Wang Yunji and his wife, devout Catholics residing in our village, were renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship. Their skills spanned large-scale construction projects, precision clockwork repairs, tailoring, culinary arts, equestrian archery, and martial arts. Despite their poverty, they lived devoutly with tranquil minds, earning deep respect from the community.
Onset of Illness
During the spring of Renwu year (a traditional Chinese calendrical term), Wang developed severe occipital headaches. The pain immobilized him—even slight head movements triggered needle-like stabbing sensations. Initial (used in traditional contexts) by Wang Huaitang, a Xiucai (a qualified scholar), diagnosed wind invasion. Wind-dispelling therapies proved ineffective, prompting my consultation.
Diagnostic Findings
Pulse examination revealed:
- All six pulse positions exhibited floating and slippery characteristics
- Both Cun pulses extended half an inch beyond the fish-border region (abnormal vascular manifestation)
I explained: “This is phlegm reversal headache , not external pathogens. Untreated, it may progress to Gang Jing with opisthotonos and systemic rigidity. Chronic cases risk hemiplegia or facial paralysis.”
Treatment Protocol
I emphasized: “Relieving pain is simple, but curing the root requires 60+ herbal doses. Incomplete (used in traditional contexts) guarantees recurrence.”
Wang declined extended care due to poverty, stating: “Restoring mobility suffices.” I prescribed Tongqi Taiyang Decoction (通气太阳汤) from Li Dongyuan’s formulary:
Main components:
Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu) 3.75g
Cimicifuga Rhizome (Sheng Ma) 3.75g
Milkvetch Root (Huang Qi) 3.75g
Secondary herbs:
Saposhnikovia Root (Fang Feng) 1.875g
Notopterygium Root (Qiang Huo) 1.875g
Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) 1.875g
Ginseng (Ren Shen) 1.875g
Licorice (Gan Cao) 1.875g
Adjunctive agents:
Ligusticum Root (Gao Ben) 1.125g
Green Tangerine Peel (Qing Pi) 1.125g
Trace additives:
Amur Corktree Bark (Huang Bo) 0.375g
White Cardamom (Bai Dou Kou) 0.75g
Therapeutic Outcomes
Pain subsided markedly after two doses. When Wang requested prescription modifications, I advised maintaining the formula. Complete pain resolution occurred by the sixth dose. His wife urged continued (used in traditional contexts), but financial constraints forced discontinuation.
Current Status
Recent reports describe:
- Limb heaviness and motor impairment
- Appetite loss
- Paradoxical cutaneous pain with sensory blunting
Prognostic concerns include sudden phlegm-induced suffocation from falls (preferable to prolonged suffering) or chronic bedridden deterioration. This tragic progression starkly illustrates how poverty dictates healthcare access.
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