草以和缓之，则少阴之火不上炎，而后以赤石脂固其滑脱。况有糯米之甘以益中气
之虚，则中气不下坠，而滑脱无源而自止。何必用寒凉之品，以泻火而化脓血哉。
脓血消于乌有，而中焦之间尚有何邪作祟，使心中之烦闷乎，故一用而各症俱痊耳。
谁谓桃花、甘草之汤不可选用哉？
此症用脂草饮亦效。
甘草 赤石脂（各一钱） 人参（二钱） 水煎服。
冬月伤寒，一、二日即自汗出，咽痛，吐利交作，人以为太阴之病也，而不知
乃少阴肾寒之病，而非太阴脾虚之症也。盖伤寒初起宜无汗，而反汗出者，无阳以
固其外，故邪不出而汗先出耳。此证实似太阴，以太阴亦有汗自出之条。但太阴之出
汗，因无阳而自泄，少阴之出汗，因阳虚而自越也。夫少阴之邪，既不出于肾经，
不能从皮毛分散，势必随任、督而上奔于咽喉，而咽喉之窍甚小，少阴邪火直如奔
马，因窍小而不能尽泄，于是下行于大肠，而下焦虚寒，复不能传送以达于肛门，
又逆而上冲于胃脘，而作吐矣。方用温肾汤∶
人参（三钱） 熟地（一两） 白术（一两） 肉桂（二钱） 水煎服。一剂而汗止，吐泻亦愈而咽
痛亦除。
此症乃下部虚寒。用参、术以回阳，用肉桂以助命门之火，则龙雷之火喜于温
暖，自然归经安于肾脏矣。然肉桂未免辛热，恐有助热之虞，得熟地以相制，则水
火有既济之欢也。
此症可用桂术汤∶
白术（五钱） 肉桂（一钱） 水煎服。
冬月伤寒五、六日，腹痛利不止，厥逆无脉，干呕而烦，人以为直中阴寒之症，
而不知非也。夫直中之病，乃冬月一时得之，身不热，而腹痛、呕吐、发厥者为真。
今身热，至五、六日之后而见前症，乃传经少阴之症，而非直中少阴之症也。虽传
经之阴症，可通之以治直中之病，而辨症终不可不清也。此症自然宜用白通加猪胆
汁汤治之。夫本是阴寒之症，何以加入人尿、胆汁以多事？不知白通汤乃纯是大热
之味，投其所宜，恐致相格而不得入，正藉人尿、胆汁为向导之物，乃因其阴盛格
阳，用从治之法为得也。盖违其性则相背，而顺其性则相安。然此等之症，往往脉
伏而不现，服白通汤而脉暴出者，反非佳兆，必缓缓而出者，转有生机，亦取其相
畏而相制。原有调剂之宜，不取其相争而相逐，竟致败亡之失也。
此症可用桂术加葱汤∶
白术（五钱） 肉桂（一钱） 加葱（一条） 水煎服。
冬月伤寒，四、五日后腹痛，小便不利，手足沉重而疼，或咳或呕，人以为少
阴之症也，宜用真武汤救之是矣。然而不知其病也，我今畅言之。四、五日腹中作
痛，此阴寒入腹而犯肾也。然而小便自利，则膀胱尚有肾气相通，可以消寒邪而从
小便中出；倘小便不利，则膀胱内寒无肾火之气矣。火微何以能运动于四肢乎？此
手足之所以沉重而作痛也，火既不能下通于膀胱，引寒邪以下走，势必上逆而为咳
为呕矣。真武汤补土之药也，土健而水不能泛滥作祟。仲景制此方，于火中补土，
土热而水亦温，消阴摄阳，其神功有不可思议者矣。
此症用四君加姜附汤亦神。
白术（一两） 茯苓（五钱） 附子（一钱） 人参（五钱） 甘草（一钱） 干姜（一钱） 水煎服。
冬月伤寒，四、五日后手足逆冷，恶寒身蜷，脉又不至，复加躁扰不宁，人以
为少阴阳绝之症也，而不知不止阳绝也，阴亦将绝矣。盖恶寒身蜷，更加脉不至，
阳已去矣，阳去而不加躁扰，则阴犹未绝，尚可回阳以摄之也。今既躁扰不宁，是
基址已坏，何以回阳乎。虽然，凡人有一息尚存，当图救援之术，以人之阴阳未易
遽绝也，有一丝之阳气未 ，则阳可救；有一丝之阴气未 ，则阴可援也。阴阳有
根，原非后天有形之物，实先天无形之气也。补先天之气，而后天之气不期其续而
自续矣。方用参附汤救之。用∶
人参（二两） 附子（二钱） 水煎服。往往有得生者。
虽此方不能尽人而救之，然而既有此症，宁使用此方而无济于生，不可置此方
而竟听其死也。况人参能回阳于无何有之乡；而附子又能夺神于将离未离之际，使
魂魄重归，阴阳再长，原有奇功，乌可先存必死之心，豫蓄无生之气哉。
此症用参术附枣汤亦神。
人参（一两） 白术（二两） 附子（一钱） 炒枣仁（五钱） 水煎服。
冬月伤寒六、七日，经传少阴而息高，人以为太阳之症未除而作喘，而不知非
也。夫太阳之作喘，与少阴之息高，状似相同而实殊。太阳之喘，气息粗盛，乃邪
盛也；少阴之息高，气息缓漫而细小，乃真气虚而不足以息，息若高而非高也。故
太阳之喘宜散邪；而少阴之息高宜补正。因少阴肾宫大虚，肾气不能下藏于气海之中，
乃上奔而欲散，实至危之病也。宜用朝宗汤救之。
人参（三两） 麦冬（三两） 熟地（三两） 山茱萸（一两） 山药（一两） 破故纸（一钱）
胡桃（一枚）
水煎服。一剂而息平，再剂而息定。
此方纯用补气填精之药，不去治息，而气自归源者，气得补而有所归也。譬如
败子将田园消化无存，不能安其室而逃出于外，岂不欲归家哉，实计无复之耳。倘
一旦有资身之策，可以温饱，自然归故里而返旧居，岂肯飘泊于外，而为落魄之人
哉。或曰∶下寒则火必上越，此等息高，独非肾气之虚寒乎，何以不用肉桂引火归
源耶？嗟乎！肾气奔腾，实因肾火上冲所致，然而不用桂、附者，实亦有说肾火必得
肾水以相养，不先补肾水，而遽助肾火，则火无水济，而龙雷必反上升，转不能收
息于无声矣。吾所以先补水而不急补火也。况故纸亦是补火之味，更能引气而入于
气海，何必用桂、附之跳梁哉。
此症延息汤亦妙。
人参 熟地（各一两） 山茱萸（五钱） 牛膝 破故纸（各三钱） 胡桃（一个） 陈皮（三分）
