2. Chengqi Tang-like Formulas

2. Chengqi Tang-like Formulas

Most of these formulas originate from "Shanghan Lun," with Dachengqi Tang as the representative formula, consisting of four herbs: Da Huang, Mangxiao, Zhi Shi, and Houpu, primarily indicated for Yangming organ syndrome, with symptoms such as fullness, distension, dryness, and hardness. From a modern medical perspective, this formula, when modified and adapted, can treat all acute abdominal conditions, including appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and others. If Mangxiao is removed from Dachengqi Tang, the resulting formula is called Xiao Chengqi Tang, primarily indicated for chest and abdominal fullness, old yellow tongue coating, and slippery, rapid pulse. If Zhi Shi and Houpu are removed and Gancao is added, the resulting formula is called Tiaowei Chengqi Tang, primarily indicated for abdominal pain that resists palpation, old yellow tongue coating, and slippery, rapid pulse. If Mangxiao is removed and Qianghuo is added, the resulting formula is called San Hua Tang (from "Essential Techniques of Living"), primarily indicated for stroke, with urinary and fecal obstruction. If Zhi Shi and Houpu are removed and Lianqiao, Huangqin, Bohe, Shan Zhi are added, the resulting formula is called Liang Ge San (from "Official Formulary"), primarily indicated for lung and stomach fire, with symptoms such as chest and diaphragm restlessness, hard stools, coughing up blood and phlegm, sores in the mouth and on the tongue, and yellow tongue coating with rapid pulse. If Zhi Shi, Houpu, and Gancao are removed and Gan Sui is added, the resulting formula is called Da Xianxiong Tang, primarily indicated for severe chest constriction syndrome, with symptoms such as fullness and pain from the heart down to the lower abdomen, inability to approach, hard stools, dry mouth and tongue, and occasional low-grade fever. If Da Xianxiong Tang is combined with Tinglizǐ and Xingren, and honey is used to make pills, the resulting formula is called Da Xianxiong Wan, primarily indicated for conditions similar to Da Xianxiong Tang, but with a milder effect, suitable for cases where the onset of the condition is relatively slow. If Tiaowei Chengqi Tang is combined with Taoren and Guizhi, the resulting formula is called Taoren (Nucleus) Chengqi Tang, primarily indicated for bladder blood stasis syndrome, with symptoms such as urgent lower abdominal constriction, the person acting like a madman, spontaneous urination, and bloody stools.