曾治患者苏×，男，12岁。一年多以前即经常感到疲乏无力，自汗盗汗，尿有时呈酱油色，五个多月以前转入某院进行治疗。诊为阵发性睡眠性血红蛋白尿。中、西药混合治疗一直不见效果。审其面色咣白无华，自汗盗汗，尿血仅发生在夜间，脉弦而大。根据相似相应之理，综合脉证，诊为气阴两虚为本，瘀血阻滞，湿热下注为标。拟用补气养血，凉血活血，燥湿清热。服药6剂，精神增加，盗汗自汗减少，尿血消失，继服40剂愈。
3．妇科
(1)崩漏数年以相似相应之理辨知其病为脾肾俱虚，予脾肾双补，益气养血而愈。
曾治患者苏×，女，成。子宫出血数年，冬重夏轻，今年人冬以来，血出尤甚。某院以大量的输血与中、西药联合治疗，始终不效。审其脉虚大弦紧，面色皓白微露黄意，并见神疲乏力，言语低微，腹痛喜按，趾指厥冷，形体消瘦。因思冬在闭藏，其相似相应在肾，命门火衰，闭藏失职。脾者，后天之本也，运化不足，摄血失统。故治宜补后天，益先天，养血益气。处方：黄芪15克，当归10克，川芎10克，熟地10克，党参10克，白术10克，茯苓10克，炙甘草10克，麦冬10克，附子10克，淡大芸15克，肉桂10克，半夏10克，鹿角胶10克，芡实10克，生姜3片，大枣5枚，阿胶10克。
服药2剂后，腹痛崩血大减，食纳增加，精神改善。继服4剂，崩血停止，为巩固疗效，又服20剂，愈。
(2)曾治患者林×，女，26岁。月经失调，时或月经淋漓不断6年多。此次月经提前十几天，至后已十数天不止。前医除西药外，并先后应用过中药丹栀逍遥散，少腹逐瘀汤，胶艾四物汤，芩连四物汤、归脾汤、升阳举经汤等进行治疗，然多不见效果。细审其证，脉见弦涩不调，少腹满痛，午后至夜间加剧，胸胁苦满，乳房胀痛，头晕头痛，五心烦热，尿热尿痛。因思此乃肝郁血虚，郁而化火之证，然午后至夜间腹满尤甚，结合相似相应之理，应为脾肾虚寒。故治拟养血疏肝，佐以温肾之品。处方：丹栀逍遥散去生姜，加干姜、肉桂、生地。2剂后经血止，他证减，继服一月诸证消失，愈。
4．外科
(1)胆囊切除术后疼痛不能收口一月，以相似相应之理辨知其为肝胆气郁，寒凝血滞，予疏肝理气，温经活血，愈。
曾治患者朱×，女，64岁。胆石症胆囊切除术后，局部一直疼痛不止，昼轻夜重，切口一直不能愈合。前医始以大剂抗生素无功，后又配合中药清热解毒之剂7剂亦无效。细审其除疼痛外，并见切口部有少量脓汁不断排出，头晕恶心，心烦腹满，体温38℃，舌苔白，脉弦紧而数。综合脉证与相似之．理，知其为肝胆气郁，寒凝血滞，热毒蕴结之证。治拟疏肝理气，温经活血，佐用解毒清热。处方：柴胡lO克，半夏10克，党参10克，黄芩10克，干姜3克，大枣5枚，当归10克，赤芍10克，香附lO克，乌药10克，败酱草40克。服药2剂后，发热消退，腹胀减半，创口脓汁消退，继服6剂，诸证消失，愈。
(2)皮炎奇痒以相似相应之理辨知其为血燥生风，予养血润燥，活血祛风，愈。
曾治患者周×，男，22岁。全身奇痒难忍十几天。医先予西药内服，外用治疗无效，后又改用中药祛风清热之剂3剂而更甚。细审其奇痒难忍，全身抓得到处是血痕，昼轻夜重，不能睡眠，舌苔白，脉沉弦细。综合脉证与昼夜的相似相应之理，知其乃血虚燥热生风所致。为拟养血润燥，活血祛风。处方：生地30克，熟地10克，生首乌10克，当归lO克，丹皮10克，元参lO克，白蒺藜6克，僵蚕6克，红花10克，甘草6克。服药1剂，其痒即减，继服6剂，愈。
5．耳鼻喉科
(1)秋季咽痛以相似相应之理辨知其为少阴咽痛，予猪肤汤始缓。
叶天士治患者陈姓，阴阳交虚，营卫欹斜，为忽冷忽热，周身骸骨皆痛，百脉皆损，秋本天气已降，身中气反泄越，汗出喉痹，阳不人于阴，致自为动搏耳，夫喉咽之患，久则喉痹喉宣，妨碍受纳，最不易治，从少阴咽痛例，用猪肤汤旬日，喉痛得缓，对症转方。
(2)频发鼻衄十几年，秋冬轻春夏剧，以相似相应之理．辨知其为肺肾阴虚，予养阴之剂而安。
曾治患者张×，男，19岁。从3—4岁开始即经常鼻衄，至今不愈。开始几年，西医耳鼻喉科诊为鼻中隔弯曲，发病前几年一用堵塞或电灼即可缓解，近七八年来，每至春夏即经常感冒，一感冒就发生鼻衄，这次鼻衄已经十几天，虽用中、西药多种方法仍然不见改善。因思春季者肝木之令也，且发病于感冒之后，以相似相应之理，乃阴虚外风所致。处方：麦冬10克，生地10克，元参30克，桑叶15克。
服药1剂而衄止，后果愈。
6．眼科
(1)睡起眼赤肿以相似相应之理辨知其为血热，予生地而愈。
《古今医案按》云：一人患眼疾，每睡起则眼赤肿，良久却愈，百治莫效。师日：此血热，非肝病也。卧则血归于肝，热血归肝，故令眼赤肿也，良久却愈者，人卧起血复散于四肢故也。遂用生地黄汁浸粳米250克，渗干，曝令透骨干，三浸三干，用磁瓶煎汤令沸，下地黄米四五匙，煎成薄粥汤，放温，食半饱后，饮一二盏即睡，如此两日，遂愈。
(2)眼睑下垂久治不效，以相似相应之理，辨知其为痰热，予化痰泻火而安。
曾治患者史×，男，35岁。眼睑下垂数年，眼裂日渐缩小。医先以新斯的明治疗好转，继用之不效，后又以补中益气汤加减治之仍不效。特别是近三个月来，看书，写文章，甚至走路均感困难，尤其是在太阳下走路时常因不能睁眼而到处碰壁。细审其除上述诸证外，并见胸满心烦，口苦口粘，失眠健忘，舌苔黄白而腻，脉弦滑。综合脉证，并结合相似相应之理，诊为痰热内郁，肝木失达。治以柴胡陷胸汤加减30剂，愈。
三、结语
中医相似论是中医学中按照诸多相似现象去分析认识中医问题的方法。它不但是认识发现问题的方法，而且是辨证论治的重要手段。所以如何提高对相似论的认识不但具有重要的历史价值，而且具有重要的现实意义。
天人相应与临床
中国医药学的天人相应学说是在中国医药学的相似论的指导下形成的。这一学说认为客观存在的繁多的自然现象，不仅是繁多的自然现象，而且是引发人体生理、病因、病机、症状改变的条件，因此医务工作者在考虑人体的生理、病理、病因、症状时必须注意自然现象的改变，并将其纳入到辨证论治的范畴。
一、应用天人相应学说于辨证论治时的思维方法
由于天人相应学说是在中国医药学的相似论的指导下形成的，所以它的思维方法也基本上是相似论式的。
中国医药学的相似论认为，在繁多的、客观存在的不同现象中，有大量的现象是相似的，在这些相似的现象中，不仅存在着相互之间的相似，而且存在着规律性，并认为不同范围的相似规律中，不但存在着相互类似现象和规律，而且存在着相互之间的感应性，所以我们可以用这种感应性去影响另种相似规律性的物质，甚至改变它的特性。
