Library

1. Spasm (a syndrome characterized by stiffness of the neck and back, and convulsions of the four limbs) caused by sweating or diarrhea inevitably results in Qi deficiency. For mild deficiency, San Yin Decoction (Three Yin Decoction) or Wu Fu Yin (Five Blessings Drink) are appropriate as primary treatments. For severe deficiency with a deep and fine pulse, indicating excess Yin, Da Ying Decoction (Great Camp Decoction), Da Bu Yuan Jian (Great Tonification of the Source Decoction), or Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Ten Significant Great Tonifying Decoction) are appropriate as primary treatments.

2. For spasms accompanied by profuse sweating, San Yin Decoction, Shen Gui Tang (Ginseng and Angelica Decoction), or Ren Shen Jian Zhong Tang (Ginseng to Establish the Middle Decoction) are appropriate as primary treatments. In cases of extreme Yang Qi deficiency where sweating is excessive or Yang collapse occurs, Shen Fu Tang (Ginseng and Aconite Decoction), Fu Zi Tang (Aconite Decoction), or Da Bu Yuan Jian are appropriate as primary treatments. If sweating is accompanied by Fire pathogenic factors, manifesting as heat and restlessness, Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang (Angelica Sinensis and Six Yellow Decoction) is appropriate as the primary treatment.

3. For spasms caused by diarrhea, Wei Guan Jian (Stomach Gate Decoction) or Wen Wei Yin (Warming the Stomach Beverage) are appropriate as primary treatments. If spasms persist after diarrhea ceases, Da Ying Decoction or Wu Fu Yin are appropriate as primary treatments.

4. For spasms complicated by Fire, the pulse is invariably surging and slippery, and symptoms include irritability and heat. Yi Yin Decoction (One Yin Decoction) or Jia Jian Yi Yin Decoction (Modified One Yin Decoction) are appropriate as primary treatments. If Fire is excessively intense, leading to exhaustion and dryness of Yin Blood, it is imperative to first clear the Fire; Qing Hua Yin (Clearing Transformation Beverage), Bao Yin Jian (Preserving Yin Decoction), or Yu Nu Jian (Jade Woman Decoction) are appropriate as primary treatments.

5. For spasms where exterior pathogens have not yet resolved, one must assess the severity of the pathogen and the Yin-Yang nature of the syndrome. If there is slight fever and the pulse is not tight or rapid, this indicates a mild pathogen. Tonifying the healthy Qi alone will cause the pathogen to dissipate naturally. Wu Fu Yin is appropriate as the primary treatment. If the exterior pathogen remains unresolved, accompanied by Yin deficiency, absence of sweat, and body heat, San Chai Hu Yin (Three Bupleurum Beverage), Si Chai Hu Yin (Four Bupleurum Beverage), or Bu Yin Yi Qi Jian (Tonifying Yin and Boosting Qi Decoction) are appropriate as primary treatments. If Yang Qi is extremely deficient, Yin cold is at its extreme causing aversion to cold, and spasms occur due to unresolved pathogens, Da Wen Zhong Yin (Great Warming the Middle Beverage) is appropriate as the primary treatment.

6. For spasms complicated by abundant Phlegm, it is necessary to first clear the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner). If Fire is intense and phlegm is abundant, Qing Ge Jian (Clearing the Diaphragm Decoction) or Bao Long Wan (Embracing Dragon Pill) should be used. If there is abundant phlegm without Fire, Liu An Jian (Liu An Decoction) should be used. These syndromes generally belong to deficiency-Phlegm and deficiency-Fire. Due to obstruction and stagnation, temporary clearing and regulating are necessary. Once the Phlegm-Qi flow is slightly unblocked, regulation of Blood and Qi should follow.

7. After pediatric vomiting and diarrhea, and following profuse sweating. After postpartum conditions in women. After massive blood loss from various diseases. After stroke or the rupture and suppuration of sores/carbuncles, this syndrome may also appear; all should be treated according to the aforementioned methods, adjusted appropriately.

8. For spasms complicated by Dampness, refer to the treatment methods of Wang Haicang, detailed in the subsequent section.