痿厥有二∶
一属肾膀胱。经云∶恐惧不解则伤精，精伤则骨酸痿厥，精时自下，是肾伤精脱也。又云∶三阳为病，发
寒热，下为痈肿，及为痿厥 ，是膀胱在下发病也。
二属肾脾，湿伤肾。经云∶凡治痿厥发逆，肥贵人则膏粱之疾。又云∶秋伤于湿，上逆而咳，发为痿厥是也。
〔垣〕补益肾肝丸 治目中溜火，视物昏花，耳聋耳鸣，困倦乏力，寝汗憎风，行步不正，两脚欹侧，卧而多惊，
脚膝无力，腰以下消瘦。
柴胡 羌活 生地 苦参（炒） 防己（炒。各五分） 附子（炮） 肉桂（各一钱） 当归（二钱）
上细末，熟水丸，如鸡头大。每服五十丸，温水送下。此药如在冬天中寒，或心肺表寒，目中溜火，嚏喷，
鼻流清涕，咳嗽痰涎者，止可服一丸，须与姜附御汗汤等药相兼服之，不可单服此表药也。
健步丸 治膝中无力，伸不能屈，屈而不能伸，腰脊腿脚沉重，行步艰难。
羌活 柴胡（各五钱） 防风（三钱） 川乌（一钱） 滑石（炒，半两） 泽泻（三钱） 防己（酒洗，一两）
苦参（酒洗，一钱） 肉桂 甘草（炙） 栝蒌根（酒制，各半两）
上为细末，酒糊为丸，如桐子大。每服十丸，煎愈风汤，空心送下。（愈风汤在中风门。）
腿脚沉重无力者，于羌活胜湿汤中加酒洗汉防己五分，轻则附子，重则川乌少许，以为引用而行经也。
上羌活、柴胡伸提气升，防己、苦参去湿热，桂、附反佐之也。
〔肃〕神龟滋阴丸 治足痿。
用酒炙龟板四两，炒黄柏、知母各二两，枸杞五味、锁阳各一两，干姜半两，为丸，每服七十丸，相兼服。（方
见舌纵涎下。）
〔丹〕痢后脚弱渐细。用
苍术（一两） 白芍 龟板（酒炙，二两半） 黄柏（酒，半两）
上粥丸，以四物汤加陈皮、甘草煎汤吞之。
中书贴合公，年三十二岁，病脚膝痿弱，脐下尻阴皆冷，阴汗臊臭，精滑不固。请医黄道宁，主以鹿茸丸，
十旬不减，至戊申春，始求治于东垣。遂诊其脉，沉数而有力。乃曰∶公饮醇酒，食以膏粱，滋火于内，逼阴
于外。医见其症，盖不知阳强不能密致皮肤，冷而溢泄，以为内实有寒，投以热剂，反泻其阴而补阳，真所谓
虚虚实实也。其不增虚者，犹为幸也，复何望获效耶？即处以滋肾大苦寒之剂，制之以急，寒因热用，饮入下
焦，适其病所，泻命门相火之盛，再服而愈。公以浓礼送之，更求前药方。师固辞不收。或问之曰∶物不受，
义也。药既大验，不复与方，何为也？曰∶大寒大热之药，非常服者，借以从权可也。今公之病，相火炽盛，
以乘阴位，故用此大寒之剂以泻相火，而复真阴，阴既复其位，则皮里之寒自消矣。《内经》云∶阴平阳秘，
精神乃治。如过用之，则故病未已，新病复起矣，此予之意也。
上龟扳、黄柏例。尝治一老人痿厥，累用虎潜丸不愈，后于虎潜丸加附子，立愈如神，盖附反佐之功也。
〔《本》〕治后生丈夫酒色过多，下焦虚惫，足膝软乏，小便滑数，外肾湿痒。
菟丝子（五两，根据法研） 石莲肉（二两） 白茯苓（一两） 山药 茴香（各二两） 五味子（五两）
上为末，糊丸，如桐子大。每服四十丸，温酒或盐汤下，空心服。如香港脚及脚膝无力者，木瓜酒空心下五
十丸，晚食前再服，立效。
〔丹〕郑安人，年六十，虚而有痰，脉缓足弱，与半夏天麻白术汤，下酒芩丸，愈。
东阳吴子万，年五十，形肥味浓，且多忧怒，脉常沉涩，自春来痰气病，医认为虚寒，率与燥热香窜之剂，
至四月两足弱，气上冲，饮食减，召予治之。予曰∶此热郁而脾虚，痿厥之证作矣。形肥而脉沉，未是死证，
但药邪火盛，当此火旺，实难求生。且与竹沥下白术膏，尽二斤，气降食进。一月后，大汗而死。书此以为诸
贤覆辙之戒云。
〔垣〕黄 人参汤治夏天气热盛，损伤元气，两脚痿软。清燥汤治六七月湿令大行，湿热相合，痿厥病作，
腰以下痿软瘫痪，不能行动。（以上二方并见痿注夏条。）
〔仲〕越婢加术汤 治肉极，热则身体津脱，腠理开，汗大泄，厉风气，下焦脚弱。（成无己云《外台》作
越婢汤。）
麻黄（六两） 石膏（半斤） 生姜 甘草（各二两） 白术（四两） 大枣（十五枚）
上六味，以水六升，先煮麻黄，去上沫，纳诸药，煮取三升，分温三服。如恶风，加附子一枚，炮。
〔《斗》〕治脚软。用商陆根细切如小豆大，煮令熟，更入绿豆，同烂煮为饭，每日煮食，以瘥为度，其功最效。
〔《本》〕治筋骨诸疾，手足不遂，行动不得，遍身风疮，左经丸。
草乌（白大者，去皮脐） 木鳖（去壳） 白胶香 五灵脂（以上各二两半） 斑蝥（五个，去头足翅，醋炙）
上为末，用黑豆去皮生杵，取粉一升，醋糊共搜杵为丸，如鸡头大。每服一丸，温酒磨下。治筋骨疾，但
未曾针伤损者，三五服立效。此药曾医一人，软风不能行，不十日立效。专治心肾肝三经，通小便，除淋沥，