中国医药学还认为，在众多的不同的相似规律中，阴阳、五行的相似是诸多规律中的基本相似，系统的、局部的、运动的、静止的相似是一般的相似。相似相应，即相似规律物质间的相互感应是相似中的第三个重要规律。
天人相应是相似论中相互感应规律中的自然与人体的相互感应部分。这一部分不但是相似论中的部分内容，而且是相似论在具体应用上的发展。
天人相应学说认为，通过自然界、气象等的影响，不但可以引起人体阴阳、五行规律的变化，而且可以引起人体病理、生理、病因、症状在系统、局部、运动、静止规律上的改变，并进而应用这些规律去辨证论治和观察疾病的预后。
二、应用天人相应学说于临床上的方法
在相似的规律之间可以引起相应和只有相似规律之间才可能相互感应的基本观点指导下，古代医家通过研究认为可以通过以下五个方面去指导临床应用。
1．诸年运气相互感应前人认为，诸年的阴阳、五行规律的变化使诸年的气候发生相应的规律性的改变，例如：甲年、己年土运主之，乙年、庚年金运主之，丙年、辛年水运主之，丁年、壬年木运主之，戊年、癸年火运主之。子年、午年少阴君火司天，阳明燥金在泉；丑年、未年太阴湿土司天，太阳寒水在泉；寅年、申年少阳相火司天，厥阴风木在泉；卯年、酉年阳明燥金司天，少阴君火在泉；辰年、戊年太阳寒水司天，太阴湿土在泉；巳年、亥年厥阴风木司天，少阳相火在泉。其中司天主前半年，在泉主后半年。这种变化从宏观来说可以引起人体系统的、运动的相应性改变。《素问·气交变大论》说：“岁木太过，风气流行，脾土受邪，民病飧泄食减，体重烦冤，肠呜腹支满……甚则忽忽善怒，眩冒巅疾。”“岁火太过，炎暑流行，肺金受邪，民病疟，少气喘满，血溢血泄注下，嗌燥耳聋，中热，肩背热……甚则胸中痛，胁支满，胁痛，肩背肩胛间痛，两臂内痛，身热骨痛而为浸淫。”“岁土太过，雨淫流行，肾水受邪，民病腹满，清厥意不乐，体重烦冤……甚则肌肉萎，足痿不收，行善瘼，脚下痛，饮发中满食减，四肢不举。”“岁金太过，燥气流行，肝木受邪，民病两胁下少腹痛，目赤痛眦疡，耳无所闻……体重烦冤，胸痛引背，两胁满且痛引少腹……甚则咳喘逆气，肩背痛，尻阴股膝髀脯所亍足皆痛。”“岁水太过，寒气流行，邪害心火，民病身热烦心躁悸，阴厥上下中寒，谵妄心痛……甚则腹大胫肿，喘咳，寝汗出憎风。”“岁木不及，燥乃大行，生气失应……民病中清，胠胁痛，少腹痛，肠鸣溏泄……病寒热疮疡疿疹痈痤……咳而衄。”“岁火不及，寒乃大行，长政不用……民病胸中痛，胁支满，两胁痛，膺背肩胛间及两臂内痛，郁冒矇昧，心痛暴痦，胸腹大，胁下与腰背相引而痛，甚则屈不能伸，髋髀如别……病鹜溏，腹满，食饮不下，寒中，肠鸣泄注，腹痛，暴挛痿痹，足不任身。”“岁土不及，风乃大行，化气不令……民病飧泄，霍乱，体重，腹痛，筋骨繇复，肌肉（目闰）酸，善怒……胸胁暴痛，下引少腹，善太息。”“岁金不及，炎火乃行，生气乃用……民病肩背瞀重，鼽涕，血便注下……阴厥且格阳，反上行头，脑户痛，延及卤顶发热……民病口疮，甚则心痛。”“岁火不及，湿乃大行，长气反用……民病腹满，身重濡泄，寒疡流水，腰股痛发，胭脯股膝不便，烦冤，足痿清厥，脚下痛，甚则胕肿……筋骨并癖，肉（目闰）瘛，目视（目巟目巟）……肌肉胗发，气并膈中，痛于心腹。”《素问·至真要大论》说：“厥阴司天，风淫所胜……民病胃脘当心而痛，上支两胁，鬲咽不通，饮食不下，舌本强，食则呕，冷泄腹胀，溏泄，瘕，水闭……病本于脾。”“少阴司天，热淫所胜……民病胸中烦热，嗌干，右肱满，皮肤痛，寒热咳喘……唾血，血泄，鼽衄嚏呕，溺色黄，甚则寒疡肘肿，肩背臂臑及缺盆中痛，心痛，肺膜，腹大满，膨膨而喘咳，病本于肺。”“太阴司天，湿淫所胜……所亍肿骨痛，阴痹。阴痹者，按之不得。腰脊头顶痛，时眩，大便难，阴气不用，饥不欲食，咳唾则有血，心如悬，病本于肾。”“少阳司天，火淫所胜……民病头痛，发热恶寒而疟，热上皮肤痛，色变黄赤，传而为水，身面胕肿，腹满仰息，泄注赤白，疮疡，咳唾血，烦心，胸中热，甚则衄血，病本于肺。”“阳明司天，燥淫所胜……民病左肱胁痛，寒清于中，感而疟，大凉革候，咳，腹中鸣，注泄鹜溏……心胁暴痛，不可转侧，嗌干面尘，腰痛，丈夫癫疝，妇人少腹痛，目昧眦疡，疮痤痛……病本于肝。”“太阴司天．寒淫所胜……血变于中，发为疮疡，民病厥心痛，呕血血泄，鼽衄善悲，时眩仆……胸腹满，手热，肘挛腋肿，心淡淡大动，胸胁胃脘不安，面赤目黄，善噫嗌干，甚则色炲，渴而欲饮，病本于心。”
2．诸年异气相互感应异气，王叔和称为时行之气，吴又可称为乖戾之气或疫气，认为它是发生瘟疫的原因。吴又可说：“瘟疫之为病，非风非寒，非暑非湿，乃天地间别有一种异气所感。”至于异气的偏寒偏热则与所谓暴然所至之气有关，故王叔和说：“从春分之后，至秋分节前，天有暴寒者，皆为时行寒疫。”
曾治疗患者苏×，男性，12岁。一年多以前即经常感到疲乏无力，自汗（白天不因劳动、炎热或服药而自然出汗）和盗汗（睡眠中出汗），尿液有时呈酱油色，五个多月以前转入某医院进行治疗。诊断为阵发性睡眠性血红蛋白尿。中西医结合治疗一直不见效果。审视其面色苍白无光泽，有自汗和盗汗症状，尿血仅发生在夜间，脉象弦而大。根据相似相应的原理，综合脉象和证候，诊断为气阴两虚为本，瘀血阻滞，湿热下注为标。拟定采用补气养血，凉血活血，燥湿清热的方法。服用6剂药后，精神好转，盗汗自汗减少，尿血消失，继服40剂后痊愈。
3．妇科
(1)崩漏（非经期阴道大量出血或淋漓不断）数年，以相似相应的原理辨知其病因为脾肾俱虚，给予脾肾双补，益气养血的方法而痊愈。
曾治疗患者苏×，女性，成年。子宫出血数年，冬季重夏季轻，今年入冬以来，出血尤为严重。某医院以大量的输血与中西药联合治疗，始终无效。审视其脉象虚大弦紧，面色皓白微露黄色，并见神疲乏力，言语低微，腹痛且喜欢按压，脚趾手指厥冷，形体消瘦。因而想到冬季在自然界属于闭藏之时，其相似相应在于肾，命门火衰，闭藏功能失职。脾是后天之本，运化不足，统摄血液的功能失常。因此治疗应当补后天（脾），益先天（肾），养血益气。处方：黄芪15克，当归10克，川芎10克，熟地黄10克，党参10克，白术10克，茯苓10克，炙甘草10克，麦冬10克，附子10克，淡大芸（肉苁蓉）15克，肉桂10克，半夏10克，鹿角胶10克，芡实10克，生姜3片，大枣5枚，阿胶10克。
