Library

Chan Hou Feng (Coiling Throat Wind) refers to a condition where heat pathogen accumulates internally, causing swelling that surrounds the exterior of the throat, accompanied by numbness and itching, leading to significant throat enlargement. The treatment principle is: for mild cases, salty herbs can be used to soften hardness; for severe cases, pungent herbs can be used to disperse pathogens. Alternatively, wind-phlegm can be eliminated or heat-toxin resolved. If swelling is so severe that medication cannot be swallowed, medicinal liquid can be instilled into the nose to induce vomiting and expel pathogens; externally, detoxifying herbs should be applied as a poultice. Resolution of heat and reduction of swelling indicate a favorable prognosis.

Master Dou stated: Chan Hou Feng belongs to phlegm-heat, characterized by swelling both inside and outside the throat. If there is no external swelling, it must be accompanied by fever and flushed face, indicating extreme excess of heat-toxin. If there is external swelling, the body will also be feverish, indicating the outward emission of evil fire. In some cases, the jaw is locked but there is no external swelling, only redness in the throat; this is called sudden contraction of evil heat in the Heart Meridian. If symptoms on the left side subside and transmit to the right, it is because residual toxin remains. There are several types of throat disorders: accumulated heat, wind-heat, guest-heat (sudden external heat), and residual toxin after illness. Changes forming Shuang Ru E (Bilateral Tonsillar Swelling): for example, during illness, if there is a red mass in the throat that persists for months with a mirror-like sheen, this indicates accumulated heat. If there is a mass in the throat that is slightly white and shaped like an arm, this is Feng Du Hou Bi (Wind-Toxic Throat Obstruction), caused by heat-toxin contracting wind pathogens. If there is a swelling in the pharynx with a purplish color, this is Guest Heat, referring to a person suddenly contracting heat-toxin qi obstructing the throat. Or if it transforms into Mu She (Wood Tongue/stiff swollen tongue), all are due to heart heat accumulating in the chest, hence foul-smelling phlegm in the mouth. It is essential to use cold-natured herbs such as Mutong (Akebiae Caulis), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), and Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus). Additionally, Bingpian San (Borneol Powder) should be insufflated.

External symptoms of Chan Hou Feng resemble a snake coiling around the neck, with tidal fever and severe headache and eye pain. The swelling appears purple-brown. Internal symptoms show red threads or white areas within the swelling, blocking the throat and making swallowing difficult. Urgently use a chicken feather dipped in turbid oil from a lamp wick holder to stir and remove three to four bowls of phlegm-saliva for survival; if phlegm cannot be removed, it is untreatable.

Ya Zhang Feng (Mute Miasma Wind) occurs when wind-phlegm invades the throat and glottis, causing muteness and locked jaw. Urgently grind Chan Su (Toad Venom) with water and drip into the nose to unlock the jaw. Then drip Tong You (Tung Oil) into the throat and use a chicken feather to stir the throat to expel wind-phlegm completely. Follow with Licorice Decoction to neutralize the Tung Oil. Symptoms such as bitter face, purple tongue, black lips, clear nasal discharge, cyanotic nails, and excessive tearing indicate an untreatable condition.

Nong She Hou Feng (Tongue-Wagging Throat Wind) presents with muteness, protruding tongue, and the patient constantly trying to grab it with hands. Emergency treatment involves pricking Shaoshang (LU11) acupoints located at the radial side of the thumbnail of both middle fingers with a needle, two to three times per finger until bleeding occurs, which is treatable. Alternatively, prick both medial and lateral sides of each finger. Then use lamp wick oil or Tung Oil to induce vomiting of phlegm-saliva, followed by taking Xionghuang Huadu Dan (Realgar Detoxification Pill) five to six pills with clear tea.

Chan Hou Feng arises from heat in the Kidney Meridian causing internal dryness and failure to moisten upwards, leading to hyperactive Heart Fire. If thunderous sounds are heard in the throat, it is untreatable.

