomiting still occurred frequently. Subsequently, he took Chinese medicines such as Ban Xia Tian Ma Bai Zhu Tang (Pinellia, Gastrodia, and Atractylodes Macrocephala Decoction) and Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Lycium, Chrysanthemum, and Rehmannia Pill) for several years. Although symptoms improved slightly, the root problem was not resolved, and in the past six months, the condition seemed to worsen. Detailed examination of symptoms revealed, besides paroxysmal vertigo, nausea, vomiting, inability to turn over or walk, general dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, mental restlessness, left-sided deafness, significant hearing loss on the right side, constant tinnitus and brain buzzing, a thin-white tongue coating, a soggy-slow pulse, and the right pulse larger than the left. Synthesizing pulse and symptoms: a soggy-slow pulse indicates deficiency of both Qi and Yin, with internal depression of Phlegm-Dampness. Treatment should tonify Qi and nourish Yin, regulate Qi and transform Phlegm. Prescription: Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) 15g, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 6g, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 10g, Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 10g, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) 10g, Zhu Ru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia) 10g, Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) 10g, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 10g, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 10g, Fu Ling (Poria) 10g, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 10g, Shi Chang Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) 10g, Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix) 10g, Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) 10g.
After 3 doses, all symptoms decreased. Continuing the above prescription for 20 doses, dizziness and nausea decreased by 70-80%, and deafness/tinnitus improved significantly; the left ear could hear speech, and right ear hearing approached normal. However, after taking 7 more doses, these symptoms no longer improved, and mental restlessness and fatigue worsened. Careful examination of the pulse showed the right side wiry-large-tight, and the left side wiry-tight-slightly slippery. Synthesizing pulse and symptoms: Right pulse larger than left indicates deficiency of Qi/Blood or Qi/Yin; wiry-large-tight indicates deficiency of both Qi and Blood; wiry pulse corresponds to the Liver; tight pulse indicates Cold and knotting; slippery pulse indicates Phlegm. Combined with symptoms, the root is deficiency of Qi and Yin, while the branch is stagnation of Phlegm-Dampness and failure of Clear Yang to ascend and Turbid Yin to descend. The plan was to tonify Qi and nourish Yin, dry Dampness and clear Heat, ascend Clear and descend Turbid. Prescription: Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix) 10g, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 6g, Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) 15g, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 6g, Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 10g, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) 10g, Qing Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride) 10g, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 10g, Shen Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata) 10g, Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex) 10g, Ge Gen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) 15g, Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) 15g, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 10g, Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) 10g, Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma) 10g.
After 12 doses, tinnitus and deafness disappeared, dizziness did not recur, only occasional insomnia and fatigue remained. Tongue coating white, pulse soggy-slow. Synthesizing pulse and symptoms: This is deficiency of Qi and Yin, with Phlegm stagnation and Qi knotting. Treatment should change to a formula for tonifying Qi, nourishing Yin, regulating Qi, and transforming Phlegm. Prescription: Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) 15g, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 6g, Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 10g, Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix) 10g, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) 10g, Qing Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride) 10g, Zhu Ru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia) 10g, Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) 10g, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 10g, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 10g, Fu Ling (Poria) 10g, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 10g, Shi Chang Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) 10g, Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix) 10g, Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) 10g.
After 10 doses, all symptoms disappeared, and the patient recovered.