服用2剂药后，腹痛和崩漏出血大幅减少，食欲增加，精神改善。继服4剂，崩漏停止，为了巩固疗效，又服用20剂，痊愈。
(2)曾治疗患者林×，女性，26岁。月经失调，有时月经淋漓不断6年多。此次月经提前十几天，来潮后已十几天不止。前医除了使用西药外，还先后应用过中药丹栀逍遥散，少腹逐瘀汤，胶艾四物汤，芩连四物汤、归脾汤、升阳举经汤等进行治疗，然而大多不见效果。仔细审视其证候，脉象弦涩不调，少腹部满痛，午后至夜间加剧，胸胁部苦闷胀满，乳房胀痛，头晕头痛，五心烦热（手心、脚心及心胸烦热），尿热尿痛。因而想到这是肝郁血虚，郁而化火的证候，然而午后至夜间腹部胀满尤其严重，结合相似相应的原理，应为脾肾虚寒。因此治疗拟定养血疏肝，佐以温肾的药物。处方：丹栀逍遥散去生姜，加干姜、肉桂、生地黄。2剂药后经血停止，其他症状减轻，继服一个月诸症消失，痊愈。
4．外科
(1)胆囊切除术后疼痛不能收口一月，以相似相应的原理辨知其为肝胆气郁，寒凝血滞，给予疏肝理气，温经活血的方法，痊愈。
曾治疗患者朱×，女性，64岁。胆石症胆囊切除术后，局部一直疼痛不止，昼轻夜重，切口一直不能愈合。前医开始以大剂量抗生素无效，后又配合中药清热解毒之剂7剂也无效。仔细审视其除疼痛外，并见切口部有少量脓汁不断排出，头晕恶心，心烦腹满，体温38℃，舌苔白，脉象弦紧而数。综合脉证与相似的原理，知其为肝胆气郁，寒凝血滞，热毒蕴结的证候。治疗拟定疏肝理气，温经活血，佐用解毒清热的方法。处方：柴胡10克，半夏10克，党参10克，黄芩10克，干姜3克，大枣5枚，当归10克，赤芍10克，香附10克，乌药10克，败酱草40克。服用2剂药后，发热消退，腹胀减半，创口脓汁消退，继服6剂，诸症消失，痊愈。
(2)皮炎奇痒以相似相应的原理辨知其为血燥生风，给予养血润燥，活血祛风的方法，痊愈。
曾治疗患者周×，男性，22岁。全身奇痒难忍十几天。医生先予西药内服，外用治疗无效，后又改用中药祛风清热之剂3剂反而更严重。仔细审视其奇痒难忍，全身抓得到处是血痕，昼轻夜重，不能睡眠，舌苔白，脉象沉弦细。综合脉证与昼夜的相似相应的原理，知其乃血虚燥热生风所致。于是拟定养血润燥，活血祛风的方法。处方：生地黄30克，熟地黄10克，制何首乌10克，当归10克，牡丹皮10克，玄参10克，白蒺藜6克，僵蚕6克，红花10克，甘草6克。服用1剂药，其痒即减轻，继服6剂，痊愈。
5．耳鼻喉科
(1)秋季咽痛以相似相应的原理辨知其为少阴咽痛，给予猪肤汤始获缓解。
叶天士治疗患者陈姓，阴阳交虚，营卫失衡，表现为忽冷忽热，周身骸骨皆痛，百脉皆损。秋天本应天气下降，但体内气机反而泄越，汗出导致喉痹，阳气不能入于阴，致使自身搏动不安。夫喉咽的疾病，久则发展为喉痹喉宣，妨碍受纳饮食，最不易治疗。从少阴咽痛的例子出发，使用猪肤汤旬日，喉痛得以缓解，再对症转方。
(2)频发鼻衄十几年，秋冬轻春夏剧，以相似相应的原理辨知其为肺肾阴虚，给予养阴之剂而安宁。
曾治疗患者张×，男性，19岁。从3-4岁开始即经常鼻衄，至今不愈。开始几年，西医耳鼻喉科诊断为鼻中隔弯曲，发病前几年一用堵塞或电灼即可缓解，近七八年来，每至春夏即经常感冒，一感冒就发生鼻衄，这次鼻衄已经十几天，虽用中西药多种方法仍然不见改善。因而想到春季是肝木当令之时，且发病于感冒之后，以相似相应的原理，乃阴虚外风所致。处方：麦冬10克，生地黄10克，玄参30克，桑叶15克。
服用1剂药而鼻衄停止，后果痊愈。
6．眼科
(1)睡起眼赤肿以相似相应的原理辨知其为血热，给予生地黄而痊愈。
《古今医案按》记载：一人患眼疾，每次睡醒则眼睛红肿胀，良久却自愈，各种治疗都无效。老师说：这是血热，不是肝病。卧则血归于肝，热血归肝，所以导致眼睛红肿胀。良久却自愈的原因，是人卧起后血液重新分散到四肢的缘故。于是用生地黄汁浸泡粳米250克，沥干，晒干至透骨干燥，三次浸泡三次晾干，用磁瓶煎汤令沸，下地黄米四五匙，煎成薄粥汤，放温，食半饱后，饮一二盏即睡，如此两天，遂痊愈。
(2)眼睑下垂久治不效，以相似相应的原理，辨知其为痰热，给予化痰泻火的方法而安宁。
曾治疗患者史×，男性，35岁。眼睑下垂数年，眼裂日渐缩小。医生先用新斯的明治疗好转，继用之不效，后又以补中益气汤加减治疗仍不效。特别是近三个月来，看书，写文章，甚至走路均感困难，尤其是在太阳下走路时常因不能睁眼而到处碰壁。仔细审视其除上述诸证外，并见胸满心烦，口苦口粘，失眠健忘，舌苔黄白而腻，脉象弦滑。综合脉证，并结合相似相应的原理，诊断为痰热内郁，肝木失达。治疗以柴胡陷胸汤加减30剂，痊愈。
三、结语
中医相似论是中医学中按照诸多相似现象去分析认识中医问题的方法。它不仅是认识发现问题的方法，而且是辨证论治的重要手段。所以如何提高对相似论的认识不但具有重要的历史价值，而且具有重要的现实意义。
天人相应与临床
中国医药学的天人相应学说是在中国医药学的相似论的指导下形成的。这一学说认为客观存在的繁多的自然现象，不仅是繁多的自然现象，而且是引发人体生理、病因、病机、症状改变的条件，因此医务工作者在考虑人体的生理、病理、病因、症状时必须注意自然现象的改变，并将其纳入到辨证论治的范畴。
一、应用天人相应学说于辨证论治时的思维方法
由于天人相应学说是在中国医药学的相似论的指导下形成的，所以它的思维方法也基本上是相似论式的。
中国医药学的相似论认为，在繁多的、客观存在的不同现象中，有大量的现象是相似的，在这些相似的现象中，不仅存在着相互之间的相似，而且存在着规律性，并认为不同范围的相似规律中，不但存在着相互类似现象和规律，而且存在着相互之间的感应性，所以我们可以用这种感应性去影响另一种相似规律性的物质，甚至改变它的特性。
中国医药学还认为，在众多的不同的相似规律中，阴阳、五行的相似是诸多规律中的基本相似，系统的、局部的、运动的、静止的相似是一般的相似。相似相应，即相似规律物质间的相互感应是相似中的第三个重要规律。
天人相应是相似论中相互感应规律中的自然与人体的相互感应部分。这一部分不仅是相似论中的部分内容，而且是相似论在具体应用上的发展。
天人相应学说认为，通过自然界、气象等的影响，不仅可以引起人体阴阳、五行规律的变化，而且可以引起人体病理、生理、病因、症状在系统、局部、运动、静止规律上的改变，并进而应用这些规律去辨证论治和观察疾病的预后。
