[Naming]

(1) From “Yi Fang”: Because it strengthens the protective Qi (Wei Qi) and solidifies the exterior, it is called Yu Ping Feng (Jade Screen). (2) It can resist external wind pathogens, like a precious jade screen against the wind.

 [Source]

From “Shi Yi De Xiao Fang” (1328), “Dan Xi Xin Fa” (1347), and “Yi Fang Lei Ju” (1443), Volume 15, quoting “Jiu Yuan Fang” (1213).

 [Composition]

Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), Huang Qi (Astragalus Root), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Fresh Ginger, and Da Zao (Jujube Fruit).

 [Classification Group]

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Qi>: Bai Zhu, Da Zao

<Tonifying Qi>: Huang Qi

<Aromatically Warm Exterior Releasing>: Fresh Ginger, Fang Feng

[Formula Meaning]

From “Yi Fang”: This formula involves the Bladder (Tai Yang) and Lung/Spleen (Tai Yin) channels. (1) Huang Qi: Tonifies Qi and specifically consolidates the exterior, thus it is the chief ingredient. (2) Bai Zhu: Benefits the Spleen, and the Spleen governs the muscles, hence it is the minister ingredient. (3) Fang Feng: Dispels wind, and is a swift-moving wind-dispelling herb. Huang Qi is wary of it, thus it is the envoy ingredient. (4) Because it benefits the protective Qi and solidifies the exterior, it is called Yu Ping Feng. From “Shan Bu”: Fang Feng circulates throughout the body, known as a miraculous herb for treating wind. It clears the seven orifices of the head and face, internally removes pain and numbness from joints, and externally relieves spasms and rigidity of the limbs. It is a moistening agent among wind-dispelling herbs. For wind, only this herb is chosen due to its significant and concentrated effect. However, protective Qi (Wei Qi) is responsible for warming the muscles and filling the skin, firming the pores, and regulating opening and closing. Only Huang Qi can tonify the Triple Burner and strengthen the Wei Qi, serving as a crucial point for resisting wind from the primary gate. It can induce sweating when there is no sweat and stop sweating when there is excessive sweat, with effects similar to Gui Zhi. Therefore, it can also eliminate wind-heat affecting the head and eyes, grand wind and epilepsy, intestinal wind with blood in the stool, and wind of the uterus in women. It is a wind-dispelling herb within tonifying formulas. Thus, when Fang Feng is combined with Huang Qi, its efficacy is even greater. Bai Zhu strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, warms the muscles; tonifying the Earth thus pacifies wind. With Fang Feng’s excellent ability to expel wind, when combined with Huang Qi to consolidate the exterior, there is external defense; when combined with Bai Zhu to consolidate the interior, there is internal foundation. Wind pathogens are dispelled and do not return. Therefore, to dispel wind pathogens, one should regard it as a screen and treasure it like jade. For persistent spontaneous sweating, it is also due to a slight pathogen on the exterior, and the lack of consolidation of the skin and muscles. From “Cheng Fang Bian Du”: Generally, when the exterior is deficient and unable to defend the outside, the middle Qi must first be established. Therefore, Bai Zhu, which tonifies the Spleen and strengthens the Middle Jiao, is the chief ingredient. When the Spleen is strong, the Qi of the four Zang organs receives benefit, the exterior is consolidated, and pathogens cannot invade. Then, Huang Qi is used to consolidate the exterior and benefit the Wei Qi. Combined with Fang Feng, which travels swiftly, they assist each other, and their efficacy is enhanced. Thus, Huang Qi does not need to worry about consolidating pathogens, and Fang Feng does not need to worry about scattering the exterior. This formula combines dispelling with tonifying, and tonifying the interior with exterior release, embodying the brilliance of its name and intention, which is truly beyond the reach of later scholars.

 [Functions]

Tonify Qi, consolidate the exterior, and stop sweating.

 [Indications]

Spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency, easily catching wind pathogens. External invasion in individuals with deficiency, lingering wind pathogens, or deficiency of Yang, Wei Qi, or exterior leading to persistent spontaneous sweating. From “Yi Fang”: (1) Persistent spontaneous sweating, Qi deficiency and weak exterior, easily catching wind-cold. Because it benefits the protective Qi and consolidates the exterior, it is called Yu Ping Feng. From “Shan Bu”: For lingering wind pathogens that do not dissipate, and for persistent spontaneous sweating.

 [Applicable Conditions]

Common cold, cough, asthma, nephritis, etc.

 [Contraindications]

(1) This formula and Gui Zhi Tang can both be used for spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency. However, this formula primarily addresses spontaneous sweating caused by deficiency of exterior Wei Yang, focusing on tonifying Qi, consolidating the exterior, and stopping sweating. In contrast, spontaneous sweating and aversion to wind in Gui Zhi Tang syndrome are caused by disharmony between Ying and Wei, thus focusing on harmonizing Ying and Wei. (2) Avoid wind-cold. Avoid raw, cold, and greasy foods.

 [Mnemonic]

The Jade Screen must block wind, naturally expelling wind. Expel wind early (Ginger, Jujube, Huang Qi, Bai Zhu, Fang Feng) #

 [Modifications]

(1) For more severe spontaneous sweating, add Wu Wei Xiao Mai (Fructus Triticum Aestivum), calcined Mu Li (Concha Ostreae), and Ma Huang Gen (Herba Ephedrae) to enhance exterior consolidation and sweat stopping. (2) For exterior deficiency with invasion of pathogens, aversion to wind-cold with sweating, add Gui Zhi Tang to harmonize Ying and Wei and release the exterior. (3) For deficiency with spontaneous sweating and susceptibility to colds, add Wu Wei Xiao Mai (Fructus Triticum Aestivum) and red jujube to consolidate the exterior, stop sweating, and for frequent consumption to prevent colds. (4) For concurrent menstrual period colds, body aches, cough with white phlegm, nasal congestion, and runny nose, add Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root), Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Zhi Ke (Tangerine Peel), Cang Er Zi (Cocklebur Fruit), Xin Yi (Magnolia Flower), and Ge Gen (Kudzu Root) to dispel wind-cold, stop cough, and resolve phlegm. (5) For excessive nasal discharge, add Suo Quan Wan to tonify the Kidney and astringe. (6) For lung deficiency cough and asthma, pale complexion, thin physique, poor appetite, soft pulse, and white tongue with teeth marks, add Liu Jun Zi Tang to tonify the Lung and Spleen. (7) For exterior deficiency wind-water, with more facial puffiness upon waking, add Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang to assist Wei Qi in moving dampness. (8) If Bai Zhu is removed and Zhi Ke is added, it becomes San Qi San from “Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng”, which treats tenesmus and urgency after dysentery. (9) For middle-aged and elderly individuals to prevent colds, add Gui Zhi Tang, Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium), and Wu Wei Zi to harmonize Ying and Wei, astringe essence, tonify the Kidney, and strengthen the Spleen and unblock Yang, thereby enhancing body fluid immunity and cellular immunity to increase resistance. (10) For migratory pain in joints and muscles, add Ji Xue Teng (Caulis Spatholobi), Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Wallichii Rhizome), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), and stir-fried Jiang Huang (Curcuma) to invigorate blood, remove stasis, unblock channels, and dispel wind and dampness. (11) For headache, add Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica Root) and Man Jing Zi (Vitex Uniseriata Fruit) to dispel cold and stop pain.

 [Pharmacology]

Can enhance the body’s immune function.