Library

I once treated a young woman who had fluid exuding from her umbilicus; the discharge was white, greasy, and foul-smelling. I directly diagnosed it as: this is Dai syndrome (a gynecological condition characterized by abnormal vaginal discharge). Upon inquiry, she confirmed that she indeed suffered from chronic leukorrhea (excessive vaginal discharge). The umbilicus is merely an orifice that slightly leaks turbid qi from the Middle Jiao (spleen and stomach), so its filthiness, foul odor, and dampness are understandable. Sleeping with the umbilicus exposed allows external cold to invade, causing abdominal pain and diarrhea; however, it has never been heard of bathing in a pool where water enters the umbilicus to cause disease. This indicates that as an orifice, the umbilicus allows formless Qi to enter and exit, but tangible substances cannot. So why does leukorrhea now overflow from the umbilicus? After deep reflection, I believe there are two reasons: First, at birth, the umbilical cord was not severed properly, allowing cold and heat pathogens to invade, leading to instability—this is the first reason. Second, although this orifice is unstable, it is not comparable to other orifices that can open widely. Moreover, damp-turbid fluids are not like the rapid currents of mountain streams or rivers; they should flow slowly, tortuously, and downward. The fact that it overflows urgently and horizontally suggests it is forced out by the blazing fire and rebellious Qi of the Chong and Ren vessels and the Uterus—this is the second reason. Treatment should first lower the rebellious Qi of the Chong and Ren vessels, nourish Yin to control Fire, and assist with diuretic and draining agents. This is what is meant by "addressing the urgent first and the缓 (slow/chronic) later." The formula is named Dao Heng Tang. (Commentary: If there is no Dai syndrome but only umbilical discharge, the treatment method is the same. After recovery, one should immediately take the following formula to tonify the Dai Mai.)

* *Nen Baiwei* (Radix Clematidis Armandii)
* *Da Shengdi* (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata)
* *Chao Baishao* (Fried Radix Paeoniae Alba)
* *Baifuling* (Poria)
* *Guanzhong Tan* (Carbonized Rhizoma Cibotii)
* *Sheng Cao* (Raw Radix Glycyrrhizae)
* *Xian Shihu* (Fresh Herba Dendrobii)
* *Da Danshen* (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae)
* *Fen Danpi* (Cortex Moutan)
* *Yan Zexie* (Salt-processed Rhizoma Alismatis)
* *Mu'er Tan* (Carbonized Tremella)
* *Mutong* (Herba Akebiae Trifoliate)

External application for removing dampness and filling the orifice, named Feng Qi San.
* Vinegar-processed *Muli* (Concha Ostreae, ground)
* *Baiji* powder (Rhizoma Bletillae)
* *Ce Baiye* ash (Cacumen Platycladi, burnt to ash)
Grind all into fine powder, mix evenly, and apply externally.

Once the leukorrhea heals and menstruation becomes regular, with no other illnesses, then take the following formula to consolidate the umbilicus, named Gu Qi Yin. (Commentary: It can also be made into pills, but Longgu, Muli, and Gui Ban must be decocted into a thick liquid to replace water for pill formation, and the dosage of Longgu should be doubled.)
* Earth-fried *Baizhu* (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
* Roasted *Dangshen* (Radix Codonopsis)
* *Guishen* (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, root part)
* Vinegar-processed *Gui Ban* (Carapax et Plastrum Testudinis)
* *Sheng Cao* (Raw Radix Glycyrrhizae)
* Vinegar-processed *Muli* (Concha Ostreae)
* *Longgu* (Os Draconis)
* Vinegar-processed *Baishao* (Radix Paeoniae Alba)
* *Ejiao Zhu* (Pellets of Colla Corii Asini)
* *Mu'er Tan* (Carbonized Tremella)

Although this formula is named Gu Qi Yin (Consolidate Umbilicus Decoction), its actual function is greatly tonifying the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel). Since the Dai Mai surrounds the waist and connects to the umbilicus, if the umbilical orifice is unstable, the Dai Mai must be deficient, leading to various diseases and inability to conceive. Therefore, it should be taken frequently, like drinking tea or water daily, hence the name Gu Qi Yin.