二、应用天人相应学说于临床上的方法
在相似的规律之间可以引起相应和只有相似规律之间才可能相互感应的基本观点指导下，古代医家通过研究认为可以通过以下五个方面去指导临床应用。
1．诸年运气相互感应前人认为，各年的阴阳、五行规律的变化使各年的气候发生相应的规律性的改变，例如：甲年、己年土运主之，乙年、庚年金运主之，丙年、辛年水运主之，丁年、壬年木运主之，戊年、癸年火运主之。子年、午年少阴君火司天，阳明燥金在泉；丑年、未年太阴湿土司天，太阳寒水在泉；寅年、申年少阳相火司天，厥阴风木在泉；卯年、酉年阳明燥金司天，少阴君火在泉；辰年、戌年太阳寒水司天，太阴湿土在泉；巳年、亥年厥阴风木司天，少阳相火在泉。其中司天主前半年，在泉主后半年。这种变化从宏观来说可以引起人体系统的、运动的相应性改变。《素问·气交变大论》说：“岁木太过，风气流行，脾土受邪，民病飧泄食减，体重烦冤，肠鸣腹支满……甚则忽忽善怒，眩冒巅疾。”“岁火太过，炎暑流行，肺金受邪，民病疟，少气喘满，血溢血泄注下，嗌燥耳聋，中热，肩背热……甚则胸中痛，胁支满，胁痛，肩背肩胛间痛，两臂内痛，身热骨痛而为浸淫。”“岁土太过，雨淫流行，肾水受邪，民病腹满，清厥意不乐，体重烦冤……甚则肌肉萎，足痿不收，行善瘼，脚下痛，饮发中满食减，四肢不举。”“岁金太过，燥气流行，肝木受邪，民病两胁下少腹痛，目赤痛眦疡，耳无所闻……体重烦冤，胸痛引背，两胁满且痛引少腹……甚则咳喘逆气，肩背痛，尻阴股膝髀脯所亍足皆痛。”“岁水太过，寒气流行，邪害心火，民病身热烦心躁悸，阴厥上下中寒，谵妄心痛……甚则腹大胫肿，喘咳，寝汗出憎风。”“岁木不及，燥乃大行，生气失应……民病中清，胠胁痛，少腹痛，肠鸣溏泄……病寒热疮疡疿疹痈痤……咳而衄。”“岁火不及，寒乃大行，长政不用……民病胸中痛，胁支满，两胁痛，膺背肩胛间及两臂内痛，郁冒矇昧，心痛暴痦，胸腹大，胁下与腰背相引而痛，甚则屈不能伸，髋髀如别……病鹜溏，腹满，食饮不下，寒中，肠鸣泄注，腹痛，暴挛痿痹，足不任身。”“岁土不及，风乃大行，化气不令……民病飧泄，霍乱，体重，腹痛，筋骨繇复，肌肉酸，善怒……胸胁暴痛，下引少腹，善太息。”“岁金不及，炎火乃行，生气乃用……民病肩背瞀重，鼽涕，血便注下……阴厥且格阳，反上行头，脑户痛，延及卤顶发热……民病口疮，甚则心痛。”“岁火不及，湿乃大行，长气反用……民病腹满，身重濡泄，寒疡流水，腰股痛发，胭脯股膝不便，烦冤，足痿清厥，脚下痛，甚则胕肿……筋骨并癖，肉瘛，目视茫茫……肌肉疹发，气并膈中，痛于心腹。”《素问·至真要大论》说：“厥阴司天，风淫所胜……民病胃脘当心而痛，上支两胁，鬲咽不通，饮食不下，舌本强，食则呕，冷泄腹胀，溏泄，瘕，水闭……病本于脾。”“少阴司天，热淫所胜……民病胸中烦热，嗌干，右肱满，皮肤痛，寒热咳喘……唾血，血泄，鼽衄嚏呕，溺色黄，甚则寒疡肘肿，肩背臂臑及缺盆中痛，心痛，肺膜，腹大满，膨膨而喘咳，病本于肺。”“太阴司天，湿淫所胜……所行肿骨痛，阴痹。阴痹者，按之不得。腰脊头顶痛，时眩，大便难，阴气不用，饥不欲食，咳唾则有血，心如悬，病本于肾。”“少阳司天，火淫所胜……民病头痛，发热恶寒而疟，热上皮肤痛，色变黄赤，传而为水，身面胕肿，腹满仰息，泄注赤白，疮疡，咳唾血，烦心，胸中热，甚则衄血，病本于肺。”“阳明司天，燥淫所胜……民病左肱胁痛，寒清于中，感而疟，大凉革候，咳，腹中鸣，注泄鹜溏……心胁暴痛，不可转侧，嗌干面尘，腰痛，丈夫癫疝，妇人少腹痛，目昧眦疡，疮痤痛……病本于肝。”“太阴司天．寒淫所胜……血变于中，发为疮疡，民病厥心痛，呕血血泄，鼽衄善悲，时眩仆……胸腹满，手热，肘挛腋肿，心淡淡大动，胸胁胃脘不安，面赤目黄，善噫嗌干，甚则色炲，渴而欲饮，病本于心。”
2．诸年异气相互感应异气，王叔和称为时行之气，吴又可称为乖戾之气或疫气，认为它是发生瘟疫的原因。吴又可说：“瘟疫之为病，非风非寒，非暑非湿，乃天地间别有一种异气所感。”至于异气的偏寒偏热则与所谓暴然所至之气有关，故王叔和说：“从春分之后，至秋分节前，天有暴寒者，皆为时行寒疫。”
Treated patient Su X, male, 12 years old. For more than a year, he had frequently felt fatigued and weak, with spontaneous sweating (spontaneous sweating occurs during the day without exertion, heat, or medication) and night sweats (sweating during sleep). His urine occasionally appeared soy-sauce colored. More than five months ago, he was transferred to another hospital for treatment. He was diagnosed with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Combined traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine treatments yielded no effect. Examination revealed a pale and lusterless complexion, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, hematuria occurring only at night, and a wiry and large pulse. Based on the principle of similarity and correspondence, integrating the pulse and symptoms, the diagnosis was deficiency of both Qi and Yin as the root, with blood stasis obstruction and downward pouring of damp-heat as the branch. The treatment plan adopted tonifying Qi and nourishing Blood, cooling Blood and invigorating Blood, and drying dampness and clearing heat. After taking 6 doses, his spirit improved, night sweats and spontaneous sweating decreased, and hematuria disappeared. After continuing for 40 doses, he recovered.
