中医理论,博大精深;中医著述,汗牛充栋。如徒执一家之言,则很难窥其全貌,得其精髓,临证用之,亦甚感不足。故在学习经典著作的基础上,我开始浏览各大名家著作,受益非浅。在《内经》「人以胃气为本」思想的指导下,我临证无论内伤、外感,均重视调养后天之本。治法则多取仲景、东垣、叶桂诸家之长。张仲景「保胃气、存沣液」的思想贯穿《伤寒论》之始终;而东垣所立升阳益胃、补中益气、升阳泻火等法补前贤之未备,为凋理脾胃之圭臬。然立法处方却详于脾而略于胃;至叶氏「太阴湿土,得阳始运,阳明燥土,得阴自安。、「脾喜刚燥、胃喜柔润」之论,又补东垣之不足。所列甘平、甘凉濡养胃阴之法,实开后世之先河。合诸家之长,调理脾胃,重在升降,顾其润燥,常以羌、防、升、柴、荷叶、荷梗、葛根合健脾益气之品以升脾阳,而用杏仁,把叶、竹茹、苏子、苏梗合清养胃阴之味以降胃气。藿香有芳香化湿,悦脾和胃,升清降浊之功,亦常选用,并酌加少量大黄,冀其府气一通,胃气自降。若脾阳不足,又兼胃阴亦虚,则既不可过于温燥,复劫胃液,亦不可过于凉润,重伤脾阳。如「萎缩性胃炎」一病,临床辨之,多属气阴两虚,或挟湿邪为患。往往因胃阴不足,滓不化气,渐及脾胃阳气受损,脾虚不运,又兼湿困,而致阴阳俱伤,形成虚实夹杂之证。其治虽宜益气养阴,但益气需补而不壅,养阴宜滋而不腻,化湿当利肺气,运脾醒脾,行而不燥。常以甘寒而不宜苦寒。养阴常用沙参、麦冬、石斛、玉竹;升阳健脾多用葛根、荷梗、太子参、山药、茯苓、白朮、翩豆等}理气多选用玉蝴蝶、绿萼梅、梭罗子,而不用广术香、沉香等辛温香燥之品,以防耗气伤阴。如胃酸缺乏者,则以甘寒与酸寒生津之麦冬、玉竹、甘草、自芍、乌梅等,共凑酸甘化阴之效。挟湿者,可酌加藿梗、半夏、杏仁以化湿醒脾,开胃利肺,但不可久用。若病久则虑其入络,常加入玫瑰花、代代花、丹参等活血通络之品,临证阻此治之,多有效验。
胆结石症,近来多以大剂清利,甚或「总攻」治之,施于肝胆湿热者,收效恒多。而用于体质素亏,脾胃虚弱,排石无力者,则非攻下所宜。故仲景有「见肝之病,知肝传脾,当先实脾」之教,岂能忽之。而纯事清下,不予辨析,致苦寒伤胃者有之,下伤肝脾者有之。因之,我对于此类病症,多以健脾和胃合清利湿热法同用,寓攻于补,攻补结合。如曾治一胆总管树皮状结石患者王某,经中西医会诊皆以为胆管阻塞,胆囊膨胀到鸡蛋大,毫无收缩能力,结石排出不易,必须手术。但患者年逾花甲,不愿手术,根据其体质虚弱等病情,而用香砂六君、补中益气等健脾益气,佐以清利肝胆湿热之品,治疗三月,竟将结石排出而收功。
再如「石淋」一证,今人亦多主湿热之说。认为湿热蕴蒸,煎熬滓液而成,故主以清利湿热为治。殊不知水为阴,寒则凝,若与尿中杂质相合亦可导致石淋,则非温通不可。若徒以清利投之,犹如霜上加冰,难以奏功。故不惟「八P、「石苇」可消石淋,他如‥肾气」、「真武」、「黄芪建中」亦可选,,务以识证为先。前贤刘宗厚有言;「淋闭有寒热之殊」,罗知悌亦有「主寒」之论。若不正通各家,执一而论,焉能十全。
提高疗效针药并行
医以解除患者疾苦为事。医针虽小,然收效神速,具有简,便、廉、验之特点,故古人有「一针二灸三服药」之说。观《内经》之治,多以针为法,《灵枢》八十一篇,古有「针经」之称。故针灸乃中医学重要内容之一,不可低估。我早年即拜王步举先生为师,深研《灵枢》、《甲乙黟、《针灸大成》中重要篇章,熟读其中「百症赋」、「标幽赋」、「马丹阳十二穴歌」和《医宗金鉴·针灸心法》之「经脉循行歌」、「穴位分寸歌」。数十年间,常假此以起顽疴,得益甚多。
然针灸之学,易学而难精。首先明其理论,所谓「业医不明脏腑经络,开口动手便错」。有人以为针灸乃一小技,有何理论可言,这是偏见。若其深研《内经》、《甲乙》,则知其高深,不是一蹴可得,非下苦功不可。故针灸之学,不能只以几个穴位着眼,而应从整体观,从脏腑经络学说入手学习,理解脏腑、经络、输穴之间的密切关系。「输穴」决不只是局限的一个点,而有其一定范围。针刺之感应是由点到面,由面到线,方能收到较好效果。除熟记十四经输穴外,应重点掌握好四肢肘膝以下之五输穴等特定穴,同时对经外奇穴亦不可忽视。我从多年实践中曾发现个别奇穴,如「遗精」穴,位于男腹部脐下正中三寸,旁开一寸处,左右各一。主治遗精、早泄、阳痿、明囊冷湿,已收载入郝金凯着《针灸经外奇穴图谱》一书之中。
针刺时,不仅要重视刺手(右手)的作用,而更不可忽视左手(押手)的作用。《难经》谓「知为针者,信其左,不知为针者,信其右」,即是强诵了押手的重要性。得气感应,多先从穴下反射到押手上的一瞬间,刺手针下的沉、鬟、酸、麻、胀感随之丽至。对补泻手法,前人有许多宝贵经验,我常将「迎随」、「呼吸」、「提插」、「捻转」等手法融台一起,喜用「烧山火」、「透天凉」两法,分别治疗虚寒性和热性病症。对发热、咽喉肿痛等症,则配合少商等井穴放血一珠,收效更捷。丑口是类中风初起,面红升火,舌强语蹇,神志欠清之际,急使人拦腰抱定,并固定其头部,以园利针点刺手足井、宣穴出血,有减缓头部充血之利,而无加重中风之势。他如面瘫、头痛、脘痛、腹泄等症,内服药物固亦有效,但配方煎药费时,而针灸随时可用,立竿见影。若内科医生兼会针灸,则如虎添翼,不仅见效快,疗程短,且易巩固。一九三八年夏,一妇傍晚来诊,适师外出,余见其面色淡黄,目台口噤,龄齿寒战,四肢搐搦,脉弦而紧,询其夫,始知数日前避暑热,院外就寝,夜半暴雨骤至,突然惊醒,急忙回屋,不慎左额部碰于门框之上,致局部紫黑血肿,时而隐痛,未予重视,不意今日上午全身恶寒拘急不适,午后病势加重云云,详为辨析,显系破伤风之候,伤势不重,病尚轻浅。根据老师治法,先针风池、风府、百会、合谷、阳陵以驱风止痉,开关通窍;后以华佗愈风散合玉真散加碱投之,嘱以黄酒一两为引,取微汗为度。药后竞至霍然。对老师经验不仅大为叹服,且更体会到针药并投之神效。
应该注意的是,用针同用药一样,须根据辨证论治原则,先辨证,次立法,处方后再为下针,而且要详记医案,不可孟浪从事,否则不仅疗效不高,且易发生事故。一九五二年我曾遇一起因记载医案不详而发生折针的医疗事故。为此,在《北京中医》发表过一篇「谈谈针灸处方,避免医疗事故」的短文。希望引起针灸同道的重视。
师古不泥有所创新
我初入医林,家伯及孟师即常以扁鹊撮《内经》之要为《八十一难》,仲景承「热论」而述「伤寒》,金元四大家宗歧黄之学而各树一帜教我。不仅要效法古人,更要善于思考,有所创见。
六淫致病,各家皆有所论,但风、寒、火,热之邪向为人所重视,而对湿邪则论述较少,丹溪虽有「六气之中,湿热为重,十常八九」之说,但亦详于热而略于湿。叶天士明确指出:「吾吴湿邪害人最广。」因为江南水乡,沟渠纵横,天热下逼,地湿蒸腾,人处其中,易得湿病,诚乃真知灼见,因对治湿之法,大有发挥。但有人认为,北方干燥,刚劲多风,则湿邪不甚。余日不然。积多年临床体会,湿邪伤人有天、地、人之不同,有内外之别,邪正之争。夫天暑下逼,氤氲蒸腾,或受雾露雨淋,是天之湿也,久居卑湿之地,江河湖海之滨,或水中作业,是地之湿也若暴饮无度,恣食生冷,或素嗜浓茶,或饥饱失常,肥甘厚昧,皆人之湿也。天地之湿伤人,诚为外湿;而人伤饮食,则多为内湿。湿邪伤人,无论内外,最易困遏脾阳,令脾阳不振,失其运化,所谓「湿困脾土」是也。而脾虚不运,轻则停而生湿,甚则聚而成饮,凝而成痰,积而成水。外溢则为肤肿、疮痒、湿疹;上泛则见头重如裹,咳逆眩晕}停于中则脘痞纳呆,胸闷呕恶下注则为泄泻、白浊、带下等症。凡此之类,皆属湿证,所谓「诸湿肿满,皆属于脾」,随其所在而表现不同。除一般特点外,临证尤应注意其舌脉。舌体多胖大,质呈暗淡或暗紫,苔多粘腻滑润,脉多濡缓细涩。
