2. Treatment Methods for Blood Disorders

2. Treatment Methods for Blood Disorders

Taking hematemesis as an example, the author elaborates in detail on four methods for treating blood disorders, providing well-reasoned explanations with clear priorities, thus systematizing the treatment approaches for blood disorders.

① Hemostasis: "Blood flows when hot and coagulates when cold; it stops when it turns black and also when exposed to cold," which is the general rule for hemostasis. The Ten Ashes Powder in the "Ten Medicinal Books" was formulated based on these principles. However, it is only suitable for some mild cases and does not perform well in acute massive hemorrhage. Severe massive hemorrhage "often presents as a catastrophic situation," mostly due to excess yang and heat, often caused by rebellious qi in the Chong channel. Therefore, the most effective method of hemostasis is to address the root cause by reducing the qi to stop the bleeding. Xie Xin Tang and Liang Ge San both have this effect and are frequently used in clinical practice. Additionally, a small number of blood disorders are accompanied by depleted vital energy, cold extremities, and weak pulses; in such cases, Du Shen Tang must be used to rescue the qi before hemostasis can be achieved. From a modern medical perspective, this is hypovolemic shock, and using Du Shen Tang to rescue shock is precisely the right approach.

② Removing Stasis: After bleeding, stasis still accumulates in the muscles, skin pores, and meridians. This stasis has already overflowed from the vessels and cannot re-enter the bloodstream. The author says: "If stasis is not removed, new blood will have no chance to develop," so it must be eliminated promptly to allow new blood to grow rapidly. This is a practical approach. Compared with previous theories that classified external or internal injuries based on severity, Gao Shizong categorized them according to the amount of bleeding, while San Zhi Chan classified them based on the location of bleeding—this represents a significant advancement. The author also discusses in detail the relationship between pulse characteristics and prognosis. He believes that rapid, floating, coarse, and unrooted pulses, as well as deep, thin, and sluggish pulses, are difficult to treat. He particularly emphasizes the significance of a slow pulse: a slow pulse is treatable, whereas a pulse without slowness or one accompanied by alternating irregularity is incurable. These pulse patterns indicating poor prognosis are usually associated with true yin deficiency or lack of yang support. From a modern medical perspective, they often reflect dysfunction in cardiac and peripheral circulatory compensation mechanisms. Through long-term clinical observation, the author has been able to draw conclusions that align with clinical practice, which is truly commendable. In addition, fever, choking cough, and loose stools also have certain impacts on the condition.