Herbal USA

MAIN SYMPTOMS: Paralysis of the four extremities which is most severe in the lower limbs, swelling and distention of the hands and feet, reduced food intake, abdominal distention, muscular cramping and pain, possible emaciation, a sallow yellow, lusterless facial complexion, loose stools, a pale tongue with thin, white fur, and a fine, forceless pulse

TREATMENT PRINCIPLES: Fortify the spleen and boost the qi

Rx: Shen Ling Bai Zhu San Jia Jian (Ginseng, Poria & Atractylodes Powder with Additions & Subtractions)

Analysis OF FORMULA: Dang Shen, Fu Ling, and Shan Yao supplement the spleen and boost the qi. Chen Pi transforms dampness and rectifies and regulates upbearing and down-bearing. Gui Zhi warms the spleen at the same time as it quickens the blood and frees the flow in the extremities. In particular it leads yang qi to move back downwards. Qiang Huo frees the flow of impediment and stops pain by moving the qi. Mu Gua soothes the sinews and frees the flow of the channels as well as guides the other medicinals to the lower legs. Dan Shen quickens the blood and transforms stasis. In addition, Shan Yao and Xu Duan supplement the kidney qi and yang respectively. These last three medicinals are included in this formula because enduring disease typically includes blood stasis and enduring spleen disease reaches the kidneys.

Additions & subtractions: If there is muscular cramping and pain, add nine grams each of Ru Xiang (Olibanum) and Mo Yao (Myrrha) and three grams oiXiXin (Herba Asari). If there is swelling and distention of the hands and feet, add 12 grams of Luo Shi Teng (Rhizoma Trachelospermi) and Bi Xie (Rhizoma Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae). If the tongue is red with scanty fur or the fur is dry and yellow with oral thirst, delete Chen Pi, Gui Zhi, and Qiang Huo and add 30 grams each of ShengDi (uncooked Radix Rehmanniae), Sang Zhi (Ramulus Mori), and Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum), 12 grams each of Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis) and Bei Sha Shen (Radix Glehniae), and nine grams of Qin Jiao (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae).

Acupuncture & moxibustion: San Yin Jiao (Sp 6), Xue Hai (Sp 10), Zu San Li (St 36), Pi Shu (Bl 20), Wei Shu (Bl 21), local points depending on the area of pain or discomfort

Analysis of formula: San Yin Jiao, Zu San Li, Pi Shu, and Wei Shu together supplement the spleen and boost the qi. Xue Hai quickens the blood and dispels stasis. In addition, Zu San Li frees the flow of the qi and blood in the lower extremities.

ADDITIONS & SUBTRACTIONS: If there is pain in the heel, needle Kun Lun (Bl 60). If there is tingling or burning on the sole of the foot, add Yong Quan (Ki 1). If there is pain, tingling, or numbness of the toes, needle the Ba Feng (M-LE-8). If there is downward falling of the central qi with dizziness, fatigue, and lack of strength, moxa Bai Hui (GV 20).

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 31st, 2011 at 11:05 am and is filed under Herbal Therapy. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.