治湿之法,古人多有论述。除根据上、中、下部位之异,脏腑寒热之殊,采取不同治法外。临证时尤应注意通、化、渗三法。「通」乃温通或流通之意。因湿性重浊,最易阻遏气机,故宜杏、惹、橘、桔等调理宣通三焦气机之品,更重在调理脾胃之升降。「化」则应注意湿邪之转化。温化寒湿时忌用大辛大热,以免过燥伤阴而化热清化湿热则忌大苦大寒,以防湿邪凝滞或过伤脾阳而寒化。「渗」指以淡渗或苦渗之品引湿下行,所谓「治湿不利小便,非其治也」。当然,治湿还应和健脾、温肺、益肾合用,方为治本之图。
冠心病,医家多以通阳宣痹之栝蒌薤白剂取效,或从气血瘀阻以活血化瘀收功。我治一冠心病,房室传导阻滞患者,前医曾选用宣痹通阳,益气养血、活血化瘀之剂及扩冠等西药而效不显。观其胸闷脘痞、恶心欲吐、口粘、口干不喜饮、头晕目眩、舌胖嫩、脉濡缓等见证,显系湿浊中阻,郁遏心阳所致。遂以运脾祛湿,芳香化浊法,药用藿苏梗、清半夏、云茯苓、杏仁、菖蒲、郁金、路路通等而得愈。
「便秘」一证,常用下法,或攻下,或润下,或温下,或用导法,或攻补兼施,务令其下。一妇二十二岁,患便秘五年,靠双酷酚汀排便,先是2片,后加到22片始得一便。经某院住院检查,诊为「功能性巨结肠症」,虽经中西药物治疗,未见显效,拟动手术。患者畏惧,前来就诊。证见腹胀溲少,纳差乏力,少饮水浆则全身肿胀难忍,苔薄白而干,脉濡而弱。辨其为湿邪壅盛,阻于大肠,影响三焦气机通畅。治宜温化湿浊,宣通气机为法。仿吴鞠通宣清导浊法意,用茯苓、杏仁、藿苏梗、晚蚕砂、川朴,皂角子、炒莱菔子等药仅十剂,竟收全功。
「发作性睡病」,中医称「多寐」、「嗜卧」。究其因,有胆热好眠者,有气血虚弱者,有髓海不足者,但仍以湿邪困脾者为多。而湿困脾土又有湿重和脾虚之辨。湿重者,体多肥胖或久居卑湿之地,或素有荣癖,或暴饮无度而致水湿停渍,困遏脾阳,证以肢体酸困、沉倦无力、胸脘痞闷为主,苔多白腻,脉来濡缓。,治宜芳香化浊、燥湿健脾,方用藿朴夏苓汤加减;脾虚者证以肢体倦怠、脘腹胀满、食入则昏昏欲睡为主,苔白质淡,脉多沉弱。治宜健脾益气,以醒脾困,方用六君子汤加砂仁等治之。余甩此法,曾治愈多例病者。
「脑震荡后遗症」,近人多以活血化寮入手,这仅是治法之一。殊不知脑为清灵之府,跌仆惊恐,最易引起气机逆乱,而变生痰湿。痰湿扰乱清空,则头痛、头晕,麻木、恶心呕吐,诸证丛生。我治疗此类病证,除一般常用之平肝熄风、镇静安神、活血化瘀法之外,尚多从痰湿考虑,以迥盘近也裁,亦每多效验。
我举以上数例,说明湿邪为害,伤人甚广,不独南方多见,北方亦未可忽视。为医之道,不可拘泥,圈步自封,要在根据情况,灵活变通。需知法有常变,知常不知变,则难中病情,只有知常达变,方能恰中契机,才是圆机活法。
许多疾病,古人未能述及,须在临证中不断探微索隐,有所发挥。如「多寐」一证,虽常见以上几种,但亦未可概论。尝在门诊治一「发作性睡病」,以其有鼻塞胸闷、痰多粘白、气短浮肿等见证,辨为肺气失宣,鼻窍不利所致,竟以疏风宣肺、请气化痰法得效。
药用苍耳子、白芷、枯梗、前胡、法夏、陈皮、黄芩、牛蒡子、竹茹、黛蛤散、六一散、芦根等五十余剂而治愈。说明肺窍不年亦可弓起嗜眠,岂可尽归于脾湿、胆热哉f我们临证之际,切不可以固定证型套病者,对号入座。若此,无异作茧自缚。
勿囿西医病名总以辨证为要
中医理论,博大精深;中医著述,汗牛充栋。如徒执一家之言,则很难窥其全貌,得其精髓,临证用之,亦甚感不足。故在学习经典著作的基础上,我开始浏览各大名家著作,受益非浅。在《内经》「人以胃气为本」思想的指导下,我临证无论内伤、外感,均重视调养后天之本。治法则多取仲景、东垣、叶桂诸家之长。张仲景「保胃气、存沣液」的思想贯穿《伤寒论》之始终;而东垣所立升阳益胃、补中益气、升阳泻火等法补前贤之未备,为凋理脾胃之圭臬。然立法处方却详于脾而略于胃;至叶氏「太阴湿土,得阳始运,阳明燥土,得阴自安。、「脾喜刚燥、胃喜柔润」之论,又补东垣之不足。所列甘平、甘凉濡养胃阴之法,实开后世之先河。合诸家之长,调理脾胃,重在升降,顾其润燥,常以羌、防、升、柴、荷叶、荷梗、葛根合健脾益气之品以升脾阳,而用杏仁,把叶、竹茹、苏子、苏梗合清养胃阴之味以降胃气。藿香有芳香化湿,悦脾和胃,升清降浊之功,亦常选用,并酌加少量大黄,冀其府气一通,胃气自降。若脾阳不足,又兼胃阴亦虚,则既不可过于温燥,复劫胃液,亦不可过于凉润,重伤脾阳。如「萎缩性胃炎」一病,临床辨之,多属气阴两虚,或挟湿邪为患。往往因胃阴不足,滓不化气,渐及脾胃阳气受损,脾虚不运,又兼湿困,而致阴阳俱伤,形成虚实夹杂之证。其治虽宜益气养阴,但益气需补而不壅,养阴宜滋而不腻,化湿当利肺气,运脾醒脾,行而不燥。常以甘寒而不宜苦寒。养阴常用沙参、麦冬、石斛、玉竹;升阳健脾多用葛根、荷梗、太子参、山药、茯苓、白朮、翩豆等}理气多选用玉蝴蝶、绿萼梅、梭罗子,而不用广术香、沉香等辛温香燥之品,以防耗气伤阴。如胃酸缺乏者,则以甘寒与酸寒生津之麦冬、玉竹、甘草、自芍、乌梅等,共凑酸甘化阴之效。挟湿者,可酌加藿梗、半夏、杏仁以化湿醒脾,开胃利肺,但不可久用。若病久则虑其入络,常加入玫瑰花、代代花、丹参等活血通络之品,临证阻此治之,多有效验。
胆结石症,近来多以大剂清利,甚或「总攻」治之,施于肝胆湿热者,收效恒多。而用于体质素亏,脾胃虚弱,排石无力者,则非攻下所宜。故仲景有「见肝之病,知肝传脾,当先实脾」之教,岂能忽之。而纯事清下,不予辨析,致苦寒伤胃者有之,下伤肝脾者有之。因之,我对于此类病症,多以健脾和胃合清利湿热法同用,寓攻于补,攻补结合。如曾治一胆总管树皮状结石患者王某,经中西医会诊皆以为胆管阻塞,胆囊膨胀到鸡蛋大,毫无收缩能力,结石排出不易,必须手术。但患者年逾花甲,不愿手术,根据其体质虚弱等病情,而用香砂六君、补中益气等健脾益气,佐以清利肝胆湿热之品,治疗三月,竟将结石排出而收功。
再如「石淋」一证,今人亦多主湿热之说。认为湿热蕴蒸,煎熬滓液而成,故主以清利湿热为治。殊不知水为阴,寒则凝,若与尿中杂质相合亦可导致石淋,则非温通不可。若徒以清利投之,犹如霜上加冰,难以奏功。故不惟「八P、「石苇」可消石淋,他如‥肾气」、「真武」、「黄芪建中」亦可选,,务以识证为先。前贤刘宗厚有言;「淋闭有寒热之殊」,罗知悌亦有「主寒」之论。若不正通各家,执一而论,焉能十全。
提高疗效针药并行
医以解除患者疾苦为事。医针虽小,然收效神速,具有简,便、廉、验之特点,故古人有「一针二灸三服药」之说。观《内经》之治,多以针为法,《灵枢》八十一篇,古有「针经」之称。故针灸乃中医学重要内容之一,不可低估。我早年即拜王步举先生为师,深研《灵枢》、《甲乙黟、《针灸大成》中重要篇章,熟读其中「百症赋」、「标幽赋」、「马丹阳十二穴歌」和《医宗金鉴·针灸心法》之「经脉循行歌」、「穴位分寸歌」。数十年间,常假此以起顽疴,得益甚多。
