七方出于岐伯。谓气有多少。形有盛衰。治有缓急。上下内外之不同。故立七方以制之。十剂出于北周徐之才。谓
十种是药之大体。详之则靡遗失。惟十剂内缺寒热两端。后人又加寒热二剂。足成十二剂医者但熟七方十剂之法。便可
以通治百病。
大方
病有兼症。邪有强盛。非大力不能克之。如仲景之大承气汤。大青龙汤。一汗一下。皆取其分两重。药味多胜于小
承气小青龙也。学人可以类推。
小方
病与兼证。邪气轻浅。药少分两轻。中病而止。不伤正气。如仲景小承气之微下小建中。小温经之微温。小柴胡之
微散。皆取其中病而止。力不太过也。余仿此。
缓方
虚延之证。剽劫不能成功。须缓药和之。有以甘缓之者。炙甘草汤。四君子汤。治虚劳是也。有以丸缓之者。乌梅
丸治久痢是也。有多其物以牵制使性不得骋而缓治之者。薯蓣丸治风气百病。侯氏黑散。填补空窍。须服四十九日是也。
有徐徐服以取效。如半夏苦酒煎。徐徐呷之。甘蜜半夏汤。徐徐咽下是也。
急方
病势急。则方求速效。如仲景急下之。宜大承气。急救之。宜四逆汤之类。盖发表欲急。则用汤散。攻下欲急。则
用猛峻。审定病情。合宜而用。
奇方
单方也。病有定形药无牵制意取单锐。见功尤神如仲景少阴病。咽痛。用猪肤汤。后世补虚用独参汤独附汤。又如
五苓五物三物七气皆以奇数名方。七枚五枚等。各有意义。然奇方总是药味少。而锐利者也。
偶方
偶对单言。单行力孤不如多品力大。譬如仲景用桂枝麻黄则发表之加大。若单用一味。则力弱矣。又如桂枝汤。单
用桂枝。而必用生姜以助之。是仍存偶之意也。肾气丸桂附同用。大建中椒姜同用。大承气硝黄同。用皆是此意。
复方
重复之义。两证并见则两方合用。数证相杂则化合数方而为一方也。如桂枝二越婢一汤是两方相合。五积散是数方
相合又有本方之外。别加药品如调胃承气汤加连翘薄荷黄芩栀子为凉膈散。再加麻黄防风白术枳壳浓朴为通圣散。病之
繁重者。药亦繁重也。岐伯言奇之不去则偶之。是复方。乃大剂。期于去病矣。又云偶之不去则反佐以取之。所谓寒热
温凉。反从其病也。夫微小寒热。折之可也。若大寒热。则必能与异气相格是以反佐以同其气复令寒热参合使其始同终
异是七方之外。有反佐之法。
补可扶弱
先天不足。宜补肾。六味丸肾气丸二仙胶之类是也。后天不足。宜补脾。四君子归脾汤。补中汤之类是也。气弱者
宜补肺。人参是也。血弱者宜补肝。当归是也。神弱者宜补心。枣仁是也。再审阴阳轻重治之。则妙于补矣。
重可镇怯
怯则气浮。重以镇之。有四等惊气乱。宜琥珀至宝丹之类。恐气下。宜二加龙骨汤。磁珠丸沉香。怒气逆。宜生铁
落饮。芦荟丸。滚痰丸之类。虚气浮。宜安神丸之类。其余代赭石汤风引汤之类。皆当推究。
轻可去实。
风寒之邪。中于人身痈疮疥痤。发于肢体。宜轻而扬之。使从外解。仲景用麻桂。今人用人参败毒散。香苏饮。香
茹白芷薄荷荆芥之类。又小柴胡。为和散之总方。加减用之。可以和营卫而去诸邪。当类推焉。
宣可去壅。
头目鼻病。牙噤喉塞。实痰在胸。水火交结。气逆壅满。法宜宣达。或嚏或吐。或令布散。皆谓之宣。取嚏如通关
散。取吐如胆矾甘草薄荷。令其布散。如越鞠丸逍遥散之类。又如四逆散丸。气丸皆是散意。
通可行滞
火气郁滞。宜用通剂。利其小便滞于气分者。用木通滑石。六一散之类滞于血分者。用防己导赤饮。五淋散之类。
凡味淡者。皆利小便。得金水之性也。凡药白皮通茎皆利小便。象三焦之纹理也。
泄可去闭。
邪盛则闭塞。必以泄剂。从大便夺之。备急丸泻寒实。承气汤泻热实。葶苈泻肺汤。是泄其气桃仁承气汤。是泄其
血。十枣汤泄水。秘方化滞丸攻积由此求之。凡宜破利者。皆泄之类。
滑可去着
着谓留而不去也。
痰粘喉。溺浊淋。大肠痢等症。皆是。宜滑泽以涤之。瓜霜冬葵子散。榆皮饮。痢症三方之类是也。
涩可固脱。
脱如开肠洞泻。溺遗精滑。大汗亡阳之类。宜用涩剂以收敛之。理中汤桃。花汤止利参 术附汤。止汗六黄汤止盗
汗固精丸天雄散止滑精。术附汤止小便。大约牡蛎龙骨海螵蛸。其质收涩。五味诃子其味收涩莲房棕灰麻黄根。其性收
涩。随加寒热气血诸品。乃为得宜。
湿可润燥。
燥者枯也。风热怫郁。则血液枯竭。而为燥病上燥则渴或为肺痿。宜人参白虎加花粉。琼玉膏。救肺汤。下燥则结。
麻仁丸苁蓉丸。肠燥则膈食。宜当归芝麻丸。筋燥则缩挛。宜阿胶竹茹汤。总之养血则当归地黄。生津则麦冬花粉。益
精则枸杞菟丝。在用者广求之。
燥可去湿。
外感之湿。宜神术汤汗之。湿泛为痰。宜二陈汤降之。湿停不溺。宜五苓散利之。胃湿宜平胃散。脾湿宜肾着汤。
皆治寒湿也。又有湿热之证。反忌燥药。当以苦坚清利治之。知母防己汤。黄柏散相宜。
寒能胜热。
寒热者。证治之太端也。热证如伤寒温疟虚痨。何一不有。当以寒药治之。其间进退出入。在人审矣。甘寒之剂。
白虎汤。甘露饮之类。苦寒之剂。金花汤。龙胆泻肝汤之类。大抵肺胃肌热。宜银翘石膏。心腹热。宜苓连。肝肾热宜
黄柏知母胆草。
热可制寒
寒者阴气也。积阳生热。能制寒证辛温之品是矣。附子汤。附子细辛汤。治太阳少阴之寒。四逆汤。理中汤。治脾
肾之寒。吴萸汤。乌梅丸治肝寒。青龙汤治肺寒。薤白治心胸之寒。回阳救急汤。统治里寒。桂枝汤统治表寒。方难尽
录。读书者。遍查之。
内经所载。只奇偶两方。仲景之方。七法大备。虽其时无十剂之说。而十剂之法亦寓。自北周徐之才。作十剂。后
人又添寒热二者。按证处方。可称精细近出西医。乃谓中国但能用药不知剖割去病。抑知灵素针灸。无剜肠剔骨之险。
有起死回生之妙。尤恐术有未精。不肯多用。且华元化亦有剖割之法。据元化所传中脏经。岂能高出内经之上。后世不
从元化之术。固畏其难亦避其险也。可知剖割粗工不及针刺之妙而针法微渺不如方药之详仲景独以方药治病。为至当也。
今人不考针剖与废之故。偶见西医剖割得效。奉为神奇。而不知其得失参半也。四川某脑后颈上生一疮。俗名对口疮。
此系发于督脉。督脉上颈贯脑。颈之能竖。督脉之力也。西医不知。剜去其疮填之以药。谓即生肉。其人遂项折不能举。
三日而亡。陕客某病腹臌。西医破其腹。流水两碗。缝之旋愈。
不久又臌胀。又破之。连破三次。臌胀复发。西医以为不可治。夫不知水之何以生。而但知放水。此西人不讲五行
之过。故人谓西法精。而吾谓西法疏也。予曾治总理衙门总办。章京陈君兰秋。名诚肌肤甲错。肉削筋牵阴下久漏。小
腹微痛。大便十日一行。胁内难受。不可名状。腰内亦然。前阴缩小。右耳硬肿如石。予曰。此肾系生痈。连及胁膜。
