苏颂曰∶火气香港脚，最为急症。有人患此，以袋盛赤小豆，朝夕践踏辗转之，久久遂愈。（《本草纲目》∶
今人多误为相思子，其实即食豆赤黯而紧小者耳。其红大者不入药。）
窦材治一人患脚痛，两 骨连腰，日夜痛不可忍，为灸涌泉穴五十壮，服金液丹，五日全愈。
一女子患香港脚，忽手足遍身拘挛疼痛，六脉沉大，乃胃气盛也。服宣风丸三十粒，泄去而愈。
张文定尝苦脚疾，无药可疗。一日游相国寺，有卖药者，得绿豆两粒，服之遂愈。（《琅琊代醉编》。）
刘敬叔云∶荥阳郑醉之，字道子，为尚书左仆射，女脚患挛癖，就王仆医。仆阳请水浇之，余浇庭中枯树
既生，女脚亦瘥。（《樵书初编》。）
鄱阳周顺治一士人脚弱病，方书罗列，积药如山，而疾益甚。令屏去，但用杉木为桶濯足，及令排樟脑两
股间，以脚 系足定，月余而安，健如故。南方多此疾，不可不知。（《遁斋间览》。）
叶天士治一妇人，血少气多，大便后脚痛而麻，用当归、白芍、白术、青皮、地黄、川芎、甘草、桃仁煎服。
薛立斋治一妇，两 赤痛，寒热口苦，呕吐，懒饮食，面色青黄。此肝木乘脾土，用小柴胡汤加山栀、升
麻、茯苓，二剂顿愈。又用六君子汤加柴胡、山栀即愈。
一妇人饮食劳役，两 兼腿疼痛，或时寒热。薛以为脾虚湿下陷，用补中益气汤加山楂、茯苓、半夏治之
而痊。后复作，用六君汤加柴胡、山栀全愈。
一妇人经行后，寒热晡热，两腿作痛，此肝经血虚也，用加味逍遥散加山栀治之而愈。后因劳，日晡内热，
或用四物、黄柏、知母之类，前症益甚，更加食少作泄。薛以为元气下陷，前药复伤，先用六君子汤加补骨脂
二剂，调补脾胃而泻止食进。又用补中益气汤升举元气而痊。
一妇人年三十有七，早孀居，两腿骨作痛，晡热体倦，月经不调，或发寒热，数年矣。一日颈项两侧结核，
两胁胀痛。此系肝经郁火而成也，先用小柴胡汤合四物，数剂肝症顿愈。又用加味逍遥散加泽兰、乳香、没药，
三十剂血症渐痊。再用加味逍遥散，药年余而安。
一孀妇两腿作痛，或用除湿化痰等药，遍身作痛而无定处。薛曰∶此血症也。不信，仍服流气饮之类而殁。
一放出宫人，年四十余，臀腿肉股作痛，晡热口干，月经不调。此系肝经血少，不能养经络而然也，宜用
加味逍遥散加泽兰叶，五十余剂诸症稍变。又以归脾汤兼服，二百余剂而痊。
一放出宫人，臀腿肿痛，内热晡热，恶寒体倦，咳嗽胸痞，月经过期而少。彼以为气毒流注，服清热理气
之剂益甚。薛曰∶此乃肝经瘀血停留所致。盖肝经上贯膈，布胁肋循喉咙，下循 内 ，绕阴器抵少腹。主治
之法，当补其所不胜，而制其所胜而已。补者脾，制者肝也。经曰虚则补之，实则泻之，此定法也。彼不信，
仍服前药，遂致不起。
薛立斋治一儒者，两足发热，脚跟作痛，用六味丸及四物汤加麦冬、五味、玄参，治之而愈。后因劳役，
发热恶寒，作渴烦躁，用当归补血汤而安。
一妇人下体肿痛，用人参败毒散加苍术、黄柏、威灵仙，痛减。又以四物汤加苍术、黄柏、防风、红花、
泽泻而安。
一人足热口干，吐痰头晕，服四物汤加黄连、黄柏，饮食即减，痰热益甚。用十全大补汤加麦冬、五味、
山药、山萸而愈。
吴孚先治褚仁甫，病足肿，虚弱无力，颇能食。医与二妙散加米仁、木瓜、牛膝、防风之类，愈服愈惫。
此脾虚湿热下陷，法当补脾升举，误用下行之剂，故愈下陷也。凡诊是症，须审右寸不数，并能食否？如数又
不能食，则是痿症，宜清肺热，不可不知。（即痿不可作痹治是也。）
张路玉治褚廷嘉，患香港脚痼疾，恒服肾气丸不彻。六七年来宿患，恳除之，乃汇取术附、桂附、 附、参
附等法，兼采八风散中菊花，鳖甲汤中鳖甲、贝齿、羚羊、犀角，风引汤中独活、防己，竹沥汤中姜汁、竹沥
为丸，共襄祛风逐湿之功，服后必蒸蒸汗出，不终剂而数年之症顿愈。
沈汝楫子，夏月两膝胫至脚痛极，僵挺不能屈者十余日，或用敷治之法不效。其脉软大而数，令拭去敷药，
与当归拈痛汤二剂，汗出而愈。
陆养愚治邵完吾，左臀尖肿痛，引至膝 ，行动不便，坐卧亦艰，治疗半年无效，肌肉尽削。诊之，沉弱
似缓，按之迟迟，两尺沉数，曰∶此由元气虚弱，寒湿乘之，胃气不升，阴火伏慝于下，当壮元升阳，导湿清
热，则痛自止。用补中益气汤加苍术、黄柏、猪苓、泽泻，桂、附少许，十剂其痛顿释。后去桂、附，五苓倍
人参、归身，月余肌肉渐生。
张三锡治一人，素有香港脚，每发则引腰痛，不可俯仰。其人雄饮，明是湿热，脉濡而数，投拈痛汤，八帖
渐减。遂以捉虎丹酒下二丸，空心服。凡三服，腿腕出黑汗，不再发。
陈三农治一人，热从脚起入腹，视其形体实，作湿郁热成之疾治之，以潜行散加牛膝、防己，丸服之而即愈。
一妇积劳，病两足如火烧，即恶寒壮热，头痛眩晕，齿痛齿浮，安卧片时少减，日二三发。此气血俱虚，
虚火妄动所致，以十全大补汤加五味，四剂而愈。
朱丹溪治一妇人，脚疼怕冷，夜剧日轻，用生地、白芍、归尾各五钱，炒黄柏、黄芩、白术五分，四帖，
水煎带热服。
一妇人脚叉骨痛，用苍术、白术、陈皮、白芍各三钱，木通二钱，甘草五分，二服，送大补丸五十粒。
儒者章立之，左股作痛，用清热渗湿之药，色赤肿胀，痛连腰胁，腿足无力。此足三阴虚，用补中益气、
六味地黄，两月余元气渐复，诸症渐退。喜其慎疾，年许而痊。
府庠钟之英两腿生疮，色黯，如钱似癣者三四，痒痛相循，脓水淋漓，晡热内热，口干面黧。此肾虚之症，
用加味六味丸，数日而愈。此症若用祛风散毒之剂，以致误人多矣。
一男子素遗精，脚跟作痛，口干作渴，大便干燥，午后热甚，用补中益气加白芍、元参及六味丸而愈。
周都宪两腿作痛，形体清 ，肝脉弦数。都属有余之症，用龙胆泻肝汤治之愈。
一妇人两腿作痛，不能伸展，脉弦紧，按之则涩，先以五积散二剂，痛少止，又一剂而止。更以神应养真
而能屈伸。
一男子腿痛，每痛则痰盛，或作嘈杂，脉滑而数，以二陈汤加升麻、二术、泽泻、羌活、南星，治之而安。
一男子素有香港脚，胁下作痛，发热，头晕呕吐，腿痹不仁，服消毒护心等药不应。左关脉紧，右关脉弦，
此亦是香港脚也，以半夏杜经汤治之而愈。
一男子脚软肿痛，发热饮冷，大小便秘，右关脉数，乃是阳明经湿热流注也。以大黄左经汤治之而愈。
一男子 胫兼踝脚皆 痛，治以加味败毒而愈。
一男子两腿肿痛，脉滑而缓，此湿痰所致也。先以五苓散加苍术、黄柏，二剂少愈。更以二陈、二术、槟
榔、紫苏、羌活、独活、牛膝、黄柏而瘥。夫湿痰之症，必先以行气利湿健中为主。若气和则痰自消，而湿亦
无所容矣。
一妇人两腿作痛，脉涩而数。此血虚兼湿热，先以苍术、黄柏、知母、龙胆草、茯苓、防风、防己、羌活，
