百病之客乎人身也，必有因以客之。《经》曰∶邪之所凑，其正必虚，必字何等
有力，后人当进思矣。金姓一令郎，年十四而患痫病，群医不效，针灸继之，消火镇坠
之品，备尝尽矣。其发更频而更甚，乃延余治诊，其脉洪弦有力，惟两尺则弱，此阴道
亏极，孤阳无敛，火性上炎，僵仆诸候乃发，理所然也。若用消痰镇坠之饵，不几更
耗阴分乎？乃令空心淡盐汤吞加味八味丸四五钱，以使真阳藏纳，然阳无阴敛，何能久
藏？火无水制，难免浮越，随以重浊大料壮木一剂继之，以助主蛰封藏之势，则水火得
其所矣。下午乃服调补气血养心清肺和肝之膏滋一丸，如是调理两月，精神倍长，痫症
不治而愈矣。故曰∶治病必求其本，今将丸、煎，膏三方具后。
加味八味丸方
熟地黄（一斤，用八两汁水煎汁，去渣，将八两入汁内，煮烂捣烂入药） 怀山药（四
两，炒微黄色） 牡丹皮（四两，焙） 白茯苓（三两，入乳拌透，晒干焙） 山茱肉（去
核，四两，酒拌蒸，晒干，焙） 泽泻（二两，淡盐水拌，晒干炒） 五味子（二两，每个
铜刀切作两片，蜜酒拌蒸晒干焙燥） 牛膝（三两，淡盐酒拌炒） 肉桂（取近里一层有
油而滋润甜极者，一两五钱，即入药，勿出气，不见火） 制附子（一两五钱，切薄片，微火焙）
为末，用熟地捣烂入药，加炼蜜，杵好，簇手丸，晒干。藏瓷器瓶中，每早空心淡盐汤送服四
钱，随后进服煎剂，使阳藏而阴以秘之也。
煎方
大熟地（一两） 丹参（一钱五分） 麦冬（去心，三钱） 生白芍（二钱） 茯苓（一钱五分）
丹皮（一钱五分） 远志肉（甘草煮透，一钱二分） 牛膝（三钱） 五味子（六分） 水二盏，灯心
十根，莲子十粒去心衣，煎八分，温和服。于八味丸后，滋阴药最忌热服，热服则走阳
分，不能养阴，太冷则直入肠中，又不能渗行经脉。
膏滋丸方
酸枣仁（四两，炒熟，捣碎） 当归身（三两，酒拌炒） 怀熟地（八两）
金石斛（去芦，二两） 白芍药（三两，蜜水拌，晒干，炒） 制麦冬（三两，拌炒，
黄米同炒，炒燥去米） 牛膝（二两，水洗） 制远志肉（二两，用甘草浓汁，煮透，
晒干，焙），先以建莲肉一斤，去心衣，煎取浓汁三十余碗，去渣，入前药在内，煎
取头汁，二汁去渣，熬成极浓膏滋，入后药收成大丸。
拣人参三两，研极细，白茯神四两，研极细，白茯苓三两，研极细。以上收入前膏
滋内，丸成大丸，每枚重四钱，下午食远，白汤化下一丸。
旗下何宅一令郎年十岁，肚腹胀极，痞块有形，肌削神困，仅存皮骨，耳中溃浓，
目中红肿，牙龈出血，或时腐烂，咳嗽气短，腿膝乃疼，夜不能寐，日不能食，已成
坏症，乃延余治，询其病由，乃起于半周之内，肚稍肿硬，即加消积丸饵，久服不减，
乃消导补脾兼而治之，久服亦不效，乃清热扶脾，佐以化积之药投之，其内热肿胀，亦
并不减，六七年来，胀极则倍用行气化滞，少缓则用扶脾养胃，热极则用清热和中以延
岁月，近则腹胀更甚，痞硬更大，牙疳耳目，肿烂益甚，精神益疲，肌肉益削，向治
数医，俱为束手待毙而已。按其脉，或时弦洪有力，或时弦而无力，明知久服克削，攻
至真气内乱，转护邪气为害，先天之真阴真阳已竭，乃中空外浮之象也。要知凡痞气所
成，皆由气不能健运，以致痰食气滞，聚而不散，亦非铁石物也。故古方消积药中，必
兼参术扶正，使正气一旺，自能相佐药力以化滞于无事之中，譬如肿硬，气血一和，不
由脓血而自散矣。奈何以有形之药，峻攻无形之滞，揆其意，意如有铁石物在其中也，
以致中气愈弱，愈滞愈固，愈固愈消，愈消愈弱，不死何待？试不思即大黄、巴豆，迅
利之药，亦必仗中气以营运，人至气绝之后，灌以巴黄斤许，岂能通利一物？巴黄峻
利之最者，无人气以营运，则虽入腹而犹置于纸木器中，安然不动。如此一想，则痞聚
之内，可不仗中气以运化乎，且诸病日久，未有不累至根本地位受伤，故初病多从标，
久痛必从本，况此病原由根本上来者乎！向来所治皆非其治也。余使先以金匮肾气丸
料，加牛膝、麦冬、五味子作汤，大剂空心温服数剂，热减而腹胀稍软，随以前剂冲入
人参汤三钱，食前日二剂，十余日后，精神稍长，诸症渐退，后早晨以生脉饮送下，
加牛膝、五味子之八味丸三钱，申酉刻仍以前煎方进服，如是调理两月，热症悉退，诸
症尽平，肌肉渐生，精神渐旺，向患之痞，竟不知从何处下落矣。
部主政张公五令郎，年七岁，亦患腹肿，医投消积之药，日久而胀益甚，肌肉尽
削，形如鹄立，势其危笃，诸医已无治法，而请余视，不过冀其十死一生耳。余曰∶此
幸药误非病拙也。犹土干则旱，再投燥脾克削，益令中气愈虚，而难健行于四肢百达，
乃壅滞于中，胀满益甚，自然面目四肢瘦削不堪，要知此长彼消，总此气也。此气断无
消之之理，性宜温养以壮之，滋阴以配之，补其火以生土，益中气，以健运，健运一
行，清浊自分，肿胀自愈，要知诸病不能出乎真阴真阳之外，而人之求生者，宁能外乎
真阴真阳之中者乎！真阴真阳者，诸危病之要领，求生者之根本也。阴阳者何？肾中之
水火是也，乃定一方，以八味去附子倍熟地，更加牛膝、麦冬、五味，以润水枯金
燥，更能使肺气注于肾而有所归也。十余剂后，诸症渐平，乃以前方作丸，生脉饮送
之，月余而全愈，奈不能久服，病虽去而根本未固。次年夏月，两胁下忽发肿硬，形如
妇人之乳垂下，外科投以解毒之剂，不帷不效，两颐之下，肿亦如之，连翘、金银花之
类，进以升斗，敷贴之药，涂以百计，毫无减势，或议开刀，病家大惧，乃与余商治，
余曰∶此因去年根本未复，入夏阳气浮外，肝肾之气不能牢固于下，以致无根之火上
炎，则关津管束之处，任其冲烁为累，何毒之有？《经》曰∶颈项者，生气之本也。乃
肝之俞，又咽喉之管束，阴阳之道路，盖三阳之脉自颈而上，三阴之脉自颈而还，惟其
虚也。则无力以还，肾更不能收摄以纳，乃浮而肿也。仍以去年之煎方，加青反四分、
土贝母二钱、食前服之，二三剂后肿减大半，不及十剂，四肿俱退矣。
