Zhao, female, 35 years old. Suffering from wind-dampness arthritis, viral myocarditis, and atrial fibrillation for more than 6 months, and was hospitalized for more than 5 months without improvement. Upon careful examination of the medications taken, in addition to Western medicine, Chinese medicinals included Prepared Liquorice Decoction, Pulse-Reinforcing Powder, Modified Pulse-Restoring Decoction, etc. Upon detailed examination of the symptoms, in addition to pain in the joints and muscles throughout the body, there were also palpitations, chest fullness, white tongue coating, and a rapid or intermittently rapid and knotted pulse. Upon closer observation, there was also a tight pulse at times, and a sensation of fear of cold in the back. Based on the comprehensive pulse and symptoms, it was diagnosed as insufficiency of heart yang with external invasion of cold-dampness, and was prescribed Cinnamon Twig Decoction minus Peony Root plus Aconite Decoction:
Aconite Lateral Root 10g, Cinnamon Twig 10g, Prepared Liquorice Root 10g, Fresh Ginger Rhizome 10g, Chinese Date 12g
. After taking 10 doses, the body pain disappeared, and the pulse rate decreased from 130 beats per minute to 90 beats per minute, with rare intermittent pulse. After taking another 15 doses, the palpitations became severe again, along with chest pain, chest tightness, fatigue, and occasional sweating. Upon re-examining the pulse, it was found to be large and rapid, with a slightly red tongue texture. Considering the year of Gengwu, where Geng represents dry metal guest circuit, and celestial control of fire qi, the presence of both fire and metal suggests a summer-like condition. The external invasion of summer heat damages both qi and yin, and the large pulse was treated by Dongyuan with Summerheat-Clearing Qi-Replenishing Decoction. After trying more than 10 doses, all symptoms disappeared and the patient recovered.