Library

Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) originates in the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian and is generated in the Middle Jiao; Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) originates in the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is generated in the Lower Jiao. Ying Qi receives the essence of water and grain from the Stomach to circulate within the meridians, while Wei Qi lifts the fierce qi of water and grain from the Stomach to circulate on the muscle surface. Huangqi (Astragalus Root) is yellow in the center, white in the inner layer, and brown on the outer skin. The variety produced in the North is loose with pores, tastes sweet, and is slightly warm. Its leaves resemble fern fronds, clearly indicating a pathway from the Stomach to the Lungs, moving outward rather than staying central and guarding. Because it has an outer skin to block it, it does not leak out easily. Only its stem grows straight upward, and its root is two or three chi long, enabling it to reach from the extreme lower to the extreme upper. All areas it traverses are the domains where Ying Wei and the Foot Taiyang and Hand Taiyin meridians travel. Discussing its practical application is not easy to explain simply.

Liu Qianjiang analyzed Huangqi as treating diseases where Yang deficiency leads to Yin obstruction, but not treating diseases where Yang excess leads to Yin deficiency. This aligns most succinctly with the statement: "If Yang cannot govern properly above, Yin cannot transform smoothly below." His interpretation of the *Neijing* saying, "Yang guards the exterior and solidifies, Yin stores essence and rises urgently," although somewhat broad, holds true reasoning. However, Zou forcibly conflated "When Yang cannot overcome Yin, the Qi of the Five Viscera contends, and the nine orifices become blocked" with "Guarding the exterior and rising urgently." He failed to realize that the *Weisheng Zongwei Lun* uses Huangqi alone to treat difficult urination, which is lifting Yang to the upper part so that Yin naturally benefits below. This corresponds to the scripture's mention of "rising urgently" and Liu's concept of "smooth transformation below." The nine-orifice blockage caused by the contention of Visceral Qi is due to Yin contention, not Yin obstruction, differing by a hair's breadth from this case.

Both Huangqi and Niuxi (Achyranthes Root) have roots two or three chi long, and the *Bielu* states both benefit Yin Qi. However, Niuxy has a single stem growing downward, with a bitter, sour, and neutral taste; Huangqi has a single stem growing upward, with a sweet and slightly warm taste. Thus, Niuxi benefits Yin Qi by directing it downward, whereas Huangqi benefits Yin Qi by pulling Yang up from within Yin, thereby facilitating the flow of Yin. Niuxi descends without ascending, while Huangqi ascends without descending; both principles have been verified repeatedly without error. Liu stated that Huangqi first moves up from below and then down from above. Zou claimed Huangqi can ascend and descend, and descend and ascend. This likely refers to the state of Ying and Wei after Huangqi has unblocked them; Huangqi itself possesses no such cunning variability.

For any herb whose action is broad but not specifically targeted, imprecise differentiation leads to errors. For instance, Huangqi tonifies the exterior but does not consolidate it; because it does not consolidate, it cannot stop sweating. Herbs like Renshen (Ginseng Root) disperse the exterior but do not resolve the exterior pathogen; because they do not resolve the pathogen, they cannot induce sweating. Herbs like Mahuang (Ephedra Herb) can both stop and induce sweating, relying on Huangqi's power to unblock Ying and Wei and harmonize Yin and Yang. In the *Jin Gui Yao Lue*, Huangqi is always used raw, whereas later generations often use honey-fried versions. However, in cases of Middle Jiao deficiency...

Miao Zhongchun stated that Huangqi consolidates the exterior and should not be used when exterior pathogens exist. How could he know that precisely because Huangqi does not consolidate the exterior, it is useful for exterior pathogens? Examples include the *Shennong Bencao Jing*'s description of expelling pus and relieving pain, and the *Jin Gui*'s treatment of Wind-Dampness, Water Swelling, and Yellow Sweat, all serving as evidence that it does not consolidate the exterior. If the pathogen is Cold Damage, it should be vented from the exterior. Although Huangqi does not consolidate the exterior, it lacks the strength to resolve the exterior and carries the risk of tonifying deficiency and trapping the pathogen, making it unsuitable.

The Foot Taiyang meridian travels up to the forehead and intersects at the vertex. Since Huangqi enters the Taiyang meridian, it can reach the head. The Bladder and Kidney are interior-exterior pairs, so Huangqi can also tonify Kidney Qi to transform Yin and ascend. This principle applies to formulas in various texts treating hematuria etc. Wang Ang said: "Those with Yin deficiency should use it sparingly, fearing that raising Qi to the exterior will further deplete the interior." This statement is correct.

