5. Clear Heat and Promote Water Metabolism

Traditional Chinese Medicine says that "fire rises upward," while "water descends downward." When dampness and heat combine, fire cannot rise upward, and water cannot descend downward—it often remains trapped in the bladder. This is why we say, "Dampness and heat accumulate in the bladder, and when qi fails to transform, edema arises." From a Western medical perspective, this is often seen in chronic glomerulonephritis complicated by infection, or in acute urinary tract infections accompanied by edema. When encountering this situation, I often use Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, which is highly effective. The Long Dan Xie Gan Tang formula includes 10g of Long Dan Cao, 10g of Shan Zhi, 10g of Chai Hu, 10g of Huang Qin, 12g of Hua Shi, 6g of Gan Cao, 12g of Sheng Di, 10g of Dang Gui, 12g of Fu Ling, 10g of Ze Xie, 20g of Qian Cao, 15g of Hu Zang, 15g of Ban Zhi Lian, 15g of Yin Hua, and 15g of Lian Qiao. Brew the herbs in water and take one dose daily.

These five approaches offer a comprehensive overview of chronic glomerulonephritis, but depending on the clinical diagnosis of chronic glomerulonephritis, additional adjustments can be made based on individual circumstances.

1. For patients with obvious edema, whether they are experiencing cold, heat, or a combination of both, you can add Wuling Powder, Wupí Yin, Da Fu Pi, Hu Lu Pi, or Che Qian Zi.

2. For patients with hypertension, you can adjust the formula according to the needs—add Jian Guo Tang, Jian Ju Tang, Qi Ju Di Huang, Zhen Wu Tang, or other formulas as appropriate.

3. For proteinuria, you can add Su Bing, Chan Yi, Ying Shi, Jin Ying Zi, Yu Xing Cao, Xi He Liu, Yi Mu Cao, He Shou Wu, Dang Gui, Huang Miao, Bai Xian Li, Bai Mao Gen, and other herbs.

4. For hematuria, you can add Jiao E, Xue Yu Tan, Sheng Di, Dang Gui, Shan Zhi, Dan Pi, Dan Shen, Daxiao Ji, and Bai Mao Gen.

5. For renal failure (with urea nitrogen levels higher than normal), you can use Shi Wei, Shui Hong, Han San Qi, and other herbs.

6. For patients with gastric discomfort, add Dan Shen, Mu Xiang, and Cao Kou.

In conclusion, while the treatment options for chronic glomerulonephritis are diverse and effective, when patients experience fever due to a cold or infection, it is still advisable to combine Western medicine with penicillin injections—this medication is among the least toxic to the kidneys among many antibiotics.

