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Sanbi Tang (Three-Obstruction Decoction): Treats stagnation of Qi and Blood, spasms and contracture of the hands and feet, and Bi syndrome caused by Wind, Cold, and Dampness.
Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), Duzhong (Eucommiae Cortex) (stir-fried with ginger juice), Chuanxuduan (Dipsaci Radix), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Guixin (Cinnamomi Cortex), Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), Bai Fuling (Poria), Qinjiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix), Chuan Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Chuan Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (all in equal parts).
Add three cups of water, three slices of fresh ginger, and one jujube to the above herbs. Decoct until five-tenths of the liquid remains. Take at any time.
Commentary: This formula adds Fangfeng and Qinjiao to resist Wind-Dampness, Guixin to resist Cold, and Xixin and Duhuo to unblock Kidney Qi within a group of tonifying herbs including Renshen and Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction, a basic formula for nourishing blood and regulating menstruation). For patients suffering from Bi syndrome due to deficiency allowing invasion by Wind, Cold, and Dampness, this method is appropriate.

For Bi located in the upper body, use Guizhi Wuwu Tang (Cinnamon Twig Five-Ingredient Decoction).
Huangqi (3 liang), Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) (3 liang), Shaoyao (Peony Root) (3 liang), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) (6 liang), Dazao (Jujube) (12 pieces).
Decoct the above five ingredients in six sheng of water to obtain two sheng. Take seven ge warm, three times a day. Another version contains Renshen.
Commentary: This is the formula from *Jin Gui Yao Lue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet) for treating Blood Bi. Blood Bi uses Guizhi Tang plus Huangqi because Wind pathogen dominates; Wind nature tends upward, hence the Bi occurs in the upper part. The pulse is slightly choppy and fine; the Cun and Guan positions are small and tight, indicating the presence of pathogenic factors. It also states that if the Cun and Guan pulses are fine and the Chi position is slightly tight, accompanied by numbness resembling Wind Bi, this formula is indicated. This shows that Wind moves freely, whether up or down, this formula serves as the main treatment.

For Bi located in the arms, use Shiwei Cuo San (Ten-Ingredient Powder). Originally used for arm pain due to wind-stroke and blood deficiency, affecting sinews and bones, making movement difficult.
Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Lateralis Radix Preparata), Huangqi, Danggui, Baishao (each 1 qian), Chuanxiong, Fangfeng, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (each 7 fen), Fuling, Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) (each 5 fen), Shudihuang (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix) (wine-washed and dried, 2 qian).
Add two cups of water, three slices of ginger, and two jujubes. Take after meals and before bed.
Commentary: Arm pain results from stiff sinews. In robust constitutions, Wind within the sinews can be expelled; however, since it is already Blood Bi, the damage from Wind-Dryness is significant, so this formula is chosen. Within blood-nourishing herbs, Fuzi's power unblocks Yang Qi; Fangfeng acts as an assistant to Huangqi to expel Wind from the muscle interstices.

For Bi in the hands and feet, where Wind invades the extremities, use Wutou Zhou (Aconite Porridge). Originally used for numbness and insensitivity due to Wind-Cold-Dampness.
Wutou (Raw Aconiti Radix, ground into powder). Use two he of fragrant white late rice per dose, add four qian of the medicine powder, and cook with the rice in a clay pot into a thin porridge, not too thick. Add one spoonful of fresh ginger juice and three spoonfuls of white honey, mix well, and drink warm on an empty stomach. If dampness is heavy, add three qian of Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) powder. This porridge effectively treats inability to move limbs and swelling/pain preventing lifting, and can be used for prevention.
Commentary: The four limbs are the root of all Yang meridians. If Yang Qi fails at the root, how much more so at the extremities? Thus, Wutou combined with grain flavors focuses effort where Ying and Wei originate, gradually filling the Yang of the four extremities. Practitioners must understand this.

For Bi in the hands and feet where Dampness flows into joints, use Yiyi Tang (Coix Decoction). Originally used for flowing pain in limbs, numbness, and difficulty flexing/extending.
Yiyiren (Coicis Semen), Danggui, Shaoyao, Guixin, Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) (each 1 qian), Gancao (5 fen), Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) (soaked in rice wash water and stir-fried, 2 qian).
Add two zhong of water and five slices of ginger. Decoct to eight-tenths. Take before meals. Remove Mahuang if sweating; remove Guixin if heat is present.
Commentary: This formula uses Yiyiren as the Sovereign herb to relax sinews and drain Dampness; its action is mild, so the dosage should be tripled. Although Mahuang can unblock Yang Qi, in formulas for dominant Dampness, even without sweating, it should not be used heavily; reduce by half.

