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Treats conditions characterized by sluggish stagnation of Qi and Blood, spasm and contracture of the hands and feet, and Bi syndrome (painful obstruction syndrome) caused by Wind-Cold-Dampness.

Xu Duan (Radix Dipsaci), Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae, peeled and stir-fried with ginger juice), Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae), Gui Xin (Cortex Cinnamomi), Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), Fu Ling (Poria), Sheng Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata), Bai Shao Yao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae), Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong), Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Huang Qi (Radix Astragali), Chuan Niu Xi (Radix Cyathulae), Chuan Du Huo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis), Xi Xin (Herba Asari), Qin Jiao (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae) [all in equal proportions]. Decoct with fresh ginger and jujubes.

This formula acts on the Three Yin Meridians of the Foot (Spleen, Kidney, Liver). Yu Jiayan stated: This formula employs Ren Shen and Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction, a classic blood-nourishing formula), consisting entirely of tonifying herbs. Within this, Fang Feng and Qin Jiao are used to overcome Wind-Dampness; Gui Xin to overcome Cold; Xi Xin and Du Huo to unblock Kidney Qi. For any Bi syndrome resulting from the invasion of Wind, Cold, and Dampness into a state of deficiency, patients should adhere to this principle.

Treats deficiency-heat of the Liver and Kidneys, internal attack by Wind-Dampness, pain and cold sensation in the lower back and knees (Cold Bi syndrome), and difficulty in flexion and extension. The Kidney is an organ of Water; when deficient, Cold-Dampness tends to gather there, causing a sensation of fullness and pain in the lower back and knees. "Cold Bi" refers to the predominance of Yin pathogenic factors. The Liver governs the sinews (tendons), and the Kidney governs the bones. The *Ling Shu* states: "If one can flex but not extend, the disease is in the sinews; if one can extend but not flex, the disease is in the bones."

Du Huo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis), Sang Ji Sheng (Ramulus Taxilli) [if authentic Sang Ji Sheng is unavailable, substitute with Xu Duan], Qin Jiao (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae), Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae), Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata), Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, washed with wine), Shao Yao (Radix Paeoniae, stir-fried with wine), Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong, washed with wine), Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae, stir-fried with ginger juice until fibers break), Niu Xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae), Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae), Gui Xin (Cortex Cinnamomi), Xi Xin (Herba Asari) [in equal proportions]. Take 4 qian per dose. This is the previous formula minus Huang Qi and Xu Duan, plus Sang Ji Sheng. It acts on the Foot Shaoyin (Kidney) and Foot Jueyin (Liver) meridians.

Du Huo and Xi Xin enter the Foot Shaoyin meridian to unblock the vessels; accompanied by Qin Jiao and Fang Feng, they unblock the collaterals and raise Yang to dispel Wind. Sang Ji Sheng benefits Qi and Blood and dispels Wind-Dampness; accompanied by Du Zhong and Niu Xi, it strengthens the bones and sinews and secures the lower body. Chuan Xiong, Dang Gui, Bai Shao, and Shu Di Huang activate Blood and nourish Yin. Ren Shen, Gui Xin, Fu Ling, and Gan Cao benefit Qi and tonify Yang. Acrid-warm herbs disperse the pathogen; sweet-warm herbs tonify the healthy Qi. When Qi and Blood are sufficient and Wind-Dampness is eliminated, the Liver and Kidneys become strong, and Bi pain resolves. Zhu Danxi said: For chronic lower back pain, Guan Gui (a variety of Cinnamon Bark) must be used to open up stagnation; the same applies to abdominal and hypochondriac pain.