炮姜（一钱） 百合（一两） 水煎服。
冬月伤寒，头痛遍身亦疼，宜用麻黄汤以发汗矣。倘元气素薄，切其尺脉迟缓，
虽是太阳正治，而不可轻用麻黄以汗之也。人以为宜用建中汤治之，以城郭不完。
兵甲不坚，米粟不多，宜守而不宜战耳。然建中汤止能自守而不能出战，且贼盛围
城，而城中又有奸细，安能尽祛而出之。此症是太阳伤营之病，舍麻黄汤终非治法，
用麻黄之汤，加人参一两治之，则麻黄足以散邪，而人参足以助正，庶补攻兼施，
正既不伤，而邪又尽出也。或谓既是麻黄之症，不得已而加用人参，可少减其分两
乎？谁识元气大虚，非用参之多则不能胜任，故必须用至一两，而后元气无太弱之
虞，且能生阳于无何有之乡，可以御敌而无恐矣。倘不加人参于麻黄汤中，则邪留
于胸中，而元气又未能复，胡能背城一战乎。此方若以麻黄为君，而人参为佐，必
致偾事。今用参至一两，而麻黄止用一钱，是以人参为君，而麻黄转作佐使，
正正奇奇，兼而用之，此用兵之妙，而可通之于医道也。
此症亦可用参苓麻草汤∶
麻黄（一钱） 人参（三钱） 茯苓（一两） 甘草（一钱） 水煎服。
冬月伤寒，吐、下、汗后虚烦脉微，八、九日心下痞硬，胁痛，气上冲咽喉，
眩冒，经脉动惕者，必成痿症。人以为太阳之坏症也，然而不止太阳之坏也。伤寒
经汗、吐、下之后，症现虚烦者，虚之至也。况脉又现微，非虚而何？夫痿症责在
阳明，岂未成痿症之前，反置阳明于不治乎。治阳明之火，宜用人参石膏汤矣。然
既经汗、下之后，石膏峻利，恐胃土之难受，火未必退，而上先受伤，非治之得也。
方用青蒿防痿汤∶
人参（一两） 青蒿（五钱） 半夏（一钱） 陈皮（五分） 干葛（一钱） 连服二剂，胃气无伤，
而胃火自散，诸症渐愈，而痿症亦可免也。
盖此症不独胃火沸腾，而肾、肝之火亦翕然而共起。青蒿能去胃火，而更能散
肾、肝之火也，一用而三得之。然非用人参之多，则青蒿之力微，不能分治于脏腑。
尤妙在佐之半夏、陈皮，否则痰未能全消，而气不能遽下，痞硬、胁痛之症乌能尽
除哉。然而青蒿泻胃火，尚恐势单力薄，复佐之干葛，以共泻阳明之火，则青蒿更
能奏功。况干葛散邪而不十分散气，得人参以辅相，青蒿尤有同心之庆也。
此症可用调胃二参汤∶
人参 玄参（各五钱） 石膏（三钱） 天花粉（二钱） 干葛（一钱） 水煎服。
冬月伤寒，谵语发潮热，以承气汤下之，不应，脉反微涩者，是里虚也。仲景
张公谓难治，不可更与承气汤，岂承气汤固不可用乎？夫既以承气汤下之矣，乃不
大便，是邪盛而烁干津液，故脉涩而弱也，非里虚表邪盛之明验乎。倘攻邪则邪未
必去，而正且益虚，故为难治。当此之时，不妨对病家人说∶此症实为坏症也，予
用药以相救，或可望其回生，而不能信其必生也。用人参大黄汤救之。
人参（一两） 大黄（一钱） 水煎服。一剂得大便，而气不脱即生，否则死矣。苟大
便而气不脱，再用∶
人参（三钱） 陈皮（三分） 甘草（三分） 芍药（一钱） 煎汤与之。二剂而可庆生全也。
此症亦可用表里兼顾汤∶
大黄（二钱） 人参（五钱） 柴胡（三分） 甘草（一钱） 丹皮（二钱） 水煎服。
冬月伤寒，发热而厥，厥后复热，厥少热多，病当愈。既厥之后，热不除者，
必便脓血。厥多热少，寒多热少，病皆进也。夫厥少热多，邪渐轻而热渐退也。伤
寒厥深热亦深，何以厥少而热反深乎？此盖邪不能与正相争，正气反凌邪而作祟也。
譬如贼与主人相斗，贼不敌主，将欲逃遁，而主人欺贼之懦，愈加精神，正气既旺，
贼势自衰，故病当愈也。至于既厥之后而热仍不除，譬如贼首被获，而余党尚未擒
拿，必欲尽杀为快，则贼无去路，自然舍命相斗，安肯自死受缚，势必带伤而战，
贼虽受伤，而主亦有焦头烂额之损矣。故热势虽消，转不能尽散，虽不敢突入于经
络，而必至走窜于肠门，因成便脓血之症矣。治法不必用大寒之药，以助其祛除，
止用和解之剂，贼自尽，化为良民，何至有余邪成群作祟哉。方用散群汤∶
甘草（二钱） 黄芩（三钱） 当归（五钱） 白芍（一两） 枳壳（一钱） 水煎服。
一剂而无脓血之便者，断无脓血之灾；倘已便脓血者，必然自止。
妙在用归、芍以活血，加甘草、黄芩以凉血而和血也。所以邪热尽除，非单藉
枳壳之攻散耳。
至于厥多热少，寒多热少，无非正气之虚。正虚则邪盛，邪盛自易凌正，而正
不能敌邪，自不敢与贼相战，安得而不病进乎。治法宜大补正气，而少加祛邪之药，
自然热变多而厥变少，而寒亦少也。方用祛厥汤∶
人参（五钱） 白术（一两） 甘草（二钱） 当归（五钱） 柴胡（一钱） 附子（一分） 水煎服。一剂而
转热矣，二剂而厥定寒除矣。
夫热深而厥亦深，似乎消其热即消其厥也，何以反助其热乎？不知此二症非热
盛而厥，乃热衰而厥也。热衰者正气之衰，非邪气之衰也。吾用人参、归、术以助
其正气，非助其邪热也。正旺则敢与邪战而作热，一战而胜，故寒与厥尽除也。方
中加入附子者尤有妙义，参、术之类未免过于慈祥，倘不用附子将军之药，则仁而
不勇，难成迅扫之功，加入一分，以助柴胡之力，则无经不达，寒邪闻风而尽散，
所谓以大勇而济其至仁也。
此症可用胜邪汤∶
甘草 柴胡（各一钱） 当归 白芍（各五钱） 枳壳（五分） 白术（三钱） 附子（一分）
人参（二钱） 水煎服。
冬月伤寒，四、五日后下利，手足逆冷无脉者，人以为厥阴之寒症也。急灸之，
不温而脉亦不还，反作微喘，皆云死症，而不必治也。而吾以为可治者，正因其无
