Qinshan Chushui Ancient Formula TCM▲ Click“Qin Chu Ancient Formula” to follow the public account

Analysis of Spasmodic Disorders in the “Jingui Yaolue” | Written by / Zhongnanshan

This isQin Chu Ancient Formula the 120th original article

Spasmodic disorders are a type of limb meridian disease caused by either excess obstructing the meridians or deficiency leading to insufficient nourishment of the tendons, characterized primarily by stiffness of the neck and back, convulsions of the limbs, and even lockjaw and opisthotonos.

The condition has both excess and deficiency types; the excess types include factors such as wind-cold, summer-heat, damp-heat, and phlegm-heat, while the deficiency type is characterized by qi and blood deficiency. The key to treatment lies in two aspects: in acute cases, relax the tendons and relieve spasms to treat the symptoms; in chronic cases, support the righteous qi and nourish the deficiencies to treat the root cause.

Regarding the treatment of spasmodic disorders, the “Jingui Yaolue” discusses it in detail. Here, we will analyze the relevant articles from the “Jingui Yaolue” one by one, along with related medical cases, to expand the treatment ideas for spasmodic disorders.

Discussion on Spasmodic Disorders in the “Jingui Yaolue”

1. For Taiyang disease, if there is fever, no sweating, and aversion to cold, it is called “stiff spasms”; if there is fever but no aversion to cold, it is called “soft spasms”.

(The term “spasm” means strength. The symptoms include stiffness of the neck, heat in the head, cold feet, red eyes, head shaking, lockjaw, and opisthotonos. Detailed explanations are provided below. Initially, it is not outside of Taiyang.)Taiyang disease(the disease is at the exterior yang, thus) fever(if the evil is at the skin surface, then the skin surface is solid and) no sweating.(Since it is at the exterior yang, it should not have aversion to cold, but) aversion to cold (is also a disease, due to the solid exterior.) It is called “stiff spasms”.Taiyang disease(the disease is at the exterior yang, thus) fever(if the evil is at the muscle layer, then the muscle layer is solid, and the skin surface is relatively deficient, hence) sweating occurs(the exterior is diseased but the root is not, hence only fever occurs) and no aversion to cold.(Because the exterior is deficient.) It is called “soft spasms”.

This indicates that Taiyang disease has both stiff and soft spasms. To trace the origin of spasms, it is a method to differentiate spasms, not the fundamental syndrome of spasms. Stiff spasms have a tight and wiry pulse.. Soft spasms have a floating and wiry pulse. Although Zhang Zhongjing did not mention it, it can be inferred.

Both types of the disease are caused by blood dryness and fluid deficiency, which cannot nourish the tendons, leading to dryness as the disease. However, the “Neijing” states that all spasms and stiffness belong to dampness. Why is there a contradiction? Dampness is one of the six evils, and when it enters the Taiyin, it transforms into cold-dampness, and the disease flows into the joints causing bi syndrome. When it enters the Yangming, it transforms into damp-heat, and when the heat is severe, the Yangming’s drying qi becomes more intense, leading to spasms and stiffness. It can be seen that the “Neijing” refers to dampness as the cause before spasms occur, while dryness refers to the condition that leads to spasms. The “Neijing” also states: “The heat of the sun’s rays causes spasms, indicating that heat suppresses cold, leading to spasms without sweating. It also states that heat from the lungs moves to the kidneys, causing soft spasms, indicating that dampness steams into heat, leading to spasms with sweating. The “Qianjin” states that when warm diseases heat the kidneys, it leads to spasms. Children with high fever also experience spasms. The teachings of the sages can be referenced, as it is undoubtedly due to the loss of yin and dryness of the tendons.

2. For Taiyang disease, if there is fever and the pulse is deep and thin, it is called spasm and is difficult to treat.

Chen Xiuyuan: The Taiyang surface is actually the Shaoyin. If it enters the zang, it is fatal; if it enters the fu, it can be cured..Taiyang disease occurs at the exterior yang, and there is no one who does not havefever. If there is fever, the pulse should not be deep and thin. Now, if the pulse is deep and thin, it indicates that the symptoms are seen in Taiyang, but the pulse is seen in Shaoyin, and the symptoms of stiffness and rigidity of the neck and back are also present, indicating thatthe spasmodic disease is in Shaoyin, which is the most severe symptom. Therefore, it is said to be difficult to treat. Cao Yingfu believes that using Guizhi Decoction with Gua Lou Root and Fuzi Decoction to warm the meridians and generate body fluids can be effective.

3. For Taiyang disease, excessive sweating can lead to spasms.Wind disease, if purged, will lead to spasms. If sweating occurs again,it must be tight and urgent;in cases of sores,even if there is body pain, sweating should not be induced.