数剂肿痛渐愈。又以四物汤加二术、黄柏、牛膝、木瓜，月余而愈。
一妇人脚胫肿痛，发寒热，脉浮数。此三阳经湿热下注为患，尚在表，用加味败毒散治之不应，乃瘀血凝
结，药不能及也。于患处砭去瘀血，乃用前药二剂顿退，以当归拈痛汤四剂而愈。杨大受云∶香港脚是为壅疾，
治法宜宣通之，使气不能成壅也。壅既成而甚者，砭去恶血，而去其重热。经云蓄则肿热，砭泄之后，以药治之。
一妇人两腿痛，遇寒则筋挛，脉弦而紧。此寒邪之症，以五积散对四物汤，数剂痛止。更以四物汤加木瓜、
牛膝、枳壳，数月余而愈。
一男子腿肿筋挛，不能动履，以交加散二剂而愈。
一妇人患腿痛，不能伸屈，遇风寒痛益甚，诸药不应，甚苦，先用活络丹一丸顿退，又服而瘳。次年复痛，
仍服一丸顿退大半。更以独活寄生汤，四剂而愈。
一男子素有香港脚，又患附骨疽作痛，服活络丹一丸，二症并瘥。上舍俞鲁用素有疝不能愈，因患腿痛，亦
用一丸，不惟腿患有效，而疝亦得愈矣。夫病深伏在内，非此药莫能通达。但近代始有此药引风入骨，如油入
面之说，故后人多不肯服。大抵有是病，宜用是药，岂可泥于此乎？
一男素有腿痛，饮酒过伤，痛益甚，倦怠脉弱，以六君子汤加山楂、神曲、苍术、芎、归、升、柴而愈。
一老人素善饮，腿常疼痛，脉洪而缓，先以当归拈痛饮，候湿热少退，后用六君子汤加苍术、黄柏、泽泻，
治之而痊。
一男子每饮食稍过，胸膈痞闷，或吞酸，两腿作痛，用导引丸，二服顿愈。更以六君子汤加神曲、麦芽、
苍术，二十余剂遂不复作。河间云∶若饮食自倍，脾胃乃伤，则胃气不能施行，脾气不能自布，故下流乘其肝
胃之虚，以致足肿。加之房事不节，阳虚阴盛，遂成香港脚。亦有内伤饮食，脾胃之气有亏，不能上升，则下注
为香港脚者，宜用东垣开结导引丸，开导引水，运化脾气。如脾虚湿气壅遏，通致面目发肿，或痛者，宜用导滞
通经汤，以疏导之。
一妇人患腿兼足胫弯挛痛，服发散药愈甚，尺脉弦紧，此肝肾虚弱，风湿内侵也。以独活寄生汤治之，痛
止，更以神应养真丹而弗挛矣。
王执中旧有香港脚疾，遇春则足稍肿，夏中尤甚，至冬渐消。偶夏间根据《素问注》所说，三里穴之所在，以
温针微刺之，翌日肿消，其神效有如此者。缪刺且尔，况于灸乎？有此疾者，不可不知。（《千金》谓香港脚宜
针、灸、药三者并用。史载之谓不许其灸。《指迷方》云∶若觉闷热，不得灸之。）
凡灸香港脚，三里、绝骨为要，而以爱护为第一。王旧有此疾，不履湿则数岁不作，若履湿则频作。自后尝
忌履湿，凡有水湿，不敢着鞋践之，或立润地亦不敢久，须频移足而后无患，此亦爱护之第二义也。有达官久
患香港脚，多服八味丸愈。亦以香港脚冲心，惟此药能治。
有人旧患脚弱，且瘦削，后灸三里、绝骨，而脚如故。益知王君针灸图所谓绝骨治脚疾神效，信然也。同
官以脚肿灸承山一穴，疮即干，一穴数月不愈，不晓所谓，亦将摄失宜耶？是未可知也。
王执中母氏常久病，夏中脚忽肿，旧传夏不理足，不敢着艾。谩以针置火中令热，于三里穴刺之微见血，
凡数次其肿如去。执中素患脚痛肿，见此奇效，亦以火针刺之，翌日肿亦消，后常灸。凡治此当先三里，而后
之阳跷等穴也。
王执中患香港脚，趾缝烂，每以茶末掺之愈。他日复肿而烂，用茶末不效，渐肿至脚背上。以为香港脚使然，
窃忧之，策仗而后敢行。偶卖药僧者见之云∶可取床荐下尘掺之。如其言而愈。此物不值一钱，而能愈可忧之
疾，其可忽哉。
一人筋动于足大趾，渐渐上来至大腿，近腰结了。奉养且浓，因酒食作此，是热伤血。四物汤加酒黄芩、
红花、苍术、南星愈。（宜是丹溪。）
忠州太守陈逢浓传云∶渠前知坊州回署中取凉食瓜，至秋忽然右腰腿痛，连及膝胫，曲折不能适，经月右
脚艰于举动，凡治腰脚药服之无效。儿子云安刊曹偶在商然助教处，得养肾散方服之，才一服，移刻举身麻痹，
不数刻间，脚遂屈伸，再一服即康宁。又坊州监酒某，年几四十，虚损，两脚不能行步，试与此药，初进二钱，
大腿麻木，遂能起立。再服二钱，大小趾KT 皆麻，迤逦可能行，三服驰走如旧。太室居士得此方，干道己丑岁
在鄂州都幕府曰∶宋判院审言久病，脚膝缓弱，不能行步。传之数日来谢，此疾经年，无药不服，得方次日即
合，二服见效，五服良愈，今有力能拜起矣。后数日又云∶因浴遍身去薄皮如糊，肌骨遂莹，其效如神。其
方用全蝎半两，天麻三钱，苍术一两去黑皮，草乌头二钱去皮、脚，生用，黑附子二钱炮，去皮脐，上为细末，
拌匀。如肾气，豆淋酒调一大钱，豆用黑大豆，能除去脚筋骨疼痛，其效如神。药气所至，麻痹少时，须臾疾
随药气顿愈。
金山长老于张显学甘露寺斋会上说此方，渠旧患香港脚，曾于天台一僧处传方，用木瓜、蒸艾，服之渐安。
从来往金山，日日登陟，脚更轻快。又一堂众处得此方，合服颇觉轻健胜前。方云∶破故纸，炒；舶上茴香，
酒浸一宿，炒；葫芦巴，炒；牛膝酒浸一宿；肉苁蓉，酒浸一宿；川续断，拣净生用；杜仲，去粗皮，姜汁
制一昼夜，炒令丝断黄色用，各四两，同为细末。上用艾四两，去枝梗称，以大木瓜四个，切作合子，去尽
瓤，以艾实之，用麻线扎定，蒸三次，烂研，和药为丸如梧桐子大。每服五七十丸，温酒盐汤食后服。
申屠府判传，香港脚流注，四肢手指肿痛，不可屈伸，四物汤去地黄，加附子，入姜煎服如常法，遇疾作时，
服之必愈。
是斋云∶香港脚上攻，流注四肢，结成肿核不散，赤热 痛，及治一切肿痛，用甘遂为细末，以水调敷肿处，
苏颂说：火气香港脚（一种以红肿热痛为特征的足部疾病），是最为急重的病症。有人患此病，用袋子装赤小豆，早晚踩踏并辗转身体，久而久之便痊愈了。（《本草纲目》记载：现在的人多误将其当作相思子，其实它就是颜色红暗且紧小的食用豆子。那些红色较大的不入药。）
窦材治疗一个人患脚痛，两小腿骨连着腰部疼痛，日夜痛得无法忍受，于是给他灸涌泉穴五十壮，服用金液丹，五天后完全痊愈。
一个女子患香港脚，忽然手足及全身拘挛疼痛，六脉沉大，这是胃气旺盛的表现。服用宣风丸三十粒，泻下后痊愈。
张文定曾经苦于脚疾，无药可治。一天游览相国寺，遇到卖药的，得到绿豆两粒，服用后便痊愈了。（出自《琅琊代醉编》。）
刘敬叔说：荥阳人郑醉之，字道子，担任尚书左仆射，他的女儿患有脚部拘挛癖疾，去找王仆医诊治。王仆假装要用水浇她的脚，却把水浇在庭院中的枯树上，枯树竟然发芽生长，他女儿的脚病也好了。（出自《樵书初编》。）