脉耳。夫人死而后无脉，今未断气而无脉，乃伏于中而不现，非真无脉也。无脉者
固不可救，脉伏而似于无脉，安在不可救乎？用灸法亦救其出脉也。灸之而脉不还，
宜气绝矣；乃气不遽绝，而反现微喘之症，此生之之机也。盖脉果真绝，又何能因
灸而作喘，作微喘者，正其中有脉欲应其灸，而无如内寒之极，止藉星星之艾火，
何能骤达。是微喘之现，非脉欲出而不能遽出之明验乎。急用参附汤救之，以助其
阳气，则脉自然出矣。但参、附宜多用而不宜少用也。方用∶
人参（二两） 附子（三钱） 水煎服。一剂而手足温，二剂而脉渐出，三剂而下利自
止而尽愈矣。
夫附子有斩关夺门之勇，人参有回阳续阴之功，然非多用，则寒邪势盛，何能
生之于无何有之乡，起之于几微欲绝之际哉。遇此等之症，必须信之深，见之到，
用之勇，任之大，始克有济。倘徒施灸法而不用汤剂、或用参、附而不多加分两，
皆无识而害之，兼财力不足而不能救也。
此症可用人参双姜汤∶
人参（一两） 干姜（三钱） 生姜（三钱） 水煎服。
用温和的药物来调和，那么少阴经的火气就不会向上炎升，随后再用赤石脂来固涩滑脱的症状。况且有糯米的甘甜来补益中气的虚弱，中气就不会下陷，滑脱也就没有了源头而自然停止。何必使用寒凉的药物，来泻火并化解脓血呢？脓血在虚无中消散，中焦之间还有什么邪气作祟，导致心中烦闷呢？所以一服药后各种症状都痊愈了。谁说桃花、甘草的汤剂不可选用呢？
这种病症使用脂草饮也有效。
甘草、赤石脂（各一钱），人参（二钱），水煎服。
冬季患伤寒，一两天就出现自汗出、咽痛、呕吐和腹泻同时发作的情况，人们以为是太阴脾经的病，却不知道这是少阴肾寒的病，而不是太阴脾虚的症候。大概伤寒初起应当无汗，反而出汗的，是因为没有阳气来固护体表，所以邪气不能外出而汗先出来了。这个病证确实像太阴病，因为太阴病也有自汗出的条文。但太阴病的出汗，是因为阳气不足而自行泄出；少阴病的出汗，是因为阳虚而阳气外越。既然少阴的邪气不从肾经发出，不能从皮毛分散，势必随着任脉、督脉向上奔冲到咽喉，而咽喉的窍道很小，少阴的邪火直如奔马，因为窍道小而不能完全宣泄，于是下行进入大肠，而下焦虚寒，又不能传送至肛门，又逆而上冲于胃脘，从而引起呕吐。方剂用温肾汤：
人参（三钱），熟地黄（一两），白术（一两），肉桂（二钱），水煎服。一剂后汗止，吐泻也好了，咽痛也消除了。
这个病症属于下部虚寒。用人参、白术来回复阳气，用肉桂来助长命门之火，那么龙雷之火喜欢温暖，自然会归经安守于肾脏。然而肉桂未免辛热，恐怕有助热的担忧，得到熟地黄的制约，水火就能既济和谐。
冬季患伤寒五、六天，腹痛且腹泻不止，四肢厥冷且摸不到脉搏，干呕且心烦，人们以为是寒邪直中阴经的病症，却不知道并非如此。所谓直中的病，是冬天一时感寒所致，身体不发热，而出现腹痛、呕吐、四肢厥冷的才是真证。现在身体发热，到了五、六天后才出现前面的症状，这是传经到少阴的病症，而不是直中少阴的病症。虽然是传经的阴证，可以用通治的方法治疗直中的病，但辨证终究不可不清。这个病症自然适宜用白通加猪胆汁汤治疗。这本来是阴寒的病症，为什么加入人尿、胆汁来多此一举呢？不知道白通汤全是纯大热的药味，投其所宜，恐怕会导致格拒而不能入药，正需要人尿、胆汁作为向导之物，这是针对阴盛格阳的情况，采用从治的方法最为得当。违背其性质就会相背，顺应其性质就能相安。然而这类病症，往往脉搏潜伏而不显现，服用白通汤后脉搏突然暴出的，反而不是好兆头，必须缓缓而出的，才有生机，这也是取其相互畏惧而相互制约的意思。原本是为了调剂适宜，不取其相互争斗而驱逐，竟导致败亡的失误。
这个病症可以用桂术加葱汤：
白术（五钱），肉桂（一钱），加葱白（一条），水煎服。
冬季患伤寒，四、五天后腹痛，小便不利，手足沉重且疼痛，或者咳嗽或者呕吐，人们以为是少阴的病症，适宜用真武汤来救治是对的。然而不知道其中的病情，我现在详细阐述。四、五天腹中作痛，这是阴寒之气进入腹部侵犯肾脏。然而如果小便自利，则膀胱还有肾气相通，可以消除寒邪并从尿液中排出；倘若小便不利，则膀胱内寒冷而没有肾火之气了。火力微弱怎么能运动于四肢呢？这就是手足之所以沉重且疼痛的原因，火既然不能向下通达于膀胱，引导寒邪向下走，势必向上逆行而成为咳嗽和呕吐。真武汤是补土的药物，土健旺则水不能泛滥作祟。张仲景制定这个方子，是在火中补土，土热则水也温，消除阴寒摄纳阳气，其神妙功效是不可思议的。
这个病症用四君子汤加干姜、附子汤也很神奇。
白术（一两），茯苓（五钱），附子（一钱），人参（五钱），甘草（一钱），干姜（一钱），水煎服。
冬季患伤寒，四、五天后手足逆冷，怕冷身体蜷缩，脉搏又摸不到，再加上躁动不安，人们以为是少阴阳气绝灭的病症，却不知道不仅仅是阳气绝灭，阴气也将要绝灭了。大概怕冷身体蜷缩，加上脉搏摸不到，阳气已经离去，阳气离去如果不加躁动不安，那么阴气还未绝灭，还可以回阳来摄纳它。现在已经躁动不安，说明根基已坏，怎么回阳呢？虽然如此，凡人只要还有一口气尚存，应当图谋救援的方法，因为人的阴阳不容易立刻绝灭，有一丝阳气未断，则阳气可救；有一丝阴气未断，则阴气可援。阴阳有根，原本不是后天有形之物，实在是先天无形之气。补益先天之气，后天的气不期望它延续而自然延续了。方剂用参附汤来救治。用：
人参（二两），附子（二钱），水煎服。往往有得救活过来的。