Qiang Shi Hou Feng (Choking Food Throat Wind) is caused by heat-toxin in the Heart Meridian drying the throat without phlegm. If triggered by choking on food, it is untreatable. If untreated for a long time, it may transform into Fei Si Lao Du (Flying Silk Labor Toxin), which can be fatal.

Gen Jiao Hou Feng (Heel Throat Wind) originates from the heel and spreads to the throat. It may occur once a year or every half year. Strictly avoid hot foods and anger. The disease progresses through one meridian per day, reaching seven meridians in seven days. Although not immediately life-threatening, upon flare-up, use insufflation powders and anti-toxin herbs. If malignant swelling with blisters occurs, death ensues.

Chan Hou Feng triggered by mental agitation manifests two days prior with tightness in the chest and diaphragm, shortness of breath, sudden throat swelling and pain, cold limbs, inability to turn the neck. Heat knots internally, swelling disturbs externally, with numbness, itching, red threads in the throat, white fingernails, hot palms, large throat swelling, and abundant wind-phlegm producing a sawing sound. This is the most critical stage. In the first day and night, if eyes stare straight and throat sounds like thunder, it is untreatable. If a candle flame near the patient's mouth is blown out, it is untreatable. If panting and sweating on the forehead occur, death is imminent. Use Tung Oil to induce vomiting, or insufflate powder to expel phlegm. If swelling persists or consciousness is lost, urgently prick the affected area to release bad blood for recovery.

For Chan Hou Feng, mix Jin Dan (Golden Pill) and Bi Dan (Green Pill) in equal parts and frequently insufflate. Combine with acupuncture, emesis methods, internal decoctions, and administer Xionghuang Huadu Dan (see formula above). Do not delay, or rescue becomes impossible.

A male patient suffered from Chan Hou Feng with internal and external swelling, unable to swallow medicine. I administered wind-dispersing and heat-clearing medicine continuously. Externally, I mixed calcined Yangqishi (Stibnite) and Fulonggan (Long-stove Earth) with fresh well water, applying and sweeping the area a hundred times. After three days, heat subsided and swelling resolved.

Suo Hou Feng (Lock-Throat Wind): Crush Wannianqing (Rex lily rhizome) for juice, mix with vinegar for gargling.

Chan Hou Feng: Mix Bai Fan (Alum) powder with Sesame Oil and egg white, administer to induce vomiting.

Lamp wick oil mixed with starch water, administer to induce vomiting.

Crush Tu Niuxi (Achyranthes root) root for juice, mix with vinegar and administer.

Soak Tu Niuxi (Achyranthes root) and Bianbaiye (Cypress leaves) in water, crush for juice (half bowl), add one wine glass of cow milk, mix and swallow small amounts; relief occurs after two to three doses.

Five fen of fine Alum powder mixed with one quail egg, administer to throat for immediate effect.

Fresh Mugwort juice for Hou Feng (Throat Wind); if throat obstruction prevents administration, instill into nostrils to immediately open the airway.

Half a cup of old urine pot scale mixed with five spoons of honey, administered to immediately open the airway.

Ji Hou Feng (Acute Throat Wind): Crush Zaojiao (Gleditsia sinensis fruit), pound with water, administer to induce vomiting; even if vomiting does not occur, it brings stability.

Pack Baidu Ren (Castor bean kernel) in cotton paper and insert into nostril for immediate patency.

Grind Xionghuang (Realgar) with water and urgently administer; vomiting leads to stabilization.

Chew and swallow one liang of Xiaoyan (Mirabilite) slowly.

Chan Hou Feng: Use Tung Oil with chicken feather to sweep into throat and induce vomiting. Then mix Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix) powder with water and apply externally to the neck.

Three Baidu Ren (Castor bean kernels) and two to three liang of Mingfan (Alum), calcine in silver pot until sticky castor residue is obtained, grind fine and insufflate into throat.