下连小腹。故时作痛。再下穿漏。乃内痈之苗也。法当治肾系为主。陈君勃然起曰。西医亦云。病在腰背筋髓内。所以
割治三次。而漏不止无药可治也。大便不利。可时服蓖麻油。故每八九日一服。蓖麻油。今君言与西医同。得无束手无
策乎。予曰君在各国衙门。习见西人。以为西法千古所无。不知西人算学出于周髀。机器流传。出于般巧。墨子。医用
剖割。亦华元化之流派。不必西人果宗数子。而其法要不外是。中国人未深考。乃转震而惊之。可叹也。夫且君病西人
知在腰内。试问君耳何以硬。前阴何以缩。大便何以不下。西人不能知也。陈君曰。然前问彼无以对。予曰西人不知肾
系。即是命门。生出板油连网。即是三焦。肾开窍于二阴。故前阴缩而大便秘。三焦经绕耳。命火位当属右。故见右耳
硬肿。周身甲错者。肾系三焦内。有干血死脓也。按仲景法治之得效。大抵西人初创医法。尚多未准故以试验为衡。中
国经数圣试验准确。定出形性气味。丝毫不差。为最精也。即如中国治胃。有以参 益气者。有以花粉生津者。有以二
术燥土者。有以苓半利水者。有以姜椒温中者。有以芩连清热者。至于大黄攻胃之积。非补胃也。西医补胃之济。用黄
连水官桂酒苏打。如无苏打用牡蛎粉。大黄末合用作水早晚服。谨按此方。寒热并用。总主利降。以消食耳。西人见食
消即以为补胃。岂不稍瘥。盖脏腑皮肉。西人知其层折经络。气化西人昧其指归是以用药多未合宜。予之此说。人或河
汉斯言。盍取西医各书考之。且安得业算数汽机之人。尽如我之谈医。去彼之短。用彼之长。以我之长。益彼之短。岂
不极人事之能。而尽造化之量乎。有志未逮。企予望之。
七方源于岐伯。他认为气有盛衰，形体有强弱，治疗有缓急，上下内外各不相同，因此创立了七方来应对这些情况。十剂源于北周徐之才，他认为这十种是药物的主要分类，详细阐述则没有遗漏。只是十剂中缺少寒、热两类，后人又增加了寒、热二剂，凑足十二剂。医者只要熟记七方和十剂的法则，就可以通治百病。
大方
疾病有兼夹症状，邪气强盛，非大力道不能克制。如张仲景的大承气汤（Major Chengqi Decoction）、大青龙汤（Major Green Dragon Decoction），一汗一下，都取其分量重、药味多，胜过小承气汤（Minor Chengqi Decoction）和小青龙汤（Minor Green Dragon Decoction）。学者可以由此类推。
小方
疾病与兼证较轻浅，邪气微弱，用药少且分量轻，中病即止，不伤正气。如张仲景的小承气汤的微下法、小建中汤（Minor Jianzhong Decoction）的微温法、小温经汤（Minor Warming Meridian Decoction）的微温法、小柴胡汤（Minor Bupleurum Decoction）的微散法，都是取其中病即止，力道不太过。其余仿照此理。
缓方
虚损延绵之证，猛药劫夺不能成功，须用缓药调和。有用甘味药缓和的，如炙甘草汤（Roasted Licorice Decoction）、四君子汤（Four Gentlemen Decoction），治疗虚劳；有用丸剂缓和的，如乌梅丸（Mume Pill）治疗久痢；有多配伍药物以牵制使其药性不得驰骋而缓慢治疗的，如薯蓣丸（Dioscorea Pill）治疗风气百病，侯氏黑散（Hou's Black Powder）填补空窍，需服用四十九日；有徐徐服药以取效的，如半夏苦酒煎（Pinellia with Vinegar Decoction）徐徐呷服，甘蜜半夏汤（Sweet Honey Pinellia Decoction）徐徐咽下。
急方
病势急迫，则方剂求速效。如张仲景急下之法，宜用大承气汤；急救之法，宜用四逆汤（Sini Decoction）之类。发表欲急，则用汤剂或散剂；攻下欲急，则用猛烈峻烈之药。审定病情，合宜而用。
奇方
单方也。病有定形，药无牵制，意取单锐，见效尤其神奇。如张仲景治少阴病咽痛，用猪肤汤（Pig Skin Decoction）；后世补虚用独参汤（Single Ginseng Decoction）、独附汤（Single Aconite Decoction）。又如五苓散（Five-Ingredient Powder）、五物汤（Five-Ingredient Decoction）、三物汤（Three-Ingredient Decoction）、七气汤（Seven-Qi Decoction）皆以奇数名方，如七枚、五枚等，各有意义。然而奇方总是药味少，而锐利。
偶方
偶对单言。单行力孤，不如多品力大。譬如张仲景用桂枝麻黄（Cinnamon Twig and Ephedra），则发表之力加大；若单用一味，则力弱矣。又如桂枝汤（Cinnamon Twig Decoction），单用桂枝，而必用生姜（Zingiberis Rhizoma, Fresh）以助之，是仍存偶之意也。肾气丸（Kidney Qi Pill）桂附同用，大建中汤（Major Jianzhong Decoction）椒姜同用，大承气汤硝黄同用，皆是此意。
复方
重复之义。两证并见则两方合用，数证相杂则化合数方而为一方也。如桂枝二越婢一汤（Guizhi Er Yuebi Yi Decoction）是两方相合，五积散（Wuji Powder）是数方相合。又有本方之外，别加药品，如调胃承气汤（Regulate Stomach Chengqi Decoction）加连翘（Forsythiae Fructus）、薄荷（Menthae Haplocalycis Herba）、黄芩（Scutellariae Radix）、栀子（Gardeniae Fructus）为凉膈散（Liangge Powder），再加麻黄（Ephedrae Herba）、防风（Saposhnikoviae Radix）、白术（Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma）、枳壳（Aurantii Fructus）、浓朴（Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex）为通圣散（Tongsheng Powder）。病之繁重者，药亦繁重也。岐伯说“奇之不去则偶之”，是复方，乃大剂，期于去病矣。又说“偶之不去则反佐以取之”，所谓寒热温凉，反从其病也。夫微小寒热，折之可也。若大寒热，则必能与异气相格，是以反佐以同其气，复令寒热参合，使其始同终异，是七方之外，有反佐之法。
