喻嘉言治叶茂卿子，出痘未大成浆，其壳甚薄，两月后尚有着肉不脱者。一夕腹痛，大叫而绝，令取梨汁
入温汤灌之，少苏。顷复痛绝，灌之又苏，遂以黄芩二两煎汤和梨汁与服，痛止。令制膏子药频服，不听。其
后忽肚大无伦，一夕痛叫，小肠突出脐外五寸，交组各二寸半，如竹节壶顶状，茎物绞折，长八九寸，明亮如
灯笼。此实未经闻见，以阿胶、黄芩二味，日进十余剂。三日后始得小水，五日后水道清利，脐收肿缩而愈。
门人骇问，答曰∶夫人一身之气，全关于肺，肺清则气行，肺浊则气壅，肺主皮毛，痘不成浆，肺热而津不行
也。壳着于肉，名曰甲错，甲错者，多生肺痈，痈者，壅也，岂非肺气壅而然欤？腹痛叫绝者，壅之甚也。壅
甚则并水道亦闭，是以其气横行于脐中，而小肠且为突出。至于外肾弛长，尤其剩事耳。用黄芩、阿胶清肺之
热，润肺之燥，治其源也。气行而壅自通，源清而流自清矣。缘病已极中之极，惟单味多用，可以下行取效，
故立方甚平，而奏功甚捷耳。试以格物之学，为子广之。凡禽畜之类，有肺者有尿，无肺者无尿。故水道不利
而成肿满，以清肺为急。（肺主通调水道，又水出高原，故谓之化源。）此义前人阐发不到，后之以五苓、五
皮、八正等方治水者，总之未悟此旨。至于车水放塘，种种劫夺膀胱之剂，则杀人之事矣，可不审哉。附∶两
仪膏方∶大生地一斤，玉竹二斤。水二十斤，熬一时久，取出捣烂，再入水十斤，熬至无味，去楂合前汁熬膏，
入白蜜半斤收之。加入生姜自然汁同熬亦好。每服一匙，开水调下。大能润燥补虚，清心润肺，兼治消渴。
赵我完次子，秋月肺气不能下行，两足肿溃，而小水全无，（肺气败者，多此二症。）脐中之痛，不可名
状，以手揉左则痛攻于右，揉右则痛攻于左，当脐揉熨，则满脐俱痛，叫喊不绝。利水药服数十剂不效。用敷
脐法及单服琥珀末两许，亦不效。诊时，弥留已极，无可救药矣。伤哉。（雄按∶观此则感后余热在肺而为
足肿者，未可概视为气复阴虚，而投补血之药也。）
吕东庄治徽人江仲琏，冒寒发热，（火为寒邪所郁。）两颔臃肿如升子大，（状类雷头风，俗名猪头风。
）臂膊磊块无数，不食不便，狂躁发渴。诊其脉，浮数无序。医作伤寒发毒治。吕曰∶误矣，此燥逐风生也。
用大剂疏肝益肾汤，熟地加至三两，五剂而肿退便解，十剂而热除食进。再用补中益气汤加麦冬、五味而痊。
陆肖愚治李安吾侄，年十三，大肠燥结，不时脱肛，鼻中结块，不时出血。平日喜读书，病由辛苦而得，
每劳则发，久治不效。诊之，骨瘦如柴，面红身热，其脉细数，曰∶此天禀火燥之症。若破身后，即成劳怯矣，
宜急治之，戒浓味，节诵读，庶可疗也。用天麦冬各一斤，生地半斤，人参四两，即加减三才膏也。服一料，
其发甚稀，至三料，将一年全愈。
万密斋治一女子，年十四岁，病惊风后，右手大指、次指屈而不能伸。或用羌活、防风、天麻、全蝎、僵
蚕、蝉蜕诸风药治之，病益甚。曰∶手足不随，血虚也。伸而不能屈者，筋弛长也。屈而不能伸者，筋短束也。
皆血虚不能养筋之症也。手大指者，太阴肺经之所主；次指者，阳明大肠之所主。皆属燥金，此血燥之病也。
一切风药，助风生燥，致血转虚，而病转甚。用黄 、人参、天麦门冬、生熟地黄、当归各等分，官桂减半，
为引经横行手指之端。共为末，蜜丸芡实大，每一丸，食后汤化下。
马元仪治周君开，病经一月，口燥咽干，胸满，不能饮食，二便俱闭，诊其脉，虚而且涩，此少阴客热，
肾经虚燥也。肾开窍于二阴，肾阴既亏，窍不滑泽，所以二便俱闭。少阴之脉循喉咙，挟舌本，肾热则经络亦
热，所以口燥咽干。肾者，胃之关也。关门不利，胃气亦为之阻，所以胸满不能饮食。当用仲景猪肤汤治之。
夫猪，水畜也，其气先入肾，肤味咸，能解少阴客热，故以为君，加白蜜以润燥除烦，白粉以补虚益气，二剂
热去燥除，便调食进而愈。
薛立斋治周上舍脾胃虚，服养胃汤、枳术丸，初有效而久反虚。口舌生疮，劳则愈盛，服败毒药则呕吐。
此中气虚寒也，以理中汤治之少愈。更以补中益气汤加半夏、茯苓，月余而平。夫养胃汤，香燥之药也。若饮
食停滞，或寒滞中州，服之则燥开胃气，宿滞消化，少为近理。使久服则津液愈燥，胃气愈虚，况胃气本虚而
用之，岂不反甚其病哉？
薛立斋治一人，两掌至秋皮浓皴裂起白屑，内热体倦。此肝脾血燥，故秋金用事之时而作。用加味逍遥散
加川芎、熟地，三十余剂而愈。再用六味丸加五味、麦冬服之，半载后，手足指缝背腿腕，皮浓色白，搔之则
木。久服前药方愈。
一妇人素晡热，月经不调，先手心赤痒，至秋两掌皮浓皴裂，时起白皮，此皆肝脾血燥。用加味逍遥散加
荆芥、钩藤钩、川芎、熟地，五十余剂，又用归脾汤二十余剂，乃服六味丸而不再发。
蒋仲芳治表弟妇韩贞女，幼年守节，勤孝清苦，茹素诵经，以故气血素少，面色不荣。乙巳春，忽冒风寒，
胸腹 胀，入夏则胸胁刺痛，背如负石，百治无效。至秋末冬初，则觉肠细如线，粒米入胃，左盘右旋，其行
如飞，窄滞异常，痛苦难状，遇节气则病剧。诊之，右脉疾，左脉涩，曰∶疾者气燥，涩者血虚，血虚则津液
干而肠胃收小，宜其窄涩也。气燥则其行速，速则米粒不能安，宜其如飞也。遂用当归五钱，酒炮白芍二钱，
川芎一钱，以补血为君。惟其紧，宽以七分腹皮；惟其涩，利以一钱滑石；惟其干，润以二钱苏子；惟其疾，
