JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE NUMBER 23 JANUARY 1987

THE CLINICAL ACTION OF COMMONLY

USED POINTS
By Li Shi Zhen,
translated by Mazin Al-Khafaji
'The Clinical Action of Commonly Used Points', by Li Shi Zhen (different
characters to the famous Ming dynasty Li Shi Zhen), is the discussion of some
eighty commonly used points, as understood and developed by four generations of
Li's family.

Although in most cases the application and functions of the points discussed do
not differ fundamentally from the way they are generally understood, there are
notable exceptions. For example the point Hegu L.I.-4 (not discussed in this article),
as well as possessing the usual action of dispersing wind, relieving exterior heat,
scattering LU-Qi, clearing the head etc., has the function of tonifying Qi - especially
in relation to consolidating the exterior, arresting prolapse, raising Yang Qi,
holding the blood within the vessels, and creating blood. [Similar in function to
Radix Astragali (Huang Qi); Radix Ginseng (Ren Shen); Radix Codonopsis (Dang
Shen); Radix Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao); Radix Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Bad Zhu);
and Radix Polygonati (Huang Jing); all being major herbs for tonifying the Qi of the
body]. This does not deviate from the tradition found within Chinese medicine,
that when based on sound clinical observation, and a deep understanding of the
fundamental principles, then each individual will necessarily develop their own
way of interpretation.

In this vein, Li Shi Zhen introduces his work as one possible approach which
should not be interpreted too rigidly. This is especially evident in likening the
points to herbs and herbal prescriptions, where he concedes this might be a
handicap if not understood in the sense it is presented.

Finally he speaks of four main areas which he deems essential to the successful
application of acupuncture:

1. A solid grasp of the main classics.

2. The thorough understanding of individual points, and how they differ from
other points with similar actions.

3. The thorough understanding of how individual points interact with each

other, to create an action more profound than the sum of the points used.

4. The clear differentiation of the presenting symptoms and signs, and the
subsequent choice of as few points as possible.

In this article I have translated the first two points discussed in the book, namely
Zhongfu LU-1 and Chize LU-5. To avoid repetition I have not included the
constellation of symptoms and signs given for each prescription.
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JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE NUMBER 23 JANUARY 1987

ZHONGFU LU-1

The name Zhongfu, 'Middle Mansion' refers to the fact that the Qi from the
middle jiao accumulates at this point. Its other names include Ying Shu, 'Breast
Shu', Fei Shu, 'Lung Shu', and Long Han Shu, 'Dragon's Cheek Point'.

Scope of treatment

1. Disorders of the lung organ

This point is commonly used in the following patterns where the dispersing and
descending function of the lung is out of harmony, giving rise to abnormal flow of
Qi:

- Cold pathogen invading the LU

- Turbid phlegm hindering the LU
- Phlegm-heat obstructing the LU
- Heat pathogen injuring the LU
- LU-Qi-Xu

2. Disorders of the local area

This point is indicated in chest pain due to the following:

a. Stagnation of heart blood

b. External trauma giving rise to stagnation of Qi and blood
c. Dysfunction of LU-Qi

as well as shoulder and back pain when related to a LU disharmony.

Functions

1. According to differentiation of pattern disharmony:

i. Reducing (Xie) method - to disperse and benefit LU-Qi

ii. Reinforcing method (Bu) - to tonify LU-Qi

2. According to local area:

i. Reducing method - to move and smooth the Qi of the channels in the chest
ii. Reducing method followed by moxa - to warm the lung, scatter pathogenic
factors, and warm and move the channels

Main indications:

- cough
- tuberculosis
- asthma
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- chest
chestpain
pain
JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE NUMBER 23 JANUARY 1987

- shoulder and back pain

- breast pain
- angina pectoris
- myocardial infarct
- chest Bi

CLINICAL APPLICATION:

1. Cough

a. Wind -cold binding the exterior

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce)

Fengmen BL-12 (reduce)
Dazhui DU-14 (reduce)

Function: To disperse wind, dispel cold, scatter LU-Qi and stop cough.

b. Wind -heat invading the exterior

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce)

Fengchi GB-20 (reduce)
Hegu L.I.-4 (reduce) or Quchi L.I.-11 (reduce)

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce)

Fengmen BL-12 (reduce)
Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Function: To dispel wind, clear heat, disperse LU-Qi and stop cough.

c. Dry heat injuring the lung

1. When Yin-Xu predominates:

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce)

Netting ST-44 (reduce)
Fuliu KID-7 (reinforce)

Function: To clear heat, generate body fluids, moisten dryness and benefit the lung.

