Regulate Qi: Promote the Movement of Qi

Question 1

Yue Ju Wan (Escape Restraint Pill)

Answer 1

Promotes the movement of qi and releases constraint

Six Stagnations of Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Damp, Fire and Food: Focal distention and stifling sensation in the chest and abdomen, fixed pain in the hypochondria, belching, acid regurgitation, mild cough with copious sputum, reduced appetite, indigestion T: red purple tongue with yellow greasy coat

P: wiry, slippery, rapid

NOTE: The Six Stagnations arise from LV Qi Stagnation affecting the function of the SP

• Xiang Fu
• Chuan Xioung
• Cang Zhu
• Shan Zhi ZI
• Shen Qu

Question 2

Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang (Bupleurum Powder to Dredge the Liver)

Answer 2

Spreads the Liver qi, harmonizes the blood, and alleviates pain

LV Qi Sensation Causing Pain: Flank pain, a stifling sensation in the chest, sighing, easily angered, belching, abdominal distention and fullness, alternating chills and fever

P: Wiry

NOTE: Also treats various types of abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea and back pain

• Chai Hu
• XIan Fu
• Chuan Xiong
• Chen Pi
• Zhi Ke
• Bai Shao
• Zhi Gan Cao

Question 3

Liang Fu Wan (Galangal and Cyperus Pills)

Answer 3

Warms the middle burner, dispels cold, promotes the movement of Qi, and alleviates pain

Liver Qi Stagnation with ST cold causing pain: Epigastric pain, stifling sensation in the chest, hypochondriac pain, menstrual pain

T: white coat

P: wiry and possible tight or slow

NOTE: Problems improve with local application of heat

• Gao Liang Jiang
• Xiang Fu

Question 4

Ban Xia Hou Po Tang (Pinellia and Magnolia Bark Decoction)

Answer 4

Promotes the movement of qi, dissipates clumps, directs rebellious qi downward, and transforms phlegm

LV Qi and phlegm stagnation lodging in the throat causing Plum-Pit syndrome: feeling of something caught in the throat that can neither be swallowed nor ejected, stifling sensation in the chest and hypochondria, possible coughing or vomiting

T: moist or greasy white coat

P: wiry, slippery

NOTE: This formula addresses the branch more than the root; although LV Qi Stagnation is the indication, no herbs in this formula specifically address LV Qi

Question 5

Jing Ling Zi San (Melia Toosendan Powder)

Answer 5

Spreads Liver qi, drains heat, invigorates the blood, and alleviates pain

Pain due to LV Stagnation with Heat: Intermittent epigastric and hypochondriac pain or menstrual pain, irritability

T: red with yellow coat

P: wiry, or rapid

NOTE: Pain is aggravated by ingesting hot food or beverages

Question 6

Tian Tai Wu Yao San (Top-Quality Lindera Powder)

Answer 6

Promotes the movement of qi, spreads Liver qi, scatters cold, and alleviates pain

Cold invading the LV Channel causing Qi Stagnation: Lower abdominal pain radiating to the testicles

T: moist or greasy white coat

P: wiry, slippery

NOTE: Also for hypochondriac or menstrual pain

• Wu Yao
• Xiao Hui Xiang
• Gao Liang Jiang
• Qing Pi
• Mu Xiang
• Bing Lang
• Jin Ling Zi
• Ba Dou

Question 7

Nuan Gan Jian (Warm the Liver Decoction)

Answer 7

Warms the Liver and Kidneys, promotes the movement of qi, and alleviates pain

Cold from LV/KD deficiency: Lower abdominal pain that is sharp and localized and increases with local application of cold

T: pale especially at sides and root

P: deep, tight

NOTE: A form of hernial disorder; Also for swollen and painful scrotum