2. Discussions in “Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu”

2. Discussions in “Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu”

“I once read the ‘Inner Canon,’ which says, ‘When blood and qi move upward together, it leads to a severe collapse.’ Isn’t this exactly what Westerners call cerebral congestion? ‘Severe Yang collapse causes swelling of the head, heaviness in the head preventing movement, and eye twitching,’ ‘Yangming collapse causes facial flushing and heat, delirium and hallucinations,’ ‘Shaoyang collapse causes sudden deafness, cheek swelling, and heat’—all these phenomena are cerebral congestion.”

Based on the above arguments, Zhang Xichun formulated “Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang” to treat this condition, heavily using huai niuxi (30–60 grams) and adding iron rust ground finely as a guide (iron rust ground into water for internal consumption). He also stated that if cerebral congestion leads to red eyes and cataracts, this water can be applied externally.