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Differentiation of Syndrome

Pain at a single point on the back is caused by Phlegm-Dampness Qi (Phlegm-Dampness pathogenic factor). It is suitable to use Wuyao Shunqi San (Aucklandia Decoction for Regulating Qi) combined with Erchen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction), or Xiangsu San (Fragrant Perilla Powder) added with Cangzhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Lanceae) and Qianghuo (Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii). For individuals with weak constitution experiencing cold intolerance (aversion to cold) in the back, Yuhan Gao (Cold-Avoiding Ointment) can be used.

Yuhan Gao: Treats back pain, aversion to cold, all types of Cold-Bi syndrome (painful obstruction due to cold), and dampness.
Ingredients: Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang) half jin (extract juice); Ox Hide Glue (Niupijiao) three liang; Frankincense (Ruxiang) one qian five fen; Myrrh (Moyao) one qian five fen.
Preparation and Application: Melt in a copper pot, transfer to hot water to simmer, stir with a willow branch until it becomes an ointment. Add a small amount of Sichuan pepper powder, stir evenly. Spread on skin paper and apply to the affected area.

Various Pain Hot Compress Method: Chinese chives (Jiucai), including roots, pounded into a paste. Mix with vinegar and stir-fry. Wrap in silk cloth and apply as a hot compress to the painful area.

The Spleen and Stomach belong to Earth and occupy the central position. They receive and transform food and fluids to nourish Ying (Nutritive Qi) and Wei (Defensive Qi). If the intake of food and fluids ceases, Ying and Wei will perish; if one can digest food properly, vitality prospers; if cut off, death ensues. Once insufficiency leads to internal injury, physicians must examine carefully. Do not treat it as an excess condition of external contraction. Otherwise, during periods of climatic transition, disaster will surely occur. Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) is used for regulation, composed of Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Fuling (Poria), and Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae), plus Chenpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae), Banxia (Rhizoma Pinelliae), and Chao Sharen (Fructus Amomi Rotundus, processed). Use three jin of fresh ginger and two zhong of water for decoction. How are internal injury syndromes formed? They result from improper diet, overwork, fatigue, and emotional disturbances. Treatment must first tonify Yuan Qi (Original Qi), adding herbs based on accompanying pathogens. If accompanied by Phlegm, pathogenic factors, or stagnant heat, Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) is often used. Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) and Renshen (Radix Ginseng) act as sovereign and minister drugs, paired with Chenpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae), Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Danggui Shen (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, root portion), Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri), and Shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), totaling eight ingredients. What if there is food stagnation? When there is dietary retention superimposed on deficiency, and the Qi Kou pulse (radial artery at the cun position) is tight and vigorous, one must first use guiding methods to naturally eliminate the accumulation.

Abdominal pain is generally due to Spleen deficiency, subsequently classified into Cold, Heat, and Food categories. There may also be Damp-Phlegm or Si Xue (Dead Blood/Stasis). Lingering pain is mostly due to Cold, with a pulse that is deep and forceless. Externally, Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi), Zhuyu (Fructus Evodiae), and Husuo (Fructus Alpiniae Officinarum) can be used; remove them in spring and summer, but they can be applied in winter. How to treat intermittent pain of a heat nature? For a floating and forceless pulse, which formula is indicated? Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) can have Renshen (Radix Ginseng) removed; Binglang (Semen Arecae), Shaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba/Rubra), Zhike (Fructus Aurantii), Sharen (Fructus Amomi), and Yuansu (Radix Curcumae) should be added. Decoct with water and fresh ginger for administration. If diarrhea relieves the pain after eating, it is Food Accumulation. If the Guan pulse (radial artery at the guan position) is tight, floating, and forceful, Pingwei San (Stomach-Pacifying Powder) is used with Dafupi (Pericarpium Arecae), Caoguo (Fructus Tsaoko), Binglang (Semen Arecae), Zhishi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus), Sharen (Fructus Amomi), Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata), and Yuansu (Radix Curcumae). Decoct as usual and add Muxiang juice. If urination is difficult accompanied by Damp-Phlegm, and the Left Guan pulse is slow and forceless, Erchen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction) is used with Cangzhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Lanceae), Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Muxiang (Radix Aucklandiae), Tongcao (Medulla Tetrapanacis), Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata), Zhuling (Poria), and Yiyiren (Semen Coicis). Decoct with three slices of fresh ginger and two zhong of water, then add Jiangzhi (Fresh Ginger Juice) and Zhuli (Bamboo Sap). If stasis pain is fixed and does not move, and the Left Cun pulse is floating and choppy, Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) is modified. Also add Ganjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis), Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae), Honghua (Flos Carthami), Suzi (Fructus Perillae), Mudanpi (Cortex Moutan), Tao Ren (Semen Persicae), Zhike (Fructus Aurantii), and Yuansu (Radix Curcumae).

Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) [See Shanghan]
Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) [See Shanghan]
Pingwei Tang (Stomach-Pacifying Decoction) [See Shangshi]
Erchen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction) [See Tan Yin]
Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) [See Funuke]

Additional Remarks

If abdominal pain presents with a mass that rises up and disappears upon pressing with the hand, or if there is heartburn at dawn, jaw stiffness, nausea with vomiting of clear fluid, and teeth grinding in sleep, these indicate a Worm Infestation. Treatment...