The disease is at Taiyang, but it does not necessarily lead to spasms.. The connection between Taiyang and Yangming is at the Yangming.. The interior of Taiyang is at Shaoyin. Yangming and Shaoyin, both connect to body fluids. If body fluids are damaged, the tendons will lose nourishment, leading to spasms. This is the cause of spasmodic disease..If Taiyang disease causes excessive sweating,the body fluids will escape, leading to damage in Shaoyin and Yangming, causing the tendons to lose nourishment, thus leading to spasms..

Wind disease, if not treated with Guizhi Decoction, and purged,if purged excessively, it will lead to the loss of yin(body fluids). The loss of yin leads to the loss of yang(the warming qi), which cannot be controlled,thus burning the tendons and causingspasms. If purging occurs again after sweating, excessive sweating will lead to the loss of yang. The classics state: “Yang qi is the essence that nourishes the spirit; it is soft and nourishes the tendons. Now, if purging occurs and sweating follows, the bodymust be tight and urgent. In cases of sores, even if there is pain, sweating should not be induced. If sweating occurs, the body fluids will be further depleted, leading to spasms due to the loss of nourishment for the tendons.

This section infers the origin of spasmodic disease, tracing from Taiyang to Yangming and Shaoyin. Sweating and purging in cases of sores all lead to spasms, all due to the loss of fluids and damage to body fluids, which involves both of these two meridians.. Women who lose excessive blood after childbirth can also be explained in this way.

4. The patient has a fever, cold feet, stiffness and urgency in the neck and back, aversion to cold, sometimes with heat in the head and red face, red eyes, and sudden lockjaw, opisthotonos. This is a spasmodic disease. If sweating occurs, the cold-dampness will increase, and the exterior will become more deficient, leading to severe aversion to cold.

Spasms have a fundamental syndrome. The classics state: If caused by wind, it is first received above, hence the patient with spasms has heat above, and has not reached below, hence cold feet. Wind injures the Taiyang meridian, hence stiffness and urgency in the neck and back. Wind injures the qi of Taiyang, hence the whole body has aversion to cold. This is the desire for Guizhi Decoction to treat stiff spasms.

Wind-heat qi rises to the head and face, hence sometimes there is heat in the head and red face. The yang pulse rises from the inner eye. Wind-heat injures the meridians, hence red eyes. The head and neck are all stiff and cannot move. The head presents a wind-like appearance and shakes. The gums dry up due to the depletion of body fluids, leading to stiffness and tightness, and the jaw is tightly closed. Moreover, the wind guest causes aversion, and speech is lost, hence sudden lockjaw and opisthotonos. This is the shape of the fundamental syndrome of spasmodic disease. In cases of severe constipation, the yin must be preserved.

If one does not recognize it as spasms and mistakenly induces sweating, the sweat will wet the clothing, leading to dampness. If the dampness continues to linger and does not dry, it will generate cold. Cold-dampness will increase, and the exterior will become more deficient, leading to severe aversion to cold. This is because the symptoms of Taiyang originally have aversion to cold, but once spasms have formed, the yang evil acts, and the heat severely burns the tendons. How can there be such severe aversion to cold? This is due to mismanagement leading to a transformation.

5. If sweating has occurred, and the pulse is like a snake, with abdominal distension, it indicates a desire to resolve. If the pulse remains the same, but is instead tight and wiry, it indicates spasms.

The “Neijing” states: the liver governs the tendons, the liver stores blood, and deficiency leads to dryness, hence the pulse is tight and urgent, being a direct upward-moving pulse. If sweating occurs again, it will further increase the dryness. The pulse is like a snake, bending and stretching, responding to the bending and stretching of the tendons. This is the true pulse of the zang, the sign of yin, as the gentleman is concerned about the frost and the ice that will come. If suddenly the abdomen is distended, it indicates a desire to resolve. This means the disease has entered the interior, and the Taiyang meridian is no longer being scorched and desires to resolve. If the abdomen is found to be empty and distended, it indicates the symptoms of abdominal distension after sweating. If the Yangming is dry and solid, the Da Chengqi Decoction is a good remedy for the disease. If the pulse is still the same, it remains like a snake. If it is still tight and wiry, this indicates a transformation and further transformation of spasms.

6. The spasm pulse is tight like a string, moving directly up and down. Spasmodic disease has moxibustion sores, which are difficult to treat.