通营卫，滑经络。此方因净圣寺僧得之，大有奇功。
治两脚软弱，虚羸无力，及小儿不能行，续骨丹。
天麻（明净者，酒浸） 白附子 牛膝 木鳖子（各半两） 乌头（一钱，炮） 川羌活（半两）
地龙（去土，一分） 乳香 没药（各二钱） 朱砂（一钱）
上以生南星末一两，无灰酒煮糊为丸，如鸡头大，朱砂为衣。薄荷汤磨一丸，食前服。
〔丹〕人参，酒浸服之，治风软脚弱，可逐奔马，故曰奔马草，曾用有效。
运气痿厥皆属水虚。经云∶水不及曰涸流，涸流之纪，其病痿厥坚下是也。
针灸痿厥有五法∶
其一取肾。经云∶肾足少阴之脉，所生病者，痿厥嗜卧，足下热而痛，视盛虚热寒陷下调之也。
其二补膀胱与肝。经云∶邪之所在，皆为不足。下气不足，则为之痿厥心 ，补足外踝下留之。又云∶刺
大指间上二寸留之，是神申脉、太冲二穴是也。
其三补足阳明络。经云∶足阳明之别，名曰丰隆，去踝八寸，别走太阴，其病虚则足不收，胫枯，取之所
别也。
其四补足少阳络。经云∶足少阳之别，名曰光明，去踝五寸，别走厥阴，虚则痿 ，坐不能起，
取之所别也。
其五束缚四末。经云∶痿厥为四末束 ，乃疾解之日，二不仁者，十日而知，无休病已是也。
两足瘫痪，两腿无力∶鹤顶（在膝盖骨尖上，灸七次。）
〔《撮》〕脚弱无力，行步艰难∶太冲 厉兑（补灸。） 风市（灸。）
〔《玉》〕又法∶太冲（五分，泻八吸，忌灸。） 中封（五分，泻八吸。） 三里（一寸，泻十吸。）
〔《集》〕又法∶公孙（灸，半寸。） 三里 绝骨 申脉（不已，取下穴。） 昆仑 阳辅
〔《甲》〕痿厥风头重，额痛，髀枢股 外廉骨节痛，螈 ，痹不仁，振寒，时有热，四肢不举，跗阳主
之。痿厥寒足，腕不收 ，坐不能起，髀枢脚痛，丘墟主之。足不收痛，不可以行，天泉主之。足阳明之下，
血气皆少则下毛无，有则稀，枯瘁，善痿厥，足痹。（全文见虚实法下毛，阴毛也。）
脾脉缓，缓甚为痿厥。（全文见治虚实法。）
痿厥有两种类型：
第一种属于肾和膀胱。医经记载：恐惧情绪无法排解会损伤精气，精气受损则骨骼酸软、出现痿厥，精液自行滑泄，这是肾脏受伤、精气脱失的表现。又说：三阳经受邪发病，会出现寒热往来，下部发生痈肿，以及导致痿厥，这是膀胱在下部发病的情况。
第二种属于肾和脾，湿气损伤肾脏。医经记载：凡是治疗痿厥气逆之症，富贵之人多因食用肥甘厚味而致病。又说：秋季感受湿邪，湿气上逆引起咳嗽，进而发展为痿厥，说的就是这种情况。
〔李东垣〕补益肾肝丸 治疗眼中似有火光（溜火），视物昏花，耳聋耳鸣，困倦乏力，夜间盗汗且怕风，行走姿态不正，双脚倾斜歪斜，睡眠中易受惊扰，脚膝无力，腰部以下消瘦。
药材：柴胡、羌活、生地黄、苦参（炒制）、防己（炒制，各五分）；附子（炮制）、肉桂（各一钱）；当归（二钱）。
将上述药物研成细末，用热水调和制成丸药，大小如鸡头米。每次服用五十丸，温水送服。如果患者在冬季感受寒邪，或心肺表层受寒，出现眼中似有火光、打喷嚏、流清涕、咳嗽痰涎等症状，只能服用一丸，必须配合姜附御汗汤等药物一起服用，不可单独服用此方。
健步丸 治疗膝盖无力，腿伸直不能弯曲，弯曲后不能伸直，腰脊及腿脚沉重，行走困难。
药材：羌活、柴胡（各五钱）；防风（三钱）；川乌（一钱）；滑石（炒制，半两）；泽泻（三钱）；防己（酒洗，一两）；苦参（酒洗，一钱）；肉桂、炙甘草、栝蒌根（酒制，各半两）。
将上述药物研成细末，用酒糊制作成丸药，大小如梧桐子。每次服用十丸，煎煮愈风汤，空腹送服。（愈风汤见中风门。）
对于腿脚沉重无力的患者，可在羌活胜湿汤中加入酒洗汉防己五分，轻症加附子，重症加少许川乌，作为引经药使用。
以上羌活、柴胡能升提阳气，防己、苦参能清除湿热，肉桂、附子起到反佐作用。
〔王好古〕神龟滋阴丸 治疗足部痿弱。
药材：酒炙龟板四两，炒黄柏、知母各二两，枸杞子、五味子、锁阳各一两，干姜半两。制成丸药，每次服用七十丸，与其他药物配合服用。（该方见“舌纵涎下”条。）
〔朱丹溪〕痢疾后脚部逐渐变细软弱。用药：
苍术（一两）、白芍、酒炙龟板（二两半）、酒黄柏（半两）。
用米粥制作丸药，用四物汤加入陈皮、甘草煎汤吞服。