补可扶弱
先天不足，宜补肾，六味丸（Six-Ingredient Pill）、肾气丸、二仙胶（Two Immortals Gel）之类是也。后天不足，宜补脾，四君子汤、归脾汤（Guipi Decoction）、补中汤（Buzhong Decoction）之类是也。气弱者宜补肺，人参（Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma）是也。血弱者宜补肝，当归（Angelicae Sinensis Radix）是也。神弱者宜补心，枣仁（Ziziphi Spinosae Semen）是也。再审阴阳轻重治之，则妙于补矣。
重可镇怯
怯则气浮，重以镇之。有四等：惊气乱，宜琥珀至宝丹（Amber Zhibao Pill）之类；恐气下，宜二加龙骨汤（Erjia Longgu Decoction）、磁珠丸（Ci Zhu Pill）、沉香（Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum）；怒气逆，宜生铁落饮（Raw Iron Drop Drink）、芦荟丸（Aloe Pill）、滚痰丸（Gun Tan Pill）之类；虚气浮，宜安神丸（An Shen Pill）之类。其余代赭石汤（Dai Zhe Shi Decoction）、风引汤（Fengyin Decoction）之类，皆当推究。
轻可去实
风寒之邪，中于人身痈疮疥痤，发于肢体，宜轻而扬之，使从外解。张仲景用麻桂（Ephedra and Cinnamon Twig），今人用人参败毒散（Renshen Baidu Powder）、香苏饮（Xiangsu Drink）、香茹白芷薄荷荆芥（Xiangru, Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, Saposhnikoviae Radix）之类。又小柴胡汤，为和散之总方，加减用之，可以和营卫而去诸邪，当类推焉。
宣可去壅
头目鼻病，牙噤喉塞，实痰在胸，水火交结，气逆壅满，法宜宣达。或嚏或吐，或令布散，皆谓之宣。取嚏如通关散（Tongguan Powder），取吐如胆矾甘草薄荷（Chalcanthum, Licorice, Mint），令其布散，如越鞠丸（Yueju Pill）、逍遥散（Xiaoyao Powder）之类。又如四逆散丸（Sini San Pill）、气丸皆是散意。
通可行滞
火气郁滞，宜用通剂。利其小便，滞于气分者，用木通（Akebiae Caulis）、滑石（Talcum）、六一散（Liuyi Powder）之类；滞于血分者，用防己（Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix）、导赤饮（Daochi Drink）、五淋散（Wulin Powder）之类。凡味淡者，皆利小便，得金水之性也。凡药白皮通茎皆利小便，象三焦之纹理也。
泄可去闭
邪盛则闭塞，必以泄剂，从大便夺之。备急丸（Beiji Pill）泻寒实，承气汤（Chengqi Decoction）泻热实，葶苈泻肺汤（Tingli Xiefei Decoction）是泄其气，桃仁承气汤（Taoren Chengqi Decoction）是泄其血，十枣汤（Shizao Decoction）泄水，秘方化滞丸（Mifang Huazhi Pill）攻积。由此求之，凡宜破利者，皆泄之类。
滑可去着
着谓留而不去也。痰粘喉，溺浊淋，大肠痢等症，皆是。宜滑泽以涤之。瓜霜冬葵子散（Gua Shuang Dongkuizi Powder）、榆皮饮（Yu Pi Drink）、痢症三方（Three Formulas for Dysentery）之类是也。
涩可固脱
脱如开肠洞泻，溺遗精滑，大汗亡阳之类。宜用涩剂以收敛之。理中汤（Lizhong Decoction）、桃花汤（Taohua Decoction）止利，参 术附汤（Renshen Zhufu Decoction）止汗，六黄汤（Liu Huang Decoction）止盗汗，固精丸（Gujing Pill）、天雄散（Tianxiong Powder）止滑精，术附汤（Zhufu Decoction）止小便。大约牡蛎（Ostrea Shell）、龙骨（Dragon Bone）、海螵蛸（Sepiae Endoconcha），其质收涩；五味（Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus）、诃子（Terminalia Chebulae Fructus）其味收涩；莲房（Nelumbinis Nuciferae Receptaculum）、棕灰（Livistonae Javanicae Ash）、麻黄根（Ephedrae Radix et Rhizoma），其性收涩。随加寒热气血诸品，乃为得宜。
湿可润燥
燥者枯也。风热怫郁，则血液枯竭，而为燥病。上燥则渴，或为肺痿（Fei Wei, Lung Atrophy），宜人参白虎加花粉（Renshen Baihu Plus Trichosanthis Radix）、琼玉膏（Qiongyu Ointment）、救肺汤（Jiufei Decoction）。下燥则结，麻仁丸（Maren Pill）、苁蓉丸（Congrong Pill）。肠燥则膈食，宜当归芝麻丸（Danggui Zhima Pill）。筋燥则缩挛，宜阿胶竹茹汤 (Ejiao Zhuru Decoction)。总之养血则当归地黄（Danggui Dihuang），生津则麦冬花粉（Maidong Trichosanthis Radix），益精则枸杞菟丝（Gouqi Tusizi），在用者广求之。
燥可去湿
外感之湿，宜神术汤（Shenzhu Decoction）汗之。湿泛为痰，宜二陈汤（Erchen Decoction）降之。湿停不溺，宜五苓散（Wuling Powder）利之。胃湿宜平胃散（Pingwei Powder），脾湿宜肾着汤（Shenzhuo Decoction），皆治寒湿也。又有湿热之证，反忌燥药，当以苦坚清利治之，知母防己汤（Zhimu Fangji Decoction）、黄柏散（Huangbai Powder）相宜。