A certain physician asked: "This patient had previously used many physicians' prescriptions involving regulating Qi, transforming Phlegm, tonifying Qi, nourishing Yin, and nourishing Yin while purging Fire, yet why were they ineffective?" The answer was: "Mao Zedong pointed out in his article 'On the Work of the Central Committee': 'Even with correct policies and guidelines, problems will still arise if negligence occurs in work methods.' 'Learn to play the piano. Playing the piano requires all ten fingers to move; some may move while others remain still. However, pressing all ten fingers simultaneously does not produce a tune. To create good music, the movements of the ten fingers must be rhythmic and coordinated. The Party committee must grasp central tasks while simultaneously carrying out other work around these central tasks. We manage many aspects now; work in various regions, armies, and departments must all be considered. One cannot focus only on part of the problems while discarding others. Every problematic area must be addressed; we must learn this method.' Su Wen: Zhi Zhen Yao Da Lun states: 'The herb that treats the main disease is called Sovereign (Jun); assisting the Sovereign is Minister (Chen); responding to the Minister is Envoy (Shi)... Thus distinguishing good from evil... In formulas regulating Qi, one must distinguish Yin and Yang, determine interior/exterior, each maintaining its position. Interior diseases treated internally, exterior diseases treated externally. Mild cases regulated, moderate cases balanced, severe cases subdued via sweating or purging. Cold, Heat, Warmth, Coolness, applied according to their nature, following advantages, observing the Dao strictly ensures success in every attempt, balancing Qi and Blood, granting long life.'" This means that treating complex diseases requires attention not only to major principles but also to methods. The previous prescriptions failed because they did not balance grasping the main syndrome with attending to other aspects, lacking rhythm and the coordination of Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, and Envoy herbs.
3. Adherence to tonification without understanding reverse/normal patterns, unresolved stagnation, failure of Clear Yang to ascend
He XX, Female, 56 years old.
Dizziness and tinnitus for over 4 years. Diagnosed with Meniere's disease. Western medicine treatment for over 2 years yielded little effect. Subsequent Chinese medicine treatment involving nourishing Yin, pacifying Liver, calming Heart, transforming Phlegm, and extinguishing Wind for over a year also showed no obvious improvement. Detailed examination of symptoms revealed, besides dizziness, nausea, and paroxysmal exacerbation of tinnitus/deafness, mental restlessness, palpitations, chest fullness, poor appetite, thin-white tongue coating, and wiry-tight pulse. Synthesizing pulse and symptoms: Wiry pulse corresponds to Liver; tight pulse indicates Cold, knotting, and Fluid retention; wiry-tight combination indicates Cold-Fluid stagnation and depression in the Liver and Gallbladder meridians. Combined with symptoms, this is Liver Qi stagnation and knotting, internal depression of Cold-Fluid, leading to failure of Clear Yang to ascend and Turbid Yin to descend. Treatment planned to soothe Liver, resolve depression, transform Fluids, dissipate knots, ascend Clear, and descend Turbid. Prescription: Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) 10g, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 10g, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 10g, Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) 10g, Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) 3 slices, Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus) 5 pieces, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 10g, Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) 10g, Fu Ling (Poria) 15g, Shu Jun (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma processed) 3g, Long Gu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi) 15g, Mu Li (Ostreae Concha) 15g.
After 3 doses, all symptoms improved. Continuing for 30 doses, all symptoms disappeared, and the patient recovered.
A certain physician asked: "The herbs used by the teacher were almost all ones I had used, yet why were mine ineffective?" The answer was: "From experience, the herbs I use have certainly been used by predecessors. Since other doctors use large prescriptions of 20 to over 40 herbs per dose, surely my herbs are included! However, I pay special attention to the combination of herbs, which you likely do not notice. My current prescription includes: 1) Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) for soothing Liver and Gallbladder; 2) Ban Xia San (Pinellia Powder) composed of Ban Xia, Gui Zhi, and Gan Cao for clearing Phlegm and opening knots; 3) Gui Zhi Qu Shao Yao Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction minus Peony) for strengthening Heart Yang; 4) Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell) for calming fright and calming spirit; 5) Fu Ling Gan Cao Tang (Poria and Licorice Decoction) for warming Yang and transforming Water. The emphasis is on soothing and harmonizing. As for why nourishing Yin and pacifying Liver was ineffective, in my view, it either aids Phlegm or excessively descends, causing Qi stagnation."
4. Adherence to descending/pacifying without examining stagnation, failure of Clear Yang to ascend, fog blocking the high summit
He XX, Male, 48 years old.