鄱阳周顺治的一位士人患脚弱病，医书中罗列的方剂很多，堆积的药如山一样高，但病情反而加重。让他屏弃这些药物，只用杉木做的桶洗脚，并在两股间放置樟脑，用带子将脚固定在桶上，一个多月后安稳下来，恢复健康。南方多有此病，不可不知道。（出自《遁斋间览》。）
叶天士治疗一位妇人，血少气多，大便后脚痛且麻木，使用当归、白芍、白术、青皮、地黄、川芎、甘草、桃仁煎服。
薛立斋治疗一位妇人，两小腿红肿疼痛，伴有寒热、口苦、呕吐、食欲不振、面色青黄。这是肝木乘脾土（肝气过旺克制脾胃），用小柴胡汤加山栀、升麻、茯苓，两剂后立刻痊愈。又用六君子汤加柴胡、山栀而彻底治愈。
一位妇人因饮食和劳累过度，两小腿兼腿部疼痛，有时寒热。薛立斋认为是脾虚湿邪下陷，用补中益气汤加山楂、茯苓、半夏治疗而痊愈。后来复发，用六君子汤加柴胡、山栀完全治愈。
一位妇人在月经结束后，出现寒热、傍晚发热，两腿作痛，这是肝经血虚所致，用加味逍遥散加山栀治疗而愈。后来因为劳累，傍晚内热，有人用四物汤、黄柏、知母等药，前症更加严重，加上食欲减少、腹泻。薛立斋认为是元气下陷，之前的药物再次损伤正气，先用六君子汤加补骨脂两剂，调理补益脾胃，腹泻停止，食欲增进。又用补中益气汤升举元气而痊愈。
一位三十七岁的妇人，早年守寡，两腿骨头作痛，傍晚发热，身体疲倦，月经不调，有时发寒热，已有数年。一天颈部两侧出现结核，两胁胀痛。这是肝经郁火所致，先用小柴胡汤合四物汤，数剂后肝经症状立刻痊愈。又用加味逍遥散加泽兰、乳香、没药，三十剂后血症逐渐痊愈。再用加味逍遥散，服药一年多后安稳。
一位寡妇两腿作痛，有人用除湿化痰等药，导致遍身疼痛且位置不定。薛立斋说：这是血症。患者不信，仍然服用流气饮之类的药而死。
一位放出宫的宫女，四十多岁，臀部和大腿肌肉作痛，傍晚发热，口干，月经不调。这是肝经血少，不能滋养经络所致，宜用加味逍遥散加泽兰叶，五十余剂后诸症稍有好转。又以归脾汤兼服，二百余剂后痊愈。
一位放出宫的宫女，臀腿肿痛，内热傍晚发热，恶寒身体疲倦，咳嗽胸痞，月经过期且量少。她认为是气毒流注，服用清热理气的药剂后病情加重。薛立斋说：这是肝经瘀血停留所致。肝经上行贯穿膈肌，分布胁肋，沿喉咙下行，绕阴器抵少腹。主治之法，应当补其所不胜（脾），制约其所胜（肝）。经云：虚则补之，实则泻之，这是定法。患者不信，仍服前药，最终致死。
薛立斋治疗一位儒者，两足发热，脚跟作痛，用六味丸及四物汤加麦冬、五味子、玄参，治疗而愈。后来因劳累，发热恶寒，口渴烦躁，用当归补血汤而安。
一位妇人下体肿痛，用人参败毒散加苍术、黄柏、威灵仙，疼痛减轻。又以四物汤加苍术、黄柏、防风、红花、泽泻而安。
一人足热口干，吐痰头晕，服用四物汤加黄连、黄柏，饮食减少，痰热更甚。用十全大补汤加麦冬、五味子、山药、山茱萸而愈。
吴孚先治疗褚仁甫，病足肿，虚弱无力，颇能进食。医生给予二妙散加薏苡仁、木瓜、牛膝、防风等药，越服越疲惫。这是脾虚湿热下陷，法当补脾升举，误用下行之剂，所以病情越陷越深。凡诊断此症，须审察右寸脉不数，且能否进食？如果脉数又不能食，则是痿症，宜清肺热，不可不知。（即痿症不可作为痹症治疗。）
张路玉治疗褚廷嘉，患香港脚顽固性疾病，长期服用肾气丸未见效。六七年的宿疾，恳请根除，于是汇总取用术附、桂附、附子、参附等方法，兼采八风散中的菊花，鳖甲汤中的鳖甲、贝齿、羚羊角、犀角，风引汤中的独活、防己，竹沥汤中的姜汁、竹沥制成丸药，共同辅助祛风逐湿的功效，服用后必然蒸蒸汗出，未服完一剂，数年的病症立刻痊愈。
沈汝楫的儿子，夏季两膝胫至脚痛极，僵硬挺直不能弯曲十余日，有人用敷治的方法无效。其脉软大而数，令擦去敷药，给予当归拈痛汤两剂，汗出而愈。
陆养愚治疗邵完吾，左臀尖肿痛，牵引至膝盖，行动不便，坐卧亦艰难，治疗半年无效，肌肉尽消。诊脉沉弱似缓，按之迟迟，两尺脉沉数，说：这是由于元气虚弱，寒湿乘虚而入，胃气不升，阴火潜伏于下，应当壮元升阳，导湿清热，则疼痛自止。用补中益气汤加苍术、黄柏、猪苓、泽泻，少许桂枝、附子，十剂后疼痛立刻缓解。后来去掉桂枝、附子，五苓散倍用人参、当归身，月余后肌肉渐生。
张三锡治疗一人，素有香港脚，每次发作则牵引腰痛，不可俯仰。此人豪饮，明是湿热，脉濡而数，投用拈痛汤，八帖后逐渐减轻。遂以捉虎丹酒送服二丸，空腹服用。共服三次，腿腕处流出黑汗，不再复发。
陈三农治疗一人，热从脚起入腹，视其形体实，作为湿郁热成之疾治疗，以潜行散加牛膝、防己，丸服而即愈。
一妇人积劳，病两足如火烧，随即恶寒壮热，头痛眩晕，齿痛齿浮，安静躺片刻稍减，每天发作二三次。这是气血俱虚，虚火妄动所致，以十全大补汤加五味子，四剂而愈。
朱丹溪治疗一妇人，脚疼怕冷，夜间剧白天轻，用地黄、白芍、归尾各五钱，炒黄柏、黄芩、白术五分，四帖，水煎带热服。
一妇人脚叉骨痛，用苍术、白术、陈皮、白芍各三钱，木通二钱，甘草五分，二服，送服大补丸五十粒。
儒者章立之，左股作痛，用清热渗湿之药，面色赤红肿胀，痛连腰胁，腿足无力。这是足三阴虚，用补中益气汤、六味地黄丸，两个多月后元气渐复，诸症渐退。庆幸他谨慎对待疾病，一年左右痊愈。
府庠钟之英两腿生疮，色黯，如钱似癣者三四处，痒痛相循，脓水淋漓，傍晚发热内热，口干面黑。这是肾虚之症，用加味六味丸，数日而愈。此症若用祛风散毒之剂，以致误人多矣。
一男子素来遗精，脚跟作痛，口干作渴，大便干燥，午后热甚，用补中益气汤加白芍、玄参及六味丸而愈。
周都宪两腿作痛，形体清瘦，肝脉弦数。都属有余之症，用龙胆泻肝汤治疗而愈。
一妇人两腿作痛，不能伸展，脉弦紧，按之则涩，先以五积散两剂，痛稍止，又一剂而止。更以神应养真丹使能屈伸。
一男子腿痛，每痛则痰盛，或作嘈杂，脉滑而数，以二陈汤加升麻、二术、泽泻、羌活、南星，治疗而安。
一男子素有香港脚，胁下作痛，发热，头晕呕吐，腿痹不仁，服用消毒护心等药不应。左关脉紧，右关脉弦，这也是香港脚，以半夏杜经汤治疗而愈。
一男子脚软肿痛，发热饮冷，大小便秘，右关脉数，乃是阳明经湿热流注也。以大黄左经汤治疗而愈。
一男子小腿兼踝脚皆痛，治以加味败毒散而愈。
一男子两腿肿痛，脉滑而缓，这是湿痰所致也。先以五苓散加苍术、黄柏，两剂稍愈。更以二陈汤、二术、槟榔、紫苏、羌活、独活、牛膝、黄柏而瘥。夫湿痰之症，必先以行气利湿健中为主。若气和则痰自消，而湿亦无所容矣。
一妇人两腿作痛，脉涩而数。这是血虚兼湿热，先以苍术、黄柏、知母、龙胆草、茯苓、防风、防己、羌活，数剂肿痛渐愈。又以四物汤加二术、黄柏、牛膝、木瓜，月余而愈。
一妇人脚胫肿痛，发寒热，脉浮数。这是三阳经湿热下注为患，尚在表，用加味败毒散治疗不应，乃瘀血凝结，药不能及也。于患处砭刺去瘀血，乃用前药两剂顿退，以当归拈痛汤四剂而愈。杨大受说：香港脚是为壅疾，治法宜宣通之，使气不能成壅也。壅既成而甚者，砭去恶血，而去其重热。经云蓄则肿热，砭泄之后，以药治之。
一妇人两腿痛，遇寒则筋挛，脉弦而紧。这是寒邪之症，以五积散对四物汤，数剂痛止。更以四物汤加木瓜、牛膝、枳壳，数月余而愈。
一妇人患腿痛，不能伸屈，遇风寒痛益甚，诸药不应，甚苦，先用活络丹一丸顿退，又服而瘳。次年复痛，仍服一丸顿退大半。更以独活寄生汤，四剂而愈。
一男子素有香港脚，又患附骨疽作痛，服用活络丹一丸，二症并瘥。上舍俞鲁用素有疝不能愈，因患腿痛，亦用一丸，不惟腿患有效，而疝亦得愈矣。夫病深伏在内，非此药莫能通达。但近代始有此药引风入骨，如油入面之说，故后人多不肯服。大抵有是病，宜用是药，岂可泥于此乎？
一男素有腿痛，饮酒过伤，痛益甚，倦怠脉弱，以六君子汤加山楂、神曲、苍术、川芎、当归、升麻、柴胡而愈。
一老人素善饮，腿常疼痛，脉洪而缓，先以当归拈痛饮，候湿热少退，后用六君子汤加苍术、黄柏、泽泻，治疗而痊。
一男子每饮食稍过，胸膈痞闷，或吞酸，两腿作痛，用导引丸，两服顿愈。更以六君子汤加神曲、麦芽、苍术，二十余剂遂不复作。河间说：若饮食自倍，脾胃乃伤，则胃气不能施行，脾气不能自布，故下流乘其肝肾之虚，以致足肿。加之房事不节，阳虚阴盛，遂成香港脚。亦有内伤饮食，脾胃之气有亏，不能上升，则下注为香港脚者，宜用东垣开结导引丸，开导引水，运化脾气。如脾虚湿气壅遏，通致面目发肿，或痛者，宜用导滞通经汤，以疏导之。
一妇人患腿兼足胫弯挛痛，服发散药愈甚，尺脉弦紧，这是肝肾虚弱，风湿内侵也。以独活寄生汤治疗，痛止，更以神应养真丹而不挛矣。
王执中旧有香港脚疾，遇春则足稍肿，夏中尤甚，至冬渐消。偶夏间根据《素问注》所说，三里穴之所在，以温针微刺之，翌日肿消，其神效有如此者。缪刺且尔，况于灸乎？有此疾者，不可不知。（《千金》谓香港脚宜针、灸、药三者并用。史载之谓不许其灸。《指迷方》云：若觉闷热，不得灸之。）
凡灸香港脚，三里、绝骨为要，而以爱护为第一。王旧有此疾，不履湿则数岁不作，若履湿则频作。自后尝忌履湿，凡有水湿，不敢着鞋践之，或立润地亦不敢久，须频移足而后无患，此亦爱护之第二义也。有达官久患香港脚，多服八味丸愈。亦以香港脚冲心，惟此药能治。
有人旧患脚弱，且瘦削，后灸三里、绝骨，而脚如故。益知王君针灸图所谓绝骨治脚疾神效，信然也。同官以脚肿灸承山一穴，疮即干，一穴数月不愈，不晓所谓，亦将摄失宜耶？是未可知也。
王执中母氏常久病，夏中脚忽肿，旧传夏不理足，不敢着艾。漫以针置火中令热，于三里穴刺之微见血，凡数次其肿如去。执中素患脚痛肿，见此奇效，亦以火针刺之，翌日肿亦消，后常灸。凡治此当先三里，而后之阳跷等穴也。
王执中患香港脚，趾缝烂，每以茶末掺之愈。他日复肿而烂，用茶末不效，渐肿至脚背上。以为香港脚使然，窃忧之，策仗而后敢行。偶卖药僧者见之云：可取床荐下尘掺之。如其言而愈。此物不值一钱，而能愈可忧之疾，其可忽哉。
一人筋动于足大趾，渐渐上来至大腿，近腰结了。奉养且浓，因酒食作此，是热伤血。四物汤加酒黄芩、红花、苍术、南星愈。（宜是丹溪。）
忠州太守陈逢浓传云：渠前知坊州回署中取凉食瓜，至秋忽然右腰腿痛，连及膝胫，曲折不能适，经月右脚艰于举动，凡治腰脚药服之无效。儿子云安刊曹偶在商然助教处，得养肾散方服之，才一服，移刻举身麻痹，不数刻间，脚遂屈伸，再一服即康宁。又坊州监酒某，年几四十，虚损，两脚不能行步，试与此药，初进二钱，大腿麻木，遂能起立。再服二钱，大小趾皆麻，迤逦可能行，三服驰走如旧。太室居士得此方，干道己丑岁在鄂州都幕府曰：宋判院审言久病，脚膝缓弱，不能行步。传之数日来谢，此疾经年，无药不服，得方次日即合，二服见效，五服良愈，今有力能拜起矣。后数日又云：因浴遍身去薄皮如糊，肌骨遂莹，其效如神。其方用全蝎半两，天麻三钱，苍术一两去黑皮，草乌头二钱去皮、脚，生用，黑附子二钱炮，去皮脐，上为细末，拌匀。如肾气，豆淋酒调一大钱，豆用黑大豆，能除去脚筋骨疼痛，其效如神。药气所至，麻痹少时，须臾疾随药气顿愈。
金山长老于张显学甘露寺斋会上说此方，渠旧患香港脚，曾于天台一僧处传方，用木瓜、蒸艾，服之渐安。从来往金山，日日登陟，脚更轻快。又一堂众处得此方，合服颇觉轻健胜前。方云：破故纸，炒；舶上茴香，酒浸一宿，炒；葫芦巴，炒；牛膝酒浸一宿；肉苁蓉，酒浸一宿；川续断，拣净生用；杜仲，去粗皮，姜汁制一昼夜，炒令丝断黄色用，各四两，同为细末。上用艾四两，去枝梗称，以大木瓜四个，切作合子，去尽瓤，以艾实之，用麻线扎定，蒸三次，烂研，和药为丸如梧桐子大。每服五七十丸，温酒盐汤食后服。
Su Song stated: Fire Qi Hongjiao (a foot disease characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain) is the most acute and critical condition. Someone suffering from this used a bag filled with Adzuki Beans (Vigna angularis), stepping on it morning and evening while rolling their body, and eventually recovered. (Bencao Gangmu records: Nowadays, people often mistake it for Abrus precatorius seeds; in fact, it is simply the edible bean that is dark red and tight/small. Those that are large and red are not used in medicine.)