2. When heat predominates:

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JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE NUMBER 23 JANUARY 1987

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce)

Netting ST-44 (reduce)
Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Function: To clear heat and stop cough.

d. Stagnant LIV-Qi transforming to fire injuring the lung.

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce)

Xingjian LIV-2 (reduce)
Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Function: To calm the LIV, disperse fire, clear the lung and lower Qi.

2. Asthma

a. Wind -cold binding the lung

Prescription:

Dazhui DU-14 (reduce)

Feishu BL-13 (reduce)
Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce)

Function: To disperse the lung, liberate the surface, benefit Qi and calm asthma.

b. Turbid phlegm obstructing the lung

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce)

Tiantu REN-22 (reduce)
Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Function: To expel phlegm and disperse and descend LU-Qi.

or:

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce)

Tiantu REN-22 (reduce)
Fenglong ST-40 (reduce)

Function: To transform and lower phlegm, benefit the Qi and calm asthma.
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JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE NUMBER 23 JANUARY 1987

c. Cold phlegm steeping the lung

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce followed by moxa)

Shanzhong REN-17 (reduce followed by moxa) or
Feishu BL-13 (reduce followed by moxa)
Fenglong ST-40 (reduce) or Tiantu REN-22 (reduce)

Function: To warm the lung, scatter cold, clear phlegm and benefit the Qi.

d. Phlegm-heat invading the lung

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce)

Chize LU-5 (reduce)
Fenglong ST-40 (reduce) or Tiantu REN-22 (reduce)

Function: To clear heat, disperse lung Qi, transform phlegm and lower Qi

e. Lung-Qi-Xu

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reinforce)

Taiyuan LU-9 or Feishu BL-13 (reinforce)
Hegu L.I.-4 (reinforce)

Function: To tonify lung Qi, consolidate the surface and stop asthma.

It should be noted here that Zhongfu LU-1 is not indicated in cases where the
kidney function of grasping Qi is the origin of the cough or asthma.

3. Chest pain; shoulder and back pain

a. The Suwen states: "In illness of the lung with rebellious Qi giving rise to asthma
and cough, pain of the shoulder and back will arise."

In all pain of the chest, shoulder and back when due to disorders of LU-Qi,
Zhongfu LU-1 is indicated. When reducing needling is applied, this point has the
function of moving and invigorating the collaterals of the chest, benefiting Qi and
alleviating pain. When combined with Feishu BL-13, the overall effect is
enhanced.

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b. Stagnation and retention of blood in the chest

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce)

Sanyinjiao SP-6 (reduce)
Ahshi points (reduce)

Function: To invigorate blood, eliminate stagnation, move the collaterals and stop
pain.

c. Depression and stagnation of LIV-Qi

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce)

Qimen LIV-14 (reduce)
Ahshi points (reduce)

Function: To dredge the LIV, harmonise Qi, move the channel and stop pain.

4. Angina pectoris, myocardial infarct

"When the heart is diseased, there is pain in the chest, fullness in the flanks, pain
between the breasts and shoulder, and on the inner aspect of the arm" (Suwen).

a. Chest yang dispirited, stagnation in the vessels of the heart

Symptoms include:

- oppression and fullness of the chest

- resentment
- frequent attacks of heart pain
- palpitations
- shortness of breath
- disturbed sleep
- dislike of cold
- cold limbs
- weakness and lethargy
- poor appetite
- loose stool
- clear and copious urine
- spontaneous sweat

Tongue: pale and swollen with white and greasy or white and moist coating
Pulse: Deep and Interrupted
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Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce followed by moxa)

Shanzhong REN-17 (reduce followed by moxa)
Shenmen HE-7 (reduce) or Neiguan P-6 (reduce)

Function: To warm HE-Yang, and move the vessels and channels.

b. Stagnation of Qi and accumulation of blood

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce)

Neiguan P-6 (reduce)
Xinshu BL-15 (reduce)

Function: To move Qi, invigorate blood. transform stagnation and move the
channel.