Acute Guillain-Barré Syndrome – Baly Syndrome

In the autumn of 2000 (Gengchen year), a 11-year-old boy from Wushan, Gansu Province, had previously suffered from hepatitis B. Later, he developed cirrhosis with ascites and splenomegaly. After hospitalization, the ascites disappeared, the spleen returned to normal size, and the child continued taking traditional Chinese medicine for six months. His appetite improved, his spirits were good, his complexion was healthy, and his general condition was similar to that of a healthy person. One year later, one day, the child suddenly began to experience difficulty walking, unable to take steps, followed by quadriplegia, with occasional muscle twitching in his facial muscles and abnormal facial expressions. When the child came to Lan for treatment, the disease had already lasted for two months, with clinical manifestations similar to those before—both superficial and deep neurological reflexes had disappeared, and protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid were elevated, while cell counts were low. Diagnosis: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). After admission, the child did not respond to hormone therapy, vitamin supplementation, or immunomodulatory drugs. Instead, he was treated with traditional Chinese medicine—specifically, the Compound Ma Qian Zi Tang: 10g of Dang Gui, 30g of Huang Qi, 6g of Chuan Xiong, 15g of Chi Shao, 12g of Sheng Di, 10g of Tao Ren, 6g of Hong Hua, 6g of Jiang Sang, 6g of Quan Xie, 10g of Bei Bai Ye, 20g of Mu Gua, 20g of Shen Jin Cao, 15g of Qin Tong, 10g of Chuan Du, 10g of Huai Niu Xi, and 1 piece of Ma Qian Zi (fried). Brew the herbs in water and take one dose daily. After 10 doses of the medicine, the child was able to walk on his own, though his gait was somewhat unusual—he could walk independently without needing assistance. After discharge, he continued taking the medicine, and two months later, he returned for a follow-up examination. All symptoms had resolved, and the child’s health was comparable to that of a healthy person.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a demyelinating acute neuropathy. It occurs worldwide, commonly affecting children and adolescents. In 1982, the incidence rate among urban populations in China was approximately one in ten thousand. The causes of this disease include both infectious and immune factors. The child originally had chronic hepatitis B, later developing decompensated cirrhosis. Although he received hospital treatment, his liver condition improved, and his hepatitis B was in the “small three-positive” stage, with low viral loads and no active replication—but the risk of hepatitis B virus infection remained. Following the progression of cirrhosis, the child’s immune function declined, creating an immune factor that contributed to the onset of the disease. Given this, the child’s condition perfectly matched the internationally recognized causes of this disease.

This child was treated with traditional Chinese medicine when Western medicine proved ineffective, ultimately achieving complete recovery. Ancient Chinese medical texts contain no explicit records of this disease; overall, it falls under the category of wind syndromes—terms like “stroke,” “wind excess,” “withered and withered,” and “partial paralysis” all fall under this category. Based on the principle that “to treat wind, first activate blood; when blood is activated, wind naturally dissipates,” I prescribed Tao Hong Si Wu Tang, supplemented with wind-dispelling herbs like Jiang Chong, Quan Xie, and Wugong; alongside these, I used Qin Tong, Chuan Du, Shen Jin Cao, Niu Xi, Mu Gua, and other herbs to dispel wind and eliminate dampness, achieving remarkable therapeutic effects.

Currently, Western medicine lacks established treatment protocols or standard medications for this disease. While traditional Chinese medicine occasionally provides effective results, I record these experiences hoping that colleagues in the medical community can draw upon them in their clinical practice.

Treatment of High Fever in Children

High fever is one of the most common clinical conditions in children. After decades of experience, I find that traditional Chinese medicine offers a more convenient approach to treating this condition, with certain advantages worth exploring. Western antibiotics are indeed effective treatments for high fever, as most childhood fevers are caused by upper respiratory tract infections. Tonsillitis, pharyngitis, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis media, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, cervical lymphadenitis, parotitis—all of these can cause fever due to bacterial or viral infections. The clinical application of antibiotics opened up a groundbreaking new era in treating these conditions. However, as the saying goes, “the higher the mountain, the greater the danger,” and I still remember the 1940s, when penicillin was first introduced into clinical practice. At that time, for children with fever from any cause, intramuscular injections of 10,000–20,000 units were often effective, with 1–3 injections yielding visible results. Later, the effective dosage increased, and in recent years, even injections of millions of units failed to bring about a fever-reducing effect. Consequently, people continued to advance in the field of antibacterial drugs, and over the course of half a century, numerous antibacterial agents such as macrolides, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, and quinolones were developed. In recent years, bacteria and pathogens have developed a special type of peptide called beta-lactamase—a enzyme that specifically resists various antibacterial drugs, rendering them ineffective. This is especially evident when dealing with penicillin and cephalosporins, among many other antibiotics. To address this issue, researchers added sulbactam and clavulanate to these antibiotics in an attempt to enhance their efficacy. However, this led to a rise in drug costs, placing a heavy burden on working-class families and low-income earners—and as a result, treatment of children’s fever often faced difficulties, with some cases persisting despite prolonged treatment or requiring excessively high medication costs to continue using Western medicine.