户科李老先生令郎，少年乡荐入都会试，适患咳嗽甚烦，余见其身长肥白，颊色
常红，已知表有余而里不足，上假热而下真寒，病必当剧，劝以重服药饵，令尊先生以
有通谱候选之新贵，甚精医学，日在诊活，自当霍然也。询其药乃山栀、黄芩、花粉、
橘红、贝母、苏子、杏仁之类，余闻之而心甚骇，欲阻之，恐似嫉妒之言，欲顺之不忍
坐视误药伤人，惟力陈此病颇重，望谨慎斟酌，勿轻忽从标清理，致生他变！渠皆置之
勿听，数剂后而嗽转甚，烦躁喜冷倍常，益信寒凉为对症之药，倍用之而病转剧，乃疑
家居不能静摄，以致服药无灵，令移于庵观之中，同一按摩导气者为伴，再兼药饵，内
外夹攻，无不愈矣。不意二日后，烦躁更甚，粒米不食，饮水无度，更幸为实热，以
三黄丸下之。究竟利行不多，而喘促逆奔之势已见而未甚，又一剂后，夜半喘急大作，
有出无入遍身麻木，溃汗如注，神昏目直。口噤不言，使者归而告急于主，先生窘而告
急于余，乃促骑驰去，览其状，委顿殆尽，按其脉，两寸左关尚存而已，时当六月，商
与四逆、理中，主人畏惧，改以人参一两、麦冬二钱、五味子六分、肉桂钱余，主人始
允，急煎服之，喘减片刻，奈病大药小，烦复大作，主人不咎寒凉之罪，而反冤参桂之
误矣。余思尽吾之力，尚可以活，释彼之疑。若徇彼之见，必死而已，反受其怨，乃
坚定一方，勒令服之，用炒白术三两、人参二两、炮姜三钱、五味子一钱五分、制附子
三钱、煎浓汁半碗灌之，下咽之后，病患张口大声云，心中如火烙欲死。主仆疑怨交
起，余总不动听之，顷然又大声云∶脐间更疼更热欲死矣。余窃其春阳能下达，未至绝
也。果少顷喘定汗收，手足温而神始清，语言反甚无力，握余手而云∶寒家并无好处及
先生，先生何肯坚心立救余命也？余曰∶见死不救，非为医矣。分内之事，何足谢为！
然此方以术多而参少者，因中宫久困寒凉、不先为理中，则阳气终难下达也。
一张姓暮年而生一子，年十三岁矣。因暮年老人中风，请余延医，见其子出迎，而
步履甚难，问其故，则曰∶近日忽患腿痈，旦夕疼痛，已请外科调治数日，俱云∶势难
消散。出脓得两月收功，余见身体浮胖面色 白，已知暮年所得，先天不足矣。再诊
其脉，六脉沉细而微，复视其肿，则右腿肿胀已极，色白而冰冷，余思《经》曰∶气血
不和，留结为痈，今吾使气血既和，而无留结，则痈何自而成？令以昨进乃父之八味
汤，加牛膝、杜仲各二钱，食前服之，病家幸最莫逆，余言是诺，一剂之后，腿即温
暖，而肿痛减半，再剂而全退，三四剂后，足力如故，步履如常矣。
吏部考功司正郎河南张老先生，性禀端方，居官清肃，原任作令临潼，适当吴逆叛
乱，文兼武备，旦夕焦劳，遂得怔忡耳鸣诸症，疗者均以痰治，涌出痰涎斗许，复用滚
痰丸饵，痰势虽清，精神内夺，继而逆寇汤平，行取擢列铨部，兢兢办事，殚心竭力
历有年矣。忽于辛未七月十二日正当衙门办事，卒倒僵仆，痰涌鼾 ，目窜口开，手足
强直，自汗如雨，仓卒抬至私宅，医者病家俱谓断无生理，而危在顷刻也。值礼科王老
先生探视，见其势甚危笃，力延余视，按其脉则六部皆豁大无伦，验其候脱势已具八
九，实刻不容缓矣。乃立一方，人参三两、白术二两、附子五钱、煎浓汁大半碗灌之，
令其照方日三剂，夜二剂，按时进之，以补接虚脱之势，服后脉气渐敛，身热渐和，溃
汗渐收，次日仍用前方，日二服，夜一服至三日诸症渐减，但僵仆不省如故，余曰∶此
工夫未到，故标症稍平，而失散之本，元神气未能归复也。不可少缓，仍照前方日二夜
一。凡饮药后，必灌浓米汁半钟，以保胃气，以助药力，或有劝人风药者，余曰∶保
之不暇，敢散之乎？或有劝加痰药者，余曰∶补之难实，敢消之乎？更有劝人清火之
药者，余曰∶此尤误也。元阳欲脱，挽之尚恐不及，敢败之乎？余之重用白术、附子
者，既壮人参培元之力，而消痰去风息火之义，已在于中矣。倘稍涉标治，则峻补之力
中，反寓攻克之性，补性难于奏功，克削易于见效，走泄之窦一开，虚症蜂起，势益难
矣，违众勿用。凡三日所用人参，计共三十五两、附子共享六两、白术共享二十四两，
直至三日晚间，忽能言语，稍省人事，索粥半碗，进食而睡，其 鼾目窜诸症仍在也
于四日早晨立方，早间阳分用大补心脾气血之药，如枣仁、当归、白术、芍药、茯神、
远志、人参、肉桂、五味之类，下午阴分，正用八味汤，冲人参浓汁服之。如是加减出
入，至六七日后，诸症渐平，饮食渐加，每日人参尚用四五两，后数日早晨，用生脉饮
送服八味丸之加牛膝、杜仲、鹿茸、五味子者四五钱，日中加减归脾与八味汤，照前并
服，日渐轻强，饮食倍进，不逾月而起。始终风药如天麻、羌独、痰药如橘红、胆星、
筋药如钩藤、秦艽，并不入药，不驱风而风自除，不消痰而痰自解，不舒筋而络自活，
精神饮食，较前更壮，正书所谓正气得力，自能推出寒邪，故凡治危笃症候，全在根本
调理得力，自然邪无容地。先哲云∶识中标只取本，治于人无一损也。
山东李相国，始为浙省督台，当耿逆叛乱，亲率军旅，驻节衢州，不避寒暑矢石，
得以灭逆功成，保全浙省，皆一人之力也。及应召初为冢宰，左臂强硬作痛，上不能至
头，下不能抚背，医皆以为披星戴月，风霜有年，通作驱风活络而不愈，且大便圆如弹
子，督台以书有粪如羊屎者不治，隐以为忧招余延医，按其脉，六脉大而迟缓无神，余
知其中气久虚，所以荣卫不能遍及，肢末乃有偏枯之象，岂风霜之谓欤。若果向年风霜
贻患，岂止半身独受哉！至如便如弹子大而圆，亦系中气虚弱，命门火衰，以致营运
不健，转输迟滞，所以糟粕不能连接直下，任其断断续续，回肠曲折，转转濡滞，犹蜣
螂之弄丸，转转成圆，故虽圆而大也。岂若关格之病，脏腑津液燥槁。以致肠胃窄细粪
黑，而小如羊粪者，然只宜空心吞服八味之加牛膝、杜仲者，以培其本，食远以加减归
脾加甜薄桂以壮其标，元阳中气一壮，则行运乃健，大便之弹丸可无见矣。气血充足，