The fundamental syndrome of spasms is a disease of tightness and urgency. The pulse is also tight and urgent. It is tight like a string. From the cun to the chi, it moves directly up and down. Spasms are a disease of wind in the Taiyang, and wind is a yang evil. If moxibustion is mistakenly used, it will be counterproductive. If there are moxibustion sores, then wind and fire are intermingled, and true yin is lost. This is difficult to treat. This indicates that spasmodic disease is difficult to treat due to mismanagement of moxibustion. The teacher does not provide a prescription, fearing that it may be too warm. It can be used with Fengyin Decoction, reducing the amount of Guizhi and Ganjiang by half, grinding it into powder and boiling it for consumption, often yielding results.

7. For Taiyang disease, if the symptoms are complete, the body is strong, but the pulse is instead deep and slow, this indicates spasms, and Guo Lou Guizhi Decoction is the main treatment.

Guo Lou Root (3 liang), Guizhi (3 liang), Shaoyao (3 liang), Gan Cao (2 liang), Sheng Jiang (3 liang), Da Zao (12 pieces) are the six ingredients. Boil with 9 sheng of water, extract 3 sheng, and divide into three warm doses.

For Taiyang disease, if there is stiffness and pain in the head and neck, fever, aversion to wind, and self-sweating, it is referred to as the Guizhi syndrome. The symptoms are complete, and the body is strong, but it is still a wind evil entering the meridians. The “Neijing” states: If the evil enters the meridians, the waist and spine will be stiff. However, in meridian diseases, the pulse should be floating and rapid. Now, if the pulse is instead deep and slow, it indicates spasms. The deep and wiry pulse is the fundamental pulse of spasms, and the slow pulse indicates insufficient body fluids, leading to poor circulation of ying and wei. Although the symptoms of spasms are not yet fully developed, the pulse of spasms has already shown signs. This is not due to cold damage but rather due to spasms, as Guo Lou Guizhi Decoction nourishes body fluids, while Guizhi Decoction promotes the yang of the spleen and reaches the stagnation of the ying, leading to sweating and clearing heat, allowing the tendons to receive nourishment.

8. For Taiyang disease, if there is no sweating, but the urination is reduced, and qi rises to the chest, leading to lockjaw and inability to speak, it indicates the desire for stiff spasms, and Guo Lou Decoction is the main treatment.

Guo Lou (4 liang), Mahuang (3 liang, remove nodes), Guizhi (2 liang), Gan Cao (2 liang, roasted), Shaoyao (2 liang), Sheng Jiang (3 liang), Da Zao (12 pieces).

Combine the seven ingredients with 10 dou of water. First, boil Mahuang and Guo Lou, reducing by 2 sheng. Remove the foam, add the other ingredients, boil to extract 3 sheng, and remove the residue. Warmly take 1 sheng, and do not need to drink porridge.

For Taiyang disease, if there is stiffness and pain in the head and neck, fever, aversion to cold, and all symptoms are present, the exterior is solid and there is no sweating. The evil qi cannot be expressed externally, and urination is reduced, the evil qi cannot descend. The righteous qi cannot overcome the evil, hence qi rises and rushes to the chest, leading to lockjaw and inability to speak. The face is red, the head shakes, and the neck and back are stiff. This is the desire for stiff spasms, and Guo Lou Decoction is the main treatment. This section is for the impending stiff spasms that have not yet formed, and it is based on the treatment method for Taiyang, not the standard treatment for spasms.

9. Spasms are a disease characterized by fullness in the chest, lockjaw, inability to lie down, and tightness in the feet. It is necessary to use Da Chengqi Decoction.

Da Huang (4 liang, washed with wine), Conghua (0.5 kg, peeled), Zhi Shi (5 pieces, roasted), Mang Xiao (3 he) are the four ingredients.

Combine the four ingredients with 10 dou of water. First, boil Zhi Shi and Conghua to extract 5 sheng. Remove the residue, add Da Huang, boil for 2 sheng, remove the residue, add Mang Xiao, and boil again until it reaches a slight boil. Divide into warm doses, and do not take more than necessary.

Spasmodic disease leads to fullness in the chest, qi is blocked, and lockjaw occurs. The patient cannot lie down, and the back is extremely arched. The tendons are burned by heat, leading to tightness in the feet. The jaw is tightly closed, and the teeth are clenched. This may be due to either excessive fire in Shaoyin or dryness in Yangming. Immediate action is required to relieve the burning sensation. It is necessary to use Da Chengqi Decoction to purge the heat and save the yin, not to relieve the fullness.