5. Chest Bi

a. Internal accumulation of phlegm-damp

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce followed by moxa)

Shanzhong REN-17 (reduce followed by moxa)
Fenglong ST-40 (reduce followed by moxa)

Function: To warm and transform phlegm-damp, benefit Qi and move the channel

b. Internal excess of yin cold

Prescription:

Zhongfu LU-1 (reduce followed by moxa)

Shanzhong REN-17 (reduce followed by moxa)
Ahshi (reduce followed by moxa)

Function: To warm the yang, disperse cold, move the channel and clear
obstruction.

Comparison of points with a similar function

Zhongfu LU-1 and Feishu BL-13

Both points are used to treat disorders of the dispersing and descending function of
the lung, but Zhongfu LU-1 however is most commonly used as a local point with
reducing technique to treat the Biao (branch). In this capacity it is used most
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effectively for stagnation of Qi and blood in the collaterals of the chest. It is rarely
used with reinforcing technique to tonify the Ben (root). Feishu BL-13 on the other
hand is often used for treating both Biao and Ben with either reducing or
reinforcing method, although it is most effective when used with reinforcing
method for treating cases of LU-Qi-Xu (Ben).

Combining of points

1. Zhongfu LU-1 and Feishu BL-13

This is the classical combination of Front-Mu and Back-Shu points. Both these
points have a direct influence on the LU organ.

a. Both with reinforcing method: mainly used to tonify LU-Qi, strengthening the
function of the LU.

b. Both with reducing method: mainly used for dispersing the LU and benefiting
Qi, calming asthma, and stopping cough.

2. Zhongfu LU-1 with reinforcing method combined with:

Taiyuan LU-9 (reinforce)

Hegu L. I. -4 (reinforce)

To tonify LU-Qi and consolidate the surface.

Taiyuan LU-9 (reinforce) or Feishu BL-13 (reinforce)

Yinlingquan SP-9 (reinforce) or Pishu BL-20 (reinforce)
Zusanli ST-36 (reinforce).

To tonify LU and SP (cultivate earth to create metal).

3. Zhongfu LU-1 with reducing method combined with:

Fenglong ST-40 (reduce) and Tiantu REN-22 (reduce)

To disperse phlegm, benefit Qi, scatter the LU, stop cough and soothe asthma.

Shanzhong REN-17 (reduce) and Neiguan P-6 (reduce)

To open the chest, benefit Qi, scatter the LU and soothe asthma.

4. Zhongfu LU-1 with reducing method followed by moxa, combined with:

Shanzhong REN-17 (reduce and moxa)

Tiantu REN-22 (reduce)

To warm the LU, scatter cold, lower phlegm and benefit Qi.

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JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE NUMBER 23 JANUARY 1987

CHIZE LU-5

The name Chize, 'Foot Marsh', refers to the distance from the wrist crease to the
elbow being one Chinese foot (Chi), and to the fact that this point is the He-Sea and
the water point of the LU channel. It is also known as Gui Tang, 'Spirit Hall'.

Scope of Treatment

1. Disorder of the LU system

Chize LU-5 is most commonly used in the following conditions:

a. External pathogen invading the LU (especially of a hot nature)

b. Turbid phlegm hindering the LU
c. Phlegm-heat obstructing the LU
d. Dryness of the LU with Yin-Xu

2. Disorder of the channel

This point can be used to activate the flow of Qi along the main, divergent, and
tendino-muscular channels of the LU.

Function

1. According to differentiation of pattern disharmony:

i. Reducing method - to clear heat and scatter LU-Qi. In this capacity it is

similar to the following herbs:

Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis (Huang Qin)

Radix Platycodi Grandiflori (die Geng)
Cortex Mori Albae (Sang Bai Pi)
Pericarpium Trichosanthis (Gua Lou Pi)
Folium Mori Albae (Sang Ye)
Radix Anemarrhenae Asphodeloidis (Zhi Mu)
Folium Eriobotryae Japonicae (Pi Pa Ye)
Radix et Rhizoma Cynanchii Stautoni (Bad Qian)

ii. Bleeding method - scatters heat

2. According to local area:

i. Reducing method: to relax tendons and invigorate collaterals, scatter and

move Qi and blood.
ii. Reinforcing method: to strengthen tendons and tonify local deficiency.
iii. Bleeding method: to move the channel and dispel stagnation.

