The Jin Gui Yao Lue establishes a framework for the differentiation and treatment of dampness diseases. Based on the six meridian pattern differentiation, it categorizes dampness pathogenic factors into two main types: external dampness (wind-damp, cold-damp) and internal dampness stagnation (spleen deficiency leading to dampness), and proposes two core treatment principles: “mild sweating method” and “promoting urination method.”
1. Key Points for Differentiating Formulas and Patterns (pathogenesis, location emphasis, concurrent symptoms, treatment principles)
Ma Huang Jia Zhu Tang (Ephedra and Atractylodes Decoction): Cold-damp obstructing the exterior; muscle layer; no sweating, tight pulse; induce sweating to disperse cold.
Ma Xing Yi Gan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Coix, and Licorice Decoction): Wind-damp transforming into heat; muscle layer; fever worsens in the afternoon; lightly disperse and clear.
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang (Stephania and Astragalus Decoction): Exterior deficiency with wind-damp; defensive layer; sweating with aversion to wind; support the righteous and expel the evil.
Gui Zhi Fu Zi Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Aconite Decoction): Yang deficiency with wind-damp at the exterior; meridians; weak and thin pulse, heavy body; warm yang and unblock obstruction.
Bai Zhu Fu Zi Tang (Atractylodes and Aconite Decoction): Spleen deficiency with excess dampness; middle jiao; hard stools, loose stools; tonify the spleen and dry dampness.
Gan Cao Fu Zi Tang (Licorice and Aconite Decoction): Interior and exterior yang deficiency with wind-damp; joints; joint pain, shortness of breath; treat both interior and exterior.
2. Treatment Contraindications and Principles
1. Contraindications:
Prohibit excessive sweating (wind disperses but dampness remains);
Prohibit purgation (causes yang qi to escape violently);
Prohibit fire attack (injures fluids and promotes heat).
2. Principles:
For external dampness, use the “mild sweating method” to disperse (e.g., Ma Huang type formulas);
For internal dampness, use the “promoting urination method” to guide (e.g., Bai Zhu, Fu Zi combinations);
For mixed deficiency and excess, emphasize warming yang and expelling dampness (e.g., Gan Cao Fu Zi Tang).
3. Conclusion
The differentiation and treatment system for dampness diseases in the Jin Gui Yao Lue reflects the treatment philosophy of “guiding according to the situation” through the differentiation of exterior and interior, cold and heat, and observing deficiency and excess.
Clinically, it is essential to grasp the characteristics of dampness combined with other factors (such as wind, cold, heat, deficiency), combined with the depth of the disease location (exterior, interior, joints) and the strength of the righteous qi, to flexibly select formulas.
This has significant guiding value for modern clinical treatment of diseases related to dampness, such as rheumatoid arthritis, edema, and chronic gastroenteritis.