人有入室向火，一边热而一边寒，遂致左颊出汗，偶尔出户，为贼风所袭，觉右颊拘急
，口 于右，人以为中风之症也。而余以为非中风也，乃向火而火逼其热，以并于一边
耳。若作风治，而中实无风。和其气血，而佐之以解火之味，则火平而 斜自正也
方用和血息火汤∶
升麻（一钱） 当归（五钱） 黄 （三钱） 防风（三分） 秦艽（一钱） 白芷（五分） 桂枝（三
分） 天花粉
（二钱） 甘草（一钱） 麦冬（三钱） 玄参（五钱）
水煎服。一剂轻，二剂而 斜正矣。
方中以补血补气为先，而佐辅之药多用阳明之味者何居?盖阳明之脉起于鼻，交于
中，循鼻外入上齿中。是两颊与齿正阳明之部位也。升麻、白芷乃阳明经药也，故用之以引
入于齿、颊，而秦艽能开口噤；防风能散风邪；桂枝实表而固营卫，与归、 、玄、麦同用
，自善通经络而活脏腑，使真有风邪亦于何处存活。矧原无大风之犯，不过些小之风乎，自
然效应如桴鼓也。
此症亦可用偏解散∶
当归 炒栀子 生地（各三钱） 乌药 防风 白芷（各三分） 半夏（一钱） 黄 茯苓（各一钱
白芍（五钱） 秦艽（一钱）
水煎服。
人有久痢之后，一旦昏仆，手撒眼瞪，小便自遗，汗大出不止，喉作拽锯之声，人以为
中风之症也，而余独以为不然。盖此病乃下多亡阴，阴虚而阳暴绝也。本不可救，然急灸其
气海之穴，而阳气得续，亦有生者。虽然阳气回，而不用补气之药，阳气随回而随绝也。方
用独参汤∶
人参（三两） 附子（三分）
煎汤灌之，而人不死矣。
夫气海之穴，前与丹田相通，乃生气之原也，故灸之而阳回。非助之以人参，则气回于
无何有之乡，而不能生生于无尽，徒为接续，又何益乎。此人参所以为夺命之药欤。
此症亦可用参术加桂汤∶
人参（二两） 白术（二两） 肉桂（一钱）
水煎灌服。
人有两手麻木而面亦麻者，人以为中风将现之症也，谁知乃气虚而不能运化夫血乎?夫
头乃六阳之经，而面尤阳之外见也。气旺则阳旺，气衰则阳衰。阳旺则气行夫血，而面乃和
。阳衰则气滞于血，而面乃木矣。面既木矣，而阳气之衰可知，何能运动于臂指间，毋怪两
手十指尽麻也。治法宜补其气之虚，通其阳之闭方用助阳通气汤∶
人参（三钱） 白术（五钱） 黄 （五钱） 防风（五分） 当归（三钱） 葳蕤（五钱） 广木香（三分） 附
子
（二分） 乌药（二钱） 麦冬（二钱） 茯苓（三钱） 天花粉（二钱）
水煎服。连服二剂，而手之麻木解矣，再服二剂，而面之麻木亦解矣，更服二剂，不再
此方大补其气，气旺而血行，又何麻木之有?