缓以二分甘草。四剂后，诸病渐减。至五六十剂，荣气始通。膏子丸药，调养年余，方有起色。
喻嘉言治疗叶茂卿的儿子，出痘疹后未能充分化脓成浆，痘壳非常薄，两个月后还有附着在肉上脱不下来的。一天晚上腹部疼痛，大声呼叫后昏厥，让人取梨汁加入温水灌服，稍苏醒。一会儿又因剧痛昏厥，再次灌服后又苏醒，于是用黄芩二两煎汤，混合梨汁给患者服用，疼痛停止。让制作膏剂药物频繁服用，患者家属不听。后来突然肚子大得不成比例，一天晚上剧烈疼痛呼叫，小肠突出肚脐外五寸，盘绕各二寸半，像竹节和壶嘴的形状，生殖器扭曲折叠，长八九寸，明亮如灯笼。这实在是不曾听闻见过的病症，用阿胶、黄芩两味药，每天进服十余剂。三天后才开始有小便，五天后水道通畅清利，肚脐收缩肿胀消退而痊愈。门人惊骇询问，回答说道：人的全身之气，全由肺所主管，肺清则气机运行，肺浊则气机壅滞，肺主皮毛，痘疹不能成浆，是肺热而津液不行。痘壳附着在肉上，名叫“甲错”，甲错这种症状，多生于肺痈，痈就是壅滞，难道不是肺气壅滞造成的吗？腹痛叫喊昏厥，是因为壅滞太严重了。壅滞严重则连同水道也闭塞，所以气横行于脐中，小肠因而突出。至于外生殖器松弛伸长，更是次要的事了。用黄芩、阿胶清除肺热，滋润肺燥，这是治本。气机运行则壅滞自然通利，源头清澈则水流自然清利。因为病情已经极度危重，只有单味药大量使用，才能下行取效，所以方子很平和，但见效很快。试着用格物致知的学问，为你广泛阐述一下。凡是禽畜之类，有肺的就有尿，没有肺的就没有尿。所以水道不利而成肿满，以清肺为急务。（肺主通调水道，又水出高原，所以称之为化源。）这个道理前人阐发不到，后世用五苓散、五皮饮、八正散等方剂治疗水的病症的人，总之是没有领悟到这个宗旨。至于像车水放塘一样，种种劫夺膀胱的药剂，那就是杀人的事情了，能不审慎吗？附：两仪膏方：大生地一斤，玉竹二斤。水二十斤，熬煮较长时间，取出捣烂，再入水十斤，熬至无味，去掉渣滓合并前面的汁液熬成膏，加入白蜜半斤收膏。加入生姜自然汁一起熬也可以。每次服一匙，开水调下。大能润燥补虚，清心润肺，兼治消渴。
赵我完的二儿子，秋季肺气不能下行，两脚肿胀溃烂，而小便全无，（肺气衰败的人，多有这两种症状。）脐中的疼痛，无法形容，用手揉左边则疼痛攻向右边，揉右边则疼痛攻向左边，当脐部揉熨，则整个脐部都痛，叫喊不停。服用利水药几十剂无效。用敷脐法及单服琥珀末一两许，也无效。诊脉时，气息微弱已极，无可救药了。可悲啊。（徐灵胎按语：看这种情况，则是感邪后余热在肺而导致足肿，不可一概视为气复阴虚，而投补血之药。）
吕东庄治疗徽州人江仲琏，受寒发热，（火被寒邪郁遏。）两侧下颌肿胀如升子大，（形状类似雷头风，俗名猪头风。）手臂上有无数硬块，不进食不便秘，狂躁发渴。诊其脉，浮数无序。医生当作伤寒发毒治疗。吕东庄说：错了，这是燥邪驱逐风邪而生。用大剂疏肝益肾汤，熟地黄加到三两，五剂后肿胀消退大便通畅，十剂后热除食欲增进。再用补中益气汤加麦冬、五味子而痊愈。
陆肖愚治疗李安吾的侄子，十三岁，大肠燥结，不时脱肛，鼻中结块，不时出血。平时喜欢读书，病由辛苦劳累而得，每次劳累就发作，久治不效。诊察他，骨瘦如柴，面红身热，脉细数，说：这是天禀火燥的病症。如果破身后，就会成为劳怯症了，应该紧急治疗，戒除浓味食物，节制诵读，或许可以治愈。用天冬、麦冬各一斤，生地半斤，人参四两，即加减三才膏。服一料，发作很少，至三料，将近一年完全痊愈。
万密斋治疗一个女子，十四岁，病惊风后，右手大拇指、食指弯曲而不能伸直。有人用羌活、防风、天麻、全蝎、僵蚕、蝉蜕等风药治疗，病情更加严重。说：手足不遂，是血虚。能伸不能屈，是筋弛长。能屈不能伸，是筋短束。都是血虚不能养筋的病症。手大拇指，是太阴肺经所主；食指，是阳明大肠所主。都属于燥金，这是血燥的病。一切风药，助风生燥，导致血更虚，而病更重。用黄芪、人参、天冬、麦冬、生地黄、熟地黄、当归各等分，官桂减半，作为引经药横行手指末端。共为末，蜜丸如芡实大，每一丸，饭后汤化下。
马元仪治疗周君开，病经一个月，口燥咽干，胸满，不能饮食，二便俱闭，诊其脉，虚而且涩，这是少阴客热，肾经虚燥。肾开窍于二阴，肾阴既亏，窍不滑泽，所以二便俱闭。少阴经脉循喉咙，挟舌本，肾热则经络亦热，所以口燥咽干。肾者，胃之关也。关门不利，胃气亦为之阻，所以胸满不能饮食。应当用张仲景的猪肤汤治疗。猪，是水畜，其气先入肾，肤味咸，能解少阴客热，所以作为君药，加白蜜以润燥除烦，米粉以补虚益气，二剂后热去燥除，便调食进而愈。
薛立斋治疗周上舍脾胃虚弱，服用养胃汤、枳术丸，初有效而久服反而更虚。口舌生疮，劳累则加重，服用败毒药则呕吐。这是中气虚寒，用理中汤治疗稍好。再用补中益气汤加半夏、茯苓，月余而平复。那养胃汤，是香燥的药物。如果饮食停滞，或寒滞中州，服用它则燥开胃气，宿滞消化，稍微接近医理。如果久服则津液更燥，胃气更虚，何况胃气本虚而用它，岂不是反而加重病情吗？
薛立斋治疗一个人，两手掌到秋天皮肤厚裂起白屑，内热体倦。这是肝脾血燥，所以在秋金当令之时发作。用加味逍遥散加川芎、熟地黄，三十余剂而愈。再用六味丸加五味子、麦冬服用，半年后，手足指缝背腿腕，皮肤厚色白，搔之则麻木。久服前药才痊愈。