3. Gynecology
(1) Metrorrhagia and metrostaxis (prolonged and excessive uterine bleeding between menstrual periods) for several years were differentiated as deficiency of both Spleen and Kidney based on the principle of similarity and correspondence. Treatment with dual tonification of Spleen and Kidney, benefiting Qi and nourishing Blood resulted in recovery.
Treated patient Su X, female, adult. Uterine bleeding persisted for several years, worse in winter and lighter in summer. Since entering winter this year, the bleeding became particularly severe. Another hospital used massive blood transfusions combined with TCM and Western medicines, but to no avail. Examination revealed a deficient, large, wiry, and tight pulse; a bright white complexion with a slight yellowish tint; mental fatigue and physical weakness; low voice; abdominal pain relieved by pressure; cold toes and fingers; and emaciation. It was reasoned that winter corresponds to storage in nature, and its similarity and correspondence lie in the Kidney. Decline of Mingmen Fire leads to failure of storage function. The Spleen is the foundation of acquired constitution; insufficient transformation and transportation lead to loss of control over Blood. Therefore, the treatment should tonify the acquired (Spleen), benefit the congenital (Kidney), nourish Blood, and benefit Qi. Prescription: Huangqi (Astragali Radix) 15g, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 10g, Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) 10g, Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) 10g, Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix) 10g, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 10g, Fuling (Poria) 10g, Zhigancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Preparata cum Melle) 10g, Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 10g, Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) 10g, Danyarong (Cistanches Herba) 15g, Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) 10g, Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 10g, Lu Jiao Jiao (Cornus Cervi Colla) 10g, Qianshi (Euryales Semen) 10g, Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) 3 slices, Dazao (Jujubae Fructus) 5 pieces, Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla) 10g.