中书舍人贴合公，三十二岁，病证为脚膝痿弱，脐下至尾闾及阴部皆冷，阴部出汗且有臊臭味，精液滑泄不固。请医生黄道宁诊治，主用鹿茸丸，服药一百天病情未减。到了戊申年春天，才开始求治于李东垣。李东垣诊察其脉象，沉数而有力。于是说道：“您饮用烈性酒，食用肥甘厚味，导致体内滋生火热，逼迫阴液外泄。医生看到这些症状，却不知道阳气强盛而不能固密，导致皮肤寒冷并溢泄，误认为内部实寒，投以热性药物，反而泻伤了阴气而补益了阳气，这真是所谓的‘虚虚实实’（使虚者更虚，实者更实）。病情没有进一步加重已经算是幸运了，还指望获得疗效吗？”随即开具滋肾的大苦寒剂型，采用急治的方法，寒药热服（寒因热用），药液进入下焦，直达病所，泻除命门相火的亢盛，再服药便痊愈了。这位公公用丰厚的礼物赠送，并要求得到之前的药方。老师坚决推辞不接受。有人问他说：“不接受财物是义气，但药方既然非常有效，为什么不把方子给他呢？”回答说：“大寒大热的药物，不是可以长期服用的，借用来权宜处理是可以的。现在您的病，是相火炽盛，侵犯阴位，所以用这种大寒的药剂来泻相火，恢复真阴。阴气既已恢复其正常位置，那么皮里的寒气自然就会消除。《内经》说：‘阴平阳秘，精神乃治。’如果过度使用这类药物，旧病未愈，新病又会兴起，这就是我的用意。”
以上龟板、黄柏的例子。曾经治疗一位老人患痿厥，多次使用虎潜丸无效，后来在虎潜丸中加入附子，立刻见效如神，这是附子反佐的功效。
〔《本草纲目》/或其他本草著作〕治疗年轻男子因饮酒色欲过多，导致下焦虚惫，脚膝软弱乏力，小便滑数，外生殖器潮湿瘙痒。
药材：菟丝子（五两，依法研磨）、石莲肉（二两）、白茯苓（一两）、山药、茴香（各二两）、五味子（五两）。
研成粉末，用糊制作丸药，大小如梧桐子。每次服用四十丸，温酒或盐汤送服，空腹服用。如果有香港脚（脚气）及脚膝无力的情况，空腹用木瓜酒送服五十丸，晚饭后再次服用，立即见效。
〔朱丹溪〕郑安人，六十岁，体虚且有痰，脉缓，足部软弱，给予半夏天麻白术汤，配合服用酒芩丸，治愈。
东阳人吴子万，五十岁，形体肥胖，口味浓重，且多忧怒，脉象常沉涩，自春季以来患有痰气病，医生认为是虚寒，一律给予燥热香窜的药物，到了四月两足软弱，气机上冲，饮食减少，召我去诊治。我说：“这是热邪郁结而脾气虚弱，痿厥的病证发作了。形体肥胖而脉象沉，还不是死证，但药邪火势旺盛，正值火旺之时，实在难以求生。”先给予竹沥配合白术膏服用，吃完两斤后，气降食进。一个月后，因大汗淋漓而死。写下此事，以此告诫各位贤达避免重蹈覆辙。
〔李东垣〕黄芪人参汤 治疗夏季天气炎热盛大，损伤元气，导致两脚痿软。清燥汤 治疗六七月间湿令盛行，湿热相合，导致痿厥病发作，腰部以下痿软瘫痪，不能行动。（以上两个方剂均见“痿注夏”条。）
〔张仲景〕越婢加术汤 治疗肉极（肌肉极度病变），热盛则身体津液脱失，腠理开泄，大汗淋漓，厉风气侵袭，导致下焦脚弱。（成无己说《外台秘要》中作越婢汤。）
药材：麻黄（六两）、石膏（半斤）、生姜、甘草（各二两）、白术（四两）、大枣（十五枚）。
以上六味药，用水六升，先煮麻黄，去掉上面的浮沫，加入其他药物，煮取三升，分三次温服。如果恶风，加一枚炮附子。
〔《斗门方》〕治疗脚软。用商陆根切成小豆大小的颗粒，煮熟，再加入绿豆，一同烂煮成饭，每天煮食，以痊愈为度，功效最为显著。
〔《本草纲目》/或其他本草著作〕治疗筋骨各类疾病，手足不遂，行动不便，遍身风疮，使用左经丸。
药材：草乌（白色大的，去皮脐）、木鳖子（去壳）、白胶香、五灵脂（以上各二两半）、斑蝥（五个，去头足翅，醋炙）。
研成粉末，用黑豆去皮生捣，取粉一升，用醋糊共同搜索捣匀制成丸药，大小如鸡头米。每次服用一丸，温酒磨服。治疗筋骨疾病，只要未曾被针刀损伤的，三五服即可立效。此药曾医治一人，患软风不能行走，不到十日即立效。专治心、肾、肝三经，通利小便，去除淋沥，通畅营卫，滑利经络。此方因净圣寺僧人所得，大有奇功。
治疗两脚软弱，虚羸无力，以及小儿不能行走，使用续骨丹。
药材：天麻（明净者，酒浸）、白附子、牛膝、木鳖子（各半两）、乌头（一钱，炮制）、川羌活（半两）、地龙（去土，一分）、乳香、没药（各二钱）、朱砂（一钱）。
用生南星粉末一两，无灰酒煮糊制作丸药，大小如鸡头米，朱砂为衣。薄荷汤磨化一丸，饭前服用。
〔朱丹溪〕人参，酒浸后服用，治疗风软脚弱，服用后可使人跑得如奔马般快，所以称为奔马草，曾经使用过且有效。
运气学说认为，痿厥都属于水虚。医经记载：水气不足称为涸流，涸流之年纪，其病症表现为痿厥、下部坚硬，说的就是这种情况。
针灸治疗痿厥有五法：
其一取肾经。医经记载：肾足少阴之脉，所生的疾病包括痿厥、嗜睡、足底发热而痛，需根据脉象的盛虚、热寒、陷下等情况进行调治。
其二补膀胱与肝经。医经记载：邪气所在的部位，都是因为正气不足。下焦气不足，会导致痿厥、心悸，应补足外踝下的穴位并留针。又说：刺大指间上方二寸处并留针，指的是申脉、太冲这两个穴位。
