典藏书目

White rice porridge, japonica rice (Oryza sativa var. japonica), mung bean (Vigna radiata), red adzuki bean (Vigna angularis), salted fermented soybeans (Yanchi), and similar foods all possess a bland flavor that promotes diuresis and facilitates the flow of urine. Since frequent urination is already present, further diuretic measures should be avoided; moreover, excessive diuresis damages Yang Qi, causing Qi to descend into the Yin channels. The consumption of damp wheat flour products (Shimian) must be strictly prohibited; however, if one feels comfortable after consuming them, they may be exempted from this restriction.

In herbal prescriptions, it is inadvisable to use Alisma Rhizome (Zexie), Polyporus Sclerotium (Zhuling), Poria (Fuling), Juncus Effusus Stem (Dengxincao), Amber (Hupo), Trogopterus Dung (Tongcao), Akebia Caulis (Mutong), or Talcum (Huashi). These herbs traverse the Yin pathways and thereby drain the Yang pathways. They should only be administered in cases of thirst, dysuria, or urinary retention/obstruction. Once adequate urination is achieved, administration should cease.

Excessively salty flavors are contraindicated as they exacerbate Fire pathogens and drain the True Yin of the Kidney. Similarly, strongly pungent flavors such as garlic (Sanguine Allii Sativi Bulbus), leek (Allii Tuberosi Rhizoma et Folium), the "Five Spices" (Wula), vinegar, strong spices (such as star anise), official cinnamon (Guigui/Rougui), and dried ginger (Ganjiang) are contraindicated, as they damage Yuan Qi (Original Qi).

When administering herbs with ascending or descending properties, one should regulate diet and lifestyle for one day prior to taking the medicine. The medicine should be taken on an empty stomach the following day, followed by ten days of continued regulation. Neglecting precautions three days before administration will worsen the condition; otherwise, treatment may cause harm.

Regarding the principles of prescribing medication for various diseases across the four seasons: regardless of the specific disease, whether using warm, cool, hot, or cold herbs, adjustments should be made according to the season. In spring, add cooling and wind-dispersing herbs; in summer, add major cold-natured herbs; in autumn, add warming Qi herbs; and in winter, add major hot-natured herbs. This approach ensures the continuous source of biological generation. Qian Zhongyang (Qian Yi) understood this principle deeply in his pediatric practice. The *Neijing* states: "First harmonize the respiration, do not violate the harmony of Heaven and Humanity (Tianhe); this is the highest form of treatment." It also states: "Do not go against the seasons, do not destroy natural transformation." And again: "Do not damage the vital energy of life." These are the constant principles. If medication violates these constant principles and generates abnormal symptoms, then one must employ expedient measures (Quanbian) to treat the condition. For instance, if a patient consumes alcohol, or overeats cold or hot foods, their illness may be exacerbated. In such cases, treatment must be adjusted through weighing and adapting to changes. Can such expedient treatments be used routinely?

One should avoid bathing in the wind and avoid exposing oneself to wind while sweating. One must massage the skin pores until they close before allowing exposure to wind; this prevents contracting Wind-Stroke or Cold pathologies.

In the event of sudden, fierce cold winds that clothing cannot withstand, one should strive to mobilize the body's Qi to resist the cold. If Qi is weak and unable to resist, illness will ensue.

If clothing is thin and one experiences shortness of breath, add more layers and reside in a windless place. If shortness of breath persists, steam the mouth and nose with a bowl of boiling water, which will alleviate the symptom.

If long-term residence in high buildings or exposure to cold, yin-damp conditions causes shortness of breath, apply the aforementioned steaming method.

If residing in a tightly enclosed small room, or experiencing shortness of breath due to extreme heat followed by exposure to cold environments, one should go out into the wind and sunlight. Generally, for any shortness of breath, consuming flavorful soups and drinks is advisable to harmonize Stomach Qi.

If, during extreme heat, one can eat and feels thirsty, preferring cold drinks, one may permit this expediently, but without indulgence. Similarly, in winter cold, preferring hot items is acceptable temporarily according to the season.

If sleep is restless, reduce food intake. If restlessness occurs after fullness, reduce walking and sitting activities.

When weather changes bring wind, cold, and gloomy conditions, take preventive measures to avoid them. Generally, keeping warm, avoiding wind and cold, speaking less, and minimizing labor are considered the best practices.