For Bi in the lower half of the body, use Tongbi San (Unblocking Bi Powder). Originally used for Bi formed by Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the waist down to the feet. Feet cold as ice up to the navel, unable to lift oneself, possibly caused by standing in cold water while drunk, leading to chronic illness.
Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma), Duhuo, Danggui, Chuanxiong, Baizhu, Bencao (Ligustici Wallichii Rhizoma) (equal parts).
Grind into fine powder. Take 2 qian each time, mixed with hot wine.
Commentary: This formula addresses Wind, Cold, and Dampness mixing into the inner thighs. The pathogen has exceeded Ying and Wei, so the structure of Guizhi Wuwu Tang is changed to this powder to slowly disperse the pathogen.

For Bi covering the whole body with wandering pain, use Kongxian Dan (Control Phlegm Pill). Originally used for sudden severe pain in chest, back, hands, feet, waist, and hips,牵扯 sinews and bones, restlessness, and migrating pain. Caused by phlegm-fluid retention in the chest and diaphragm. Symptoms may include heavy head, drowsiness, loss of taste, sticky sputum, drooling, gurgling in throat when lying down, limb swelling/numbness, blocked qi and vessels, mimicking paralysis. Taking this medicine a few times cures the disease.
Gansui (Kansui Radix), Daji (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix), Baijiezi (Sinapis Semen). Grind into powder, make pills with yeast paste, size of paulownia seeds. Take 5-7 or 10 pills after meals and before bed with ginger decoction, adjusted to patient's strength.
Commentary: Wind, Cold, and Dampness pathogens often rely on chest phlegm for support. Thus, Bi formulas often include phlegm-resolving drugs. I used Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) in Formula 41 for wind-stroke, showing the principle. That formula treats turbid Qi rising; this treats turbid phlegm spreading everywhere. Without removing turbid phlegm, Bi has no peace. This formula is essential for severe phlegm accumulation, not merely following Hezi's (Zhang Congzheng) methods. Learners must distinguish.
Another prescription: Baifuling (2 liang), Banxia (4 liang), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus), Fenghua Xiao (Natrii Sulfas Efflorescens) (3 qian). Make pills with ginger juice, paulownia seed size. Take 50 pills with ginger decoction. However, treating Bi prioritizes unblocking Yang and nourishing Yin/Blood. Over-emphasizing phlegm resolution dries the blood; do not abuse this formula thinking it superior.

For Bi in the vessels, use Renshen Wan (Ginseng Pill).
Renshen, Maidong (Ophiopogonis Tuber), Fushen (Poria with Hostwood), Chishizhi (Halloysit Rubrum), Longchi (Dinosaur Bone), Shichangpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix), Huangqi (each 1 liang), Shudihuang (2 liang).
Grind into powder, mix with refined honey, pound 500 times into pills, paulownia seed size. Take 30 pills after meals with clear rice water.
Commentary: The Heart governs vessels. *Neijing* states vessel Bi transmits to the Heart. Each Zang organ has its governance and transmission. This formula calms the Spirit and nourishes Heart Blood, offering preventive efficacy. Adding Danggui, Gancao, ginger, jujube, and rice gruel enhances effect.