Dou Cai treated a patient suffering from leg pain, where the lower legs were connected to the waist in pain, unbearable day and night. He moxibusted the Yongquan (KI-1) acupoint fifty moxa cones and administered Jin Ye Dan (Golden Elixir Pill). The patient fully recovered in five days.
A woman suffered from Hongjiao, suddenly experiencing spasms and pain throughout her limbs and body. Her six pulses were deep and large, indicating robust Stomach Qi. She took thirty pills of Xuan Feng Wan (Wind-Releasing Pill), and after purgation, she recovered.
Zhang Wending once suffered bitterly from a leg ailment with no remedy. One day, while visiting the Xiangguo Temple, he met a medicine seller who gave him two Mung Beans (Vigna radiata). After taking them, he was cured. (From Langya Daizui Bian.)
Liu Jingshu said: Zheng Zhizhi of Xingyang, courtesy name Daozi, served as Left Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs. His daughter suffered from leg spasms and sought treatment from Physician Wang. Physician Wang pretended to pour water on her feet but instead poured it on a withered tree in the courtyard. The tree sprouted, and the daughter's leg ailment also healed. (From Qiao Shu Chubian.)
A scholar in Poyang, Zhou Shunzhi, suffered from weak legs. Although medical books listed many prescriptions and accumulated medicines piled up like mountains, his illness worsened. He was advised to discard these medicines and only use a bucket made of Cedar Wood (Cedrus deodara) to wash his feet, placing Camphor (Borneolum Syntheticum) between his thighs, and tying his feet securely in the bucket. After more than a month, he stabilized and returned to health. This disease is common in the South and should not be ignored. (From Dunzhai Jianlan.)
Ye Tianshi treated a woman with deficient Blood and excessive Qi. After defecation, her legs hurt and felt numb. He prescribed decoction of Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Qing Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride), Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), and Tao Ren (Persicae Semen).
Xue Lizhai treated a woman with red and painful lower legs, accompanied by alternating chills and fever, bitter taste in the mouth, vomiting, poor appetite, and a greenish-yellow complexion. This was Liver Wood overacting on Spleen Earth. He prescribed Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) plus Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus), Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), and Fu Ling (Poria), which resolved the symptoms in two doses. He then used Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) plus Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) and Zhi Zi to complete the cure.