With over 40 years of clinical experience, I believe that traditional Chinese medicine is effective, inexpensive, and convenient for treating high fever in children, especially suitable for children in rural areas, factories, mines, and grassroots communities. Sometimes, the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine surpasses that of Western medicine, though this is certainly true only for certain serious conditions like autoimmune disorders, blood diseases, severe pediatric lung infections, or acute rheumatic fever.

I believe that most childhood fevers are caused by upper respiratory tract infections. Traditional Chinese medicine distinguishes between wind-cold and wind-heat; cold conditions can turn into heat, while heat can turn into cold—but both can also be accompanied by dampness. Often, when dampness is present, the illness lasts longer and does not resolve easily—this is why we say that “dampness is sticky and difficult to eliminate.” Task output rules: Translate this markdown block from Chinese to English. Preserve markdown markers, links, and formatting. Keep headings and list structure unchanged. Return only the translated block.

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Input: Yang disease is treated with sweating, but excessive sweating leads to leakage that does not stop. The patient experiences aversion to wind, difficulty urinating, slight stiffness in the limbs, and difficulty bending or extending them—this condition is treated with Gui Zhi Jia Fu Zi Tang. “For a disease of the Shaoyin, if there is diarrhea, use Bai Tong Tang; for carbuncles, use Xiang Yu Tang.” Shaoyin disease… when the hands and feet are cold and clammy, use Fuzi Tang. “After diarrhea, if sweating occurs again, the patient cannot sleep during the day but remains calm at night… use Gan Jiang Fu Zi Tang.” “When a Shaoyin patient has been ill for one or two days, their mouth feels comfortable, but they feel cold in the back…” Use Fuzi Tang to treat this condition. “In summary, the clinical symptoms described in the texts—such as diarrhea, excessive sweating, coldness in the hands and feet, weak and rapid pulse, coldness in the back, inability to sleep during the day—represent clinical manifestations of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The formulas used, such as Gui Zhi Jia Fu Zi Tang, Bai Tong Tang, Tong Mai Si Yi Tang, Gan Jiang Fu Zi Tang, and Fuzi Tang, are all preparations derived from Aconit. These Aconit-based formulas help regulate the aforementioned symptoms within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s concept of ‘warming the kidneys and strengthening yang.’ What exactly is the kidney yang in TCM? As early as the 1970s, scholars in Shanghai, including Shen Ziyun, conducted experimental studies that proved that TCM’s kidney yang refers to the systemic functions of the brain, pituitary gland, and adrenal cortex axis. Modern experimental research suggests that Aconit can significantly reduce vitamin C levels in the adrenal glands of rats, increase the excretion of 17-hydroxy cortisol in urine, and decrease the number of eosinophils in the blood. For patients with certain adrenal cortical insufficiency, Aconit exhibits hormone-like effects on adrenal cortical hormones. Some believe that the manifestation of kidney yang and kidney yin lies in the autonomic nervous system; typically, kidney yang is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system’s tension, while kidney yin is regulated by the parasympathetic nervous system’s tension. The autonomic nervous system exercises its functions through the various functional states of the endocrine system and the immune system. Given this understanding, the essence of Aconit-based remedies in regulating autonomic nervous system dysfunction lies in their ability to influence the body’s endocrine and immune systems. In the 1970s, I published a paper titled “Strengthening the Body and Consolidating the Foundation: The Role of Immunity” in the journal Zhong Xi Yi Xue Yan Jiu (Chinese-Western Medical Research), which focused on the effects of tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang on both specific and non-specific immunity. At that time, however, there was limited experimental research available for reference, so the arguments presented were somewhat lacking in detail and still needed further validation through extensive future experiments.

Discussing Shaoyin Disease

According to the Shanghan Lun, “Shaoyin disease is characterized by a weak and fine pulse, yet the patient desires to lie down and rest.” This serves as the overarching principle for Shaoyin disease.