自能遍及肢末，不治臂而臂自愈矣。按服而痊，精神更倍。
司农蒋老先生，向来脉气寸强尺弱，故服八味丸，已有年矣。无如劳心太过，药力
不能胜其君主妄动之火，余南还时，闻司农于九月间鼻衄大发，调理虽愈，不能节劳，
百病侵入人体，必定有导致其入侵的原因。《黄帝内经》说：“邪气聚集的地方，正气必然虚弱。”这个“必”字分量极重，后人应当深思。金姓县令的长子，十四岁时患癫痫，众医治疗无效，继而采用针灸，消火、镇坠的药物都尝试遍了。结果发作更频繁且更严重，于是请我诊治。诊得脉象洪大弦急有力，唯独两尺脉弱，这是阴液亏损到了极点，孤阳无法收敛，火性上炎，导致僵仆等诸症发作，这是理所当然的。如果再用消痰镇坠的药物，岂不是更加耗伤阴分吗？于是让他空腹用淡盐水送服加味八味丸四五钱，以使真阳得以潜藏。然而阳气没有阴液的收敛，怎么能长久潜藏呢？火没有水的制约，难免浮越，随即又用重浊的大剂量壮木（补肾固本）一剂继之，以助主蛰封藏之势，这样水火就能各得其位了。下午再服用调补气血、养心清肺、和肝的膏滋一丸。如此调理两个月，精神倍增，癫痫不治而愈。所以说：治病必须探求根本。现将丸、煎、膏三方列于后。
加味八味丸方
熟地黄（一斤，取八两汁用水煎煮取汁，去渣，将剩余药料放入汁中，煮烂捣烂入药） 怀山药（四两，炒至微黄色） 牡丹皮（四两，焙干） 白茯苓（三两，用乳汁拌透，晒干后焙干） 山茱萸肉（去核，四两，酒拌蒸，晒干后焙干） 泽泻（二两，淡盐水拌，晒干后炒） 五味子（二两，每个用铜刀切为两片，蜜酒拌蒸，晒干后焙燥） 牛膝（三两，淡盐酒拌炒） 肉桂（选取靠近树皮内层、有油滋润且极甜者，一两五钱，直接入药，勿使气味散失，不见火） 制附子（一两五钱，切薄片，微火焙干）。
研为细末，用熟地黄捣烂加入药中，加炼蜜，杵捣均匀，搓成小丸，晒干。藏在瓷器瓶中，每天早晨空腹用淡盐水送服四钱，随后进服煎剂，使阳气潜藏而阴液秘守。
煎方
大熟地（一两） 丹参（一钱五分） 麦冬（去心，三钱） 生白芍（二钱） 茯苓（一钱五分） 丹皮（一钱五分） 远志肉（甘草煮透，一钱二分） 牛膝（三钱） 五味子（六分）。水两盏，灯心草十根，莲子十粒（去心衣），煎至八分，温和服用。在服用八味丸之后，滋阴药最忌热服，热服则阳气外走，不能养阴；太冷则直入肠道，又不能渗透运行于经脉。
膏滋丸方
酸枣仁（四两，炒熟，捣碎） 当归身（三两，酒拌炒） 怀熟地（八两） 金石斛（去芦头，二两） 白芍药（三两，蜜水拌，晒干，炒） 制麦冬（三两，拌炒，与黄米同炒，炒燥后去米） 牛膝（二两，水洗） 制远志肉（二两，用甘草浓汁煮透，晒干，焙干）。先用建莲肉一斤，去心衣，煎取浓汁三十多碗，去渣，将上述药物放入其中，煎取头汁和二汁，去渣，熬成极浓的膏滋，加入后续药物收成大丸。
拣选人参三两，研极细；白茯神四两，研极细；白茯苓三两，研极细。以上三种粉末收入前膏滋内，制成大丸，每枚重四钱，下午饭后较长时间，用白开水化开一丸服用。
旗下何宅的长子十岁，肚腹胀满极其严重，痞块有形，肌肉消瘦，精神困顿，仅存皮骨，耳中流脓，眼中红肿，牙龈出血，有时腐烂，咳嗽气短，腿膝疼痛，夜间不能入睡，白天不能进食，已成坏症，于是请我诊治。询问病因，起于半个月前，肚子稍肿硬，即加服消积丸，久服不减，于是采用消导补脾兼治的方法，久服也无效，又采用清热扶脾，佐以化积的药物投服，内热肿胀也不见减轻。六七年来，胀极时加倍使用行气化滞药，稍缓时用扶脾养胃药，热极时用清热和中药以延续岁月。近来腹胀更甚，痞硬更大，牙疳耳目，肿痛溃烂更严重，精神更疲乏，肌肉更消瘦。之前治疗的几位医生，都束手无策，坐以待毙。按摸他的脉，有时弦洪有力，有时弦而无力。明知久服克削攻伐之药，导致真气内乱，反而护持邪气为害，先天真阴真阳已竭，呈现中空外浮之象。要知道凡是痞气形成，皆因气机不能健运，导致痰食气滞，聚而不散，这也不是铁石之物。所以古方消积药中，必兼用人参、白术扶正，使正气旺盛，自然能辅助药力化解停滞于无形之中。譬如肿硬，气血一旦调和，不通过排脓流血也能自行消散。奈何用有形之药，峻猛攻伐无形之滞，揣测其意，仿佛认为其中有铁石之物，以致中气愈弱，停滞愈固，愈固愈消，愈消愈弱，不死还等什么？试不想即使是大黄、巴豆这类迅利之药，也必须依靠中气来营运。人至气绝之后，灌入几斤巴豆大黄，难道能通利一物吗？巴豆大黄是峻利之最，无人气营运，则虽入腹犹如置于纸木器中，安然不动。如此一想，则痞聚之内，可不仗中气来运化吗？况且诸病日久，未有不累及根本地位受伤的，所以初病多从标治，久痛必从本治，何况此病原由根本而来！向来所治都不是正确的治法。我先用金匮肾气丸料，加牛膝、麦冬、五味子作汤剂，大剂量空腹温服数剂，热减而腹胀稍软，随即以前剂冲入人参汤三钱，食前每日服两剂。十余日后，精神稍长，诸症渐退。后早晨以生脉饮送下加牛膝、五味子的八味丸三钱，申酉刻仍以前煎方进服。如此调理两个月，热症悉退，诸症尽平，肌肉渐生，精神渐旺，先前患的痞块，竟不知从何处消失了。