一个妇人素来傍晚发热，月经不调，先手心赤痒，到秋天两手掌皮肤厚裂，时起白皮，这都是肝脾血燥。用加味逍遥散加荆芥、钩藤、川芎、熟地黄，五十余剂，又用归脾汤二十余剂，然后服六味丸而不再发作。
蒋仲芳治疗表弟妇韩贞女，幼年守节，勤劳孝顺清苦，吃素诵经，因此气血素少，面色不荣。乙巳年春天，忽然冒风寒，胸腹胀满，入夏则胸胁刺痛，背如负石，百治无效。到秋末冬初，则觉得肠细如线，一粒米进入胃里，左盘右旋，其行如飞，窄滞异常，痛苦难状，遇到节气则病剧。诊察她，右脉疾，左脉涩，说：疾者气燥，涩者血虚，血虚则津液干而肠胃收小，宜其窄涩也。气燥则其行速，速则米粒不能安，宜其如飞也。于是用当归五钱，酒炮白芍二钱，川芎一钱，以补血为君药。因其紧，宽以七分腹皮；因其涩，利以一钱滑石；因其干，润以二钱苏子；因其疾，缓以二分甘草。四剂后，诸病渐减。至五六十剂，荣气始通。膏子丸药，调养年余，方有起色。
Yu Jiayan treated the son of Ye Maoqing. After smallpox eruption, pus failed to form adequately; the crusts were very thin, and even after two months, some remained attached to the flesh without detaching. One night, he suffered severe abdominal pain, screamed, and fainted. Yu ordered pear juice mixed with warm water to be administered orally, after which the patient slightly recovered. Shortly after, pain returned causing fainting again; upon re-administration, he recovered once more. Yu then prescribed a decoction of Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) 2 liang, mixed with pear juice for oral administration, which stopped the pain. He instructed the family to prepare a paste medicine for frequent intake, but they refused. Later, the abdomen suddenly became enormously distended. One night, severe pain and screaming occurred, with the small intestine protruding five cun outside the umbilicus, coiled two and a half cun each way, resembling bamboo nodes or a pot spout. The penis was twisted and folded, measuring eight to nine cun in length, bright like a lantern. This was an unprecedented case. Yu used only Ejiao (Colla Corii Asini) and Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), administering over ten doses daily. Only after three days did urination begin; after five days, the urinary tract cleared, the umbilicus retracted, swelling subsided, and the patient recovered. Disciples asked in amazement. Yu replied: "The qi of the whole body is governed by the Lung. When the Lung is clear, qi moves freely; when turbid, qi becomes obstructed. The Lung governs skin and hair. The failure of smallpox to form pus indicates Lung heat and stagnation of