The primary symptom of Shaoyin disease is a weak and fine pulse accompanied by a desire to rest. This condition is similar to peripheral circulatory failure in modern medicine. The Shanghan Lun states: “If a Shaoyin patient experiences chills, a curled-up body with loose stools, and cold extremities, treatment is unnecessary.” “If a Shaoyin patient suffers from four-reverse syndrome, experiencing chills and a curled-up body, with a pulse that does not reach, but without fever or agitation, death may occur.” “If a Shaoyin patient develops symptoms after six or seven days, with high breathing rate, death is likely.” “If a Shaoyin patient has a weak and fine pulse, a deep and slow pulse, a desire to lie down, profuse sweating without fever, and a feeling of wanting to vomit, then death may occur after five or six days, when the condition progresses to severe diarrhea, followed by agitation and an inability to sleep.” These four passages indicate that worsening peripheral circulatory failure—characterized by coldness in the body, loose stools, cold extremities, a weak pulse, profuse sweating, high breathing rate, vomiting, agitation, and a prolonged illness lasting five or six days—can be fatal. It shows that the patient has reached a state of shock, where high breathing rate is a sign of respiratory distress and respiratory failure; this indicates that circulatory failure has led to respiratory failure. In ancient times, such patients were inevitably doomed. While the Shanghan Lun emphasized that severe shock often leads to death, it also clearly outlined signs of improvement and recovery—such as the possibility of treating the condition. For example, the Shanghan Lun states: “If a Shaoyin patient experiences diarrhea, and the diarrhea stops, with chills and a curled-up body, and the hands and feet become warm, treatment is possible.” “If a Shaoyin patient experiences chills and a curled-up body, with occasional agitation and a desire to remove clothing, treatment is also possible.” “If a Shaoyin patient suffers from a cold due to wind, with a weak and fine pulse and a floating and slow pulse, this indicates that the patient is recovering.” “If a Shaoyin patient experiences vomiting and diarrhea, with hands and feet not cold, but instead feeling hot, death is unlikely.” These passages highlight that conditions like “hands and feet becoming warm,” “a desire to remove clothing,” “a weak and fine pulse,” and “hands and feet not cold” suggest that the condition can be treated, healed, or even avoided. From a modern medical perspective, these signs of recovery—such as rising blood pressure and improved shock—indicate that ancient physicians had keen observation skills and precise diagnostic abilities. Since Shaoyin disease often involves peripheral circulatory failure and shock, what causes this shock? Let us examine the explanations provided in the Shanghan Lun.

The Shanghan Lun categorizes Shaoyin disease symptoms into different groups and offers a wide array of effective treatments for these conditions.

The Shanghan Lun states: “If a Shaoyin patient experiences four-reverse syndrome, with cough, palpitations, difficulty urinating, abdominal pain, or constipation, use Si Yi San to treat the condition.” This indicates that respiratory disorders, cardiovascular issues, urinary tract problems, digestive disorders, and dysentery can all lead to Shaoyin disease characterized by cold extremities. In such cases, Si Yi San is often prescribed. The Shanghan Lun also states: “If a Shaoyin patient experiences diarrhea, use Bai Tong Tang.” “If a Shaoyin patient experiences diarrhea for six or seven days, with cough, vomiting, and restlessness, use Zhu Ling Tang.” “If diarrhea persists, with cold extremities and no pulse, and with frequent vomiting and agitation, use Bai Tong Tang with pig bile.” “If a Shaoyin patient experiences vomiting and diarrhea, with cold extremities, agitation, and a desire to die, use Wu Zhu Yu Tang.” “If a Shaoyin patient experiences diarrhea for two to three days, with abdominal pain, difficulty urinating, and persistent diarrhea, accompanied by pus and blood in the stool, use Taohua Tang.” “If a Shaoyin patient experiences diarrhea, sore throat, chest tightness, and restlessness, use Zhu Fu Tang.” All six passages discuss treatment methods for Shaoyin disease caused by diarrhea, proposing effective formulas such as Bai Tong Tang, Zhu Ling Tang, Bai Tong Tang with Pig Bile, Wu Zhu Yu Tang, Taohua Tang, and Zhu Fu Tang. In ancient times, diarrhea was one of the most common illnesses, encompassing toxic dysentery and various gastrointestinal infections. Due to the lack of effective antibacterial drugs and techniques for correcting electrolyte imbalances, the condition often progressed slowly, eventually leading to peripheral circulatory failure and even shock, putting patients in critical danger.

