典藏书目

The Way of Medicine originated from Huangdi (Yellow Emperor) and Qibo, and those who wrote books to elucidate it were none other than Zhang Zhongjing, Liu Wansu, Li Dongyuan, and Zhu Danxi, who were the most prominent. Later figures such as Tao Hua, Wang Lv, Chen Shigong, and Xue Ji also provided their own interpretations. However, there are inevitably flaws in these works. For instance, a single erroneous statement can often bring disaster to later generations; therefore, it is necessary to select and debate these points to correct their mistakes. This is not to dare to recklessly criticize former sages, but merely to assist in raising questions!

Shanghan (Cold Damage Disease) presents in thousands of forms, which can be summarized by the two concepts of Xu (Deficiency) and Shi (Excess). The interplay between pathogenic factors (Xieqi) and healthy Qi (Zhengqi) determines the outcome: if Zhengqi prevails, recovery occurs; if Xieqi prevails, death ensues. If Zhengqi is substantial, even severe pathogenic invasion results in mild disease; if Zhengqi is deficient, even minor pathogenic invasion results in severe disease. Thus, for those with excess conditions due to substantial Qi, removing the pathogen through purgation or attack is straightforward. The difficulty lies only in Shanghan complicated by deficiency! Most hateful is the assertion that "there is no tonification method for Shanghan," which confuses people more than any other doctrine. Have they not observed that Zhang Zhongjing established 397 treatment methods, over 100 of which involved pulse and symptom patterns of deficiency and cold? He formulated 113 prescriptions, using Renshen (Ginseng Root) in 30, and Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Fuzi (Aconite Lateralis Preparata) in over 50. Who says there is no tonification method for Shanghan? Moreover, among contemporary patients suffering from Shanghan complicated by deficiency, six or seven out of ten fall into this category, while eight or nine out of ten recite the dogma of "no tonification for Shanghan." Treating deficiency without tonifying, and instead attacking again, is countless. Therefore, I strongly refute this view to save the current medical malpractice, not because I favor tonification. Consider cases where exterior pathogens remain unresolved and repeated diaphoresis fails to produce sweat; this is due to middle Jiao (Middle Burner) deficiency and weakness, preventing Yin fluids from reaching the surface. One must know that sweat is generated from Yin; tonifying Yin is the best way to induce sweating. Similarly, when body heat persists despite repeated clearing of heat, it indicates Yin insufficiency. People know that cold-natured herbs can reduce heat, but they do not realize that nourishing Yin can subdue fire. Furthermore, when Zhengqi is insufficient and Xieqi is excessive, Zhengqi cannot overcome Xieqi, and the disease will not resolve. By strengthening the Middle Jiao and making Zhengqi internally robust, one can force the pathogen outward, allowing Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi to gradually harmonize. In this manner, the exterior resolves without dispersing, and the pathogen retreats without direct attack. Today's physicians, failing to distinguish between deficiency and excess, see persistent fever and chest fullness and immediately resort to attack. Before the pathogen is removed, Zhengqi collapses due to the attack. All these errors stem from adhering to the single phrase "there is no tonification method for Shanghan."