After 2 doses, abdominal pain and metrorrhagia significantly decreased, appetite increased, and spirit improved. After 4 more doses, bleeding stopped. To consolidate efficacy, 20 additional doses were taken, resulting in recovery.
(2) Treated patient Lin X, female, 26 years old. Menstrual irregularities, sometimes with prolonged dripping of menstrual blood for over 6 years. This time, menstruation started ten days early and continued for more than ten days. Previous doctors used Western medicines and sequentially applied TCM formulas such as Danzhi Xiaoyao San, Shaofu Zhuyu Tang, Jiao'ai Siwu Tang, Qinlian Siwu Tang, Guipi Tang, and Shengyang Jujing Tang, but with little effect. Careful examination revealed a wiry, choppy, and irregular pulse; fullness and pain in the lower abdomen worsening from afternoon to night; oppression and fullness in the chest and hypochondrium; distending pain in the breasts; dizziness and headache; heat sensation in the five centers (palms, soles, and chest); hot and painful urination. It was reasoned that this was a pattern of Liver Qi stagnation and Blood deficiency transforming into fire. However, the abdominal fullness was particularly severe from afternoon to night. Combining this with the principle of similarity and correspondence, it indicated Cold-deficiency of Spleen and Kidney. The treatment plan was to nourish Blood and soothe the Liver, assisted by warming the Kidney. Prescription: Danzhi Xiaoyao San minus Shengjiang, plus Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex), and Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix). After 2 doses, menstrual bleeding stopped and other symptoms subsided. After one month of continued use, all symptoms disappeared, and she recovered.
4. Surgery
(1) Post-cholecystectomy pain and non-healing wound for one month were differentiated as Liver-Gallbladder Qi stagnation and Cold coagulation with Blood stasis based on the principle of similarity and correspondence. Treatment with soothing the Liver and regulating Qi, and warming meridians and invigorating Blood resulted in recovery.
Treated patient Zhu X, female, 64 years old. Following cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis, local pain persisted, lighter by day and heavier by night, and the incision failed to heal. Previous treatment with high-dose antibiotics was ineffective, followed by 7 doses of TCM formulas for clearing heat and detoxifying, which also failed. Careful examination revealed small amounts of continuous purulent discharge from the incision site, dizziness, nausea, irritability, abdominal fullness, body temperature of 38°C, white tongue coating, and a wiry, tight, and rapid pulse. Integrating pulse and symptoms with the principle of similarity, it was identified as Liver-Gallbladder Qi stagnation, Cold coagulation with Blood stasis, and accumulation of Heat-toxin. The treatment plan was to soothe the Liver and regulate Qi, warm meridians and invigorate Blood, assisted by clearing heat and detoxifying. Prescription: Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) 10g, Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 10g, Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix) 10g, Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) 10g, Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) 3g, Dazao (Jujubae Fructus) 5 pieces, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 10g, Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra) 10g, Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma) 10g, Wuyao (Linderae Radix) 10g, Baijiangcao (Patriniae Herba) 40g. After 2 doses, fever subsided, abdominal distension halved, and pus from the wound cleared. After 6 more doses, all symptoms disappeared, and she recovered.
(2) Dermatitis with intense itching was differentiated as dryness of Blood generating Wind based on the principle of similarity and correspondence. Treatment with nourishing Blood and moistening dryness, and invigorating Blood and dispelling Wind resulted in recovery.
Treated patient Zhou X, male, 22 years old. Unbearable whole-body itching for over ten days. Initial treatment with oral Western medicines and topical applications was ineffective. Subsequent use of 3 doses of TCM formulas for dispelling Wind and clearing heat worsened the condition. Careful examination revealed unbearable itching, widespread scratch marks, lighter by day and heavier by night, insomnia, white tongue coating, and a deep, wiry, and fine pulse. Integrating pulse and symptoms with the principle of similarity and correspondence between day and night, it was determined to be caused by Blood deficiency, dryness-heat generating Wind. The treatment plan was to nourish Blood and moisten dryness, and invigorate Blood and dispel Wind. Prescription: Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix) 30g, Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) 10g, Zhi Shouwu (Polygoni Multiflori Radix Preparata) 10g, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 10g, Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex) 10g, Yuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix) 10g, Baijili (Tribuli Fructus) 6g, Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus) 6g, Honghua (Carthami Flos) 10g, Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 6g. After 1 dose, itching decreased. After 6 more doses, he recovered.
5. Otorhinolaryngology
(1) Autumn sore throat was differentiated as Shaoyin sore throat based on the principle of similarity and correspondence. Treatment with Zhufu Tang provided initial relief.
Ye Tianshi treated a patient surnamed Chen, who suffered from mutual deficiency of Yin and Yang, imbalance of Ying and Wei, manifesting as alternating chills and fever, pain throughout the bones, and damage to all vessels. In autumn, heavenly Qi descends, but the body's Qi leaks out excessively, causing sweating and throat obstruction (Hou Bi). Yang fails to enter Yin, leading to internal agitation. Throat diseases, if prolonged, develop into Hou Bi or Hou Xuan, hindering ingestion and difficult to treat. Starting from the example of Shaoyin sore throat, Zhufu Tang was used for ten days, relieving throat pain, after which the prescription was adjusted according to symptoms.
(2) Frequent epistaxis for over ten years, milder in autumn/winter and severe in spring/summer, was differentiated as Lung-Kidney Yin deficiency based on the principle of similarity and correspondence. Treatment with Yin-nourishing agents brought stability.