此症亦可用助气解麻汤∶
人参（三钱） 白术 黄 麦冬（各五钱） 当归 荆芥（各二钱） 乌药（八分） 附子（一分） 柴胡
（八分） 半夏（一钱）
水煎服。
人有身忽猝倒，两目紧闭，昏晕不识人，即子孙亦不相识，人以为中风之危症也，谁知
绝非中风，乃心气之乏绝乎。夫身中未有不痰盛者也。痰盛则直走心经，而心气乏绝，则痰
涎壅住于膻中而不能开矣。虽膻中为心君之相，痰来侵心，膻中先受，所以障心而使痰之不
能入也。然则膻中本卫心以障痰，何反壅痰以害心乎?不知心气既虚，而膻中亦虚矣。膻中
既虚，仅可障痰以卫心，力难祛痰以益心也。况痰气过盛，犯心甚急，膻中坚闭夫膜膈，使
痰之不入，而心气因之不通，不能上通于人 ，故目紧闭而不识人也。治法急补其君相之火
，而佐之祛痰之味。心气一通，目自开而人自识也方用四君子汤加减用之。
人参（一两） 白术（二两） 茯苓（三钱） 附子（一钱） 竹沥（一合） 姜汁（一合） 菖蒲（三分）
水煎服。一剂而目开，再剂而人识矣。
此方用参、术以救心气之绝，然非假附子之力，断不能破围而直入，即用附子而不用竹
沥、姜汁，则痰涎间隔，恐附子孤军难于斩杀耳；又佐之菖蒲者，借其向导，引附子群药迳
达心宫，易施其祛除之力也。
此症用加味三生饮亦神效。
人参 白术（各一两） 附子 南星 半夏 菖蒲 远志（各一钱） 生枣仁（三钱）
水煎服。
人有素性好饮，两臂作痛，服祛风治痰药更加麻木，痰涎愈盛，体软筋弛，腿膝拘痛，
口噤语涩，头目晕重，口角流涎，身如虫行，搔起白屑，人以为中风之症已成也，谁知是脾
气之不足乎?凡人后天，全藉饮食之补益。若饮食过多，反伤脾气，何能受益。况酒能散人
真气，少饮则益，多饮则损，日日贪杯，脏腑之间，无非糟粕之气，欲真气之无伤得乎。故
体软筋弛，脾虚不能运也；痰涎加盛，脾虚不能化也；腿膝拘痛，脾虚不能行也；口噤语涩
，脾虚气难接也；头目晕重，脾虚气难升也；至于流涎、起屑，一则脾虚而不能摄，一则脾
虚而不能润也。以上诸症，总皆脾气亏损之故方用六君子汤加味治之。
人参（五钱） 白术（一两） 甘草（一钱） 半夏（二钱） 陈皮（五分） 附子（三分） 茯苓（三钱）
连服十剂而愈。
六君子汤专补脾气之药也，而又兼善治痰，然非加入附子，则不能走经络而通血脉。或
疑白术太多，不知白术健脾而更善去湿，多用始能利腰脐而升阳气，则阳不下陷，而脾得建
其运化之功也。
此症用参术去湿汤亦妙。
人参 白术（各五钱） 甘草 半夏 附子（各一钱） 山药（一两） 薏仁（三钱） 砂仁（三粒）
水煎服。
人有怒后吐痰，胸满作痛，服四物、二陈之汤加芩、连、枳壳之类，杳无一应，更加祛
风之味，反致半身不遂，筋渐挛缩，四肢痿软，日晡益甚，内热口干，形体倦怠，人以为风
中于腑也，谁知是郁怒未解，肝气未舒所致。本无风症治风，而反为风药所损，损气伤血，
以成似中风之病也。治法必须仍解其郁怒，而佐之补气补血之剂，益阴益精之味，庶几可救
耳方用舒怒益阴汤∶
熟地（一两） 当归（五钱） 茯苓（二钱） 甘草（五分） 白芍（一两） 陈皮（五分） 麦冬（三钱） 丹
皮（三
钱） 柴胡（一钱） 白术（二钱） 人参（一钱）
水煎服。十剂而筋不挛缩矣，再十剂而四肢不痿软矣。后纯用六味汤大剂煎饮。二月而
半身皆遂矣。
此方即逍遥散加味者也。用参、熟、麦、丹于逍遥散中，实有妙义。盖逍遥散为解郁之
圣药，郁散而得补，则补始有功，而方中全在用白芍至一两，以平肝气，肝平则木不克土，
而土有生气，况又有健脾开胃之品，以辅佐而相成，所以能反败为功也。
此症用加减逍遥散亦验。
柴胡（二钱） 白芍（五钱） 白术 当归 生地（各三钱） 甘草 炒栀子 半夏（各一钱） 青皮（五
水煎服。
人有怀抱郁结，筋挛骨痛，喉间似有一核，结住不下，服乌药顺气散等药，口眼歪斜，
两臂不能伸举，痰涎愈甚，内热晡热，人以为偏枯之渐也，谁知是肝木之不舒乎?夫木最喜
水，木郁则耗水矣。水耗而木更难舒，木既不舒，而木中之火又安得而舒乎?自然木来克土
，而脾胃两伤，脾热胃燥，内自生风而现风象，正不必外来之风入，始见歪斜之症也。治法
自必补脾胃之土矣。然而徒补脾胃之气，而肝来克土，脾胃仍不舒也，必须摅肝以扶脾胃之
为得耳。方用舒木生土汤∶
白芍（五钱） 茯苓（三钱） 山药（一钱） 生枣仁（二钱） 远志（一钱） 甘草（五分） 白术（三钱） 熟
地（五
钱） 郁金（一钱） 人参（一钱） 麦冬（二钱） 当归（二钱） 玄参（三钱）
水煎服。
此方心、脾、胃、肺、肝、肾兼治之药也。何以谓之舒木生土汤?不知方中虽是兼治之
药，而实为专治肝经也。治心者不耗肝气也；治肾者所以生肝也；治肺者使其不来克肝也。
治脾胃者使其不来仇肝也。故用群药无非滋肝以舒木。木舒矣，而脾胃有不得其天者乎。此
舒木生土之名，实有微意耳。
此症用疏木饮亦佳。
柴胡 薄荷 甘草 苍术 白芥子（各一钱） 白芍（五钱） 茯苓（三钱） 丹皮 生地（各二钱）
青皮（五分）
水煎服。
有人一时猝倒，口吐痰涎，发狂号叫，自坐自起，自立自行，目不识人，身中发斑，数
日后变成疮疖者，此谓真正中风。盖其人元气未虚，一时为风邪所中，正气既盛，而邪气又
不弱，正与邪相战，两不肯负，于是而痰涎生，于是而狂叫起，心中如焚，坐立不安，行止
不定，目不识人。内热既盛，必由内而发于外，故红斑灿烂于皮肤；火毒难消于肌肉，因变
为疮，为疖。譬如人家，门户既牢，主伯亚旅又健，突来强盗，劈门而入，两相格斗，因而
火攻焚杀，反成焦头烂额之伤矣。治法不必助正，而惟事祛邪，扫荡贼风，而正气已安。方
用扫风汤∶