Dizziness and head distension, nausea and vomiting for over 1 year. Diagnosed with inner ear vertigo. Western medicine treatment for over half a year showed no obvious effect. Subsequent Chinese medicine treatment involving pacifying Liver, extinguishing Wind, nourishing Yin, pacifying Liver, transforming Phlegm, and extinguishing Wind also showed no obvious improvement. Detailed examination of symptoms revealed frequent dizziness and head distension, worse in the morning, occasional paroxysmal spinning vertigo, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, deafness, insomnia, sometimes unable to sleep all night, white tongue coating, and a deficient-large pulse, especially at the Chi (Cun-Kuan-Chi) position. Synthesizing pulse and symptoms: Deficient-large pulse indicates deficiency of Qi and Yin, and deficiency of Qi and Blood; Chi pulse larger than Cun and Guan indicates Kidney deficiency. Worse dizziness in the morning indicates Qi deficiency and failure of Clear Yang to ascend. Combining syndrome and pulse, this is deficiency of Spleen and Kidney, insufficiency of Qi and Yin, and failure of Clear Yang to ascend. Treatment should nourish Yin, tonify Qi, and raise Clear Yang. Prescription: Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) 15g, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 10g, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 10g, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 10g, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 10g, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 10g, Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) 10g, Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) 10g, Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) 15g, Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) 10g, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) 10g, Fu Ling (Poria) 10g, Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma) 10g, Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) 10g.
After 2 doses, symptoms of inability to stand, walk, or turn over due to dizziness disappeared. Continuing for 50 doses, all symptoms disappeared, and the patient recovered.
A certain physician asked: "The severity of this patient's dizziness and the length of the course are rare, yet the efficacy of the medication is also rare. What is the reason?" The answer was: "The dizziness in this case is caused by failure of Clear Yang to ascend, so treatment should particularly focus on raising Yang and tonifying Qi. The previous medications mostly focused on descending/pacifying, hence the error. Now adopting the method of raising Yang, as Yang rises, Yin grows, hence recovery."
5. Adherence to Yin deficiency, inadvertently aiding Phlegm, Phlegm-Fire transforming into Wind, head turning and moving
Na XX, Male, 59 years old.
Vertigo, paroxysmally worsening for over 3 years. Diagnosed with inner ear vertigo. Western medicine treatment was ineffective. Subsequent Chinese medicine treatment involving nourishing Yin and pacifying Liver was also unsuccessful. Especially in the past 7-8 months, dizziness and head distension became severely paroxysmal, with more severe nausea and vomiting. Detailed examination of symptoms revealed, besides dizziness and head distension, major vertigo attacks every 2-3 days where the patient dared not stand, feeling self and surroundings rotating upside down, severe nausea and vomiting. For the past month, almost all day felt fatigued and weak, unable to walk due to dizziness, poor appetite, complexion greenish-yellow and dirty/dark like smoke-covered face, yellow-white tongue coating, and soggy-slow pulse. Synthesizing pulse and symptoms: Complexion like smoke, greenish-yellow indicates stagnation of Damp-Heat; soggy-slow pulse indicates stagnation of Phlegm-Dampness. Combined with symptoms, this is stagnation of Damp-Heat, with Phlegm-Fire transforming into Wind. Treatment planned to transform Phlegm, remove Dampness, extinguish Wind, and purge Fire. Prescription: Shi Jue Ming (Haliotidis Concha) 15g, Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi Flos) 10g, Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) 4g, Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba) 3g, Gou Teng (Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis) 10g, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 10g, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 10g, Fu Ling (Poria) 10g, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 6g, Sheng Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma raw) 10g, Yu Zhu (Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma) 6g, Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) 10g.
After 1 dose, vertigo greatly reduced. Continuing for 5 doses, vertigo reduced by nearly 80%. Another 6 doses, all symptoms disappeared. One month later, vertigo recurred but was significantly lighter. Patient took 3 more doses of the same prescription with no effect. Careful observation of symptoms revealed: vertigo, nausea with desire to vomit, no other discomfort, white tongue coating, slightly wiry-tight pulse. Synthesizing pulse and symptoms: Wiry pulse corresponds to Liver; tight indicates Cold. Wiry-tight combination indicates obstruction and depression by Cold-Fluid, obscuring Clear Yang. Treatment should warm Yang, transform Fluids, and direct rebellious Qi downward. Prescription: Fu Ling (Poria) 10g, Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma) 10g, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) 10g, Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) 10g, Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) 3 slices, Jiu Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix processed with wine) 4g, Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba) 1g, Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) 3g.