Let us analyze the formulas using Huangqi in the *Jin Gui*: You Zaijing's commentary on Xiao Jianzhong Tang is particularly exquisite, surpassing other schools. However, regarding Huangqi Jianzhong Tang adding two taels and half of Huangqi, viewing it merely as filling voids and blocking emptiness is too superficial. The phrase "various deficiencies" covers a wide range. Can Ying and Wei Qi rise and fall without error? Using six taels of Shaoyao (Peony Root) aims to gather the interior and break Spleen stagnation. Adding Huangqi unblocks Ying and Wei Qi, allowing stomach fluids to transport to Ying and Wei without obstruction. Comparing this to Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang, where Huangqi and Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) are doubled compared to this formula, and Shaoyao is reduced and Gancao (Licorice Root) removed, it is clearly designed to promote blood circulation and dispel Bi syndrome. Is adding Huangqi to Jianzhong Tang merely for tonification and filling? In Guizhi Jia Huangqi Tang, the role of Huangqi is certainly not just simple tonification. The sweat from Huanghan (Yellow Sweat) and the spontaneous sweating from Wind Strike are both pathological sweats, both requiring the transformation of pathological sweat into normal sweat. Guizhi Tang is the precise formula for this. However, Huanghan stems from Yang deficiency, differing from the Guizhi pattern which only requires venting pathogens, leading to different therapeutic effects. Therefore, Guizhi and Shaoyao are reduced, and Huangqi, which disperses the exterior and tonifies deficiency, is added to vent pathogens and transform Qi. Regarding lower back pain, heaviness, and difficult urination, these result from Yang failing to descend; only Huangqi can downwardly disperse Wei Qi. It is also used for Huangdan (Yellow Jaundice) with a floating pulse because Huangqi is a Taiyang herb. Then why is Kujie (Vinegar) used to suppress the Qishao Guijiu Tang? Generally, Huanghan presents similarly, but edema differs. Edema indicates weak Yang and deficient exterior, intolerant to sweating. Thirst indicates water-Qi stagnating in the Three Jiao, preventing Kidney Yin from ascending; thus, promoting Yang, transforming Qi, and draining water is urgent. Qishao and Guizhi promote Yang and transform Qi. Kujie drains heat and water downward. These three ingredients work together to move directly downward through the Three Jiao. Removing Shengjiang prevents lateral expansion. Removing Gancao and Dazao (Jujube Fruit) prevents middle-jiao retention. Using large amounts of Huangqi addresses the deficiency. Using a tonifying formula to drive out pathogens takes six to seven days to resolve, lacking rapid effect. Fangji Huangqi Tang treats sweating and aversion to wind; it does not modify Guizhi Tang because the latter lacks Dampness, whereas this formula addresses Dampness. Fengshui (Wind Water) also uses this formula as it is similar to Wind-Dampness. Wind-Dampness typically uses Mahuang and Guizhi, but this formula does not, because the former involves body pain (wind predominance, desire to move), while this involves body heaviness (dampness predominance, desire for stillness). A floating pulse indicates the pathogen remains in the exterior; must the exterior not be resolved? However, sweating has already occurred, raising concerns about further depletion. Must Dampness not be expelled? Yet if Dampness is removed, Wind may become excessive. Only Fangji resolves exterior Wind-Dampness by direct drainage without lateral dispersion. Huangqi promotes Ying and Wei circulation, resolving exterior congestion while also tonifying the exterior. Strengthening Spleen Earth overcomes Dampness, hence assisting with Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) and Gancao. Too much Ginger and Jujube hinders relief of heaviness, so their dosages are reduced. Having the patient sit on a quilt wrapped around the waist aids Lower Jiao warming transformation, allowing pathogens to resolve via slight sweating. Compared to those who only know sweating, diuresis, and tonification without matching the disease mechanism, there is indeed a world of difference.

Subcutaneous conditions usually require sweating. However, in Fangji Fuling Tang, although water-Qi is in the skin and the pulse is not described as floating, the limbs tremble and swell. The scripture says: "Muscle twitching is called Mild Wind." This is water soaking the Spleen, Spleen Yang unable to reach the limbs, combined with assault by Mild Wind, causing movement and swelling. Movement without pain and a non-floating pulse indicate sweating is inappropriate. Fangji is a key herb for Fengshui; occasionally paired with Fuling (Poria), it allows direct drainage via urination. For diseases in the skin, only Huangqi can...

