Chunwen (Spring Warmth) is a syndrome caused by the failure of storage and consolidation during winter. Ancients believed that cold pathogenic factors from winter lie latent within, hidden in Shaoyin (Lesser Yin). Upon entering spring, it erupts in Shaoyang (Lesser Yang), as the Wood Qi of spring corresponds internally to the Liver and Gallbladder.

When cold pathogenic factors are deeply latent and have already transformed into heat, past sages used Huangqin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction) as the primary formula. Bitter-cold herbs directly clear interior heat. Since heat lies latent in the Yin aspect, bitter flavors firm the Yin; this is the correct treatment method.

It must be known that warm pathogenic factors contraindicate dispersing methods; they do not follow the same principles as sudden exogenous infections (Baogan). If an external pathogen is first contracted, thereby stirring up latent interior heat, one must first use acrid-cool herbs to resolve the new external pathogen, followed by bitter-cold herbs to clear the interior heat. Moreover, heat is formless Qi. Inexperienced physicians often use methods for resolving stagnation to attack有形 (formidable/physical) accumulations, leading to the premature depletion of Stomach fluids and frequent cases where Yin fluids are entirely exhausted.

[Alternative Formulas]: Huangqin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction); Congchi Tang (Green Onion and Fermented Soybean Decoction) [for new pathogens stirring up latent pathogens]; Liangge San (Cool the Diaphragm Powder); Qingxin Liangge San (Clear Heart Cool the Diaphragm Powder).

Fengwen (Wind Warmth) occurs when wind is contracted in spring, when the atmospheric Qi is already warm. The Classics state: "Diseases of Spring Qi affect the head." Treatment should target the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner). The Lung is located at the highest position, so pathogenic factors inevitably injure it first. This is a disease of the Qi aspect of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian initially. If mismanaged, it enters the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, injuring the Blood aspect as well. Transmission along the Foot meridians is sequential (Shunchuan), such as Taiyang transmitting to Yangming, which everyone knows. However, if Lung disease is mismanaged, it transmits inversely (Nichuan) to the Pericardium Meridian, a fact largely unknown to pediatricians. Vulgar physicians, seeing fever, cough, and wheezing, fail to understand the principle that Lung disease resides in the upper part. They recklessly prescribe Jingjie (Schizonepeta), Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia), Chaihu (Bupleurum), and Gegen (Pueraria), adding Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange), Houpo (Magnolia Bark), Xingren (Apricot Seed), Suzi (Perilla Fruit), Boluizi (Radish Seed), Shanzha (Hawthorn), Maoya (Malt), and Guangchenpi (Citrus Peel). They claim these resolve the muscle layer and digest food. Seeing phlegm and wheezing, they use Dagong (Rhubarb) and Mengshi (Magnetite) to make Guntan Wan (Rolling Phlegm Pill), causing multiple bowel movements. Consequently, upper heat becomes more constrained. Children have little Gu Qi (Grain Qi) and thin Stomach Qi. The use of acrid-warm and bitter-cold drugs on both exterior and interior leads to drying transformation, injuring Stomach fluids. Reusing Dagong and other bitter-cold, sinking pills further damages Spleen and Stomach Yang harmony, suddenly transforming into Jingxian (Convulsive Epilepsy), with many cases becoming incurable.

Commentary: This case involves Fengwen Lung disease; treatment targets the Upper Jiao. Both Fengwen and Chunwen contraindicate sweating. Initial medication should employ acrid-cool methods. If mixed with digestive and dispersing agents, not only does it fail to address the Lung disease, but it also exhausts Stomach fluids. The Lung lacks Jin-Ye (Body Fluids) to supply upwards. The orifices of the head and eyes are merely steamed by hot Qi, resulting in a nose dry as coal, closed eyes, or upward-gazing eyes without tears. Alternatively, deep heat causes limb coldness (Jue), mania, restlessness, and dysuria. Chest distension and rapid breathing are all signs of Lung Qi failing to diffuse and transform. At this time, using Lung-targeting herbs with just one additional clearing-and-descending agent prevents the medicinal force from rushing directly to the intestines. This opens upper obstruction, allowing all orifices to become clear. Regrettably,庸医 (quack physicians) in cities all diagnose this as Jiexiong (Chest Binding), prescribing Lianqin (Scutellaria), Gualou (Trichosanthes), Chaihu (Bupleurum), and Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange). These bitter-cold direct-descending agents cause even greater closure, leading to many deaths.

Commentary: Initially, due to fever, wheezing, and coughing, acrid-cool herbs should be used first to clear and purify the Upper Jiao, such as Bohe (Mint), Lianqiao (Forsythia), Niubangzi (Arctium Seed), Xiangbei (Fritillaria Thunbergii), Sangye (Mulberry Leaf), Shashen (Glehnia), Zhipi (Gardenia Peel), Loupi (Trichosanthes Peel), and Huafen (Trichosanthes Root). If the complexion is dark/cyanotic with severe heat, irritability, and thirst, use Shigao (Gypsum) and Zhuye (Bamboo Leaf) for acrid-cold clearing and dispersing. Shazheng (Sha Disease/Rash Illness) should also follow this principle. If days pass and the pathogen is not resolved, Huangqin (Scutellaria), Huanglian (Coptis), and Liangge San (Cool the Diaphragm Powder) can be selected. When heat pathogen inversely transmits to Danzhong (Chest Center/Shanzhong), causing coma, closed eyes, absence of nasal discharge and tears, and impending closure of all orifices, the situation is critical. Zhibao Dan (Precious Treasure Pill) or Niuhuang Qingxin Wan (Calculus Bovis Clear Heart Pill) must be used. After the illness subsides, residual heat requires only sweet-cold herbs to clear and nourish Stomach Yin.