fluids. Crusts adhering to flesh are called 'Jiacuo' (crab-like scales). Jiacuo often arises from Lung abscesses; 'Yong' means obstruction. Is this not caused by Lung qi obstruction? Severe abdominal pain and fainting result from extreme obstruction. Extreme obstruction blocks the water passages as well, causing qi to surge horizontally at the umbilicus, forcing the small intestine to protrude. The flaccidity and elongation of the external genitalia are merely secondary effects. Using Huangqin and Ejiao clears Lung heat and moistens Lung dryness, treating the root cause. Once qi moves, obstruction resolves; once the source is clear, the flow clears. Since the disease was extremely critical, only single herbs in large doses could descend and take effect. Thus, the prescription was mild yet effective quickly. Let me explain further using the principle of investigating things. Among birds and beasts, those with lungs have urine; those without lungs do not. Therefore, when water passages fail leading to edema and fullness, clearing the Lung is urgent. (The Lung governs the regulation of water passages; water originates from the high source [Lung], hence it is called the source of transformation.) Previous scholars did not fully elucidate this. Those who later used formulas like Wuling San, Wupi Yin, or Bazheng San to treat water diseases generally failed to grasp this principle. Formulas that aggressively attack the Bladder, akin to draining ponds, are lethal. One must be cautious." Attached: Liangyi Gao Formula: Shengdi Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) 1 jin, Yuzhu (Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma) 2 jin. Add 20 jin of water, boil for a long time, remove and mash, add another 10 jin of water, boil until flavorless, remove dregs, combine juices, and boil into a paste. Add 0.5 jin of white honey to set. Adding fresh ginger juice during boiling is also good. Take one spoonful per dose, dissolved in boiled water. It greatly moistens dryness, tonifies deficiency, clears the Heart and Lung, and treats Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst).
