[Background Information]
Book: *Beiji Qianjin Yaofang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies)
Author: Sun Simiao
Dynasty: Tang Dynasty, Yonghui 3rd Year
Chapter: Moxibustion Methods / Tuojia Decoction
Category: Formula

[Translation of Original Text]

To treat epilepsy in adults and convulsive seizures (epileptic attacks triggered by fright) in children, apply moxibustion to two locations: the second thoracic vertebra on the back and the end of the coccyx. Use a string to measure the midpoint; break off one end of the string at this mark, which corresponds to the center of the spinal column. After completing these three points, break the string again into three segments and arrange them to form a triangle ("△" shape). Place one corner at the center and the other two corners along both sides of the spine, applying moxibustion at these five locations. Therefore, the method for drawing the diagram is to mark these five moxibustion points with cinnabar, applying one hundred moxa cones (Zhuang) to each point. Thinly shaved bamboo skin serves as a better measuring tool than string. For sudden onset of epilepsy, apply three moxa cones to the depression on the penis; once urination becomes unobstructed, the disease will heal. (*Waitai Miyao* records that this acupoint is located above the urethral opening.) Also apply three moxa cones to the glans penis. Also apply seven moxa cones to the area where hair gathers at the root of the big toe. Also apply fourteen moxa cones to the seam below the scrotum. Also apply three moxa cones to each nipple. Also apply thirty moxa cones to the Du Meridian (the vessel running along the posterior midline); the third reporting acupoint is located directly above the nose, entering the hairline. Also gradually apply three hundred moxa cones each to Tianchuang and Baihui, making the moxa cones very small. Also apply fifty moxa cones to the hairline above each ear.

The discussion states: The Yellow Emperor asked, "There are those who suffer from rage-induced mania; how does this disease arise?" Qibo replied, "It arises from Yang." The Emperor asked, "How does Yang energy cause mania?" He answered, "Yang energy, having been suddenly frustrated and difficult to resolve, leads to frequent anger, named Yang Jue (Yang Rebellious Qi)." The Emperor asked, "How do we know this?" He answered, "The Yangming Meridian usually pulses; the Taiyang and Shaoyang meridians usually do not pulse. If they do not pulse but suddenly pulse violently, this is the sign." The Emperor asked, "How should it be treated?" He answered, "Reducing food intake will cure it. Food enters to nourish Yin and generates Qi in Yang; therefore, depriving the patient of food will cure it. Have the patient take Shengtie Luo (Calcined Iron Ore Fragments) as a post-meal remedy. Shengtie Luo has the effect of rapidly descending Qi."

The discussion states: Whenever someone suffers from mania, wanting to run, or believing themselves to be virtuous, sacred, or divine, various fire moxibustion therapies must be prepared to achieve permanent cure. If the patient is weeping, sighing, or groaning, this is not mania but an invasion of pathogenic factors; treat according to formulas for pathogenic invasions. When pathogens enter Yang, mania results; when they enter Yin, Blood Bi (Blood Stasis Obstruction) results. Pathogens entering Yang and transmitting lead to Dian-Kuang (Epilepsy and Mania); pathogens entering Yin and transmitting lead to pain and aphonia. Yang pathogens entering Yin result in quietness; Yin pathogens entering Yang result in irritability.

This formula treats pathogenic invasions causing weeping and crying during dreams or wakefulness, aversion to hearing human voices, body soreness and emaciation, alternating chills and fever, stiffness and pain in the waist and spine, abdominal tension and loss of appetite. It also applies to cases following illness where extreme fatigue from overexertion occurs, or due to violating taboos and irregular lifestyle habits. In women, after childbirth, if menstruation is irregular with discharge of green, red, or white fluids; if muscles fail to regenerate leading to weakness and emaciation; if urination is difficult; if there is fever in the head and body that subsequently resolves; or if extreme exhaustion persists for a day after sexual intercourse, this formula is indicated.

Tuojia (Alligator Carapace) (7 pieces), Gancao (Licorice Root), Baiwei (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, [alternative: Baizhi]), Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) (each 2 liang), Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) (each 2.5 liang), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) (3 liang), Ningshuishi (Halloysitum Rubrum), Guixin (Cinnamomi Cortex), Fuling (Poria), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) (each 4 liang), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) (6 liang).

The above fourteen ingredients are crushed/coarsely powdered. Boil in 2 dou (approx. 20 liters) of water until reduced to 4 sheng (approx. 4 liters). Take 1 sheng (approx. 1 liter) warm, three times daily and once at night.