Library

Treats lower back pain caused by cold-dampness. The sensation is like wearing a belt of five thousand coins. This is a disease of the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel), named "Shen Zhuo" (Kidney Fixation).

Lower back pain feeling heavy as if wearing five thousand coins; the rationale of the Shen Zhuo Tang (Kidney Fixation Decoction) is not accidental. The formula consists of Gancao (Licorice Root), Fuling (Poria), Jiang (Dried Ginger), and Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome). This is a new compilation based on the ancient methods of Zhang Zhongjing (the Old Master from Changsha). (Gancao 2 qian, Baizhu, Ganjiang [Dried Ginger], and Fuling each 4 qian. Decoct in water and take orally. This is the same as the Gancao Ganjiang Fuling Baizhu Tang in *Jin Gui Yao Lue*, differing only in dosage.)

Chen Xiuyuan stated: When the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel) is diseased, the waist feels loose and soggy, as if sitting in water. This is because the pathogenic factors of cold-dampness are not located in the interior of the Kidney Zang organ, but in the exterior Fu aspect associated with the Kidney. Therefore, the treatment does not focus on warming the Kidney to dispel cold, but rather on warming the Earth element (Spleen/Stomach) to overcome Water dampness. If Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) were used, they would inadvertently damage Kidney Yin.

Treats generalized body pain caused by injury from dampness.
Use one liang of Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), decocted in wine. For those who cannot drink alcohol, water may be used instead. According to the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica): Baizhu has a sweet and warm flavor and is non-toxic. It primarily treats Bi syndrome (painful obstruction) caused by wind-cold-dampness, dead muscle tissue, spasms, and jaundice. It stops sweating, reduces fever, aids digestion, and can be made into pastes or pills. Long-term consumption lightens the body, prolongs life, and prevents hunger. The original text contains only these thirty-four characters.

Chen Xiuyuan stated: Baizhu primarily treats the three pathogens of wind, cold, and dampness, which now combine to form Bi syndrome. Its efficacy in removing dampness is particularly significant. "Dead muscle" refers to numbness and insensitivity caused by dampness invading the muscles. "Spasm" refers to tendon stiffness and tension caused by dampness flowing into the joints. "Jaundice" refers to yellowing of the skin and muscles caused by dampness affecting the Spleen Earth. When dampness stagnates for a long time, it transforms into heat; the interaction of dampness and heat causes spontaneous sweating and fever. When the Spleen is affected by dampness, it loses its normal function of transportation and transformation, leading to indigestion. Baizhu possesses the property of drying dampness, thus treating these conditions. The phrase "make into pastes/pills" was specifically highlighted by the Ancient Sage, reflecting great deliberation. The merit of Baizhu lies in its dryness, but its subtlety lies in its richness of lipids/oils. Rich in oils, it provides moistening within its drying action. Zhang Yinan explained: Only when the Earth element contains moisture can it irrigate the four directions; just as the earth needs rain and dew to generate all things. Now, taking raw Baizhu, peeling it, and roasting it quickly over high heat until hot is called "jian er" (pastes/pills). Following this method of processing results in a sweet taste and moist texture, harmonizing the Earth Qi. Thus, long-term consumption yields effects of lightening the body, prolonging life, and preventing hunger. Later generations used soil-frying, making it overly dry, which greatly deviated from the classic intent. Ye Tianshi, in his *Guide to Clinical Practice*, actually used water-soaking followed by charcoal-frying, which merely retains the name of Baizhu without its true efficacy. I must add this refutation here.
○ Cold nature can overcome heat.