Treating Other Exogenous Diseases During the Epidemic and Reflections
Wang Donghai
In the “Treatise on Seasonal Diseases” by the Qing Dynasty physician Lei Feng, it is stated that “in a year, seasonal diseases are numerous while miscellaneous diseases are few.” This is indeed true; most newly occurring diseases are often accompanied by seasonal pathogens, or are purely caused by seasonal pathogens. Last winter was unusually warm, and the fire energy in nature was not effectively contained, leading to reports of thunder in many areas; according to my observations, insects that should have been dormant were also active. This has resulted in an increase in internal fire in the body for nearly 90% of individuals. Following the approach described in the first volume of the “Treatise on Seasonal Diseases”: initially using mild pungent and warm methods to dispel the wind-cold on the surface, and later using methods to nourish yin and clear heat as appropriate; if there is also dampness or stasis, these should be considered simultaneously. I will use recent case studies to illustrate this—
Case Study One
Note: Try to maintain the original record’s appearance, with some necessary explanations attached.
The above actually consists of two cases. In the second case, due to the patient’s abdominal discomfort, I added Chai Hu (Bupleurum) and Ge Gen (Kudzu Root) in one dose, which alleviated the abdominal discomfort, but the swelling and pain in the parotid area immediately worsened. I then removed Chai Hu and Ge Gen and administered another dose, which significantly reduced the swelling and pain. In this condition, it is not advisable to use elevating herbs (such as Chai Hu) that can fan the flames, but initially, it is often necessary to use Chai Hu to dispel the pathogen from the Shaoyang meridian.
Case Study Two
This also involved a family where members sequentially contracted the illness, similar to the previous case, with the warm toxin affecting the parotid gland area, which is also the location of the Shaoyang!
Case Study Three
The above two case studies (actually involving four patients) should be clear to readers familiar with traditional Chinese medicine; they are treating the Shaoyang fire.
Case Study Four
Main complaint: fever, sore throat.
Fever, recurrent fever after defervescence (alternating chills and fever), dizziness, decreased appetite, clearly exhibiting symptoms of Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction). The cause is an external wind-cold trigger, and the approach is to use Jing Fang Bai Du San (Jingfang Baidu Powder) along with the addition of She Gan (Belamcanda) and Shan Dou Gen (Sophora) for the sore throat, and that is all.
From the above cases, I reflect on this epidemic: the emergence of a disease must have its source.Without clarity on the source of the disease, it is very difficult to grasp its pathogenesis and etiology.Moreover, this is a non-individual disease.To understand the origin of this situation, one must have a certain understanding of the theories of the “Huangdi Neijing” (Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon) regarding the movement of qi.The content discussed in the movement of qi is actually very clear.However, for a long time, we have criticized it as superstition and buried it in the dust of history.This can be clearly reflected in the content of traditional Chinese medicine textbooks.
Of course, like most things, the occurrence of events is the result of multiple factors working together. The root cause of the current disease, in addition to the previously emphasized main factors: the warmth of winter and the fire energy not being properly contained, is also related to the insufficient earth energy (corresponding to the spleen and stomach) from last year’s annual movement. Additionally, in today’s society, with abundant material life, many people indulge in life and squander their health, while few consciously nurture it. This has overdrawn the body’s energy while expecting to recover it through diet, which in fact increases the burden on the spleen and stomach. Coupled with the excessive consumption of out-of-season fruits, the prevalence of refrigerators, and the misguided health advice to drink excessive water, these combined factors have led to the stagnation or eruption of Shaoyang fire, with wood overpowering earth or even harming metal.
This is just my humble opinion, and I hope for corrections from those with insight.
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