Zhao Wo's second son suffered in autumn from Lung qi failing to descend, resulting in swollen and ulcerated feet and complete absence of urination. (When Lung qi fails, these two symptoms often appear.) Pain in the umbilical region was indescribable; rubbing the left side caused pain to radiate to the right, and vice versa. Rubbing or warming the umbilicus caused pain throughout the entire area, accompanied by incessant screaming. Dozens of doses of diuretics were ineffective. Applying umbilical patches and taking 1 liang of Hupo (Succinum) powder alone were also ineffective. Upon pulse diagnosis, the condition was terminal and incurable. How tragic! (Xu Lingtai notes: Observing this case, foot swelling due to residual heat in the Lung after pathogen invasion should not be indiscriminately treated as Qi recovery or Yin deficiency requiring blood-tonifying herbs.)
Lv Dongzhuang treated Jiang Zhonglian, a man from Huizhou, who had fever and aversion to cold due to cold pathogen constraining fire. Both mandibles swelled to the size of a sheng (unit of volume), resembling Leitou Feng (Thunder Head Wind, commonly known as Pig Head Wind). Numerous hard lumps appeared on the arms. There was no appetite, constipation, mania, restlessness, and thirst. The pulse was floating, rapid, and disordered. Physicians treated it as toxic heat from Cold Damage. Lv said: "Incorrect. This is dryness driving wind generation." He prescribed a large dose of Shugan Yishen Tang (Liver-Soothing and Kidney-Nourishing Decoction), increasing Shudi Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) to 3 liang. After five doses, swelling subsided and bowels moved. After ten doses, fever ceased and appetite improved. He then used Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) with Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) and Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus) to cure the patient.
Lu Xiaoyu treated the nephew of Li Anwu, aged thirteen, suffering from intestinal dryness and constipation, intermittent rectal prolapse, nasal nodules, and occasional epistaxis. He loved reading; the illness resulted from overexertion and recurred with fatigue, resisting treatment for a long time. Examination revealed emaciation, red face, body heat, and a fine, rapid pulse. Lu stated: "This is a constitutional Fire-Dryness syndrome. If sexual activity occurs before completion of development, it will become consumption. Urgent treatment is needed. Avoid rich flavors and limit reading/studying to allow healing." He used Tiandong (Asparagi Radix) and Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) each 1 jin, Shengdi Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) 0.5 jin, and Renshen (Ginseng Radix) 4 liang, constituting a modified Santai Gao (Three Powers Paste). After one course, attacks became rare. After three courses, nearly fully recovered within a year.
Wan Mizhai treated a fourteen-year-old girl who, after convulsions, could not extend her right thumb and index finger. Other physicians used wind-dispelling herbs such as Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma), Quanxie (Scorpio), Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus), and Chantui (Cicadae Periostracum), worsening the condition. Wan said: "Limbs paralysis is due to Blood deficiency. Extension without flexion indicates lax tendons; flexion without extension indicates contracted tendons. All are signs of Blood deficiency failing to nourish tendons. The thumb is governed by the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian; the index finger by the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. Both belong to Dry Metal. This is a Blood-Dryness disease. Wind herbs generate wind and dryness, worsening Blood deficiency and the disease. He prescribed Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Tiandong (Asparagi Radix), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Shengdi Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Shudi Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), and Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) in equal parts, with Guigui (Cinnamomi Ramulus) halved as a guiding herb to reach the fingers. Powdered and made into honey pills the size of Euryale seeds. One pill taken after meals with warm water."