然针灸之学,易学而难精。首先明其理论,所谓「业医不明脏腑经络,开口动手便错」。有人以为针灸乃一小技,有何理论可言,这是偏见。若其深研《内经》、《甲乙》,则知其高深,不是一蹴可得,非下苦功不可。故针灸之学,不能只以几个穴位着眼,而应从整体观,从脏腑经络学说入手学习,理解脏腑、经络、输穴之间的密切关系。「输穴」决不只是局限的一个点,而有其一定范围。针刺之感应是由点到面,由面到线,方能收到较好效果。除熟记十四经输穴外,应重点掌握好四肢肘膝以下之五输穴等特定穴,同时对经外奇穴亦不可忽视。我从多年实践中曾发现个别奇穴,如「遗精」穴,位于男腹部脐下正中三寸,旁开一寸处,左右各一。主治遗精、早泄、阳痿、明囊冷湿,已收载入郝金凯着《针灸经外奇穴图谱》一书之中。
针刺时,不仅要重视刺手(右手)的作用,而更不可忽视左手(押手)的作用。《难经》谓「知为针者,信其左,不知为针者,信其右」,即是强诵了押手的重要性。得气感应,多先从穴下反射到押手上的一瞬间,刺手针下的沉、鬟、酸、麻、胀感随之丽至。对补泻手法,前人有许多宝贵经验,我常将「迎随」、「呼吸」、「提插」、「捻转」等手法融台一起,喜用「烧山火」、「透天凉」两法,分别治疗虚寒性和热性病症。对发热、咽喉肿痛等症,则配合少商等井穴放血一珠,收效更捷。丑口是类中风初起,面红升火,舌强语蹇,神志欠清之际,急使人拦腰抱定,并固定其头部,以园利针点刺手足井、宣穴出血,有减缓头部充血之利,而无加重中风之势。他如面瘫、头痛、脘痛、腹泄等症,内服药物固亦有效,但配方煎药费时,而针灸随时可用,立竿见影。若内科医生兼会针灸,则如虎添翼,不仅见效快,疗程短,且易巩固。一九三八年夏,一妇傍晚来诊,适师外出,余见其面色淡黄,目台口噤,龄齿寒战,四肢搐搦,脉弦而紧,询其夫,始知数日前避暑热,院外就寝,夜半暴雨骤至,突然惊醒,急忙回屋,不慎左额部碰于门框之上,致局部紫黑血肿,时而隐痛,未予重视,不意今日上午全身恶寒拘急不适,午后病势加重云云,详为辨析,显系破伤风之候,伤势不重,病尚轻浅。根据老师治法,先针风池、风府、百会、合谷、阳陵以驱风止痉,开关通窍;后以华佗愈风散合玉真散加碱投之,嘱以黄酒一两为引,取微汗为度。药后竞至霍然。对老师经验不仅大为叹服,且更体会到针药并投之神效。
应该注意的是,用针同用药一样,须根据辨证论治原则,先辨证,次立法,处方后再为下针,而且要详记医案,不可孟浪从事,否则不仅疗效不高,且易发生事故。一九五二年我曾遇一起因记载医案不详而发生折针的医疗事故。为此,在《北京中医》发表过一篇「谈谈针灸处方,避免医疗事故」的短文。希望引起针灸同道的重视。
师古不泥有所创新
我初入医林,家伯及孟师即常以扁鹊撮《内经》之要为《八十一难》,仲景承「热论」而述「伤寒》,金元四大家宗歧黄之学而各树一帜教我。不仅要效法古人,更要善于思考,有所创见。
六淫致病,各家皆有所论,但风、寒、火,热之邪向为人所重视,而对湿邪则论述较少,丹溪虽有「六气之中,湿热为重,十常八九」之说,但亦详于热而略于湿。叶天士明确指出:「吾吴湿邪害人最广。」因为江南水乡,沟渠纵横,天热下逼,地湿蒸腾,人处其中,易得湿病,诚乃真知灼见,因对治湿之法,大有发挥。但有人认为,北方干燥,刚劲多风,则湿邪不甚。余日不然。积多年临床体会,湿邪伤人有天、地、人之不同,有内外之别,邪正之争。夫天暑下逼,氤氲蒸腾,或受雾露雨淋,是天之湿也,久居卑湿之地,江河湖海之滨,或水中作业,是地之湿也若暴饮无度,恣食生冷,或素嗜浓茶,或饥饱失常,肥甘厚昧,皆人之湿也。天地之湿伤人,诚为外湿;而人伤饮食,则多为内湿。湿邪伤人,无论内外,最易困遏脾阳,令脾阳不振,失其运化,所谓「湿困脾土」是也。而脾虚不运,轻则停而生湿,甚则聚而成饮,凝而成痰,积而成水。外溢则为肤肿、疮痒、湿疹;上泛则见头重如裹,咳逆眩晕}停于中则脘痞纳呆,胸闷呕恶下注则为泄泻、白浊、带下等症。凡此之类,皆属湿证,所谓「诸湿肿满,皆属于脾」,随其所在而表现不同。除一般特点外,临证尤应注意其舌脉。舌体多胖大,质呈暗淡或暗紫,苔多粘腻滑润,脉多濡缓细涩。
治湿之法,古人多有论述。除根据上、中、下部位之异,脏腑寒热之殊,采取不同治法外。临证时尤应注意通、化、渗三法。「通」乃温通或流通之意。因湿性重浊,最易阻遏气机,故宜杏、惹、橘、桔等调理宣通三焦气机之品,更重在调理脾胃之升降。「化」则应注意湿邪之转化。温化寒湿时忌用大辛大热,以免过燥伤阴而化热清化湿热则忌大苦大寒,以防湿邪凝滞或过伤脾阳而寒化。「渗」指以淡渗或苦渗之品引湿下行,所谓「治湿不利小便,非其治也」。当然,治湿还应和健脾、温肺、益肾合用,方为治本之图。
冠心病,医家多以通阳宣痹之栝蒌薤白剂取效,或从气血瘀阻以活血化瘀收功。我治一冠心病,房室传导阻滞患者,前医曾选用宣痹通阳,益气养血、活血化瘀之剂及扩冠等西药而效不显。观其胸闷脘痞、恶心欲吐、口粘、口干不喜饮、头晕目眩、舌胖嫩、脉濡缓等见证,显系湿浊中阻,郁遏心阳所致。遂以运脾祛湿,芳香化浊法,药用藿苏梗、清半夏、云茯苓、杏仁、菖蒲、郁金、路路通等而得愈。
「便秘」一证,常用下法,或攻下,或润下,或温下,或用导法,或攻补兼施,务令其下。一妇二十二岁,患便秘五年,靠双酷酚汀排便,先是2片,后加到22片始得一便。经某院住院检查,诊为「功能性巨结肠症」,虽经中西药物治疗,未见显效,拟动手术。患者畏惧,前来就诊。证见腹胀溲少,纳差乏力,少饮水浆则全身肿胀难忍,苔薄白而干,脉濡而弱。辨其为湿邪壅盛,阻于大肠,影响三焦气机通畅。治宜温化湿浊,宣通气机为法。仿吴鞠通宣清导浊法意,用茯苓、杏仁、藿苏梗、晚蚕砂、川朴,皂角子、炒莱菔子等药仅十剂,竟收全功。
「发作性睡病」,中医称「多寐」、「嗜卧」。究其因,有胆热好眠者,有气血虚弱者,有髓海不足者,但仍以湿邪困脾者为多。而湿困脾土又有湿重和脾虚之辨。湿重者,体多肥胖或久居卑湿之地,或素有荣癖,或暴饮无度而致水湿停渍,困遏脾阳,证以肢体酸困、沉倦无力、胸脘痞闷为主,苔多白腻,脉来濡缓。,治宜芳香化浊、燥湿健脾,方用藿朴夏苓汤加减;脾虚者证以肢体倦怠、脘腹胀满、食入则昏昏欲睡为主,苔白质淡,脉多沉弱。治宜健脾益气,以醒脾困,方用六君子汤加砂仁等治之。余甩此法,曾治愈多例病者。
「脑震荡后遗症」,近人多以活血化寮入手,这仅是治法之一。殊不知脑为清灵之府,跌仆惊恐,最易引起气机逆乱,而变生痰湿。痰湿扰乱清空,则头痛、头晕,麻木、恶心呕吐,诸证丛生。我治疗此类病证,除一般常用之平肝熄风、镇静安神、活血化瘀法之外,尚多从痰湿考虑,以迥盘近也裁,亦每多效验。
我举以上数例,说明湿邪为害,伤人甚广,不独南方多见,北方亦未可忽视。为医之道,不可拘泥,圈步自封,要在根据情况,灵活变通。需知法有常变,知常不知变,则难中病情,只有知常达变,方能恰中契机,才是圆机活法。
许多疾病,古人未能述及,须在临证中不断探微索隐,有所发挥。如「多寐」一证,虽常见以上几种,但亦未可概论。尝在门诊治一「发作性睡病」,以其有鼻塞胸闷、痰多粘白、气短浮肿等见证,辨为肺气失宣,鼻窍不利所致,竟以疏风宣肺、请气化痰法得效。
药用苍耳子、白芷、枯梗、前胡、法夏、陈皮、黄芩、牛蒡子、竹茹、黛蛤散、六一散、芦根等五十余剂而治愈。说明肺窍不年亦可弓起嗜眠,岂可尽归于脾湿、胆热哉f我们临证之际,切不可以固定证型套病者,对号入座。若此,无异作茧自缚。
勿囿西医病名总以辨证为要
