【Source】

From “Yang’s Family Prescriptions” (1178 AD), Vol. 4, cited in “Danxi’s Medical Principles” (1347 AD) which references “Ji Sheng Fang” (1253 AD). It does not contain Chi Shao or Da Zao, but includes Bai Shao.

 【Composition】

Qiang Huo, Jiang Huang, Dang Gui, Chi Shao, Huang Qi, Fang Feng, Gan Cao, Sheng Jiang, Da Zao
(9)

 【Classification】

<Blood-tonifying>: Dang Gui

<Spleen and Middle-tonifying>: Gan Cao, Da Zao

<Qi-tonifying>: Huang Qi

<Exterior-resolving with Acrid Warmth>: Sheng Jiang, Qiang Huo, Fang Feng

<Blood-activating and Stasis-removing>: Chi Shao, three auxiliaries Gan Jiang Zao, Jiang Huang

【Formula Rationale】

From “Yi Fang”: “This formula is for Tai Yang and Jue Yin meridians. (1) Acridity disperses cold, wind overcomes dampness. Fang Feng and Qiang Huo remove dampness and scatter wind. (2) When Qi flows, blood circulates; when blood circulates, wind disperses. Huang Qi and stir-fried Gan Cao tonify Qi and strengthen the Wei (defensive) Qi. (3) Dang Gui and Chi Shao activate blood and harmonize the Ying (nutritive) Qi. (4) Jiang Huang regulates Qi within blood, entering both hand and foot meridians to dispel cold and dampness.” From “Cheng Fang Bian Du”: “This formula uses Huang Qi to tonify Wei Qi, supplemented by the penetrating actions of Fang Feng and Qiang Huo, ensuring tonification without stagnation and circulation without leakage. Both functions are achieved, complementing each other. Gui and Shao harmonize Ying and blood, further assisted by sliced Jiang Huang, which penetrates blood, moves Qi, dispels cold, and dries dampness. This ensures that the three types of pathogenic Qi have no place to linger. Gan Cao harmonizes the herbs and moderates middle-jiao deficiency. Jiang and Zao facilitate Ying and Wei Qi, generate fluids, and reach the muscles and skin. Therefore, this formula treats Bi syndrome not due to Liver and Kidney deficiency, but when it affects sinews and bones. Its effectiveness is remarkable. The intention behind its formulation is truly excellent.”

 【Functions】

Tonify Qi and nourish blood, dispel wind and remove dampness.

 【Efficacy】

Both Ying and Wei Qi are deficient, with wind-dampness obstructing. Wind-damp Bi pain, pain in the shoulders and back, body pain and discomfort, stiffness in the neck and arms, difficulty in movement, numbness and coldness in hands and feet, heavy sensation in the waist and legs, weakness in sinews and channels, etc. From “Yi Fang”: “Wind-stroke with body pain and discomfort, neck and back stiffness, coldness and numbness in the limbs, heavy sensation in the waist and knees, difficulty in movement.”

 【Indications】

Joint pain, wrist pain in the forties, shoulder pain in the fifties, lower back pain.

 【Mnemonic】

Send three auxiliaries to sweep and clear, preventing the yellow ox from robbing. (San Zuo Qi Shao Dang Fang Huang Qiang).