Case by: Ding Gan-Ren (1865-1926)

Shang Han Case

There was external cold assaulting the tai yang with damp stagnation internally blocking the middle burner. This pattern presented with sweat and chills that failed to resolve the condition. There was also full body aching pain, stifling sensation in the chest, upflow nausea, and abdominal distention. It was suitable to disperse the pathogen, release the muscle layer, transform stagnation, and open the middle burner.

Prescription:

Cinnamomi Ramulus (guì zhï) 8 fen
Pinelliae Rhizoma preparatum (zhì bàn xià) 2 qian
dry-fried Aurantii Fructus (châo zhî ké) 1 qian
Amomi Fructus rotundus (bái dòu kòu) 8 fen
dry-fried Paeoniae Radix rubra (châo chì sháo) 1 qian 5 fen
Citri reticulatae Pericarpium (chén pí) 1 qian
Arecae Pericarpium (dà fù pí) 2 qian
Massa medicata fermentata (shén qü) 3 qian
Perillae Caulis (zî sü gêng) 1 qian 5 fen
Zingiberis Rhizoma recens (shëng jiäng) 2 slices.

Commentary: This is a case that uses Cinnamon Twig Decoction (guì zhï täng) to resolve the exterior of the tai yang, Two-Aged [Herb] Decoction (èr chén täng) to harmonize the stomach, descend counterflow, and transform damp in the middle burner.  Magnoliae officinalis Cortex (hòu pò) and Arecae Pericarpium (dà fù pí) was used in order to eliminate distention. Aurantii Fructus (zhî ké) and Massa medicata fermentata (shén qü) was used in order to guide out stagnation.

Translated by: Jason Blalack

Tags: Ding Gan-Ren, Er chen tang, Gui Zhi Tang, Internal Damp, Shang Han Lun, Tai Yang Pattern