部主政张公的五儿子，七岁，也患腹肿，医生投以消积药，日久而胀更甚，肌肉尽削，形如鹤立，形势危笃，诸医已无治法，请我诊治，不过希望有一线生机罢了。我说：这是误药所致，非病之拙劣。如同土地干旱则旱，再投燥脾克削之药，只会令中气愈虚，难以健行于四肢百骸，乃壅滞于中，胀满更甚，自然面目四肢瘦削不堪。要知道此长彼消，总归是气的问题。此气断无消之理，性质宜温养以壮之，滋阴以配之，补其火以生土，益中气以健运。健运一行，清浊自分，肿胀自愈。要知道诸病不能出乎真阴真阳之外，人之求生，岂能外乎真阴真阳之中呢！真阴真阳，是诸危病的要领，求生者的根本。阴阳是什么？就是肾中的水火。于是定一方，以八味丸去掉附子，倍用熟地，再加牛膝、麦冬、五味子，以润水枯金燥，更能使肺气注于肾而有所归。十余剂后，诸症渐平，乃以前方作丸，生脉饮送服。月余而全愈，无奈不能久服，病虽去而根本未固。次年夏月，两胁下忽发肿硬，形如妇人乳房垂下，外科投以解毒剂，不仅无效，两颐之下，肿亦如之，连翘、金银花之类，进以升斗，敷贴之药，涂以百计，毫无减势。有人提议开刀，病家大惧，于是与我商量治法。我说：这是因为去年根本未复，入夏阳气浮外，肝肾之气不能牢固于下，以致无根之火上炎，则关津管束之处，任其冲烁为累，何毒之有？《内经》说：颈项者，生气之本也。乃肝之俞，又咽喉之管束，阴阳之道路。盖三阳之脉自颈而上，三阴之脉自颈而还，惟其虚也，则无力以还，肾更不能收摄以纳，乃浮而肿也。仍以去年之煎方，加青皮四分、土贝母二钱，食前服之。二三剂后肿减大半，不及十剂，四肿俱退矣。
户科李老先生之子，少年乡荐入都会试，适患咳嗽甚烦。我见他身长肥白，颊色常红，已知表有余而里不足，上假热而下真寒，病必当剧。劝以重服药饵，令尊先生以有通谱候选之新贵，甚精医学，日在诊活，自当霍然也。询其药乃山栀、黄芩、花粉、橘红、贝母、苏子、杏仁之类。我闻之而心甚骇，欲阻之，恐似嫉妒之言，欲顺之不忍坐视误药伤人，惟力陈此病颇重，望谨慎斟酌，勿轻忽从标清理，致生他变！渠皆置之勿听。数剂后而嗽转甚，烦躁喜冷倍常，益信寒凉为对症之药，倍用之而病转剧。乃疑家居不能静摄，以致服药无灵，令移于庵观之中，同一按摩导气者为伴，再兼药饵，内外夹攻，无不愈矣。不意二日后，烦躁更甚，粒米不食，饮水无度，更幸为实热，以三黄丸下之。究竟利行不多，而喘促逆奔之势已见而未甚，又一剂后，夜半喘急大作，有出无入遍身麻木，溃汗如注，神昏目直，口噤不言。使者归而告急于主，先生窘而告急于余，乃促骑驰去。览其状，委顿殆尽，按其脉，两寸左关尚存而已。时当六月，商与四逆、理中，主人畏惧，改以人参一两、麦冬二钱、五味子六分、肉桂钱余，主人始允，急煎服之，喘减片刻，奈病大药小，烦复大作。主人不咎寒凉之罪，而反冤参桂之误矣。余思尽吾之力，尚可以活，释彼之疑。若徇彼之见，必死而已，反受其怨，乃坚定一方，勒令服之，用炒白术三两、人参二两、炮姜三钱、五味子一钱五分、制附子三钱，煎浓汁半碗灌之。下咽之后，病患张口大声云，心中如火烙欲死。主仆疑怨交起，余总不动听之。顷然又大声云∶脐间更疼更热欲死矣。余窃其春阳能下达，未至绝也。果少顷喘定汗收，手足温而神始清，语言反甚无力，握余手而云∶寒家并无好处及先生，先生何肯坚心立救余命也？余曰∶见死不救，非为医矣。分内之事，何足谢为！然此方以术多而参少者，因中宫久困寒凉、不先为理中，则阳气终难下达也。
一张姓暮年而生一子，年十三岁矣。因暮年老人中风，请余延医，见其子出迎，而步履甚难，问其故，则曰∶近日忽患腿痈，旦夕疼痛，已请外科调治数日，俱云∶势难消散。出脓得两月收功。余见身体浮胖面色㿠白，已知暮年所得，先天不足矣。再诊其脉，六脉沉细而微，复视其肿，则右腿肿胀已极，色白而冰冷。余思《经》曰∶气血不和，留结为痈，今吾使气血既和，而无留结，则痈何自而成？令以昨进乃父之八味汤，加牛膝、杜仲各二钱，食前服之。病家幸最莫逆，余言是诺，一剂之后，腿即温暖，而肿痛减半，再剂而全退，三四剂后，足力如故，步履如常矣。
吏部考功司正郎河南张老先生，性禀端方，居官清肃，原任作令临潼，适当吴逆叛乱，文兼武备，旦夕焦劳，遂得怔忡耳鸣诸症，疗者均以痰治，涌出痰涎斗许，复用滚痰丸饵，痰势虽清，精神内夺，继而逆寇汤平，行取擢列铨部，兢兢办事，殚心竭力历有年矣。忽于辛未七月十二日正当衙门办事，卒倒僵仆，痰涌鼾睡，目窜口开，手足强直，自汗如雨，仓卒抬至私宅，医者病家俱谓断无生理，而危在顷刻也。值礼科王老先生探视，见其势甚危笃，力延余视，按其脉则六部皆豁大无伦，验其候脱势已具八九，实刻不容缓矣。乃立一方，人参三两、白术二两、附子五钱，煎浓汁大半碗灌之，令其照方日三剂，夜二剂，按时进之，以补接虚脱之势，服后脉气渐敛，身热渐和，溃汗渐收，次日仍用前方，日二服，夜一服至三日诸症渐减，但僵仆不省如故。余曰∶此工夫未到，故标症稍平，而失散之本，元神气未能归复也。不可少缓，仍照前方日二夜一。凡饮药后，必灌浓米汁半钟，以保胃气，以助药力，或有劝人风药者，余曰∶保之不暇，敢散之乎？或有劝加痰药者，余曰∶补之难实，敢消之乎？更有劝人清火之药者，余曰∶此尤误也。元阳欲脱，挽之尚恐不及，敢败之乎？余之重用白术、附子者，既壮人参培元之力，而消痰去风息火之义，已在于中矣。倘稍涉标治，则峻补之力中，反寓攻克之性，补性难于奏功，克削易于见效，走泄之窦一开，虚症蜂起，势益难矣，违众勿用。凡三日所用人参，计共三十五两、附子共享六两、白术共享二十四两，直至三日晚间，忽能言语，稍省人事，索粥半碗，进食而睡，其鼾睡目窜诸症仍在也。于四日早晨立方，早间阳分用大补心脾气血之药，如枣仁、当归、白术、芍药、茯神、远志、人参、肉桂、五味之类，下午阴分，正用八味汤，冲人参浓汁服之。如是加减出入，至六七日后，诸症渐平，饮食渐加，每日人参尚用四五两，后数日早晨，用生脉饮送服八味丸之加牛膝、杜仲、鹿茸、五味子者四五钱，日中加减归脾与八味汤，照前并服，日渐轻强，饮食倍进，不逾月而起。始终风药如天麻、羌独、痰药如橘红、胆星、筋药如钩藤、秦艽，并不入药，不驱风而风自除，不消痰而痰自解，不舒筋而络自活，精神饮食，较前更壮，正书所谓正气得力，自能推出寒邪，故凡治危笃症候，全在根本调理得力，自然邪无容地。先哲云∶识中标只取本，治于人无一损也。
