Library

Treatise

The *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states: "All diseases arise from Qi." Therefore, anger causes Qi to ascend, joy causes Qi to slacken, grief causes Qi to dissipate, fear causes Qi to descend, cold causes Qi to contract, heat causes Qi to leak, shock causes Qi to become disordered, overexertion causes Qi to be depleted, and contemplation causes Qi to knot. The body's healthy Qi is paired with Blood; Blood circulates within the vessels, while Qi circulates outside the vessels. With each exhalation, the pulse moves three cun; with each inhalation, the pulse moves three cun. Qi and Blood move together, circulating throughout the body, irrigating the bones and joints, cycling endlessly without deviation, thereby producing the miraculous function of continuous life generation. The classics say: "If Qi does not move for one breath, the mechanism of life is exhausted; if it does not continue for even a hair's breadth, heaven and earth are separated." If there is no internal injury from the Seven Emotions (joy, anger, worry, thought, grief, fear, fright) and no external invasion by the Six Evils (wind, cold, summer-heat, dampness, dryness, fire), how could there be Qi disorders? Those who do not know how to preserve their health have the fires of the Five Wills arising at all times, and the biases of the Five Flavors injuring the body every day. Thus, they brew sticky phlegm and solid accumulations, which stagnate in the Six Fu organs. Depressed fire and pathogenic Qi fill the Sanjiao (Triple Burner), causing Qi and Blood to lose their normal state, and the Zang-Fu organs to fail in their conducting functions. Consequently, external pathogens take advantage of the deficiency to invade. This leads to clear Yang failing to ascend and turbid Yin failing to descend, resulting in various types of Qi pain that cease in the morning and recur in the evening, becoming stubborn and difficult-to-treat ailments that only skilled physicians can cure. Such conditions manifest as hypochondriac pain, heart and abdominal pain, stabbing pain throughout the body, and even regurgitation or dysphagia (obstruction of the esophagus). These all stem from this cause. Generally speaking, men belong to Yang, and their Qi is easily scattered; women belong to Yin, and their Qi is prone to depression. Therefore, Qi disorders are less common in men and more common in women. Thus, the treatment principle states: for women, it is appropriate to regulate Blood to consume/regulate Qi; for men, it is appropriate to regulate Qi to nourish Blood. This is what is meant. Students should ponder this deeply.

Pulse Diagnosis

The *Mai Jing* (Classic of Pulse Diagnosis) states: A slippery pulse indicates abundant Blood and deficient Qi; a choppy pulse indicates deficient Blood and abundant Qi; a large pulse indicates abundant Qi and Blood. A pulse that is large and firm indicates excess in both Qi and Blood; a small pulse indicates deficiency in both Qi and Blood. A fine and faint pulse indicates deficiency in both Qi and Blood. An intermittent pulse (Dai pulse) indicates declining Qi. A fine pulse indicates deficient Qi. A floating pulse that cuts off suggests impending collapse of Qi. A wiry, large, and slippery pulse accompanied by shortness of breath indicates Qi deficiency. A choppy and firm pulse at the Chi position (cun-guan-chi) indicates Blood excess and Qi deficiency. A fine and faint pulse at the Chi position indicates insufficiency in both Qi and Blood.

Liu Lizhi said: If the pulse feels deep upon palpation, it indicates a Qi disorder; if it is extremely deep (hidden/fu pulse) and choppy/weak, it is difficult to cure. If it is deep and slippery, it indicates a Qi disorder complicated by Phlegm-Fluids.

