Mr. Luo, male, 43 years old, first consultation on November 20, 1979. He has a history of stomach disease, with gastroscopy revealing "lesser curvature ulcer" and "atrophic gastritis of the gastric body." This episode was triggered by catching a cold over 10 days ago, with persistent burning, distension, and stabbing pain in the epigastrium, which can become as severe as a knife-like pain. When qi rises, he feels the urge to belch but cannot, and wants to pass flatus but cannot. He has a poor appetite, no sense of hunger, and no thirst. His stools are dry (usually loose stools, but constipated during pain). He feels cold and prefers warmth, with a sallow and emaciated complexion, lethargy, shortness of qi, and reluctance to speak. His tongue is swollen with a thick white coating, and his pulse is weak and not rapid. He was prescribed a modified Middle-Regulating Decoction:
Aconite Lateral Root, Cassia Bark, Dried Ginger, Charred Atractylodes, each 15g, Tangshen 20g, Honey-fried Licorice 6g, Dried Tangerine Peel, Pinellia, each 15g, Magnolia Bark 20g, Trogopterus Dung 10g

Second consultation: After taking 4 doses of the above prescription, the pain significantly reduced (he felt the pain localized in the upper right abdomen), his appetite slightly improved, the white coating on his tongue diminished, and his bowel movements normalized. The previous prescription was continued with increased doses of Dried Ginger, Aconite Lateral Root, and Charred Atractylodes to 15g each, Honey-fried Licorice to 10g, Tangshen to 30g, Trogopterus Dung to 20g, and added Red Peony Root 30g, and processed Myrrh and Frankincense 10g each.

Third consultation: He reported that after taking 2 doses of the above prescription, his stools became loose, and the pain persisted for about 4-5 hours daily. After taking 10 doses, the pain reduced to 2-3 hours daily, and gradually decreased to only a few tens of minutes daily. After taking 20 doses, the pain completely resolved, and his energy and appetite significantly improved. He was advised to continue with Cassia Bark and Aconite Lateral Root Middle-Regulating Pill for further recovery.