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Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Lu Rong (Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum), Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata), Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex).

For conditions of deficiency in both Yin and Yang, with Cold pathogen directly invading the interior, presenting with dizziness and collapse, faintness approaching death, absence of phlegm sound in the throat, and lack of floating heat on the body, this formula is indicated.

Yin and Yang in the human body are mutually rooted and cannot be separated for a moment. When Yin is exhausted, Yang has no attachment and flies away, causing dizziness and collapse. When Yang diminishes, Yin has no support and generates cold rebellion, leading to faintness approaching death. The fault lies not in Phlegm, so how can there be phlegm sounds? If the disease is not caused by external contraction, why would there be surface heat? To restore Yang, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) and Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) are essential; to nourish Yin and Blood, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Lu Rong (Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum) are necessary. To stabilize the Stomach and dissipate Cold, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) and Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) are indispensable; to warm the channels and secure Blood, one cannot disregard Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex).

This syndrome is commonly called "Yang Collapse" (Tuo Yang), also known as "Yin Jue" (Cold Reversal), and is attributed to illness caused by sexual exhaustion. If Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang (Aconite and Magnolia Root Decoction) fails to produce results, then treatment options are exhausted. One should realize that even if it is indeed due to sexual exhaustion, these symptoms appear only after Essence and Blood have deteriorated. Merely supplementing Yang might remove Cold, but will it not further consume and dry up Yin? This author advocates these eight herbs, which harmonize well with the pathology, hence presumptuously naming it "Life-Restoring". Removing Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Lu Rong (Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum) from this formula yields Huang Qi Tang (Astragalus Decoction), which is also excellent for treating Lung Consumption (Fei Lao) with Qi deficiency and Cold resulting from Yin aggregation.

Poem says: Life-restoring Eight Herbs, Ginger and Cinnamon, Astragalus and Ginseng, Deer Antler and Atractylodes, Aconite and Angelica.

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber), E Jiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), Hei Zhi Ma (Sesame Semen Nigrum), Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex), Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), decocted with Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus).

For severe deficiency and decline of Qi and Blood, where True Yuan (Original Qi) cannot continue, presenting with intermittent pulse, palpitations, blurred vision, and inner restlessness. Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), and Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus) are used because tonification removes weakness. Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) are used because warmth generates Yang. E Jiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) and Hei Zhi Ma (Sesame Semen Nigrum) nourish Yin and reconnect severed vitality; Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) and Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Tuber) calm the Spirit and restore clear vision.

Poem says: Ren Shen Mai Mai Tang (Ginseng Pulse-Recovering Decoction), Jiao Gui Huai Di Huang, Sesame, Ophiopogon, Donkey-hide Gelatin, Licorice, decocted with Jujube and Ginger.

Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Fu Ling (Poria), Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens).

When Bladder Yang is deficient and unable to circulate Water-Qi, leading to severe internal accumulation of Cold-Dampness and pain throughout all bone joints. Or, if sweating occurs but pathogens remain unresolved, fever persists, or Dampness overwhelms causing failure to distinguish fluids and food, leading to Water flooding and harassing the Heart and Lung, presenting with dizziness and blurred vision, Zhen Wu Tang (True Warrior Decoction) is indicated. Generally, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) and Fu Ling (Poria) thicken Earth to control Kan (Water) evil; Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) and Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) strengthen Fire to expel Deficiency-Cold. The use of Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) is also for overcoming excessive Dampness, assisted by its sour and neutral nature.

Poem says: Zhen Wu Tang, Atractylodes and Poria with Aconite, Peony and Ginger, warming Earth and Water. Note: Zhen Wu is the Water God of the North, named so because he could tame water monsters. This reflects Han dynasty superstitions, which need not be investigated deeply; we only take the meaning. However, prescribing Yin-within-Yin herbs like Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), E Jiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), Cong Rong (Cistanches Herba), and Tian Dong (Asparagi Radix) together, while opposing them with pure Yang Fire-Earth substances, seems contradictory and erroneous. Furthermore, regarding Shaoyin Disease with limb and joint pain, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) should be used to harmonize Yin and move Blood for pain relief; how can sour-neutral Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) suffice? For Taiyang Disease with persistent sweating, slow and deep pulse, and spontaneous diarrhea, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus) should be added to collect Yang and benefit Wei (Defensive) Qi, allowing Water-Dampness to transform naturally; Fu Ling (Poria) alone relying on mild leaching is difficult. Wang Jin San claimed this uses the method of strengthening Earth to control Water, implying Zhen Wu is originally an Earth God, not Water. He further stated that although named for strengthening Earth, it relies entirely on Yang Qi transformation, making it seem like a Fire God. Such forced explanations and nonsense are laughable.