TCM theory is profound and extensive; TCM literature is voluminous. If one merely adheres to the views of a single school, it is difficult to grasp the full picture or its essence, and clinical application will feel insufficient. Therefore, on the basis of studying classic works, I began to browse the works of various famous masters, benefiting greatly. Guided by the thought in *Neijing* (Classic of Internal Medicine) that "the human body relies on Stomach Qi as its foundation," whether dealing with internal injury or external contraction in clinical practice, I always emphasize nourishing the root of acquired constitution. Treatment principles mostly draw upon the strengths of Zhang Zhongjing, Li Dongyuan, and Ye Tianshi. Zhang Zhongjing's thought of "preserving Stomach Qi and conserving fluids" runs through the entire *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage); while Li Dongyuan established methods such as raising Yang and benefiting the Stomach, tonifying Middle Jiao and boosting Qi, and raising Yang and purging Fire, supplementing the unpreparedness of predecessors, becoming the standard for regulating Spleen and Stomach. However, his legislation and prescriptions detailed the Spleen but neglected the Stomach; until Ye Tianshi proposed "Taiyin Damp Earth begins to function when warmed by Yang, Yangming Dry Earth becomes tranquil when nourished by Yin," and "Spleen likes dryness and firmness, Stomach likes moistness and softness," which supplemented Li Dongyuan's deficiencies. The methods listed for using sweet-neutral and sweet-cool substances to moisten Stomach Yin actually pioneered the way for later generations. Combining the strengths of all schools, regulating Spleen and Stomach focuses on ascending and descending, attending to moistening and drying. Often, Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), He Ye (Nelumbinis Folium), He Geng (Nelumbinis Nodus), and Ge Gen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) are combined with herbs that tonify Spleen and boost Qi to raise Spleen Yang, while Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), Ba Ye (likely referring to a specific leaf or typo for another herb, kept as Ba Ye), Zhu Ru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Su Zi (Perillae Fructus), and Su Geng (Perillae Caulis) are combined with flavors that clear and nourish Stomach Yin to descend Stomach Qi. Huo Xiang (Agastaches Herba), with its functions of aromatic transformation of dampness, pleasing Spleen and harmonizing Stomach, and ascending clear turbidity, is also often selected, along with a small amount of Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), hoping that once the Fu organs' Qi flows, Stomach Qi will naturally descend. If Spleen Yang is insufficient and Stomach Yin is also deficient, one must not be overly warm and dry, thereby robbing Stomach fluids, nor overly cool and moist, thereby severely injuring Spleen Yang. For example, "Atrophic Gastritis" clinically differentiated often belongs to deficiency of both Qi and Yin, or is complicated by Damp pathogen. Often, due to insufficiency of Stomach Yin, fluids fail to