Miao, male, 25 years old, farmer, first consultation in the winter month of 1970. The patient had just separated from his parents and was living in extreme poverty. He and his wife planned to go up the mountain to gather firewood the next morning to cook breakfast. The next morning, upon opening the door, they found the ground covered in Great Snow (21st solar term). The patient suddenly burst into uncontrollable laughter, then cried, and his mental state became abnormal. Afterward, he became dull and indifferent, with frequent belching and no desire to eat. Examination revealed a pale tongue with white, slippery coating, and a slightly slippery, wiry pulse. The syndrome was attributed to disorder of qi movement, phlegm-fluid retention obstructing and clouding the seven orifices. Treatment aimed to descend qi and harmonize the stomach, tranquilize the spirit and calm the mind, using Inula and Hematite Decoction with added raw iron filings:
Taichen 12g, Inula Flower 12g (wrapped), Hematite 30g (to be decocted first), raw iron filings 30g (to be decocted first), Pinellia 12g, Fresh Ginger Rhizome 12g, Liquorice Root 6g, Chinese Date 6 pieces
decocted with water and taken. After 3 doses, although his mind was clear, he remained indifferent; belching decreased. The above formula was modified by adding Clove 10g and Curcuma Root 12g, and after another 3 doses, all symptoms were cured, and his mental state returned to normal.