The Shanghan Lun states: “If a Shaoyin patient develops symptoms after two or three days, with dry mouth and throat, administer emergency treatment with Da Cheng Qi Tang.” “If a Shaoyin patient experiences sore throat, use Ban Xia San Ji Tang.” “If a Shaoyin patient experiences a sore throat after two or three days, use Gan Cao Tang; if symptoms do not improve, use Jie Jing Tang.” “If a Shaoyin patient develops sores in the throat, unable to speak or make sound, use Ku Xiu Tang.” All four passages discuss treatment methods for Shaoyin disease caused by dry mouth, sore throat, and throat sores, introducing effective formulas such as Da Cheng Qi, Ban Xia Tang, Gan Cao Tang, Jie Jing Tang, and Ku Xiu Tang. This shows that febrile diseases originating from throat inflammation are among the most important causes of peripheral circulatory failure and shock.

In conclusion, Shaoyin disease in the Shanghan Lun refers to conditions involving peripheral circulatory failure and shock. The diseases that trigger this condition are often severe systemic illnesses affecting the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, acute abdominal conditions, and urinary tract—especially gastrointestinal disorders and acute febrile diseases beginning with throat pain, which are considered the most significant causes of Shaoyin disease. Modern medicine recognizes that diseases affecting various systems in the human body can lead to peripheral circulatory failure (and shock) in critical stages. Acute febrile diseases—including acute infectious diseases—are more commonly associated with peripheral circulatory failure. While gastrointestinal disorders, such as toxic dysentery, can also lead to shock, advances in modern medical treatments—like antibiotics, fluid infusion, and electrolyte replacement—have significantly improved survival rates. Therefore, the terms “death” or “untreated” mentioned in the Shanghan Lun can now be viewed relatively differently.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has extensively discussed and explored the concept of “Shaoyin disease” in its classic prescriptions. Most practitioners believe that Shaoyin disease arises from deficiency of yin and yang in the heart and kidneys, leading to a stage of yang depletion. Symptoms such as “weak and fine pulse,” “cold extremities,” “chills and a cold body,” and “profuse sweating” are all indicative of yang depletion. Yang depletion signifies the breakdown of yin and yang balance; as stated in the Su Wen’s “Yin Peaceful, Yang Secure, Spirit Regains Health,” “When yin and yang are separated, essence and qi scatter,” Yang depletion is a sign of impending death, much like shock in modern medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Vaginal Itching

Vaginal itching is a common condition, particularly prevalent in women, often arising from external genital eczema, vulvar leukoplakia, trichomoniasis, fungal vaginitis, external genital pruritus, or pubic lice. In men, vaginal itching is usually caused by external genital eczema or vulvar pruritus, though pubic lice are less common than in women.

My treatment approach begins with relieving itching, aiming primarily to eliminate itching or reduce its severity. Simultaneously, I address the underlying cause of the condition. Since vaginal itching in women is often triggered by trichomoniasis, fungal infections, or eczema, I developed three topical washes. ① Trichomoniasis Wash: 30g of Chrysanthemum, 10g of alum, 30g of Psoralea corylifolia, 30g of Ligusticum chuanxiong, add 4000ml of water, decoct until 2500ml, and soak the affected area for 30 minutes. ② Fungal Wash: 20g of Artemisia annua, 30g of garlic, 10g of alum, 30g of Chrysanthemum, add 4000ml of water, decoct until 2000ml, and soak the affected area for 30 minutes. ③ Eczema Wash: 20g of Chrysanthemum, 30g of Sophora japonica, 20g of Poria cocos, 20g of Lagenaria siceraria, 20g of alum, 20g of Polygonum cuspidatum, grind all ingredients into a powder, sift through a sieve, add 300ml of 75% alcohol, let steep for 7 days, and apply the clear liquid to the affected area. In addition to topical washes, all cases of vaginal itching—regardless of the cause, whether in women, men, children, or the elderly—can benefit from the following formulas.