This section is the standard prescription for treating established spasms, primarily aimed at draining the dryness of Yangming and saving the body fluids, clearing the heat of Shaoyin, and restoring the original yin, which has a miraculous effect of reviving the dead.. If one asks what can be used, it still requires careful consideration. Is it because Da Chengqi Decoction is too harsh that it is said so? It is not known that for this syndrome, there is no other method besides Da Chengqi Decoction. It is feared that after taking Da Chengqi Decoction, the severe symptoms may not be completely resolved, and one should still assess the urgency and discuss whether to take it again. At this point, it entirely depends on the physician’s knowledge and judgment. If after one purge, the condition has improved, and it is confirmed to be Yangming, then Bai Hu Decoction with Ren Shen can be used to nourish the dryness of Yangming. If it is confirmed to be Shaoyin, then Huang Lian and Ejiao Decoction can be used to save the yin of Shaoyin. These two decoctions can be taken frequently. After taking them, one can also use Zhu Ye and Shi Gao Decoction to finish the treatment, or use the three decoctions before Da Chengqi Decoction. It all requires a keen mind and skillful hands. This is the implication of the two words from Zhang Zhongjing.

Zhu Ye and Shi Gao Decoction can remove the lingering heat from the glutinous rice and can be modified from the ancient method.

Analysis of Medical Cases of Spasmodic Disease

1. Child with food accumulation: An 8-year-old child, physically strong, returned from school and suddenly developed a fever. By 4 PM, he suddenly exhibited symptoms of acute convulsions, with opisthotonos, stiffness in the neck and back, eyes bulging, hands and feet convulsing, tight jaw, and a desire to vomit but unable to, with drooling at the corners of the mouth, raising suspicion of meningitis. I inquired about his diet, and he had eaten a lot of sticky rice and fish. This food accumulation in the stomach generated internal heat, which reflected on the brain. I used the Xiao Huang Lou Guo Decoction, and he recovered immediately.

This is the son of Dr. Jiang Heling from Zhenjiang, living in Yongsou Li, Guizhou Road. The couple, nearing fifty, had only one son, whom they cherished dearly. At the age of 8, he was in the second grade of elementary school, physically strong, lively, and mischievous, and he was not prone to illness. On the morning after the Dragon Boat Festival, he was driven to school by car, showing no signs of illness. By 11 AM, the school called Dr. Jiang to inform him that his son had a fever and headache, and he quickly went to pick him up. After examining him, he administered a remedy to relieve the exterior and reduce the fever, but it was ineffective. After two more doses, it still did not work. By around 4 PM, the fever had risen higher, and he was confused and occasionally irritable. At this point, he suddenly exhibited acute convulsions as described above.

The family was alarmed and called me to examine him. Dr. Jiang asked me, “Is it possible that my son has meningitis, as it is quite prevalent now?” At that time, I was only thirty years old, and seeing his strong physique, I knew he was a healthy eater and, being an only child, he must have eaten a lot. When I palpated his abdomen, the child resisted the pressure, and it was distended and hard. I inquired about his recent diet, and Dr. Jiang’s wife told me that due to the Dragon Boat Festival, he had eaten a lot of sticky rice (zongzi). In the morning and afternoon, he had sticky rice as a snack, and for lunch and dinner, he had fish, meat, chicken, duck, and ham. Since he usually had a good appetite, he had not been restricted. This morning, he had eaten two large and one small sticky rice dumpling, and besides that, he had lychee and loquat, without any other food. After returning home from school, he fell ill in the afternoon.

I understood from what she said that it was due to food accumulation in the stomach, leading to blocked qi, which generated internal heat, reflecting on the brain, thus causing spasms. If I did not urgently attack the fullness in his stomach, the spasms would not stop and could be dangerous. I thought of the treatment for spasmodic disease in the “Jingui”, which uses Da Chengqi Decoction for Yangming spasmodic disease, and I could follow Zhang Zhongjing’s method to treat it. I decided to use the Xiao Huang Lou Guo Decoction and instructed them to administer it without doubt.

Dr. Jiang followed my advice and immediately prepared the formula for him. Unexpectedly, at the first administration, he vomited a lot of phlegm and some undigested food. After a brief pause, I administered it again, slowly giving it over twenty minutes, and finally, the decoction was given. Within two hours, he had a bowel movement that was thick and pasty, and at this point, the convulsive symptoms had diminished. After another half hour, he had another bowel movement, and his consciousness was clear, with no signs of spasms. The next day, upon re-examination, the family expressed their gratitude repeatedly. I then adjusted the previous formula, reducing the dosage and adding ingredients to harmonize the stomach and clear heat, and he took two more doses and was stable.

