Formula One: Yao Tong Fang (Low Back Pain Formula)
Composition: Huang Qi (Astragalus) 15-30g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 12g, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) 8g, Chi Shao (Red Peony) 10g, Shu Di (Rehmannia) 15g, Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga) 5-8g, Wu Yao (Lindera) 8-12g, Di Long (Earthworm) 10g.
Usage: Take 1 dose daily, decoct in water, and take 3 times a day.
Function: Tonifies Qi and strengthens the lower back, invigorates blood circulation, regulates Qi, and alleviates pain.
Indications: Various types of low back pain. Applicable for both external and internal injuries, particularly for conditions not caused by new pathogenic factors but rather by Qi stagnation and blood stasis, or muscle and bone fatigue. If there is a combination of cold and dampness, with cold sensation in the lower back, greasy tongue coating, and bland taste, add Wei Ling Xian (Clematis) and Xi Xin (Asarum); for stabbing pain due to blood stasis, add Tao Ren (Peach Kernel); for kidney Yang deficiency with cold pain in the lower back and knees, add Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea), Du Zhong (Eucommia), Chuan Duan (Euphorbia), and Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta).
Formula Two: Bu Shen Qiang Yao Fang (Kidney Tonifying and Strengthening Formula)
Composition: Gou Ji (Cibotium) 12g, Chuan Duan (Euphorbia) 9g, Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe) 15g, Du Zhong (Eucommia), Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Mu Guo (Papaya) each 9g, Yi Yi Ren (Job’s Tears) 30g, fresh pig kidney 1 (cut open, remove the white part of the renal pelvis, wash clean, and decoct to extract the soup for the herbs) (Muslims can use lamb kidney instead).
Usage: Take 1 dose daily, decoct the herbs in pig kidney soup, and take 2 times a day.
Function: Tonifies the kidneys and strengthens the lower back.
Indications: Kidney deficiency low back pain. Pain in the lower back without lifting ability, but no tenderness or percussion pain, shortness of breath, weak urination, thin and weak pulse, and scanty tongue coating.
If cold symptoms are prominent, add Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea) and Hu Tao Ren (Walnut) each 9g.
Formula Three: Tong Du Huo Xue Tang (Invigorating Blood Circulation and Unblocking the Du Meridian Decoction)
Composition: Huang Qi (Astragalus) 18g, Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) 9g, Dan Shen (Salvia) 18g, Du Zhong (Eucommia), Chi Shao (Red Peony), Di Long (Earthworm), Su Mu (Sappan Wood), Ze Lan (Lycopus) each 9g, Gou Ji (Cibotium) 12g, Lu Jiao Pian (Deer Antler) 18g.
Usage: Take 1 dose daily, decoct in water, and take 2 times a day.
Function: Unblocks the Du Meridian, invigorates blood circulation, and nourishes essence and fills marrow.
Indications: Degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.
Formula Four: Jun Bu Gan Shen Wan (Strongly Tonifying Liver and Kidney Pill)
Composition: Zhi He Shou Wu (Processed Fo-Ti) 120g, Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta), Du Zhong (Eucommia), Bai Ji Li (Tribulus), Sang Shen Zi (Mulberry Fruit), Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea), Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia) 60g each, Niu Xi (Achyranthes) 90g, Chuan Duan (Euphorbia), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Gou Ji (Cibotium), Lu Jiao Shuang (Deer Antler Powder) each 60g.
Usage: Grind all the herbs into a fine powder, mix with honey to form pills the size of a wutong seed, and store in a bottle. Take 40 pills, 2 times a day, before breakfast and dinner with salt water.
Function: Strongly tonifies the liver and kidneys.
Indications: Low back pain (Liver and Kidney deficiency type). Symptoms include persistent pain in the lower back and sacrum, difficulty bending and turning, worsening with exertion, fatigue in the limbs, weak knees, and a feeling of emptiness in the lower back, unable to support while sitting or standing, with a pulse that is often deep, slow, and weak.