早在农村行医时就广泛采用草药治病，人颇称便。到了大城市，为避「俗嫌」，曾中断使用草药。解放后，由于当局重视中医药的发展，我叉重新研究草药。常思古代神农为研究药物的治疗作用，尚可「尝百草」而不畏其毒伤身，虽系传说，然这种身体力行，实事求是的科学态度却是值得学习的。为了证实《本草纲目》上关于蓓草、鼠曲草(四川民间称清明莱)等草药的确切疗效，我曾不顾年老体弱，数临悬崖峭壁，采集标本，并先在自己或家人中试用。经过反复试验，证实了穰草对西医诊断之肺结核、肠结核、肾结核、淋巴结核等有显著的疗效。此外，我还广泛运用其治疗尿路感染、风湿、低热、肺炎、屎毒症等，都取得较理想的效果。我自己患咳喘，曾煎服鼠曲草月余，不仅收到止咳、化痰、平喘之效，而且未见任何副作用。再如腊梅花，人皆知为观赏之品，鲜见入药。我从古人「稀痘汤」中用此解先天胎毒受到启发，用其治疗咽喉、肝炎、肺炎、流感等由病毒感染所致之疾病以及尿毒症，收效显著。据个人观察，腊梅花擅长于舒肝解郁却无香燥耗阴之流弊。
多年来，我一直主张中草药台用，力图按传统之中药理论，从「四气」五味」来归纳草药的主治范围，以便临床时能循理遵法地组方，充分发挥药效。惜乎这方面的工作还做得很不够。
甲观今宜鉴古：古为今用，探索新知
「古方不能治今病」，这种认识肯定不对。不过，对前人的著作必需去粗取精，扬长避短，从而使之「古为今用」。比如，杨栗山着《寒温条辨》，制升降散为代表的十四个方剂为「天地间另为一种偶荒旱潦疫疠烟瘴之毒」所致疾病而设，并谓升降散一方主治「表里三焦大热，其证不可名状者」。在消灭了瘟疫这种严重危害人民健康的疾病的今天，治疫专方之升降散还有作用吗?每于诊余之暇，我常潜心杨氏《条辨》，参诸明清温热论著，琢磨有年，始渐悟得升降散痊病愈疾的机理就在于「升降」二字，杨氏也正于升降出入手眼独到。所谓「升降」是指气化功能而言。经谓「百病生于气」，「气乱则病」，「气冶则安。。因此，在湿热、疫毒疾病的某些病变阶段，予以疏动气机，调节升降，无疑是很重要的一环。从该方组成药味殭蚕、蝉蜕、姜黄、大黄、蜂蜜、黄酒来分析，亦深得《内经》风淫，热淫、湿淫所胜，治以辛凉、成寒、苦辛，佐以甘缓、淡泄之旨。其功效则通里达表，升清降浊、清热解毒、驱风胜湿、镇惊止痉可知。使用在临床上，对外感热病，尤其流行性感冒、麻疹、风疹、咽喉疾病等，都有很可靠的疗效，决非银翘散诸方所能代替者。
作为一个缺乏现代医学知识的老年中医，探索新知的惟一手段只能借助临床观察，并以临床疗效为标志。一九六二年，我所名老中医周湘船邀我会诊一尿毒症患者。病人已神智不清，躁扰不宁，大小便三日未解，历经中西医两法治疗，几次导尿，收效不显。其人年逾七旬，证涉险境，命在垂危。诊毕，我对周老说：「巧取或可冀生，猛攻必然毙命。」经协议处方；以滋肾通关丸为煎剂内服，外用莱菔子、生姜，火葱加白酒炒热，温熨腹部，内外合治，希冀于万一。上午药后，下午得矢气，尿通。不料，通而复闭，又增呕吐，再施前法加减失效。怎么办?夜间殚思极虑，穷究息策，偶然翻到王旭高治肿医案一则，案云：「肺主一身之气，水出高原，古人『开鬼门，洁净府』，虽曰从太阳着手，其实亦不离乎肺也。」这几句话使我茅塞顿开：此证何不下病上取，导水高原?进而联想到《金匮》治百合病亦不离乎肺，其症状描述与此患者颇多吻合之处，又何不权借百合病诸方以治之；清肃肺气，百脉悉安，导水高原，治节出焉。翌日，陈所思于周老，遂与百合地黄汤，百合知母汤，百合滑石代赭石汤三方合宜而用，并加琥珀粉、腊梅花，煎水频服；外治法改用新鲜马蹄草冲净，炒热，加麝香少许包肚脐。经内外合治幸得吐止，二便通快，神智渐苏。如此，随证加减，月余而竟全功。通过此例治疗后，近十余年来，陆续又治了七、八例尿毒症患者，只要其证偏于肺肾阴虚而伏内热者，沿用此法，成可奏效。从以上这些病侧的治疗获效，使我深刻认识到：祖国医学不仅有丰富的遗产亟待继承，更重要的尚有许多未知数需要我们去解答，需要我们探索新知。
沙里淘金费苦辛，愿得几番百年身
「沙里淘金费苦辛，医中奥妙细追寻。天然璞玉精琢磨，愿得几番百年身。」这首打油诗是我学医、行医几十年之切身体会。「业患不肯嘴」，「行患不能成』。每念及此，辄觉心里空虚。忆往昔，岁月蹉跎，颠沛半生，术业未能精深，观如今，政策英明，百花齐放，却叉风烛残年，无所作为。但是，由于党的关怀，同志的帮助，病员的信任，鞭策着我不敢因衰老而懈怠学习，激励着我不断求知，还想在术业上精益求精。近于病榻中读到报刊有关气功研究的报道：通过医学科学研究气功原理，发现肺还具有调节血流，转化和释放激素，摄取和利用葡萄糖，以及防止呼吸道感染等非呼吸功能。祖国医学认为，人体的阴阳平衡是依校气血的调整来维持的。中医常用益气固表之玉屏风散防治体虚易感风邪者，我运用百合病诸方，从治肺着手，治疗尿毒症(也曾用治肾病练合征)收散，是否与此有关?由此联想到还有很多疾病是否也可根据「肺主一身之气」、「肺朝百脉」的传统理论，结合现代研究，通过治肺而取得意想不到的疗效呢7．目前，这些想法已经有了初步概念，只不过我太缺乏现代医学科学知识，加之其它条件的局限，致使这一设想还极不成熟。正因为如此，我特别寄希望于青年中医和西医学中医的同志能够艰苦学习，以振兴祖国医学为己任，使中医事业代有传人。作为一个老年中医，虽不能跃马横枪，冲锋在前，而老马则应效识途之劳。我愿意和一切志诫中医事业的有识之士「红专道上争先进，宏开宝库同战场」。为使古老的中国医药学焕发青春，为早日实现我国统一的新医药学而奋斗。