Xiao Huang Lou Guo Decoction: Sheng Da Huang (3 qian), Yuan Ming Fen (4 qian, separately dissolved), Chao Zhi Ke (3 qian), Quan Gua Lou (4 qian), Fen Gua Lou (3 qian), Sheng Huang Qin (3 qian), Jiao Zha (4 qian), Lai Fu Zi (3 qian), Fresh Zhu Ye (30 pieces).

Note: This case used Da Chengqi Decoction to attack the fullness in the stomach while using Gua Lou, Fen Gua Lou, and Fresh Zhu Ye to clear heat and generate body fluids, while Huang Qin clears the upper heat, and Shan Zha and Lai Fu Zi promote digestion.

2. A woman with spasmodic disease due to fright. A woman with qi stagnation, feeling a blockage in the center, her mind distracted. Suddenly, she was startled by the loud sound of a trumpet, causing her to panic and sweat profusely, with palpitations and a feeling of heaviness. Once the fright subsided and the sweat dried, she felt dizzy and bloated, gradually developing chills and fever. The next day, she had a high fever with delirium, restlessness, and alternating states of confusion, dry mouth and thirst, with a purple tongue and red eyes. The following day, she suddenly exhibited convulsive symptoms. I treated her with Bai Hu Decoction combined with Xie Xin Decoction, adding Gua Lou, Gua Wei, Yuan Zhi, and Shi Chang Pu, and after one dose, she sweated and had a bowel movement, and the delirium and spasms were eliminated. After another dose, the fever subsided, and her spirit was clear, with thirst alleviated. Ultimately, I used Liang Ge San combined with the method of increasing body fluids, and after two doses, she was cured.

There was a man named Liu Shoushu, a ticket inspector for an electric car company, living a comfortable life, but sometimes returning home late at night. His wife, Wang, suspected he had another woman, and every time she saw where he went, she found nothing. Liu was aware of this but did not reveal it. One day, his wife knew his work schedule and waited for him at a distance from the company’s front door. However, after waiting for a long time, she became anxious. At this moment, her mind was elsewhere, and she did not hear any sounds. She walked back and forth, lost in thought. Another car came speeding by, and the driver, seeing her not yielding, honked the horn in fear of causing an accident. Wang was startled by the sound and hurriedly fled to the side of the road. The car sped past, and she could still hear the driver cursing.

Wang had no choice but to return home. Along the way, her heart raced, and upon arriving home, she cried. Soon after, she developed chills and fever, and the next day, she became restless, confused, and delirious, as if she were seeing ghosts, unable to find a moment of peace. Her mouth was dry, her teeth were coated, and her lips were dry and peeling, with intense thirst, a purple tongue, and red eyes. In this condition, it seemed necessary to call a doctor. However, her husband was angry and did not care. By the third day, her fever had risen sharply, rushing to her head, and she suddenly exhibited convulsive symptoms, with stiffness in the neck and back, convulsions in the limbs, and a tight jaw. At this point, her husband finally called me to treat her.

After understanding her previous condition and examining her, I diagnosed it as being caused by fright, leading to an opening of the skin, allowing wind evil to enter, which then caused chills and fever. The heat generated from the wind evil combined with the internal heat from liver stagnation, rising and attacking the head, thus causing the convulsive symptoms.

I then combined Bai Hu Decoction with Xie Xin Decoction to clear and drain the heat, adding Gua Lou and Gua Wei to clear the heat from the meridians, and Yuan Zhi and Shi Chang Pu to calm the palpitations in her heart, which would surely yield results.

Bai Hu Decoction combined with Xie Xin Decoction: Sheng Shi Gao (3 liang), Fei Zhi Mu (4 qian), Zhi Gan Cao (2 qian), Jin Wen Jun (3 qian), Sheng Huang Qin (3 qian), Shang Chuan Lian (1 qian), Fen Gua Lou (4 qian), Gua Lou Root (4 qian), Yuan Zhi (3 qian), Shi Chang Pu (2 qian).

After taking the medicine, she had three bowel movements in a row. After the first bowel movement, her skin continued to sweat. After three bowel movements, her fever significantly reduced, and the convulsive symptoms gradually diminished. The next morning, Liu came to check on her, and the spasms had completely stopped, and the patient was sound asleep. After waking up, she was clear-headed. Soon after, she asked for a little porridge and soup, feeling more at ease, but the heat had not yet cleared.

In the second diagnosis, I slightly reduced the amount of Da Huang and prescribed another dose. She had three more bowel movements, and the yellow-black color had significantly reduced, the heat had completely subsided, and the restlessness and thirst had ceased.

By the third diagnosis, fearing that the remaining evil had not cleared, and worried about the recurrence of fever and spasms damaging the body fluids, I changed to Liang Ge San combined with the method of increasing body fluids for adjustments, addressing both aspects. After two doses, her spirit was calm, her qi was stable, and the body fluids had returned. The previous symptoms of dry mouth, purple tongue, and coated teeth had all returned to normal, and she was cured.

