Yang-Supplementing and Five-Returning Decoction

Yang-Supplementing and Five-Returning Decoction

Astragali Radix(Sheng Huang Qi) 4 liang (120g), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Dang Gui Wei) 2 qian (6g), Paeoniae Radix Rubra(Chi Shao) 1.5 qian (4.5g), Pheretima (Di Long) 1 qian (3g), Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuan Xiong) 1 qian (3g), Carthami Flos (Hong Hua) 1 qian (3g), Persicae Semen (Tao Ren) 1 qian (3g)

Prepare Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang as a decoction.

Supplements qi, invigorates blood, and unblocks the collaterals.

Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang is indicated for wind-strike due to qi deficiency and blood stasis marked by hemiplegia, deviation of the mouth and eye, sluggish speech, involuntary salivation from the mouth, frequent urination or enuresis, a dark tongue body with a white coating, and a slow, weak pulse.

This pattern is due to zheng qi deficiency, qi and blood stagnation, and obstructed blood vessels following wind-strike. Deficiency of zheng qi cannot move the blood leading to the obstructed blood vessels, which then cannot nourish tendons and muscles. This causes hemiplegia and deviation of the month and eye. The original text from《The Spiritual Pivot-Needling》said, “pathogens invade half of the body, then go deep inside, where yin and wei dwell, if there is even slight insufficiency of yin and wei, zheng qi will leave while the pathogen will stay, causing hemiplegia. Sluggish speech is due to qi deficiency and blood stasis failing to nourish the tongue. Involuntary salivation from the mouth and frequent urination or enuresis is caused by qi deficiency failing to control. A dark tongue with a white coating, and a slow, weak pulse reflect qi deficiency and blood stasis. The root of this pattern is qi deficiency while the branch is blood stasis, which has been explained by Wang Qing-ren as “deficiency produces stasis”. Therefore, the therapeutic method is to focus on supplementing the qi while invigorating the blood and unblocking the collaterals.

1. Essential pattern differentiation Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang is the representative formula that reflects the therapeutic method of simultaneously reinforcing qi and circulating blood, and is commonly used to treat the sequela of stroke. This clinical pattern is marked by half-body paralysis, facial palsy, dark tongue body with a white coating, slow, weak pulse. 2. Modern applications Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang is often used for the sequela of cerebrovascular accident, coronary heart disease, sequela of polio, hemiplegia, paraplegia, and unilateral flaccid paralysis of the limbs due to qi deficiency and blood stasis. 3. Cautions and contraindications The therapeutic effect of this formula will emerge after long-term administration, and patient should keep taking it even after their recovery in order to consolidate the effect and preventing recurrence. As Wang said, “the prescription should be continually taken even if the disease is cured, one dosage for every three to five, or seven to eight days.” This formula is not applicable for hemiplegia due to yin deficiency with hyperactive yang, phlegm obstruction, and blood stasis marked by a red tongue body, a yellow tongue coating, and a big, powerful pulse.