寒能胜热
寒热者，证治之太端也。热证如伤寒（Shanghan, Cold Damage）、温疟（Warm Malaria）、虚痨（Deficiency Consumption），何一不有。当以寒药治之。其间进退出入，在人审矣。甘寒之剂，白虎汤（Baihu Decoction）、甘露饮（Ganlu Yin）之类；苦寒之剂，金花汤（Jinhua Decoction）、龙胆泻肝汤（Longdan Xiegan Decoction）之类。大抵肺胃肌热，宜银翘（Yinqiao, Honeysuckle and Forsythia）、石膏（Gypsum Fibrosum）；心腹热，宜苓连（Poria and Scutellaria）；肝肾热宜黄柏知母胆草（Phellodendri Cortex, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, Gentianae Radix）。
热可制寒
寒者阴气也。积阳生热，能制寒证辛温之品是矣。附子汤（Fuzi Decoction）、附子细辛汤（Fuzi Xixin Decoction），治太阳少阴之寒；四逆汤、理中汤，治脾肾之寒；吴萸汤（Wuyu Decoction）、乌梅丸，治肝寒；青龙汤（Qinglong Decoction）治肺寒；薤白（Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus）治心胸之寒；回阳救急汤（Huiyang Jiujun Decoction），统治里寒；桂枝汤统治表寒。方难尽录，读书者，遍查之。
内经所载，只奇偶两方。仲景之方，七法大备。虽其时无十剂之说，而十剂之法亦寓。自北周徐之才作十剂，后人又添寒热二者。按证处方，可称精细。近出西医，乃谓中国但能用药不知剖割去病。抑知灵素针灸，无剜肠剔骨之险，有起死回生之妙。尤恐术有未精，不肯多用。且华元化亦有剖割之法，据元化所传《中脏经》，岂能高出《内经》之上？后世不从元化之术，固畏其难，亦避其险也。可知剖割粗工不及针刺之妙，而针法微渺不如方药之详。仲景独以方药治病，为至当也。今人不考针剖与废之故，偶见西医剖割得效，奉为神奇，而不知其得失参半也。四川某脑后颈上生一疮，俗名对口疮，此系发于督脉。督脉上颈贯脑，颈之能竖，督脉之力也。西医不知，剜去其疮填之以药，谓即生肉，其人遂项折不能举，三日而亡。陕客某病腹臌，西医破其腹，流水两碗，缝之旋愈。不久又臌胀，又破之，连破三次，臌胀复发，西医以为不可治。夫不知水之何以生，而但知放水，此西人不讲五行之过。故人谓西法精，而吾谓西法疏也。予曾治总理衙门总办、章京陈君兰秋，名诚，肌肤甲错，肉削筋牵，阴下久漏，小腹微痛，大便十日一行，胁内难受，不可名状，腰内亦然，前阴缩小，右耳硬肿如石。予曰：此肾系生痈，连及胁膜，下连小腹，故时作痛，再下穿漏，乃内痈之苗也。法当治肾系为主。陈君勃然起曰：西医亦云，病在腰背筋髓内，所以割治三次，而漏不止，无药可治也。大便不利，可时服蓖麻油。故每八九日一服蓖麻油。今君言与西医同，得无束手无策乎？予曰：君在各国衙门，习见西人，以为西法千古所无。不知西人算学出于周髀，机器流传，出于般巧，墨子医用剖割，亦华元化之流派。不必西人果宗数子，而其法要不外是。中国人未深考，乃转震而惊之，可叹也。夫且君病，西人知在腰内，试问君耳何以硬，前阴何以缩，大便何以不下，西人不能知也。陈君曰：然，前问彼无以对。予曰：西人不知肾系，即是命门，生出板油连网，即是三焦。肾开窍于二阴，故前阴缩而大便秘。三焦经绕耳，命火位当属右，故见右耳硬肿。周身甲错者，肾系三焦内有干血死脓也。按仲景法治之得效。大抵西人初创医法，尚多未准，故以试验为衡。中国经数圣试验准确，定出形性气味，丝毫不差，为最精也。即如中国治胃，有以参益气者，有以花粉生津者，有以二术燥土者，有以苓半利水者，有以姜椒温中者，有以芩连清热者。至于大黄攻胃之积，非补胃也。西医补胃之济，用黄连水官桂酒苏打，如无苏打用牡蛎粉，大黄末合用作水早晚服。谨按此方，寒热并用，总主利降，以消食耳。西人见食消即以为补胃，岂不稍瘥。盖脏腑皮肉，西人知其层折，经络气化，西人昧其指归，是以用药多未合宜。予之此说，人或河汉斯言，盍取西医各书考之。且安得业算数汽机之人，尽如我之谈医，去彼之短，用彼之长，以我之长，益彼之短，岂不极人事之能，而尽造化之量乎？有志未逮，企予望之。
The Seven Forms originated from Qibo. He stated that Qi has varying degrees of abundance or deficiency, the physical form has periods of excess or decline, and treatment varies in urgency and slowness due to differences in upper/lower and internal/external locations. Therefore, the Seven Forms were established to regulate these conditions. The Ten Categories originated from Xu Zhicai of the Northern Zhou Dynasty. He asserted that these ten constitute the general categories of herbs; detailed analysis leaves nothing out. However, the original Ten Categories lacked the cold and heat aspects, so later scholars added two categories for cold and heat, completing twelve categories. If physicians master the principles of the Seven Forms and Ten Categories, they can treat a hundred diseases comprehensively.
