Library

Gan Qi Distension (Distension due to Gan Qi), Gan Ji Distension (Distension due to Gan Ji), Gan Accumulation Distension, Qi Accumulation Distension

Discussion: The syndromes of children suffering from Gan disorders all originate from deficiency transmitting into accumulation, thereby forming "Mother Accumulation" (Mu Ji). Once deficiency has formed and Qi transmission occurs, it gradually evolves into Gan disease. Although there are various names, they all develop gradually. One must not use purgative or draining methods, as this will exacerbate the condition. Instead, one should employ methods to harmonize and tonify, eliminate Gan, and regulate Qi. If there remains a deficiency accumulation causing tenesmus after defecation, one should simultaneously use methods to settle Qi to remove it. First administer Shengong Bao Tong Wan until the release of gas brings relief. Once the deficient Qi is dispersed (manifested as passing foul-smelling flatus), the vital Qi is not injured, and the efficacy is excellent; it is highly beneficial for children with Gan accumulation presenting with uncontrolled bowel movements.

For treating children with disharmony of Yin and Yang, weakness of the Zang-Fu organs, indigestion of milk and food, resulting in fullness and distension of the heart and abdomen, vomiting and regurgitation, rapid breathing, or frequent borborygmus and diarrhea, cold pain in the abdomen, food retention and milk stasis,痞结 (Pi Jie - palpable masses) and accumulations in the intestines and stomach, constipation or diarrhea, swelling of the head and face, and loss of appetite for milk and food. This formula treats five types of Gan Qi and eight types of dysentery, as well as emaciation, coarse breathing, abdominal distension, dull spirit, and low mood. Regular use can dissipate cold and heat, harmonize the Zang-Fu organs, eliminate Gan accumulation, stop diarrhea and dysentery, promote milk intake, generate muscle mass, and improve complexion. Its efficacy is extraordinary and cannot be fully enumerated. He Wan (Brown Pill) is an excellent prescription.

Radish Seed (Luobo Zi, Raphani Semen) (2 liang, lightly stir-fried), Tangerine Peel (Chenpi, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Green Tangerine Peel (Qingpi, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride) (deprived of white pith, 1 liang each), Black Morning Glory Seed (Hei Qianniu, Pharbitidis Semen) (1.5 liang, half raw and half stir-fried until popping is best), Sanleng Rhizome (Jingsanleng, Sparganii Rhizoma) (processed, 1 liang), Ezhu Rhizome (Peng'ezhu, Curcumae Rhizoma) (1 liang), Pepper (Hujiao, Piperis Longi Fructus) (0.5 liang), Costus Root (Muxiang, Aucklandiae Radix) (3 fen).

Another prescription: Add Goldthread Rhizome (Huhuanglian, Coptidis Rhizoma) 0.5 liang, Chinaberry Fruit (Kulian, Meliae Fructus) 0.5 liang, and use only 1 liang of Radish Seed.

Grind the above ingredients into a fine powder, mix with wheat paste to form pills the size of hemp seeds. Take 30-50 pills per dose, washed down with decoction of radish.

Discussion: Failure to clarify symptoms is the physician's fault; poor quality of pills and powders is the scholar's error. Removing physicians who arbitrarily prescribe and carefully examining symptoms is like using a scale to investigate the root and branch of the disease. The pure and complete way of medicine lies in investigating Gan syndromes and accumulation patterns when treating miscellaneous pediatric diseases, as these result from the transmission among the Five Zang organs. When conditions transform into other illnesses, the source and flow are lost, leading to confusion without return, thus causing disease. This formula is most effective in relaxing the intestines, descending Qi, dissipating nodules, and removing stagnation. Whether the Gan and accumulation follow a forward or reverse transmission pattern, this formula is suitable. Its efficacy surpasses common prescriptions, greatly nourishing the intestines and stomach and filling the Zang-Fu organs. Treating according to symptoms yields universal success. In the capital, merchants selling Gan medicines are famous throughout the four directions, and the Hu You department has cured many cases. Now, I do not hide this knowledge but describe it in detail; please respect and use it.

Pi Qi Distension (Distension due to Pi Qi), Pi Distension (Distension due to Pi), Zhengji Distension (Distension due to Zhengji)

Discussion: Pi Qi and Pi have the same root but different names. When disease manifests, there are palpable masses located in the left hypochondrium, affecting both males and females equally. However, Pi belongs to Yang syndromes, while Pi (different character, often referring to fixed masses) belongs to Yin syndromes. This is due to disharmony of the Spleen and Stomach in children, where Yin and Yang Qi intermingle, and cold and heat constrain each other, all caused by accumulation. Thus, there is initial chills followed by fever, resembling deficiency, with sweating leading to weak respiration. If one first attacks the accumulation, the heat often persists, worsening the condition and causing edema starting from the head and face. For children with such diseases, physicians must not casually administer Arsenic (Pi Shi, Realgar/Orpiment preparations). Arsenic has great toxicity, attacking the Stomach and Triple Burner, causing thirst and excessive drinking, with fluid retention in the Spleen. The Spleen governs the four limbs, so edema also occurs in the limbs. In severe cases, it leads to panting, restlessness, feeling of oppression, fatigue, and unease. How can such a drug as Arsenic be recklessly administered? One should first administer Li Jiang Yin (Lactose Drink) with added decoction, following proper methods to achieve the effect of resolving chills and fever. After three to five days, administer Sanleng Wan (Sanleng Pill) to grind away accumulated toxins, considering it resolved when bowels move freely, thereby eliminating the root cause. If unrelieved, continue administration.