荆芥（五钱） 防风（三钱） 半夏（三钱） 陈皮（一钱） 天花粉（一钱五分） 茯苓（三钱） 黄芩（二钱）
苏叶（一钱）
水煎服。一剂而狂定，二剂而痰消，三剂而斑化，疮疖亦寻愈矣。
此等之症，万人中生一者也。人亦不知是中风之真症，吾独表而出之，使人知真中风之
如此，而类中风可照症而治之也。
此症用排风饮殊效。
大黄（酒蒸，三钱） 丹皮（五钱） 甘草 防风 天麻 天南星（各一钱） 玄参（一两） 柴胡（三钱
黄芩 苏叶 荆芥（各二钱） 当归（三钱）
水煎服。
人有素多内热，一旦颠仆，目不识人，左手不仁，人以为中风之症，谁知此乃肾水不足
以养肝，肝木太燥，木自生风而自仆，非真中风也。若作风治，鲜不立亡；即作气虚治，亦
阳旺而阴愈消，非恰中病情之法。必须仍补肾水以生肝木，则木得其养，而左手之不仁可以
复愈。方用六味地黄汤加味治之。
熟地（一两） 山茱萸（五钱） 山药（四钱） 茯苓（三钱） 丹皮（三钱） 泽泻（一钱） 白芍（一两） 当
归
（五钱） 白芥子（三钱） 柴胡（一钱）
水煎服。一剂而目能识人，四剂而手知痛痒，十剂全愈矣。
夫六味地黄丸，料非治中风之药也，今用之以滋其肾水，又用芍药、当归以平其肝木；
柴胡、白芥子以疏通肝气，而消其两胁之痰。水足而木自条达，痰去而气自流通，内热顿除
，外体自适，亦何至左手之不遂哉。
此症用润燥丹亦效。
熟地（二两） 白芍（一两） 柴胡（五分） 天花粉（三钱）
水煎服。
有人身忽自倒，不能言语，口角流涎，右手不仁，肌肤不知痛痒，人以为气虚而中风也
。夫气虚则有之，而中风则未也。此病乃心气既虚，不能行气于胃，而胃气又虚，则胃自生
热，蒸其津液，结为痰涎，壅塞隧道，不能行气于心，即堵截其神气出入之窍，故神明瞀乱
，神明无主，则舌纵难言，廉泉穴开，而口角故流涎沫也。一身能运者，全藉气以行之。今
气既大虚，不能行于四肢，则手自不仁。右手者，尤气之所属也。气不能行于肌肤，则痛痒
不知矣。此等之症，若作风治，未有不死者。即于补气之中，加入祛风之药，亦止苟延性命
，必成半肢之风症矣。故半肢之风，皆错治中风而成之也。治法宜用六君
子汤加入附子治之。
人参（一两） 白术（二两） 黄 （二两） 半夏（三钱） 茯苓（五钱） 甘草（一钱） 附子（一钱） 陈
皮（一
水煎服。一剂而出声，二剂而痰涎收。一连十剂，而前症尽愈。
夫参、苓、 、术补气之圣药也，加入附子，则将军有威令，遍达于诸经之内，岂独心
胃相通，使痰涎之不壅塞乎，所以奏功之能神也。
此症用释躁汤亦佳。
玄参（一两） 荆芥（三钱） 天花粉（三钱） 甘草（一钱） 陈皮（五分） 茯苓（三钱） 菖蒲 附子（各
三
水煎服。
有人无故身倒，肉跳心惊，口不能言，手不能动，足不能行，痰声如鼾，惟双目能动者
，人以为因痰而中风也。嗟乎，此痰病而非中风也。天下怪病，多生于痰，而痰病多成于湿
，痰湿结而不散，往往有见鬼神而猝倒者。此病之无故身倒，亦其一也。医工不知为痰湿之
气，见其倒而即呼为中风，误矣。然则治此病，不治痰而治风，适足以招风而生变；即不治
风，而惟治痰，亦不能消痰而弭灾。必须大补其气血，气旺而痰自化，血盛而痰自去也。方用
十全大补汤∶
人参（五钱） 黄 （一两） 当归（五钱） 白芍（三钱） 茯苓（五钱） 白术（五钱） 甘草（一钱） 熟
地（一
两） 川芎（二钱） 肉桂（二钱）
水煎服。一剂而口能言，二剂而心惊肉跳者止，三剂而鼾声息，十剂而手能动足能行矣
。又二十剂而气血重旺，一如无病之人。
此等之症，世人皆以风治，多致偾事。苟不治风，而惟治气血之虚，断不至变生不测者
[Background Information]
Book: Bian Zheng Lu (Record of Syndrome Differentiation)
Author: Chen Shiduo
Dynasty: Qing
Chapter: Stroke Section (25 Cases) (1/3)
Category: Comprehensive
A person approached a fire to warm themselves, causing one side of the body to become hot and the other cold, leading to sweating on the left cheek. Upon accidentally going outdoors, they were attacked by *zei feng* (thieving wind, referring to pathogenic wind), feeling stiffness and spasm in the right cheek, with the mouth corner deviating to the right. People considered this a symptom of stroke (*zhong feng*). However, I believe it is not stroke; rather, it is caused by the heat from the fire forcing warmth to gather on one side. If treated as stroke, there is actually no wind pathogen in the body. Harmonizing the *qi* and blood, assisted by herbs that clear heat and extinguish fire, will calm the fire, and the deviation will naturally correct itself. The formula used is He Xue Xi Huo Tang (Harmonize Blood and Extinguish Fire Decoction):
Shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae, 1 qian) Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, 5 qian) Huangqi (Radix Astragali, 3 qian) Fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae, 3 fen) Qinjiao (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae, 1 qian) Baizhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae, 5 fen) Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi, 3 fen) Tianhuafen (Radix Trichosanthis, 2 qian) Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae, 1 qian) Maidong (Herba Ophiopogonis, 3 qian) Xuanshen (Radix Scrophulariae, 5 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally. Symptoms alleviate after one dose, and facial deviation corrects after two doses.
The formula prioritizes tonifying blood and *qi*, while auxiliary herbs mostly target the Yangming channel. Why? Because the Yangming channel originates at the nose, intersects at the nasal root, and runs along the lateral side of the nose into the upper teeth. Thus, the cheeks and teeth are precisely the areas governed by the Yangming channel. Shengma and Baizhi are channel-guiding herbs for the Yangming meridian, used here to direct medicinal action to the teeth and cheeks; Qinjiao can relieve trismus (lockjaw); Fangfeng disperses wind pathogens; Guizhi consolidates the exterior and secures *ying* and *wei* qi. Used together with Danggui, Huangqi, Xuanshen, and Maidong, they naturally unblock meridians and invigorate organs/zang-fu. Even if genuine wind pathogens existed, they would have nowhere to reside. Moreover, since there was no severe wind invasion, only minor wind, the effect is naturally swift like a drumstick striking a drum.
This condition can also be treated with Pian Jie San (Resolve Deviation Powder):
Danggui Chao Zhizi (Fried Gardenia Fructus) Shengdi (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata) Wuyao (Linderae Radix) Fangfeng Baizhi (each 3 fen) Banxia (Rhizoma Pinelliae, 1 qian) Huangqi Fuling (Poria, each 1 qian) Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba, 5 qian) Qinjiao (1 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.