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Main indications

- haemoptysis
- cough
- asthma
- autumn dryness syndrome
- pneumonia
- epistaxis
- tuberculosis
- whooping cough ('one hundred day cough')
- measles
- diabetes
- sore throat
- anuria/ difficult urination
- wei syndrome
- erysipelas
- sinusitis
- spasm of tendons of cubital fossa
- epidemic cerebro-spinal meningitis

Clinical application

1. Haemoptysis

a. Wind-heat injuring the LU

Prescription i):

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Feishu BL-13 (reduce)
Hegu L.I.-4 or Quchi L.I.-11 (reduce)

Function: To disperse wind, clear heat, clear the LU and stop bleeding.

Prescription ii):

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Geshu BL-17 (reduce)
Feishu BL-13 (reduce)

Function: To clear the LU and stop bleeding.

b. Accumulation of heat in the LU, transforming to fire and damaging yin

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Fuliu KID-7 (reinforce)
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Function: Clears the metal and moistens the LU.

c. LIV-Fire invading the LU

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Feishu BL-13 (reduce)
Xingjian LIV-2 (reduce)

Function: To clear the LIV and lower LU-Qi

2. Cough

a. LIV-Fire invading the LU

Prescription and Function: as above

b. SP-Xu, accumulation of damp giving rise to phlegm

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Yinlingquan SP-9 (reduce)
Fenglong ST-40 (reduce)

Function: Similar in action and function to 'Er Chen Tang' (Decoction of the Two
Aged -see Appendix). To dry damp, transform phlegm, regulate Qi and harmonise
the middle.

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Fenglong ST-40 (reduce)
Yinlingquan SP-9 (reinforce)

Function: To tonify the SP, expel damp, scatter LU-Qi and transform phlegm.

c. Phlegm-heat obstructing the LU

Prescription i):

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Fenglong ST-40 (reduce)
Netting ST-44 (reduce)

Function: To clear heat, transform phlegm, scatter the LU and benefit the Qi.

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Prescription ii):

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Tiantu REN-22 (reduce)

Function: To clear heat, transform phlegm, scatter the-LU and stop cough. This is
similar in action to 'Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan Pill' (Pill for Clearing Qi and
Transforming Phlegm - see Appendix).

d. Dry heat injuring the LU

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Feishu BL-13 (reduce)
Fuliu KID-7 (reinforce)

Function: To clear the LU and tonify yin.

3 Whooping cough

a. Phlegm-heat obstructing the LU

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Fenglong ST-40 (reduce)
Netting ST-44 (reduce)

Function: To clear heat, transform phlegm, scatter the LU and lower rebellious Qi.

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Fenglong ST-40 (reduce)

Function: To transform turbid phlegm and lower rebellious Qi.

Add:

Shaoshang LU-11 (bleed) to clear LU-Fire and lower LU-Qi

Sifeng (Extra) (bleed) to calm cough, clear the LU, transform phlegm and lower Qi.

4. Measles

1. Before eruption. Pathogen at lung Wei stage.

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Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Function: To disperse Wei Qi and clear the LU.

2. During eruption:

1. Qi stage:

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Hegu L.I.-4 (reduce)

Function: To clear Qi and encourage the rash to the surface.

ii. Yang Ming Heat stage:

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Netting ST-44 (reduce)

Function: To clear heat and encourage the rash to the surface.

5. Sore Throat

a. Wind-heat injures the LU

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Tiantu REN-22 (reduce)
Quchi L.I.-11 (reduce) or Hegu L.I.-4 (reduce)

Function: To dredge and scatter wind-heat, clear and benefit the throat.

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Lianquan REN-23 (reduce)
Hegu L.I.-4 (reduce)
Shaoshang LU-11 (bleed)

Function: As above

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b. Full Heat of ST and LU

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Yifeng SJ-17 (reduce)
Netting ST-44 (reduce) or Jiexi ST-41 (reduce)

Function: To clear heat of ST and LU, reduce swelling and stop pain.

Add:

Hegu L.I.-4 (reduce) or Quchi L.I.-11 (reduce)

Function: To dredge wind, clear heat, benefit and clear the throat.

c. Yin-Xu with fire blazing

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Fuliu KID-7 (reinforce)

Function: To tonify yin, clear the LU and benefit the throat.

6. 'Long Bi'

'Long Bi' is a disorder characterised by a small quantity of urine and dripping

urination ('Long'). In its most extreme form there is complete obstruction of
urination ('Bi').

It is important that 'Long Bi' and 'Lin' syndrome are differentiated. 'Lin' syndrome
is characterised by urinary frequency, urgency, pain and in its most extreme form
incontinence, although the daily excretion of urine is more or less normal.

'Long Bi' on the other hand is not accompanied by pain and the daily urine
excretion is below normal.

'Long Bi' is usually differentiated as follows:

Shi syndrome

- Damp-heat in the BL
- Obstruction of heat in the LU
- Depression and stagnation of LIV-Qi
- Obstruction of the urinary tract

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Xu syndrome

- sinking of middle Qi
- decline of KID-Yang
- exhaustion of KID-Yin

It should be noted here that oedema is not often seen in 'Long Bi'.

a. Heat obstructing the LU

Clinical manifestations include:

- dribbling urination or unsmooth flow

- dryness of mouth and throat
- thirst with desire to drink
- agitated and fidgety
- urgency and shortness of breath or cough

Pulse: Rapid
Tongue: thin yellow coating

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Yuji LU-10 (reduce) or Taiyuan LU-9 (reduce)
Zhongji REN-3 (reduce)

Function: To clear LU heat, disperse LU-Qi, move and benefit the water
passageways.

7. Wei syndrome

a. Lung-heat injures the fluids

Prescription:

Chize LU-5 (reduce)

Netting ST-44 (reduce)
Fuliu KID-7 (reinforce)

Function: To clear heat, moisten dryness, tonify yin and nourish the tendons.

Combining of points

1. Chize LU-5 (reduce), Neiting ST-44 (reduce), Fuliu KID-7 (reinforce).

The above prescription has the effect of clearing the LU and moistening dryness. It
is similar in indication and action to 'Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang' (Decoction for
Clearing Dryness and Saving the Lung - see Appendix). It can be used for the
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following conditions when there is LU-Yin-Xu with dryness and heat: cough,
autumn dryness syndrome, haemoptysis, Wei syndrome, aphonia.

2. Chize LU-5 (reduce) combined with:

Feishu BL-13 (reduce), Hegu L.I.-4 (reduce)

To clear the LU, stop cough, disperse the LU and alleviate asthma.

Feishu BL-13 (reduce), Geshu BL-17 (reduce)

To clear the LU and stop bleeding.

Fuliu KID-7 (reinforce)

To clear the LU and tonify yin.

Xingjian LIV-2 (reduce)

To clear the LIV and lower LU-Qi.

Fenglong ST-40 (reduce)

To clear the LU, transform phlegm, stop cough and alleviate asthma.

Fenglong ST-40 (reduce), Yinlingquan SP-9 (reduce)

To expel damp, transform phlegm, disperse the LU and stop cough (see Appendix:
Er Chen Tang).

Hegu L.I.-4 (reduce)

To clear heat and disperse the LU.

Fenglong ST-40 (reduce) or Zhongwan REN-12 (reduce); Yinlingquan SP-9

(reinforce) or Pishu BL-20 (reinforce)

To tonify the SP, expel damp, disperse the LU and transform phlegm.

Fenglong ST-40 (Penetrating Heaven Coolness method), Tiantu REN-22

(reduce)

To clear heat, transform phlegm, scatter the LU and stop cough (see Appendix:
'Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan').

Fenglong ST-40 (reduce), Netting ST-44 (reduce)

To clear heat, transform phlegm, disperse the LU, lower Qi and stop cough.

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Lianquan REN-23 (reduce), Hegu L.I.-4 (reduce)

To dredge wind, clear heat, clear and benefit the throat.

Yingxiang L.I.-20

To clear LU-Heat and move obstruction of the nose.

Fengmen BL-12 (reduce), Fenglong ST-40 (reduce), Feishu BL-13 (reduce)

To clear heat, transform phlegm, scatter LU-Qi and alleviate asthma. This is similar
in action to 'Ding Chuan Tang' (Decoction for Calming Asthma - see Appendix).

APPENDIX - HERBAL PRESCRIPTIONS

1. 'Er Chen Tang' (Decoction of the Two Aged)

Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae (Ban Xia) 15g

Pericarpium Citri Erythrocarpae (Ju Hong) 15g
Sclerotium Poriae Cocos (Fu Ling) 9g
Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis (Gan Cao) 5g

[3g of Zingiber Officinale (Sheng Jiang) and one piece of Prunus Mume (Wu Mei) is
often added].