Methods

Zhu Danxi said: That which circulates throughout the body to sustain life is Qi. If there is no internal injury and no external invasion, how could there be Qi disorders? Current conditions such as Cold Qi, Stagnant Qi, Rebellious Qi, and Ascending Qi are all caused by the Lung being affected by Fire Pathogens. Since Qi has the nature of ascending due to fire, it rises but does not descend, steaming the clear passages, and severely transforming into critical illness. The *Ju Fang* (Formulary of the Bureau) typically uses acrid, aromatic, drying, and hot agents, adding fire to fire. Who bears the blame? He also said: "There is no tonification method for Qi disorders" is a secular view. Because Qi disorders present as fullness and obstruction, they seem difficult to treat with tonification. However, consider that when Healthy Qi is deficient, it cannot circulate, allowing pathogenic stagnation to adhere and remain, thus causing disease. The classics say: "The strong recover as Qi moves; the weak develop disease as Qi stagnates." If Qi is weak, without tonification, how can Qi move? He also said: The idea that "Cold generates Qi" is a fallacy attributed to Gao Yangsheng. When patients feel cold Qi rising from below upwards, it is not true cold. Rather, the ascending Qi originates from the Liver channel, carrying Ministerial Fire upward. The heat is intense; extreme fire resembles water, indicating Hyperactive Yang and Deficient Yin. He also said: "Whenever there is excess Qi, there is Fire." These are all correct theories for treating Qi disorders; must one not investigate them?

To regulate Qi, use Muxiang (Costus Root). However, Muxiang is acrid and its Qi ascends. If Qi is depressed and not unblocked, it is indeed suitable to use it; but if Yin Fire is rushing upward, using it will instead assist the Fire Pathogen and worsen the disease. Therefore, one should use Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark) and Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), using Muxiang sparingly as an assistant.

For those with robust constitutions experiencing stabbing pain due to Qi, use Zhike (Aurantium Fruit) and Wuyao (Lindera Root). If the stabbing pain is due to constrained Qi, use Muxiang to smooth and unblock it.

For obese, pale individuals experiencing Qi-related stabbing pain, add Renshen (Ginseng Root) and Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), along with Zhike and Muxiang.

One formula resolves the knotted Qi of the Five Zang organs and benefits the blood of the Shaoyin channel. Use Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit) stir-fried until nearly black, ground into powder, decocted with fresh ginger juice in water, and drunk. The effect is very rapid.

(Above are five methods from Danxi.)

Qingge Wan (Clear Diaphragm Pill) treats conditions caused by Damp-Heat and Qi Stagnation.

Huangqin (Scutellaria Root), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) (each 5 qian, stir-fried); Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome) (1 liang 5 qian); Cangzhu (Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome) (2 liang).

Grind into fine powder. Take fresh ripe Gualou (Trichosanthes Fruit), remove the skin, pound into a paste, and mix with the powder to form pills the size of mung beans. Take 30–50 pills per dose, washed down with warm water.

Zhengqi Tianxiang Tang (Upright Qi Heavenly Fragrance Decoction) (Hejian Formula) treats all types of Qi-induced pain in women, whether Qi rushes to the chest and heart, attacks the hypochondrium, forms masses in the abdomen, causes thirst and stabbing pain, irregular menstruation, dizziness, vomiting, alternating chills and fever, regardless of pre- or postpartum status, treating all climate-related disorders universally.

Wuyao (Lindera Root) (1 qian 5 fen); Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome) (6 qian); Chenpi (Citrus Peel); Zisu (Perilla Leaf); Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) (each 6 fen 5 li).

Cut finely, prepare as one dose. Add 1.5 cups of water, decoct to 1 cup, remove dregs, and drink slightly warm.

Muxiang Binglang Wan (Costus and Areca Nut Pill) (Zihe Formula) promotes fluid circulation, moistens dryness, eliminates the old and generates the new, nourishes Yin and suppresses Yang, disperses depression and breaks knots, invigorates Blood and unblocks meridians. It treats vomiting of sour fluid, difficulty expectorating phlegm-saliva, dizziness of head and eyes in men and women, as well as all alcohol toxicity and food accumulation, undigested rice and grain, dysentery with pus and blood, constipation, wind-stagnation with accumulated heat, bitter taste, irritability and thirst, thick sticky sputum, distension, and Qi fullness.

Muxiang (Costus Root); Binglang (Areca Seed); Qingpi (Green Citrus Peel) (remove pith); Chenpi (Citrus Peel) (remove white pith); Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark); Ezhu (Curcuma Rhizome) (roasted); Zhike (Aurantium Fruit) (bran-fried); Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) (remove hairs); Dahuang (Rhubarb Root) (mixed with wine, wrapped in wet paper and roasted); Heiqiu (Black Morning Glory Seed) (take the finest powder); Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome) (each 1 liang, soaked in child's urine); Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root) (1 liang 5 qian).

