典藏书目

Disharmony of cold and heat, along with irregular diet, causes the yin and yang, clear and turbid qi to interfere with each other, leading to chaos within the intestines and stomach, thus resulting in Huoluan (cholera-like syndrome).

After Huoluan, irritability and restlessness in bed occur because, following vomiting and purging, the zang-fu organs are extremely deficient. Yin and yang are not yet regulated, blood is deficient, and qi is chaotic. Consequently, the circulation of qi and blood has not returned to its normal rhythm, internally disturbing the zang-fu organs, which leads to irritability and an inability to lie down peacefully.

When symptoms of Huoluan persist without resolution, it is due to undigested food remaining in the chest and diaphragm that was not fully vomited out, or when vomiting is impossible but diarrhea occurs. The cold qi fails to dissipate; subsequently, food enters the stomach, but the stomach qi remains unharmonized. Thus, distension, pain, irritability, and fullness persist, a condition referred to as "not resolved."

Jiaojue (muscle cramp/tendon contraction) arises from the deficiency of Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) qi, where wind-cold pathogens contend with the tendons. The tendons of the three yin and three yang meridities of the hand and foot all originate from the fingers and toes and connect throughout the body. If qi and blood are insufficient and yin and yang are deficient, wind-cold pathogenic factors invade the tendons. The tendons affected by these pathogens undergo contraction. "Zhuan" refers to this twisting or convulsing motion. The Classics state: When qi and blood are scarce in the lower part of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, one tends to suffer from muscle cramps and pain in the heels. This is because scarcity of qi and blood leads to vulnerability, allowing wind-cold to take advantage of this deficiency.

Palpating the Guan position on the left wrist corresponds to the Liver. A deep pulse indicates Yin; Yin excess signifies Liver excess, causing suffering from muscle twitching and cramps. The pulse at the Chi position on the left wrist (after Shenmen), corresponding to the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, if floating, indicates Yang; Yang deficiency results in pathology characterized by suffering from cramps. Regarding decoctions, moxibustion, acupuncture, and stone therapy, there are separate specific formulas; here, tonification and Daoyin (guiding and pulling) methods are appended.

The *Yangsheng Fang Daoyin Fa* (Health Preservation Guide Methods) states: Lie supine, extend both legs and arms, turn the heels outward so that the toes face each other, inhale through the nose, exert oneself to the limit, for seven breaths. This eliminates coldness in the knees, pain in the shin bones, and muscle cramps.

Another method: Lie prone, look sideways, stand the heels upright, extend the waist, and inhale through the nose. This treats muscle cramps.

It also states: Spread the calves and stretch the big toes of both feet, holding for five breaths before stopping. This prevents muscle cramps. Exert maximum effort to spread the feet, forcefully pull the big toes, and vocalize "Ha" to expand the breath. This eliminates the acute pain of tendon contraction and spasms. Long-term practice makes the body flexible and open.

It further states: Lie prone, look sideways, stand the heels upright, extend the waist, inhale through the nose, and exert oneself to the limit for seven breaths. This eliminates string-tight pain in the feet, muscle cramps, and soreness/pain in the feet. Another version states it treats weakness of the feet.