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Ge Shi Disease (Food Obstruction) arises from the dryness and depletion of Body Fluids. Medical texts refer to this condition as "Ge" (Diaphragm) because the pathology is located above the diaphragm; it is also called "Ge" (Obstruction) because food cannot pass down due to blockage. The withering and drying up of Body Fluids is the root cause of Ge Shi Disease.

When the stomach region becomes dry, closed, and narrowed, liquids may still pass through, but solid food is difficult to swallow.

Contemporary physicians often employ the method of Zuo Gui Yin (Left Return Decoction). Zhao Yangkui used a large dose of Liu Wei Di Huang Tang (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Decoction) as the primary formula. Gao Gufeng imitated Zhao Yangkui’s method, treating the condition with Liu Wei Di Huang Tang supplemented by Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Recens) and Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix). Yang Chengliu used Zuo Gui Yin, removing Fu Ling (Poria) and adding Dang Gui and Sheng Di Huang. This is because Zuo Gui Yin contains Gan Cao (Licorice Root), which guides the medicinal action into the Yangming channel to expand Stomach Yin. Fu Ling was removed to prevent its effect from diverting into the Kidney (Kan trigram); focusing solely on the Yangming channel yields faster results.

When Stomach Yin is expanded, the cardia (Bumen) widens. Stomach Yin is likened to grease or fat, accumulating at the bottom of the stomach. In cases of chronic obstruction, Stomach Yin has been exhausted. Gao Gufeng stated: "Treating Ge involves addressing only the Yangming channel, for Yangming corresponds to the Stomach." If Stomach Yin is sufficiently replenished and expanded, the upper Bumen (cardia) will widen, allowing food to enter; if the lower Youmen (pylorus) and Lanmen are moistened, bowel movements and urination will not be obstructed, and the symptoms of Ge will resolve.

Qi Ge Yin (Open the Diaphragm Decoction) shares the same principle of harmonizing the Stomach and nourishing Yin. However, Qi Ge Yin focuses on dispersing Lung Qi stagnation, whereas the aforementioned formulas focus on rescuing depleted Kidney Water. One addresses Yin, the other Yang; selection should be made based on the specific presentation.

Examining the underlying logic, this relates to the dryness of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel). Zhang Shiwan stated: "The qi that facilitates communication between the diaphragm and throat fails to descend due to the ascending of the Chong Mai and the rebellion of Qi."

If the Chong Mai is not treated, one may resort to the Yangming channel. Zhang Zhongjing used Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) to subdue the rebellious Qi of the Chong Mai, Bai Mi (White Honey) to moisten the dryness of the Yangming channel, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) to generate lost Body Fluids, and Gan Lan Shui (Water Boiled in a Ladle) to descend the rebellious fluids. Among the ancient sage's classic prescriptions, only Zhang Zhongjing knew how to apply them correctly.

Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet) clearly records the use of Ban Xia, yet later texts warn against its use. Who initiated these slanderous remarks against the sages? Gentlemen detest such behavior!

Regarding Fan Wei (Regurgitation), it is truly lamentable. When food enters but is vomited out after a long interval, it is termed Fan Wei.

Morning and Evening Vomiting must be distinguished. Vomiting what was eaten in the morning in the evening, or vice versa, requires differentiation from Ge Shi Disease and distinct pharmacological treatment.

This condition lacks the transformational power of Fire and belongs to Deficiency-Cold. Wang Tai pu said: "Inability to ingest food indicates the presence of Fire; vomiting food after ingestion indicates the absence of Fire." This condition undoubtedly stems from the decline of Fire in the Middle and Lower Jiao.

Wu Yu Yin (Evodia Drink) and Du Fu Wan (Single Aconite Pill) are notable. Their efficacy lies in Wu Zhu Yu (Evodiae Fructus) suppressing the rebellious Qi of the Jueyin Liver channel, combined with sweet-warm herbs to harmonize Zhen (Liver/Wood) and Kun (Spleen/Earth), preventing mutual harm. For preparing Du Fu Wan, raw Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) is soaked in boiling water until warm to remove salt, changing the water three times daily. After three days, the skin is peeled off, the herb is placed on the ground surrounded by bricks, and fired with charcoal for one hour until the Aconite cracks completely. While hot, Ginger Juice is added, and the process is repeated. Generally, one jin of Aconite is paired with one jin of Ginger Juice, processed until the juice is absorbed, then ground into powder and formed into pills with honey. These are taken with millet thin gruel, two qian per dose.

Formulas similar to Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six-Gentleman Decoction), including those augmented with Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Fu Zi, as well as Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang (Aconite Regulate the Middle Decoction), serve as miraculous elixirs for such conditions.