Library

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, honey-fried), Fu Ling (Poria), Bai Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, wine-stir-fried), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma, stir-fried), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, wine-washed), Gan Cao (Licorice Radix and Rhizoma, roasted), Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma).

For patients who develop Jing Bing (Spasm Disorder, characterized by stiffness of the neck and back and convulsions of the limbs) due to excessive sweating, this formula is indicated. For patients with sores and ulcers who experience body pain but should not undergo diaphoresis; if diaphoresis is mistakenly applied leading to spasm, this formula is also indicated.

The aforementioned conditions arise because excessive loss of Jin Ye (Body Fluids) fails to nourish the Jin Mai (Sinews/Meridians), causing the sinews to contract and become tense, resulting in stiffness and spasms throughout the joints. The Classic states: "Yang Qi, when refined, nourishes the Shen (Spirit); when soft and gentle, it nourishes the sinews." Therefore, Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, Huang Qi, and Gan Cao—medicinals that are sweet and warm—are used to tonify Yang Qi. It is also said: "The hands can grasp when nourished by Blood, and the feet can walk when nourished by Blood." Therefore, Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Shao Yao, Di Huang, and Gui Zhi—medicinals with rich flavors—are used to nourish Yin Blood.

"Gou Xuan" records: When Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) is boiled into a thick decoction and applied to the tender shoots of various trees, they inevitably wither and die. Thus, Jing Bing is a disorder of the sinews. Since the Liver governs the sinews, the use of Gui Zhi in the formula can suppress Liver Wood and relax the sinews, which is referred to as "Wood becomes supple when aided by Cinnamon." Hence, it is suitable for treating Jing Bing.

Preface: Dian Fan (Epilepsy) is a deep-seated and stubborn disease. Cases occurring several times a month are easier to treat, while those occurring once a year are difficult to treat; this distinguishes deficiency from excess. Excess patterns should be attacked/drained, while deficiency patterns should first be supplemented. Examining these three formulas aims to grasp their general principles; clinical application requires flexibility, one cannot be rigidly bound by them?

Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap, 1 sheng 2 he), Sheng Jiang Zhi (Fresh Ginger Juice, 5 he), Sheng Ban Xia Zhi (Raw Pinellia Tuber Juice, 1 sheng), Long Chi (Dragon Teeth, powdered), Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba) (each 4 liang), Fang Ji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix), Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) (each 2 liang), Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, white part removed), Zi Su (Perillae Folium) (each 0.5 liang).

Patients with Dian Fan (Epilepsy), upon onset, fall to the ground, experiencing mental confusion and unconsciousness, biting their tongues and foaming at the mouth, opisthotonos (back arching backward), upward deviation of the eyes, and convulsions of the hands and feet, or making sounds resembling domestic animals. This formula is indicated for such cases.

Dian Fan arises from Wind-Phlegm. Wind belongs to Yang Qi. The Inner Canon states: "The Qi of Yang is named after the violent wind of heaven and earth," hence its onset is sudden and violent. However, the reason for falling to the ground is that Jue Qi (Jue Qi, rebellious qi) converges on the upper body, leading to excess above and deficiency below, causing an inversion of Clear and Turbid Qi. Due to this inversion, one falls. Mental confusion and unconsciousness occur because Turbid Pathogens interfere with the Tian Jun (Heavenly Sovereign, referring to the Heart/Shen), causing obstruction and closure of the Spirit. The tongue is the sprout of the Heart, and the Spleen's meridians connect to the root of the tongue; the Yangming meridians enter the gaps between the upper and lower teeth. Thus, when Wind-Pathogen excess affects the Heart and Spleen, the tongue protrudes naturally; when it affects the Yangming meridians, the mouth closes tightly naturally. One protruding and one closing results in biting the tongue. Foaming occurs due to Wind-Phlegm obstructing the Qi mechanisms. The eye system originates from Jing Ming (BL1), running along the spine downward. When Wind-Pathogen invades here, the meridians become full and tense, causing upward deviation of the eyes and opisthotonos. Convulsions of the hands and feet occur because Wind belongs to Liver Wood, and the Liver governs the sinews. When Wind-Heat is excessive in the Liver, the sinews of the entire body are pulled and twitched, causing hand and foot convulsions. "Chu" refers to the flexion of the four limbs; "Nuo" refers to the opening and closing of the ten fingers. Making sounds resembling domestic animals happens because Wind-Phlegm agitates the Qi orifices, altering the voice, similar to playing a flute where different occlusions of the six holes produce different musical notes. In this formula, Ma Huang, Gui Zhi, Fang Feng, and Zi Su can dissipate pathogens in the meridians. Zhu Li, Jiang Zhi, and Chen Pi can move stagnation of Phlegm-Saliva. Sheng Ban Xia Zhi and Shi Gao can clear Heat from the Heart and Lungs. Long Chi can calm the Hun (Ethereal Soul). Fang Ji can unblock obstructions. Deep-seated and stubborn Phlegm cannot be moved without Fu Zi; moreover, Fu Zi's intense heat nature is sufficient to benefit the source of Fire (Ming Men Fire) and eliminate Yin shadows, like the sun high in the sky eliminating all shadows in dark valleys. This is the intention behind the ancients' use of Fu Zi.