After prolonged dysentery, a person suddenly collapses, hands open, eyes staring, urinary incontinence, profuse sweating that does not stop, and a sawing sound in the throat. People consider this stroke, but I alone disagree. This disease results from excessive downward discharge leading to Yin exhaustion, where Yin deficiency causes sudden Yang collapse. It is originally incurable, but if Qihai (CV6) acupoint is urgently moxibusted, allowing Yang qi to reconnect, survival is possible. Although Yang returns, without using Qi-tonifying herbs, Yang will return and then immediately collapse again. The formula used is Du Shen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction):
Renshen (Radix Panacis Ginseng, 3 liang) Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata, 3 fen)
Decoct in water and administer orally; the person will not die.
Qihai (CV6) connects anteriorly with Dantian, the source of life energy; thus, moxibustion restores Yang. Without Renshen assisting, Qi returns to nothingness and cannot generate endlessly, merely providing temporary connection, which is of little benefit. This is why Renshen is called a life-saving herb.
This condition can also be treated with Shen Zhu Jia Gui Tang (Ginseng, Atractylodes, and Cinnamon Twig Decoction):
Renshen (2 liang) Baizhu (Radix Atractylodis Macrocephalae, 2 liang) Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi, 1 qian)
Decoct in water and administer orally.
A person experiences numbness in both hands and the face. People think this is a precursor to stroke, but it is actually due to Qi deficiency failing to transform and move blood. The head is the convergence point of the six Yang channels, and the face is the external manifestation of Yang. When Qi is robust, Yang is robust; when Qi declines, Yang declines. Robust Yang allows Qi to move blood, keeping the face supple; declining Yang causes Qi stagnation in blood, making the face numb. Once the face is numb, Yang decline is evident, so how can movement occur in the arms and fingers? No wonder all ten fingers are numb. The treatment method should tonify Qi deficiency and unblock Yang obstruction. The formula used is Zhu Yang Tong Qi Tang (Assist Yang and Unblock Qi Decoction):
Renshen (3 qian) Baizhu (5 qian) Huangqi (5 qian) Fangfeng (5 fen) Danggui (3 qian) Weirui (Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati, 5 qian) Guangmuxiang (Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum, 3 fen) Fuzi (2 fen) Wuyao (2 qian) Maidong (2 qian) Fuling (3 qian) Tianhuafen (2 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally. After two doses, hand numbness resolves; after another two doses, facial numbness resolves; after another two doses, it does not recur.
This formula greatly tonifies Qi; when Qi is robust, blood moves, so where would numbness come from?
This condition can also be treated with Zhu Qi Jie Ma Tang (Assist Qi and Resolve Numbness Decoction):
Renshen (3 qian) Baizhu Huangqi Maidong (each 5 qian) Danggui Jingjie (Herba Schizonepetae, each 2 qian) Wuyao (8 fen) Fuzi (1 fen) Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri, 8 fen) Banxia (1 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.
A person suddenly collapses, eyes tightly closed, dizzy and unable to recognize anyone, even their own descendants. People consider this a critical stroke symptom, but it is absolutely not stroke; it is heart Qi exhaustion. There is no human body without abundant phlegm-dampness. Abundant phlegm travels directly to the Heart channel; when Heart Qi exhausts, phlegm-saliva obstructs Danzhong (CV17) and cannot open. Although Danzhong acts as the minister of the Heart Monarch, shielding the Heart from invading phlegm, why does it instead obstruct phlegm harming the Heart? It is because when Heart Qi is deficient, Danzhong is also deficient. With Danzhong deficient, it can only shield against phlegm to protect the Heart, lacking the strength to expel phlegm to benefit the Heart. Furthermore, if phlegm-Qi is excessively strong and attacks the Heart urgently, Danzhong tightly closes the diaphragm to prevent phlegm entry, causing Heart Qi to become blocked and unable to ascend to the sensory orifices, resulting in closed eyes and inability to recognize people. The treatment method urgently needs to tonify the Ministerial Fire (Heart Fire and Mingmen Fire) and assist with phlegm-resolving herbs. Once Heart Qi flows, eyes open, and recognition returns. The formula used is Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) modified:
Renshen (1 liang) Baizhu (2 liang) Fuling (3 qian) Fuzi (1 qian) Zhuli (Bamboo Juice, 1 he) Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice, 1 he) Changpu (Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii, 3 fen)
Decoct in water and take orally. Eyes open after one dose; recognition returns after two doses.
