【Source】n

《Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (1110 AD)》, 《San Yin Fang (1174 AD)》 Volume 2.

 【Ingredients】

Lindera Root (Wuyao), Ephedra (Mahuang), Aged Tangerine Peel (Chen (Ju) Pi), White Silkworm (Jiangcan), Dried Ginger (Ganjiang), Szechuan Lovage Root (Chuanxiong), Fructus Aurantii (Zhike), Platycodon Root (Jiegeng), Angelica Dahurica Root (Baizhi), Licorice Root (Gancao)n(10)

【Categories】

<Regulating Qi>: Fructus Aurantii (Zhike), Tangerine Peel (Chenpi), Lindera Root (Wuyao)

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice Root (Gancao)

<Acrid-Warm Exterior-Releasing>: Angelica Dahurica Root (Baizhi), Ephedra (Mahuang)

<Warming the Interior>: Dried Ginger (Ganjiang)

<Invigorating Blood and Dispelling Stasis>: Szechuan Lovage Root (Chuanxiong)

<Transforming Phlegm>: Platycodon Root (Jiegeng)

<Calming Liver and Extinguishing Wind>: White Silkworm (Jiangcan)

【Formulation Explanation】

《Yi Fang (Medical Formulas)》: Medicine for Hand Taiyin and Foot Jueyin channels. (1) When wind is rampant, fire flares up, leading to phlegm-fire surging upwards, which is internal Qi rebellion. However, wind-stroke (zhong feng) is often triggered by external invasion of wind-cold, where internal deficiency allows external pathogens to take advantage, leading to exterior Qi rebellion. (2) Ephedra (Mahuang), Platycodon Root (Jiegeng): Medicines for the Lung system, to induce sweating and dispel cold. (3) Szechuan Lovage Root (Chuanxiong), Angelica Dahurica Root (Baizhi): Medicines for the head and face, to dispel wind and invigorate blood. (4) Fructus Aurantii (Zhike), Tangerine Peel (Jupi): To regulate Qi and resolve phlegm. (5) Silkworm (Jiangcan): To clear heat, transform phlegm, and disperse stagnation. (6) Dried Ginger (Ganjiang): To warm the channels and unblock Yang. (7) Licorice Root (Gancao): To harmonize the middle jiao and clear fire. (8) Lindera Root (Wuyao): Can facilitate the circulation of all Qi obstructed by pathogens. (9) This formula first resolves exterior Qi while simultaneously regulating internal Qi. When Qi flows smoothly, wind disperses. For sudden wind-stroke, it is appropriate to first treat the superficial symptoms (Biao). However, it is not suitable for those with Qi deficiency or chronic illness.

n 【Functions】n

Regulates Qi and dispels wind, disperses stagnation and promotes circulation.

n 【Indications】n

Disharmony of wind-qi, flowing into channels and collaterals, attacking the four limbs, causing contracture and numbness of legs and knees, joint pain, general numbness, dizziness, slurred speech, facial distortion (mouth and eyes deviated), throat obstruction with phlegm surging, as well as paralysis with difficulty walking, and weakness of legs and knees. 《Yi Fang》: Wind-stroke with general numbness, joint pain, difficulty walking, slurred speech, facial distortion, and rapid breathing with phlegm in the throat.

n 【Applications】n

Cerebral hemorrhage, encephalomalacia, hemiplegia, “forty-year-old wrist” (De Quervain’s tenosynovitis), “fifty-year-old shoulder” (adhesive capsulitis), numbness of hands and feet, facial nerve paralysis, beriberi, aging-related symptoms, etc.

n 【Contraindications】n

Not to be taken by pregnant women.

n 【Mnemonic】n

吾要順氣 (Wuyao Shunqi – sounds like “I want to regulate Qi”) — 吾極窮，泡馬子，只炒僵局 (Wujie Qiong, Pao Mahzi, Zhi Cao Jiang Ju – a mnemonic to remember: Wuyao, Jiegeng, Chuanxiong, Mahuang, Baizhi, Zhike, Gancao, Jiangcan, Jupi).

n 【Modifications】n

《Yi Fang》: (1) For those with spontaneous sweating: Remove Atractylodes (Zhu) and Ephedra (Huang), add Astragalus Root (Huangqi). (2) For inability to move hands and feet: Add Ledebouriella Root (Fangfeng), Dipsacus Root (Xuduan), Clematis Root (Weilingxian). (3) For contracture: Add Chaenomeles Fruit (Mugua). (4) For beriberi: Add Achyranthes Root (Niuxi), Acanthopanax Bark (Wujia Pi), Angelica Pubescens Root (Duhuo).