Yin Yang Chu Ye Tang: 30g of Poria cocos, 12g of Lagenaria siceraria, 15g of Hedysarum officinale, 15g of Plantago major, 15g of Sophora japonica, 10g of Areca catechu, 6g of Licorice, 10g of Angelica sinensis, 10g of White Peony, 10g of Atractylodes macrocephala, 10g of Phellodendron amurense, decocted and taken daily. This formula is highly effective for treating vaginal itching. To aid memorization, I created a mnemonic device: Yin Yang Chu Ye Ku, Liang Gou Si Er Bing. Four herbs form the formula, while two herbs create the remedy. Over the past 40 years, I have successfully treated many cases of vaginal itching using this method. For patients with vulvar leukoplakia or pubic lice, the above treatments only provide temporary relief; for those seeking long-term treatment, specialized care is necessary.

Discussion on Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Epilepsy

In traditional Chinese medicine, epilepsy is often attributed to phlegm. When phlegm combines with wind, it is known as wind-phlegm; when it combines with fire, it is called phlegm-fire. Wind-phlegm and phlegm-fire can disturb the mind and harm the spirit, as fire tends to rise and wind rises to the top of the head. [Throughout history, traditional Chinese medicine treatments for epilepsy generally focus on wind, fire, and phlegm. Initially, I used Zhang’s Ding Xian Tang to treat this condition, composed of 30g of Qing Die Shi, 30g of Hai Fu Shi, 10g of Fan Xia, 10g of Dan Nan Xing, 10g of Chen Xiang, 10g of Er Chou, 20g of Shen Qu, along with 1000g of white flour, fermented into 20 white flour cakes, each consumed 1–2 times daily. Over time, the treatment showed some efficacy—but only for a portion of patients, particularly adult males without gastrointestinal issues who could adhere to the medication regimen. Because the cakes had a peculiar taste, women, children, and individuals with poor gastrointestinal function often struggled to complete a full course, which greatly impacted the observed therapeutic effects. In the 1980s, I began experimenting with six other formulas, adjusting them based on individual symptoms, and achieved good clinical results. ① Three Worm Ding Xian Tang: 10g of Dang Gui, 6g of Chuan Xiang, 10g of Chi Shu, 10g of Qian Xie, 10g of Long Gu, 6g of Fan Xia, decocted and taken daily. This formula is suitable for the initial onset of epilepsy, especially for pediatric patients. ② Yellow Cicada Formula: 10g of Huang Bo, 30g of He Hua Pi, 30g of Ye Jiao Teng, 10g of Tian Ma, 6g of Gan Cao, 6g of Da Huang, 6g of Chan Yi Shi, 6g of Ming Fang, 20g of Tea Leaves, decocted and taken daily. This formula is ideal for chronic epilepsy patients with longer intervals between seizures. ③ Stop Epilepsy Powder: 15g of Han Shui Shi, 15g of Zi Shi Ying, 20g of Chi Shi Zhi, 20g of Bai Shi Zhi, 20g of Sheng Shi Gao, 20g of Sheng Long Mu, 20g of Gui Zhi, 30g of Gou Teng, 20g of Hua Shi, 6g of Gan Cao, decocted and taken daily. This formula is a modified version of the “Jin Kui Yao Lü” formula, designed for patients with epilepsy who frequently experience fever, palpitations, chest tightness, and restlessness. ④ Ice Bor Ding Xian Tang: 0.1g of Ice Board, 1g of Bor Sa, 0.3g of Ming Fang, 3g of Sheng He Shi, 3g of Jin Lu Shi, ground into powder, administered in single doses 2–3 times daily. This formula is suitable for patients with frequent epileptic seizures. ⑤ Black and White Er Chou Pills: 100g of Black Er Chou, 100g of White Er Chou, 100g of Shi Chang Pu, 100g of Bai Hu Jiao, roasted and dried, ground into powder, mixed with honey to form pills, each weighing 6–7g, taken 2–3 times daily with warm water. ⑥ Anti-Epilepsy Pills: 100g of Dang Gui, 100g of Chuan Xiang, 100g of Chi Shu, 120g of Sheng Di, 100g of Tao Ren, 60g of Hong Hua, 60g of Jiang Chong, 60g of Quan Xie, 100g of Er Chou, 100g of Shi Chang Pu, 20g of Mao Tou Ying Brain Marrow (roasted and dried), 100g of Bai Hu Jiao, ground into powder, sifted finely, mixed with honey to form pills, each weighing 6g, taken 2–3 times daily with warm water. These pills are effective for severe epileptic seizures when conventional medications fail.