After 1 dose, all symptoms disappeared. Taking the above prescription once every 5 days, total 8 doses, recovered.
Multiple Neuritis
1. Disease in Lung and Stomach, Phlegm-Heat not resolving, scorching Yin fluids, treatment from Lung and Stomach, transforming Phlegm, nourishing Yin, clearing Heat leads to cure
Su XX, Male, 60 years old.
Fever and paralysis for over 1 month. Diagnosed with Multiple Neuritis. Initial Western medicine treatment was ineffective. Examination revealed, besides paralysis of four limbs, fever, profuse sweating, cough with much phlegm, dry throat and mouth, irritability, thirst with desire to drink, red tongue body, yellow-dry tongue coating, and floating-slippery-rapid pulse. Synthesizing pulse and symptoms: Floating pulse indicates exterior syndrome, pathogen in Lung; slippery-rapid indicates Phlegm-Heat, Heat in Lung and Stomach. Combined with symptoms, this is Heat in Lung and Stomach, obstruction by Phlegm-Fire, and scorching of Yin fluids. Treatment should clear Heat, nourish Yin, transform Phlegm, and revive flaccidity. Prescription: Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix) 10g, Sha Shen (Glehniae Radix) 15g, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 6g, Zhi Pa Ye (Eriobotryae Folium processed) 10g, Sheng Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum) 30g, E Jiao (Colla Corii Asini) 10g (melted), Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum) 10g, Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 10g, Hei Zhi Ma (Sesami Fructus Niger) 10g, Sang Ye (Mori Folium) 10g.
After 2 doses, fever, cough, sweating, and thirst decreased, four limbs had slight movement. Continuing for 10 doses, all symptoms greatly reduced, could walk ten steps with support, began to independently turn over and sit up. Another 60 doses, all symptoms disappeared, recovered.
A certain physician said: "I heard from the teacher that Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang (Clear Dryness Rescue Lung Decoction) is effective for multiple neuritis, but I was skeptical, so I invited the teacher to treat. The result was excellent, solidifying my confidence in learning Traditional Chinese Medicine."
2. Chronic disease judged by pulse, combined with color and syndrome, efficacy improves
Tong XX, Male, 32 years old.
Paralysis of four limbs for over 9 months. Diagnosed with Multiple Neuritis. Western medicine treatment for over half a year showed no improvement. Subsequent Chinese medicine treatment involving nourishing Yin and clearing Lung for over 3 months also showed no obvious improvement. Detailed examination of symptoms revealed, besides inability to turn over or sit up due to limb paralysis, fever, sweating, palpitations, shortness of breath, irritability, insomnia, pale complexion, yellow-white greasy tongue coating, and deficient-large-slippery-rapid pulse. Synthesizing pulse and symptoms: Deficient-large pulse indicates deficiency of Qi and Yin; slippery-rapid indicates Heat. Combined with symptoms, this is deficiency of Qi and Yin, with internal depression of Damp-Heat. Treatment should tonify Qi, nourish Yin, dry Dampness, and clear Heat. Prescription: Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) 15g, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 10g, Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix) 10g, Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 10g, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) 10g, Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex) 10g, Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) 10g, Huai Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) 10g, Shi Hu (Dendrobii Caulis) 10g, Sang Zhi (Mori Ramulus) 30g.
After 20 doses, four limbs began slight independent movement, able to freely turn over and sit, and fever, fatigue, sweating, palpitations, and shortness of breath decreased. Continuing for 60 doses, all symptoms greatly reduced, could move freely for 1 hour with support without fatigue, fever, sweating, palpitations, and shortness of breath disappeared, but still had stiffness and discomfort in whole-body sinews and bones. Added Mu Gua (Chaenomelis Fructus) 10g. Made into honey pills, 9g each. Take 3 times daily, 2 pills each time. After 2 months of medication, recovered.
3. Carefully examine pulse and syndrome, precise prescription, expel pathogen gently, tonify righteous Qi not hastily, only then can efficacy be achieved
Zhang XX, Male, 19 years old.
