Library

Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi), White Peony Root (Shaoyao), Licorice Root (Gancao), Jujube Fruit (Dazao), Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang)

Originally suffering from Taiyang disease (disease syndrome caused by pathogenic factors invading the Taiyang channel). The physician inappropriately employed purgation. Consequently, abdominal fullness and intermittent pain occurred, indicating involvement of the Taiyin organ (Taiyin disease, characterized by Spleen deficiency and cold-dampness). This decoction is indicated. Note: When pathogenic factors enter the interior, abdominal pain results. Generally, when pain arises from pathogenic transmission to the interior, the pain is not constant, and the treatment method should involve purgation. However, in this case, the pain is due to erroneous purgation of a Taiyang condition; therefore, Cinnamon Twig harmonizes the Defensive Qi (Wei Qi), and White Peony Root harmonizes the Nutritive Qi (Ying Qi). By regulating the Middle Jiao Qi, the fullness and pain resolve spontaneously.

Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi), White Peony Root (Shaoyao), Licorice Root (Gancao), Rhubarb (Dahuang), Jujube Fruit (Dazao), Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang)

Originally suffering from Taiyang disease. The physician inappropriately employed purgation. Abdominal fullness accompanied by severe, solid pain occurs; this decoction is indicated. A question arises: In treating Taiyin disease, employing formulas from the Si Ni Tang category is indeed appropriate. Yet why are Cinnamon Twig and Rhubarb used here? Rhubarb is extremely cold in nature; why is it used for a Yin channel? And why is it combined with the warm-natured Cinnamon Twig? The answer is: Spontaneous diarrhea with thirst indicates Shaoyin disease (Shaoyin disease, characterized by Heart and Kidney Yang deficiency), which is a cold pattern located in the Lower Jiao, suitable for Si Ni Tang. Spontaneous diarrhea without thirst indicates Taiyin disease, a cold pattern located in the Middle Jiao, suitable for Li Zhong Tang. If Taiyang disease is erroneously purged, the exterior pathogen remains unresolved and sinks into the Taiyin due to deficiency, causing fullness and pain. If signs and pulses of severe excess are present, Cinnamon Twig should be used to expel the exterior pathogen, and Rhubarb to expel the interior pathogen. However, if the pulse is weak and spontaneous defecation occurs, Rhubarb is contraindicated. Note: Abdominal fullness and pain in Taiyin disease manifest in three patterns. If abdominal fullness is accompanied by a dry throat, this is a Yang-heat pathogen transmitted via channels, and purgation is indicated. If vomiting food, spontaneous diarrhea, and subsequent fullness and pain occur, this is a Yin-cold pathogen directly entering the primary channel, and warming therapy is indicated. If fullness and pain result from erroneous purgation of Taiyang disease, this is a pathogen sinking inward due to deficiency, and Gui Zhi Jia Shao Yao Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction Augmented with White Peony Root) should be used to harmonize. If the abdomen is tender to touch and the pulse is surging and forceful, this constitutes a severe excess pattern, and Gui Zhi Jia Da Huang Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction Augmented with Rhubarb) should be used to harmonize. Conversely, if it is a direct invasion of Yin-cold pathology with a deep and fine pulse, neither of these two decoctions is suitable. Generally speaking, fullness and pain caused by Yin-cold pathogens are suitable for Li Zhong Tang; those caused by heat pathogens are suitable for Da Chai Hu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction); only fullness and pain resulting from erroneous purgation are suitable for these two decoctions. This distinction must not be overlooked.