A woman suffered from pain in both lower legs and thighs due to dietary irregularities and overwork, sometimes with chills and fever. Xue considered this Spleen deficiency with dampness sinking downward. He treated her with Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) plus Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus), Fu Ling, and Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), resulting in recovery. Upon recurrence, she was completely cured using Liu Jun Zi Tang plus Chai Hu and Zhi Zi.
A woman experienced chills, fever, afternoon tidal fever, and leg pain after menstruation, attributed to Liver Channel Blood deficiency. She was cured using Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) plus Zhi Zi. Later, due to fatigue, she developed afternoon internal heat. When treated with Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex), and Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), her previous symptoms worsened, accompanied by anorexia and diarrhea. Xue diagnosed Yuan Qi sinking and damage from previous medications. He first used Liu Jun Zi Tang plus Gu Bu Zhi (Psoraleae Fructus) for two doses to regulate and tonify the Spleen and Stomach, stopping diarrhea and improving appetite. Then, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang was used to raise the Yuan Qi, leading to full recovery.
A thirty-seven-year-old widow suffered from bone pain in both legs, afternoon tidal fever, fatigue, irregular menstruation, and occasional chills and fever for several years. One day, she developed nodules on both sides of her neck and distending pain in the hypochondrium. This was caused by stagnant fire in the Liver Channel. Initially, Xiao Chai Hu Tang combined with Si Wu Tang resolved the Liver symptoms in a few doses. Then, Jia Wei Xiao Yao San plus Ze Lan (Leonuri Herba), Ru Xiang (Olibanum), and Mo Yao (Myrrha) cured the blood-related symptoms over thirty doses. Continued use of Jia Wei Xiao Yao San brought stability after more than a year.
A widow suffered from leg pain. When treated with damp-draining and phlegm-resolving herbs, she experienced widespread, migrating pain. Xue stated this was a blood disorder. Disbelieving him, she continued taking Liu Qi Yin (Flowing Qi Decoction) and died.
A released palace maid, over forty, suffered from pain in the buttocks and thigh muscles, afternoon tidal fever, dry mouth, and irregular menstruation. This was due to Liver Channel Blood deficiency failing to nourish the collaterals. She was treated with Jia Wei Xiao Yao San plus Ze Lan Ye (Leonuri Folium) for over fifty doses, showing improvement. Combined with Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction), she recovered after over two hundred doses.
Another released palace maid suffered from buttock and leg swelling and pain, internal heat, afternoon tidal fever, chills, fatigue, cough, chest stuffiness, and delayed, scanty menstruation. She believed it was Qi toxicity flowing into collaterals and took heat-clearing and Qi-regulating herbs, worsening her condition. Xue diagnosed stagnant Blood in the Liver Channel. The Liver Channel passes through the diaphragm, distributes along the hypochondrium, follows the throat, descends along the medial aspect of the leg, circles the external genitalia, and reaches the lower abdomen. The treatment principle is to tonify what the Liver cannot overcome (Spleen) and control what it overcomes (Liver itself). As the Classics state: "Deficiency requires tonification, excess requires purgation." Disbelieving this, she persisted with previous medications and died.
Xue Lizhai treated a scholar with hot sensations in both feet and heel pain. He prescribed Liu Wei Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) and Si Wu Tang plus Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus), and Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix), resulting in recovery. Later, due to overwork, he experienced fever, chills, thirst, and irritability, which settled with Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang (Dang Gui Tonifies the Blood Decoction).
A woman with lower body swelling and pain improved with Ren Shen Bai Du San (Ginseng Decoction to Overcome Toxins) plus Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Huang Bo, and Wei Ling Xian (Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis). She stabilized with Si Wu Tang plus Cang Zhu, Huang Bo, Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Hong Hua (Carthami Flos), and Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma).
A man with hot feet, dry mouth, phlegm expectoration, and dizziness worsened with Si Wu Tang plus Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma) and Huang Bo. He recovered using Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Great Tonifying Decoction of Ten Ingredients) plus Mai Dong, Wu Wei Zi, Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), and Shan Yu Rou (Corni Fructus).
Wu Fuxian treated Chu Renfu, who had swollen feet, weakness, but good appetite. Doctors prescribed Er Miao San (Two Marvels Powder) plus Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen), Mu Gua (Chaenomelis Fructus), Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), and Fang Feng, causing increasing debility. This was Spleen deficiency with damp-heat sinking. The method should have been to tonify the Spleen and raise the clear Qi. Using descending herbs caused further sinking. Diagnosis requires checking if the Right Cun pulse is not rapid and if the patient can eat. If rapid and unable to eat, it is Wei Syndrome (Flaccidity Syndrome), requiring Lung Heat clearing. Note: Wei syndrome must not be treated as Bi syndrome (Obstruction Syndrome).
Zhang Luyu treated Chu Tingjia, suffering from chronic Hongjiao, unresponsive to long-term Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill). For a six-to-seven-year chronic condition, he requested a cure. Zhang synthesized methods involving Zhu Fu, Gui Fu, Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), and Shen Fu, incorporating Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi Flos) from Ba Feng San, Bie Jia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum), Bei Chi (Concha Arcae), Ling Yang Jiao (Capricornis Cornu), and Xi Jiao (Rhinocerotis Cornu) from Bie Jia Tang, Du Huo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix) and Fang Ji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix) from Feng Yin Tang, and Jiang Zhi (Zingiberis Juice) and Zhu Li (Bambusae Succus) from Zhu Li Tang. These were formed into pills to jointly dispel wind and drive out dampness. Sweating ensued upon administration, and the multi-year condition resolved before one dose was finished.
Shen Ruji's son suffered extreme pain from knees and shins to feet in summer, stiff and unable to bend for over ten days. Topical treatments failed. His pulse was soft, large, and rapid. After removing topical agents, he received Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang (Angelica Relieving Pain Decoction) for two doses, recovering with sweating.
Lu Yangyu treated Shao Wanwu, with swelling and pain at the left hip apex radiating to the knee, making walking, sitting, and lying difficult. After half a year of ineffective treatment, muscles wasted away. Pulse was deep, weak, seemingly slow, lingering on pressure, with deep and rapid Double Chi pulses. Lu diagnosed Yuan Qi deficiency allowing Cold-Damp invasion, failure of Stomach Qi to ascend, and latent Yin Fire below. Treatment required strengthening Yuan Qi, raising Yang, guiding out dampness, and clearing heat. He prescribed Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang plus Cang Zhu, Huang Bo, Zhu Ling (Poria Cum Woody Host), Ze Xie, and small amounts of Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and Fu Zi. Pain resolved in ten doses. Gui Zhi and Fu Zi were removed; Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) was used with doubled Ren Shen and Dang Gui Shen (Angelicae Sinensis Radix Radix), regenerating muscle mass in over a month.