(袁熙傻整理)
我的学习方法和临证体会
【作者简介】杨永璇(19o1～1981)，上海市南汇县人，著名中医针灸学家。致力予针灸事业六十余年，兼通内科，医术精湛，医德高尚，有较高的声望。历任中华全国针灸学会委员，上海市政协委员，上海市中医学会常务理事，上海市针灸学会主任委员，顾问，上海中医学院针灸系副主任，上海市针灸研究所副所长，上海中医学院附属曙光医院针灸科主任医师等职。着有《针灸治验录》等。
我幼年时，上海市郊缺医少药，眼见亲邻苦于病痛，为求医常需驱车步行，往返数十里，费时旷业，引为憾事。因此，在我十七岁完成了私塾学业后，就立下了学医志愿。父西庚公对我有志学医甚为赞许，闻川沙唐家花园王诵愚先生医术高超，誉满乡里，德高望重，甚为敬仰，乃命我拜王先生为师。三载后满师，遂返回故里开业，并到上海行医。解放后进入国家医疗机构工作。
注重熟读博览
我在三年随师学习中，王诵愚先生辛勤教诲，督导谨严。首选《内经》、《难经》，有全读有选读，均经讲解，并指定或熟记，或背诵，而《本草》、「脉诀》、《汤头歌诀》，均在背诵之列。年少之时，记性较好，多读数遍，就能背诵，时至今日尚能脱口而出，临诊处方时时可用，这都应归功于少壮之年所下的功夫。所以说读书没有什么诀窍，只要在弄懂内容之后，反复朗读背诵，可以受用一生。中医的理论是相互贯通的，内、外、妇、儿、大、小、方、脉，相辅相成。吾师虽以针科为专长，但内外妇儿各科亦均精通。他常常告诫我，要解除病人疾苦，不但要会针灸、拔火罐，也要会处方，还要能用汤药熏洗、按摩推拿，医术越是全面就越能取效于瞬间。他说古代名医扁鹊、、华佗，都是多才善医的典范，他们能用汤药、针刺、熨灸、按摩以及五禽戏治疗疾病。因此，我在学医的经历中，除精读《针灸甲乙经》、《针灸太成》之外，还兼学《伤寒论》、《金匮要略》。吾师特别推崇张介宾的《类经》，既指定选篇背诵，又要求逐篇披览。先师的教诲，使我对张氏《类经》的阅读坚持数十年，深感要成为一名针灸家就必须通读《类经》十九卷至二十二卷。咀上四卷归纳和总结了古代医家针术的各种见解，熟读之后才能了解后世针灸专著的学术思想渊源。下面举十九卷之七「用针虚实补泻」为蜘，谈谈我学习中的点滴体会。《灵枢·九针十二原》日：「凡用针者，虚则实之，满则泄之，宛陈则除之，邪胜则虚之。」这一段经文，揭示了针灸治疗的法则，沿用至今，依然指导着针灸l临床。
《类经》把《素问·针解篇》和《灵枢小针解》的原文归并在一节中，前后参照，起了自身批注的作用，对理解著者的原意很有裨益。「虚则实之」，其意如何?「小针解」日：「所谓虚则实之者，气口虚而当补之也。」「针解篇」目；。刺虚则实之者，针下热也，气实乃热也。』几篇谈虚实的原文集中一处，可以互相弥补，易于理解。虚是指正气虚。寸口之脉呈虚象，采用针刺的补法，使针下热。现今我们所常用的热补手法或烧山火手法，都是从《内经》这一治则的基础上发展起来的。「满则泄之」。「小针解」日：「满则泄之者，气口盛而当泻之也。舢针解篇」日：「满而泄之者，针下寒也，气虚乃寒也。」满者盛之意，指邪气满盛。气口即寸口之脉象盛实，为邪盛之脉，当用针法以祛邪。张介宾注：针下寒者，自热而寒也。
寒则邪气去而实者虚矣，故为泻。当今常用的凉泻手法或透天凉手法，就是这一治则的演变。「宛陈则除之者，去血脉也。」「针解篇」日：「出恶血。」意思更为明了；有淤积恶血之病症，以针法祛除恶血，达到活血祛瘀的作用。本人曾用七星针浅刺加拔火罐方法，拔出凝聚之恶血，起到祛瘀生新的作用，治疗各种固定性的疼痛症和血瘀症都收到一定的效果。「邪胜则虚之」，是谓「诸经有盛者，皆泻其邪也」。「针解篇」所谓「出针勿按」亦即泻其邪。这节的原文对后世补泻手法的发展和应用都起了重要的作用。「小针解」日；「徐而疾则实者，言徐内而疾出也。疾而徐则虚者，言疾内而徐出也。」这就是近代所采用的徐疾补泻方法的渊源。本节还有开合补泻的记载：「徐而疾则实者，徐出针而疾按之；疾而徐则虚者，疾出针而徐按之。」所以说熟读张氏类经对了解针灸理论的来龙去脉很有帮助。