transform into Qi, gradually affecting the damage of Spleen and Stomach Yang Qi, Spleen deficiency failing to transport, compounded by Damp encumbrance, leading to injury of both Yin and Yang, forming a syndrome of mixed deficiency and excess. Although treatment should benefit Qi and nourish Yin, benefiting Qi requires tonification without stagnation, nourishing Yin requires moistening without cloying, transforming Dampness should benefit Lung Qi, move Spleen and awaken Spleen, moving without being drying. Usually, sweet-cold is preferred over bitter-cold. Commonly used herbs to nourish Yin include Sha Shen (Glehniae Radix), Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Shi Hu (Dendrobii Caulis), and Yu Zhu (Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma); those to raise Yang and strengthen Spleen mostly use Ge Gen, He Geng, Tai Zi Shen (Pseudostellariae Radix), Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), Fu Ling (Poria), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), and Bian Dou (Viciae Cracca Semen). Regulating Qi mostly selects Yu Hu Die (Lithospermi Semen), Lv E Mei (Caryopteris Incana Flower), and Luo Han Guo (Siraitiae Fructus - *Note: 'Suo Luo Zi' might refer to this or similar, keeping literal*), avoiding pungent-warm-aromatic-drying herbs like Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix) and Chen Xiang (Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum) to prevent consuming Qi and injuring Yin. In cases of lack of gastric acid, sweet-cold and sour-cold fluids-generating herbs like Mai Dong, Yu Zhu, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), and Wu Mei (Mume Fructus) are used together to achieve the effect of sour-sweet generating Yin. If complicated by Dampness, Huo Geng (Agastaches Caulis), Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), and Xing Ren can be added to transform Dampness, awaken Spleen, open Stomach, and benefit Lung, but they should not be used for long. If the disease persists, considering entry into collaterals, herbs like Meigui Hua (Rosa Rugosa Flos), Dai Dai Hua (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Flavum), and Dan Shen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) to invigorate Blood and unblock collaterals are often added. Clinically treating according to this method yields good results.
For Gallbladder Calculi, recent treatments often use large doses of clearing and draining methods, or even "total attack" therapies, which are effective for Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat. However, for those with inherent constitutional deficiency, weak Spleen and Stomach, and inability to expel stones, purgative methods are unsuitable. Thus, Zhongjing's teaching "When seeing Liver disease, knowing it transmits to Spleen, one should first solidify the Spleen" cannot be ignored. Purely employing clearing and purging without differentiation leads to bitter-cold injuring Stomach or downward action injuring Liver and Spleen. Therefore, for such conditions, I often combine strengthening