虽然这个方子不能救所有人，然而既然有这个病症，宁愿使用这个方子而没有救活，不可放置这个方子而竟然听任其死亡。何况人参能在虚无之乡回阳；而附子又能将离未离之际夺回神灵，使魂魄重新回归，阴阳再次生长，原有奇功，怎么可以先存必死之心，预先积蓄无生之气呢？
这个病症用参术附枣汤也很神奇。
人参（一两），白术（二两），附子（一钱），炒酸枣仁（五钱），水煎服。
冬季患伤寒六、七天，病传少阴而呼吸浅促（息高），人们以为是太阳病症未除而作喘，却不知道并非如此。太阳病的作喘，与少阴病的息高，形状似乎相同而实质不同。太阳病的喘，气息粗盛，是邪气盛；少阴病的息高，气息缓慢而细小，是真气虚弱而不足以喘息，气息好像高而不是真的高。所以太阳病的喘适宜散邪；而少阴病的息高适宜补正。因为少阴肾宫极度虚弱，肾气不能向下藏于气海之中，乃向上奔冲想要散失，确实是极其危险的病症。适宜用朝宗汤来救治。
人参（三两），麦冬（三两），熟地黄（三两），山茱萸（一两），山药（一两），破故纸（一钱），胡桃（一枚）
水煎服。一剂后呼吸平稳，再一剂后呼吸安定。
这个方子纯用补气填精的药物，不去治疗呼吸，而气自然归源，是因为气得到补益而有所归属。譬如败家子将田园消化无存，不能安其室而逃出于外，难道不想回家吗？实在是计策穷尽罢了。倘若一旦有养生的策略，可以温饱，自然回归故里而返回旧居，岂肯漂泊在外，成为落魄之人呢？有人说：下寒则火必然上越，这种息高，难道不是肾气的虚寒吗？为什么不用肉桂引火归源呢？唉！肾气奔腾，实在因肾火上冲所致，然而不用桂枝、附子的原因，实在也有说法。肾火必须得到肾水的滋养，不先补肾水，而急于助肾火，则火无水济助，龙雷之火必然反而上升，转而不能收敛呼吸于无声之中。我所以先补水而不急于补火。何况破故纸也是补火的药味，更能引导气进入气海，何必用桂枝、附子的跳梁呢？
这个病症用延息汤也很奇妙。
人参，熟地黄（各一两），山茱萸（五钱），牛膝，破故纸（各三钱），胡桃（一个），陈皮（三分），炮姜（一钱），百合（一两），水煎服。
冬季患伤寒，头痛遍身也疼，适宜用麻黄汤来发汗了。倘若元气素来薄弱，切其尺脉迟缓，虽然是太阳病的正治法，而不可以轻率用麻黄来发汗。人们以为适宜用建中汤治疗，因为城郭不完备，兵甲不坚固，米粟不多，适宜防守而不适宜出战。然而建中汤只能自我防守而不能出战，况且贼寇强盛包围城池，而城中又有奸细，怎么能全部驱除而出呢？这个病症是太阳伤营的病，舍去麻黄汤终究不是治法，用麻黄的汤剂，加入人参一两来治疗，则麻黄足以散邪，而人参足以助正，这样补攻兼施，正气既不受伤，而邪气又全部排出。有人问：既然是麻黄汤的病症，不得已而加入人参，可以减少分量吗？谁识得元气大虚，非用人参之多则不能胜任，所以必须用到一两，而后元气没有太弱的忧虑，且能在虚无之乡生阳，可以御敌而无恐惧了。倘若不在麻黄汤中加入人参，则邪气留于胸中，而元气又未能恢复，怎能背城一战呢？这个方子若以麻黄为君药，而人参为佐药，必定导致失败。现在用人参至一两，而麻黄只用一钱，是以人参为君药，而麻黄转为佐使，正正奇奇，兼而用之，这是用兵的妙处，而可以通用于医道。
这个病症也可以用参苓麻草汤：
麻黄（一钱），人参（三钱），茯苓（一两），甘草（一钱），水煎服。
冬季患伤寒，经过吐、下、汗后出现虚烦脉微，八、九天后心下痞硬，胁痛，气上冲咽喉，眩晕冒昧，经脉跳动惕惧的，必定形成痿症。人们以为是太阳病的坏症，然而不仅仅是太阳的坏症。伤寒经过汗、吐、下之后，症状现出虚烦的，是虚到了极点。况且脉又现微象，不是虚是什么？痿症的责任在于阳明经，难道在未成痿症之前，反而置阳明经于不治吗？治疗阳明经的火，适宜用人参石膏汤了。然而既然经过汗、下之后，石膏峻利，恐怕胃土难以承受，火未必退，而上部先受伤，这不是治疗的得当之处。方剂用青蒿防痿汤：
人参（一两），青蒿（五钱），半夏（一钱），陈皮（五分），干葛（一钱），连服二剂，胃气无伤，而胃火自然消散，各种症状逐渐痊愈，而痿症也可以避免。
大概这个病症不仅胃火沸腾，而肾、肝之火也一起兴起。青蒿能去除胃火，而更能散发肾、肝之火，一用而三得之。然而若非用人参之多，则青蒿的力量微弱，不能分治于脏腑。尤其妙在佐以半夏、陈皮，否则痰不能完全消除，而气不能立即下降，痞硬、胁痛的病症怎么能全部消除呢？然而青蒿泻胃火，尚恐势单力薄，又佐以干葛，共同泻阳明之火，则青蒿更能奏效。何况干葛散邪而不十分散气，得到人参的辅佐，青蒿更有同心之庆。
这个病症可用调胃二参汤：
人参，玄参（各五钱），石膏（三钱），天花粉（二钱），干葛（一钱），水煎服。
冬季患伤寒，说胡话发潮热，用承气汤攻下，不应验，脉反而微涩的，是里虚。张仲景公说难治，不可再给承气汤，难道承气汤固然不可用吗？既然已经用承气汤攻下了，仍不大便，是邪气盛而灼干津液，所以脉涩而弱，不是里虚表邪盛的明显验证吗？倘若攻邪则邪气未必去，而正气更加虚弱，所以为难治。当此时，不妨对病人家属说：这个病症实为坏症，我用药来相救，或许可望其回生，但不能信其必生。用人参大黄汤来救治。
人参（一两），大黄（一钱），水煎服。一剂后得大便，而气不脱即生，否则死矣。假如大便通而气不脱，再用：
人参（三钱），陈皮（三分），甘草（三分），芍药（一钱），煎汤与之。二剂后可庆幸保全生命。