其三补足阳明络脉。医经记载：足阳明的别络，名叫丰隆，距离脚踝八寸，别走太阴经，其病症虚证表现为足部不收持、胫骨枯瘦，取该别络处的穴位治疗。
其四补足少阳络脉。医经记载：足少阳的别络，名叫光明，距离脚踝五寸，别走厥阴经，虚证表现为痿厥、坐起困难，取该别络处的穴位治疗。
其五束缚四肢末端。医经记载：痿厥通过束缚四肢末端来治疗，解开束缚的日子，如果两处麻木不仁，十天后知觉恢复，不再休息病痛也就好了。
〔《撮要》〕脚弱无力，行走艰难：太冲穴、厉兑穴（补法灸。） 风市穴（灸。）
〔《玉机微义》〕又一种方法：太冲穴（五分深，泻法八吸，忌灸。） 中封穴（五分深，泻法八吸。） 三里穴（一寸深，泻法十吸。）
〔《针灸集成》〕又一种方法：公孙穴（灸，半寸深。） 三里穴、绝骨穴、申脉穴（如果不愈，取下部的穴位。） 昆仑穴、阳辅穴
〔《甲乙经》〕痿厥导致头部沉重，额痛，髀枢及大腿外侧骨节疼痛，抽搐，痹证麻木不仁，发冷战栗，时有发热，四肢不能抬起，由跗阳穴主治。痿厥寒足，足腕不收持，坐起困难，髀枢及脚痛，由丘墟穴主治。足部不收持疼痛，不能行走，由天泉穴主治。足阳明经之下，血气都少则阴毛脱落，若有则稀疏干枯憔悴，容易患痿厥、足痹。（全文见虚实法下毛条，阴毛也。）
Wei Jue (Flaccidity and Cold Extremities) presents in two types:
The first type belongs to the Kidney and Bladder. The Classics state: Unresolved fear injures Jing (Essence); when Jing is injured, it causes bone soreness, Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities), and spontaneous leakage of essence. This indicates Kidney injury and Essence depletion. It also states: Disease of the Three Yang channels manifests as alternating chills and fever, abscesses and swelling in the lower body, and leads to Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities). This indicates disease occurring in the lower body due to the Bladder channel.
The second type belongs to the Kidney and Spleen, where Dampness injures the Kidney. The Classics state: In treating Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities) with Qi rebellion, wealthy and obese individuals often suffer from diseases caused by rich food and drink. It also states: Injury by Dampness in autumn leads to upward reversal and coughing, developing into Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities).
[Li Dongyuan] Buyi Shen Gan Wan (Tonify Kidney and Liver Pill) treats eyes feeling like there is fire (Liu Huo), blurred vision, tinnitus and deafness, fatigue and listlessness, night sweats with aversion to wind, abnormal gait, tilting of both feet, frequent startles during sleep, weakness of knees and feet, and emaciation below the waist.
Herbs: Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Ku Shen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix [stir-fried]), Fang Ji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix [stir-fried], each 5 fen); Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex, each 1 qian); Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 2 qian).
Grind into fine powder, make pills with warm water, size of a *Jitou* (Acorus calamus seed). Take 50 pills per dose, swallow with warm water. If the patient contracts cold in winter or has exterior cold in Heart and Lung, manifesting as eyes feeling like there is fire, sneezing, clear nasal discharge, and cough with phlegm, only take one pill. It must be taken concurrently with medicines such as Jiang Fu Yu Han Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction for Defending Against Sweat), and should not be taken alone as an exterior-releasing medicine.
Jian Bu Wan (Strengthen Legs Pill) treats knee weakness, inability to bend when extended or extend when bent, heaviness in the lower back, spine, legs, and feet, and difficulty walking.
Herbs: Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix, each 5 qian); Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix, 3 qian); Chuan Wu (Aconiti Radix, 1 qian); Shi Hu (Talcum [stir-fried], half liang); Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma, 3 qian); Fang Ji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix [wine-washed], 1 liang); Ku Shen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix [wine-washed], 1 qian); Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex), Zhi Gan Cao (Prepared Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix [wine-processed], each half liang).
