Tonics: Tonify Qi

Question 1

Si Jun Zi Tang (Four-Gentlemen Decoction)

Answer 1

Tonifies the qi and strengthens the Spleen

SP/ST Qi deficiency: Pallid complexion, low and soft voice, reduced appetite, loose stools, weakness in the limbs

T: Pale

P: thin, weak

NOTE: This is the primary formula for SP/ST Qi Deficiency. It also helps the SP process Dampness

• Ren Shen
• Bai Zhu
• Fu Ling
• Zhi Gan Cao

Question 2

Shen Ling Bai Du San (Ginseng, Poria, and White Atractylodes Powder)

Answer 2

Augments the qi, strengthens the Spleen, leaches out dampness, and stops diarrhea

SP Qi deficiency and damp causing diarrhea: Loose stool or diarrhea, weakness, shortness of breath, reduced appetite, weight loss, distention and stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium, pallid and wan complexion

T: pale with white coat

P: thin, moderate or empty

NOTE: Also for chronic cough with copious sputum due to LU/SP deficiency

• Ren shen
• Bai Zhu
• Fu Ling
• Zhi Gao Cao
• Shan Yao
• Yi Yi Ren
• Bai Bian Dou
• Lian Zi
• Sha Ren
• Jie Geng

Question 3

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction)

Answer 3

Tonifies the middle burner, augments the qi, raises the yang, and lifts what has sunken

Sp/St Qi Deficiency: Intermittent fever that worsens with exertion, spontaneous sweating, aversion to cold, thirst for warm beverages, shortness of breath, laconic speech, tendency to curl up, weak limbs, shiny and pale complexion, loose and watery stools

T: pale with thin white coat

P: empty in general, rootless in the middle right position

SP Qi Deficiency: Prolapse of the rectum or uterus, chronic diarrhea, chronic dysenteric disorders, incontinence or bleeding disorders

• Huang Qi
• Ren Shen
• Bai Zhu
• Zhi Gan Cao
• Dang Gui
• Chen Pi
• Sheng Ma
• Chai Hu

Question 4

Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder)

Answer 4

Augments the Qi, stabilizes the exterior, and stops sweating

Wei Qi deficiency causing sweating: Aversion to drafts, spontaneous sweating, recurrent colds, shiny and pale complexion

T: pale with white coat

P: floating, empty

NOTE: in modern practice this formula is often used in combination with herbs to open the nasal orifice for allergic rhinitis

• Huang Qi
• Bai Zhu
• Fang Feng

Question 5

Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder)

Answer 5

Augments the qi, generates fluids, preserves yin, and stops excessive sweating

Concurrent Qi and Yin deficiency, primarily of the LU: Shortness of breath, weakness, spontaneous sweating, dry mouth and tongue, chronic cough with sparse sputum that is difficult to expectorate

T: pale-red with dry thin coat

P: empty and rapid or thin

NOTE: suitable for treating Summer-Heat thirst and fluid retention; Also applied to coronary heart disease or Qi-deficiency anemia

• Ren Shen
• Mai Men Dong
• Wu Wei Zi