Function:

To dry damp, transform phlegm, regulate Qi and harmonise the middle.

Indications:

Phlegm-damp cough. Copious, viscous white sputum which is easily expectorated.

A sense of constriction in the chest and diaphragm, nausea and vomiting,
heaviness and weakness of the limbs. Palpitation and dizziness.

Tongue: moist white coating

Pulse: Slippery

This prescription forms the basis of all other prescriptions for transforming phlegm
and drying dampness. Its name refers to the fact that R.Pinelliae (Ban Xia) and
P.Citri Erythrocarpae (Ju Hong) are strongest in action when old.

R.Pinelliae (Ban Xia) is acrid, warm and dry in nature. Acting together with P.Citri
(Ju Hong) it is able to dry dampness and transform phlegm. It also has the action of
lowering rebellious Qi, harmonising the ST and stopping vomiting. R.Pinelliae is
the Sovereign herb of this prescription.

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P.Citri Erythrocarpae (Ju Hong) is the Minister herb, acting as an adjuvant to the
Sovereign herb. It regulates and smoothes the flow of Qi, and together with
R.Pinelliae (Ban Xia) dries dampness and dissipates phlegm.

S.Poriae Cocos (Fu Ling) strengthens the SP and leaches out dampness. Together
with R.Pinelliae (Ban Xia) it calms the spirit.

Zingiber Officinale (Shenq Jiang) lowers rebellious Qi and transforms fluids. It also
has the effect of counteracting the toxic nature of R.Pinelliae.

Prunus Mume (Wu Mei ) acts as an astringent containing the leakage of LU-Qi.
When combined with R.Pinelliae (Ban Xia) it is said there is both dispersion and
astringency. Thus phlegm is dispersed without damage to the Zheng Qi.

R.Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) acts as the Messenger, regulating and harmonising the
other ingredients in this prescription. It also moistens the LU and harmonises the
middle.

2. 'Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan' (Pill for Clearing Qi and Transforming Phlegm

Semen Trichosanthis
(Gua Lou Ren) 30g
Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae
(Chen Pi) 30g
Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
(Huang Qin) 30g
Semen Pruni Armeniacae
(Xing Ren) 30g
Fructus Citri seu Ponciri Immaturus
(Zhi Shi) 30g
Sclerotium Poriae Cocos
(Fu Ling) 30g
Pulvis Arisaemae cum Felle Bovis
(Dan Nan Xing) 45g
Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae
(Ban Xia) 45g

6g two or three times a day are taken with warm water.

Function:

To clear heat, transform phlegm, regulate the flow of Qi and stop cough.

Cough due to phlegm-heat obstructing the interior. Cough with yellow sputum,
difficulty in expectoration, and fullness and distention of the chest and diaphragm
region. Small quantity of dark urine.

Tongue: red body, thick greasy yellow coating

Pulse: Rapid and Slippery
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This prescription is the basic formula for all phlegm-heat obstruction in the LU.
Wang Ang, a famous physician of the Qing dynasty said:

"When the Qi is surplus, it will become fire, when the fluids are surplus there will
be phlegm; thus to treat the phlegm, first lower the fire. To treat the fire it is
necessary to smooth the Qi".

Pulvis Arisaemae Cum Felle Bovis (Dan Nan Xing) is the Sovereign herb. It is
bitter and cool in nature and able to clear heat and transform phlegm. Together
with R.Scutellariae (Huanq Qin) and S.Trichosanthus (Gua Lou Pi) (both acting as
Ministerial herbs), the combined action is to lower LU-Fire and transform
phlegm-heat.

Citri Seu Poncire Immaturus (Zhi Shi) and P.Citri Reticulatae (Chen Pi) are able to
lower and smooth the flow of Qi, dissipate the phlegm and disperse stagnation.

Since the SP produces phlegm and the LU stores it, S.Poriae Cocos (Fu Ling) is
added to tonify the SP and leach out dampness, P.Pruni Armeniacae (Xing Ren) to
disperse and benefit LU-Qi, R.Pinelliae (Ban Xia) to dry dampness and transform
phlegm.