Grind into fine powder, make pills with wine paste, size of a tung tree seed. Take 10 pills per dose, swallow with decoction of Yu Feng Tang (Wind-Peace Decoction) on an empty stomach. (Yu Feng Tang is found in the Stroke chapter.)
For those with heavy and weak legs and feet, add 5 fen of wine-washed Han Fang Ji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix) to Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang (Notopterygium Decoction to Overcome Dampness). Use a small amount of Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) for mild cases, or Chuan Wu (Aconiti Radix) for severe cases, as guiding herbs to enter the channels.
Qiang Huo and Chai Hu lift and raise Qi; Fang Ji and Ku Shen remove Damp-Heat; Rou Gui and Fu Zi act as counter-agents.
[Wang Haogu] Shen Gui Zi Yin Wan (Divine Turtle Nourishing Yin Pill) treats foot flaccidity.
Herbs: Jiu Zhi Gui Ban (Tartaric Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum [wine-processed], 4 liang), Chao Huang Bai (Phellodendri Cortex [stir-fried], Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, each 2 liang), Gou Qi Zi (Lycii Fructus), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), Suo Yang (Cynomorii Herba, each 1 liang), Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, half liang). Make pills. Take 70 pills per dose, taken concurrently with other formulas. (Formula seen under "Tongue Deviation with Saliva Flow".)
[Zhu Danxi] Weakness and gradual thinning of the legs after dysentery. Use:
Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma, 1 liang), Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Jiu Zhi Gui Ban (Tartaric Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum [wine-processed], 2.5 liang), Jiu Huang Bai (Phellodendri Cortex [wine-processed], half liang).
Make pills with congee. Swallow with decoction of Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) added with Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) and Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma).
He Tie Gong, Secretary of the Secretariat, aged 32, suffered from weak knees and feet, coldness from the umbilicus to the sacrum and yin region, sweaty and foul-smelling yin area, and seminal emission without control. Physician Huang Daoning prescribed Lu Rong Wan (Deer Antler Pill), but after 100 days there was no improvement. In the spring of the Wushen year, he sought treatment from Dongyuan (Li Dongyuan). Dongyuan palpated his pulse: deep, rapid, and forceful. He said: "You drink strong alcohol and eat rich foods, generating internal fire that forces yin fluids outward. Physicians seeing these symptoms fail to realize that excessive yang strength fails to consolidate the skin, leading to coldness and leakage. They mistakenly diagnose internal excess cold and administer hot medicines, thereby draining yin and tonifying yang. This is truly 'making the deficient more deficient and the excess more excess.' That your condition did not worsen further is fortunate; how could you expect efficacy?" He immediately prescribed a large bitter-cold formula to nourish the Kidney, using urgent methods and administering cold medicine with heat (Han Yin Re Yong). The medicine entered the Lower Jiao, reaching the disease site, draining the exuberance of Ming Men Minister Fire. After two doses, he recovered. The gentleman offered rich gifts and requested the previous prescription. The master firmly declined. Someone asked: "Refusing gifts is righteous. Since the medicine is highly effective, why not give the formula?" He replied: "Large cold and large hot medicines are not for regular consumption; they may be borrowed for temporary expedience. Your current illness involves exuberant Minister Fire invading the yin position, so I used this large cold agent to drain the Minister Fire and restore True Yin. Once Yin is restored to its position, the cold within the skin naturally dissipates. The *Neijing* states: 'When Yin is balanced and Yang is secure, spirit and vitality are regulated.' Overuse would cause the old disease to persist and new diseases to arise. This is my reasoning."
Regarding the examples of Gui Ban (Tartaric Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) and Huang Bai (Phellodendri Cortex): I once treated an elderly man with Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities). Hu Qian Wan (Tiger-Hiding Pill) failed repeatedly. Later, adding Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) to Hu Qian Wan produced immediate miraculous results, demonstrating the counter-agent function of Fu Zi.
[Ben Cao / Materia Medica] Treat young men whose excessive drinking and sexual activity have depleted the Lower Jiao, causing weak and fatigued knees and feet, slippery and frequent urination, and damp itching of the external genitalia.
Herbs: Tu Si Zi (Cuscutae Semen, 5 liang, ground according to method), Shi Lian Rou (Nelumbinis Plumula, 2 liang), Bai Fu Ling (Poria, 1 liang), Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), Hui Xiang (Foeniculi Fructus, each 2 liang), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus, 5 liang).