Large Formula
When diseases have concurrent symptoms and pathogens are strong, only a powerful formula can overcome them. For example, Zhang Zhongjing's Dachengqi Tang (Da Cheng Qi Tang, Major Chengqi Decoction) and Da Qinglong Tang (Da Qing Long Tang, Major Green Dragon Decoction). One induces sweating, the other purges; both rely on heavy dosages and numerous ingredients, surpassing Xiao Chengqi Tang (Xiao Cheng Qi Tang, Minor Chengqi Decoction) and Xiao Qinglong Tang (Xiao Qing Long Tang, Minor Green Dragon Decoction). Students can infer other cases from this.
Small Formula
When diseases and concurrent symptoms are mild and pathogens are shallow, few ingredients with light dosages are used. Treatment stops once the disease is addressed, avoiding damage to healthy Qi. For instance, Zhang Zhongjing's use of Xiao Chengqi Tang for mild purging, Xiao Jianzhong Tang (Xiao Jian Zhong Tang, Minor Jianzhong Decoction) for mild warming, Xiao Wenjing Tang (Xiao Wen Jing Tang, Minor Warming Meridian Decoction) for mild warming, and Xiao Chaihu Tang (Xiao Chai Hu Tang, Minor Bupleurum Decoction) for mild dispersing. All aim to stop upon hitting the target without excessive force. Others follow this pattern.
Slow Formula
For chronic deficiency conditions, harsh methods fail; slow-acting herbs are needed to harmonize. Some use sweet herbs to moderate, such as Zhigancao Tang (Zhi Gan Cao Tang, Roasted Licorice Decoction) and Sijunzi Tang (Si Jun Zi Tang, Four Gentlemen Decoction) for treating deficiency consumption. Some use pills for moderation, such as Wumei Wan (Wu Mei Wan, Mume Pill) for chronic dysentery. Some use multiple ingredients to restrain each other, slowing the action, such as Shuyu Wan (Shu Yu Wan, Dioscorea Pill) for wind-related ailments, and Hou Shi Hei San (Hou Shi Hei San, Hou's Black Powder) to fill cavities, requiring forty-nine days of administration. Some require slow ingestion for effect, such as Banxia Kujiu Jian (Ban Xia Ku Jiu Jian, Pinellia with Vinegar Decoction) sipped slowly, or Ganmi Banxia Tang (Gan Mi Ban Xia Tang, Sweet Honey Pinellia Decoction) swallowed slowly.
Urgent Formula
When the disease progresses rapidly, the formula seeks rapid effect. For urgent purging, Zhang Zhongjing recommends Dachengqi Tang; for emergency rescue, formulas like Sini Tang (Si Ni Tang, Sini Decoction) are suitable. For urgent exterior release, decoctions or powders are used; for urgent purging, fierce and峻烈 (harsh) drugs are employed. Condition must be assessed accurately, and usage must be appropriate.