早在农村行医时，我就广泛采用草药治病，人们觉得很方便。到了大城市，为了避开“世俗的嫌弃”，我曾一度停止使用草药。解放后，由于当局重视中医药的发展，我又重新研究草药。常想到古代神农为研究药物的治疗作用，还可以“尝百草”而不怕毒物伤害身体，虽然这属于传说，但这种身体力行、实事求是的科学态度却是值得学习的。为了证实《本草纲目》中关于蓓草、鼠曲草（四川民间称为清明菜）等草药的确切疗效，我不顾年老体弱，多次登上悬崖峭壁采集标本，并先在自己或家人身上试用。经过反复试验，证实了鼠曲草对西医诊断的肺结核、肠结核、肾结核、淋巴结核等有显著的疗效。此外，我还广泛运用它治疗尿路感染、风湿、低热、肺炎、尿毒症等，都取得了较理想的效果。我自己患有咳喘，曾煎服鼠曲草一个多月，不仅收到了止咳、化痰、平喘的效果，而且未见任何副作用。再如腊梅花，人们都知道它是观赏植物，很少见入药。我从古人“稀痘汤”中使用此药解除先天胎毒受到启发，用它治疗咽喉疾病、肝炎、肺炎、流感等由病毒感染引起的疾病以及尿毒症，收效显著。据个人观察，腊梅花擅长于疏肝解郁，却没有香燥耗伤阴液的弊病。
多年来，我一直主张中草药合用，力图按照传统中药理论，从“四气”“五味”来归纳草药的主治范围，以便临床时能循理遵法地组方，充分发挥药效。可惜这方面的工作还做得很不够。
纵观今昔应当借鉴古代：古为今用，探索新知
“古方不能治今病”，这种认识肯定是不对的。不过，对前人的著作必须去粗取精，扬长避短，从而使之“古为今用”。比如，杨栗山著《寒温条辨》，制定了以升降散为代表的十四个方剂，是为“天地间另一种偶发旱涝瘟疫烟瘴之毒”所致的疾病而设，并说升降散一方主治“表里三焦大热，其证不可名状者”。在消灭了瘟疫这种严重危害人民健康的疾病的今天，治疫专方升降散还有作用吗？每于诊余之暇，我常潜心研读杨氏《条辨》，参考明清温热论著，琢磨多年，才逐渐领悟到升降散痊愈疾病的机理就在于“升降”二字，杨氏也正是于升降出入手法上独到。所谓“升降”是指气化功能而言。经书说“百病生于气”，“气乱则病”，“气治则安”。因此，在湿热、疫毒疾病的某些病变阶段，予以疏通气机，调节升降，无疑是很重要的一环。从该方组成的药物僵蚕、蝉蜕、姜黄、大黄、蜂蜜、黄酒来分析，也深得《内经》风淫、热淫、湿淫所胜，治以辛凉、咸寒、苦辛，佐以甘缓、淡泄的宗旨。其功效则是通里达表，升清降浊，清热解毒，驱风胜湿，镇惊止痉。在临床上使用，对外感热病，尤其流行性感冒、麻疹、风疹、咽喉疾病等，都有很可靠的疗效，决非银翘散诸方所能代替的。
作为一个缺乏现代医学知识的老年中医，探索新知的唯一手段只能借助临床观察，并以临床疗效为标志。一九六二年，我的同事老中医周湘船邀我会诊一位尿毒症患者。病人已神智不清，躁扰不宁，大小便三日未解，历经中西医两法治疗，几次导尿，收效不显。其人年逾七旬，证涉险境，命在垂危。诊毕，我对周老说：“巧取或可冀生，猛攻必然毙命。”经协议处方：以滋肾通关丸为煎剂内服，外用莱菔子、生姜，火葱加白酒炒热，温熨腹部，内外合治，希冀于万一。上午服药后，下午得矢气，尿通。不料，通而复闭，又增呕吐，再施前法加减失效。怎么办？夜间殚思极虑，穷究良策，偶然翻到王旭高治肿医案一则，案云：“肺主一身之气，水出高原，古人‘开鬼门，洁净府’，虽曰从太阳着手，其实亦不离乎肺也。”这几句话使我茅塞顿开：此证何不下病上取，导水高原？进而联想到《金匮》治百合病亦不离乎肺，其症状描述与此患者颇多吻合之处，又何不权借百合病诸方以治之；清肃肺气，百脉悉安，导水高原，治节出焉。翌日，陈述所思于周老，遂与百合地黄汤、百合知母汤、百合滑石代赭石汤三方合宜而用，并加琥珀粉、腊梅花，煎水频服；外治法改用新鲜马蹄草冲净，炒热，加麝香少许包肚脐。经内外合治幸得吐止，二便通快，神智渐苏。如此，随证加减，月余而竟全功。通过此例治疗后，近十余年来，陆续又治了七八例尿毒症患者，只要其证偏于肺肾阴虚而伏内热者，沿用此法，皆可奏效。从以上这些病例的治疗获效，使我深刻认识到：祖国医学不仅有丰富的遗产亟待继承，更重要的尚有许多未知数需要我们去解答，需要我们探索新知。
沙里淘金费苦辛，愿得几番百年身
“沙里淘金费苦辛，医中奥妙细追寻。天然璞玉精琢磨，愿得几番百年身。”这首打油诗是我学医、行医几十年之切身体会。“业患不肯钻”，“行患不能成”。每念及此，辄觉心里空虚。忆往昔，岁月蹉跎，颠沛半生，术业未能精深；观如今，政策英明，百花齐放，却又风烛残年，无所作为。但是，由于党的关怀，同志的帮助，病员的信任，鞭策着我不敢因衰老而懈怠学习，激励着我不断求知，还想在术业上精益求精。近来于病榻中读到报刊有关气功研究的报道：通过医学科学研究气功原理，发现肺还具有调节血流，转化和释放激素，摄取和利用葡萄糖，以及防止呼吸道感染等非呼吸功能。祖国医学认为，人体的阴阳平衡是依靠气血的调整来维持的。中医常用益气固表之玉屏风散防治体虚易感风邪者，我运用百合病诸方，从治肺着手，治疗尿毒症（也曾用治肾病综合征）收效，是否与此有关？由此联想到还有很多疾病是否也可根据“肺主一身之气”、“肺朝百脉”的传统理论，结合现代研究，通过治肺而取得意想不到的疗效呢？目前，这些想法已经有了初步概念，只不过我太缺乏现代医学科学知识，加之其它条件的局限，致使这一设想还极不成熟。正因为如此，我特别寄希望于青年中医和西医学中医的同志能够艰苦学习，以振兴祖国医学为己任，使中医事业代有传人。作为一个老年中医，虽不能跃马横枪，冲锋在前，而老马则应效识途之劳。我愿意和一切志诚中医事业的有识之士“红专道上争先进，宏开宝库同战场”。为使古老的中国医药学焕发青春，为早日实现我国统一的新医药学而奋斗。
