New Uses of Ancient Formulas

by Bob Flaws, Dipl. Ac. & C.H., FNAAOM

The hallmark of contemporary professional Chinese medicine, at least as defined at the major provincial medical schools in the People's Republic of China, is treatment based on pattern discrimination or what is referred to in Chinese as bian zheng lun zhi. This means that treatment is predicated primarily on the patient's personal Chinese pattern discrimination and not primarily on their Western disease diagnosis. The famous Chinese medical saying,

Yi bing tong zhi
Tong bing yi zhi

Different diseases, same treatment
Same disease, different treatments,

is an extension of this principle. What this saying means is that two patients with different disease diagnoses will get the same Chinese medical treatment as long as they manifest the same Chinese pattern. Conversely, two patients with exactly the same disease diagnosis will receive radically different Chinese medical treatments if their patterns are different. Therefore, in contemporary professional Chinese medicine, the patient's personal, idiosyncratic pattern is the single most important thing in terms of treatment planning. In other words, the question of how to treat this or that disease is largely irrelevant in Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine treats patterns of disharmony, not named disease categories.

In 1996 and again in 1998, I subscribed to a Chinese language Chinese medical journal published in Beijing titled Xin Zhong Yi (New Chinese Medicine). One of the sections in this journal was titled "Gu fang xin yong." This means, "New uses of ancient formulas." Under this section each month, there are 1-4 articles all of which are titled "New Uses of ... Formula." Recently, at the urging of Bill Egloff at Crane Herb Co., I went through all my issues of this journal and wrote down the different diseases each formula was used for in each article in this section. For me, this interesting exercise reinforced all the more that Chinese medicinal formulas treat patterns and not diseases per se.

Below is the list that I came up with. Looking at this list, one will see that the same Chinese medicinal formula may be used to treat even seemingly opposite conditions, like persistent erection and impotence, if the patient's pattern fits the treatment principles of the formula. As a teacher of Chinese medicine in the West, the single most persistent mistake I encounter is the use of Chinese treatment modalities based on Western disease diagnoses. Therefore, I am making the following list available to Western students and practitioners as yet one more way to disabuse us all of this erroneous and deleterious habit of thinking. If professional Chinese medicine is safe, effective, and holistic, it is precisely so because it predicates its treatment on the each patient's personal pattern discrimination. Predicating treatment solely on a disease diagnosis is neither necessarily safe or effective and is certainly not holistic. It is merely the practice of Western medicine using traditional Chinese methods of treatment.

"New Uses of Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)" by Lu Ji-sen, Xin Zhong Yi (New Chinese Medicine), #1, 1996, p. 54

1. Hepatitis
2. Cholecystitis
3. Psychoneurosis

"New Uses of Si Ni San (Four Counterflows Powder)" by Bai Cheng-zhi & Han Fu-cai, #1, 1996, p. 53

1. Nipple itching
2. Galactorrhea
3. Accessory mamma condition

"New Uses of Dang Gui Si Ni Tang (Dang Gui Four Counterflows Decoction)" by Huang Hong-ming & Chao Shu-ping, #1, 1996, p. 53-54

1. Endoemetritis
2. Acrocyanosis

"New Uses of Yang He Tang (Yang-harmonizing Decoction)" by Li Mao-xing, #2, 1996, p. 55

1. Thromboangiitis
2. Benign thyroid tumor
3. Mammary hyperplasia

"New Uses of Ma Huang Fu Zi Xi Xin Tang (Ephedra, Aconite & Asarum Decoction)" by He Si-qiang, #2, 1996, p. 56

1. Headache
2. Cold impediment, i.e., joint pain
3. Urticaria

"New Uses of Tong Qiao Huo Xue Tang (Free the Orifices & Quicken the Blood Decoction)" by Xie Jian-si, #3, 1996, p. 55

1. Asthma
2. Allergic rhinitis
3. Migraine headache

"New Uses of Da Bu Yin Wan (Great Supplementing Yin Pills)" by Mai Shu-fen, #3, 1996, p. 56

1. Impotence
2. Persistent erection
3. Recalcitrant insomnia

"New Uses of Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Blood Mansion Dispel Stasis Decoction)" by Rao Ying-liang, #4, 1996, p. 53

1. Restless leg syndrome
2. Episodic hypersomnolence
3. Flooding & leaking, i.e., uterine bleeding

"New Uses of Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin (Immortal Formula for Quickening Destiny Drink)" by Chi Bing-zhou, #4, 1996, p. 54

1. Cerebral sclerosis
2. Maxillary sinusitis
3. Periarthritis of the shoulder

"New Uses of Gui Pi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction)" by Zhang Ping, #5, 1996, p. 54

1. Central retinal vasculitis
2. Sudden blindness
3. Cloudy changes in the eyeballs

"New Uses of Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Blood Mansion Dispel Stasis Decoction)" by Guo Tao-mei, #5, 1996, p. 55

1. Post concussion sequelae
2. Impotence
3. Urolithiasis
4. Albuminuria

"New Uses of Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang (Poria, Cinnamon, Atractylodes & Licorice Decoction)" by Xie Zhao-kun, #6, 1996, p. 53

