Library

Shaoyin Syndrome. Manifestations include dryness of the mouth, dry tongue, and thirst. If the pulse is deep and rapid at both the Cun (inch) and Chi (cubit) positions, Da Cheng Qi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) is indicated; if the pulse is deep and slow, Si Ni Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction) is indicated.

When Shaoyin pathogenic factors penetrate inward, they connect upward with the Heart, transform jointly with Fire, and thereby overcome Metal (Lung). This is a malignant sign. Occasionally, signs of Qi failure entering the Stomach may appear, with a pulse that is deep, fine, and rapid. If the rapid pulse is forceful, purgation (downward draining) may be employed; if the rapid pulse is forceless, purgation must not be used, as this indicates that Yang Qi is nearly exhausted.

Shaoyin Syndrome. Manifestations include dryness of the mouth, dry tongue, thirst, coolness of the body surface, and a pulse that is deep, fine, and deficient. Xie Xin Tang (Drain the Epigastrium Decoction) is the primary treatment. This distinguishes between medications for tangible pathogens and intangible conditions.

When the exterior symptoms of Cold Damage (Shanghan) fully transform into interior excess syndromes, if there is high fever but the pulse is unexpectedly fine and small, purgation is contraindicated; Xie Xin Tang (Drain the Epigastrium Decoction) should be used. When the Shaoyin Meridian is affected, manifestations include cool body, absence of sweating, heaviness of the body; or lightness of the body with a deep pulse, accompanied by headache but without cold extremities. Ma Huang Fu Zi Xie Xin Tang (Ephedra, Prepared Aconite, and Drain the Epigastrium Decoction) is indicated.

If the patient suffers from fever, restlessness, and agitation, with free urination and defecation, and the pulse is floating and large but forceless, vanishing completely upon heavy pressure, Fu Zi Xie Xin Tang (Prepared Aconite and Drain the Epigastrium Decoction) is indicated.

If the patient suffers from incessant vomiting and diarrhea, feels thirsty yet paradoxically does not desire water, and the pulse is faint, fine, and weak, Li Zhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) is indicated. If there is thirst with a deep, forceful, and rapid pulse, Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) is indicated. In Shaoyin Syndrome with fever and a deep pulse, diaphoresis (sweating method) is necessary. For slow diaphoresis, Ma Huang Fu Zi Xi Xin Tang (Ephedra, Prepared Aconite, and Asarum Decoction) is used; for mild diaphoresis, Ma Huang Fu Zi Gan Cao Tang (Ephedra, Prepared Aconite, and Licorice Decoction) is used.

A bluish complexion indicates the need for purgation; a non-bluish complexion indicates the need for warming.

A normal/moist mouth indicates the need for warming; a dry mouth indicates the need for purgation.

Heat patterns are treated with Gan Cao Tang (Licorice Decoction); Cold patterns are treated with Ban Xia Tang (Pinellia Decoction); Cold-Heat complex patterns are treated with Jie Geng Tang (Platycodon Decoction); Unblocked vessels are treated with Si Ni Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction).

Adding Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) to Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Root) is suitable for pulses that are deep, fine, slow, and wiry. Ginger and Aconite treat Cold, while Sweet herbs缓 (huan, soothe/moderate) the action, because diaphoresis can be too urgent. With free urination in this pattern, it can strengthen the Mother organ; movement from East to North is considered retrograde.

Adding Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome), Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Root), and Cong Bai (Scallion White) is suitable for pulses that are deep, fine, slow, and choppy. Ginger and Aconite treat Cold, while Pungent herbs moisten, because the Kidney dislikes dryness. With free defecation in this pattern, Cold governs Qi; movement from North to West is also considered retrograde.