(袁熙傻整理)
我的学习方法和临证体会
【作者简介】杨永璇(1901～1981)，上海市南汇县人，著名中医针灸学家。致力于针灸事业六十余年，兼通内科，医术精湛，医德高尚，有较高的声望。历任中华全国针灸学会委员，上海市政协委员，上海市中医学会常务理事，上海市针灸学会主任委员、顾问，上海中医学院针灸系副主任，上海市针灸研究所副所长，上海中医学院附属曙光医院针灸科主任医师等职。著有《针灸治验录》等。
我幼年时，上海市郊缺医少药，眼见亲邻苦于病痛，为求医常需驱车步行，往返数十里，费时旷业，引为憾事。因此，在我十七岁完成了私塾学业后，就立下了学医志愿。父亲西庚公对我有志学医甚为赞许，闻川沙唐家花园王诵愚先生医术高超，誉满乡里，德高望重，甚为敬仰，乃命我拜王先生为师。三年后满师，遂返回故里开业，并到上海行医。解放后进入国家医疗机构工作。
注重熟读博览
我在三年随师学习中，王诵愚先生辛勤教诲，督导谨严。首选《内经》、《难经》，有全读有选读，均经讲解，并指定或熟记，或背诵，而《本草》、《脉诀》、《汤头歌诀》，均在背诵之列。年少之时，记性较好，多读数遍，就能背诵，时至今日尚能脱口而出，临诊处方时时可用，这都应归功于少壮之年所下的功夫。所以说读书没有什么诀窍，只要在弄懂内容之后，反复朗读背诵，可以受用一生。中医的理论是相互贯通的，内、外、妇、儿、大、小、方、脉，相辅相成。吾师虽以针科为专长，但内外妇儿各科亦均精通。他常常告诫我，要解除病人疾苦，不但要会针灸、拔火罐，也要会处方，还要能用汤药熏洗、按摩推拿，医术越是全面就越能取效于瞬间。他说古代名医扁鹊、华佗，都是多才善医的典范，他们能用汤药、针刺、熨灸、按摩以及五禽戏治疗疾病。因此，我在学医的经历中，除精读《针灸甲乙经》、《针灸大成》之外，还兼学《伤寒论》、《金匮要略》。吾师特别推崇张介宾的《类经》，既指定选篇背诵，又要求逐篇披览。先师的教诲，使我对张氏《类经》的阅读坚持数十年，深感要成为一名针灸家就必须通读《类经》十九卷至二十二卷。加上这四卷归纳和总结了古代医家针术的各种见解，熟读之后才能了解后世针灸专著的学术思想渊源。下面举十九卷之七“用针虚实补泻”为例，谈谈我学习中的点滴体会。《灵枢·九针十二原》曰：“凡用针者，虚则实之，满则泄之，宛陈则除之，邪胜则虚之。”这一段经文，揭示了针灸治疗的法则，沿用至今，依然指导着针灸临床。
《类经》把《素问·针解篇》和《灵枢·小针解》的原文归并在一节中，前后参照，起了自身批注的作用，对理解著者的原意很有裨益。“虚则实之”，其意如何？“小针解”曰：“所谓虚则实之者，气口虚而当补之也。”“针解篇”曰：“刺虚则实之者，针下热也，气实乃热也。”几篇谈虚实的原文集中一处，可以互相弥补，易于理解。虚是指正气虚。寸口之脉呈虚象，采用针刺的补法，使针下热。现今我们所常用的热补手法或烧山火手法，都是从《内经》这一治则的基础上发展起来的。“满则泄之”。“小针解”曰：“满则泄之者，气口盛而当泻之也。”“针解篇”曰：“满而泄之者，针下寒也，气虚乃寒也。”满者盛之意，指邪气满盛。气口即寸口之脉象盛实，为邪盛之脉，当用针法以祛邪。张介宾注：针下寒者，自热而寒也。寒则邪气去而实者虚矣，故为泻。当今常用的凉泻手法或透天凉手法，就是这一治则的演变。“宛陈则除之者，去血脉也。”“针解篇”曰：“出恶血。”意思更为明了：有淤积恶血之病症，以针法祛除恶血，达到活血祛瘀的作用。本人曾用七星针浅刺加拔火罐方法，拔出凝聚之恶血，起到祛瘀生新的作用，治疗各种固定性的疼痛症和血瘀症都收到一定的效果。“邪胜则虚之”，是谓“诸经有盛者，皆泻其邪也”。“针解篇”所谓“出针勿按”亦即泻其邪。这节的原文对后世补泻手法的发展和应用都起了重要的作用。“小针解”曰：“徐而疾则实者，言徐内而疾出也。疾而徐则虚者，言疾内而徐出也。”这就是近代所采用的徐疾补泻方法的渊源。本节还有开合补泻的记载：“徐而疾则实者，徐出针而疾按之；疾而徐则虚者，疾出针而徐按之。”所以说熟读张氏类经对了解针灸理论的来龙去脉很有帮助。