1. Dry, cracked lips
2. Oral thirst leading to drinking

"New Uses of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Supplement the Center & Boost the Qi Decoction)" by Zhao Ping, #6, 1996, p. 54

1. Aversion to cold
2. Persistent bodily cold
3. Chilly lower limbs

"New Uses of Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang (Ephedra, Asarum & Aconite Decoction)" by Tang Shou-fang & Huang Dao-fu, #7, 1996, p. 51

1. High blood pressure
2. Allergic rhinitis
3. Extraordinary itching of the seven orifices

"New Uses of Da Ding Feng Zhu (Great Stabilize Wind Pearls)" by Yang Hao & Bai Gui-hua, #7, 1996, p. 52

1. Trembling (as in paralysis agitans)
2. Epilepsy

"New Uses of Si Ni San (Four Counterflows Powder)" by Xie Zheng wei, #7, 1996, p. 52-53

1. Biliary ascariasis
2. Stomach duct pain, i.e., epigastric pain
3. Menstrual irregularity

"New Uses of Huang Lian E Jiao Tang (Coptis & Donkey Skin Glue Decoction)" by Guan Shao-liang, #7, 1996, p. 53-54

1. Massive hemoptysis in pulmonary tuberculosis
2. Primary onset thrombocytopenic purpura
3. Unknown etiology hematuria

"New Uses of Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang (Supplement Yang & Restore the Five [Viscera] Decoction)" by Wu Shou-xian, #8, 1996, p. 57

1. Tinnitus & deafness
2. Allergic rhinitis
3. Vocal cord nodules

"New Uses of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Supplement the Center & Boost the Qi Decoction)" by Li Heng-shan, #8, 1996, p. 58

1. Oligospermia
2. Decreased libido
3. Postsurgical gastrointestinal dysfunction
4. Urolithiasis

"New Uses of Sheng Mai San (Engender the Pulse Powder)" by Yang Jun-yu, #9, 1996, p. 52-53

1. Migraine headache
2. Heart vexation during pregnancy

"New Uses of Wu Zhu Yu Tang (Evodia Decoction)" by Luo Shu-yu, #9, 1996, p. 51

1. Chronic gastritis
2. Chronic bronchitis
3. Post liver transplant incessant hiccup

"New Uses of Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang (Poria, Cinnamon, Atractylodes & Licorice Decoction)" by Gong Yuan-ming, #9, 1996, p. 51-52

1. Post cholecystecomy fluid accumulation rib-side pain
2. Cardiopulmonary disease edema
3. Fallopian tube accumulation of fluids

"New Uses of Jiao Tai Wan (Peaceful Interaction Pills)" by Fang Hong & Liu Jian-hua, #10, 1996, p. 52

1. Chronic gastritis
2. Migraine headache
3. Recurrent stomatitis
4. Paralysis

"New Uses of Wu Mei Wan (Mume Pills)" by Chen Qi-song, #10, 1996, p. 53

1. Toothache
2. Night sweats

"New Uses of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Supplement the Center & Boost the Qi Decoction)" by Sun Wei-feng, #11, 1996, p. 48

1. Chyluria
2. Bilateral chilly lower limbs
3. Oral sores

"New Uses of Gan Lu Yin (Sweet Dew Drink)" by Huang Xiong, #11, 1996, p. 49

1. Conjunctivitis
2. Herpes simplex
3. Oral sores

"New Uses of Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pills)" by Wang Bao-lai, #12, 1996, p. 45

1. Ear leakage
2. Tonsillar enlargement
3. Oral sores

"New Uses of Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Coptis Resolve Toxins Decoction)" by Tao Wei-neng, #1, 1998, p. 52

1. Perianal eczema
2. Preauricular fistula
3. Lower limb ulcers

"New Uses of Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Drain the Liver Decoction)" by Chen Zhi-hui, #1, 1998, p. 53

1. Insomnia
2. Heart palpitations
3. Urinary strangury

"New Uses of Si Ni San (Four Counterflows Powder)" by Cao Guo-xing, #2, 1998, p. 56

1. Sighing respiration
2. Testicular torsion
3. Forehead chill

"New Uses of Wan Dai Tang (End Vaginal Discharge Decoction)" by Yang Jun-long & Jin Ye-feng, #2, 1998, p. 57

1. Turbid urination
2. Diarrhea
3. Tinnitus

"New Uses of Zhen Wu Tang (True Warrior Decoction)" by Lin Mian, #3, 1998, p. 53-54

1. High blood pressure
2. Chronic hypothyroidism
3. Acute attack of chronic bronchitis

"New Uses of Zhen Wu Tang (True Warrior Decoction)" by Liu Dong-hui, #3, 1998, p. 54

1. Suppurative otitis media
2. Inner ear dizziness & vertigo

"New Uses of Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (Cinnamon Twig & Poria Pills)" by Lu Mu-shun & Gan Jin-e, #4, 1998, p. 56

