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Spleen-Stomach deficiency leads to lethargy, drowsiness, and inability to move the four limbs. When the dryness of autumn prevails and damp-heat gradually recedes, symptoms include heavy body, joint pain, bitter taste in the mouth, dry tongue, loss of appetite, irregular bowel movements, frequent urination, anorexia, and indigestion. Accompanying lung-related manifestations may include aversion to cold with shivering, depression, and a sallow or discordant complexion, which is due to the failure of Yang Qi to extend. The treatment principle should be to raise Yang Qi and benefit Stomach Qi; this formula is named Shengyang Yizhe Tang (Raising-Yang and Benefiting-Stomach Decoction).

Huangqi (Radix Astragali Membranacei) [2 liang], Banxia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Preparatum, washed with decoction; suitable for cases with choppy pulse), Renshen (Radix Ginseng, radix removed), Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis, roasted; each of the above 1 liang), Fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae; used for its acrid-warm nature to drain pathogenic factors since Lung Qi is prosperous in autumn), Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), Qianghuo (Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii), Duhuo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis; each of the above 5 qian), Chenpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, with pulp, 4 qian), Fuling (Poria; do not use if urination is unobstructed and thirst is absent), Zexie (Rhizoma Alismatis; do not use if no strangury exists), Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri), Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae; each of the above 3 qian), Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis [2 qian]).

Why are herbs such as Renshen, Baizhu, and Baishao, which tonify the Lungs, used when Lung Qi is prosperous in autumn? This is because Spleen-Stomach deficiency causes the Lungs to suffer first; therefore, tonification is performed according to the season, making it easier to achieve efficacy. Prepare the herbs by cutting them into small pieces. Take 3 qian per dose, add 5 slices of Shengjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens), 2 dates (Zao, Fructus Jujubae, pitted), and 1 cup of water. Decoct together until 2 cups remain, strain, and take warm. Administer between breakfast and lunch. Contraindications are as mentioned previously. The dosage can be gradually increased up to 5 qian. If after taking the medicine, urination becomes normal but the disease worsens, diuresis is inappropriate; reduce the dosage of Fuling and Zexie.

If the patient desires food, avoid overeating during the first one or two days to prevent further injury to the Stomach Qi, as the medicinal power is still weak and Stomach Qi cannot yet transport and ascend effectively. Consume light and palatable foods, or delicious foods, to assist the medicinal power, promote ascending and floating Qi, and nourish Stomach Qi. Avoid bland foods, as they may impair medicinal power and aid the sinking of pathogenic factors. Engage in mild physical activity to facilitate the transport and ascent of Stomach Qi and medicines; strictly avoid excessive labor to prevent re-injury. Quiet rest for the Spleen-Stomach is particularly beneficial. If Stomach Qi feels slightly strengthened, consume small amounts of fruits to assist the power of grains and medicines. As stated in the Classics: "The five grains are for nourishment, and the five fruits are for assistance."