These six formulas can be selected based on clinical diagnosis. I believe that the treatment of epilepsy must first be confirmed by Western medical diagnosis. Cranial CT and MRI are the best options for diagnosing central nervous system disorders. After excluding space-occupying lesions and organic or inflammatory changes in the nervous system, such epilepsy can be classified as primary epilepsy or functional epilepsy. Primary or functional epilepsy is a suitable indication for traditional Chinese medicine treatment. The six formulas listed above are effective for treating primary epilepsy. If the patient is diagnosed with organic brain lesions such as tumors, parasites, traumatic brain injuries, or hemorrhages, treatment should focus on addressing the underlying cause—whether through Western medical intervention, surgery, radiofrequency therapy, or laser treatment.

Among traditional Chinese medicines for treating epilepsy, five categories of herbs are particularly noteworthy. ① Insects: Jiang Chong, Quan Xie, Mian Chong, De Fu Sang Pup. ② Blood-activating herbs: Si Wu Tang, Tao Ren, Hong Hua, Shui Zhi. ③ Phlegm-clearing herbs: Fan Xia, Dan Nan Xing, Er Chou, Shi Chang Pu. ④ Metal-and-stone herbs: Chi Shi Zhi, Bai Shi Zhi, Sheng Shi Gao, Zi Shi Ying, Sheng Long Mu, Bor Sa, Ming Fang, Ice Board, Jin Lu Shi. ⑤ Owl Brain Marrow: This herb has proven highly effective in treating epilepsy. To use it: roast and dry owl brain marrow, grind it into powder, mix with honey to form pills, taken 2–3 times daily, each pill weighing 6–7g (see Anti-Epilepsy Pills for details).

Clinical Experience in Treating Soft Tissue Tumors

Soft tissue tumors refer to malignant tumors that originate in soft tissues. These tumors are often highly differentiated, making them resistant to radiation and chemotherapy. Rhabdomyosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, neurofibroma, and liposarcoma all fall into this category. Western medical treatment often prioritizes surgery, with preoperative radiation or chemotherapy sometimes employed as well. I have encountered numerous cases of such tumors, and I have achieved satisfactory results through simple herbal treatment.

