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Treats hardness in the epigastrium (lower chest and upper abdomen) resembling a large plate, with edges rotating like a cup, caused by fluid retention (Shui Yin).
Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) seven pieces; Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) two liang. The above two ingredients are boiled in five sheng of water to obtain three sheng, divided into three warm doses. When the abdomen becomes soft, the accumulation dissipates.

[Annotation] "Xin Xia" refers to the upper part of the stomach (Shang Wan). Hardness at Shang Wan resembling a plate, with edges rotating like a cup, indicates symptoms that vary in size from time to time. This is caused by Qi of water (Shui Qi), not by tangible food stagnation. Zhi Shi is used to break up stagnant Qi. Bai Zhu is used to eliminate dampness and water. Taking three warm doses will soften the abdomen, resolve the accumulation, and eliminate the hardness. Li Gao followed Zhang Zhongjing's method by doubling the amount of Bai Zhu in this formula, making it primarily tonifying. In this formula, Zhi Shi is the sovereign herb, making it primarily purgative. However, one is slow and the other rapid; one is tonifying and the other purging. Their applications differ only through the adjustment of dosage proportions.

Treats phlegm-fluid retention (Tan Yin) in the epigastrium, accompanied by distending fullness in the chest and hypochondrium, and vertigo (Mu Xuan). It also states: For shortness of breath (Duan Qi) with slight fluid retention, it should be eliminated via urination. Gui Ling Gan Zhu Tang is the primary prescription; Shen Qi Wan is also indicated.
Fu Ling (Poria) four liang; Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) three liang; Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) three liang; Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) three liang. The above four ingredients are boiled in six sheng of water to obtain three sheng, divided into three warm doses. Urination will then become unobstructed.

[Collected Annotations] Zhao Liang stated: "Ling Shu" mentions that if the pulse of the Pericardium Meridian moves, disease manifests as distending fullness in the chest and hypochondrium. This means when phlegm-fluid accumulates in the Pericardium, the disease necessarily presents thus. Vertigo occurs because phlegm-fluid obstructs the Yang Qi of the chest, preventing the distribution of essence to the upper body. Fu Ling has a light and penetrating nature, guiding fluid out through the lower orifices and removing it via diuresis; therefore, it serves as the sovereign herb. Gui Zhi promotes Yang and transports water to the skin and hair, resolving it through sweating; therefore, it serves as the minister herb. Bai Zhu dries dampness, assisting Fu Ling in eliminating phlegm to relieve distending fullness. Gan Cao tonifies the Middle Jiao, assisting Gui Zhi in strengthening Earth to control Water pathogenic factors. Regarding shortness of breath with slight fluid retention, this results from fluid accumulation hindering respiration. "Jin Gui Yao Lue" presents both formulas together, further clarifying their subtle principles. For shortness of breath on exhalation, Qing Ling Zhu Gan Tang (Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang) uses its light and clear properties to promote Yang; once Yang transforms Qi, urine can be excreted. For shortness of breath on inhalation, Shen Qi Wan uses its heavy and descending properties to promote Yin; once Kidney Qi flows freely, the gate naturally opens.

[Commentary] Feng Shui (Wind Edema) belongs to Yang Water; Shi Shui (Stone Edema) belongs to Yin Water. Yang Water is mostly excess syndrome; Yin Water is mostly deficiency syndrome. Yang Water locates in the upper body, hence often presenting with panting; Yin Water locates in the lower body, hence often presenting with fullness. Therefore, treating Yang Water involves dispersing and attacking methods, while treating Yin Water involves warming and tonifying methods. However, within Yin there must be Yang. This formula treats Yin Water located in Yang and superior aspects; Shen Qi Wan treats Yin Water located in Yin and inferior aspects. By inference, within Yang there must also be Yin; hence, treatment methods such as Xiao Qing Long Tang and Wu Ling San exist. Today, the world fails to distinguish between Yin/Yang and excess/deficiency, treating all cases with Jin Gui Shen Qi Tang. When ineffective, they persist in this approach, often leading to death from hematemesis, which is truly lamentable.