Traditional Chinese medicine uses the method of tonifying the body as an important and effective means of treating diseases. However, in clinical practice, different methods of tonifying, warming, and replenishing are used for different types of deficiency patterns.
1. Clear Replenishment Method
Also known as clear nourishing method, this is a treatment method that replenishes while also clearing. It is often used for cases where there is consumption of Yin fluids due to external warm diseases and the pathogenic heat has not been completely eliminated yet. Commonly used herbs include Rehmannia, Ophiopogon, Asparagus Root, and Glehnia.
For example, after a high fever, if the fever has subsided or has not completely subsided, and symptoms such as dry mouth, loss of appetite, red tongue, and dry stools appear, this is a manifestation of lung and stomach fluid depletion according to TCM. The clear replenishment method for the lung and stomach can be used.
The prescription used is Mai Men Dong Tang (9g Ophiopogon, 12g Prince Ginseng, 6g Pinellia ternata, 4.5g Roasted Licorice, 30g Glutinous Rice, 15g Jujube) or Yang Wei Tang (10g Asparagus Root, 9g Ophiopogon, 9g Polygonatum, 9g Pollen, 9g Mulberry Leaf, 9g White Peony Root, 9g Chinese Yam, 4.5g Licorice). It is important for the clear replenishment method to be clear but not cold, as both Yin and Yang are damaged after the illness and coldness is not suitable. It is also important to nourish without causing greasiness, otherwise it will hinder the spleen and stomach function and absorption will not be possible.
2. Warm Replenishment Method
Also known as tonifying and closing method, this method is often used for cases of Yang deficiency. Commonly used herbs include Aconite, Cinnamon, and Dried Ginger. The main symptoms of Yin deficiency are pale complexion, cold limbs, aversion to cold, and no relief even with warm clothing. However, when replenishing Yang, it is important to distinguish which organ's Yang is deficient in order to prescribe the appropriate treatment and achieve the desired effect.
The main symptoms of Spleen Yang deficiency include aversion to cold and often accompanied by conditions such as uterine prolapse, gastric prolapse, rectal prolapse, and enlarged prostate. The treatment can be done with Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Codonopsis, Astragalus, Chinese Angelica, White Atractylodes, Tangerine Peel, Bupleurum, Raw Ginger, Jujube) or Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan.
The main symptoms of Stomach Yang deficiency include a bland taste in the mouth, vomiting clear water, aversion to cold, and accompanied by conditions such as diarrhea, duodenal ulcer, etc. The treatment can be done with Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang (Moxa-Stir Fried Astragalus, Cinnamon Twig, Stir Fried Peony Root, Roasted Licorice, Honey, Fresh Ginger, Jujube) or Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan.
The main symptoms of Kidney Yang deficiency include aversion to cold with cold limbs, impotence in men, cold uterus and infertility in women, weak and sore waist and knees, often accompanied by conditions such as chronic nephritis, enlarged prostate, and edema. The treatment can be done with Ji Sheng Shen Qi Tang (Aconite, Cinnamon, Raw and Prepared Rehmannia, Dogwood Fruit Flesh, Moutan Bark, Poria, Alisma, Yam, Plantago Seed, Achyranthes) or You Gui Wan.
3. Severe Replenishment Method
Also known as heavy replenishment method, this method is suitable for critically ill patients who cannot be saved by ordinary decoctions. Commonly used herbs include Aconite, Wild Ginseng, Fresh Ginseng, and Red Ginseng. Severe deficiency patterns are often seen in conditions such as heart failure, excessive sweating after childbirth, and excessive bleeding. In treatment, continuous replenishment should be given to save lives.
Severe deficiency patterns can also be classified as Yin or Yang. For patients with severe Yang deficiency or those on the verge of collapse, Shen Fu Tang (Ginseng, Aconite) can be slowly administered. For patients with impending exhaustion of Yin, Ren Shen Zi Yin Gao (Ginseng, Ophiopogon, Prepared Rehmannia, Schisandra) can be taken several times a day with warm water. In some cases of critically ill patients with severe deficiency, animal-based medicines such as donkey-hide gelatin, turtle shell gelatin, deer antler gelatin, pig, cow, and sheep spinal cord may also be used. It is also effective for conditions such as soft and weak muscles and bones, weak legs and feet, and sequelae of stroke caused by liver and kidney Yin deficiency and insufficient essence and blood in the elderly.