山东李相国，始为浙省督台，当耿逆叛乱，亲率军旅，驻节衢州，不避寒暑矢石，得以灭逆功成，保全浙省，皆一人之力也。及应召初为冢宰，左臂强硬作痛，上不能至头，下不能抚背，医皆以为披星戴月，风霜有年，通作驱风活络而不愈，且大便圆如弹子，督台以书有粪如羊屎者不治，隐以为忧招余延医。按其脉，六脉大而迟缓无神，余知其中气久虚，所以荣卫不能遍及，肢末乃有偏枯之象，岂风霜之谓欤。若果向年风霜贻患，岂止半身独受哉！至如便如弹子大而圆，亦系中气虚弱，命门火衰，以致营运不健，转输迟滞，所以糟粕不能连接直下，任其断断续续，回肠曲折，转转濡滞，犹蜣螂之弄丸，转转成圆，故虽圆而大也。岂若关格之病，脏腑津液燥槁。以致肠胃窄细粪黑，而小如羊粪者，然只宜空心吞服八味之加牛膝、杜仲者，以培其本，食远以加减归脾加甜薄桂以壮其标，元阳中气一壮，则行运乃健，大便之弹丸可无见矣。气血充足，自能遍及肢末，不治臂而臂自愈矣。按服而痊，精神更倍。
司农蒋老先生，向来脉气寸强尺弱，故服八味丸，已有年矣。无如劳心太过，药力不能胜其君主妄动之火，余南还时，闻司农于九月间鼻衄大发，调理虽愈，不能节劳，
The invasion of a hundred diseases into the human body must have a cause for their intrusion. The *Classic* (Huangdi Neijing) states: "Where evil qi gathers, righteous qi must be deficient." The word "must" carries immense weight; later generations should ponder this deeply. The eldest son of Magistrate Jin suffered from epilepsy at age fourteen. Treatments by various physicians were ineffective, followed by acupuncture, and preparations for clearing fire and suppressing [yang] were exhausted. His attacks became more frequent and severe, so he invited me to treat him. His pulse was surging, wiry, and forceful, except for the two Chi (Cun-Kou) positions which were weak. This indicates that Yin fluids are extremely depleted, leaving solitary Yang uncontained. Since Fire nature tends to flare upward, symptoms such as stiff collapse occur, which is logical. If one were to use phlegm-resolving and suppressing medications, would it not further deplete the Yin aspect? Therefore, I instructed him to take Jia Wei Ba Wei Wan (Modified Eight-Ingredient Pill with Rehmanniae Radix), four or five qian, on an empty stomach with light salt water, to allow the True Yang to be stored and received. However, without Yin to contain it, how can Yang be stored long-term? Without Water to control Fire, floating and dispersing are inevitable. Subsequently, I administered a heavy dose of Zhuang Mu (Strengthening Wood/Kidney) decoction to assist the momentum of hibernation and sealing/storage, thus allowing Water and Fire to find their proper places. In the afternoon, he took one pill of a tonic paste that regulates and tonifies Qi and Blood, nourishes the Heart, clears the Lungs, and harmonizes the Liver. After two months of such regulation, his spirit greatly improved, and his epilepsy healed without specific anti-epileptic treatment. Thus it is said: To treat disease, one must seek its root. The formulas for the pill, decoction, and paste are listed below.
