〔垣〕药有寒、热、温、凉之性，酸、苦、辛、咸、甘、淡之味，各有所能，不可不通也
。药之气味，不比同类之物，味皆咸，其气皆寒之类是也。凡同气之物，必有诸味；同味之
物，必有诸气。互相为用，各有浓薄，性用不等。制其方者，必宜明其为用。经曰∶味为阴
，味浓为纯阴，味薄为阴中之阳；气为阳，气浓为纯阳，气薄为阳中之阴。味浓则泄，薄即
通。气薄则发泄，浓则发热。又曰∶辛甘发散为阳，酸苦涌泄为阴，咸味涌泄为阴，淡味渗
泄为阳。凡此之味，各有所能，辛能散结润燥，苦能燥湿软坚，咸能软坚，酸能收缓收散，
甘能缓急，淡能利窍。若用其味，必明其气之可否；若用其气，必明其味之所宜。识其病之
标本，脏腑寒热虚实，微甚缓急，而用其药之气味，随其症而制其方可也。是故方有君臣佐
使，轻重缓急，君臣大小，反正逆从之制也。主治病者为君，佐君者为臣，应臣者为使，用
此随病之所宜，而又赞成方而用之。君一臣二，奇之制也。君二臣四，偶之制也。君二臣三
，奇之制也。君二臣六，偶之制也。去咽嗌近者奇之，远者偶之。汗者不奇，下者不偶。补
上治上，制之以缓；补下治下，制之以急。急者，气味浓也；缓者，气味薄也；薄者，少服
而频食；浓者，多服而顿食。又当明五气之郁，木郁达之，谓吐令条达也；火郁发之，谓汗
令疏散也；土郁夺之，谓下无壅滞也；金郁泄之，谓解表泄小便也；水郁折之，谓制其冲逆
也。通此五法，乃治病之大要也。
〔《素》〕帝曰∶非调气而得者，治之奈何？有毒无毒，何先何后，愿闻其道？岐伯曰∶有
毒无毒，所治为主，适大小为制也。帝曰∶请言其制。岐伯曰∶君一臣二，制之小也；君一
臣三佐五，制之中也；君一臣三佐九，制之大也。寒者热之，热者寒之，微者逆之，甚者从
之，坚者削之，客者除之，劳者温之，结者散之，留者攻之，燥者濡之，急者缓之，散者收
之，损者益之，逸者行之，惊者平之，上之下之，摩之浴之，薄之劫之，开之发之，适事为
故。帝曰∶何谓逆从？岐伯曰∶逆者正治，从者反治，从少从多，观其事也。帝曰∶反治何
谓？岐伯曰∶热因寒用，寒因热用，塞因塞用，通因通用。必伏其所主而先其所因，其始则
同，其终则异，可使破积，可使溃坚，可使气和，可使必已。（《至真要大论》。下同）
此言内气失调，而得病之治法也。
帝曰∶气调而得者何如？岐伯曰∶逆之从之，逆而从之，从而逆之，疏气令调，则其道
也。
此言内气本调，因感外邪得病之治法也。盖内气失调之病，根本不固，惟病邪微者，可
逆治之。苟病邪甚者，逆治之则病邪格拒，必变危矣，故反从其病势而治之也。如元气本调
之病，根本坚固，则不分微甚，皆可逆从而治之也。
帝曰∶方制君臣何谓也？岐伯曰∶主病之谓君，佐君之谓臣，应臣之谓使，非上下三品
之谓也。帝曰∶三品何谓？岐伯曰∶所以明善恶之殊贯也。
〔垣〕为君者最多，为臣者次之，佐者又次之。药之于症，所主同者各等分。凡药之所用
者，皆以气味为主，补泻在味，随时换气，主病者为君。假令治风，防风为君。治上焦热，
黄芩为君。治中焦热，黄连为君。治湿，防己为君。治寒，附子之类为君。兼见何症，以佐
使药分治之，此制方之要也。如仲景治表虚，制桂枝汤方。桂枝味辛热，发散助阳，体轻，
本乎天者亲上，故桂枝为君，甘草、芍药为佐。阳脉涩，阴脉弦，法当腹中急痛，制小建中
汤方，芍药味酸寒，主收补中，本乎地者亲下，故芍药为君，桂枝、甘草佐之。一则治表虚
，一则治里虚，各言其所主用也。后之用古方者，触类而长之，庶不至差误矣。凡解利伤风
，以防风为君，甘草、白术为佐。经云∶辛甘发散为阳。风宜辛散，防风味甘辛，又治风通
用，故防风为君，甘草、白术为佐。凡解利伤寒，以甘草为君。防风、白术为佐。是寒宜甘
发也。或有别症于前，随症治病，药内选用其分两，以君臣论。凡眼暴热赤肿，以防风、黄
芩为君以泻火、以黄连、当归根和血为佐，兼以各经药用之。凡眼久病昏暗，以熟地黄、当
归根为君，以羌活、防风为臣，甘菊、甘草之类为佐。凡痢疾腹痛，以白芍药、甘草为君，
当归、白术为佐，见血先后以三焦热论。凡水泻，茯苓、白术为君，芍药、甘草为佐。凡诸
风，以防风为君，随症治病药为佐。凡嗽，以五味子为君，有痰者以半夏为佐，喘者以阿胶
为佐，有热无热以黄芩为佐，但分两多寡不同耳。凡小便不利，黄柏、知母为君，茯苓、泽
泻为佐、凡下焦有湿，草龙胆、防风为君，甘草、黄柏为佐，凡痔漏，以苍术、防风为君，
甘草、芍药为佐，详别症加减。凡诸疮，以黄连、当归为君，甘草、黄芩为佐。凡疟，以柴
胡为君，随所发时所属经分用引经药佐之。
以上皆用药之大要，更详诸病症于后，随症治病，药内逐一加减用之。