Long before, when practicing medicine in rural areas, I widely employed herbal medicines to treat diseases, which people found very convenient. Upon moving to a large city, in order to avoid "secular prejudice," I once discontinued the use of herbal medicines. After liberation, due to the authorities' emphasis on the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I resumed my research on herbal medicines. I often reflect that ancient Shennong, in studying the therapeutic effects of drugs, could "taste hundreds of herbs" without fearing injury from their toxicity. Although this is legendary, this spirit of personal practice and seeking truth from facts is a scientific attitude worthy of learning. To verify the exact efficacy of herbal medicines such as Peicao (Pei Cao, 佩草) and Ququcao (Mouse Curd Grass, 鼠曲草 - known locally in Sichuan as Qingming Cai, 清明菜) recorded in *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica), I disregarded my old age and frailty, frequently climbing steep cliffs to collect specimens, and first tested them on myself or family members. Through repeated trials, it was confirmed that Ququcao has significant therapeutic effects on tuberculosis of the lung, intestine, kidney, and lymph nodes diagnosed by Western medicine. Furthermore, I extensively used it to treat urinary tract infections, rheumatism, low-grade fever, pneumonia, and uremia, all yielding satisfactory results. Suffering from cough and asthma myself, I decocted and took Ququcao for over a month; not only did it achieve effects in stopping cough, resolving phlegm, and calming asthma, but no side effects were observed. Take Winter Sweet Flower (Lanhua Mei, 腊梅花) as another example: everyone knows it as an ornamental plant, rarely seen in medicinal use. Inspired by its use in the ancient formula Xidou Tang (Rare Pox Decoction, 稀痘汤) to resolve congenital fetal toxins, I used it to treat diseases caused by viral infections such as throat disorders, hepatitis, pneumonia, influenza, as well as uremia, with remarkable efficacy. According to personal observation, Lanhua Mei excels at soothing the Liver and relieving depression without the drawback of being aromatic, drying, and consuming Yin fluids.