**Jia Wei Ba Wei Wan Formula (Modified Eight-Ingredient Pill)**
* Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata): 1 jin. Take 8 liang of juice, boil with water to make juice, remove dregs, put the remaining herbs in the juice, boil until soft, mash, and add to the medicine.
* Huai Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Oppositae Rhizoma): 4 liang, stir-fried until slightly yellow.
* Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex): 4 liang, baked.
* Bai Fu Ling (Poria): 3 liang, soaked thoroughly in milk, dried, then baked.
* Shan Zhu Rou (Corni Fructus): Pitted, 4 liang, steamed with wine, dried, then baked.
* Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma): 2 liang, mixed with light salt water, dried, then fried.
* Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus): 2 liang, each cut into two pieces with a copper knife, steamed with honey-wine, dried, then baked dry.
* Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix): 3 liang, fried with light salt wine.
* Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex): Select the inner layer near the bark that is oily, moist, and extremely sweet, 1.5 liang. Add directly to the medicine, do not let the aroma escape, avoid direct fire.
* Zhi Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata): 1.5 liang, sliced thinly, baked over mild fire.
Grind into fine powder. Mash the Shu Di Huang and mix into the powder. Add refined honey, pound well, roll into small pills, and dry. Store in a porcelain jar. Take 4 qian every morning on an empty stomach with light salt water, followed by the decoction, to ensure Yang is stored and Yin is secured.
**Decoction Formula**
* Da Shu Di (Large Prepared Rehmanniae Radix): 1 liang
* Dan Shen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma): 1.5 qian
* Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber): De-core, 3 qian
* Sheng Bai Shao (Raw Paeoniae Radix Alba): 2 qian
* Fu Ling (Poria): 1.5 qian
* Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex): 1.5 qian
* Yuan Zhi Rou (Polygalae Radix flesh): Boiled thoroughly with Gan Cao, 1.2 qian
* Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix): 3 qian
* Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus): 6 fen
* Water: 2 zhan. Deng Xin Cao (Junci Medulla): 10 roots. Lian Zi (Nelumbinis Semen): 10 grains, de-core and remove skin. Decoct to 0.8 zhan. Take warm.
After taking Ba Wei Wan, Yin-nourishing medicines must not be taken hot; hot intake causes Yang to wander outward and fails to nourish Yin. Too cold causes them to enter the intestines directly and fail to permeate the meridians.
**Paste Pill Formula**
* Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen): 4 liang, stir-fried until ripe, crushed.
* Dang Gui Shen (Angelicae Sinensis Radix flesh): 3 liang, stir-fried with wine.
* Huai Shu Di (Huai Prepared Rehmanniae Radix): 8 liang.
* Jin Shi Hu (Dendrobii Caulis): Remove rhizome, 2 liang.
* Bai Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba): 3 liang, mixed with honey-water, dried, fried.
* Zhi Mai Dong (Prepared Ophiopogonis Tuber): 3 liang, stir-fried with Huang Mi (Yellow Millet), fried dry, remove millet.
* Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix): 2 liang, washed.
* Zhi Yuan Zhi Rou (Prepared Polygalae Radix flesh): 2 liang, boiled thoroughly in strong Gan Cao juice, dried, baked.
First, take Jian Lian Rou (Nelumbinis Semen) 1 jin, remove core and skin, decoct to obtain over 30 bowls of thick juice, remove dregs. Add the above herbs, decoct to obtain the first extract. Decoct again for the second extract. Remove dregs and boil down to an extremely thick paste. Add the following herbs to form large pills.
* Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma): 3 liang, ground very fine.
* Bai Fu Shen (Poria cum Radice): 4 liang, ground very fine.
* Bai Fu Ling (Poria): 3 liang, ground very fine.
Mix these into the previous paste to form large pills. Each weighs 4 qian. Take one pill dissolved in white water after dinner in the late afternoon.
The eldest son of He’s household under the Banner, aged ten, had extreme abdominal distension with palpable masses, emaciated muscles, and mental fatigue, appearing as mere skin and bones. His ears discharged pus, eyes were red and swollen, gums bled and sometimes ulcerated, accompanied by cough, shortness of breath, and pain in legs and knees. He could not sleep at night or eat during the day. It had become a critical condition. Upon inquiry, the illness began half a month prior with slight swelling and hardness of the abdomen. Xiao Ji Wan (Eliminate Accumulation Pill) was taken for a long time without reduction. Then, methods combining digestion-promoting and spleen-tonifying were used, also ineffective. Clearing heat and supporting the spleen with accumulation-resolving drugs also failed to reduce internal heat and swelling. For six or seven years, when distension was extreme, Qi-moving and stagnation-resolving drugs were doubled; when relieved, spleen-supporting and stomach-nourishing drugs were used; when heat was extreme, heat-clearing and middle-jiao-harmonizing drugs were used to prolong life. Recently, abdominal distension worsened, masses became harder and larger, gum ulcers and ear/eye swelling/ulceration intensified, spirit declined further, and muscles wasted away. Previous doctors were helpless. His pulse was sometimes wiry, surging, and forceful, sometimes wiry and weak. Knowing that long-term use of attacking/draining drugs has disrupted true Qi and protected evil, causing depletion of congenital True Yin and True Yang, presenting as hollow inside and floating outside. One must know that all痞 (Pi - masses/stagnation) forms due to Qi failing to transport vigorously, leading to accumulation of phlegm, food, and Qi stagnation. It is not iron or stone. Ancient formulas for eliminating accumulation always include Ren Shen and Bai Zhu to support righteousness. When righteous Qi is vigorous, it naturally assists medicinal power to resolve stagnation effortlessly. Just as swelling and hardness, once Qi and Blood are harmonized, dissipate spontaneously without pus or blood. Why use tangible drugs to violently attack intangible stagnation, acting as if there were iron or stone inside? This causes Middle Qi to weaken, stagnation to solidify, draining to weaken further, leading inevitably to death. Consider Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) and Ba Dou (Crotonis Fructus); even these rapid drugs rely on Middle Qi for operation. After Qi ceases, pouring several jin of Ba Dou and Da Huang cannot promote bowel movement. Without human Qi to operate, they remain inert in the abdomen like objects in paper or wood vessels. Thus, resolving Pi requires relying on Middle Qi for transformation. Moreover, chronic diseases invariably injure the root. Initial illness often treats the branch; chronic pain must treat the root. Since this illness originates from the root, previous treatments were incorrect. I first prescribed Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan ingredients, adding Niu Xi, Mai Dong, and Wu Wei Zi as a decoction, taken in large doses warm on an empty stomach for several doses. Heat decreased and abdominal distension softened slightly. Then, I added 3 qian of Ren Shen Tang to the previous formula, taken before meals, twice daily. After more than ten days, spirit improved slightly, and symptoms gradually receded. In the morning, I sent down 3 qian of Ba Wei Wan (added with Niu Xi and Wu Wei Zi) with Sheng Mai Yin. At Shen and You hours (3 PM - 7 PM), the previous decoction was continued. After two months of regulation, heat symptoms vanished, all symptoms flattened, muscles regenerated, spirit strengthened, and the previous Pi mass disappeared inexplicably.
