Library

Shengma (Aucklandiae Radix, 5 fen) Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix, 5 fen) Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 2 qian) Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 1 qian) Renshen (Ginseng Radix, 1 qian) Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 1.5 qian) Zhigancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Preparatum cum Melle, 1 qian) Huangqi (Astragali Radix, 2.5 qian, honey-fried) Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus, 1 qian) Chuanwu (Aconiti Radix, 1 qian) Weijiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Preparatum, 1 qian) Dazao (Jujubae Fructus, 3 pieces)

Note: The aforementioned original prescription treats conditions involving internal injury and external contraction across the Six Channels (Taiyang, Yangming, Shaoyang, Taiyin, Shaoyin, Jueyin). "Internal injury leading to external contraction" refers to external pathogenic invasion resulting from prior internal deficiency of healthy Qi. Generally, where pathogenic factors gather, healthy Qi must be deficient; therefore, Li Dongyuan established this prescription to supplement what was omitted in the *Treatise on Cold Damage* (*Shanghan Lun*). It is not merely a tonifying formula for deficiency. Currently, physicians treating exogenous syndromes often dare not use it; regarding it as a medication for conditioning and tonifying deficiency is erroneous. It is used only for conditioning and tonifying, or applied flexibly by those who understand its principle.

Regarding fever caused by fatigue during the summer months: summer heat consumes Qi, and fatigue injures Qi. Fever occurring in summer due to fatigue naturally requires sweet-warm natured herbs to cure. Those who recklessly employ Huoxiang (Agastachis Herba), Huashi (Talcum), etc., considering them essential for summer fever, simply fail to comprehend this principle.

If sweating continues without stopping, it indicates deficiency of Wei Yang (Defensive Yang) externally, leading to insecure Couli (pores/skin texture). In such cases, use the base formula plus Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 1 qian (must add Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) to align with the theory that the Lung governs skin and hair).

If abdominal pain from dysentery has subsided but diarrhea persists, this indicates sinking of Stomach Qi. There will likely still be tenesmus (feeling of incomplete defecation), which alleviates slightly after defecation. Add Jiuchao Baishao (wine-fried Paeoniae Radix Alba) 3 qian.

For malaria persisting for a long time with emaciation, regardless of the channel involved, add Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 1 qian (aligning with the intent of Liu Junzi Tang).

Even if there is an external contraction, simply add Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) 1 qian (aligning with the intent of Xiao Chaihu Tang).

For women with pre-pregnancy Qi deficiency leading to restless fetus, spontaneous abortion, or metrorrhagia, these are all due to Qi deficiency failing to lift and hold.

Or postpartum blood deficiency causing fever. For those with blood deficiency fever, the tongue must be dry; for those with Qi deficiency fever, the tongue must be slippery. However, since this occurs postpartum, not only is blood deficient, but Qi is invariably deficient as well. During delivery, if the parturient does not exert her full spirit and physical strength to push, how can the fetus descend? Once the fetus descends, although much blood is lost, can Qi not be injured thereafter? Moreover, when blood is deficient, Qi has no foundation to attach to; surely they both become deficient. To attribute postpartum fever solely to blood deficiency is indeed an omission of key principles. Since the syndrome is listed under this formula, it is known that tangible blood cannot be generated quickly, while intangible Qi must be urgently secured. When Yang flourishes, Yin generates; this meaning is inherently contained. However, because this meaning is not explicitly stated, people are accustomed to hearing about postpartum blood deficiency but neglect postpartum Qi deficiency. Therefore, it is specifically highlighted and elucidated here.

Add Jiuchao Baishao (wine-fried Paeoniae Radix Alba) 2 qian (its flavor is sour and cold, fearing it may damage the generating Qi, hence wine-fried).

This formula is suitable for any deficiency damage of the Middle Jiao (Spleen and Stomach) and for convalescence after illness. Ni Shi said: "Internal injury from the Seven Emotions first affects the Spleen and Stomach; treatment should prioritize tonifying Earth (Spleen), and this formula is primary."

However, internal injury to the Spleen and Stomach requires differentiation. For injuries caused by irregular eating/drinking, overwork, or consumption of raw/cold foods, this formula is appropriate. But for injuries caused by excessive thinking, depression, or anger (Seven Emotions) affecting the Spleen and Stomach first, this formula is less precise than Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction).

When the tongue appears red and slippery, indicating Heart Yang deficiency and weak Qi, treat with Jisheng Guipi Tang (Guipi Decoction from the Generation Hall) added with Danpi (Moutan Cortex) and Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex).