TCM Book ClubIssue 3813One issue daily, accompanying the growth of TCM practitioners
IIntroduction: When sweating does not stop, doctors often think of stopping the sweat by using methods such as astringing, tonifying Qi, nourishing Yin, and clearing heat, which are all common practices. However, it is surprising that the heavy use of Fu Ling (Poria), a diuretic herb, can also stop sweating. What is the reason behind this? Reading this article will clarify.
—This article is approximately700words, expected reading time2minutes—
↓Swipe to view the full introduction↓
Introduction:Zeng Shaoqiu (1921-2002), male, a renowned TCM physician in China. Professor and chief physician at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, he has published over 50 high-level medical articles, cases, and discussions in domestic and international academic journals, and has participated in numerous national academic conferences. He enjoys a high reputation among peers both within and outside the province. He inherited a rich family tradition (his maternal grandfather Luo Zhipu and father Zeng Yunchuan were both famous doctors in Shaoyang) and studied under the famous Shaoyang physician He Shu. He graduated from the Shaoyang TCM Continuing Education School in 1952-1953. He is the author of “The Medical Discussions of Passing Geese” and “Selected Poems of Zeng Shaoqiu”.
In the past, I treated a patient named Zhong who had sweating like rain. When lying on the left side, sweat would pour from the right; when lying on the right side, sweat would pour from the left; when lying on the back, sweat would pour from the chest; and when lying on the stomach, sweat would pour from the back. After exhausting all methods, I used two liang of Fu Ling (Poria), and the patient was cured immediately.
At that time, an intern was present and expressed doubt, saying: “How can Fu Ling stop sweating?”
I happily replied: “This is the principle of Yin and Yang rising and falling. Understanding this principle is halfway to mastering TCM.”
Chen Xiuyuan said: Observing Zhang Zhongjing’s formulas such as Fu Ling Gan Cao Tang (Poria and Licorice Decoction), Fu Ling Gui Zhi Bai Zhu Gan Cao Tang (Poria, Cinnamon, White Atractylodes, and Licorice Decoction), and Zhen Wu Tang (True Warrior Decoction), all use Fu Ling as the monarch herb and treat excessive sweating. The great loss of sweat must lead to the upward flow of kidney water, which can only be calmed by Fu Ling.
Zhang Xichun stated: Fu Ling has the property of hiding and can also consolidate and suppress the external excessive water vapor, redirecting it downward, preventing it from manifesting as sweat, making it a key herb for stopping sweating.
The intern, upon hearing this, had his doubts resolved.
—Copyright Statement—•This article is excerpted from “Sanxiang Medical Essence: Medical Discussions” (2013) | Edited by Liu Zuyi | Author: Zeng Shaoqiu•Edited and proofread by Wang Qinli | Recommended byLittle Jia | Typeset and introduction by/Yi Yi | Reviewed byJuYe.•The copyright of this article belongs to the rights holder. For educational exchange only, please do not use it for unauthorized medicinal trials.
Click here to download the Linglan TCM app