这个病症也可用表里兼顾汤：
大黄（二钱），人参（五钱），柴胡（三分），甘草（一钱），丹皮（二钱），水煎服。
冬季患伤寒，发热而四肢厥冷，厥冷后又发热，厥冷少发热多，病应当愈。既厥冷之后，热不退的，必定便脓血。厥冷多发热少，寒多热少，病皆进展。夫厥少热多，邪气渐轻而热渐退。伤寒厥深热亦深，何以厥少而热反深呢？这大概是邪气不能与正气相争，正气反而凌驾邪气而作祟。譬如贼与主人相斗，贼不敌主，将要逃遁，而主人欺贼之懦弱，愈加精神，正气既旺，贼势自衰，所以病应当愈。至于既厥冷之后而热仍不退，譬如贼首被获，而余党尚未擒拿，必欲尽杀为快，则贼无去路，自然舍命相斗，怎肯自死受缚，势必带伤而战，贼虽受伤，而主也有焦头烂额之损。所以热势虽消，转不能尽散，虽不敢突入于经络，而必至走窜于肠门，因而成为便脓血的病症。治法不必用大寒的药，来助其祛除，只需用和解的剂，贼自尽，化为良民，何至有余邪成群作祟呢？方剂用散群汤：
甘草（二钱），黄芩（三钱），当归（五钱），白芍（一两），枳壳（一钱），水煎服。
一剂后无脓血大便的，断无脓血之灾；倘若已便脓血的，必然自止。
妙在用当归、白芍来活血，加甘草、黄芩来凉血而和血。所以邪热尽除，不单藉枳壳的攻散而已。
至于厥多热少，寒多热少，无非正气之虚。正虚则邪盛，邪盛自易凌犯正气，而正不能敌邪，自不敢与贼相战，怎得不病进呢。治法宜大补正气，而少加祛邪的药，自然热变多而厥变少，而寒也少了。方剂用祛厥汤：
人参（五钱），白术（一两），甘草（二钱），当归（五钱），柴胡（一钱），附子（一分），水煎服。一剂后转热，二剂后厥定寒除。
夫热深而厥亦深，似乎消其热即消其厥，何以反助其热呢？不知这两个病症非热盛而厥，乃热衰而厥。热衰者是正气之衰，非邪气之衰。吾用人参、当归、白术来助其正气，非助其邪热。正旺则敢与邪战而作热，一战而胜，所以寒与厥尽除。方中加入附子者尤有妙义，人参、白术之类未免过于慈祥，倘不用附子将军之药，则仁而不勇，难成迅扫之功，加入一分，以助柴胡之力，则无经不达，寒邪闻风而尽散，所谓以大勇而济其至仁。
这个病症可用胜邪汤：
甘草，柴胡（各一钱），当归，白芍（各五钱），枳壳（五分），白术（三钱），附子（一分），人参（二钱），水煎服。
冬季患伤寒，四、五日后下利，手足逆冷无脉的，人们以为是厥阴的寒症。急灸之，不温而脉也不还，反而作微喘，都说死症，而不必治。而我以为可治的，正因其无脉。人死而后无脉，今未断气而无脉，乃伏于中而不现，非真无脉。无脉者固然不可救，脉伏而似于无脉，哪里不可救呢？用灸法也是救其出脉。灸之而脉不还，宜气绝了；乃气不遽绝，而反现微喘的症状，这是生机之机。盖脉果真绝，又何能因灸而作喘，作微喘者，正是其中有脉欲应其灸，而无如内寒之极，只藉星星之艾火，何能骤达。是微喘之现，非脉欲出而不能遽出之明显验证乎。急用参附汤救之，以助其阳气，则脉自然出。但参、附宜多用而不宜少用。方用：
人参（二两），附子（三钱），水煎服。一剂后手足温，二剂后脉渐出，三剂后下利自止而尽愈。
夫附子有斩关夺门之勇，人参有回阳续阴之功，然非多用，则寒邪势盛，何能生于无何有之乡，起于几微欲绝之际哉。遇此类病症，必须信之深，见之到，用之勇，任之大，始克有济。倘若徒施灸法而不用汤剂，或用参、附而不多加分量，皆无识而害之，兼财力不足而不能救。
By using mild and harmonizing herbs, the fire of the Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) channel will not flare upward, and subsequently, Red Clay (Hematite) [Chi Shi Zhi] is used to astringe and stop slipping and leakage. Moreover, with the sweetness of glutinous rice [Nuomi] to tonify the deficiency of Middle Qi (Middle Jiao Qi), the Middle Qi will not sink, and the slipping and leakage will cease naturally as their source is cut off. Why use cold and cool substances to drain fire and transform pus and blood? When pus and blood dissipate into nothingness, what pathogenic factor remains in the Middle Jiao to cause vexation and oppression in the heart? Therefore, after one dose, all symptoms are cured. Who says that the decoction of Peach Blossom [Taohua] and Licorice [Gancao] cannot be selected?
