Beyond abdominal fullness, if the residual pathogenic qi still manifests as external distension, causing the skin to rise with shapes resembling heads and feet, it indicates that the true Yang of the Middle Jiao Spleen and Stomach is extremely deficient. Consequently, Yin-Cold pathogenic factors invade upward and spread horizontally in such a manner.
In this situation, it is imperative to strongly establish the Qi of the Middle Jiao, using the support of Yang to overcome Yin. This is precisely because Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) and Shujiao (Sichuan Pepper) are greatly acrid and warm; their great acridity disperses Cold, while their great warmth gathers Qi. To these, Renshen (Ginseng), which is sweet, neutral, and powerfully tonifying, is added to enrich the properties of Dried Ginger and Sichuan Pepper, thereby stimulating and activating them. Finally, a sweet gum-like substance derived from rice juice is prepared by slow simmering to serve as the guiding herb (Shi Yao). The rationale is likely to utilize rice to support Stomach Qi, and the sweet flavor to secure the central palace (Middle Jiao), thus...