Odd Formula
This refers to single-ingredient formulas. When the disease has a fixed form and no restraint is needed, a single sharp herb is chosen for miraculous effect. For example, Zhang Zhongjing used Zhufu Tang (Zhu Fu Tang, Pig Skin Decoction) for Shaoyin disease throat pain. Later generations used Dushen Tang (Du Shen Tang, Single Ginseng Decoction) and Du Fu Tang (Du Fu Tang, Single Aconite Decoction) for tonifying deficiency. Formulas like Wuling San (Wu Ling San, Five-Ingredient Powder), Wuwu Tang (Wu Wu Tang, Five-Ingredient Decoction), Sanwu Tang (San Wu Tang, Three-Ingredient Decoction), and Qi Qi Tang (Qi Qi Tang, Seven-Qi Decoction) use odd numbers in their names (e.g., seven seeds, five seeds), each carrying specific meaning. Generally, Odd Formulas have few ingredients but are sharp and potent.
Even Formula
"Even" contrasts with "Odd." Single herbs act weakly alone, whereas multiple ingredients create greater power. For example, Zhang Zhongjing combined Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Mahuang (Ephedra) to enhance exterior release; using one alone would be weak. In Guizhi Tang (Gui Zhi Tang, Cinnamon Twig Decoction), although Guizhi is primary, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) is added to assist, preserving the "even" principle. In Shenqi Wan (Shen Qi Wan, Kidney Qi Pill), Guizhi and Fuzi (Aconite) are used together; in Dajianzhong Tang (Da Jian Zhong Tang, Major Jianzhong Decoction), Huajiao (Sichuan Pepper) and Shengjiang are combined; in Dachengqi Tang, Mangxiao (Mirabilite) and Dahuang (Rhubarb) are paired. These all reflect this principle.
Compound Formula
"Compound" implies repetition or combination. When two syndromes appear simultaneously, two formulas are combined; when multiple syndromes mix, several formulas are merged into one. For example, Guizhi Er Yuebi Yi Tang (Gui Zhi Er Yue Bi Yi Tang, Guizhi Er Yuebi Yi Decoction) combines two formulas; Wuji San (Wu Ji San, Wuji Powder) combines several. Additionally, extra herbs may be added to the base formula: adding Lianqiao (Forsythia), Bohe (Mint), Huangqin (Scutellaria), and Zhizi (Gardenia) to Tiaowei Chengqi Tang (Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang, Regulate Stomach Chengqi Decoction) creates Liangge San (Liang Ge San, Liangge Powder); adding Mahuang, Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia), Baizhu (Atractylodes), Zhike (Bitter Orange), and Houpo (Magnolia Bark) to Liangge San creates Tongsheng San (Tong Sheng San, Tongsheng Powder). Complex diseases require complex medicines. Qibo stated, "If the Odd method fails, try the Even method," referring to compound formulas as large doses intended to eliminate disease. He also said, "If the Even method fails, use reverse assistance," meaning using cold/hot or warm/cool properties contrary to the disease to guide the medicine. Minor cold/heat can be corrected directly, but major cold/heat repels contrary energies, necessitating reverse assistance to align initially before diverging. Thus, beyond the Seven Forms, there is the method of reverse assistance.
Tonification Supports Weakness
Congenital insufficiency requires kidney tonification, using Liuwei Wan (Liu Wei Wan, Six-Ingredient Pill), Shenqi Wan, and Erxian Jiao (Er Xian Jiao, Two Immortals Gel). Acquired insufficiency requires spleen tonification, using Sijunzi Tang, Guipi Tang (Gui Pi Tang, Guipi Decoction), and Buzhong Tang (Bu Zhong Tang, Buzhong Decoction). Qi weakness requires lung tonification, using Renshen (Ginseng). Blood weakness requires liver tonification, using Danggui (Angelica Sinensis). Spirit weakness requires heart tonification, using Zaoren (Ziziphus Seed). Further adjusting based on yin/yang severity makes tonification exquisite.
Heaviness Calms Fear
Fear causes Qi to float; heaviness anchors it. There are four levels: Startling Qi disorder requires Hupo Zhibao Dan (Hu Po Zhi Bao Dan, Amber Zhibao Pill); Fright causing Qi sinking requires Erjia Longgu Tang (Er Jia Long Gu Tang, Erjia Longgu Decoction), Cizhu Wan (Ci Zhu Wan, Ci Zhu Pill), and Chenxiang (Agarwood); Anger causing Qi rebellion requires Shengtieluo Yin (Sheng Tie Luo Yin, Raw Iron Drop Drink), Lushen Wan (Lu Shen Wan, Aloe Pill), and Guntan Wan (Gun Tan Wan, Gun Tan Pill); Deficient Qi floating requires Anshen Wan (An Shen Wan, An Shen Pill). Other examples include Daizheshi Tang (Dai Zhe Shi Tang, Daizhishi Decoction) and Fengyin Tang (Feng Yin Tang, Fengyin Decoction), which should be studied further.
Lightness Expels Excess
Wind-cold pathogens causing sores, ulcers, or skin issues on the limbs should be treated with light, ascending herbs to release from the exterior. Zhang Zhongjing used Mahuang and Guizhi; modern practitioners use Renshen Baidu San (Ren Shen Bai Du San, Renshen Baidu Powder), Xiangsu Yin (Xiang Su Yin, Xiangsu Drink), Xiangru (Elsholtzia), Baizhu (Angelica Dahurica), Bohe, and Jingjie (Schizonepeta). Xiao Chaihu Tang is the master formula for harmonizing and dispersing; modified, it harmonizes Ying and Wei to expel pathogens. This principle applies broadly.