This formula uses Renshen and Baizhu to save exhausted Heart Qi. However, without the power of Fuzi, it cannot break through the siege and enter directly. Even with Fuzi, without Zhuli and Jiangzhi, phlegm separation might make Fuzi’s solitary army struggle to act. Changpu is added as a guide to lead Fuzi and other herbs directly to the Heart Palace, facilitating expulsion.
This condition treated with Jia Wei San Sheng Yin (Modified Three Lives Drink) is also miraculous.
Renshen Baizhu (each 1 liang) Fuzi Tianxing (Rhizoma Arisaematis, i.e., Nanting) Banxia Changpu Yuanzhi (Radix Polygalae, each 1 qian) Sheng Zaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, 3 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.
A person who loves drinking alcohol complains of arm pain. After taking wind-dispersing and phlegm-resolving herbs, numbness worsens, phlegm-saliva increases, body becomes soft with flaccid sinews, legs and knees feel stiff and painful, mouth locks with slurred speech, head and eyes feel heavy and dizzy, saliva drips from the mouth corner, skin feels like insects crawling with white scales upon scratching. People think stroke has set in, but it is actually Spleen Qi deficiency. The post-heaven foundation relies entirely on dietary nourishment. Excessive eating damages Spleen Qi, preventing benefit. Alcohol scatters true Qi; moderate drinking helps, excessive drinking harms. Daily indulgence fills organs with dregs-qi, making true Qi injury inevitable. Thus, soft body and flaccid sinews are due to Spleen deficiency failing to transport; increased phlegm is due to Spleen deficiency failing to transform; leg/knee stiffness is due to Spleen deficiency failing to move Qi; locked mouth/slurred speech is due to Spleen deficiency failing to connect Qi; heavy head/dizziness is due to Spleen deficiency failing to raise Qi; dripping saliva and scaling are due to Spleen deficiency failing to control fluids and moisten, respectively. All these symptoms stem from Spleen Qi depletion. The formula used is Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) modified:
Renshen (5 qian) Baizhu (1 liang) Gancao (1 qian) Banxia (2 qian) Chenpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, 5 fen) Fuzi (3 fen) Fuling (3 qian)
Take continuously for ten doses to cure.
Liu Jun Zi Tang specifically tonifies Spleen Qi and treats phlegm. However, without adding Fuzi, it cannot travel meridians and unblock vessels. One might doubt the large amount of Baizhu, but Baizhu strengthens the Spleen and excels at drying dampness; using more promotes fluid metabolism in the waist/navel area and raises Yang Qi, preventing Yang sinking, allowing the Spleen to establish its transportation function.
This condition treated with Shen Zhu Qu Shi Tang (Ginseng and Atractylodes Dampness-Removing Decoction) is also excellent.
Renshen Baizhu (each 5 qian) Gancao Banxia Fuzi (each 1 qian) Shanyao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae, 1 liang) Yiren (Semen Coicis, 3 qian) Sharen (Fructus Amomi, 3 grains)
Decoct in water and take orally.
After anger, a person vomits phlegm, experiencing chest fullness and pain. Taking Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), Er Chen Tang (Two Aged Herbs Decoction) plus Huangqin (Radix Scutellariae), Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis), Zhike (Fructus Aurantii) yields no response. Adding wind-dispersing herbs leads to hemiplegia, gradual tendon contraction, limb flaccidity, worsening at dusk, internal heat, dry mouth, and fatigue. People think wind has entered the Fu organs, but it is actually unresolved depression and stagnant Liver Qi. Treating non-existent wind with wind herbs damages Qi and Blood, creating a stroke-like illness. Treatment must resolve depression and assist with Qi/Blood tonification and Yin/Essence nourishment. The formula used is Shu Nu Yi Yin Tang (Soothe Anger and Benefit Yin Decoction):
Shudi (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata, 1 liang) Danggui (5 qian) Fuling (2 qian) Gancao (5 fen) Baishao (1 liang) Chenpi (5 fen) Maidong (3 qian) Danpi (Cortex Moutan, 3 qian) Chaihu (1 qian) Baizhu (2 qian) Renshen (1 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally. Tendons relax after ten doses; limbs regain strength after another ten doses. Later, pure Liu Wei Wan (Six Flavor Pill) decocted in large doses is taken. After two months, half the body recovers.