[李东垣] 药物具有寒、热、温、凉四种药性，以及酸、苦、辛、咸、甘、淡六种味道，各自具备不同的功效，这是必须通晓的。药物的气味，不同于同类事物（如某些植物）味道都相同、气性都一致的情况。凡是气性相同的药物，必然包含各种味道；凡是味道相同的药物，必然包含各种气性。它们互相配合使用，各有浓烈与浅薄之分，药性和作用各不相同。制定方剂的人，必须明确药物的具体用途。《内经》说：味道属阴，味道浓厚属于纯阴，味道浅薄属于阴中之阳；气性属阳，气性浓厚属于纯阳，气性浅薄属于阳中之阴。味道浓厚则有泄下作用，味道浅薄则有通利作用。气性浅薄则能发散透表，气性浓厚则能助阳发热。又说：辛味和甘味具有发散作用，属于阳；酸味和苦味具有涌吐和泄下作用，属于阴；咸味具有涌吐和泄下作用，属于阴；淡味具有渗湿泄浊作用，属于阳。以上这些味道，各自有其特长：辛味能散结气、润燥邪，苦味能燥湿邪、软坚积，咸味能软坚散结，酸味能收敛缓急、收摄散失之气，甘味能缓解急迫，淡味能通利窍道。如果使用药物的味道，必须明确其气性是否适宜；如果使用药物的气性，必须明确其味道是否得当。认清疾病的标本，脏腑的寒热虚实状况，病情的轻重缓急，然后根据药物的气味，随证候来制定方剂。因此，方剂有君臣佐使的结构，有轻重缓急、君臣大小、正治反治等制方法度。主治疾病的是君药，辅助君药的是臣药，配合臣药的是使药，运用这些原则以适应病情，并协助完成方剂的治疗作用。君药一味、臣药二味，是奇方的制法。君药二味、臣药四味，是偶方的制法。君药二味、臣药三味，是奇方的制法。君药二味、臣药六味，是偶方的制法。病位靠近咽喉上部的用奇方，远离的用偶方。发汗的方剂不用奇数，泻下的方剂不用偶数。补益上部或治疗上部疾病，方剂制法宜缓和；补益下部或治疗下部疾病，方剂制法宜急切。所谓“急”，是指药物气味浓厚；所谓“缓”，是指药物气味浅薄。气味浅薄的，应少量多次服用；气味浓厚的，应多量一次顿服。还应当明辨五气之郁滞：木郁应当疏达，即通过催吐使气机条达；火郁应当发散，即通过发汗使气机疏散；土郁应当夺除，即通过泻下消除壅滞；金郁应当宣泄，即通过解表和通利小便来宣泄；水郁应当折抑，即通过制约其冲逆之势来治疗。通晓这五种方法，就是治病的大要。
[《黄帝内经·素问》] 黄帝问：不是通过调理气机而治愈的疾病，该如何治疗？有毒和无毒的药物，应该先用还是后用？希望听听其中的道理。岐伯回答：无论药物是否有毒，都以治疗疾病为主，根据病情的大小来制定方剂的规模。黄帝问：请详细说明这种制方规模。岐伯说：君药一味、臣药二味，是小方；君药一味、臣药三味、佐药五味，是中方形；君药一味、臣药三味、佐药九味，是大方。寒性疾病用热药治疗，热性疾病用寒药治疗，病情轻微的采用逆治法，病情严重的采用从治法，坚硬积聚的予以削伐，外邪客犯的予以清除，虚劳的予以温补，郁结的予以消散，留滞的予以攻逐，干燥的予以濡润，拘急的予以舒缓，涣散的予以收敛，亏损的予以补益，安逸停滞的予以行导，惊悸的予以平定，在上部的使其下降，在下部的使其上升，按摩洗浴，逼迫劫夺，开泄发散，以适合病情为准则。黄帝问：什么是逆治和从治？岐伯说：逆治就是正治，从治就是反治，根据症状的多少来决定采用哪种方法，观察具体情况而定。黄帝问：什么是反治？岐伯说：热性病用寒凉药治疗（但需配合温热服法或配伍），寒性病用温热药治疗（但需配合寒凉服法或配伍），闭塞不通的症状用补益法治疗（塞因塞用），通泄不止的症状用通利法治疗（通因通用）。必须制服疾病的主要矛盾，先探求疾病的病因，治疗开始时用药性质可能与病性相同，但最终效果却相反，这样可以破除积滞，溃散坚块，调和气血，使疾病必定痊愈。（出自《至真要大论》，以下同）这是指内部气机失调导致疾病的治法。
黄帝问：通过调理气机而治愈的疾病是怎样的情况？岐伯说：无论是逆治还是从治，逆中兼从，从中兼逆，疏通气机使其调畅，这就是治疗的法则。
这是指内部气机原本调畅，因感受外邪而致病的治法。因为内部气机失调的疾病，根本不牢固，只有病邪轻微时，才可用逆治法。如果病邪严重，用逆治法会导致病邪格拒，必然变得危险，所以反而顺从其病势进行治疗。如元气原本调畅的疾病，根本坚固，则不分病情轻重，都可以用逆治或从治法来治疗。
黄帝问：方剂中的君臣制度是什么意思？岐伯说：主治疾病的是君药，辅助君药的是臣药，配合臣药的是使药，这不是指药物上、中、下三品的分类。黄帝问：三品是什么意思？岐伯说：是用来阐明药物善恶不同性质的。
[李东垣] 作为君药的剂量最多，作为臣药的次之，佐药的又次之。药物对于病症，所主治相同的各取等分。凡是用药，都以气味为主，补泻作用取决于味道，随着季节变化调整气性，主治疾病的是君药。例如治疗风邪，以防风为君药。治疗上焦热证，以黄芩为君药。治疗中焦热证，以黄连为君药。治疗湿邪，以防己为君药。治疗寒邪，以附子之类为君药。兼见其他症状，用佐使药分别治疗，这是制方的要点。例如张仲景治疗表虚证，制定桂枝汤方。桂枝味辛性热，能发散助阳，质地轻清，本乎天者亲上，所以桂枝为君药，甘草、芍药为佐药。若出现阳脉涩、阴脉弦，按法应当腹中急痛，制定小建中汤方，芍药味酸性寒，主收敛补中，本乎地者亲下，所以芍药为君药，桂枝、甘草为佐药。前者治疗表虚，后者治疗里虚，各自说明其所主治的作用。后世使用古方的人，触类旁通加以发挥，才不至于出现差错。凡是解除伤风，以防风为君药，甘草、白术为佐药。经书说：辛甘发散为阳。风邪宜用辛味发散，防风味甘辛，又是治风的通用药，所以防风为君药，甘草、白术为佐药。凡是解除伤寒，以甘草为君药，防风、白术为佐药。这是因为寒邪宜用甘味发散。或者在前面症状基础上另有他症，随症治病，在药物内选用其分量，以君臣关系来论述。凡是眼睛突然红肿热痛，以防风、黄芩为君药以泻火，以黄连、当归为佐药以和血，兼用各经络引经药。凡是眼睛久病昏暗，以熟地黄、当归为君药，以羌活、防风为臣药，甘菊、甘草之类为佐药。凡是痢疾腹痛，以白芍药、甘草为君药，当归、白术为佐药，见血者先后根据三焦热证论治。凡是水样腹泻，以茯苓、白术为君药，芍药、甘草为佐药。凡是各种风证，以防风为君药，随症治病的药物为佐药。凡是咳嗽，以五味子为君药，有痰者以半夏为佐药，气喘者以阿胶为佐药，有热无热以黄芩为佐药，只是分量多少不同罢了。凡是小便不利，以黄柏、知母为君药，茯苓、泽泻为佐药。凡是下焦有湿，以草龙胆、防风为君药，甘草、黄柏为佐药。凡是痔漏，以苍术、防风为君药，甘草、芍药为佐药，详细辨别症状加减。凡是各种疮疡，以黄连、当归为君药，甘草、黄芩为佐药。凡是疟疾，以柴胡为君药，根据发作时间所属经络使用引经药作为佐药。