Grind into fine powder, add drops of water to form pills the size of sophora seeds. Take 50–70 pills per dose, washed down with warm water. Stop when bowel movement becomes loose/clear.

Suhe Xiang Wan (Styrax Pill) (Bureau Formula) greatly promotes Qi regulation and Phlegm resolution. It also treats transmission corpse bone-stealing consumption tuberculosis, sudden severe heart pain, pediatric convulsions, and adult stroke with sudden death.

Chenxiang (Aquilaria Wood); Shexiang (Musk) (grind separately); Hezi (Chebula Fruit) (roast, remove seed); Muxiang (Costus Root); Dingxiang (Clove); Bibo (Long Pepper Fruit); Anshixiang (Styrax Resin) (grind into powder separately, boil with 1 sheng of pure wine to make a paste); Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome); Baitanxiang (Sandalwood) (each 1 liang); Xunluxiang (Frankincense) (grind separately); Suheyous (Styrax Oil) (add to Anshi paste); Longnao (Borneol) (grind separately, each 1 liang); Zhusha (Cinnabar) (grind and wash separately, use as coating); Wuxijiaoxie (Rhinoceros Horn Shavings) (each 5 qian); Xiangfuzi (Cyperus Fruit) (grind into powder separately, 1 liang).

Grind into fine powder, mix thoroughly. Add Anshi paste and refined honey, mix evenly, and form pills the size of sophora seeds. Take 4 pills dissolved in warm wine on an empty stomach; warm water is also acceptable.

Suzi Jiangqi Tang (Perilla Seed Descending Qi Decoction) (Bureau Formula) treats failure of Qi to ascend and descend, Phlegm-Saliva obstruction, Qi fullness, and Qi pain.

Chuangui (Sichuan Angelica Root) (remove head, soak in wine); Gancao (Licorice Root) (roasted); Qianhu (Peucedanum Root); Nongpo (Magnolia Bark) (ginger-processed, each 5 fen); Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) (remove rough bark); Chenpi (Citrus Peel) (remove white pith, each 7 fen 5 li); Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) (soaked); Zisuzi (Perilla Seed) (grind separately, each 1 qian).

Cut finely, prepare as one dose. Add 3 slices of fresh ginger and 1 jujube. Add 1.5 cups of water, decoct to 1 cup, remove dregs, and take at any time.

Yixiang San (Rare Fragrance Powder) (Bureau Formula) treats Stomach Qi disharmony, indigestion, abdominal and hypochondriac distension, and pain caused by the aggregation of all Cold Qi. (Formula see Hypochondriac Pain section.)

Chenxiang Jiangqi Tang (Aquilaria Descending Qi Decoction) (Bureau Formula) treats Yin-Yang stagnation, failure of Qi to ascend and descend, chest and diaphragm oppression, belching, and acid regurgitation.

Chenxiang (Aquilaria Wood) (4 qian); Sharen (Amomum Fruit) (5 qian); Gancao (Licorice Root) (roasted, 1 liang 2 qian); Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome) (soaked in child's urine overnight, 4 liang).

Grind into fine powder. Take 2 qian per dose, add a little salt, and mix with warm water.

Fuyuan Tongqi San (Restoring Origin Unblocking Qi Powder) (Bureau Formula) treats trauma from falls and blows, or strain from heavy lifting, causing Qi stagnation in the Blood level leading to pain, as well as all conditions of unventilated Qi, coagulated Blood stasis, and wandering pain throughout the body.

Bo Shang Huixiang (Imported Fennel Seed) (stir-fried); Chuanshanjia (Pangolin Scales) (fire-roasted); Muxiang (Costus Root) (each 1 liang 5 qian); Yanshusuo (Corydalis Rhizome) (crushed and stir-fried); Baiqiu (White Morning Glory Seed) (take the finest powder); Gancao (Licorice Root) (roasted); Chenpi (Citrus Peel) (remove white pith, each 1 liang); Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root) (1 liang 5 qian).