The fifth young master of Minister Zhang, aged seven, also suffered from abdominal swelling. Doctors gave accumulation-eliminating drugs, but swelling worsened over time, muscles wasted away, and he stood like a heron, critically ill. Physicians had no methods left, inviting me only for a slim chance of survival. I said: This is due to erroneous medication, not faulty pathology. Like dry land causing drought, further administering drying spleen-draining drugs only makes Middle Qi more deficient, unable to circulate to limbs and extremities, causing stagnation in the center and worsening distension, leading to emaciation of face and limbs. Know that what grows here diminishes there; it is all about Qi. Qi cannot be drained; its nature requires warming and nourishing to strengthen it, and Yin-nourishing to balance it. Tonify Fire to generate Earth, benefit Middle Qi to promote transportation. Once transportation functions, clear and turbid separate, and swelling heals naturally. All diseases do not exist outside True Yin and True Yang, nor can seeking life exist outside them. True Yin and True Yang are the essence of critical illnesses and the foundation of survival. What are Yin and Yang? They are Water and Fire in the Kidney. I formulated a prescription: Ba Wei Wan minus Fu Zi, doubling Shu Di, plus Niu Xi, Mai Dong, and Wu Wei Zi, to moisten dry Water and dry Metal, allowing Lung Qi to descend to the Kidney. After more than ten doses, symptoms stabilized. The formula was made into pills, taken with Sheng Mai Yin. Full recovery occurred within a month, but long-term use was impossible; although the disease left, the root was not solidified. The following summer, sudden swelling and hardness appeared under both hypochondria, resembling hanging female breasts. Surgeons gave detoxifying agents with no effect. Swelling also appeared under both cheeks. Large amounts of Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus) and Jin Yin Hua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos) were ingested, and hundreds of applications of external pastes were used, with no reduction. Some suggested surgery, frightening the family. They consulted me. I said: This is because the root did not recover last year. In summer, Yang floats outward, and Liver-Kidney Qi cannot secure itself downward. Rootless Fire flares upward, overwhelming the gates and controls, causing damage. Where is the toxicity? The *Classic* says: The neck and nape are the root of vital energy. It is the Shu point of the Liver, the control of the throat, and the pathway of Yin and Yang. Yang meridians ascend from the neck; Yin meridians return from the neck. Due to deficiency, they lack strength to return, and the Kidney cannot grasp and receive them, resulting in floating swelling. I used the previous year's decoction, adding Qing Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride) 4 fen and Tu Bei Mu (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus) 2 qian, taken before meals. After 2-3 doses, swelling reduced by more than half. Within ten doses, all four swellings subsided.
The young master of Elder Li from the Ministry of Personnel, a young man recommended for the metropolitan examination, suffered from severe, vexing cough. Seeing his tall, fat, white complexion and constant redness on his cheeks, I knew excess on the exterior and deficiency on the interior, false heat above and true cold below. The disease would be severe. I advised heavy medication. His father, a newly appointed official proficient in medicine, believed he would recover quickly with his own prescriptions of Shan Zhi (Gardeniae Fructus), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix), Ju Hong (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Bei Mu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus), Su Zi (Perillae Fructus), and Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum). Hearing this alarmed me. Wanting to stop it seemed jealous; agreeing meant watching harm done. I strongly stated the disease was serious, urging caution, warning against treating only the branch and causing complications. They ignored me. After several doses, cough worsened, irritability and preference for cold increased, confirming their belief in cold/cooling drugs. They doubled the dosage, worsening the condition. Suspecting home environment prevented quiet recuperation, they moved him to a temple with massage and Qi-guidance practitioners, combining external and internal attacks. Two days later, irritability intensified, no food intake, excessive drinking. Believing it was excess heat, they purged with San Huang Wan (Three-Yellow Pill). Bowel movements were scant, but panting and rushing Qi appeared. After another dose, midnight brought severe panting, breathing out but not in, whole-body numbness, profuse sweating, coma, staring eyes, locked jaw, and silence. Messengers sought my help. Arriving, I saw extreme exhaustion. Pulse: Cun and Left Guan barely present. It was June. We discussed Si Ni Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction) and Li Zhong Wan (Regulate the Middle Pill), but the owner feared them, opting instead for Ren Shen 1 liang, Mai Dong 2 qian, Wu Wei Zi 6 fen, and Rou Gui slightly over 1 qian. I reluctantly agreed. Panting eased briefly, but the disease was too great for the small dose. Irritability returned severely. The owner blamed Ren Shen and Rou Gui rather than the cooling drugs. Thinking I could save him with full effort and dispel doubt, whereas yielding would mean death and resentment, I firmly prescribed: Chao Bai Zhu 3 liang, Ren Shen 2 liang, Pao Jiang (Roasted Ginger) 3 qian, Wu Wei Zi 1.5 qian, Zhi Fu Zi 3 qian. Decoct to half a bowl of thick liquid and administer. After swallowing, the patient shouted loudly: "My heart feels like burning, I want to die!" Master and servant doubted and resented me, but I remained unmoved. Soon he shouted again: "My navel hurts and burns intensely, I want to die!" I secretly noted that Spring Yang could still reach downward, meaning Qi was not severed. Indeed, shortly after, panting stopped, sweat ceased, hands and feet warmed, and spirit cleared. Speech was weak, holding my hand saying: "My family has never benefited you, why do you persist in saving my life?" I replied: "Not saving someone from death is not being a physician. It is my duty; why thank me?" This formula uses more Bai Zhu than Ren Shen because the Middle Jiao has been trapped by cold/cooling drugs for long; without regulating the Middle first, Yang Qi cannot reach downward.
