In cases of water-related illnesses, the pulse is deep and thin, belonging to the Shao Yin (Lesser Yin); a floating pulse indicates wind; a lack of water with distension indicates Qi deficiency; for water, inducing sweating is sufficient. For a deep pulse, Ma Huang Fu Zi Decoction is recommended; for a floating pulse, Xing Zi Decoction is appropriate.
Ma Huang Fu Zi Decoction Formula
Ma Huang (Ephedra) 3 liang, Gan Cao (Licorice) 2 liang, Fu Zi (Aconite) 1 piece (processed)
Combine the three ingredients, add 7 sheng of water, first boil Ma Huang, remove the foam, then add the other herbs, boil down to 2.5 sheng, and take 8 fen warm, three times a day.
Xing Zi Decoction Formula (not found, likely Ma Huang Xing Ren Gan Cao Shi Gao Decoction)
According to the annotations of Jin Kui Yao Lue, the formula for Xing Zi Decoction is: Ma Huang 4 liang, Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel) 50 pieces, Gan Cao 2 liang, roasted.
Combine the three ingredients, add 7 sheng of water, first boil Ma Huang, reduce to 2 sheng, remove the foam, then add the other herbs, boil down to 1 sheng, strain, and take warm to induce sweating.
This section discusses the differentiation between Zheng Shui (normal water), Feng Shui (wind water), and Xu Zhang (deficiency distension), as well as the treatment methods for Zheng Shui and Feng Shui.
In cases of edema, there is an excess of water Qi and a deep pulse. Currently, the pulse is deep and thin, related to the Shao Yin Kidney. The Kidney governs water, and Kidney Yang plays a crucial role in the metabolism of water and fluids. Once Kidney Yang is insufficient, water and fluids cannot properly vaporize, leading to accumulation, such as edema commonly seen in cases of kidney inflammation or renal insufficiency.
For edema caused by Kidney Yang deficiency, Ma Huang Fu Zi Decoction is used to warm the meridians, assist Yang, disperse lung Qi, and eliminate water retention. In this formula, Ma Huang disperses lung Qi and induces sweating, while Gan Cao strengthens the spleen to regulate water; Fu Zi warms Yang and transforms dampness. For severe edema, add Fu Ling (Poria) and Ze Xie (Alisma); for Qi deficiency, add Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes). In addition to herbal treatment, acupuncture can be applied at points such as San Huang (Yin Ling Quan, Di Ji, San Yin Jiao), as well as Shui Fen, Shui Dao, Shen Shu, Ming Men, and Guan Yuan.
When the body is swollen and the pulse is floating, it is often due to an external wind pathogen. For edema caused by external wind, Xing Zi Decoction is used to disperse lung Qi and promote water metabolism. In this formula, Ma Huang and Xing Ren disperse lung Qi and release the exterior, regulate water pathways, and moisten the lungs, while Gan Cao harmonizes the formula.
It is important to note that Ma Huang Xing Ren Gan Cao Shi Gao Decoction is primarily used for lung dryness and heat syndrome, where patients often present with thirst and wheezing symptoms, but do not exhibit edema. Therefore, Xing Zi Decoction is distinctly different from Ma Huang Xing Ren Gan Cao Shi Gao Decoction; Xing Zi Decoction is made by removing Fu Zi from Ma Huang Fu Zi Decoction and adding an equal amount of Xing Ren. Qi distension is caused by Qi stagnation leading to deficiency distension; although some degree of swelling may occur, it is clearly different from edema. Edema is characterized by a pitting effect when pressed, with slow recovery and shiny skin, while Qi distension does not have these characteristics. Sweating methods should not be used for Qi distension, as it may not only fail to alleviate the condition but could also further disrupt Qi dynamics and worsen the situation.
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