Now add Rushi (Olibanum/Frankincense) and Moyao (Myrrh) (each 5 qian).

Grind into fine powder. Take 2 qian per dose, mixed with hot wine. For those who do not drink alcohol, use warm water. Take after meals for upper body diseases, before meals for lower body diseases.

Muxiang Liuqi Yin (Costus Flowing Qi Decoction) treats all Qi blockages and obstruction, chest and diaphragm distension, facial puffiness, limb swelling, bitter taste, dry throat, and difficulty urinating or defecating.

Huoxiangye (Patchouli Leaf); Muxiang (Costus Root) (do not burn); Nongpo (Magnolia Bark) (ginger-processed); Qingpi (Green Citrus Peel) (remove white pith); Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome) (remove hairs, soak in child's urine); Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber) (remove heart); Baizhi (Angelica Dahurica Root) (each 7 fen 5 li); Gancao (Licorice Root) (5 fen); Chenpi (Citrus Peel) (remove white pith, 1 qian); Dafupi (Areca Pericarp) (wash with wine); Gan Mugua (Dried Quince); Renshen (Ginseng Root) (remove rhizome); Peng Ezhu (Curcuma Rhizome) (roasted); Dingxiangpi (Clove Skin) (do not burn); Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) (soak in boiling water, each 2 fen); Chifuling (Red Poria) (remove skin); Shichangpu (Acorus Rhizome) (each 3 fen); Caoguoren (Cardamom Seed) (5 fen); Zisuye (Perilla Leaf); Binglang (Areca Seed); Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome); Rougui (Cinnamon Bark); Mutong (Akebia Stem) (each 6 fen); Chenxiang (Aquilaria Wood) (7 fen 5 li).

Cut finely, divide into two doses. Each dose adds 3 slices of fresh ginger and 1 jujube. Add 1.5 cups of water, decoct to 1 cup, remove dregs, and take.

(Danxi Huotao) says: The Qi of Heaven values purity and clarity. If it fills the universe majestically, serving as the operation of continuous life generation, this is the Primary Healthy Qi. What becomes clouds, fog, wind, hail, thunder, and lightning, stirring between heaven and earth, are all the Qi of mountain and marsh damp-heat depressing and steaming. In humans, it is the same. The pure original Qi runs parallel with Blood, cycling endlessly, never having surplus or deficit. What rushes and moves horizontally between the Zang-Fu organs, manifesting as pain, fullness, and accumulations, is also like the stirring of clouds and thunder between heaven and earth, triggered by long-term damp-heat depression and steaming. In heaven and earth, long-term damp-heat steaming forms rain, hail, and snow; in the human body, it forms accumulations, masses, Phlegm-Qi, and fullness. The method of treatment: For conditions in the chest and epigastrium presenting as fullness, stabbing pain, and Fuliang (subdiaphragmatic mass), use Erchen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction) plus Zhishi (Immature Aurantium Fruit), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), Jiegeng (Platycodon Root), Gualouren (Trichosanthes Seed), and Muxiang (Costus Root). For conditions in the Lower Jiao presenting as Ben Tun (running piglet) and Seven Hernias, add Taoren (Peach Seed), Shanzha (Hawthorn Fruit), Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit), Zhike (Aurantium Fruit), Huixiang (Fennel Seed), Chuanlian (Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit), and Lihe (Lychee Seed) to the base formula. For pain attacking the hypochondrium, add Qingpi (Green Citrus Peel), Chaihu (Bupleurum Root), Shaoyao (Peony Root), and Cao Longdan (Gentiana Scabra Root) to the base formula. For fullness and urgency in the Middle Jiao, add Muxiang (Costus Root), Nongpo (Magnolia Bark), Binglang (Areca Seed), and Zhike (Aurantium Fruit) to the base formula, or use Pingwei San (Level the Abdomen Powder) to calm its excessive Qi. Only for all Qi disorders causing pain in women during pregnancy and postpartum, use Siwu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) as the main treatment, adding herbs to vent and move Qi. This is the general method for treating Qi disorders; students should examine it carefully.