Library

On Dislocations, Falls, and Fractures

The Heavenly Master said: "Internal" refers to the interior of the chest and abdomen; "External" refers to the invasion of wind pathogens. Now, since there is neither disease in the chest and abdomen nor invasion of wind-cold, but suddenly disaster strikes through falling or striking, resulting in fractures and injuries that cause distress, this constitutes a cause that is neither internal nor external (i.e., injuries from mechanical trauma such as falls, blows, etc., distinct from internal emotional/dietary causes or external climatic invasions), representing another category. The prescription uses Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) 5 qian, Da Huang (Rhubarb) 2 qian, Sheng Di (Rehmannia root prepared fresh) 3 qian, Chi Shao Yao (Red Peony Root) 3 qian, Tao Ren (Peach Seed) 1 qian, Hong Hua (Safflower) 1 qian, Dan Pi (Moutan Bark) 1 qian, Bai Gui Ban (Turtle Plastron aged/decayed) 1 qian, with one bowl of water and one bowl of wine, decocted and taken orally. (Comment: Zhu Yu Zhi Shen Dan [Miraculous Pill for Expelling Stasis]). The most exquisite aspect of this formula is that Dang Gui and Shao Yao harmonize the blood, Da Huang and Tao Ren expel stasis, while Sheng Di and Hong Hua mobilize stagnation; one dose suffices to eliminate the disease. If one fears Da Huang and omits it, or substitutes it with other herbs, then even with the preceding ingredients, the application would be inappropriate. This is because when there is pathogenic matter, the pathology receives the medicinal action; using Da Huang allows for the elimination of blood stasis without causing excessive purgation of healthy spleen contents, so why maintain excessive caution? In cases of fall or blow injuries where limbs are fractured, immediately immobilize the limbs with fir wood splints. Do not hesitate due to the patient's pain; urgently realign and set the bones properly. If not aligned correctly, the patient will inevitably become disabled. Therefore, one must carefully align the fragments correctly before applying the splints, followed by administering bone-nourishing medicine orally, after which the limb will recover completely. The prescription uses Yang Zhi Chu (Daphne odora) 3 qian, stir-fried Da Huang 3 qian, Dang Gui 3 qian, Shao Yao 3 qian, Dan Pi 2 qian, Sheng Di 5 qian, Tu Gou (Ground Beetle) 10 crushed, Tu Shi (Water Centipede) 30 mashed, Hong Hua 3 qian, and Zi Ran Tong (Native Copper) powder. First, decoct the aforementioned herbs in wine, then add the Zi Ran Tong powder. Take 1 qian mixed with the liquid, swallowing the residue along with the decoction. Healing occurs within one night. It is remarkably miraculous, differing from common fracture formulas on earth; no further doses are needed, only two doses suffice. (Comment: Jie Gu Zhi Shen Dan [Miraculous Pill for Bone Setting]). Generally, Yang Zhi Chu is particularly effective at entering the Heart organ to remove necrotic blood. When a person suffers severe limb fractures, it is invariably accompanied by chaotic blood rushing toward the Heart. Guiding various blood-activating herbs to act collectively ensures that chaotic blood descends and exits downward, while newly generated blood gathers at the site of injury. Moreover, Da Huang not only removes stasis but also promotes regeneration; once stasis is cleared, the various blood-activating agents can fill the voids and seal the pathways. Furthermore, Tu Gou and Tu Shi are holy medicines for bone setting. Even if there are gaps or incompleteness, Zi Ran Tong rushes to fill these vacancies, which explains the rapid efficacy. At the site of the broken bone, after taking the medicine, a rustling sound may be heard, indicating that the two ends are connected and the seams are closing, as if assisted by divine or ghostly craftsmanship. I fear people may not believe this, but I transmit this knowledge here, unafraid of revealing heavenly secrets, precisely to align with the benevolent intentions of distant virtuous individuals, jointly engaging in relief efforts. Thus, one may hopefully invite heavenly favor and avoid blame.

For injuries involving lacerations of the lips or skin, suture them using threads made from Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Root Bark), then apply Sheng Ji San (Flesh-Generating Powder) to promote natural healing.

Master Zhang said: "The prescriptions have reached a state of divinity, holiness, and transformation; what words could possibly add praise? However, regarding the decoction of the previous formulas, I offer slight deliberations. For the first formula, add an additional 3 qian of Sheng Di and 5 qian of Zhi Ke (Aurantium Fruit). Sheng Di is a holy medicine for fractures; more is better, as insufficient amounts lack full potency. Fracture injuries inevitably involve blood stasis rushing to the Heart; the presence of Zhi Ke facilitates movement in the middle jiao, preventing stasis from invading."

Master Hua said: "There is nothing more to say."