Treated patient Zhang X, male, 19 years old. Frequent epistaxis began at age 3-4 and persisted. Initially, Western ENT specialists diagnosed a deviated nasal septum, and blockage or electrocautery provided relief. For the past seven to eight years, frequent colds occurred in spring and summer, triggering epistaxis upon catching a cold. This episode lasted over ten days despite various TCM and Western treatments. It was reasoned that spring is governed by Liver Wood, and since onset followed a cold, the principle of similarity and correspondence indicated Yin deficiency with external Wind. Prescription: Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 10g, Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix) 10g, Yuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix) 30g, Sangye (Mori Folium) 15g.
Epistaxis stopped after 1 dose, and he subsequently recovered.
6. Ophthalmology
(1) Red and swollen eyes upon waking were differentiated as Blood Heat based on the principle of similarity and correspondence. Treatment with Shengdi resulted in recovery.
"Gujin Yi An An" records: A patient suffered from eye disease, with red and swollen eyes upon waking, resolving after some time, resistant to all treatments. The master said: This is Blood Heat, not Liver disease. When lying down, Blood returns to the Liver. Hot Blood returning to the Liver causes red and swollen eyes. Resolution after some time occurs because upon rising, Blood disperses to the four limbs. Thus, Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix) juice was used to soak 250g of Jingmi (Oryza Sativa Germen), drained, and sun-dried until bone-dry. This process was repeated three times. The rice was boiled in water in a porcelain vessel. Four or five spoonfuls of the prepared rice were added to make a thin porridge soup. Warm, drink one or two cups after half-full meal, then sleep. After two days, he recovered.
(2) Ptosis unresponsive to long-term treatment was differentiated as Phlegm-Heat based on the principle of similarity and correspondence. Treatment with resolving Phlegm and draining Fire brought stability.
Treated patient Shi X, male, 35 years old. Ptosis persisted for years, with narrowing of the palpebral fissure. Neostigmine initially helped but later failed. Modified Buzhong Yiqi Tang was also ineffective. Over the past three months, reading, writing, and even walking became difficult. Walking in sunlight often led to bumping into things due to inability to open eyes. Examination revealed chest fullness, irritability, bitter and sticky taste, insomnia, forgetfulness, yellow-white greasy tongue coating, and wiry-slippery pulse. Integrating pulse and symptoms with the principle of similarity and correspondence, the diagnosis was internal depression of Phlegm-Heat and stagnation of Liver Wood. Treatment with modified Chaihu Xianxiong Tang for 30 doses resulted in recovery.
III. Conclusion
The Theory of Similarity in TCM is a method for analyzing and understanding TCM issues based on numerous similar phenomena. It is not only a method for recognizing and discovering problems but also an important tool for syndrome differentiation and treatment. Therefore, improving the understanding of the Theory of Similarity has significant historical value and practical significance.
Heaven-Human Correspondence and Clinical Practice
The theory of Heaven-Human Correspondence in Chinese medicine was formed under the guidance of the Theory of Similarity in Chinese medicine. This theory posits that objective natural phenomena are not just natural occurrences but conditions that trigger changes in human physiology, etiology, pathogenesis, and symptoms. Therefore, medical practitioners must pay attention to changes in natural phenomena when considering human physiology, pathology, etiology, and symptoms, incorporating them into the scope of syndrome differentiation and treatment.
I. Thinking Methods in Applying Heaven-Human Correspondence to Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment
Since the theory of Heaven-Human Correspondence was formed under the guidance of the Theory of Similarity, its thinking method is essentially similar.
The Theory of Similarity in Chinese medicine holds that among numerous objective phenomena, many are similar. Among these similarities, there is mutual resemblance and regularity. It is believed that within different scopes of similarity laws, there are mutually similar phenomena and laws, as well as mutual resonance. Thus, we can use this resonance to influence substances following other similar laws, even altering their characteristics.
Chinese medicine also considers that among various similarity laws, the similarity of Yin-Yang and Five Elements is fundamental, while systematic, local, dynamic, and static similarities are general. Similar correspondence, i.e., mutual resonance between substances following similar laws, is the third important law of similarity.
Heaven-Human Correspondence is the part of mutual resonance in the Theory of Similarity concerning the interaction between nature and the human body. This part is not only content within the Theory of Similarity but also a development in its specific application.
The theory of Heaven-Human Correspondence believes that influences from nature and meteorology can cause changes in the laws of Yin-Yang and Five Elements in the human body, and further cause changes in pathology, physiology, etiology, and symptoms in terms of system, locality, movement, and stillness. These laws are then applied to syndrome differentiation, treatment, and prognosis observation.
II. Methods for Applying Heaven-Human Correspondence in Clinical Practice
Guided by the basic view that corresponding effects arise between similar laws and that mutual resonance is only possible between similar laws, ancient physicians believed clinical application could be guided through the following aspects.