Spleen and harmonizing Stomach with clearing and draining Damp-Heat, embedding attack within tonification, combining attack and tonification. For instance, I treated a patient Wang with bark-like calculi in the common bile duct. Both Chinese and Western medicine consultations believed there was bile duct obstruction, the gallbladder expanded to the size of an egg, with no contractile ability, making stone expulsion difficult, requiring surgery. However, the patient was over sixty and refused surgery. Based on her weak constitution, I used Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (Aucklandia and Amomum Six Gentlemen Decoction) and Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Boost Qi Decoction) to strengthen Spleen and boost Qi, assisted by herbs clearing and draining Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat. After three months of treatment, the stone was expelled successfully.
Regarding "Stone Lin" (Calculus Dysuria), modern practitioners often advocate the Damp-Heat theory, believing Damp-Heat steams and boils fluids into stones, thus advocating clearing and draining Damp-Heat. Little do they know that Water is Yin, and cold causes coagulation; if combined with impurities in urine, it can also cause Stone Lin, requiring warming and unblocking. Merely using clearing and draining is like adding ice to frost, unlikely to succeed. Therefore, not only Shi Wei (Pyrrosiae Folium) can eliminate Stone Lin, but also Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill), Zhen Wu Tang (True Warrior Decoction), and Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig Decoction for Building the Middle) can be selected, prioritizing accurate syndrome differentiation. Former expert Liu Zonghou said, "Lin and Bi have differences between cold and heat," and Luo Zhiti also had theories emphasizing cold. If one does not understand various schools and sticks to one view, how can one achieve perfection?
Improving Efficacy: Acupuncture and Medicine Combined
Medicine aims to relieve patients' suffering. Although acupuncture needles are small, their effects are miraculous, characterized by simplicity, convenience, affordability, and efficacy. Hence, ancients said, "One needle, two moxibustions, three medicines." Observing treatments in *Neijing*, acupuncture was frequently used; the 81 chapters of *Ling Shu* (Spiritual Pivot) were anciently called the "Classic of Needles." Thus, acupuncture and moxibustion are important contents of TCM and should not be underestimated. In my early years, I studied under Mr. Wang Buju, deeply researching important chapters in *Ling Shu*, *Jia Yi Jing* (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), and *Zhen Jiu Da Cheng* (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), familiarly reading "Hundred Symptom Ode," "Biao You Ode," "Ma Dan Yang Twelve Acupoints Song," and "Meridian Circulation Song" and "Acupoint Measurement Song" from *Yi Zong Jin Jian · Zhen Jiu Xin Fa*. Over decades, I often relied on these to cure stubborn diseases, gaining much benefit.