Grind into powder, make pills with paste, size of tung tree seeds. Take 40 pills per dose, with warm wine or salted water, on an empty stomach. For Hong Kong Foot (Beriberi/Jiaogix) and weak knees/feet, take 50 pills with Mugua (Chaenomelis Fructus) wine on an empty stomach, and another dose before evening meal, for immediate effect.
[Zhu Danxi] Lady Zheng, aged 60, was deficient with phlegm, had a slow pulse and weak feet. Prescribed Ban Xia Tian Ma Bai Zhu Tang (Pinellia, Gastrodia, and Atractylodes Decoction), followed by Jiu Qin Wan (Scutellaria Pill with Wine), resulting in recovery.
Wu Ziwan from Dongyang, aged 50, was obese with rich tastes, prone to worry and anger. His pulse was often deep and choppy. Since spring, he suffered from phlegm-Qi disorders. Physicians diagnosed deficiency-cold and administered drying, heating, aromatic, and penetrating agents. By April, his feet became weak, Qi rushed upward, and appetite decreased. I summoned him for treatment. I said: "This is Heat stagnation with Spleen deficiency, leading to Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities). Obesity with a deep pulse is not necessarily fatal, but the medicinal pathogenic fire is intense. During this period of fire exuberance, survival is difficult." I initially gave Zhu Li (Bambusa Textilis Caulis Juice) with Bai Zhu Gao (Atractylodes Macrocephala Paste). After consuming two jin, his Qi descended and appetite improved. One month later, he died from profuse sweating. I record this as a warning to avoid similar pitfalls.
[Li Dongyuan] Huang Qi Ren Shen Tang (Astragalus and Ginseng Decoction) treats summer heat damaging Yuan Qi, causing flaccid legs. Qing Zao Tang (Clear Dryness Decoction) treats the prevalence of Dampness in the sixth and seventh lunar months, where Dampness and Heat combine, causing Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities) with flaccid paralysis below the waist and immobility. (Both formulas are seen under the "Summer Wei" note.)
[Zhang Zhongjing] Yue Bi Jia Zhu Tang (Yue Bi plus Atractylodes Decoction) treats extreme flesh conditions. Heat causes fluid depletion, open pores, and profuse sweating. Li Feng Qi (Malignant Wind Pathogen) attacks, causing lower Jiao leg weakness. (Cheng Wuji notes that *Waitai Mi Yao* writes this as Yue Bi Tang.)
Herbs: Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba, 6 liang), Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum, half jin), Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, each 2 liang), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 4 liang), Da Zao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus, 15 pieces).
Boil the six ingredients in 6 sheng of water. First boil Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba), skim off the foam, then add other herbs. Boil to obtain 3 sheng. Divide into three warm doses. If aversion to wind exists, add one Pao Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata).
[Dou Men Fang] Treats soft legs. Cut Shang Lu Root (Phytolaccae Radix) into bean-sized pieces, boil until cooked, add Mung Beans (Vigna Radiata Semen), and cook together until mushy to make rice. Eat daily until cured. This is most effective.
[Ben Cao / Materia Medica] Treats various bone and tendon diseases, limb paralysis, immobility, and generalized wind sores, using Zuo Jing Wan (Left Meridian Pill).
Herbs: Cao Wu (Aconiti Radix, white and large, peel and navel removed), Mu Bie Zi (Momordicae Semen, shell removed), Bai Jiao Xiang (Boswelliae Resina), Wu Ling Zhi (Trogopterori Faeces, each 2.5 liang), Ban Mao (Mylabris, 5 insects, remove head, feet, wings, stir-fry with vinegar).
Grind into powder. Pound black beans (Vigna mungo) raw to extract one sheng of flour. Mix with vinegar paste to form pills, size of *Jitou*. Take one pill per dose, grind with warm wine and swallow. For bone and tendon diseases, provided there has been no needle injury, three to five doses yield immediate results. This medicine once cured a person with soft wind unable to walk, with results in ten days. It specifically targets the Heart, Kidney, and Liver meridians, promotes urination, relieves strangury, unites Ying and Wei, and lubricates collaterals. This formula was obtained by a monk from Jingsheng Temple and has great miraculous effects.
Xu Gu Dan (Bone-Continuing Pill) treats weak and flaccid legs, emaciation and weakness, and children's inability to walk.