This formula is Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) modified. Adding Renshen, Shudi, Maidong, and Danpi to Xiaoyao San has profound meaning. Xiaoyao San is the supreme herb for resolving depression; tonification works only after depression clears. The key is using Baishao up to 1 liang to calm Liver Qi. Calmed Liver prevents Wood from overacting on Earth, giving Earth vitality, aided by Spleen-strengthening herbs. Thus, defeat turns to victory.
This condition treated with Jia Wei Xiaoyao San (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) is also effective.
Chaihu (2 qian) Baishao (5 qian) Baizhu Danggui Shengdi (each 3 qian) Gancao Chao Zhizi Banxia (each 1 qian) Qingpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride, 5 fen)
Decoct in water and take orally.
A person with emotional depression suffers tendon spasms and bone pain, feeling a lump in the throat that won’t go down. Taking Wuyao Shun Qi San (Wu Yao Regulate Qi Powder) leads to facial deviation, inability to raise arms, increased phlegm, internal heat, and afternoon fever. People think it’s progressing to hemiplegia, but it is actually Liver Wood stagnation. Wood loves Water; stagnation consumes Water. Consumed Water makes Wood harder to soothe; stagnant Wood traps Fire within. Naturally, Wood overacts on Earth, injuring Spleen and Stomach. Spleen heat and Stomach dryness generate internal wind, showing wind symptoms without external invasion. Treatment must tonify Spleen/Earth. However, tonifying Spleen Qi alone fails if Liver overacts; one must soothe Liver to support Spleen. The formula used is Shu Mu Sheng Tu Tang (Soothe Wood and Generate Earth Decoction):
Baishao (5 qian) Fuling (3 qian) Shanyao (1 qian) Sheng Zaoren (2 qian) Yuanzhi (1 qian) Gancao (5 fen) Baizhu (3 qian) Shudi (5 qian) Yujin (Radix Curcumae, 1 qian) Renshen (1 qian) Maidong (2 qian) Danggui (2 qian) Xuanshen (3 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.
This formula treats Heart, Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Liver, and Kidney simultaneously. Why “Soothe Wood and Generate Earth”? Though treating multiple organs, it primarily targets the Liver. Treating Heart doesn’t consume Liver Qi; treating Kidney generates Liver; treating Lung prevents Metal from overacting on Wood; treating Spleen/Stomach prevents them from attacking Liver. Thus, all herbs nourish Liver to soothe Wood. Soothed Wood benefits Earth. The name implies deep strategy.
This condition treated with Shu Mu Yin (Soothe Wood Drink) is also good.
Chaihu Bohe (Herba Menthae) Gancao Cangzhu (Radix Atractylodis Lanceae) Baijiezi (Semen Sinapis Albis, each 1 qian) Baishao (5 qian) Fuling (3 qian) Danpi Shengdi (each 2 qian) Qingpi (5 fen)
Decoct in water and take orally.
A person suddenly collapses, vomiting phlegm, screaming wildly, sitting/standing/walking spontaneously, unrecognized, developing rashes that turn into boils after days. This is true stroke. The person’s Yuan Qi is not deficient; temporarily struck by wind pathogen, strong Zheng Qi fights weak Xie Qi. Neither yields, generating phlegm and wild behavior. Internal heat rises externally, causing bright red rashes; fire-toxin in muscles becomes boils. Like a fortified house with strong owners fighting intruders, leading to fire damage. Treatment need not support Zheng Qi, only dispel Xie Qi, sweeping away thieving wind so Zheng Qi rests. The formula used is Sao Feng Tang (Sweep Wind Decoction):
Jingjie (Herba Schizonepetae, 5 qian) Fangfeng (3 qian) Banxia (3 qian) Chenpi (1 qian) Tianhuafen (1.5 qian) Fuling (3 qian) Huangqin (2 qian) Suye (Folium Perillae, 1 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally. Wild behavior calms after one dose; phlegm clears after two; rashes dissipate after three; boils heal.
Such cases are rare (1 in 10,000). I highlight this as true stroke so others can treat similar cases correctly.
This condition treated with Pai Feng Yin (Expel Wind Drink) is highly effective.