However, the study of acupuncture is easy to learn but hard to master. First, clarify its theory: "Practicing medicine without understanding Zang-Fu organs and meridians leads to errors in every word and action." Some think acupuncture is a minor skill with no theory, which is prejudice. If one deeply studies *Neijing* and *Jia Yi*, one knows it is profound and not achieved overnight, requiring hard work. Thus, the study of acupuncture should not focus only on a few acupoints but should start from a holistic view and the theory of Zang-Fu and meridians, understanding the close relationship between Zang-Fu, meridians, and acupoints. "Shu points" are not just limited points but have a certain range. Needle sensation spreads from point to area, from area to line, achieving better effects. Besides memorizing the 14 meridian Shu points, one should master specific points like Five Shu points below elbows and knees, and not neglect Extraordinary Points. From years of practice, I discovered individual extraordinary points, such as the "Yi Jing" (Spermatorrhea) point, located three cun below the umbilicus in the midline, one cun lateral on both sides. It treats spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, impotence, and scrotal cold dampness, and has been recorded in Hao Jin Kai's "Atlas of Extraordinary Acupuncture Points."
During needling, not only the controlling hand (right hand) but also the pressing hand (left hand) must be valued. *Nan Jing* states, "Those who know needling trust the left; those who do not know trust the right," emphasizing the importance of the pressing hand. Deqi sensation often reflects to the pressing hand first, followed by sinking, heavy, sore, numb, and distending sensations under the controlling hand. Regarding tonification and sedation techniques, predecessors left valuable experiences. I often integrate "Following and Opposing," "Respiration," "Lifting and Thrusting," and "Twirling and Rotating" techniques, preferring "Burn Mountain Fire" and "Penetrate Heaven Cool" methods to treat deficiency-cold and heat syndromes respectively. For fever and sore throat, bleeding at Well points like Shao Shang adds efficacy. In early stages of stroke-like conditions with red face, rising fire, stiff tongue, slurred speech, and unclear consciousness, urgently holding the waist and fixing the head, then pricking Hand and Foot Well points to bleed reduces head congestion without worsening the stroke. For facial paralysis, headache, epigastric pain, diarrhea, etc., oral medication is effective but time-consuming to prepare, whereas acupuncture is available anytime with immediate results. If internists also know acupuncture, it is like a tiger with wings, showing fast results, short courses, and easy consolidation. In summer 1938, a woman came for consultation in the evening. My teacher was out. I saw her pale yellow complexion, eyes unable to open tightly, teeth chattering, limb convulsions, wiry-tight pulse. Asking her husband, I learned she sought refuge from heat days ago, slept outside, woke suddenly at midnight due to rain, rushed back, hit her left forehead on a doorframe causing purple-black hematoma and occasional dull pain, which she ignored. That morning, whole-body aversion to cold and stiffness appeared, worsening in the afternoon. Detailed analysis showed signs of Tetanus, mild injury and shallow disease. Following my teacher's method, I first needled Feng Chi (GB20), Feng Fu (DU16), Bai Hui (DU20), He Gu (LI4), Yang Ling Quan (GB34) to dispel wind and stop spasms, opening orifices; then administered Hua Tuo Yu Feng San (Hua Tuo Wind-Dispelling Powder) combined with Yu Zhen San (Jade True Powder) plus alkali, guided by one liang of yellow wine, aiming for slight sweating. She recovered miraculously after taking the medicine. I admired my teacher's experience greatly and realized the divine efficacy of combining acupuncture and medicine.
It should be noted that using needles, like prescribing medicine, must follow the principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment: differentiate first, establish treatment principles, prescribe points, then needle. Medical records must be detailed; acting rashly leads to low efficacy and accidents. In 1952, I encountered a medical accident where a needle broke due to inadequate record-keeping. I published a short article "Discussing Acupuncture Prescriptions to Avoid Medical Accidents" in *Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine*, hoping to raise awareness among colleagues.
Emulate Ancients Without Being Bound by Them, Innovate
When I first entered the medical field, my uncle and senior teacher often taught me by citing Bian Que summarizing *Neijing* essentials into *Nan Jing* (Classic of Difficult Issues), Zhongjing inheriting "Reheat Treatise" to write *Shanghan Lun*, and the Four Masters of Jin-Yuan establishing different schools based on Qi-Huang learning. One must not only emulate ancients but also think well and create new insights.
Six Excess pathogens cause disease, discussed by various schools, but Wind, Cold, Fire, Heat are emphasized, while Dampness is less discussed. Danxi said, "Among six qi, Damp-Heat is heavy, ten times eight," but detailed Heat and neglected Dampness. Ye Tianshi clearly stated: "In our Wu region, Damp pathogen harms people most widely." Because Jiangnan is water town, channels crisscross, sky heat presses down, ground dampness steams up, people living there easily get Damp diseases. This is true insight, leading to great development in treating Dampness. But some believe North is dry, windy, so Dampness is not severe. I disagree. Accumulating years of clinical experience, Dampness harming people differs by Heaven, Earth, Human, internal/external, pathogen vs. righteous Qi. Sky heat pressing down, mist/dew/rain exposure is Heaven's Dampness; living in low-damp places, rivers/lakes/seas, or working in water is Earth's Dampness; excessive drinking, raw/cold food, strong tea, irregular meals, rich/greasy food is Human's Dampness. Heaven and Earth Dampness harming people is External Dampness; Human diet harming is Internal Dampness. Dampness harming people, internal or external, easily suppresses Spleen Yang, causing Spleen Yang depression and loss of transportation, called "Dampness encumbering Spleen Earth." Spleen deficiency failing to transport, lightly stops to generate Dampness, heavily gathers into Phlegm-Drink, condenses into Phlegm, accumulates into Water. Overflowing externally causes skin swelling, itching, eczema; floating upward causes heavy head like wrapped, cough, dizziness; stopping in middle causes epigastric fullness, poor appetite, chest tightness, nausea; flowing downward causes diarrhea, white turbidity, leukorrhea. All these belong to Dampness syndromes, "All Dampness swelling and fullness belong to Spleen," manifesting differently depending on location. Besides general features, clinically pay attention to tongue and pulse. Tongue body often fat/enlarged, color dark/dull or purple, coating sticky/slippery, pulse soggy/slow/fine/choppy.