Liang Ge San combined with the method of increasing body fluids: Chuan Da Huang (2 qian, washed with wine), Yuan Ming Fen (2 qian), Jing Lian Qiao (3 qian), Dan Huang Qin (3 qian, roasted), Zhi Gan Cao (1 qian), Sheng Shan Zhi (3 qian), Run Yuan Shen (3 qian), Da Mai Dong (3 qian), Fresh Sheng Di (4 qian).

Reflecting on the treatment of spasmodic disease, the “Jingui” has already indicated the major methods of sweating and purging. Using Xie Xin Decoction instead of Chengqi Decoction is because the heat is extreme and the abdomen is not full, thus avoiding the dryness of Hou Po. Using Gua Lou instead of Guizhi is because it is only heat and not aversion to cold, thus avoiding the warmth of Guizhi. However, the tailoring of this prescription is still inspired by the major methods of the “Jingui”.

In the end, the method of increasing body fluids was used because Wang had given birth to many children, and her qi and blood were insufficient, combined with long-standing liver stagnation, leading to early damage to the yin. Now, it was necessary to use cooling and purging, and after the illness was resolved, nourishing the yin was also essential. In the “Jingui”, there is a clear statement about this disease arising from fright, and I initially had doubts, but now observing Wang’s spasmodic disease, which also arose from fright, I am more convinced that Zhang Zhongjing, the master, did not deceive me.

3. A woman with spasmodic disease due to deficiency of qi and blood. Hao ××, female, 22 years old, a manager at a factory in Chongqing. In July 1959, she experienced high fever and coma. She was sent to the emergency department of a hospital. After using antipyretic medication, the high fever did not subside, and even after physical cooling, it was still ineffective. The diagnosis was unclear. She was discharged and sought treatment from a TCM practitioner. On the same day, after taking two doses of medicine, the fever subsided, and she gradually regained consciousness. However, the next evening, she fell into a coma again. She was sent to ×× hospital for emergency treatment, and a critical illness notice was issued, but no diagnosis was made. An elderly TCM practitioner was urgently invited for consultation, and after taking Chinese medicine, her condition gradually improved.

The elderly TCM practitioner believed there was stagnation in the brain. She was transferred to ×× Medical College for examination and imaging, and indeed, it was found that there was a blood clot in the brain, leading to surgery and saving her life. A month later, she experienced convulsions, and her lower body felt cold; after being discharged, she continued to be treated with Chinese medicine, intermittently for five to six years, with no significant effect. In 1965, she came to Chengdu specifically for treatment, and after three months, she was basically cured.

Initial diagnosis: Right side of the body had convulsions, with symptoms of facial drooping. Occurring about five to six times a month, there were premonitory signs before convulsions, with numbness on the right side. In recent years, she particularly feared the cold, wearing a wool sweater even in the heat of June, and her limbs remained cold. Menstruation was irregular, with a dull color. Vision was impaired, and she felt confused, with significant memory and reaction time delays. She felt fatigued and had poor appetite. The tongue was pale, with little grayish-white coating, and the pulse was deep and thin.

This was due to a major illness leading to deficiency of qi and blood, resulting in spasms, belonging to both Taiyin and Shaoyin. It was necessary to first warm the middle, strengthen the spleen, and harmonize qi and blood, using Xiao Jian Zhong Decoction as the main treatment.

Prescription: Gui Zhi (12 g), Zhi Gan Cao (6 g), Bai Shao (15 g), Sheng Jiang (30 g), Hong Zao (15 g), Yi Tang (60 g) (to be dissolved in water), for six doses.

Second diagnosis: After taking the above prescription for six doses over ten days, the convulsions occurred only once, and the premonitory numbness was reduced. Both her spirit and appetite improved. She still feared the cold, and her limbs were cold, and her menstruation was still irregular, with yang qi not reaching the limbs. To eliminate blood deficiency and cold stagnation, it was necessary to warm the meridians, promote circulation, and nourish blood, using Dang Gui Si Ni Decoction as the main treatment.

Prescription: Dang Gui (10 g), Gui Zhi (12 g), Bai Shao (10 g), Liao Xi Xin (15 g), Gan Cao (6 g), Mu Tong (6 g), Da Zao (20 g), Wu Zhu Yu (6 g), Pao Jiang (15 g), for eight doses.