Herbs: Tian Ma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma, clear and pure, soak in wine), Bai Fu Zi (Typhonii Rhizoma), Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Mu Bie Zi (Momordicae Semen, each half liang), Wu Tou (Aconiti Radix, 1 qian, processed), Chuan Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, half liang), Di Long (Pheretima, earth removed, 1 fen), Ru Xiang (Olibanum), Mo Yao (Myrrha, each 2 qian), Zhu Sha (Cinnabar, 1 qian).
Mix with one liang of powder from Sheng Nan Xing (Arisaema Cum Bile), cook paste with non-ash wine to make pills, size of *Jitou*, coat with Zhu Sha (Cinnabar). Grind one pill with Bo He Tang (Menthae Haplocalycis Decoction), take before meals.
[Zhu Danxi] Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), soaked in wine and taken, treats wind-induced softness and weak legs. It enables running as fast as a galloping horse, hence called Ben Ma Cao (Running Horse Grass). It has been used effectively.
In the theory of Six Qi, Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities) all belong to Water deficiency. The Classics state: Insufficiency of Water is called He Liu (Dry Stream). In the era of He Liu, the disease manifests as Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities) and hardness in the lower body.
There are five acupuncture methods for Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities):
First, select the Kidney meridian. The Classics state: Diseases of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Channel include Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities), lethargy, heat and pain in the sole. Regulate based on fullness/deficiency, heat/cold, and sinking.
Second, tonify the Bladder and Liver. The Classics state: Where evil resides, there is deficiency. Deficiency of Qi below leads to Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities) and heart palpitations. Tonify the point below the lateral malleolus and retain needle. Also stated: Prick two cun above the web between the big toe and retain needle. These are Shen Mai (Bladder 62) and Tai Chong (Liver 3).
Third, tonify the Luo-connecting vessel of the Foot-Yangming. The Classics state: The Luo-connecting vessel of Foot-Yangming is named Feng Long (Stomach 40), eight cun from the ankle, diverging to the Taiyin. Its deficiency disease manifests as foot inability to hold and dry shin. Select the point of divergence.
Fourth, tonify the Luo-connecting vessel of the Foot-Shaoyang. The Classics state: The Luo-connecting vessel of Foot-Shaoyang is named Guang Ming (Gallbladder 37), five cun from the ankle, diverging to the Jueyin. Its deficiency manifests as Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities) and inability to rise from sitting. Select the point of divergence.
Fifth, bind the four extremities. The Classics state: Binding the four extremities treats Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities). On the day of release, if two areas are insensible, sensation returns in ten days. No rest is needed as the disease resolves.
Paralysis of both feet, weakness of both legs: He Ding (Extraneous Point, above the patella tip, moxa 7 moxibustions).
[Cuo Yao] Weak feet, difficulty walking: Tai Chong (Liver 3), Li Dui (Stomach 45) (Tonify and moxa). Feng Shi (Gallbladder 31) (moxa).
[Yu Ji Wei Yi] Another method: Tai Chong (Liver 3) (depth 5 fen, reduce 8 breaths, contraindicate moxa). Zhong Feng (Liver 6) (depth 5 fen, reduce 8 breaths). San Li (Stomach 36) (depth 1 cun, reduce 10 breaths).
[Ji Cheng] Another method: Sun Gong (Pericardium 4) (moxa, half cun depth). San Li (Stomach 36), Jue Gu (Gallbladder 39), Shen Mai (Bladder 62) (if ineffective, select lower points). Kun Lun (Bladder 60), Yang Fu (Gallbladder 38).
[Jia Yi Jing) Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities) causing heavy head, frontal headache, pain at the hip joint and outer thigh bones, spasms, bi-syndrome insensitivity, chills, intermittent fever, and inability to move limbs, is governed by Fu Yang (Bladder 59). Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities) with cold feet, inability to hold the ankle, inability to rise from sitting, hip and foot pain, is governed by Qiu Xu (Gallbladder 40). Foot inability to hold and pain, inability to walk, is governed by Tian Quan (Extra Point). Below the Foot-Yangming, if both Blood and Qi are deficient, pubic hair falls out; if present, it is sparse, dry, and withered, predisposing to Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities) and foot bi-syndrome. (Full text see Pubic Hair section under Excess/Deficiency methods, referring to pubic hair.)
Spleen pulse is slow; excessively slow indicates Wei Jue (flaccidity and cold extremities). (Full text see Treating Excess/Deficiency methods.)