One Fumubie (Strychnos nux-vomica seed) and two fen of Bingpian (Borneol), grind into powder and insufflate into throat.

Burn Shechuangzi (Cnidium fruit) to smoke the throat, inducing salivation and opening the airway miraculously.

Jin Chi (Golden Spoon): Treats Chan Hou Feng with throat closure, phlegm-saliva obstruction, locked jaw, and inability to take fluids.

Mix Yanxiao (Saltpeter) 1.5 liang, Yueshi (Borax) 5 qian, Xionghuang (Realgar) 2 qian, Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus) 1 qian, and Bingpian (Borneol) 2.5 fen. Grind to fine powder and insufflate into throat to expel phlegm.

Bai Ling Wan (Hundred Spirit Pill): For throat masses blocking water and food intake. Grind Baicaoshuang (Charred Grass Ash) to fine powder, form pills with refined honey (approx. 1 qian), dissolve in water and administer.

Chui Hou San (Insufflate Throat Powder): Mix 5 qian of short human hair, 5 fen of Xionghuang (Realgar), 1 qian of Mingfan (Alum), and 30 spider webs (with spiders better). Calcine in a pot, grind to powder, and insufflate into throat.

Kui Guang Secret Method for Throat and Tooth Medication:

Yu Dan (Jade Pill): Prepare in advance; the longer stored, the better. Place thumb-sized Mingfan (Alum) chunks in a pot over charcoal until melted. Test with a stick; when no chunks remain at the bottom, add Huoxiao (Saltpeter) (ratio: 3 qian Saltpeter per 1 liang Alum), then Yueshi (Borax) (ratio: 3 qian Borax per 1 liang Alum). Repeat adding alum and borax layer by layer until the pot mouth forms a mound shape. Use high fire to refine until dry. Cover with clean tile for one hour. Take out, mix fine Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis) with 5-6 spoons of water, drop onto the pill. Return pot to fire to dry, then remove. Cover pot upside down on clean ground with paper lining, seal with tile for seven days, store for use.

Processing Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark): Select good Huangbai, slice. Use Jingjie (Schizonepetae Herba) as chief herb and Gancao (Licorice Root) as assistant herb. Decoct thick liquid, soak slices until soft, spread on tile, slowly roast until yellow (do not burn), sprinkle with white honey water, drain, grind to powder.

Processing Dengxin (Juncus Medulla): Moisten white Juncus medulla, pack tightly into small bamboo tube, seal ends with paper. Slowly roast over fire. Check inside: if under-roasted, it is raw; if over-roasted, it is destroyed. Proper processing is crucial.

Processing Zhuya Zao (Zanthoxylum Fruit): Select firm, small, non-borer Zhuya Zao, roast on tile until crisp, remove ends, grind to powder.

Processing Xiao (Nitrate): For Jin Dan, dip Huoxiao (Saltpeter) in warm water, wipe dry with cotton paper, wrap, and place in stove hole for 5-6 days to remove moisture. Not necessary for Yu Dan.

Combining Bi Dan (Green Pill): Mix 3 fen Yu Dan (Jade Pill), half spoon Baicaoshuang (Charred Grass Ash), 1 li Dengxin Hui (Juncus Ash), 3 spoons Gancao End (Licorice Powder), 3 fen Bohe Ye End (Mint Leaf Powder). Grind extremely fine. Add Meipian (Borneol) 5 fen (more is acceptable), grind uniformly, store airtight. Prepare fresh before use; do not keep more than three days. Avoid rainy weather. In spring/summer, add more mint for green color; in autumn/winter, add more Jade Pill for white color. Add a little Zaojiao (Gleditsia) to promote phlegm expulsion.

