Library

Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo), Red Peony Root (Chishao Yao, stir-fried with wine), Turmeric Rhizome (Jianghuang, stir-fried with wine), Licorice Root (Gancao) (each 0.5 fen), Astragali Radix (Huangqi), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui, stir-fried with wine), Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng) (each 2.5 qian).

For conditions caused by gradual exposure to dampness and occupational water-related labor, resulting in Bi syndrome (obstruction syndrome characterized by pain, numbness, or heaviness) with loss of sensation, manifesting as Rou Bi (Meat Bi), this formula is indicated.

When dampness lodges in the muscles, Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) and Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) fail to nourish the area, causing obstruction and numbness, which is termed Rou Wei (Meat Flaccidity). Rou Wei is synonymous with Rou Bi. In this formula, Fangfeng and Qianghuo are wind-dispelling herbs; they are used to overcome dampness. The Classics state: "Deficiency of Ying Blood leads to insensibility," hence Danggui is used to nourish Ying Qi. It also states: "Deficiency of Wei Qi leads to weakness," hence Huangqi is used to tonify Wei Qi. Chishao and Jianghuang are employed to invigorate blood damaged by dampness. Gancao is used to replenish Qi injured by dampness.

Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata (Shu Dihuang), Corni Fructus (Shanzhuyu, pitted), Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao) (each 4 liang), Moutan Cortex (Mudanpi), Poria (Baifuling), Alismatis Rhizoma (Zexie) (each 3 liang), Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu).

When Kidney Qi becomes hot, the waist and spine become stiff and cannot be lifted, bones wither, and marrow decreases, leading to Gu Wei (Bone Flaccidity); this formula is appropriate for treatment.

The Kidney is the Water Organ. Without sufficient Water, Fire acts independently, causing Kidney heat. The Kidney governs the Du Mai (Governing Vessel), which runs within the spine. When the Kidneys are impaired, the Du Mai becomes deficient, resulting in an inability to lift the waist and spine. Withered bones and reduced marrow represent extreme depletion. Since the Kidney governs the bones, it is called Gu Wei. In this formula, Shu Dihuang and Shanzhuyu have rich flavors and can generate Yin. Huangbai and Zhimu are bitter and cold, capable of clearing fire. Zexie and Mudanpi can remove heat from the Kan (Water/Kidney) region. Baifuling and Shanyao can restrain pathogens in the Kidney area. Wang Bing stated: "Strengthen the master of Water to control the Yang brilliance." This formula embodies this principle. For detailed examination, refer to the section on Deficiency, Consumption, and Tuberculosis.

Codonopsis Radix (Renshen), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Poria (Fuling), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao).

When the Yangming channel is deficient, the Zong Jin (General Tendon) loses nourishment, failing to bind the bones and facilitate joint movement, leading to flaccidity and weakness of the hands and feet; this formula is indicated.

Yangming refers to the Stomach. The Stomach belongs to Earth, and Earth is the mother of all things. The *I Ching* says: "Great indeed is the Kun Yuan (Earth Principle), upon which all things depend for life." If the Stomach Earth becomes deficient, the entire body loses nourishment, severing the source of vitality. Consequently, the Zong Jin becomes lax, unable to bind the bones and lubricate the joints, causing flaccidity and weakness of the limbs. In this formula, Renshen and Gancao are sweet and warm substances; sweetness corresponds to the flavor of Earth, and warmth corresponds to the nature of Earth, thus sufficiently tonifying Yangming. Baizhu and Fuling are drying and draining substances; drying prevents Earth from becoming overly moist, and draining prevents Earth from becoming damp, thus sufficiently benefiting the Spleen and Stomach. Generally, after severe illness, flaccidity and weakness of the limbs are mostly due to Yangming deficiency. By regulating and nourishing the Stomach, one continues the legacy of Li Dongyuan.