For many years, I have advocated the combined use of Chinese herbal medicines, striving to summarize their main indications based on traditional TCM theories of "Four Qi" (Si Qi, 四气) and "Five Flavors" (Wu Wei, 五味), so that formulas can be composed following principles and methods during clinical practice, thereby fully exerting their therapeutic effects. Unfortunately, work in this area remains insufficient.
Observing the present through the lens of the past: Using the past for the present, exploring new knowledge
The notion that "ancient formulas cannot treat modern diseases" is definitely incorrect. However, one must discard the dross and select the essence, maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses in predecessors' works, thus making them "useful for the present." For instance, Yang Lisshan authored *Hanwen Tiaobian* (Differentiation of Cold and Warm Diseases), creating fourteen formulas represented by Shengjiang San (Ascending-Descending Powder, 升降散) for diseases caused by "other kinds of toxic pathogens like droughts, floods, plagues, miasmas, and smoke-fog in the world," stating that Shengjiang San treats "severe heat in the exterior, interior, and Triple Burner, with symptoms too complex to name." In today's era where plague, a disease severely endangering public health, has been eliminated, does the specialized anti-plague formula Shengjiang San still have a role? During spare time after consultations, I often deeply studied Yang's *Tiaobian*, referencing Ming and Qing warm disease treatises, pondering for years, until gradually realizing that the mechanism of Shengjiang San curing diseases lies in the two characters "Sheng Jiang" (Ascending and Descending). Yang's unique skill indeed lay in the manipulation of ascending and descending. "Sheng Jiang" refers to Qi transformation function. The Classics state that "hundred diseases arise from Qi," "when Qi is chaotic, disease occurs," and "when Qi is regulated, there is peace." Therefore, in certain pathological stages of damp-heat and epidemic toxin diseases, facilitating Qi movement and regulating ascending and descending is undoubtedly a crucial link. Analyzing the ingredients of this formula—Bombyx Batryticatus (Jiangcan, 僵蚕), Cicada Slough (Chantui, 蝉蜕), Turmeric Rhizome (Jianghuang, 姜黄), Rhubarb (Dahuang, 大黄), Honey (Fengmi, 蜂蜜), and Yellow Wine (Huangjiu, 黄酒)—one finds it deeply aligns with the principle in *Neijing* (Inner Canon) that for excesses of Wind, Heat, and Dampness, treatment should employ Acrid-Cool, Salty-Cold, and Bitter-Acidic flavors, assisted by Sweet-Slowing and Bland-Draining methods. Its effects include unblocking the interior to reach the exterior, raising clear Yang and descending turbid Yin, clearing heat and detoxifying, dispelling wind and overcoming dampness, settling fright and stopping spasms. Clinically applied, it has reliable efficacy for external febrile diseases, especially influenza, measles, rubella, and throat diseases, far beyond what Yinqiao San (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Decoction, 银翘散) and similar formulas can replace.
As an elderly TCM practitioner lacking modern medical knowledge, the sole means to explore new knowledge relies on clinical observation, marked by clinical efficacy. In 1962, my senior colleague Zhou Xiangchuan invited me to consult on a patient with uremia. The patient was unconscious, restless, and had not passed urine or stool for three days. Despite treatments by both Western and Chinese medicine and several catheterizations, results were unsatisfactory. Over seventy years old, the condition was critical, life hanging by a thread. After examination, I told Mr. Zhou: "Skillful extraction might hope for survival, aggressive attack will surely cause death." We agreed on a prescription: Zishen Tongguan Wan (Nourish Kidney Unblock Bladder Pill, 滋肾通关丸) taken orally as a decoction, externally applying Radish Seed (Laifuzi, 莱菔子), Ginger (Shengjiang, 生姜), Fire Scallion (Huocong, 火葱) stir-fried hot with Baijiu (White Liquor, 白酒), warming and compressing the abdomen, combining internal and external treatments, hoping for a miracle. After morning medication, flatus occurred in the afternoon, and urination resumed. Unexpectedly, obstruction returned, accompanied by vomiting. Repeating the previous modified method failed. What to do? Thinking deeply at night, exhausting all strategies, I accidentally flipped to a case record by Wang Xugao treating edema, which stated: "The Lung governs the Qi of the whole body; water originates from the high source. The ancients said 'open the ghost gate [sweat pores], clean the bladder,' although starting from the Taiyang channel, it essentially involves the Lung." These words enlightened me: Why not treat this lower pathology by targeting the upper, guiding water from its high source? This led me to recall that *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet, 金匮要略) treats Baihe Bing (Lily Disease, 百合病) also focusing on the Lung. The symptom description closely matched this patient. Why not borrow formulas for Lily Disease to treat it? Clearing and purifying Lung Qi, all vessels become peaceful; guiding water from its high source, regulatory functions emerge. The next day, I presented my thoughts to Mr. Zhou. We combined Helidi Huang Tang (Lily and Rehmannia Decoction, 百合地黄汤), Baihe Zhimu Tang (Lily and Anemarrhena Decoction, 百合知母汤), and Baihe Huashi Daizheshi Tang (Lily, Calcined Magnetite, and Ochre Decoction, 百合滑石代赭石汤), adding Amber Powder (Hupo Fen, 琥珀粉) and Winter Sweet Flower, decocted and taken frequently. External treatment changed to fresh Water Chestnut Herb (Maxiancao, 马蹄草), cleaned, stir-fried hot, mixed with a little Musk (Shexiang, 麝香), and applied to the umbilicus. Thanks to combined internal and external treatment, vomiting stopped, bowel and bladder movements became smooth, and consciousness gradually recovered. With modifications according to symptoms, full recovery was achieved in over a month. Following this case, over the past ten-plus years, I have treated seven or eight more uremia patients. As long as the syndrome leans towards Lung-Kidney Yin deficiency with latent internal heat, using this method yields results. From the success in treating these cases, I profoundly realized: Motherland medicine not only has rich heritage awaiting inheritance, but more importantly, many unknowns need answering, requiring us to explore new knowledge.