以上都是用药的大要，更详细的诸病症在后文，随症治病，在药物内逐一加减使用。
[Li Dongyuan] Medicines possess the properties of Cold (Han), Heat (Re), Warm (Wen), and Cool (Liang), as well as the flavors of Sour (Suan), Bitter (Ku), Acrid/Pungent (Xin), Salty (Xian), Sweet (Gan), and Bland (Dan). Each has specific functions, which must be thoroughly understood. The Qi (vital energy/flavor) and Wei (flavor/taste) of medicines differ from homogeneous substances where all members share the same flavor and Qi. For substances sharing the same Qi, they necessarily contain various flavors; for those sharing the same flavor, they necessarily contain various Qis. They utilize each other mutually, varying in intensity (thick/concentrated vs. thin/dilute), resulting in unequal natures and effects. Those who formulate prescriptions must clarify their specific uses. The Classics state: Flavor belongs to Yin; concentrated flavor is Pure Yin, while dilute flavor is Yang within Yin. Qi belongs to Yang; concentrated Qi is Pure Yang, while dilute Qi is Yin within Yang. Concentrated flavor induces purgation/drainage, while dilute flavor promotes unblocking/venting. Dilute Qi causes dispersal/sweating, while concentrated Qi generates heat. It is also said: Acrid and Sweet flavors disperse and belong to Yang; Sour and Bitter flavors induce vomiting and drainage and belong to Yin; Salty flavor induces vomiting and drainage and belongs to Yin; Bland flavor promotes渗泄 (seeping and draining) and belongs to Yang. All these flavors have distinct capabilities: Acrid can resolve nodules and moisten dryness; Bitter can dry dampness and soften hardness; Salty can soften hardness; Sour can astringe and relieve tension/spasms; Sweet can moderate urgency; Bland can open orifices. When utilizing the flavor of a medicine, one must ascertain if its Qi is appropriate; when utilizing the Qi, one