For Bi in the chest, use Gualou Xiebai Banxia Tang (Trichosanthes, Allium, and Pinellia Decoction). Treats chest Bi preventing lying flat, heart pain radiating to the back.
Gualoushi (Trichosanthis Fructus) (one piece, crushed), Xiebai (Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus) (3 liang), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) (3 liang), Baijiu (White Wine) (4 sheng).
Boil the four ingredients together to obtain 1.5 sheng. Divide into three doses, take 0.5 sheng warm, consumed in one day.
Commentary: Chest Bi is common. Zhang Zhongjing listed ten formulas in *Jin Gui* but did not explicitly name the pathology. The chest is like the sky; Yang Qi passes through like the sun. If Earth Qi rises, obstruction worsens. Thus, Chest Bi indicates Yang failing to govern and Yin dominating above. Mild cases use Xiebai and Baijiu to unblock Yang; severe cases use Fuzi and Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) to eliminate Yin. Treating Chest Bi requires great skill, unlike other diseases. Later generations misunderstood Chest Bi; I clarified it in my *Yi Ji*. Mr. Qian Zunwang suffered chest discomfort for a year. One dose of Xiebai Tang cured him instantly. This is not magic, but applying Zhongjing's principles. Compared to common use of Bai Doukou, Guang Muxiang, Hezi, Sanleng, Shenqu, Maiya which consume Chest Yang, this is vastly superior.

For Bi in the Bao (Bladder/Uterus area), use Shenli Tang (Kidney Drip Decoction). Originally used for Bao Bi with acute lower abdominal pain and dark, scanty urination.
Maidong, Wujia Pi (Acanthopanacis Cortex), Xijiao (Rhinocerotis Cornu) (sliced, each 1 qian), Duzhong, Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), Chishaoyao (Red Peony Root), Mutong (Akebiae Caulis) (each 1.5 qian), Sangpiaoxiao (Mantis Ootheca) (1 liang).
Add 1.5 cups of water, one sheep kidney (cleaned and chopped), a little Zhuli (Bamboo Sap). Decoct to one cup. Strain, take on an empty stomach, twice daily. Another version includes Sangpi (Mulberry Bark), not Piaoxiao.
Commentary: Named "Kidney Drip" to describe Qi stagnation in the Bao, causing painful dribbling urine. Caused by deficient heat obstructing the Bladder and Lung Qi failing to descend. Sangpi and Piaoxiao target the Lung. Do not mistake this for inherent Kidney deficiency causing dribbling.

For Bi in the intestines, use Wuzhuyu San (Evodia Powder). Originally used for Intestine Bi with internal Cold-Damp combat, abdominal fullness/pain, shortness of breath, and undigested stool diarrhea (Sunxie).
Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus) (soaked in water, dried), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), Gancao (Honey-fried), Roudoukou (Myristica Seed) (roasted, each 5 qian), Sharen (Amomi Fructus), Shenqu (Medicated Leaven), Baizhu (each 1 liang), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) (ginger-juice fried), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Liangjiang (Alpiniae Katsumadai Rhizoma) (each 1 liang).
Grind into powder. Take 1 qian before meals with rice water.
Commentary: Intestine Bi relates to Spleen and Stomach. Cold-Damp injures Taiyin Spleen first; Wind injures Yangming Stomach first. Taiyin injury causes fullness; Yangming injury causes Sunxie. *Neijing* says Wind-Stomach leads to Sunxie over time. When Spleen/Stomach are diseased, Bi pathogens knot in the intestines; pungent/spicy herbs are needed to open them. Unlike Bao Bi (Bladder Heat) requiring cooling, this requires warming/opening.

For Bi in the sinews, use Lingyangjiao San (Antelope Horn Powder). Originally used for Sinew Bi with joint soreness and pain.
Lingyangjiao (Saiga Tataricae Cornu), Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), Fuzi, Duhuo, Baishao, Fangfeng, Chuanxiong (equal parts).
Add 1.5 cups of water, three slices of ginger. Decoct to five-tenths. Take.
Commentary: While good, this formula lacks proper Sovereign-Assistant-Guide hierarchy by using equal parts. Sinew Bi requires relaxing sinews; Lingyangjiao should be doubled as Sovereign. Since Sinew Bi stems from blood malnourishment, Baishao, Chuanxiong, and Danggui should be Assistants. Lingyangjiao is cold and relaxes but doesn't open Bi; use small amount of Fuzi (pungent-hot) as Assistant-to-Assistant. Use less Bohe, Duhuo, Fangfeng as Guides among Wind-Cold-Damp herbs. Practitioners must know this.

