Library

Tan Yin (Phlegm-Fluid Retention) refers to a pathological condition where phlegm is generated first, followed by the retention of fluids, resulting in water accumulation as the disease. Human life depends on food and drink; however, if the Qi of water becomes excessive and fails to circulate smoothly, diseases will proliferate. Some theorists argue that water is the most precious substance in the human body. According to the theory that "Heaven generates Water," water fills and irrigates the entire body, reaching every corner. Once stagnation and accumulation occur, it is like silt gathering in the bends of a river; the waterways become narrower day by day, and water flows laterally and overflows. One must follow its nature and guide it according to its trend to avoid flooding. This view is correct. However, claiming that this "Water of Heaven" fills and irrigates the body to the point of stagnation is, in my opinion, incorrect. The "Water of Heaven" refers to Essence (Jing), Blood, and Body Fluids (Jin-Ye). These are the sacred waters of the body; we worry only about their deficiency, not their excess. How could they transform into Tan Yin? Moreover, patients with fluid retention often vomit. The vomited fluid may be clear, yellow, sour, or foul-smelling, filling basins at a time. Could the "Water of Heaven" be so cheap and abundant? Generally, when food and drink enter the stomach, apart from distributing refined nutrients, their momentum trends downward, passing through the Small Intestine to the Bladder, where they are excreted via Qi transformation, thus not forming Fluid Retention. Only when the Spleen has accumulated Dampness and the Stomach harbors latent Heat, causing Dampness and Heat to steam each other, creating stubborn Phlegm (Tan) within the Spleen and Stomach that is sticky and difficult to resolve, will the water entering the stomach get trapped upon encountering this Phlegm. Unable to descend rapidly, it accumulates day after day, month after month, thereby forming Fluid Retention (Yin). Furthermore, excessive tea consumption damages the Spleen with Dampness; excessive alcohol consumption damages the Stomach with Heat; excessive intake of cold/raw foods damages the Spleen and Stomach with Cold. Each cause differs. Consequently, Tan Yin (Phlegm-Fluid), Xuan Yin (Hanging Fluid), Yi Yin (Overflowing Fluid), Zhi Yin (Supporting Fluid), Liu Yin (Stagnant Fluid), and Fu Yin (Hidden Fluid) develop from superficial to deep levels,酿成 (brewing) chronic, entrenched diseases. Their symptoms and treatment methods are listed below.

Tan Yin occurs when water flows out from the Stomach and moves downward into the intestines, producing a gurgling sound, accompanied by slight chest fullness/stuffiness and dizziness of the head and eyes. It is treated primarily with Guizhu Erchen Tang (Cinnamon and Atractylodes Two-Chen Decoction).
Guizhu Erchen Tang (Self-made Formula)
Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig, 8 fen) Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 1.5 qian) Guangpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 1 qian) Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, 1.5 qian) Fuling (Poria, 3 qian)
Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, 1 qian) Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma, 1.5 qian) Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, 1.5 qian) Cheqian (Plantaginis Semen, 2 qian) Jiang (Fresh Ginger, 3 slices)
This formula is based on Linggui Zhugan Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes, and Licorice Decoction) combined with Erchen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction) minus Gancao (Licorice Root). Guizhi opens the Taiyang (Greater Yang) channel; Baizhu strengthens the Spleen Earth. This addresses the root of Tan Yin. Gancao is removed to ensure rapid action rather than slow, and to promote unblocking rather than fullness. Fresh Ginger assists Guizhi; Zhishi assists Guangpi. Cheqian, Zexie, and Niuxia guide the Qi of water downward. Their cool nature is not feared because Fresh Ginger and Guizhi are present to counterbalance them. Note by Zuyi.