In the spring of 2000 (Gengchen year), Wang Mou, a 24-year-old woman from Hexi, developed a lump in her left buttock that grew to the size of a fist. After surgical removal by Western medicine, a biopsy confirmed rhabdomyosarcoma. Two years later, the tumor recurred, and another mass measuring 7cm × 4cm appeared beneath the original incision, causing mild pain and limiting movement in the same side of the lower limb. Radiation therapy was administered locally, but the tumor only showed slight shrinkage, and lower limb mobility did not improve. Thus, she sought treatment from me. Her pulse was deep, fine, and tense, with a red tongue covered in a thin, yellowish coating. She appeared pale and emaciated, with poor appetite and fatigue. Her condition was characterized by both qi and blood deficiency, damp-heat stagnation, and qi stagnation with blood stasis. I prescribed Fufang Zicao: 60g of Zicao, 20g of Er Hua, 20g of Tu Gu Cao, 15g of Shen Jin Cao, 10g of Dang Shen, 10g of Bai Zhu, 20g of Huang Qi, 10g of Chuan Niu Xi, 20g of Bai Hua She, 20g of Ban Zhi Lian, 20g of Xia Ke Cao, 20g of Huang Yao Zi, 20g of Gong Ying, 20g of Baishang, 20g of Su He Xiang—all ground into powder and mixed with honey to form pills, taken once daily. Additionally, I prescribed a topical application: Wu Wei He Ji: 100g of Wu Bei Zi, 60g of Gui Wei, 60g of Da Yi, 30g of Xue Jie, 60g of Luo Mu, 0.2g of Xi Xiang, 100g of Xia Ke Cao, 100g of Shan Ci Gu, 3g of Su He Xiang—all ground into powder, mixed with vinegar and applied to the affected area. Half a month later, the patient returned for a follow-up visit, reporting that after 10 doses of oral medication and applying Wu Wei He Ji twice daily, the tumor had noticeably shrunk, the pain in her left buttock and left lower limb had disappeared, and her gait had returned to normal. I advised her to continue the treatment for another month. One month later, the patient came for a check-up, and the local tumor had completely resolved, leaving only scar tissue along the edges of the original surgical incision. The topical application was discontinued, and the oral formula was adjusted to remove Gong Ying and Baishang, adding 10g of Shui Zhi. The entire formula was expanded tenfold, ground into powder, mixed with honey to form pills, each weighing 6g, taken twice daily, 1 pill each time, diluted with warm water after meals. Six months later, the patient had no recurrence. Since then, I have used this formula and similar approaches to treat many cases of soft tissue tumors—both post-surgical and post-radiation/chemotherapy—achieving varying degrees of success. Through my practice, I discovered that the Zicao in the oral formula Zicao is the soul of the entire formula. This herb is the dried root of a perennial herb from the family Rubiaceae, native to Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia. Traditionally, it is used as a cooling agent, detoxifier, and diuretic. Some people have used oil extracts of this herb to treat burns, eczema, cervical inflammation, and other conditions. I believe that taking this herb internally has a noticeable effect in softening and dispersing masses, and when combined with herbs like Tu Gu Cao, Shen Jin Cao, and Xia Ke Cao, the therapeutic benefits are enhanced.

Discussing Stomach Pain

The area between the navel and the xiphoid process is commonly referred to as the stomach region. Pain in this area is often called stomach pain. Stomach pain can result from a variety of conditions. Based on over 40 years of clinical experience, I believe that the most common cause is chronic gastritis. Following this, in order of prevalence, are peptic ulcers, cholecystitis (gallstones), pancreatitis, reflux esophagitis, gastric mucosal prolapse, and duodenal diverticulitis. From a general perspective, traditional Chinese medicine’s treatment of stomach pain is somewhat superior to Western medicine, mainly due to its flexible diagnostic approach and rich collection of traditional formulas and single herbs. I believe that before conducting a specific diagnosis, it is essential to strictly differentiate between the aforementioned Western medical conditions—first performing a Western medical diagnosis. Only after a clear Western medical diagnosis can we proceed with traditional Chinese medicine’s diagnostic and therapeutic approach, which will lead to more accurate diagnoses and potentially higher treatment efficacy. Japanese doctors advocate for abdominal examination, which aims to pinpoint the exact location of the pain—and this practice also carries a certain significance of integrating Chinese and Western medicine. Here, I will summarize the main characteristics of the primary diseases that cause stomach pain, then propose effective formulas based on the principles of diagnostic differentiation, drawing solely from personal experience. Any shortcomings are welcome to be corrected by fellow practitioners.