Third diagnosis: After taking the above prescription for eight doses, there had been no convulsions for half a month. The fear of cold and cold limbs had lessened, and her appetite had slightly increased. The menstrual period had just arrived, with a dull color and more purple-black blood clots, accompanied by abdominal pain. It was necessary to warm the spleen and kidneys, and disperse cold stagnation.Prescription: Pao Jiang (60 g), Xue Yu Tan (30 g), Zhi Gan Cao (30 g), Zhi Fu Pian (30 g) (to be simmered for a long time), Dang Gui (12 g), Wu Zhu Yu (6 g), for six doses.

Fourth diagnosis: After taking six doses, her condition steadily improved, and I used Li Zhong Decoction with modifications for continued treatment.Prescription: Dang Shen (15 g), Gan Jiang (12 g), Chao Bai Zhu (12 g), Gan Cao (10 g), Zhi Fu Pian (30 g) (to be simmered for a long time), Fu Ling (12 g), Sha Ren (10 g), Bai Dou Kou (10 g), Gou Qi Zi (15 g), Tu Si Zi (20 g), Gui Zhi (10 g).

The above prescription was adjusted, and after about two months of treatment, her body had basically recovered. In July 1979, she came to visit and express her gratitude. She stated that after recovering, she took care of herself for about two years, gradually consolidating her health, and had not relapsed since.

4. A horse, left. Cold and fearful, with widespread bone pain, headache and neck pain, nausea, short urination, tight and urgent pulse, and a thin and greasy tongue. Both Taiyang and Yangming meridians are affected, and it is urgent to use Guo Lou Decoction to disperse the cold evil, preventing lingering symptoms. Fen Gua Lou (1.5 qian), Yun Ling (3 qian), Chao Gu Ya (3 qian), Chuan Gui Zhi (0.5 qian), Jiang Ban Xia (3 qian), Chen Pei Lan (1.5 qian), Qing Ma Huang (0.5 qian), Chen Guang Pi (1.5 qian), Chao Xiang Shi (3 qian), Pao Jiang (2 slices). In the second diagnosis, after taking Guo Lou Decoction, there was a significant amount of sweating, and the headache and bone pain were relieved, and nausea stopped. The body was hot, the head was dizzy, the mouth was dry, and there was a strong pulse, with a thin and greasy yellow tongue, and a red tongue. The Taiyang evil had been resolved, and the Yangming heat was internally blazing. Fortunately, the body was strong, preventing prolonged illness. Now, I will use Guizhi and Baihu to clear the heat of Yangming and expel the evil of Taiyang. Chuan Gui Zhi (0.3 qian), Chi Ling (3 qian), Chao Gu Ya (3 qian), Sheng Shi Gao (3 qian), Jiang Zhi Ke (1.5 qian), Sheng Tou Cao (1.5 qian), Tian Hua Fen (3 qian), Ku Ju Gen (0.8 qian), Chao Zhu Ye (1.5 qian), Gan Lu Gen (5 qian). (“Ding Gan Ren Medical Cases · Spasmodic Cases”)

Note: This case was caused by external wind-cold obstructing the meridians. The treatment first used Guo Lou Decoction with modifications to disperse cold and relieve the exterior, and then used Guizhi Decoction combined with Baihu Decoction to clear heat and expel the evil, consolidating the therapeutic effect.

5. Wu Qiming’s son, just over a year old, had a fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, with restlessness and inability to sleep, and excessive thirst for water. The doctor mistakenly diagnosed it as vomiting due to insufficient spleen and stomach, heat from deficient yang, and fluid loss, and prescribed Qi Wei Bai Zhu San. After one dose, he developed symptoms of bulging eyes, opisthotonos, limb spasms, tight jaw, and dry lips and tongue. I recognized this condition as an epidemic evil affecting the stomach, which had not been cleared, leading to heat and diarrhea, and directly used Guo Lou Huang Qin Huang Lian Decoction, which significantly reduced the disease after one dose. After that, I used Xiao Chai Hu Decoction with Ban Xia, adding flower powder, and after two doses, he was stable.(“De Xin Ji Medical Cases · Spasms”)

Note: This case was caused by damp-heat obstructing the meridians. The treatment first used Guo Lou, Huang Qin, and Huang Lian Decoction to clear heat and eliminate dampness, promote body fluids, and relieve spasms. After the symptoms were alleviated, I changed to a formula to harmonize the Shaoyang for follow-up treatment.