Combining Jin Dan (Golden Pill): Mix Huoxiao (Saltpeter) 2 qian, Sheng Puhuang (Raw Cattail Pollen) 4 fen, Jiangcan End (Bombyx Powder) 1 fen, Zhuya Zao End (Zanthoxylum Powder) 1 fen, Bingpian (Borneol) 1 fen. Grind together to pale yellow. This medicine can be stored long-term; add Borneol just before use. Jin Dan functions to resolve phlegm, reduce swelling, treat toothache, tongue piercing, and gingival carbuncles. For all throat diseases, combine with Bi Dan according to severity. If severe, add Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis). For throat swelling and Throat Wind, add Jiangcan and Zaojiao; for mild cases, use only Xiao and Puhuang.

Bi Dan resolves phlegm, clears heat, detoxifies, and dispels wind; it is a good formula but relatively mild. Jin Dan is more miraculous for reducing toxic swelling, removing wind-heat, opening throat closure, and expelling phlegm. However, in early stages of throat disease, Jin Dan should not be used excessively because it penetrates deeply and disperses rapidly. Overuse in mild cases may overwhelm the body's resistance. For simple or double Ru E (tonsillitis), use only Bi Dan. For other severe cases, use both Gold and Green Pills, distinguishing sequence and proportion. Initially: 9 parts Bi Dan, 1 part Jin Dan, insufflate five tubes. Then: 8 parts Bi Dan, 2 parts Jin Dan, insufflate again. Then: 7 parts Bi Dan, 3 parts Jin Dan. If severe, use equal parts Bi and Jin Dan. After 3-5 applications, phlegm-saliva will surge upward. Then use 6 parts Jin Dan, 4 parts Bi Dan, insert tube deep into throat and insufflate heavily, then withdraw tube to draw out phlegm. Finally, use 8 parts Jin Dan, 2 parts Bi Dan.

Ointment Formula: Bohe (Mint) as Chief, Yu Dan (Jade Pill) as Minister, Chuanbei (Fritillaria Bulb) as Assistant, Dengxin Hui (Juncus Ash), Baicaoshuang (Charred Grass Ash), Gancao (Licorice), Bingpian (Borneol) as Envoy. First grind Yu Dan and Baicaoshuang, add Juncus Ash and grind again, then add Mint, Licorice, Fritillaria and grind extremely fine, finally add Borneol. Mix with honey and take. For Hou Yong (Throat Abscess), Hou Xuan (Throat Lichen), Hou Jun (Throat Polyp), hold and swallow frequently. For severe cases, combine with other medicines and insufflations.

Gargle Formula: Shandougen (Sophora Tonkinensis Root), Xiakucao (Prunella Vulgaris), Songluocha (Usnea), Nenziju (Young Chrysanthemum), Su Bohe (Perilla Mint) in equal parts. Decoct and gargle frequently.

Appendix: Yi Nian Jin (One Pinch Gold): Treats pediatric wind-phlegm with foaming, wheezing, cough, abdominal distension, and anorexia. Do NOT mistake for Throat Wind wheezing; this is due to excessive phlegm-qi. Pediatric lung distension with wheezing is often mistaken for Throat Wind. Da Huang (Rhubarb), Binglang (Areca Seed), Qian Niu Zi (Morning Glory Seed), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) in equal proportions, grind to fine powder. Mix with honey water to appropriate consistency. Administer a "yi zi" (small amount) to the throat. Do not use divine needle moxibustion. Symptoms include lung distension, fullness, high chest, rapid breathing, shaking ribs sinking into pits, nasal congestion, flaring nostrils, chaotic cough, hoarse voice, phlegm obstruction. Commonly known as Horse Spleen Wind. If not treated urgently, death occurs within a day. Do NOT mistake for Tight Throat Wind. If prescription is insufficient, crush one Castor Bean kernel, wrap in cotton, insert into left nostril for males and right for females to drain phlegm, then administer Yi Nian Jin. Mistaking this for Throat Wind leads to death. Be cautious. People generally do not recognize this, so it is recorded in the Throat Wind section.