Zhang Sanxi treated a man with chronic Hongjiao, where attacks triggered back pain preventing bending or straightening. The patient drank heavily, indicating Damp-Heat. Pulse was soggy and rapid. He was given Nian Tong Tang (Relieving Pain Decoction); eight doses reduced symptoms. Then, Zhuo Hu Dan (Tiger-Catching Pill) two pills taken with wine on an empty stomach were administered three times. Black sweat exuded from the ankles, and the condition did not recur.
Chen San Nong treated a man where heat rose from feet to abdomen. The patient's constitution was solid, suggesting Dampness stagnation transforming into Heat. He was treated with Qian Xing San (Secretly Moving Powder) plus Niu Xi and Fang Ji in pill form, resulting in immediate recovery.
A woman with chronic fatigue suffered from burning sensations in both feet, followed by severe chills and high fever, headache, vertigo, toothache, and loose teeth. Rest provided slight relief, occurring 2-3 times daily. This was Qi and Blood deficiency with reckless movement of Deficient Fire. Shi Quan Da Bu Tang plus Wu Wei Zi cured her in four doses.
Zhu Danxi treated a woman with foot pain and aversion to cold, worse at night and better during the day. He prescribed Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Bai Shao, and Gui Wei (Angelicae Sinensis Radix Caulis) each 5 qian, plus fried Huang Bo, Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), and Bai Zhu each 5 fen, decocted in water and taken warm over four doses.
A woman with pain in the tarsal bones was treated with Cang Zhu, Bai Zhu, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), and Bai Shao each 3 qian, Mu Tong (Akebiae Caulis) 2 qian, and Gan Cao 5 fen. After two doses, she took fifty pills of Da Bu Wan (Great Tonifying Pill).
The scholar Zhang Lizhi suffered from left thigh pain. After using heat-clearing and damp-draining herbs, his face became red and swollen, pain extended to waist and hypochondrium, and legs/feet became weak. This was deficiency of the Three Foot Yin channels. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang and Liu Wei Di Huang Wan restored his Yuan Qi over two months, resolving symptoms. Cautious management led to recovery in about a year.
Zhong Zhiying, a government student, had ulcers on both legs, dark-colored, coin-sized like tinea, with alternating itching and pain, dripping pus, afternoon/internal heat, dry mouth, and sallow complexion. This was Kidney deficiency. Jia Wei Liu Wei Wan cured him in a few days. Using wind-dispelling and toxin-resolving herbs would have caused much harm.
A man with chronic spermatorrhea suffered from heel pain, dry mouth/thirst, constipation, and severe afternoon fever. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang plus Bai Shao, Xuan Shen, and Liu Wei Wan cured him.
Zhou Duchen suffered from leg pain, emaciation, and string-taut, rapid Liver pulse. All indicated Excess syndromes. Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentian Decoction to Drain the Liver) cured him.
A woman with leg pain unable to extend had string-taut, tight pulses, choppy on pressure. Wu Ji San (Five Accumulations Powder) stopped the pain in two doses, and Shen Ying Yang Zhen Dan (Divine Response Pill to Nourish Truth) restored flexion and extension.
A man with leg pain had increased phlegm and gastric discomfort during attacks. Pulse was slippery and rapid. Er Chen Tang (Two Aged Ingredients Decoction) plus Sheng Ma, Er Zhu (Cang Zhu and Bai Zhu), Ze Xie, Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), and Nan Xing (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) brought stability.
A man with chronic Hongjiao had hypochondriac pain, fever, dizziness, vomiting, and leg numbness. Disinfecting and heart-protecting herbs failed. Left Guan pulse was tight, Right Guan was string-taut. This was Hongjiao. Ban Xia Du Jing Tang (Pinellia Unblocking Collaterals Decoction) cured him.
A man with soft, swollen, painful feet, fever, craving cold drinks, and constipation had a rapid Right Guan pulse, indicating Damp-Heat flowing into the Yangming Channel. Da Huang Zuo Jing Tang (Rhubarb Left Collateral Decoction) cured him.
A man with calf and ankle pain was cured by Jia Wei Bai Du San (Modified White Antitoxin Decoction).
A man with swollen, painful legs had slippery, slow pulses, indicating Wet-Phlegm. Wu Ling San plus Cang Zhu and Huang Bo improved him in two doses. Er Chen Tang, Er Zhu, Bing Lang (Arecae Semen), Zi Su (Perillae Folium), Qiang Huo, Du Huo, Niu Xi, and Huang Bo completed the cure. Wet-Phlegm cases require prioritizing Qi-moving, damp-draining, and middle-jiao strengthening. Harmonized Qi eliminates Phlegm, leaving no room for Dampness.
A woman with leg pain had choppy, rapid pulses, indicating Blood deficiency with Damp-Heat. Cang Zhu, Huang Bo, Zhi Mu, Long Dan Cao (Gentianae Radix), Fu Ling, Fang Feng, Fang Ji, and Qiang Huo reduced swelling and pain in several doses. Si Wu Tang plus Er Zhu, Huang Bo, Niu Xi, and Mu Gua cured her in over a month.
A woman with swollen, painful calves and chills/fever had floating, rapid pulses. Damp-Heat from the Three Yang Channels sank downward, still in the exterior. Jia Wei Bai Du San failed. Stagnant Blood was suspected, inaccessible to herbs. Bleeding via cupping/scarification at the site removed stagnant blood. Previous herbs resolved symptoms in two doses, and Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang completed the cure. Yang Dashou stated: Hongjiao is a blocking disease; treatment should promote circulation to prevent blockage. Severe blockage requires scarification to remove bad blood and heavy heat. As the Classics say: Accumulation causes swelling and heat; after scarification, treat with herbs.
A woman with leg pain experienced tendon spasms upon cold exposure. Pulse was string-taut and tight. This was Cold pathogen. Wu Ji San combined with Si Wu Tang stopped pain in several doses. Si Wu Tang plus Mu Gua, Niu Xi, and Zhi Ke cured her in over several months.
A man with leg swelling and tendon spasms unable to move was cured by Jia Jiao San (Interlacing Powder) in two doses.
A woman with leg pain unable to flex/extend worsened with wind-cold. Various herbs failed. Huo Luo Dan (Collateral-Unblocking Pill) one pill rapidly reduced symptoms; repeated dosing helped. Recurrence next year responded similarly. Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (Angelica Pubescens and Sorbus Decoction) cured her in four doses.
A man with chronic Hongjiao and Osteomyelitis (Bone Abscess) pain was cured of both by one pill of Huo Luo Dan. Yu Luyong, who had incurable hernia, also took one pill for leg pain; both conditions resolved. Deep-seated diseases require this herb for penetration. However, modern theories claim it draws wind into bones like oil into flour, so many refuse it. Generally, appropriate disease requires appropriate herb; do not be dogmatic.
A man with chronic leg pain worsened by excessive drinking, fatigue, and weak pulse was cured by Liu Jun Zi Tang plus Shan Zha, Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven), Cang Zhu, Chuan Xiong, Dang Gui, Sheng Ma, and Chai Hu.