Ventilation Removes Obstruction
Head, eye, nose diseases, locked jaw, throat blockage, phlegm in the chest, water-fire entanglement, and rebellious Qi causing fullness require ventilation. Methods include inducing sneezing, vomiting, or dispersing. Sneezing agents include Tongguan San (Tong Guan San, Tongguan Powder); emetics include Danfan (Chalcanthum), Gancao (Licorice), and Bohe; dispersing agents include Yueju Wan (Yue Ju Wan, Yueju Pill) and Xiaoyao San (Xiao Yao San, Xiaoyao Powder). Sini San Wan (Si Ni San Wan, Sini San Pill) and Qi Wan also embody dispersing intent.
Unblocking Moves Stagnation
Stagnant Fire Qi requires unblocking agents. To promote urination for Qi-level stagnation, use Mutong (Akebia), Huashi (Talc), and Liuyi San (Liu Yi San, Liuyi Powder). For Blood-level stagnation, use Fangji (Stephania), Daochi Yin (Dao Chi Yin, Daochi Drink), and Wulin San (Wu Lin San, Wulin Powder). Herbs with bland flavors promote urination, reflecting Metal/Water nature. White barks and stems promote urination, mirroring the Sanjiao texture.
Draining Removes Closure
Excessive pathogens cause closure; draining agents remove via stool. Beijji Wan (Bei Ji Wan, Beijji Pill) drains cold-excess; Chengqi Tang drains heat-excess; Tingli Xiefei Tang (Ting Li Xie Fei Tang, Tingli Xiefei Decoction) drains Qi; Taoren Chengqi Tang (Tao Ren Cheng Qi Tang, Taoren Chengqi Decoction) drains Blood; Shizao Tang (Shi Zao Tang, Shizao Decoction) drains Water; Mifang Huazhi Wan (Mi Fang Hua Zhi Wan, Mifang Huazhi Pill) attacks accumulation. Breaking and purging agents fall under draining.
Slipperiness Removes Adhesion
"Adhesion" means lingering retention. Symptoms include sticky throat phlegm, turbid urine/dysuria, and large intestine dysentery. Slippery/herbaceous agents cleanse these. Guashuang Dongkuizi San (Gua Shuang Dong Ku Zi San, Melon Frost Winter Okra Powder), Yupi Yin (Yu Pi Yin, Elm Bark Drink), and the three dysentery formulas are examples.
Astringency Secures Collapse
Collapse includes severe diarrhea, urinary incontinence, seminal emission, profuse sweating with Yang collapse. Astringent agents consolidate. Lizhong Tang treats diarrhea; Taohua Tang (Tao Hua Tang, Peach Flower Decoction) stops bleeding/diarrhea; Renshen Zhufu Tang (Ren Shen Zhu Fu Tang, Ginseng-Atractylodes-Aconite Decoction) stops sweating; Liu Huang Tang (Liu Huang Tang, Six Yellow Decoction) stops night sweats; Gujing Wan (Gu Jing Wan, Gujing Pill) and Tianxiong San (Tian Xiong San, Tianxiong Powder) stop seminal emission; Zhufu Tang stops frequent urination. Oyster shell, Dragon bone, and Cuttlebone are physically astringent; Schisandra and Chebula fruit are taste-astringent; Lotus receptacle, Palm ash, and Ephedra root are nature-astringent. Combined with appropriate hot/cold/Qi/Blood herbs, they are effective.
Dampness Moistens Dryness
Dryness is withering. Wind-heat constraint depletes blood, causing dryness. Upper dryness causes thirst or Lung Atrophy; treat with Renshen Baihu Jia Huafen (Ren Shen Bai Hu Jia Hua Fen, Ginseng-Baihu Plus Trichosanthes), Qiongyu Gao (Qiong Yu Gao, Qiongyu Ointment), or Jiufei Tang (Jiu Fei Tang, Jiufei Decoction). Lower dryness causes constipation; treat with Maren Wan (Ma Ren Wan, Hemp Seed Pill) or Congrong Wan (Cong Rong Wan, Cistanche Pill). Intestinal dryness causes dysphagia; treat with Danggui Zhima Wan (Dang Gui Zhi Ma Wan, Angelica-Sesame Pill). Tendon dryness causes spasms; treat with Ejiao Zhuru Tang (E Jiao Zhu Ru Tang, Ejiao Bamboo Shavings Decoction). Generally, nourishing blood uses Danggui and Dihuang (Rehmannia); generating fluids uses Maidong (Ophiopogon) and Huafen (Trichosanthes); benefiting essence uses Gouqi (Goji) and Tusizi (Cuscuta). Seek widely.
Dryness Eliminates Dampness
External dampness requires Shenzhu Tang (Shen Zhu Tang, Shenzhu Decoction) to sweat it out. Dampness transforming into phlegm requires Erchen Tang (Er Chen Tang, Erchen Decoction) to descend it. Dampness stopping urination requires Wuling San to promote urination. Stomach dampness requires Pingwei San (Ping Wei San, Pingwei Powder); Spleen dampness requires Shenzhuo Tang (Shen Zhuo Tang, Shenzhuo Decoction). These treat cold-damp. For damp-heat, drying herbs are contraindicated; bitter-hardening and clearing-draining methods are used, such as Zhimu Fangji Tang (Zhi Mu Fang Ji Tang, Anemarrhena-Stephania Decoction) and Huangbai San (Huang Bai San, Phellodendron Powder).