For Bi in the skin, use Qianghuo Tang (Notopterygium Decoction). Originally used for Skin Bi with sensation of insects crawling, abdominal/flank fullness, bowel dysfunction, and aphonia.
Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Xixin, Fuzi (prepared, skin/navel removed), Shashen (Glehniae Radix), Lingyangjiao (sliced), Baizhu, Wujia Pi, Shengdihuang, Guanzi Gui (Cinnamon Twig), Zhike (bran-fried), Mahuang (de-seeded), Bajieli (Tribuli Fructus), Xingren (Prunus Armeniaca Seed), Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix), Bixie (Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus), Shichangpu, Mutong, Binglang (Arecae Semen), Yuliren (Pruni Semen) (soaked, peeled), Chifuling (Poria) (equal parts).
Add 1.5 cups of water, five slices of ginger. Decoct to seven-tenths. Take warm anytime.
Commentary: Skin Bi transmitting to Lung requires clearing Lung Qi. This original formula is messy. I select Shashen, Lingyangjiao, Mahuang, Xingren, Bajieli, Danshen, Wuweizi, Shichangpu (8 herbs). Remove Qianghuo, Xixin, Fuzi, Baizhu, Wujia Pi, Shengdihuang, Guanzi Gui, Zhike, Bixie, Mutong, Binglang, Yuliren, Chifuling (9 herbs). Add Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) to clear Lung heat, Gancao to harmonize Lung Qi, and a little Ganjiang as Assistant-to-Assistant (Ganjiang + Wuweizi controls rebellious Lung Qi).

Heat Bi, use Shengma Tang (Cimicifugae Decoction). Originally used for Heat Bi with extreme muscle heat, sensation of mice running on body, retracted lips/mouth, red/black skin/hair.
Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) (3 qian), Fushen, Renshen, Fangfeng, Xijiao (sliced), Lingyangjiao (sliced), Qianghuo (each 1 qian), Guanzi Gui (3 fen).
Add two zhong of water, three slices of ginger, half a wine cup of Zhuli. Take anytime.
Commentary: Formulated by Liu Hejian, worthy of emulation. Shengma is Sovereign to clear Yangming muscle heat. Severe heat disturbs spirit, so Renshen, Fushen, Xijiao, Lingyangjiao are Assistants. Guanzi Gui is Assistant-to-Assistant; Qianghuo/Fangfeng are Guides. Like autumn cold pool, clear and lovely. I suggest reducing Qianghuo/Fangfeng by half to guide future practitioners.

Cold Bi, use Bajitian Tang (Morinda Decoction). Originally used for Cold Bi with knee/foot pain and difficulty walking.
Bajitian (Morindae Officinalis Radix) (cored, 1 qian), Fuzi (prepared), Wujia Pi (each 7 fen), Chuan Niuxi (wine-fried, 1 qian), Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis), Gancao (honey-fried), Bixie, Baifuling, Fangfeng, Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix) (each 5 fen).
Add two cups of water, three slices of ginger. Decoct to eight-tenths. Take on empty stomach.
Commentary: Cold Bi involves Wind-Cold-Damp with Northern Cold-Water momentum, hard to warm. Bajitian as Sovereign is correct. Fuzi, Niuxi, Shihu, Fuling, Gancao act as Ministers. However, lacking Danggui and Rougui to warm Blood makes assistance incomplete. Bixie as Assistant-to-Assistant, Fangfeng/Fangji as Guides are appropriate.

Heart Bi, use Xijiao San (Rhino Horn Powder). Originally used for Heart Bi with vague/fearful spirit, restlessness, insomnia, unsettled will, confused speech.
Xijiao, Lingyangjiao, Renshen, Shashen, Fangfeng, Tianma, Tianzhuhuang (Calami Polyporus), Fushen, Shengma, Duhuo, Yuanzhi, Maidong, Gancao (each 1 qian), Longchi, Danshen (each 5 fen), Niuhuang (Bovis Calculus), Shexiang (Moschus), Naozhang (Borneolum Syntheticum) (each 1 fen).
Grind all to fine powder. Take 1.5 qian anytime with Maidong decoction.
Commentary: Naozhang and Shexiang are only 1.5 liang per dose, aided by Renshen/Gancao to protect Stomach/Qi, making it usable. But they only open orifices; reduce by one-third further.