6. Lu. Pale face, headache, limb spasms, and convulsions due to fright and anger, with hunger and sleeplessness. This is caused by liver wind swirling and stirring, gradually leading to spasms. This is a disease of the five emotions. Use Ejiao, Mu Li, Sheng Di, Tian Dong, Xiao Mai, and Bai Shao. (“Clinical Guidelines for Medical Cases · Spasms”)

Note: This case was caused by deficiency of yin blood, leading to internal movement of wind. The treatment used Ejiao, Sheng Di Huang, and Tian Dong to nourish yin and blood, while Mu Li and Bai Shao calm the liver and extinguish wind, and Xiao Mai nourishes qi and heart.

7. Xiong Jixian’s son, just half a year old, had delicate skin, smiled and danced with his loved ones. Jixian often spoke with me about his joy. I said: “Anything delicate is most afraid of wind and frost, and should be prevented.” Jixian thought that it was easy to raise him, and thus privately doubted my words. One day, he caught a slight cold, with nasal congestion and cough. The doctor prescribed Er Chen, Su, and Fang, and after sweating, he suddenly lost his voice, became breathless, and did not cough, thinking that not coughing was effective, not knowing that it was an external cause, and mistaking the absence of cough for lightness. He mistakenly took Suzi and Zhi Ke, and after swallowing, he suddenly had bulging eyes, limb spasms, and tight jaw. The doctors saw that his urination was reduced and gave him more wind-dispelling medicine, adding a light and moist flavor.

Seeing that the disease was urgent and he had not taken any medicine, he quickly apologized and earnestly asked me to treat him. I then prescribed Guizhi and Fuzi Decoction, and at that time, the symptoms of wind and spasms subsided immediately. After another dose, all ailments were cured. Alas, the medicine was only one formula and two doses, yet it achieved success overnight, which was originally due to his own condition. This is the wonderful use of meridian-based medication.(“De Xin Ji Medical Cases · Spasms”)

Note: This case was caused by external wind-cold, damaging the yang qi, leading to insufficient nourishment of the tendons. The treatment used Guizhi and Fuzi Decoction, which is Guizhi Decoction minus Shaoyao plus Fuzi, to dispel wind, relieve the exterior, warm the meridians, and disperse cold. The evil is expelled, and the yang is restored, allowing the tendons to receive nourishment, thus relieving spasms.

Zhang Xichun on Pediatric Spasmodic Disease

Children are of the Shaoyang constitution, which is why they may experience heat and fright, causing their original yang to always carry qi and blood upward, disturbing their brain, leading to spasms.

Spasms are characterized by stiffness in the neck, opisthotonos, or limb convulsions, all of which are covered within. For symptomatic treatment, there is no better medicine than centipede (preferably whole). Use symptomatic medicine to save the urgent situation, while also examining the cause of the disease, and combine it with fundamental medicine to clear the source, thus treating both the symptoms and the root, preventing recurrence.

In the spring of the year of Guihai, I encountered four children with fever and spasms within ten days. I treated them all with Bai Hu Decoction for the fever and centipede for the spasms. For the most severe spasms, I used three whole centipedes, combined with Bai Hu Decoction, and administered it in divided doses, all of which yielded immediate results (the detailed cases are all in the section on centipede, and they were all slightly modified with other medicines, but the key point is the combination of Bai Hu Decoction and centipede).

Additionally, in the summer of the year of Yichou, I was in the registry, and a child named Zhang suffered from summer heat and spasms. During the spasms, his breath was blocked, occurring several times a day, with severe heat and abnormal spirit. I had invited several doctors who all deemed it untreatable. I, however, administered a large dose of Bai Hu Decoction, adding three whole centipedes, divided into three doses, and he was cured after one dose.

In the spring of the year of Bingyin, a child named Yu in Tianjin suffered from summer heat and rashes, with a body temperature rising, thirst for water, and rashes appearing for three days. It seemed like a rash but not quite, and observing his spirit, he appeared confused and restless, with a strong pulse that was shaking, indicating an impending spasm. I prepared Bai Hu Decoction with half a qian of Lingyang Jiao (to be boiled separately and mixed in, as a preventive measure against spasms, so I did not use centipede). Before the medicine could be boiled, he suddenly convulsed. I quickly boiled the medicine and administered it, and he was immediately cured.

For spasms caused by fright, one should use medicines that clear the heart, calm the liver, stabilize the soul, and settle the spirit, combined with centipede, such as Zhu Sha, Tie Xiu Shui, Sheng Long Gu, Sheng Mu Li, and other medicines.

If there is heat, add Lingyang Jiao and Qing Dai. If there is phlegm, add Jie Chang Pu and Dan Nan Xing. If there is wind, add Quan Xie and Jiang Can. For qi blockage and tight jaw, first use medicine to blow into the nose to induce sneezing, then administer the decoction.

Follow Qin Chu Ancient Formula | Protect Everyone’s Health

Scan the QR code for consultation and communication