2. Shenqi Tang Wan -Type Formulas

2. Shenqi Tang (Wan)-Type Formulas

This formula originates from "Jin Gui Yao Lue" and is the quintessential prescription for tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang. Composed of dried Shengdi, Shanyu meat, Shanyao, Danpi, Fuling, Zexie, Guizhi, and Fuzi, it is suitable for dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, lower back pain, leg fatigue, feeling cold and weak, spontaneous sweating, and weak chi pulse, while also adapting to impotence, nocturnal emission, premature ejaculation, generalized edema, and difficulty urinating that may arise on top of the aforementioned conditions. The purpose of this formula is to nourish the source of fire to dispel yin shadows. By "nourishing the source of fire," we mean tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang. Modern medicine believes that patients with kidney yang deficiency have significantly lower levels of 17-hydroxysteroids in their 24-hour urine compared to normal. After kidney-tonifying treatment, these levels can return to normal. At the same time, the symptoms of kidney yang deficiency also improve accordingly. Modern immunology holds that the functions of T cells dependent on the thymus and B cells independent of the thymus are the main factors constituting specific immunity, and the precursors of these cells are stem cells located in the bone marrow. Based on the TCM theory that the kidneys govern bone production of marrow, there is also the hypothesis that kidney-tonifying and yang-strengthening methods can enhance the body's specific immunity. Numerous recent research reports show that yang-tonifying medicines indeed accelerate antibody formation, while yin-tonifying medicines prolong antibody survival, indicating that both kidney yin and kidney yang can enhance the body's specific immunity. Shenqi Wan with Ni Xi and Che Qian Zi becomes Ji Sheng Shenqi Wan (as recorded in "Ji Sheng Fang"), primarily used for yang deficiency with water overflow and edema with little urination; adding deer antler and Wuweizi results in Shi Bu Wan (as recorded in "Ji Sheng Fang"), primarily used for long-term yang deficiency, dark complexion, cold and swollen hands and feet, weak waist and knees, emaciation, lower back pain, and general fatigue; removing Danpi and adding Du Zhong, Goji berries, and licorice results in You Gui Yin (as recorded in "Jing Yue Complete Works"), primarily used for yin dominance over yang, true winter cold and false summer heat; removing Danpi and adding Astragalus, Epimedium, Po Gu Zi, Wuweizi, Xian Mao, Ba Ji, Du Zhong, deer antler, Goji berries, and Da Yun results in Bu Shen Wan (experimental formula), primarily used for impotence, nocturnal emission, and lower back pain.

VI. Sang Ju Yin Qiao System

This system of formulas was largely created by the Warm Disease School, emphasizing pungent-cool exterior-releasing and heat-clearing, detoxifying ingredients. The invention of this system filled the gaps in medication usage in "Shanghan Lun" and contributed to the development of traditional Chinese medicine. Given that the formulas provided by the Warm Disease School span from pungent-cool exterior-releasing to yin-nourishing and cooling to wind-suppressing and orifice-opening—a complete therapeutic system for warm diseases—this series of formulas is summarized into three aspects: Sang Ju Yin Qiao, yin-nourishing and cooling, and wind-suppressing and orifice-opening.