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Human constitution changes with the transformation of qi in heaven and earth. Since the transformation of qi in ancient and modern times may differ, there are inevitably differences in the strength, thickness, and yin-yang balance between modern and ancient people. Therefore, when applying ancient formulas today, it is appropriate to adapt and modify them according to the seasons and circumstances.

Ephedra Decoction was originally used to dispel external cold. After taking it, the body sweats profusely, and the aversion to cold is cured. In some cases, the illness is completely resolved, but occasionally, it does not improve and later develops into a fever, transforming into a yangming pattern. Why is this? When I first began diagnosing illnesses, I did not understand the reason. Later, I realized that after sweating from taking Ephedra Decoction, if the heat from the nutrient-defense inward invasion dissipates through the sweat, the illness is cured. However, if the heat does not return to the surface but instead invades deeper, the heat will inevitably increase daily, leading to the transformation from Taiyang (EX-HN5) to yangming. After understanding this principle, whenever I used Ephedra Decoction again, I would add a few qian of Anemarrhena to resolve the inward invasion of heat. This method effectively treats cold-damage disease without sweating, and there has never been a case where it did not work.

Although Ephedra Decoction is generally suitable with the addition of Anemarrhena, there are cases where it should not be added, and this requires careful consideration. For instance, if a person has a deficiency in the yang aspect, it is necessary to add qi-tonifying herbs to Ephedra Decoction to assist in inducing sweating. A man nearly forty years old, who had always been weak, contracted cold-damage disease in late winter. The doctor prescribed Ephedra Decoction, but he did not sweat at all. When he came to me for treatment, his pulse seemed tight but could not withstand heavy pressure. I added five qian each of raw Astragalus Root and smallpox powder to the Ephedra Decoction. After one dose, he sweated and recovered.

Another man, also nearly forty, initially contracted an external contraction and was just cured by a doctor. He immediately went out to work and was re-exposed to external contraction. He felt cold both internally and externally, had a headache, slight breathlessness, and mild shivering all over. When I checked his pulse, all six pulse positions were absent, even under heavy pressure. I was alarmed but asked if he felt anything other than cold. He said no, so I knew it was still treatable and not a cause for concern. I added one liang of raw Astragalus Root to the original Ephedra Decoction formula. After taking the medicine, all six pulse conditions returned, he broke into a slight sweat, and the illness was cured.