This condition is also effective when treated with Zhicao Yin (Fat and Licorice Decoction).
Gancao (Licoriza Radix et Rhizoma), Chi Shi Zhi (Halloysitum Rubrum) (each 1 qian); Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (2 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.
In winter, contracting Cold Damage (Shanghan), sweating occurs spontaneously within one or two days, accompanied by sore throat, simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea. People assume this is a disease of the Taiyin (Greater Yin) channel, but they do not realize it is actually a disease of Kidney Cold in the Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) channel, rather than a syndrome of Spleen Deficiency in the Taiyin channel. Generally, at the onset of Cold Damage, there should be no sweating; if sweating occurs instead, it is because there is no Yang Qi to secure the exterior, so the pathogen cannot exit while sweat comes out first. This condition resembles Taiyin disease, as Taiyin also has clauses regarding spontaneous sweating. However, sweating in Taiyin is due to Yang insufficiency leading to spontaneous leakage, whereas sweating in Shaoyin is due to Yang deficiency causing Yang to float outward. Since the pathogen of Shaoyin does not emerge from the Kidney channel and cannot disperse through the skin and hair, it must rush upward along the Ren (Conception Vessel) and Du (Governor Vessel) channels to the throat. The orifice of the throat is very small; the Shaoyin pathogenic fire rushes like a galloping horse. Because the orifice is small, it cannot fully vent, so it descends into the Large Intestine. However, the Lower Jiao is deficient and cold, unable to transport waste to the anus. It then rebels and rushes upward to the stomach cavity, causing vomiting. The formula used is Wen Shen Tang (Warm the Kidney Decoction):
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (3 qian), Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata) (1 liang), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (1 liang), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) (2 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, sweating stops, vomiting and diarrhea heal, and sore throat is eliminated.
This condition involves deficiency-cold in the lower part. Renshen and Baizhu are used to restore Yang Qi, and Rougui is used to assist the Fire of the Gate of Vitality (Mingmen). Thus, the Dragon and Thunder Fire (hyperactive fire due to kidney deficiency) prefers warmth and naturally returns to its channel, settling in the Kidneys. However, Rougui is somewhat pungent and hot, raising concerns about assisting heat. With the moderating effect of Shudi, Water and Fire achieve mutual interaction (Ji Ji).
This condition can also be treated with Guishu Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Atractylodes Decoction):
Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (5 qian), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.
In winter, contracting Cold Damage for five or six days, abdominal pain persists with continuous diarrhea, extremities are cold (Jue), and the pulse is imperceptible. There is dry retching and vexation. People assume this is a condition of Cold striking directly into the Yin channels, but they are mistaken. Direct strike diseases occur suddenly in winter; the body is not hot, and true cases present with abdominal pain, vomiting, and cold limbs. Here, the body is hot, and the aforementioned symptoms appear only after five or six days. This is a disease transmitted to the Shaoyin channel, not a direct strike to Shaoyin. Although transmitted Yin syndromes can be treated with general methods for direct strike diseases, differentiation of syndromes must ultimately be clear. This condition naturally suits treatment with Baitong Tang plus Pig Gallbladder Juice. Since this is originally a Yin-Cold condition, why add human urine and pig gallbladder juice? It is unknown that Baitong Tang consists entirely of pure hot substances. To avoid rejection preventing absorption, human urine and pig gallbladder juice serve as guides. This employs the method of following the nature (Cong Zhi) for Yin excess repelling Yang. Violating nature causes opposition, while following nature brings peace. However, in such conditions, the pulse often hides and does not appear. If the pulse bursts forth suddenly after taking Baitong Tang, it is not a good omen; the pulse must emerge slowly to indicate vitality. This relies on mutual restraint. The intention is proper regulation, not mutual conflict leading to collapse.
This condition can also be treated with Guishu Tang plus Scallion:
Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (5 qian), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) (1 qian), add Congbai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus) (one stalk). Decoct in water and take orally.
In winter, contracting Cold Damage, four or five days later abdominal pain occurs, urination is difficult, hands and feet are heavy and painful, or there is coughing or vomiting. People assume this is a Shaoyin condition and rightly suggest treating it with Zhenwu Tang. However, they do not understand the pathology. I will explain thoroughly. Abdominal pain after four or five days indicates Yin-Cold entering the abdomen and attacking the Kidneys. If urination is free, the Bladder still connects with Kidney Qi, allowing elimination of Cold pathogens via urine. If urination is difficult, the Bladder contains cold without the warming Qi of Kidney Fire. How can weak fire move the limbs? This explains why hands and feet are heavy and painful. Since fire cannot descend to the Bladder to guide Cold downward, it must rebel upward, causing cough and vomiting. Zhenwu Tang tonifies Earth (Spleen/Stomach). When Earth is strong, Water cannot flood. Zhang Zhongjing formulated this to tonify Earth within Fire. When Earth is warm, Water becomes warm, eliminating Yin and securing Yang. Its miraculous efficacy is inconceivable.
This condition is also effectively treated with Sijunzi Tang plus Ganjiang and Fuzi:
Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (1 liang), Fuling (Poria) (5 qian), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) (1 qian), Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (5 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (1 qian), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.
In winter, contracting Cold Damage, four or five days later hands and feet are cold, aversion to cold with curling up, and pulse is absent. Added to this is restlessness and agitation. People assume this is Yang exhaustion in Shaoyin, but they do not realize that not only is Yang exhausted, but Yin is also nearing exhaustion. Aversion to cold, curling up, and absent pulse indicate Yang has departed. If Yang departs without restlessness, Yin is not yet exhausted, and Yang can be restored. Now, with restlessness, the foundation is broken; how can Yang be restored? Nevertheless, as long as a breath remains, rescue measures should be sought, as Human Yin and Yang do not perish instantly. If even a thread of Yang Qi remains, Yang can be saved; if even a thread of Yin Qi remains, Yin can be supported. Yin and Yang have roots; they are originally pre-Heaven formless Qi, not post-Heaven tangible matter. Tonifying Pre-Heaven Qi ensures Post-Heaven Qi continues spontaneously. The formula used is Shenfu Tang (Ginseng and Aconite Decoction):
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (2 liang), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) (2 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Often, patients survive.