Sifting sand for gold is arduous and bitter; wishing for a hundred-year lifespan to master it
"Sifting sand for gold is arduous and bitter, seeking medical mysteries carefully. Natural uncut jade needs fine polishing, wishing for a hundred-year lifespan to master it." This doggerel reflects my personal experience of decades in studying and practicing medicine. "The worry for a profession is unwillingness to drill deep," "The worry for action is inability to succeed." Recalling this, I feel empty inside. Remembering the past, years wasted, half a life of turmoil, skills not yet profound; looking at the present, wise policies, flowers blooming together, yet I am like a candle in the wind, old and ineffective. However, spurred by the Party's care, comrades' help, and patients' trust, I dare not slacken in study due to aging. It motivates me to constantly seek knowledge and strive for excellence in my craft. Recently, reading reports on Qigong research in newspapers while bedridden: Medical science research into Qigong principles discovered that the Lung possesses non-respiratory functions such as regulating blood flow, transforming and releasing hormones, taking up and utilizing glucose, and preventing respiratory tract infections. Motherland medicine believes that human Yin-Yang balance is maintained by adjusting Qi and Blood. TCM commonly uses Yupingfeng San (Jade Screen Powder, 玉屏风散) to tonify Qi and consolidate the exterior to prevent wind-pathogen invasion in those with deficiency. I used formulas for Lily Disease, starting with treating the Lung, to treat uremia (also used for Nephrotic Syndrome, 肾病综合征) with effect. Is this related? This leads me to wonder if many other diseases could also achieve unexpected curative effects by treating the Lung, based on the traditional theory "Lung governs the Qi of the whole body" and "Lung gathers all vessels," combined with modern research. Currently, these ideas have preliminary concepts, but lacking modern medical scientific knowledge and limited by other conditions, this hypothesis is extremely immature. Precisely because of this, I place special hope on young TCM practitioners and Western doctors learning TCM to study hard, take revitalizing Motherland medicine as their responsibility, ensuring TCM has successors generation after generation. As an elderly TCM doctor, though unable to charge ahead like a warrior, an old horse should contribute its experience of knowing the way. I am willing to compete for advancement on the path of red expertise and open the treasure house alongside all sincere scholars of TCM. To make ancient Chinese medicine rejuvenate, and to strive for the early realization of our country's unified new medical system.
(Organized by Yuan Xifa)
My Learning Methods and Clinical Reflections
Deputy Director of Acupuncture Department, Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Deputy Director of Shanghai Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion; Yang Yongxuan
[Author Profile] Yang Yongxuan (1901–1981), from Nanhui County, Shanghai, was a famous TCM acupuncturist. Devoted to acupuncture for over sixty years, proficient in internal medicine, possessing exquisite medical skills and noble medical ethics, with high prestige. Held positions including Committee Member of China National Association of Acupuncture, CPPCC Member of Shanghai, Standing Director of Shanghai TCM Society, Chairman and Advisor of Shanghai Acupuncture Society, Deputy Director of Acupuncture Department at Shanghai College of TCM, Deputy Director of Shanghai Institute of Acupuncture, Chief Physician of Acupuncture Department at Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai College of TCM, etc. Authored *Zhenjiu Zhiyan Lu* (Records of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Therapeutic Experiences, 针灸治验录), among others.
In my childhood, the suburbs of Shanghai lacked doctors and medicine. Seeing relatives and neighbors suffering from pain, seeking medical help often required driving or walking dozens of miles round trip, wasting time and work, which I regretted. Therefore, after completing private school education at seventeen, I resolved to study medicine. My father, Xi Genggong, highly approved of my ambition. Hearing that Mr. Wang Songyu of Tangjia Garden in Chuansha possessed superb medical skills, renowned in the township, and was respected for his virtue and status, he commanded me to apprentice under Mr. Wang. After three years of apprenticeship, I returned to my hometown to open a clinic and practiced in Shanghai. After liberation, I joined state medical institutions.