Ma Yuanyi treated Zhou Kai, ill for a month with dry mouth and throat, chest fullness, inability to eat, and closure of both stool and urine. Pulse was deficient and choppy. This was Miner Yang (Lesser Yin) exogenous heat and Kidney meridian deficiency-dryness. The Kidney opens into the two yin orifices. With Kidney Yin depleted, the orifices lose lubrication, causing closure of stool and urine. The Lesser Yin meridian circulates along the throat and surrounds the tongue base; Kidney heat causes meridian heat, leading to dry mouth and throat. The Kidney is the gate of the Stomach. If the gate is blocked, Stomach qi is obstructed, causing chest fullness and anorexia. Ma prescribed Zhang Zhongjing's Zhufu Tang (Pig Skin Decoction). Pigs are water animals; their qi enters the Kidney first. Pig skin is salty and can resolve Lesser Yin exogenous heat, serving as the sovereign herb. White honey was added to moisten dryness and relieve irritability; rice flour was added to tonify deficiency and boost qi. After two doses, heat and dryness resolved, bowel movements normalized, appetite returned, and the patient recovered.
Xue Lizhai treated Zhou Shangshe with Spleen-Stomach deficiency. After taking Yangwei Tang (Stomach-Nourishing Decoction) and Zhi Zhu Wan (Immature Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Pill), there was initial improvement followed by increased deficiency. Mouth and tongue ulcers worsened with fatigue; bitter-cold drugs caused vomiting. This was Middle Qi deficiency-cold. Lizhai treated with Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) for slight improvement, then Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) with Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Fuling (Poria) for full recovery over a month. Yangwei Tang consists of aromatic-drying herbs. If food stagnation or cold-stagnation in the Middle Jiao exists, these herbs dry and open Stomach qi, digesting retained food, which is somewhat logical. However, long-term use dries fluids further and weakens Stomach qi. Using them on a patient with inherent Stomach deficiency would inevitably exacerbate the disease.
Xue Lizhai treated a man whose palms thickened, cracked, and shed white scales in autumn, accompanied by internal heat and fatigue. This was Liver-Spleen Blood-Dryness, manifesting during the Autumn Metal season. He prescribed Jiawei Xiaoyao San (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) with Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) and Shudi Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) for over thirty doses to cure. Subsequently, Liuwei Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) with Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus) and Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) was taken. Half a year later, thick white skin appeared between finger webs, dorsal hands, legs, and wrists, feeling numb when scratched. Long-term use of previous medications eventually cured it.
A woman with habitual evening fever and irregular menstruation initially experienced red, itchy palms. In autumn, palms thickened, cracked, and shed white scales. This was Liver-Spleen Blood-Dryness. She was treated with Jiawei Xiaoyao San (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) plus Jingjie (Schizonepetae Spica), Gouteng (Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma), and Shudi Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) for over fifty doses, followed by Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) for twenty doses, and finally Liuwei Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) to prevent recurrence.
Jiang Zhongfang treated his cousin's wife, Han Zhennü, who observed chastity in youth, was diligent, filial, and ascetic, eating vegetarian food and chanting sutras, resulting in chronic Qi-Blood deficiency and poor complexion. In spring of the Yisi year, she caught wind-cold, causing chest and abdominal distension. By summer, she suffered stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondrium, and back pain as if carrying a stone, resistant to treatments. By late autumn and early winter, she felt her intestines shrink to thread-thin size. Any food entering the stomach spun rapidly left and right, moving swiftly, causing abnormal narrowness and stagnation, unbearable pain, worsening with solar terms. Pulse was rapid on the right and choppy on the left. Jiang stated: "Rapid pulse indicates Qi-Dryness; choppy pulse indicates Blood-Deficiency. Blood deficiency leads to dry fluids and shrinking intestines, causing narrowness. Qi-Dryness causes rapid movement, preventing food from settling, hence the swift motion." He prescribed Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 5 qian, Jiupao Baishao (Vinegar-processed White Peony Root) 2 qian, and Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) 1 qian as sovereign herbs to tonify Blood. To loosen tightness, he added Fupi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 7 fen; to unblock stickiness, Huashi (Talcum) 1 qian; to moisten dryness, Suzi (Perillae Fructus) 2 qian; to slow rapid movement, Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 2 fen. After four doses, symptoms gradually decreased. After 50-60 doses, Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) began to flow. Pastes and pills were used for over a year of recuperation before significant improvement.