Dahuang (Stewed in Wine, 3 qian) Danpi (5 qian) Gancao Fangfeng Tianma (Rhizoma Gastrodiae) Tianxing (each 1 qian) Xuanshen (1 liang) Chaihu (3 qian) Huangqin Suye Jingjie (each 2 qian) Danggui (3 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.
A person with chronic internal heat falls suddenly, unrecognized, left hand numb. People think stroke, but it is Kidney Water insufficient to nourish Liver, causing Liver Wood dryness and self-generated wind falling, not true stroke. Treating as stroke leads to death; treating as Qi deficiency worsens Yin loss. Must tonify Kidney Water to generate Liver Wood. Soothed Wood restores sensation. The formula used is Liu Wei Di Huang Tang (Six Flavor Rehmannia Decoction) modified:
Shudi (1 liang) Shanzhuyu (Fructus Corni, 5 qian) Shanyao (4 qian) Fuling (3 qian) Danpi (3 qian) Zexie (Radix Alismatis, 1 qian) Baishao (1 liang) Danggui (5 qian) Baijiezi (3 qian) Chaihu (1 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally. Recognition returns after one dose; pain/sensation in hand after four; full recovery after ten.
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is not typically for stroke, but here it nourishes Kidney Water; Baishao/Danggui calm Liver Wood; Chaihu/Baijiezi unblock Liver Qi and dissolve flank phlegm. Water sufficient, Wood flows freely; phlegm gone, Qi flows; internal heat removed, body comfortable. Left hand paralysis resolves.
This condition treated with Run Zao Dan (Moisten Dryness Pill) is also effective.
Shudi (2 liang) Baishao (1 liang) Chaihu (5 fen) Tianhuafen (3 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.
A person suddenly falls, mute, drooling, right hand numb, skin insensible. People think Qi deficiency stroke. Qi deficiency exists, but not stroke. Heart Qi deficient fails to move Qi to Stomach; Stomach Qi deficient generates heat, steaming fluids into phlegm, blocking tunnels, preventing Qi from reaching Heart, sealing spirit orifices. Spirit confused, tongue loose, Lianquan (CV23) opens, drooling ensues. Movement relies on Qi; Qi deficient fails to reach limbs, causing numbness. Right hand belongs to Qi. Qi failing to reach skin causes insensitivity. Treating as stroke is fatal. Adding wind herbs to Qi tonics only prolongs life, leading to hemiplegia. Hence, hemiplegia often results from misdiagnosed stroke. Treatment: Liu Jun Zi Tang plus Fuzi.
Renshen (1 liang) Baizhu (2 liang) Huangqi (2 liang) Banxia (3 qian) Fuling (5 qian) Gancao (1 qian) Fuzi (1 qian) Chenpi (1 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally. Voice returns after one dose; phlegm stops after two; full recovery after ten consecutive doses.
Renshen, Fuling, Huangqi, Baizhu are supreme Qi tonics. Adding Fuzi gives general authority, reaching all meridians, ensuring Heart-Stomach connection and phlegm clearance, achieving miraculous results.
This condition treated with Shi Zao Tang (Relieve Restlessness Decoction) is also good.
Xuanshen (1 liang) Jingjie (3 qian) Tianhuafen (3 qian) Gancao (1 qian) Chenpi (5 fen) Fuling (3 qian) Changpu Fuzi (each 3 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.
A person suddenly falls, muscle twitching, palpitations, mute, immobile limbs, snoring phlegm, only eyes moving. People think phlegm-induced stroke. Alas, this is phlegm disease, not stroke. Strange diseases often arise from phlegm, formed by dampness. Phlegm-damp knotting causes fainting seeing ghosts. This sudden fall is one such case. Doctors mistaking it for stroke err. Treating wind instead of phlegm invites change; treating only phlegm fails to resolve disaster. Must greatly tonify Qi and Blood; robust Qi transforms phlegm; abundant Blood removes phlegm. The formula used is Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Comprehensive Great Tonifying Decoction):
Renshen (5 qian) Huangqi (1 liang) Danggui (5 qian) Baishao (3 qian) Fuling (5 qian) Baizhu (5 qian) Gancao (1 qian) Shudi (1 liang) Chuanxiong (Radix Chuanxiong, 2 qian) Rougui (2 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally. Speech returns after one dose; palpitations stop after two; snoring ceases after three; movement returns after ten. After twenty more doses, Qi/Blood robust, fully recovered.
Worldly doctors treat these as wind, often failing. Not treating wind, but focusing on Qi/Blood deficiency, prevents unpredictable changes.