must ascertain if its flavor is suitable. By identifying the root and branch of the disease, the cold-heat and deficiency-excess states of the Zang-Fu organs, and the severity and urgency of the condition, one selects the Qi and flavor of medicines to formulate prescriptions according to symptoms. Thus, prescriptions follow the structure of Sovereign (Jun), Minister (Chen), Assistant (Zuo), and Courier (Shi), involving principles of weight, urgency, size, direct treatment (Zheng Zhi), and contrary treatment (Fan Zhi). The Sovereign herb treats the main disease; the Minister assists the Sovereign; the Courier responds to the Minister. These are employed to suit the pathology and assist in completing the prescription's therapeutic action. A prescription with one Sovereign and two Ministers follows the Odd (Qi) method. Two Sovereigns and four Ministers follow the Even (Ou) method. Two Sovereigns and three Ministers follow the Odd method. Two Sovereigns and six Ministers follow the Even method. For diseases near the throat (upper body), use the Odd method; for distant ones (lower body), use the Even method. Diaphoretic prescriptions do not use odd numbers; purgative prescriptions do not use even numbers. Tonifying the upper or treating upper diseases requires a slow/gentle formulation; tonifying the lower or treating lower diseases requires an urgent/intense formulation. "Urgent" refers to concentrated Qi and flavor; "Slow/Gentle" refers to dilute Qi and flavor. Dilute formulations should be taken in small doses frequently; concentrated formulations should be taken in large doses at once. One must also understand the five types of Qi stagnation: Wood stagnation is resolved by venting (emesis to ensure smooth flow); Fire stagnation is resolved by dispersing (sweating to ensure diffusion); Earth stagnation is resolved by seizing/removing (purgation to eliminate obstruction); Metal stagnation is resolved by draining (releasing the exterior and promoting urination); Water stagnation is resolved by restraining (controlling rebellious upward movement). Mastery of these five methods constitutes the major principles of treating disease.
