Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma).

Hu Shan (Fox Hernia, a condition characterized by intermittent swelling of the scrotum or inguinal region) occurs during the day when Yang Qi moves outward, causing the testicular sac to swell greatly, which is unbearable; at night, when Yang Qi moves inward, the swelling subsides, and there is little discomfort. This formula is suitable for treating it. Discontinue use when the disease is cured.

The fox exits its burrow to urinate during the day and enters it at night. Since this condition resembles the behavior of the fox, it is called "Hu Shan." Day belongs to Yang, and night belongs to Yin. Chai Hu can lift the sunken Yang Qi. The formula contains Huang Bo and Zhi Mu, which can nourish the deficient Kidney Water (Kan). Dang Gui has a pungent taste and can invigorate stagnant blood. Chen Pi has an aromatic qi and can promote the movement of stale Qi. One might ask: Why not use a formula with acrid-aromatic herbs to move Qi? I reply: The disease arises from Qi deficiency; using a Qi-moving formula would not only be ineffective but also harmful. Another might say: Then are Zhang Hezi's Qi-moving formulas incorrect? I reply: I merely deliberate based on medical principles; why be rigidly attached to Zhang Hezi?

Shan (here referring to stubborn hernia) involves enlarged testes without pain. This is hereditary, present from birth, unlike diseases caused by the three categories of pathogens after birth, so it does not require specific treatment. If one initially had stubborn hernia and later developed pain and discomfort, this indicates a combination of the aforementioned six syndromes, and it is appropriate to...

Preface: Jiao Qi (Foot-Qi Disease, often translated as Beriberi or Hong Kong Foot) resembles Tai Yang Bing (Taiyang Syndrome/Exterior Syndrome), making diagnosis difficult. Jiao Qi can cause death, making treatment difficult. A single disease presents two difficulties; it cannot be discussed superficially. Eight formulas have been examined; those with shared interests are invited to instruct me.

Mu Tong (Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis / Akebiae Caulis - *Note: Context implies Aristolochia Manshuriensis historically, but modern WHO standard uses Lonicera/Akebia or specifies safety*), Fang Ji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix), Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma, stir-fried with salt), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix, stir-fried with wine), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Bing Lang (Arecae Semen), Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex, stir-fried with wine), Gan Cao Gao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma tip), Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Xi Jiao (Rhinocerotis Cornu - *Note: Substitute with Buffalo Horn in practice*).

For patients with Jiao Qi presenting aversion to cold and high fever, this formula is indicated.

Jiao Qi is caused by Damp-Heat accumulating in the feet, leading to Qi stagnation and pain. When Damp-Heat contends, excess Dampness causes aversion to cold, while excess Heat causes high fever. This syndrome may also include headache, resembling Tai Yang Bing, but differs in its origin from Jiao Qi. One should not be limited to foot swelling; there are cases of pain without swelling, called Dry Jiao Qi. There are cases of flaccidity and inability to move, called Huan Feng (Flaccid Wind). There are cases of painful numbness, called Shi Bi (Damp Bi). There are cases of muscle spasms and cramps, called Feng Du (Wind Toxin). These require the physician's discernment and differentiation, each having different treatments. Generally, Jiao Qi is a stasis disease; it favors unblocking and dislikes obstruction. Therefore, Sun Simiao said: Patients with Jiao Qi die from excess Qi; no one dies from deficiency caused by medication. Thus, patients with Jiao Qi should not receive strong tonification nor strong purgation. In this formula, Mu Tong, Fang Ji, and Bing Lang are unblocking agents that remove obstruction; Xi Jiao, Huang Bo, Sheng Di Huang, and Gan Cao Gao are cooling agents that clear heat; Cang Zhu and Bai Zhu are drying agents that eliminate dampness. However, Chuan Xiong disperses Qi within the Blood, and Xi Jiao promotes the flow of Blood within the Qi. If pain precedes swelling, Qi has injured Blood; use Chuan Xiong heavily. If swelling precedes pain, Blood has injured Qi; use Xi Jiao heavily. If stool is dry, add Tao Ren (Prunus Persica Seed). If urination is difficult, add Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix). For internal heat, add Qin (Scutellariae Radix) and Lian (Isatidis Folium); for periodic fever, add Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum); for phlegm, add Zhu Li (Bambusae Sap). Flexibility is key; do not be rigid initially. Whenever Jiao Qi ascends to the heart, causing incessant panting and vomiting, it is a fatal sign, caused by Water invading Fire.