1. Pelvic congestion syndrome
2. Infertility
3. Ectopic pregnancy

"New Uses of Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan (Sweet Dew Disperse Toxins Elixir)" by Chen Xu-lie, #4, 1998, p. 55

1. Acute cholecystitis
2. Intestinal damage due to cold, i.e., stomach flu
3. Leptospirosis

"New Uses of Liang Ge San (Cool the Diaphragm Powder)" by Zeng Feng-lan, #5, 1998, p. 52

1. Double tongue
2. Common cold
3. Rib-side pain

"New Uses of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Flavors Rehmannia Pills)" by Chen Yan-quan, #5, 1998, p. 53

1. Flooding & leaking, i.e., uterine bleeding (kidney yin vacuity)
2. Flooding & leaking (kidney yang vacuity) (actually used Shen Qi Wan)
3. Periumblical pain (actually used Shen Qi Wan)

"New Uses of Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang (Dang Gui Six Yellows Decoction)" by Chen Qi-hua & Wang Mei-li, #5, 1998, p. 54-55

1. Oral sores
2. Toothache
3. Sore throat

"New Uses of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Supplement the Center & Boost the Qi Decoction)" by Ge Jian-li, #6, 1998, p. 54

1. Diabetes
2. Post concussion syndrome
3. Chronic prostatitis

"New Uses of Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction)" by Wang Zhu-xin, #6, 1998, p. 55

1. Mania & withdrawal
2. Dizziness & vertigo
3. Oral sores

"New Uses of Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang (Below the Diaphragm Dispel Stasis Decoction)" by Yang Wu-feng, #7, 1998, p. 50

1. Dysmenorrhea
2. Abdominal pain & abnormal vaginal discharge
3. Postpartum incessant lochiorrhea & abdominal mass

"New Uses of Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder)" by Zhao Yun-zhi, #7, 1998, p. 51

1. Stomach duct pain, i.e., epigastric pain
2. Pediatric indigestion
3. Sudden blindness

"New Uses of Da Ding Feng Zhu (Great Stabilize Wind Pearls)" by Zhang Ning & Zhang Zhi, #8, 1998, p. 52

1. Insomnia
2. Dizziness & vertigo
3. Hypothyroidism

"New Uses of Dang Gui Shao Yao San (Dang Gui & Peony Powder)" by Chen Hua & Jin Jun, #9, 1998, p. 49

1. Atrophic gastritis
2. Abdominal ascites due to liver cirrhosis
3. Irritable bowel syndrome
4. Chronic nephritis

"New Uses of Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction)" by Chen Wei-hong, #9, 1998, p. 50

1. Periarthritis of the shoulder
2. Abnormal vaginal discharge
3. Chronic urticaria

"New Uses of Dang Gui Shao Yao San (Dang Gui & Peony Powder)" by Dong Sheng-zong, #9, 1998, p. 51

1. Headache
2. Facial neuritis

"New Uses of Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentiana Drain the Liver Decoction)" by Zhang Bing-ling, #10, 1998, p. 55

1. Balanitis
2. Erythromelalgia
3. Women's genital ulcers

"New Uses of Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder)" by Zhai Qing-hai, #10, 1998, p. 56

1. Impotence
2. Headache (actually used a version of Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San)
3. Abdominal pain during pregnancy

"New Uses of Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang (Supplement Yang & Restore the Five [Viscera] Decoction)" by Li Ling et al., #11, 1998, p. 52-53

1. Retinal vascular obstruction
2. Paralytic internal strabismus
3. Ischemic optic nerve disease

"New Uses of Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction)" by Xu Zi-hua, #11, 1998, p. 53

1. Recurrent edema
2. Hysteric hiccup

"New Uses of Si Miao Yong An Tang (Four Wonders Resting Hero Decoction)" by Cai Zu-wen, #11, 1998, p. 54

1. Hemorrhoids
2. Sore throat
3. Lymphadenitis

"New Uses of Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)" by Zhou Yong-jie, #12, 1998, p. 47

1. Bile reflux gastritis
2. Idiopathic edema
3. Pediatric indigestion

"New Uses of Dang Gui Shao Yao San (Dang Gui & Peony Powder)" by Li Kong-jiu, #12, 1998, p. 48

1. Stomach duct pain, i.e., epigastric pain
2. Postpartum impediment condition, i.e., joint pain
3. Recalcitrant constipation

Readers should note several things about these articles. First, they usually consist of a single representative case history under each disease category. Secondly, the authors may have used modifications of the name formulas with various additions and subtractions. They did not necessarily use the standard textbook ingredients of each formula in every case. For instance, under one of the above formulas titled "New Uses of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Flavors Rehmannia Pills)," Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pills) was actually the formula used in two out of three cases. Likewise, in an article titled "New Uses of Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder)," Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San (Moutan & Gardenia Rambling Powder) was used in at least one of the cases. Therefore, one should be even more careful about applying the above mentioned formulas in a rote way based on the above disease categories. And third, in each case history, the authors make clear that the reason for prescribing the formula they did was because of the patient's Chinese pattern discrimination and, therefore, the treatment principles associated with that pattern and only secondarily due to their Western disease diagnosis.

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