1. Mutual Resonance of Annual Luck (Yun Qi) Predecessors believed that changes in Yin-Yang and Five Element laws of each year cause corresponding regular changes in climate. For example: Jia and Ji years are dominated by Earth Yun; Yi and Geng years by Metal Yun; Bing and Xin years by Water Yun; Ding and Ren years by Wood Yun; Wu and Gui years by Fire Yun. Zi and Wu years have Shaoyin Jun Fire ruling the Upper Heaven and Yangming Dry Metal ruling the Lower Earth; Chou and Wei years have Taiyin Wet Earth ruling the Upper Heaven and Taiyang Cold Water ruling the Lower Earth; Yin and Shen years have Shaoyang Xiang Fire ruling the Upper Heaven and Jueyin Wind Wood ruling the Lower Earth; Mao and You years have Yangming Dry Metal ruling the Upper Heaven and Shaoyin Jun Fire ruling the Lower Earth; Chen and Xu years have Taiyang Cold Water ruling the Upper Heaven and Taiyin Wet Earth ruling the Lower Earth; Si and Hai years have Jueyin Wind Wood ruling the Upper Heaven and Shaoyang Xiang Fire ruling the Lower Earth. Upper Heaven rules the first half of the year, Lower Earth rules the second half. Macroscopically, these changes cause systemic and dynamic corresponding alterations in the human body. *Suwen: Qi Jiao Bian Da Lun* states: "When Wood Qi is excessive, wind prevails, damaging Spleen Earth. People suffer from undigested food diarrhea, reduced appetite, heavy body, vexation, intestinal borborygmus, and abdominal fullness... Severe cases involve sudden anger, dizziness, and head disorders." "When Fire Qi is excessive, heat and summer heat prevail, damaging Lung Metal. People suffer from malaria, shortness of breath, chest fullness, hemorrhage, bloody diarrhea, dry throat, deafness, internal heat, shoulder and back heat... Severe cases involve chest pain, hypochondriac fullness and pain, shoulder and interscapular pain, inner arm pain, body heat, and bone pain leading to spreading sores." "When Earth Qi is excessive, rain prevails, damaging Kidney Water. People suffer from abdominal fullness, cold extremities, unhappiness, heavy body, vexation... Severe cases involve muscle atrophy, foot weakness, frequent spasms, foot pain, fluid retention with abdominal fullness, reduced appetite, and immobility of limbs." "When Metal Qi is excessive, dryness prevails, damaging Liver Wood. People suffer from hypochondriac and lower abdominal pain, red and painful eyes with ulcers at the corners, hearing loss... Heavy body, vexation, chest pain radiating to back, hypochondriac fullness and pain radiating to lower abdomen... Severe cases involve coughing, wheezing, reverse Qi, shoulder and back pain, pain in buttocks, genitals, thighs, knees, calves, and feet." "When Water Qi is excessive, cold prevails, harming Heart Fire. People suffer from body heat, vexation, palpitations, Yin reversal, cold in upper, middle, and lower jiao, delirious heartache... Severe cases involve abdominal distension, leg swelling, coughing, wheezing, night sweats, and aversion to wind." "When Wood Qi is deficient, dryness prevails, affecting growing Qi... People suffer from cold in the center, flank and hypochondriac pain, lower abdominal pain, intestinal borborygmus and loose stools... Cold and heat, sores, carbuncles, rashes... Coughing and epistaxis." "When Fire Qi is deficient, cold prevails, affecting Long governance... People suffer from chest pain, hypochondriac fullness, bilateral hypochondriac pain, anterior chest, back, scapular, and inner arm pain, depression, confusion, sudden heart pain, large chest and abdomen, pain radiating from hypochondrium to lower back and waist... Severe cases involve inability to extend, hip and thigh separation... Duck-like diarrhea, abdominal fullness, inability to eat or drink, interior cold, intestinal borborygmus and projectile diarrhea, abdominal pain, sudden spasm, flaccidity, and paralysis, inability of feet to bear weight." "When Earth Qi is deficient, wind prevails, affecting transformation Qi... People suffer from undigested food diarrhea, cholera, heavy body, abdominal pain, tendon spasms, muscle soreness, irritability... Sudden chest and hypochondriac pain radiating to lower abdomen, frequent sighing." "When Metal Qi is deficient, flame fire prevails, affecting growing Qi... People suffer from heavy shoulders and back, runny nose, bloody stool and diarrhea... Yin reversal blocking Yang, reversing upward to head, brain pain extending to vertex with fever... Mouth ulcers, severe heart pain." "When Fire Qi is deficient, dampness prevails, affecting Long Qi... People suffer from abdominal fullness, heavy body, damp diarrhea, cold sores with drainage, hip and thigh pain, knee and calf stiffness, vexation, foot weakness and cold extremities, foot pain, severe edema... Tendon and sinew nodules, muscle twitching, blurred vision... Skin eruptions, Qi congestion in diaphragm, pain in heart and abdomen." *Suwen: Zhi Zhen Yao Da Lun* states: "Jueyin ruling Upper Heaven, Wind excess... People suffer from epigastric pain below the heart, radiating to both hypochondria, blocked diaphragm and throat, inability to swallow, stiff tongue base, vomiting after eating, cold diarrhea, abdominal distension, loose stools, masses, water retention... Disease originates in Spleen." "Shaoyin ruling Upper Heaven, Heat excess... People suffer from chest heat and irritability, dry throat, right arm fullness, skin pain, chills and fever with cough and wheezing... Bloody saliva, bloody diarrhea, sneezing and vomiting, yellow urine, severe cold sores with elbow swelling, shoulder, back, arm, and supraclavicular pain, heart pain, lung membrane disease, large abdominal fullness, bloating with cough and wheezing... Disease originates in Lung." "Taiyin ruling Upper Heaven, Dampness excess... Leg swelling and bone pain, Yin Bi. Yin Bi cannot be pressed. Waist, spine, and head pain, occasional dizziness, difficulty defecating, impotence, hunger without desire to eat, bloody saliva, hanging heart sensation... Disease originates in Kidney." "Shaoyang ruling Upper Heaven, Fire excess... People suffer from headache, fever, chills, and malaria, skin pain with heat, yellow-red discoloration, progression to water retention, facial and body edema, abdominal fullness with仰息 (breathing with raised torso), bloody and white diarrhea, sores, bloody saliva, vexation, chest heat, severe epistaxis... Disease originates in Lung." "Yangming ruling Upper Heaven, Dryness excess... Left arm and hypochondriac pain, cold inside, malaria after exposure, drastic cool change in climate, cough, intestinal borborygmus, projectile duck-like diarrhea... Sudden heart and hypochondriac pain, inability to turn, dry throat, dusty face, lower back pain, hernia in men, lower abdominal pain in women, dim vision, eye corner ulcers, sores and acne... Disease originates in Liver." "Taiyin ruling Upper Heaven, Cold excess... Blood changes internally, causing sores. People suffer from厥心痛 (cold heart pain), vomiting blood, bloody diarrhea, sneezing and epistaxis, sadness, occasional fainting... Chest and abdominal fullness, hot hands, elbow contraction, axillary swelling, large heart pulsation, chest, hypochondriac, and epigastric discomfort, red face, yellow eyes, frequent belching, dry throat, severe dark complexion, thirst with desire to drink... Disease originates in Heart."
2. Mutual Resonance of Abnormal Qi of Each Year Abnormal Qi, called Shi Xing Zhi Qi (Seasonal Epidemic Qi) by Wang Shuhe, and Guai Li Zhi Qi or Yi Qi (Pestilential Qi) by Wu Youke, is considered the cause of epidemics. Wu Youke stated: "Epidemic diseases are not caused by Wind, Cold, Summer Heat, or Dampness, but by a unique Abnormal Qi in heaven and earth." As for whether Abnormal Qi is Cold or Hot, it relates to sudden atmospheric changes, so Wang Shuhe said: "From after Spring Equinox to before Autumn Equinox, sudden cold weather constitutes seasonal Cold Epidemic."