An elderly man who drank heavily had constant leg pain with surging, slow pulses. Dang Gui Nian Tong Yin initially cleared some damp-heat, followed by Liu Jun Zi Tang plus Cang Zhu, Huang Bo, and Ze Xiaz for complete recovery.
A man suffered chest/stomach stuffiness, acid regurgitation, and leg pain after overeating. Dao Yin Wan (Guiding and Leading Pill) cured him in two doses. Liu Jun Zi Tang plus Shen Qu, Mai Ya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus), and Cang Zhu prevented recurrence over twenty doses. Hejian stated: Doubling food intake injures Spleen/Stomach; Stomach Qi fails to distribute, Spleen Qi fails to spread, leading to downward flow exploiting Liver/Kidney deficiency, causing foot swelling. Irregular sexual activity leads to Yang deficiency and Yin excess, forming Hongjiao. Internal injury from diet causing Spleen/Stomach Qi deficiency prevents upward movement, leading to downward pouring as Hongjiao. Use Dongyuan's Kai Jie Dao Yin Wan to open knots, guide water, and transform Spleen Qi. If Spleen deficiency with dampness obstruction causes facial swelling/pain, use Dao Zhi Tong Jing Tang to dredge and guide.
A woman with leg/calf spasm pain worsened by dispersing herbs. Chi pulse was string-taut and tight, indicating Liver/Kidney deficiency with internal Wind-Damp invasion. Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang stopped pain; Shen Ying Yang Zhen Dan resolved spasms.
Wang Zhizhong had chronic Hongjiao, slight foot swelling in spring, severe in summer, fading in winter. In summer, following Suwen commentary on Zusanli (ST-36) location, he used warm needle micro-acupuncture. Swelling vanished overnight, demonstrating miraculous efficacy. If Miao Ci (Mirrored Needling) works, how much more Moxibustion? Those with this disease must know this. (Qianjin states Hongjiao requires acupuncture, moxibustion, and herbs together. Shi Zaizhi forbids moxibustion. Zhimi Fang states: If feeling stifling heat, do not use moxibustion.)
For moxibustion in Hongjiao, Zusanli (ST-36) and Juegu (GB-39) are essential, with protection being paramount. Wang avoided dampness for years without recurrence; stepping in dampness caused frequent attacks. He avoided wet shoes and standing on damp ground, shifting feet frequently to prevent issues—this is the second aspect of protection. An official cured chronic Hongjiao by taking Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) repeatedly, effective because Hongjiao attacking the Heart requires this specific formula.
Someone with chronic weak, emaciated legs was moxibusted at Zusanli and Juegu, but legs remained unchanged. This confirms Wang's Acupuncture Diagram regarding Juegu's miraculous effect on leg ailments. A colleague moxibusted Chengshan (BL-57) for foot swelling; the ulcer dried, but the point didn't heal for months. Cause unknown, possibly improper care.
Wang's mother, chronically ill, had sudden foot swelling in summer. Tradition says don't treat feet in summer with moxa. Wang heated a needle in fire, pricked Zusanli slightly bleeding, repeating several times until swelling vanished. Witnessing this, Wang, who suffered foot pain/swelling, used fire needle with same result. Subsequently, he often moxibusted. Treatment should start with Zusanli, then Yangqiao vessels.
Wang Zhizhong suffered Hongjiao with toe web rot. Tea powder applied cured it. Recurrence with swelling/rot failed with tea powder, spreading to dorsum. Worried, he walked with a cane. A selling monk suggested bed dust under the mattress. Applying it cured him. Cheap yet effective for serious illness; do not ignore.
Tendon movement started in big toe, ascending to thigh near waist knot. Rich diet and alcohol caused Heat injuring Blood. Si Wu Tang plus Jiu Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix prepared with wine), Hong Hua, Cang Zhu, and Nan Xing cured it. (Likely Danxi.)
Chen Fengnong, Prefect of Zhongzhou, recounted eating melon in cool office in Fangzhou. Autumn brought right waist/leg pain extending to knee/shin, limiting movement. Right foot difficult to move for a month; lumbar/foot herbs failed. Son Yun'an obtained Yang Shen San (Kidney-Nourishing Powder) from Shang Ran. One dose caused whole-body numbness; within moments, foot could flex/extend. Second dose brought health. Another case: Fangzhou Wine Supervisor, nearly forty, deficient, unable to walk. Two qian caused thigh numbness, enabling standing. Two more qian caused toe numbness, enabling walking. Third dose allowed running as before. Tai Shi Ju Shi recorded in Ezhou: Song Pan Yuan Shenyan had chronic weak legs/knees. Received prescription, compounded next day. Two doses showed effect, five doses excellent recovery, able to bow/rise. Days later: bathing removed thin skin like paste, muscles/bones became clear. Miraculous effect. Formula: Quan Xie (Scorpio) 0.5 liang, Tian Ma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) 3 qian, Cang Zhu 1 liang (remove black skin), Cao Wu Tou (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) 2 qian (raw, remove skin/roots), Hei Fu Zi (Prepared Aconitum) 2 qian (processed, remove skin/navel). Powdered and mixed. Take with Dou Lin Jiu (Black Soybean Dripping Wine). Black soybeans remove leg/tendon/bone pain. Effect miraculous. Numbness indicates drug arrival; disease vanishes instantly.
Jinshan Elder shared this formula at Ganlu Temple feast. He had chronic Hongjiao, received formula from Tiantai monk: Mu Gua and steamed Ai Ye (Artemisiae Argyi Folium). Gradual relief. Daily climbing at Jinshan made legs lighter. Obtained similar formula from fellow monks, felt lighter/stronger. Formula: Po Gu Zhi (Psoraleae Fructus) stir-fried; Bo Shang Hui Xiang (Foeniculi Fructus) soaked in wine overnight, stir-fried; Hu Lu Ba (Trigonellae Semenc) stir-fried; Niu Xi soaked in wine overnight; Rou Cong Rong (Cistanches Herba) soaked in wine overnight; Chuan Xu Duan (Dipsaci Radix) cleaned, raw; Du Zhong (Eucommiae Cortex) remove rough bark, process with ginger juice for day/night, stir-fry until fibers break and turn yellow. Each 4 liang, powdered. Ai Ye 4 liang (remove stems), 4 large Mu Gua cut open, remove pulp, fill with Ai Ye, tie with hemp, steam three times, mash, mix with powder into pills size of Sophora seeds. Take 50-70 pills with warm wine/salt water after meals.
Shentu Fujpan transmitted: Hongjiao flowing into limbs/fingers causing swelling/pain, inability to flex/extend. Si Wu Tang remove Di Huang, add Fu Zi, decoct with ginger as usual. Take during attacks for certain cure.
Shi Zhai stated: Hongjiao attacking upward, flowing to limbs, forming persistent nodules, red/hot/painful, and all swelling/pain. Use Gan Sui (Kansui Radix) powdered, mixed with water, applied to swelling.