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Shang Han Lun · Treatise on Cold Damage
21. Indications for Purging · Pulses, Signs and Treatment
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As a general rule, autumn is appropriate for purging.
For purgative medicines, decoctions are superior to pills. Stop once the medicine meets the illness; there is no need to finish the preparation.
In diarrhea with normal pulses at all three regions and hardness below the Heart on pressure, purge urgently. Da Chengqi Tang is appropriate.
In diarrhea with a slow, slippery pulse, there is internal repletion. Diarrhea is not about to stop; purging is required. Da Chengqi Tang is appropriate.
Question: How can retained food be distinguished in an ill person?
The master says: The cunkou pulse is floating and large but unexpectedly rough on pressure, while the chi pulse is also faint and rough. This shows retained food. Purging is required; the source names Da Cheng Tang here.
In diarrhea with no desire to eat, retained food is the cause. Purging is appropriate; give Da Chengqi Tang.
If diarrhea recurs at the corresponding year, month or day after recovery, the illness was not completely removed. Purging is required; Da Chengqi Tang is appropriate.
In diarrhea with an unexpectedly slippery pulse, something needs to be removed. Purging brings recovery; Da Chengqi Tang is appropriate.
Fullness and pain within the abdomen indicate repletion. Purging is required; Da Chengqi Tang is appropriate.
After cold damage, a deep pulse signifies internal repletion. Resolve it by purging; Da Chaihu Tang is appropriate.
A pulse that is wiry on both sides and slow means hardness must be present below the Heart. A large, tight pulse means yin within yang, allowing purging. Da Chengqi Tang is appropriate.
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