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Chen Shiduo (styled Tianshi) said: Deficiency syndromes are numerous; I will cite one or two examples to generalize the rest. The treatment of deficiency involves either Qi deficiency or Blood deficiency. Qi deficiency is characterized by an inability to eat, or eating without being able to digest; Blood deficiency is manifested as a sallow and emaciated complexion, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, frequent waking during sleep, and an inability to nourish the complexion and moisten the sinews. Generally, after food enters the Stomach, sufficient Stomach Qi is required to transform residues into body fluids; if Qi is already deficient, how can it digest food? Therefore, the prescription uses Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) 2 qian, Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) 3 qian, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 3 qian, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 5 fen, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian, Mai Ya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus) 5 fen, Shen Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata) 5 fen, Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus) 5 li, Pao Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Preparatum) 1 qian, Fu Ling (Poria) 3 qian, decocted in water and taken orally. This formula contains Ren Shen, Fu Ling, Huang Qi, and Bai Zhu, which are purely herbs for strengthening the Spleen and opening the appetite; furthermore, fearing that digestion might be difficult, Shan Zha, Shen Qu, and Mai Ya are added to aid digestion. With robust Stomach Qi, why worry about indigestion or lack of fluid production?

Blood deficiency naturally calls for tonifying Blood; what else could one seek besides Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction)? However, I do not use Si Wu Tang here. Instead, I use Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 3 qian, Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) 1 liang, Sang Ye (Mori Folium) 1 leaf, Gou Qi Zi (Lycii Fructus) 3 qian, Qian Cao (Rubiae Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 5 qian, decocted in water and taken orally. The brilliance of this formula lies in using Sang Ye to nourish Yin and generate Blood, and cleverly adding Qian Cao so that the Blood becomes active and thus more beneficial. Coupled with large doses of Shu Di Huang, Mai Dong, and Dang Gui to jointly generate Blood, the Blood becomes sufficient, the complexion lustrous, and the sinews relaxed. As external symptoms improve, internal peace ensues, sleep becomes comfortable, Heart Qi is nourished, and there will be no night sweats. This is the method for treating deficiency.

Master Zhang said: Treating deficiency is not limited to tonifying Qi and Blood; indeed, these two formulas can effectively manage both cases. The Master's prescription methods are truly exquisite. There are also modification rules: In the Qi deficiency formula, if damaged by rice food, add Mai Ya 5 fen; if damaged by meat, add Shan Zha 10 li; if damaged by wheat/noodle food, add Luo Bo Zi (Raphani Semen) 5 fen; if there is Phlegm, add Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 1 qian, Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen) 1 qian; if coughing, add Su Zi (Perillae Fructus) 1 qian, Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix) 2 qian; if affected by Wind-Cold, add Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) 2 qian; if restless at night, add Chao Zao Ren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen Preparatum) 2 qian; if there is slight pain in the chest, add Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus) 5 fen. The Blood deficiency formula is modified according to the same principles.

Master Hua said: There is another formula, which I pass on to you. For individuals with dual Qi and Blood deficiency who have poor appetite and emaciation, tonifying Qi may make Blood drier, while tonifying Blood may weaken Qi further; assisting Stomach Qi may fail to stop night sweats, and tonifying Blood vessels may cause stagnation in the chest and diaphragm. The treatment should address both Qi and Blood simultaneously. The prescription uses Ren Shen 1 qian, Bai Zhu 1 qian, Gan Cao 8 fen, Chen Pi 5 fen, Fu Ling 2 qian, Dang Gui 2 qian, Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 3 qian, Shu Di Huang 3 qian, Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) 1 qian, Shen Qu 5 fen, Mai Dong 5 qian, Gu Ya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus) 1 qian, decocted in water and taken orally. This formula tonifies both Qi and Blood, having the same effect as Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction), but is superior to Ba Zhen Tang because it incorporates harmonizing methods within its tonification.