Although this formula cannot save everyone, given these symptoms, it is better to use this formula and fail than to discard it and let death occur. Moreover, Renshen can restore Yang in the realm of non-existence; Fuzi can retrieve spirit at the moment of separation. They restore soul and regenerate Yin and Yang, possessing miraculous powers. One should not presuppose death or harbor thoughts of lifelessness.
This condition is also effectively treated with Shen Zhu Fu Zao Tang:
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (1 liang), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (2 liang), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) (1 qian), Chao Zaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae Preparatum) (5 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.
In winter, contracting Cold Damage for six or seven days, the disease transmits to Shaoyin, presenting with shallow, rapid breathing (Xi Gao). People assume this is wheezing due to unresolved Taiyang symptoms, but they are mistaken. Taiyang wheezing and Shaoyin Xi Gao look similar but differ essentially. Taiyang wheezing features coarse, vigorous breath due to excess pathogen; Shaoyin Xi Gao features slow, fine breath due to deficiency of True Qi, insufficient for respiration. The breath seems high but is not truly high. Thus, Taiyang wheezing requires dispersing pathogens, while Shaoyin Xi Gao requires tonifying Righteous Qi. Due to severe deficiency in the Shaoyin Kidney Palace, Kidney Qi cannot descend and store in the Qi Sea, but rushes upward to scatter. This is a critical condition. Treat with Zhaozong Tang:
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (3 liang), Maimai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) (3 liang), Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata) (3 liang), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) (1 liang), Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) (1 liang), Pogu Zhi (Psoraleae Fructus) (1 qian), Hetao (Juglandis Semen) (one nut).
Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, breathing stabilizes; after two doses, breathing settles.
This formula uses purely Qi-tonifying and Essence-filling herbs, not directly treating breathing, but Qi returns to its source because it is tonified and has a place to reside. Like a prodigal son who has lost his estate and flees outside, he wishes to return home but has no means. If provided with livelihood, he naturally returns. Some ask: Lower cold causes Fire to float upward; is this Xi Gao not due to Kidney Qi deficiency and cold? Why not use Rougui to guide Fire back to its source? Alas! The surging of Kidney Qi is caused by Kidney Fire rushing up. However, Gui and Fu are not used because Kidney Fire requires nourishment by Kidney Water. Tonifying Fire before Water leads to Fire without Water control, causing Dragon and Thunder Fire to rise further, failing to quiet breathing. Hence, I tonify Water first, not urgently tonifying Fire. Moreover, Pogu Zhi also tonifies Fire and guides Qi into the Qi Sea. Why use the disruptive Gui and Fu?
This condition is also excellently treated with Yanxi Tang:
Renshen, Shudi (each 1 liang), Shanzhuyu (5 qian), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Pogu Zhi (each 3 qian), Hetao (one nut), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) (3 fen), Paojiang (Prepared Zingiberis Rhizoma) (1 qian), Baihe (Lilii Bulbus) (1 liang). Decoct in water and take orally.
In winter, contracting Cold Damage, headache and body ache throughout. Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) is suitable for inducing sweating. However, if Yuan Qi (Original Qi) is inherently weak, and the Chi (cun-chi) pulse is slow and sluggish, although this is the standard treatment for Taiyang, one should not lightly use Ma Huang to induce sweating. People suggest Jianzhong Tang (Build the Middle Decoction) because the "city walls" are incomplete, "armor" is weak, and "grain" is scarce, favoring defense over attack. But Jianzhong Tang can only defend, not fight. If bandits surround the city and traitors are inside, how can they be expelled? This is a Taiyang Ying (Nutritive Level) injury. Discarding Ma Huang Tang is not the correct method. Using Ma Huang Tang with 1 liang of Renshen allows Ma Huang to disperse pathogens and Renshen to support Righteous Qi. This combines tonification and purgation, protecting Righteous Qi while expelling pathogens. Someone asks: If Ma Huang syndrome necessitates adding Renshen, can the dose be reduced? Those who know that severe Yuan Qi deficiency requires large doses of Renshen to bear the burden understand that 1 liang is necessary to prevent excessive weakness and generate Yang in the realm of non-existence to resist enemies. Without Renshen in Ma Huang Tang, pathogens remain in the chest, Yuan Qi fails to recover, and defending the city is impossible. If Ma Huang were the Sovereign herb and Renshen the Assistant, failure would ensue. Now, using 1 liang of Renshen and only 1 qian of Ma Huang makes Renshen the Sovereign and Ma Huang the Assistant. Combining orthodox and unorthodox tactics mirrors military strategy applied to medicine.
This condition can also be treated with Shenling Macao Tang:
Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba) (1 qian), Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (3 qian), Fuling (Poria) (1 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.
In winter, contracting Cold Damage, after vomiting, purging, and sweating, deficiency-vexation and faint pulse appear. After eight or nine days, epigastric fullness and hardness, hypochondriac pain, Qi rushing to the throat, dizziness, and twitching of meridians occur, inevitably leading to Wei Syndrome (flaccidity syndrome). People assume this is a deteriorated Taiyang condition, but it is more than that. After sweating, vomiting, and purging, deficiency-vexation indicates extreme deficiency. A faint pulse confirms deficiency. Wei Syndrome is attributed to the Yangming channel. Before Wei Syndrome forms, should Yangming be neglected? Treating Yangming Fire suggests Renshen Shigao Tang. However, after sweating and purging, Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is too harsh for Stomach Earth. Fire may not subside, and the Upper Jiao might be injured first, which is improper. Use Qinghao Fangwei Tang (Artemisia Prevents Flaccidity Decoction):
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (1 liang), Qinghao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba) (5 qian), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) (1 qian), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) (5 fen), Genge (Puerariae Radix) (1 qian). Take continuously for two doses. Stomach Qi is preserved, Stomach Fire dissipates, symptoms improve, and Wei Syndrome is avoided.
