3. On Chongqi

3. On Chongqi

The author provides a detailed exposition on the crucial role of chongqi in the pathogenesis of human diseases, injecting new and broader content into this traditional concept of traditional Chinese medicine. Originally, the chongmai meridian originates from the uterus, runs upward along the midline of the abdomen, and terminates in the chest, commonly referred to as "the sea of blood," indicating its function of storing and transporting blood, with chongqi serving as the driving force behind this function. Through extensive clinical observation, the author believes that chongqi is the key factor determining whether blood will flow backward throughout the body, stating: "The ultimate destination of blood is the sea of blood; chong is the sea of blood, and its meridians extend up to the Yangming channel. There is no case where blood flows backward without chongqi causing the reverse flow... therefore, treating blood requires focusing on treating chong." Since the chongmai meridian starts from the uterus and extends up to the Yangming channel, the qi of the chongmai meridian naturally flows downward, so any cases of hematemesis, vomiting, or coughing up blood are closely related to the reverse flow of chongqi that stirs up the blood in the uterus. Only by promptly reversing the flow of chongqi can the qi flow smoothly, stop the vomiting, and prevent the blood from rushing out uncontrollably. In formulas designed to reverse the flow of chongqi and stop bleeding, the author highly praises the outstanding efficacy of Xie Xin Tang and believes that rhubarb is particularly effective in reversing the flow and stabilizing chongqi, capable of not only calming the reverse flow of qi in the lungs and stomach, but also suppressing the reverse flow of qi in all meridians, skin, and body parts where qi manifests in the blood, effectively "subduing" and "forcing" the reverse-flowing qi to comply. When chongqi flows backward, it carries kidney water upward, leading to phlegm and cough; it carries liver-fire upward, attacking the lung-metal element and causing choking cough; it carries empty fire from the kidneys upward, resulting in symptoms such as flushed cheeks and shortness of breath. All of these situations can be treated using methods that reverse the flow of chongqi and stabilize it. The author believes that Mai Men Dong Tang from "Jin Gui Yao Lue" and Gui Ling Gan Cao Wu Wei Tang from "Shanghan Lun" both have the effect of reversing the flow of chongqi and stabilizing it, making them suitable for treating the aforementioned conditions. Thus, it is evident that chongqi has an inseparable connection with all coughs, reversals, vomits, and hiccups in the human body.