Xiao, a worker in his prime with a strong constitution, suffered from severe epigastric pain in early autumn. Initially, he took Chinese medicinals without effect, and was later admitted to a Western hospital, where he was diagnosed with "acute gastritis." Despite receiving injections of sedatives and analgesics, along with acupuncture and moxibustion therapy, the pain persisted for three days and nights without relief. Upon examination, his pulse manifestation was wiry and rapid with strong force, his tongue was red with a yellow coating, and he experienced restlessness, a bitter taste in the mouth, and occasional nausea. The severe pain in his epigastrium was unbearable to touch. This was identified as fire stagnation in the Zhongwan (CV12) region, with disharmony of stomach qi. The treatment principle was to clear and descend. The prescribed formula was:
Gardenia Fruit (Chinaberry Fruit) 15g, Blast-Fried Ginger 3g
, decocted with water and taken orally. The medicine was administered around 3 PM, and by dusk, the pain had lessened, completely disappearing by midnight. Two doses resulted in a full recovery.