This condition involves not only boiling Stomach Fire but also rising Liver and Kidney Fire. Qinghao clears Stomach Fire and disperses Liver and Kidney Fire, achieving three goals with one application. However, without sufficient Renshen, Qinghao’s power is weak to treat organs separately. Adding Banxia and Chenpi is crucial; otherwise, Phlegm is not fully resolved, Qi does not descend, and fullness/pain persist. Qinghao clears Stomach Fire, but strength may be insufficient. Adding Genge helps clear Yangming Fire, enhancing Qinghao’s efficacy. Genge disperses pathogens without excessively depleting Qi. Supported by Renshen, Qinghao works synergistically.
This condition can also be treated with Tiaowei Ershen Tang:
Renshen, Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix) (each 5 qian), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) (3 qian), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix) (2 qian), Genge (Puerariae Radix) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.
In winter, contracting Cold Damage, delirium and tidal fever occur. After administering Chengqi Tang (Bowel-Purging Decoction) without effect, the pulse becomes faint and choppy, indicating interior deficiency. Zhang Zhongjing states this is difficult to treat and advises against further Chengqi Tang. Is Chengqi Tang absolutely contraindicated? Having used Chengqi Tang, constipation persists because excess pathogen burns fluids, causing choppy/weak pulse. This proves interior deficiency with exterior pathogen excess. Attacking pathogens may fail and further weaken Zheng Qi, making it difficult. Inform the family: This is a deteriorated condition. Medication may revive, but survival is not guaranteed. Use Renshen Dahuang Tang (Ginseng and Rhubarb Decoction):
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (1 liang), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, bowel movement occurs. If Qi does not collapse, the patient lives; otherwise, death ensues. If bowels open and Qi holds, administer next:
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (3 qian), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) (3 fen), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (3 fen), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take. After two doses, recovery is assured.
This condition can also be treated with Biaoli Jinggu Tang:
Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (2 qian), Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (5 qian), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) (3 fen), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (1 qian), Danpi (Moutan Cortex) (2 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.
In winter, contracting Cold Damage, fever with cold limbs. After cold limbs, fever returns. Few cold limbs and much fever indicate recovery. If fever persists after cold limbs, pus and blood in stool will occur. More cold limbs and less fever indicate progression. Few cold limbs/much fever mean pathogen lightens and heat retreats. In Cold Damage, deep cold limbs imply deep heat. Why does little cold limb imply deep heat? Pathogen cannot contend with Zheng Qi; Zheng Qi overwhelms pathogen. Like a master defeating a thief, the thief flees, and the master’s vigor suppresses the thief. Disease recovers. If fever persists after cold limbs, like capturing the thief leader but leaving remnants, the remnants fight desperately, injuring both sides. Heat subsides but doesn’t vanish, wandering intestines, causing pus/blood stool. Treatment need not use major cold herbs to purge; use harmonizing agents. Thieves surrender, becoming citizens. No residual pathogens remain. Use Sanqun Tang (Disperse the Crowd Decoction):
Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (2 qian), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) (3 qian), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) (5 qian), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) (1 liang), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.
After one dose, no pus/blood stool; disaster averted. If already present, it will stop.
The skill lies in using Danggui and Baishao to invigorate Blood, and Gancao/Huangqin to cool and harmonize Blood. Pathogenic heat is cleared, not just by Zhike’s purgation.
More cold limbs/less fever, more cold/less heat, indicate Zheng Qi deficiency. Deficiency allows pathogen excess to overwhelm Zheng. Zheng cannot fight, leading to disease progression. Treatment requires major tonification of Zheng Qi with slight pathogen-dispelling herbs. Heat increases, cold limbs decrease, cold diminishes. Use Qujue Tang (Eliminate Cold Limbs Decoction):
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (5 qian), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (1 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (2 qian), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) (5 qian), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) (1 qian), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) (1 fen). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, heat returns; after two, cold limbs cease and cold vanishes.
Deep heat implies deep cold limbs; seemingly clearing heat clears cold limbs. Why assist heat? These conditions are not heat-excess cold limbs, but heat-decline cold limbs. Heat decline reflects Zheng Qi decline, not pathogen decline. Renshen, Danggui, Baizhu tonify Zheng Qi, not pathogenic heat. Strong Zheng fights pathogen, generates heat, wins battle, and eliminates cold/cold limbs. Adding Fuzi is ingenious. Renshen/Baizhu are gentle; without Fuzi (the General), benevolence lacks courage for swift victory. Adding 1 fen aids Chaihu, reaching all channels, scattering cold. Great courage supports supreme benevolence.
This condition can also be treated with Shengxie Tang:
Gancao, Chaihu (each 1 qian), Danggui, Baishao (each 5 qian), Zhike (5 fen), Baizhu (3 qian), Fuzi (1 fen), Renshen (2 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.
In winter, contracting Cold Damage, four or five days later diarrhea, cold limbs, and absent pulse. People assume Jueyin cold syndrome. Urgent moxibustion fails to warm limbs or restore pulse; slight panting occurs. All declare it a death sentence, untreatable. I believe it is treatable precisely because the pulse is absent. Death follows absent pulse; here, breath remains, pulse is hidden, not truly absent. Truly absent pulse is incurable; hidden pulse resembling absence is curable. Moxibustion aims to reveal pulse. If pulse doesn’t return after moxa, Qi is exhausted. But Qi hasn’t abruptly failed; slight panting appears, indicating vitality. If pulse were truly gone, moxa couldn’t cause panting. Panting shows pulse responding to moxa but hindered by extreme internal cold. Star-like moxa heat cannot penetrate instantly. Panting proves pulse wants to emerge but cannot. Urgently use Shenfu Tang to assist Yang Qi, and pulse will emerge. Shen and Fu should be used in large, not small, doses. Formula:
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (2 liang), Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) (3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, limbs warm; after two, pulse emerges gradually; after three, diarrhea stops and cure is complete.
Fuzi has the bravery to breach gates; Renshen restores Yang and continues Yin. Without large doses, overwhelming cold cannot be overcome in the realm of non-existence or revived from near-extinction. For such conditions, deep faith, profound insight, bold usage, and great responsibility are required. Mere moxibustion without decoctions, or small doses of Shen/Fu, shows ignorance and harm, compounded by lack of resources.
This condition can be treated with Renshen Shuangjiang Tang:
Renshen (Panax Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (1 liang), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) (3 qian), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) (3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.