Methods to treat Dampness were discussed by ancients. Besides differentiating upper/middle/lower parts and Zang-Fu cold/heat, clinically pay attention to Unblocking, Transforming, and Leaching methods. "Unblocking" means warming-unblocking or circulating. Since Dampness is heavy/turbid, easily blocking Qi mechanism, use Xing Ren, Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen), Ju Hong (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix) to regulate and circulate San Jiao Qi mechanism, focusing more on regulating Spleen-Stomach ascending-descending. "Transforming" notes Dampness transformation. When warming-transforming Cold-Dampness, avoid pungent-hot to prevent drying injuring Yin turning to Heat; when clearing-transforming Damp-Heat, avoid bitter-cold to prevent Dampness stagnation or injuring Spleen Yang turning to Cold. "Leaching" uses bland-leaching or bitter-leaching herbs to guide Dampness downward, "Treating Dampness without benefiting urination is not its treatment." Of course, treating Dampness should combine strengthening Spleen, warming Lung, benefiting Kidney for root treatment.
Coronary Heart Disease, doctors often use Yang-unblocking and Bi-opening Gua Lou Xie Bai agents or resolve blood stasis via Qi-Blood stasis. I treated a CHD patient with AV block. Previous doctors used Bi-opening Yang-unblocking, Qi-benefiting Blood-nourishing, Blood-invigorating stasis-resolving agents and coronary dilating Western drugs with little effect. Observing chest oppression, epigastric fullness, nausea, sticky mouth, dry mouth not wanting to drink, dizziness, fat-tender tongue, soggy-slow pulse, it was clearly Damp-Turbidity obstructing middle, suppressing Heart Yang. Thus, I used Spleen-moving Damp-resolving, aromatic Turbidity-transforming method, using Huo Xiang, Su Geng, Qing Ban Xia, Yun Fu Ling, Xing Ren, Chang Pu, Yu Jin, Lu Lu Tong, etc., resulting in cure.
"Constipation" commonly uses purgatives, either attacking, moistening, warming, guiding, or attacking-tonifying combined, ensuring evacuation. A 22-year-old woman suffered constipation for five years, relying on Bisacodyl, starting 2 tablets, increasing to 22 to evacuate. Hospitalized for examination, diagnosed with "Functional Megacolon," Western and Chinese medicine failed, surgery planned. Patient feared, sought consultation. Symptoms: abdominal distension, scant urine, poor appetite, fatigue, slight fluid intake causes unbearable whole-body swelling, thin-white-dry coating, soggy-weak pulse. Differentiated as Dampness exuberance obstructing Large Intestine, affecting San Jiao Qi mechanism. Treatment: Warm-transform Damp-Turbidity, circulate Qi mechanism. Mimicking Wu Juzhong's Xuan Qing Dao Zhuo method, used Fu Ling, Xing Ren, Huo Su Geng, Can Sha (Bombyx Batryticatus), Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), Zi Su Zi (Perillae Fructus), Chao Lai Fu Zi (Radish Seed), etc. Only ten doses achieved complete success.
"Excessive Sleepiness" (Narcolepsy), TCM calls "Duomei" or "Shiwo." Causes include Gallbladder Heat, Qi-Blood deficiency, Marrow Sea insufficiency, but mostly Dampness encumbering Spleen. Dampness encumbering Spleen distinguishes Heavy Dampness vs. Spleen Deficiency. Heavy Dampness: obese or lives in damp place, history of phlegm-damp, excessive drinking causing water-damp accumulation, suppressing Spleen Yang, symptoms: limb soreness/heaviness, fatigue, chest-epigastric fullness, white-greasy coating, soggy-slow pulse. Treatment: Aromatic Turbidity-transforming, dry-Dampness strengthen-Spleen, formula Huo Po Xia Ling Tang modified. Spleen Deficiency: limb fatigue, abdominal distension, sleepiness after eating, white coating pale body, deep-weak pulse. Treatment: Strengthen Spleen boost Qi to awaken Spleen encumbrance, formula Liu Jun Zi Tang plus Sha Ren, etc. I cured many cases with this method.
"Post-Concussion Syndrome," recently often starts with Blood-invigorating Stasis-resolving, only one method. Little do they know Brain is clear-luminous mansion, falls/fright easily cause Qi mechanism reversal, generating Phlegm-Dampness. Phlegm-Dampness disturbing clear space causes headache, dizziness, numbness, nausea/vomiting. Treating such conditions, besides common Ping Gan Xi Feng, calm Spirit, invigorate Blood methods, I often consider Phlegm-Dampness, yielding good results.
I cited examples to show Dampness harms widely, not just South, North also cannot ignore. Medical way, do not stick rigidly, confine oneself, must flexibly adapt. Know laws have constants and changes, knowing constant not change makes hitting disease hard, only knowing constant reaching change hits opportunity precisely, is flexible method.
Many diseases ancients didn't mention, must explore hidden details in clinic, develop further. Like "Excessive Sleepiness," although common above types, cannot generalize. Once treated Narcolepsy outpatient with nasal congestion, chest oppression, sticky-white phlegm, shortness of breath, edema, differentiated as Lung Qi failure to disperse, nasal orifice obstruction, cured by dispersing Wind dispersing Lung, clearing Qi transforming Phlegm method. Used Cang Er Zi (Xanthii Fructus), Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix), Qian Hu (Peucedani Radix), Fa Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum), Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus), Zhu Ru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia), Dai Ge San (Murex and Malachite Powder), Liu Yi San (Six-to-One Powder), Lu Gen (Phragmitis Rhizoma), etc., over fifty doses cured. Shows Lung orifice obstruction can also cause sleepiness, how can all attribute to Spleen Dampness, Gallbladder Heat! At clinic, definitely do not use fixed syndrome types to fit patients, matching numbers. If so,无异 spinning cocoon around oneself.
Do not be bound by Western disease names, always prioritize Syndrome Differentiation