[Su Wen] The Yellow Emperor asked: How should diseases not cured by regulating Qi be treated? Regarding toxic and non-toxic medicines, which should be used first or last? I wish to hear the principle. Qibo replied: Whether toxic or non-toxic, the choice is primarily based on the disease being treated, and the size of the prescription is determined accordingly. The Yellow Emperor asked: Please explain this system. Qibo said: One Sovereign and two Ministers constitute a Small Prescription; one Sovereign, three Ministers, and five Assistants constitute a Medium Prescription; one Sovereign, three Ministers, and nine Assistants constitute a Large Prescription. Cold is treated with Heat; Heat is treated with Cold. Minor disorders are treated oppositely (Ni Zhi/Direct Treatment); severe disorders are treated similarly (Cong Zhi/Contrary Treatment). Hardness is reduced; invaders are expelled; exhaustion is warmed; accumulation is scattered; retention is attacked; dryness is moistened; tension is relaxed; dispersion is gathered; deficiency is supplemented; lethargy is moved; fright is calmed. Upper disorders are lowered; lower disorders are raised; massage and bathing are applied; forceful and劫夺 (snatching/seizing) methods are used; opening and dispersing methods are employed. The goal is to suit the condition. The Yellow Emperor asked: What are Direct and Contrary treatments? Qibo said: Direct treatment is Zheng Zhi (Orthodox Treatment); Contrary treatment is Fan Zhi (Reverse Treatment). Depending on the number of symptoms, observe the situation to decide. The Yellow Emperor asked: What is Contrary Treatment? Qibo said: Treating heat with cold (but using warm administration/combinations), treating cold with heat (but using cold administration/combinations), using obstructive methods for obstruction (Se Yin Se Yong), using draining methods for diarrhea (Tong Yin Tong Yong). One must subdue the dominant pathogen and address the cause first. Initially, the treatment may seem similar to the disease manifestation, but ultimately it differs. This allows breaking accumulations, dissolving hardness, harmonizing Qi, and ensuring cure. (From *Zhi Zhen Yao Da Lun*). This describes the treatment for diseases caused by internal Qi imbalance.
The Yellow Emperor asked: What about diseases cured by regulating Qi? Qibo said: Whether using Direct or Contrary treatment, mixing opposition with compliance, or compliance with opposition, the key is to dredge Qi to restore harmony. This is the way.
This describes the treatment for diseases where internal Qi was originally balanced but became diseased due to external pathogens. Diseases caused by internal Qi imbalance have weak roots; only minor pathogens can be treated directly. If the pathogen is severe, direct treatment causes rejection, leading to danger; thus, one treats by following the pathogen's trend. Conversely, diseases with originally balanced Qi have strong roots; regardless of severity, both direct and contrary treatments can be applied.
