Ms. Yu, female, 38 years old, sought medical consultation in July 1985. The patient had been experiencing frequent hiccups for four months due to emotional distress and improper diet. She was initially treated with Peripatetic Powder with modifications, and the hiccups ceased after two doses. However, they recurred shortly after due to a common cold. Treatments including diaphoresis, harmonizing the stomach and descending adverse qi, soothing the liver and regulating qi, promoting digestion and purgation, and clearing heat and nourishing yin were all ineffective in completely resolving the symptoms. She then sought my consultation.

Symptoms included frequent hiccups, irritability, insomnia, nightmares upon sleeping, reduced appetite, loss of taste, chest tightness, abdominal distension and fullness, constipation, occasional abdominal pain, a red tongue with yellow and rough coating, and a deep and slow pulse. This was identified as a yangming fu-organ pattern, caused by stagnation of fu-qi, turbid qi rising, and stomach qi ascending counterflow. She was treated with Minor Purgative Decoction with modifications. Prescription:
Rhubarb Rhizoma 12g, Magnolia Bark 12g, Immature Orange Fruit 12g, Qing Banxia 9g, Bamboo Shavings 15g
After one dose, there was frequent passing of gas, and a bowel movement occurred within half a day, leading to the cessation of hiccups and alleviation of other symptoms. However, the hiccups recurred five days later. This indicated that the dry stool had not been completely expelled, and a more aggressive purgative approach was necessary for a complete cure. She was then treated with Major Purgative Decoction. Prescription:
Rhubarb Rhizoma 12g (to be decocted later), Mirabilite 15g (dissolved in boiling water), Immature Orange Fruit 9g, Magnolia Bark 10g
The decoction was taken in two doses. On the morning of the second day, several hard stools were passed, and the hiccups ceased completely, never recurring thereafter.