Cold Overcomes Heat
Cold and heat are fundamental diagnostic categories. Heat syndromes like Cold Damage, Warm Malaria, and Deficiency Consumption all require cold herbs. Administration depends on judgment. Sweet-cold agents include Baihu Tang (Bai Hu Tang, Baihu Decoction) and Ganlu Yin (Gan Lu Yin, Ganlu Drink); bitter-cold agents include Jinhua Tang (Jin Hua Tang, Jinhua Decoction) and Longdan Xiegan Tang (Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, Longdan Xiegan Decoction). Generally, Lung/Stomach/Skin heat uses Yinqiao (Honeysuckle/Forsythia) and Shigao (Gypsum); Heart/Abdomen heat uses Fulian (Poria/Scutellaria); Liver/Kidney heat uses Huangbai (Phellodendron), Zhimu (Anemarrhena), and Danshen (Gentian).
Heat Controls Cold
Cold is Yin Qi. Accumulated Yang generates heat, countering cold with acrid-warm herbs. Fuzi Tang (Fu Zi Tang, Aconite Decoction) and Fuzi Xixin Tang (Fu Zi Xi Xin Tang, Aconite-Asarum Decoction) treat Taiyang/Shaoyin cold; Sini Tang and Lizhong Tang treat Spleen/Kidney cold; Wuyu Tang (Wu Yu Tang, Evodia Decoction) and Wumei Wan treat Liver cold; Qinglong Tang treats Lung cold; Xiebai (Macrostemon Bulb) treats Chest/Heart cold; Huiyang Jiujun Tang (Hui Yang Jiu Jun Tang, Huiyang Jiujun Decoction) treats interior cold generally; Guizhi Tang treats exterior cold generally. Formulas are too numerous to list; consult texts.
The Neijing mentions only Odd and Even forms. Zhang Zhongjing's formulas fully embody the Seven Methods. Although the Ten Categories didn't exist then, the principles were implied. After Xu Zhongcai created the Ten Categories, later scholars added Cold and Heat. Prescribing by syndrome is precise. Modern Western medicine claims China only uses herbs and lacks surgical excision. Yet, Ling Shu and Su Wen acupuncture avoids the risks of gut excavation and bone scraping while offering resurrection-like effects. Physicians fear imprecision and rarely use surgery. Hua Yuanhua also practiced surgery; his transmitted *Zhongzang Jing* cannot exceed the *Neijing*. Later generations avoided Hua's methods due to difficulty and risk. Surgery by crude practitioners is inferior to acupuncture; acupuncture is subtle but less detailed than herbal formulas. Zhang Zhongjing's exclusive reliance on herbs was most appropriate.
Modern people ignore why acupuncture/surgery declined, worshipping Western surgical success as miraculous without knowing its pros and cons. A Sichuan patient had a carbuncle on the neck ("Opposite Mouth Ulcer"), originating from the Du Mai (Governing Vessel). The Du Mai connects neck to brain; neck extension relies on it. Western doctors, unaware, excised the ulcer and filled it, claiming flesh regeneration. The patient's neck broke, couldn't lift his head, and died in three days. A Shaanxi traveler had abdominal distension; Western doctors opened his abdomen, drained two bowls of fluid, stitched him up, and he recovered temporarily. Distension returned; they cut again, three times total. Western doctors deemed it incurable. They didn't understand water generation, only drainage. This reflects Western ignorance of the Five Elements. People call Western methods precise, but I find them superficial.
I treated Chen Lanqiu (Chen Cheng), Director of the Zongli Yamen, who had rough skin, wasting muscles, tendon tension, chronic genital leakage, lower abdominal pain, bowel movements every ten days, unbearable hypochondriac and lumbar discomfort, shrinking genitals, and a hard, stone-like right ear swelling. I diagnosed a Kidney system abscess affecting the hypochondrium and lower abdomen, leading to internal rupture. Treatment focused on the Kidney system. Chen angrily replied that Western doctors also located the disease in the back/marrow, hence three surgeries failed, and enema oil was prescribed for constipation. He asked if my approach matched theirs, implying helplessness.
I replied: You see Westerners often; you think their methods are unique. But Western mathematics comes from *Zhoubi Suanjing*, machinery from *Gongshu Ban*, and surgical medicine from Hua Yuanhua's lineage. It doesn't matter if they revere these ancients; the methods are the same. Chinese people haven't investigated deeply and are shocked by what is familiar. Westerners know the disease is in the waist/back but don't explain the hard ear, shrunken genitals, or constipation. Chen admitted they couldn't answer.
I explained: Westerners don't understand the Kidney system, which is the Mingmen (Gate of Life), producing omental fat connected to the Sanjiao (Triple Burner). The Kidney opens into the two yin orifices, causing genital shrinkage and constipation. The Sanjiao meridian circles the ear; Mingming Fire belongs to the right, causing right ear swelling. Rough skin indicates dry blood and dead pus in the Kidney/Sanjiao. Treating per Zhang Zhongjing's methods worked.
Generally, early Western medicine was experimental and inaccurate. Chinese medicine, tested by sages, defines shape, nature, and flavor precisely. For stomach treatment, Chinese methods vary: Ginseng tonifies Qi, Trichosanthes generates fluids, Atractylodes dries Earth, Poria/Atractylodes moves water, Ginger/Pepper warms middle, Scutellaria/Coptis clears heat. Dahuang attacks stomach accumulation, it does not tonify. Western "stomach tonics" use Coptis, Cassia, Soda Ash, etc., to digest food. Seeing digestion improves, they call it tonification. Westerners know anatomical layers but lack understanding of meridians and Qi transformation, leading to inappropriate prescriptions.
Some dismiss my words as absurd. Review Western texts. If mathematicians and engineers understood medicine, they could discard Western weaknesses and adopt strengths, combining our advantages with theirs to maximize human potential and natural laws. I aspire to this but have not yet achieved it; I look forward to it.