Li, male, 16 years old, junior high school student, initial consultation in February 1975. In the autumn of 1974, after the final exams, he felt palpitations and restlessness, dizziness, occasional insomnia, and dysphoria. After examination at a hospital, no organic sexually transmitted disease was found, with normal ECG and blood pressure. Various medications were tried without effect. He was referred by a friend for consultation. He appeared without signs of illness, with moderate nutrition. Upon inquiry, he mentioned palpitations and restlessness, especially triggered by sounds, such as sudden footsteps or door slamming, which could cause his heart to race. He also experienced occasional insomnia, dizziness, and reduced memory, with normal diet and bowel movements, and sometimes yellow urine. His pulse was deep, rapid, and weak, with a red tongue and little coating. This was due to overexertion of the mind and deficiency of heart yin. The treatment involved modifying the Prepared Liquorice Decoction by removing clear wine, Cinnamon Twig, and Hemp Seed, and adding Curcuma Root and raw Fossil Bone. The prescription was:
Prepared Liquorice Root 12g, Unprocessed Rehmannia Root 9g, raw Donkey-hide Gelatin 6g (melting), Ophiopogon Tuber 6g, Tangshen 12g, Curcuma Root 6g, raw Fossil Bone 12g, Chinese Date 6 pieces
, decocted with water twice, mixed and taken in two doses. He was advised to take 6 doses and return for follow-up. After completing the 6 doses, he felt clear-headed and the palpitations occurred only occasionally. His pulse was no longer rapid but still weak. The original prescription was adjusted by adding 15g of Astragalus, and after another 6 doses, all symptoms disappeared.