Liu, male, 56 years old. Usually weak in constitution, with poor digestion, often experiencing fullness and pain in the epigastric region. The doctor mistakenly used strong purgatives, which not only failed to alleviate the epigastric pain but also worsened it, adding symptoms of headache and painful stiff nape. After various examinations at a hospital, no definitive diagnosis was made, and the final conclusion was malnutrition. He was pessimistic and despairing all day, and when the epigastric pain occurred, he almost wished for death.
Upon examination, his pulse was deep, wiry, and tight, with shortness of breath and a sallow complexion. After careful consideration, it was determined to be Taiyang (EX-HN5) apoplexy following sweating and purging, with spleen and stomach cold dampness, and phlegm-fluid accumulation in the epigastric region. According to Article 28 of the "Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases," Cinnamon Twig minus Cinnamon plus Poria and White Atractylodes Decoction was prescribed. After taking one dose, the epigastric pain significantly reduced. After two doses, there was movement in the epigastric region, flatulence, and smooth urination, and the neck pain also ceased. The pulse changed from deep and wiry to slow and thin. Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Bighead Atractylodes, and Licorice Decoction were then prescribed with the addition of Magnolia Bark and Pinellia. After five doses, he fully recovered.