In cases of sweating with exterior deficiency requiring sweating cessation, Zhang Zhongjing uses Renshen but not Huangqi in Sini Jia Renshen Tang and Fuling Sini Tang, because Renshen consolidates the exterior, whereas Huangqi does not. In cases of Wind-Cold invasion requiring sweating induction, such as Guizhi and Mahuang tangs, Zhang Zhongjing absolutely does not add Huangqi, because the exterior has pathogens, not exterior deficiency. When the exterior has pathogens accompanied by deficiency, Renshen is unsuitable, and Huangqi is suitable. However, Huangqi can directly disperse but not laterally resolve, and its sweet-warm nature makes driving out pathogens not its specialty. Therefore, in Wind-Dampness, Fengshui, and Huanghan patterns, Zhang Zhongjing uses Huangqi only as an assistant to Fangji Fuling Tang. Only for tonifying deficiency and unblocking Bi is Huangqi the primary agent. Thus, Huangqi Jianzhong Tang and Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang are led by Huangqi. Zhang Zhongjing's differentiation of herbs was truly precise. Among later generations using Huangqi as an exterior-resolving agent, none were more appropriate than Xu Yongzong in the Tang History treating Empress Dowager Liu's wind illness. He boiled dozens of hu of Huangqi and Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) and steamed the patient in the vapor below the bed. The medicine entered the couli (pores), and she recovered in one week. This must have relied on external symptoms, initiating treatment with dispersing Wind pathogens immediately. The scripture says: "Wherever pathogens gather, Qi must be deficient." And again: "When the Great Qi rotates, Wind pathogens scatter." There are many methods for tonifying deficiency and scattering pathogens, yet why did Huangqi and Fangfeng achieve such rapid results here? The patient had a deep pulse and locked jaw, indicating meridians and orifices were struck by Wind pathogens, with Yang deficiency and Yin stagnation, which can be imagined. Huangqi is not a Wind herb, but its ability to tonify Yang, benefit Yin, and unblock Qi pathways is its specialty. With Fangfeng, it can reach the exterior via the Yangming channel, greatly driving out Wind. The key lies in recognizing that a deep pulse permits the use of Huangqi; otherwise, using it for Wind Stroke with a floating pulse and sweating would only exacerbate the condition. Song dynasty physician Xu Shuwu had profound medical knowledge, yet his use of Huangqi seemed less appropriate than Xu Yongzong's. *Ben Shi Fang* records Qiu Bing suffering from Cold Damage with a slow and weak Chi pulse. Xu Shuwu said sweating was inadvisable and instead used Huangqi Jianzhong Tang plus Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root) to first regulate Ying and Blood, showing great insight. However, a weak Chi pulse should also tonify Kidney Yin, yet using Huangqi which ascends from Taiyang...

Lu Dingpu's *Leng Lu Yi Hua* records Minister Xu Xinmu stating his sister-in-law Wu suffered from fetal death retained in the uterus, whole-body swelling, asthma, and rigid body. Her brother, Inspector Shanlin, found a prescription from famous medical cases: four liang of Huangqi and one wine cup of Nuomi (Glutinous Rice), decocted in water and administered. Immediately, swelling subsided, and the decomposed fetus broke into ten-plus pieces and passed gradually without pain. Another case from Shanyin, Mr. Wang, suffered from swelling from head to toe, asthma, hoarseness, and urinary/fecal retention. Xu advised the same formula; after drinking a large bowl, breathing calmed, urination flowed freely, and swelling subsided. Subsequently, dampness-dispelling and Stomach-calming herbs were added. Two months later, only a coin-sized area on the sole remained swollen. Other physicians criticized the previous formula, administering strong dampness-draining agents, leading to critical danger. The original formula was used again to rescue him, using several jin of Huangqi, completely eliminating foot swelling and curing the disease. Such great efficacy of Huangqi in treating swelling is astonishing. However, Zhang Zhongjing had already shown this. In the *Jin Gui*, for all Water-Dampness conditions with heaviness and swelling, Huangqi is permitted to direct water-dampness downward. Xu's cases were also edema. The *Neijing* states the Three Jiao is the water pathway and the Bladder is the water organ. Huangqi ascends directly from the Three Jiao to the Lungs, stirring Yang Qi and resolving stagnation. The Lungs can then regulate water passages, greatly benefiting Yin. This is truly Huangqi's specialty. The difficulty in resolving the sole swelling and the need for several jin of Huangqi likely stem from relying solely on this single herb and the formulation...