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(Li Dongyuan)
Treating obstruction of the幽门 (Houmen, lower orifice of the stomach), where qi rebels upward to the 吸门 (Ximen, gate of inhalation, i.e., epiglottis), causing dysphagia and inability of qi to descend, with difficult defecation. This is named "obstruction of the lower wan" (xia wan). Treatment should focus on the Houmen (the lower wan is the Houmen, the lower outlet of the stomach). In the human body, there are seven gates from top to bottom, through which qi all rebels upward. The Houmen rebels upward to the Ximen; the Ximen is the epiglottis, where the airway is covered and moistened.

Danggui Shen (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), Taoren (Semen Persicae, pounded), Honghua (Flos Carthami), Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae, honey-fried, 1 qian), Shengdihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata), Shudihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata, 5 fen). Alternatively, add Binglang (Arecae Semen).

These are herbs for the Foot and Hand Yangming meridians. Danggui and the two Dihuangs nourish yin to generate blood; Taoren and Honghua moisten dryness and invigorate blood; Binglang descends to break qi stagnation. The reason for adding Shengma is that the way of heaven and earth is that only after ascending can one descend. If clear yang does not ascend, then turbid yin cannot descend, as stated in the classics: "Earthly qi ascends to become clouds, heavenly qi descends to become rain."

Li Dongyuan said: The Kidney opens into the two yin orifices. The classics state: "For difficult defecation, treat the Foot Shaoyin." The Kidney governs the five fluids; when fluids are sufficient, defecation is normal. However, if damage to Stomach qi occurs due to irregular diet or overwork, and one consumes pungent, hot, and rich foods, thereby assisting fire pathogenic factors, fire hides in the blood, consuming true yin. With deficient fluids, stool becomes dry and constipated. For Shaoyin constipation, use pungent-moistening methods; for Taiyin constipation, use bitter-draining methods; for Yang knotting, disperse it; for Yin knotting, warm it; for food injury, drain with bitterness; for blood dryness, unblock with Taoren and wine-processed Dahuang; for wind dryness, promote movement with Mahuangren and Dahuang; for qi涩 (stagnation), moisten with Yuliren, Zhishi, and Zaojiaoren. One must not generally use purgatives like Qianniu or Badou, as this damages fluids and worsens dryness.

(Zhu Danxi)
Treating dead blood (blood stasis) in the Weiwan (epigastric region), causing dryness and withering, pain upon eating, regurgitation, and constipation. (The cause of dead blood in the Weiwan is often excessive alcohol consumption, pungent foods, irritability, and anger, accumulating over time.)

Jiucaizhi (Fresh Juice of Allium tuberosum) and Niurou (Bovine Milk), in equal parts. Sip frequently. If phlegm obstruction exists, add Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice). To treat blood ge (dysphagia due to blood stasis), remove Niurou from this formula and add Chenjiu (Aged Wine). Jiucaizhi specializes in eliminating blood stasis.

This is a formula for the Foot Yangming meridian. Jiucaizhi is pungent and warm, benefiting the Stomach and eliminating stasis; Niurou is sweet and warm, moistening dryness and nourishing blood. When stasis is removed, the Stomach has no obstruction; when blood is moistened, the Large Intestine becomes unblocked, allowing food to be swallowed.

Zhu Danxi said: For regurgitation, ge syndrome, and dry constipation, it is best to sip cow or sheep milk frequently and concurrently administer Siwu Tang. One must not... [text incomplete] ...dry blood... what was said... Ginger... eliminate...