3. Ding Quan Tang (Decoction for Calming Asthma

Semen Ginkgo Bilobae

(Bad Guo or Yin Xing) 9g
Herba Ephedrae
(Ma Huang) 9g
Fructus Perillae Frutescentis
(Su zi) 6g
Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis
(Gan Cao) 3g
Flos Tussilagi Farfarae
(Kuan song Hua) 9g
Semen Pruni Armeniacae
(Xing Ren) 9g
Cortex Mori Albae Radicis
(Sang Bai Pi) 9g
Radix Scutellariae Baicalensis
(Huang Qin) 6g
Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae
(Ban Xia) 9g

To disperse the LU, lower Qi, expel phlegm and calm asthma.

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Indications:

Wind-cold binding the exterior, with obstruction of phlegm-heat internally.

Copious sputum with urgent rapid breathing, thick sticky yellow phlegm, asthma
and cough.

Tongue: sticky yellow coating

Pulse: Rapid and Slippery

This prescription is most often used in cases where long retention of phlegm in the
LU, aggravated by invasion of external wind-cold gives rise to stagnation of Qi and
subsequent transformation into heat.

Herba Ephedrae (Ma Huang) most closely mimics the physiological functions of the
LU. It possesses:

- Dispersing quality, releasing the exterior, dispersing cold and causing sweat
- Descending quality - calming asthma.
- Function of facilitating the circulation of Qi in the LU - used for obstruction
of Qi in the LU.
- Function of promoting urination and regulating water passages - used for
oedema when due to invasion of the LU by an external pathogen disrupting
the water passages.

In this prescription it is employed for its function of dispersing LU-Qi, scattering

the pathogen and calming asthma.

Semen Gingko Bilobae (Bad Guo) acts as an astringent, containing the leakage of
LU-Qi, calming asthma and expelling phlegm.

The above two ingredients act as the Sovereign herbs in the prescription. The
astringent action of S.Gingko (Bad Guo), counteracting the harsh dispersing action
of H.Ephedrae (Ma ~), which may otherwise damage LU-Qi, whilst at the same
time enhancing the overall action of calming asthma.

Fructus Perillae (Su Zi), S.Pruni (Xing Ren), R.Pinelliae (Ban Xia) and Flos.
Tussilagi Farfarae (Kuan Dong Hua), together lower LU-Qi, calm asthma, stop
cough and expel phlegm. All four act as Minister herbs.

The descending quality of the Ministerial herbs, when combined with the
astringent and dispersing qualities of the Sovereign herbs, have a particularly
powerful action of calming asthma and stopping wheezing.

C.Mori Albae Radicis (Sang Bai Pi) and R.Scutellariae (Huang Qin) clear the heat of
the LU, stopping cough and calming asthma.

R.Glyovrrhizae (Gan Cao) - the Messenger herb - regulates and harmonises the
other ingredients.

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4. Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang (Decoction for Clearing Dryness and Saving the Lung)

Folium Mori Albae

(Sang Ye) 9g
Gypsum
(Shi Gao) 15g
Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis
(Gan Cao) 3g
Radix Ginseng
(Ren Shen) 2g
Semen Sesami Indici
(Hu Ma Ren) 3g
Gelatinum Asini
(E Jiao) 3g
Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici
(Mad Men song) 4g
Semen Pruni Armeniacae
(Xing Ren) 2g
Folium Eriobotryae Japonici
(Pi Pa Ye) 6g

To clear dryness and moisten the LU.

Indications:

Used for injury to the LU by dry pathogen of a warm nature. Headache, fever, dry
cough with little or no sputum, rebellious Qi and asthma, dryness of the throat and
nose, thirst, vexed spirit, dry red tongue with little coating.

This prescription is most often used for Autumn dryness attacking the LU and
injuring the Qi and yin.

Folium Mori Albae (Sang Ye) – lightly dissipates LU dryness, expels wind and heat.

Gypsum (Shi Gao) clears heat and moistens dryness.

S.Sesami Indici (Hu Ma Ren), Gelatinum Asini (E Jiao) and Tuber Ophiopogonis
Japonici (Mad Men song) together moisten the LU and nourish the fluids.

Radix Ginseng (Ren Shen) and Radix Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) tonify the Qi and
generate body fluids.

Semen Pruni Armeniacae (Xing Ren) and Folium Eriobotryae (Pi Pa Ye) are both
bitter in nature. They clear LU-Qi, moisten dryness and redirect LU-Qi downwards.

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