Emphasizing Thorough Reading and Broad Exposure
During my three years of apprenticeship, Mr. Wang Songyu taught diligently with strict supervision. He prioritized *Neijing* (Inner Canon, 内经) and *Nanjing* (Classic of Difficult Issues, 难经), assigning full or selective reading, all explained, and designated for memorization or recitation. *Bencao* (Materia Medica, 本草), *Maijue* (Pulse Secrets, 脉诀), and *Tangtou Gejue* (Rhymes of Formulas, 汤头歌诀) were all included in recitation lists. Being young with good memory, reading multiple times allowed me to recite them; even today, I can recite them fluently, applying them whenever prescribing in clinic. This is all thanks to the effort put in during youth. Thus, there is no secret to reading; as long as content is understood, repeated reading and recitation benefit one for life. TCM theories are interconnected; Internal, External, Gynecology, Pediatrics, Surgery, Ophthalmology/ENT, Formulas, and Pulse diagnosis complement each other. Although my master specialized in acupuncture, he was proficient in all departments. He often warned me that to relieve patients' suffering, one must know not only acupuncture and cupping, but also prescribe, use herbal fumigation/washing, massage, and tuina. The more comprehensive the skills, the faster the effect. He cited ancient famous doctors Bian Que and Hua Tuo as examples of versatile healers who used herbal decoctions, acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, and Five Animal Frolics (Wuqinxi, 五禽戏) to treat diseases. Therefore, in my study, besides meticulously reading *Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing* (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 针灸甲乙经) and *Zhenjiu Dacheng* (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 针灸大成), I also studied *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage, 伤寒论) and *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet, 金匮要略). My master particularly admired Zhang Jiebin's *Leijing* (Classified Classic, 类经), assigning selected chapters for recitation and requiring sequential reading. His teachings kept me reading Zhang's *Leijing* for decades. I deeply felt that to become an acupuncturist, one must read volumes 19 to 22 of *Leijing*. These four volumes summarize various views on acupuncture techniques of ancient physicians; only after thorough reading can one understand the academic origins of later acupuncture monographs. Taking Volume 19, Chapter 7 "Tonifying and Reducing via Needling" as an example, I share some insights from my study. *Lingshu·Nine Needles and Twelve Origins* states: "Regarding needle use: if deficient, make solid; if full, drain; if stagnant and chronic, remove; if evil prevails, weaken." This passage reveals the principles of acupuncture treatment, still guiding clinical practice today.
*Leijing* combines the original texts of *Suwen·Needle Explanation Chapter* and *Lingshu·Small Needle Explanation Chapter* into one section, cross-referencing them, acting as self-commentary, greatly aiding understanding of the author's intent. What does "If deficient, make solid" mean? "Small Needle Explanation" says: "What is meant by 'if deficient, make solid' is that when the Qi pulse at the wrist is deficient, tonification should be applied." "Needle Explanation Chapter" says: "To needle deficiency and make solid is to generate heat under the needle; when Qi becomes solid, heat arises." Concentrating original texts discussing deficiency and excess in one place allows mutual supplementation and easier understanding. Deficiency refers to righteous Qi deficiency. When the Cun Kou (Radial Artery Pulse, 寸口) pulse appears deficient, applying the tonifying method of needling generates heat under the needle. The commonly used heat-tonifying technique or "Mountain Burning Fire" (Shaoshanhuo, 烧山火) technique developed from this principle in *Neijing*. "If full, drain." "Small Needle Explanation" says: "What is meant by 'if full, drain' is that when the Qi pulse at the wrist is excessive, reduction should be applied." "Needle Explanation Chapter" says: "To needle fullness and drain is to generate cold under the needle; when Qi becomes deficient, cold arises." Fullness means excess, referring to pathogenic Qi abundance. Cun Kou pulse appearing excessive indicates pathogenic excess, requiring needle reduction to expel pathogens. Zhang Jiebin noted: Cold under the needle means transitioning from heat to cold. When cold arises, pathogenic Qi leaves, and the previously excess state becomes deficient, hence called reduction. The commonly used cold-reducing technique or "Heaven Penetrating Cool" (Toutianliang, 透天凉) technique is an evolution of this principle. "If stagnant and chronic, remove" refers to removing blood stasis. "Needle Explanation Chapter" says: "Eject foul blood." The meaning is clearer: for conditions with accumulated foul blood, use needles to eject foul blood, achieving blood-invigorating and stasis-resolving effects. I once used Seven-Star Needle superficial needling combined with cupping to extract coagulated foul blood, achieving stasis-resolving and new-blood-generating effects, obtaining certain results in treating various fixed pains and blood-stasis syndromes. "If evil prevails, weaken" means "for all meridians with excess, reduce the pathogen." "Needle Explanation Chapter" mentions "do not press the needle hole upon withdrawal," which is also reducing the pathogen. The original text of this section played an important role in the development and application of later tonifying and reducing techniques. "Small Needle Explanation" says: "Slow insertion and quick withdrawal makes solid, meaning slow insertion and quick withdrawal. Quick insertion and slow withdrawal makes weak, meaning quick insertion and slow withdrawal." This is the origin of the modern Slow-Fast Tonifying-Reducing method. This section also records Open-Close Tonifying-Reducing: "Slow insertion and quick withdrawal makes solid, meaning slow withdrawal and quick pressing; quick insertion and slow withdrawal makes weak, meaning quick withdrawal and slow pressing." Therefore, thoroughly reading Zhang's *Leijing* helps understand the origins and development of acupuncture theory.