A man surnamed Zhang, having a son in old age, aged thirteen. Because the elderly father suffered stroke, I was invited. Seeing the son greet me with difficulty walking, I asked why. He said: Recently developed leg carbuncle, painful day and night. Surgeons treated for days, saying resolution was difficult. After pus discharge, it took two months to heal. Seeing his puffy, pale body, I knew congenital deficiency due to late conception. Pulse: Six positions deep, thin, and faint. Examination: Right leg extremely swollen, white and ice-cold. I thought: The *Classic* says: Disharmony of Qi and Blood leads to accumulation forming carbuncles. Now, if I harmonize Qi and Blood without accumulation, how can the carbuncle form? I ordered him to take the Ba Wei Tang (Eight-Ingredient Decoction) given to his father yesterday, adding Niu Xi and Du Zhong (Eucommiae Cortex) 2 qian each, taken before meals. The family trusted me completely. After one dose, the leg warmed, pain and swelling halved. After two doses, fully subsided. After three to four doses, leg strength returned, walking normal.
Elder Zhang from Henan, Director of Evaluation in the Ministry of Personnel, upright and clean in office. Formerly magistrate inLintong, during Wu Sangui's rebellion, managed civil and military affairs, worrying day and night, developing palpitations and tinnitus. Physicians treated phlegm, inducing vomiting of a bucket of saliva/phlegm, then using Gun Tan Wan (Rolling Phlegm Pill). Although phlegm cleared, spirit was internally stolen. Later, rebels were pacified, he was promoted to the Ministry of Personnel, working diligently for years. Suddenly, on July 12th in the Xinwei year, while working, he collapsed stiffly, phlegm gurgling, snoring, eyes rolling, mouth open, limbs rigid, sweating like rain. Taken home, doctors and family deemed it hopeless, dying instantly. Elder Wang from the Court of Imperial Sacrifices visited, seeing critical state, urged me to examine. Pulse: Six positions vast and boundless. Signs of collapse were 80-90% complete. Urgent action needed. I prescribed: Ren Shen 3 liang, Bai Zhu 2 liang, Fu Zi 5 qian. Decoct to half a bowl thick liquid and administer. Three doses daily, two at night, on time, to supplement and connect collapsing Qi. After administration, pulse gathered, body heat normalized, sweat stopped. Next day, same formula, two doses day, one night. By third day, symptoms reduced, but stiffness and unconsciousness persisted. I said: Effort insufficient. Branch symptoms calmed, but root lost, Yuan Shen Qi not restored. Do not delay. Continue same formula, two day, one night. After each dose, administer half cup of thick rice gruel to protect Stomach Qi and aid medicine. Some advised wind-dispelling drugs. I said: Hardly enough time to protect, dare I disperse? Some advised phlegm-resolving drugs. I said: Hard to tonify solidly, dare I drain? Some advised fire-clearing drugs. I said: Most erroneous. Original Yang about to escape, hard to save, dare I destroy? My heavy use of Bai Zhu and Fu Zi strengthens Ren Shen's Yuan-tonifying power, while resolving phlegm, dispelling wind, and extinguishing fire is inherent within. If touching upon branch treatment, strong tonification contains attacking nature. Tonification hard to succeed, draining easy to show effect. Once leakage opens, deficiency symptoms swarm, situation becomes harder. Defy crowd, do not use. Total Ren Shen used in three days: 35 liang; Fu Zi: 6 liang; Bai Zhu: 24 liang. Until evening of third day, he suddenly spoke, regained some consciousness, asked for half bowl porridge, ate and slept. Snoring and eye-rolling persisted. On fourth morning, I formulated: Morning (Yang aspect) use large tonics for Heart-Spleen Qi and Blood: Suan Zao Ren, Dang Gui, Bai Zhu, Shao Yao, Fu Shen, Yuan Zhi, Ren Shen, Rou Gui, Wu Wei Zi. Afternoon (Yin aspect) use Ba Wei Tang mixed with Ren Shen thick juice. Adjusted over 6-7 days, symptoms calmed, diet increased. Daily Ren Shen 4-5 liang. Following mornings, send down Ba Wei Wan (added Niu Xi, Du Zhong, Lu Rong, Wu Wei Zi) 4-5 qian with Sheng Mai Yin. Midday, adjust Gui Pi Tang and Ba Wei Tang, taken together. Gradually stronger, diet doubled, recovered within a month. Throughout, no wind drugs (Tian Ma, Qiang Huo, Du Huo), no phlegm drugs (Ju Hong, Dan Xing), no tendon drugs (Gou Teng, Qin Jiao). Wind removed without dispelling, phlegm resolved without draining, tendons activated without soothing. Spirit and diet stronger than before. As texts say: When righteous Qi is sufficient, it expels cold pathogens naturally. Thus, treating critical conditions relies entirely on effective root regulation, leaving no room for evil. Ancients said: Recognize the branch but take only the root; treating humans causes no loss.
State Councillor Li from Shandong, initially Governor-General of Zhejiang, led troops against Geng Jingzhong's rebellion, stationed in Quzhou, enduring cold, heat, arrows, and stones, achieving victory and preserving Zhejiang through his efforts. Upon recall, appointed Grand Secretary, his left arm became stiff and painful, unable to reach head or touch back. Physicians attributed it to years of exposure to wind and frost, treating with wind-dispelling and meridian-unblocking drugs without success. Also, stool was round like marbles. The Governor-General worried, citing books stating feces like sheep dung are untreatable. He invited me. Pulse: Six positions large, slow, and spiritless. I knew Middle Qi long deficient, so Ying and Wei could not reach extremities, causing hemiplegia-like signs. Was it wind and frost? If so, why only half body? Stool round like marbles also due to weak Middle Qi and declining Ming Men Fire, causing poor transportation and delayed transfer. Waste cannot flow straight down, breaking up in coiled intestines, becoming round like dung beetles rolling pellets. Not like Guan Ge disease where organs/dryness cause narrow intestines and black, sheep-dung-like stool. Only suitable to take Ba Wei Wan (added Niu Xi, Du Zhong) on empty stomach to cultivate root, and Gui Pi Tang (modified) with Tian Bo Gui (Sweet Thin Cinnamon) after meals to strengthen branch. Once Original Yang and Middle Qi strengthen, transportation improves, marble stools disappear. Abundant Qi and Blood reach extremities; arm heals without direct treatment. Recovery confirmed, spirit doubled.
Elder Jiang from the Ministry of Agriculture, always with strong Cun and weak Chi pulse, had taken Ba Wei Wan for years. Unfortunately, excessive mental labor produced fire from the "Monarch" (Heart) that medicine could not overcome. When I returned south, I heard he suffered severe epistaxis in September. Though regulated and healed, he could not rest from labor.