2. Chengqi Tang-Type Formulas

2. Chengqi Tang-Type Formulas

Most of these formulas originate from "Shanghan Lun," with Da Chengqi Tang as the representative formula composed of four herbs: rhubarb, mirabilite, Citrus aurantium, and Magnolia officinalis, primarily indicated for Yangming腑 syndrome characterized by痞, 满, 燥, and 实. From a modern medical perspective, modifications and adaptations of this formula can treat all acute abdominal conditions, including appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and others. Removing mirabilite from Da Chengqi Tang yields Xiao Chengqi Tang, mainly indicated for chest and abdominal fullness, old yellow tongue coating, and slippery, rapid pulse. Removing Citrus aurantium and Magnolia officinalis while adding licorice results in Tiao Wei Chengqi Tang, used for abdominal pain with refusal to palpate, old yellow tongue coating, and slippery, rapid pulse. Removing mirabilite and adding Qianghuo creates San Hua Tang (as recorded in "Essential Techniques of Living Law"), primarily used for stroke with urinary and fecal obstruction. Removing Citrus aurantium and Magnolia officinalis while adding Lianqiao, Huangqin, peppermint, and Shan Zhi results in Liang Ge San (as recorded in "Official Prescription"), mainly used for lung-stomach real fire, presenting with chest and diaphragm restlessness, hard stools, coughing up blood-tinged sputum, oral ulcers, and yellow tongue with rapid pulse. Removing Citrus aurantium, Magnolia officinalis, and licorice while adding Gansui yields Da Xian Xiong Tang, primarily indicated for severe chest constriction syndrome characterized by extreme fullness and pain from the heart down to the lower abdomen, intolerable to touch, hard stools, dry mouth, and slight fever. Da Xian Xiong Tang with Tingli Zi and Xingren, processed into pills with honey, becomes Da Xian Xiong Wan, mainly used for similar conditions as Da Xian Xiong Tang but with milder effects, suitable for cases with slower onset. Tiao Wei Chengqi Tang with Taoren and Guizhi becomes Tao Ren (Nucleus) Chengqi Tang, primarily indicated for bladder blood stasis syndrome characterized by urgent lower abdominal constriction, mania-like behavior, spontaneous urination, and bloody stools.