Paralysis of four limbs for over 2 months. Diagnosed with Multiple Neuritis. Western medicine treatment for over 1 month was not only ineffective but worsened the condition. Subsequent Chinese medicine treatment involving tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin not only failed to reduce symptoms but worsened appetite. Detailed examination of symptoms revealed, besides paralysis of four limbs, inability to move or turn over, obvious atrophy of trunk, thighs, and forearms/hands muscles, cold extremities, thin-white tongue coating, and deep-slow-fine pulse. Synthesizing pulse and symptoms: Deep-slow pulse indicates stagnation of Cold-Dampness. Combined with symptoms, this is mixed contraction of Wind, Summerheat, Cold, and Dampness, with Qi failing to circulate freely. As Wu Juztong stated in Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases): "Mixed contraction of Wind, Summerheat, Cold, and Dampness, confusion of Qi failing to circulate freely, cough, head distension, lack of hunger, white tongue, limbs resembling paralysis, Xing Yi Yi Mi Tang (Apricot Seed and Coix Seed Decoction) governs it." "Therefore, using Qi-circulating herbs as Sovereign. Since it involves rain-dampness and Cold pathogen, naturally changing from Acrid-Cool to Acrid-Warm." Prescription: Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum) 9g, Yi Mi (Coicis Semen) 9g, Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) 1.5g, Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) 3 slices, Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) 3g, Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 4.5g, Fang Ji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix) 35g, Bai Ji Li (Tribuli Fructus) 6g.
After 10 doses, patient could freely turn over and walk about 100 meters, muscles of four limbs and trunk were fuller than before. Continuing for 100 doses, all symptoms disappeared, and recovered.
Sciatica
1. Examine season, observe cause, combine with pulse image, then know the syndrome
Zhang XX, Male, 40 years old.
Waist and leg pain, difficulty turning over and moving for over 3 months. Diagnosed with Sciatica. Initial Western medicine oral administration and block injections showed some improvement, but pain intensified immediately upon slight cessation of medication. Subsequently changed to Chinese medicine promoting blood circulation and relieving pain, combined with acupuncture. Initially seemed to improve, but continued treatment was ineffective. Detailed examination of symptoms revealed sudden onset, initially feeling sore, stiff, and rigid lower back, followed by continuous severe pain along the Bladder Meridian in thighs and calves, very difficult to turn over or sit up, white tongue coating, and wiry-tight pulse. Considering wiry-tight pulse indicates Cold. Disease started in winter, sudden onset, also Cold. Pulse and syndrome combined indicate external invasion of Wind-Cold-Dampness. Plan to dispel Wind, remove Dampness, scatter Cold, and eliminate Bi obstruction. Prescription: Du Huo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix) 10g, Sang Ji Sheng (Taxilli Caulis et Folium) 15g, Qin Jiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix) 10g, Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) 10g, Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) 3g, Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) 10g, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 10g, Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix preparata) 10g, Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 10g, Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) 10g, Fu Ling (Poria) 10g, Du Zhong (Eucommiae Cortex) 10g, Chuan Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) 10g, Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix) 10g, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 10g.
After 1 dose, pain greatly reduced, able to freely turn over and move. Continuing for 10 doses, recovered.
A certain physician asked: "Such severe pain, previous medications, acupuncture, and blocks were all ineffective, yet Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (Du Huo and Taxillus Decoction) worked after 1 dose and cured after several doses. I truly did not know this." The answer was: "This disease developed after contracting Wind-Cold. Cold-pain diseases are particularly severe; treating with warm-hot agents often stops pain immediately, as stated in Su Wen: Ju Tong Lun Pian (Treatise on Pain): 'When Cold pathogen lodges outside the vessels, vessels become cold, vessels cold contract and curl, contraction makes vessels tense and urgent, drawing on small collaterals, thus sudden pain arises. Obtaining heat stops it immediately.' If treating with blood-invigorating methods, it is not the correct treatment, hence poor efficacy."
2. External invasion of Cold-Dampness, Liver Wood fails to spread, neglecting Liver, softening sinews, instead dispersing Wind damaging sinews, treatment fails to cure
Zhang XX, Male, 40 years old.