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Houpo (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis, stir-fried with ginger juice) Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, soaked in wine) Zhishi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, stir-fried with bran) Qianghuo (Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii, equal parts)
For apoplexy where bowel and bladder movements are obstructed for several days, indicating internal excess of pathogenic factors, this formula is used to induce mild purgation.
Dahuang, Houpo, and Zhishi constitute Xiao Chengqi Tang (Minor Order the Qi Decoction). For fullness in the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner), treat with Houpo; for fullness in the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), break stagnation with Zhishi; for solidity in the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner), purge with Dahuang. Qianghuo is added to address the wind pathogen. After administration, if bowel and bladder movements become mildly unobstructed, the Qi mechanism of the Three Jiao (Three Burners) will be free from blockage, restoring its function of transmission and transformation; hence it is called "Sanhua" (Three Transformations). This formula is suitable only for Excess patterns; do not administer it recklessly to Deficiency patterns. If an Excess pattern is not treated with this formula, one loses the strategic advantage of unblocking and adapting, akin to facing a major enemy while abandoning military tactics, which is not the way to secure the interior.

Longdancao (Radix Gentianae) Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) Zhizi (Fructus Gardeniae, stir-fried until black) Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, washed with wine) Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, steamed with wine) Qianghuo (Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii) Fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae, equal parts)
For apoplexy accompanied by fever and inability to lie down comfortably, this formula is indicated.
The Liver governs Wind, and the Shaoyang Gallbladder is its paired Fu organ. The Shaoyall channel traverses the hypochondrium; when wind and heat interfere with each other, comfort cannot be maintained. This formula is named "Xieqing Wan" (Drain Green Pill), meaning to drain the Liver and Gallbladder. Longdancao has a bitter and strong taste, entering the Jueyin Liver meridian to clear Liver fire. In cases of Shaoyang Fire Excess, pain at the temples is inevitable, so Chuanxiong is added as an assistant. In cases of Shaoyang Fire Stagnation, irritability arises, so Zhizi is added as an assistant. The Liver is regarded as the General; when wind dominates and fire blazes, the condition is difficult to treat easily, so Dahuang is used to purge the excess. Danggui is used to nourish Blood, preventing it from being dried by wind and heat. Qianghuo and Fangfeng are used again because both are ascending and dispersing herbs; these...

Dan Nanxing (Bile-aristolized Arisaematis Rhizoma) Chuanwu (Radix Aconiti Carmerichaelii, processed, skin and navel removed) Caowu (Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii, processed, skin removed, six liang each) Dilong (Pheretima, earth removed, fire-dried) Ruxiang (Resina Frankincense, remove...
For apoplexy where limbs are immobile and the condition persists for a long time without healing, indicating damp-phlegm and dead blood stasis in the meridians, this formula is indicated.
The pungent and acrid nature of Nanxing dries damp-phlegm; the pungent and hot nature of the two Wus (Chuanwu and Caowu) dispels cold-damp. Dilong is the earthworm, born in damp earth. Why use it? The *I Ching* states: things gather according to their kind. It is intended to guide Nanxing and the Wus directly to the site where damp-phlegm accumulates, known as "seeking resonance with similar energies." This also aligns with the principle in the *Neijing*: "assist with what is beneficial, harmonize with what is appropriate." When wind pathogens lodge in the joints and limbs, over time blood vessels coagulate and circulation stops; thus, Ruxiang and Moyao (Resina Myrrhae) are used to resolve blood stasis.