Library

Weisheng San (Hygiene Powder), Shiquan Dabu Tang (Decoction for Tenfold Tonification), Tuoli Wenzhong Tang (Decoction for Supporting the Interior and Warming the Middle), Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill), Yangsui Dingzi (Sun-Forging Cylindrical Medicament), Ligong Dingzi (Palace-of-the-South Cylindrical Medicament), Jiaban Bawei Wan (Modified Eight-Ingredient Pill), Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Decoction for Replenishing the Middle and Augmenting Qi) (all see Volume 1), Dafangfeng Tang (Decoction for Great Protection against Wind) (see Thigh Section), Chansu Bing (Toad Venom Cake) (see Carbuncle and Furuncle Section).

The convergence of large masses of muscle is called "Gu" (Valley). The convergence of small masses of muscle is called "Xi" (Stream). The intersection of Xi and Gu serves to circulate Ying-Qi (Nutritive Qi) and Wei-Qi (Defensive Qi), and to gather Zong-Qi (Gathering Qi). If pathogenic factors overflow and Qi becomes stagnant, blood heat causes flesh to rot, Ying-Qi and Wei-Qi fail to circulate, and pus will inevitably form. It may erode bone marrow internally and rupture the skin externally. (This refers to Heat: Heat causes sinews to relax.) If accumulated Qi remains lodged, Ying-Qi and Wei-Qi fail to nourish the tissues, leading to muscle atrophy and sinew contraction, with inability to extend the elbow. (This refers to Cold: Cold causes sinews to contract.) Internally it manifests as Bone Bi (Bone Obstruction), externally as numbness and insensitivity. This is termed "Great Cold lingering in the Xi and Gu." (Note: "Gu" refers to the buttocks; "Xi" refers to the bilateral elbows, knees, and wrists.)

When pathogenic factors reside in the Five Zang Organs, they linger in the joints of the four limbs. The Classics state: When the Heart and Lung have pathogenic factors, their Qi lingers in the two elbows; when the Liver has pathogenic factors, its Qi lingers in the two thighs; when the Spleen has pathogenic factors, its Qi lingers in the two Pi (thighs/buttocks); when the Kidney has pathogenic factors, its Qi lingers in the two knees. It is also said: Spleen disease manifests in the Xi.

These are minor ailments of the head and face, as well as conditions affecting the eyes, ears, mouth, nose, throat, and tongue. Because their symptoms and treatments are diverse, they should not be confused with those treated using highly toxic substances. Therefore, this section is established separately for ease of reference.

Headache and Toufeng (Wind attacking the head) are mostly caused by the four pathogens of Wind, Fire, Dampness, and Phlegm. They may also result from Syphilis attacking upwards, or from women catching wind postpartum, or washing/combing hair too early. Tianma Bingzi (Gastrodia Cake) is suitable for these cases, effective for both acute and chronic conditions. Yubiao San (Fish Maw Powder) and Wuyou San (Worry-Free Powder) can also be selected. If the head looks upward deeply, the condition is critical; if there is internal pain accompanied by shaking the head, the condition is severe; if headache radiates to the brain with cold hands and feet, the prognosis is fatal. A floating and slippery pulse indicates easy recovery; a short and choppy pulse indicates difficult treatment. For example, headache with fever and panting, where the left hand pulse is larger than the right, indicates Deficiency. Quickly use Ren Shen (Ginseng), [missing character, likely Huangqi/Astragalus or Baizhu/Atractylodes], Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), Gan Cao (Licorice), add Fu Zi (Aconite), and assist with Fu Ling (Poria) and Shao Yao (Peony). After several doses, profuse sweating will lead to recovery. If one assumes that a larger right pulse indicates Internal Injury and a larger left pulse indicates External Contraction, would this not be a misdiagnosis?

Tianma Bingzi (Gastrodia Cake): Treats headache, Toufeng, dizziness and vertigo of the head and eyes, stiffness and tension of the neck and back, restlessness and pain in the limbs, muscle twitching, tinnitus, nasal congestion, skin numbness, itching, and urticaria. Also treats female Toufeng, pain in the supraorbital ridge, swollen and painful teeth, rebellious Phlegm, and nausea.
Ingredients: Tian Ma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma), Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong Rhizome), Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), Gan Song (Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma), Bai Fu Zi (Typhonii Rhizoma), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Cao Wu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix), Chuan Wu (Aconiti Carmerichaelii Radix) (Soak Cao Wu and Chuan Wu in decoction, remove skin, each 5 qian), Quan Xie (Scorpio) (3 qian).
Preparation and Administration: Make pills using wheat flour paste, size like Vicia faba seeds, shape into cakes. Take 23 cakes per dose, chew thoroughly after meals, swallow with Scallion Decoction. For Heat-Fire and Phlegm pain, swallow with Tea Clearing. Severe cases take twice daily. Avoid all triggering foods.

Yubiao San (Fish Maw Powder): Treats eight types of Toufeng.
Ingredients: Yu Biao (Ichthyosbladder Colla) (Use the skirt part, cut into pieces, boil with Hemp until broken down, stir-fry together until puffed and cooked through, remove Hemp).
Preparation and Administration: Grind into powder. Take 3 qian per dose, mix with Scallion and Wine before sleep. If symptoms are lighter during the day and heavier at night, it is Headache due to Blood Deficiency. Use Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 1 liang, Wine 2 zhong, decoct to 1 zhong, mix and take. For headache and eye swelling caused by Syphilis, take mixed within the herbal decoctions of this section.

Juan Tong Wu You San (Pain-Relieving Worry-Free Powder): Treats migraines with immediate effect. (Formula details see Pain Section)