Liver Bi, use Renshen San (Ginseng Powder). Originally used for Liver Bi with rebellious Qi, chest/diaphragm pulling pain, startle during sleep, sinew contracture.
Renshen, Huangqi, Duzhong (wine-fried), Suanzaoren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) (lightly fried), Fushen, Wuweizi, Xixin, Shudihuang, Chuanxiong, Qinjiao, Qianghuo (each 1 liang), Dansha (Cinnabar) (5 qian, separately ground).
Grind to fine powder, mix with Dansha. Take 1 qian anytime, twice daily.
Commentary: Liver stores Blood and Hun (Ethereal Soul). Blood Bi disrupts Hun. Merely treating startle without moving Blood is wrong. Using Renshen/Huangqi to boost Qi to move Blood is correct. Other calming herbs are too generic. I formulated a new prescription: Renshen as Sovereign; Huangqi, Rougui, Danggui, Chuanxiong as Assistants; Daizheshi (Haematitum) to specifically open Liver Blood, assisting Renshen/Huangqi; Qianghuo as Guide. Qi commands Blood; Rougui/Danggui warm Blood to prevent stasis; Daizheshi sinks into Jueyin Blood to open blockage; Qianghuo guides to Wind-Bi site. Jueyin governs Wind; removing Wind removes Cold-Damp. Submitted for expert review.

Spleen Bi, use Wenzhong Faqu Wan (Warm Middle Fermented Wheat Pill). Originally used for Spleen Bi with cough and vomiting saliva.
Faqu (Fermented Wheat), Maiya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus) (fried), Baifuling, Chenpi (peeled), Houpo (processed), Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) (bran-fried, each 1 liang), Renshen, Fuzi (prepared), Ganjiang (roasted), Danggui (wine-washed, dried), Gancao (honey-fried), Xixin, Jiegeng (each 5 qian), Wuzhuyu (water-soaked, 3 qian).
Grind to powder, make honey pills, paulownia seed size. Take 70-80 pills before meals with hot water.
Commentary: Spleen is Taiyin; Bi here is mostly Cold-Damp, little Wind. This formula warms Middle, regulates Qi, strengthens Yang, expels Yin. However, since there is cough/vomit saliva, Banxia seems necessary.

Lung Bi, use Zisu Tang (Perilla Decoction). Originally used for Lung Bi with chest/diaphragm obstruction and rebellious Qi.
Zisuzi (Perillae Fructus) (fried), Banxia (processed), Chenpi (peeled, each 1 qian), Guixin, Renshen, Baizhu (each 5 fen), Gancao (2 fen).
Add 1.5 cups of water, five slices of ginger, two jujubes. Decoct to seven-tenths. Take warm anytime.
Commentary: Lung is the Minister Official, governing Qi distribution. Lung Bi is Qi Bi. Zisuzi descends Qi weakly; Guixin/Banxia are drying; Renshen/Baizhu are cloying—unsuitable for Lung Bi. Chenpi descends Qi best if from Huazhou, Guangdong (spicy scent reaches Dantian); non-authentic Chenpi fails. Heart Fire conquers Lung Metal (known); Spleen Earth secretly harms Lung Metal (often missed). Food enters Stomach, transforms via Spleen to Lung. If Spleen has Cold-Damp, turbidity transfers to Lung, offending Clear Qi. Liver turbidity (anger) and Kidney turbidity (desire) also rebel against Lung. Three Yin pathogens fill Lung orifices, stopping governance, forming Bi. My methods for opening Lung Bi are in *Yu Yi*, not repeated here.

Kidney Bi, use Niuxi Jiu (Achyranthus Wine). Originally used for Kidney Bi with deficiency-cold and Cold-Damp invasion.
Niuxi, Qinjiao, Chuanxiong, Baifuling, Fangji, Guanzi Gui, Duhuo (each 2 liang), Wujia Pi (4 liang), Danshen, Yiyiren, Huomaren (fried), Maidong, Shihu, Duzhong (fried, each 1 liang), Fuzi (prepared), Digupi (Lycii Cortex), Ganjiang (roasted, each 5 qian).
Chop, place in raw silk bag, soak in 1 dou of good wine. Spring/Autumn 5 days; Summer 3 days; Winter 10 days. Take half cup on empty stomach before meals, twice daily.
Commentary: Kidney is North Cold-Water, containing Primordial Fire (Life Gate). It is the source of Life and Guardian against Pathogens. Wind-Cold-Damp invading stops Life Qi. Fangji, Maidong, Danshen, Digupi in this formula are slow and inappropriate.