The Yellow Emperor asked: What is meant by Sovereign, Minister, etc., in prescriptions? Qibo said: The herb that treats the main disease is the Sovereign; the herb assisting the Sovereign is the Minister; the herb responding to the Minister is the Courier. This does not refer to the Superior, Middle, and Inferior categories of herbs. The Yellow Emperor asked: What are the Three Categories? Qibo said: They clarify the distinction between good and bad qualities.
[Li Dongyuan] The Sovereign herb is used in the largest quantity, the Minister next, and the Assistant least. Herbs targeting the same symptom are used in equal proportions. In usage, Qi and Flavor are primary; tonification and purgation depend on flavor, while Qi changes with seasons. The herb treating the main disease is the Sovereign. For example, to treat Wind, Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) is the Sovereign. To treat Upper Jiao Heat, Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) is the Sovereign. To treat Middle Jiao Heat, Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) is the Sovereign. To treat Dampness, Fangji (Stephania Root) is the Sovereign. To treat Cold, Fuzi (Aconite Lateral Root) and similar herbs are Sovereigns. Other concurrent symptoms are treated by Assistants and Couriers. This is the essence of formulation. For instance, Zhang Zhongjing formulated Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) for Exterior Deficiency. Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) is Acrid and Hot, disperses and aids Yang, is light in texture, and "what belongs to Heaven亲近s the Upper." Thus, Guizhi is the Sovereign, with Gancao (Licorice Root) and Shaoyao (Peony Root) as Assistants. If Yang pulse is choppy and Yin pulse is string-like, abdominal pain and tension are expected. Xiao Jianzhong Tang (Minor Construct the Middle Decoction) is formulated. Shaoyao is Sour and Cold, astringes and tonifies the Center, and "what belongs to Earth亲近s the Lower." Thus, Shaoyao is the Sovereign, with Guizhi and Gancao as Assistants. One treats Exterior Deficiency, the other Interior Deficiency, each stating its specific indication. Later practitioners should apply these principles flexibly to avoid errors. For resolving Wind-Cold, Fangfeng is Sovereign, Gancao and Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) are Assistants. The Classics say: Acrid and Sweet disperse and belong to Yang. Wind is best dispersed by Acrid taste. Fangfeng is Sweet and Acrid and a general wind remedy, hence Sovereign. For resolving Cold Damage (Shanghan), Gancao is Sovereign, Fangfeng and Baizhu are Assistants, as Cold is best dispersed by Sweet taste. If additional symptoms exist, adjust based on the syndrome, selecting dosages according to Sovereign-Minister relationships. For acute red swollen eyes, Fangfeng and Huangqin are Sovereigns to drain fire; Huanglian and Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root) are Assistants to harmonize blood, plus channel-specific guiding herbs. For chronic dim vision, Shudihuang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) and Danggui are Sovereigns; Qianghuo (Notopterygium Rhizome) and Fangfeng are Ministers; Giju (Chrysanthemum Flower) and Gancao are Assistants. For dysentery with abdominal pain, Baishaoyao (White Peony Root) and Gancao are Sovereigns; Danggui and Baizhu are Assistants; bleeding cases are treated according to Sanjiao (Triple Burner) heat. For watery diarrhea, Fuling (Poria) and Baizhu are Sovereigns; Shaoyao and Gancao are Assistants. For various Wind syndromes, Fangfeng is Sovereign, with symptom-specific herbs as Assistants. For cough, Wuweizi (Schisandra Fruit) is Sovereign; Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) is Assistant for phlegm; Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) is Assistant for wheezing; Huangqin is Assistant depending on presence of heat; only dosages vary. For difficult urination, Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark) and Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) are Sovereigns; Fuling and Zexie (Alisma Rhizome) are Assistants. For Lower Jiao Dampness, Cao Longdan (Gentiana Scabra Root) and Fangfeng are Sovereigns; Gancao and Huangbai are Assistants. For hemorrhoids/fistulas, Cangzhu (Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome) and Fangfeng are Sovereigns; Gancao and Shaoyao are Assistants, adjusted by specific symptoms. For various sores, Huanglian and Danggui are Sovereigns; Gancao and Huangqin are Assistants. For malaria, Chaihu (Bupleurum Root) is Sovereign, with channel-guiding herbs based on the time of onset as Assistants.
These are the major principles of medication. Detailed syndromes follow below; treat each case by adjusting medications individually.