The concept of qi in medicine may have originated from the observation of human life phenomena by the ancients. Through the observation of some obvious and vital life phenomena of the human body itself, such as the entry and exit of qi when breathing, and the steaming and hot air that comes out with sweat during activities, the ancients produced a simple and intuitive understanding of qi, coupled with the flow of qi in the body realized in qigong exercises, so they speculated, associated, abstracted and purified on the basis of the gradual accumulation of simple understanding, and gradually formed the concept that human qi is a fine substance that can flow in the human body. With the deepening of understanding, we have a more systematic understanding of the source, function, movement law and form of qi of the human body, as well as the relationship between qi and viscera, and establish the theory of qi in traditional Chinese medicine. Qi tonification is a TCM method for treating qi deficiency syndrome. It is also known as benefiting qi. It is a supplement. Qi deficiency syndrome is often caused by eating disorders, old age and frailty, and long-term illness, and clinically shows a syndrome of decline in visceral function. According to the characteristics of the clinical manifestations of qi deficiency syndrome in different viscera, different qi replenishment methods can be used, such as tonifying lung qi, tonifying spleen qi, tonifying heart qi, tonifying kidney qi, etc. commonly used
Xiao Wang couldn't wait to ask, "Teacher Xie, can you tell me about the Four Gentlemen's Soup, which is known as the first party of Qi replenishment through the ages? I heard that it has a high status in Chinese medicine." ”
Teacher Xie smiled and nodded, his gaze was deep and rigorous: "The Four Gentlemen's Soup is a very classic tonic formula, people often use the word gentleman when describing a person with outstanding talent and good manners, and when talking about the friendship between people, they will say that 'the friendship of a gentleman is as light as water'. The word "gentleman" always gives people a sense of superiority! Among the prescriptions of traditional Chinese medicine, there is a personable prescription, and it is the soup of the four gentlemen. ”
Xiao Wang quickly opened the notebook, his fingers danced on the paper quickly, and Xiao Wang began to record quickly: "Four gentlemen's soup, ginseng, atractylodes, poria cocos, boiled licorice, tonic formula, nourishing qi and strengthening the spleen and stomach." "His handwriting is neat and powerful, and every letter seems to be a work of art carved with heart. Teacher Xie observed Xiao Wang's movements, and couldn't help but smile slightly when he saw his serious expression and skillful techniques. This student did not just take notes mechanically, but sincerely devoted himself to the study of Chinese medicine. This made Mr. Xie feel a sense of encouragement.
Teacher Xie asked again: "Do you remember its song?" His gaze was focused and deep, as if he could see his heart through Xiao Wang's eyes.
Xiao Wang was stunned for a moment, but then straightened up and recalled the song. He closed his eyes and began to chant softly: "The soup of the four gentlemen is neutral and righteous, and the ginseng is made of Poria cocos and licorice." Yi Xia Chen is known as the Six Gentlemen, and the phlegm is used to replenish qi and yang deficiency bait. In addition to the half-summer name, or add fragrant sand stomach cold. His voice was melodious and precise, as if he were chanting an old poem. As he read every word, his face revealed a kind of admiration for the beauty of Chinese medicine. At this moment, Xiao Wang is not only a student, but also a devout believer reciting scriptures.
Source: Hong Kong Baptist University Prescription Image Database
Teacher Xie nodded slightly and looked at Xiao Wang with satisfaction. He understands that Xiao Wang has not only learned knowledge, but also integrated the essence of Chinese medicine into his blood. This made him more confident in the future of traditional Chinese medicine.
Teacher Xie nodded: "Very good, but remember, when using the Four Gentlemen Soup, it should be used according to the patient's syndrome, first, spleen and stomach qi deficiency, weak digestion, reduced diet, abdominal distension and bowel sound, loose stool, fatigue and weakness of the whole body, pale complexion, pale tongue, thin white moss, and soft pulse." Second, after the initial recovery from a serious illness, or a chronically debilitated patient, he does not want to eat, his appetite decreases, his body is emaciated, his face is pale, his speech is slight, his limbs are weak, his tongue is pale, and his pulse is weak. ”
Xiao Wang nodded respectfully: "Teacher Xie, I understand." ”
Teacher Xie smiled slightly: "Okay, in addition, remember that the spleen and stomach are damp, and the symptoms are reduced diet, abdominal distention, loose stool, and white or thick tongue coating, avoid using Sijunzi soup." ”
After thinking hard for a long time, Xiao Wang's heart suddenly brightened: "Teacher Xie, I understand." Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes that individualized treatment can truly achieve the best results. Can you tell me about the use of this medicine?"
Teacher Xie nodded with satisfaction: "Very good, Xiao Wang." In this formula, ginseng is used to replenish qi and blood and improve gastrointestinal function, atractylodes atractylodes helps to strengthen the spleen and remove dampness, poria cocos can penetrate dampness and promote spleen function, and atractylodes cocos works with atractylodes to support the spleen and stomach, and licorice not only has the effect of harmonizing various medicines, but also helps ginseng replenish qi and blood. These four herbs work together to replenish qi and blood on the one hand, and strengthen the spleen and stomach on the other hand. ”
"Medical Prescription Collection and Nourishing Medicine": "This hand and foot Taiyin and foot Yang medicine are also. Ginseng is sweet and warm, and it is a great tonic for vitality. Atractylodes atractylodes is bitter and warm, and the spleen is dry and replenishes qi. Poria cocos is sweet and light, and it is supported by dampness and diarrhea. Licorice glypine, and Zhongyi soil for the also. If the qi is full of spleen luck and the diet is doubled, the remaining organs will be shaded, and the color and luster will be strong. Add tangerine peel to rationalize qi and dissipate rebellion, and remove phlegm with dryness and dampness in half summer, called Liujun, with its neutralizing products, so it is said that the gentleman is also. ”
Xiao Wang listened intently to Mr. Xie's explanation. He took out a notebook, flipped through the pages one by one, and recorded each of Mr. Xie's answers in meticulous handwriting. Xiao Wang's demeanor shows his curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and he deeply absorbs Mr. Xie's knowledge. Teacher Xie also said, "Qi replenishment and strengthening the spleen and stomach are closely linked. Normally, by strengthening the spleen and stomach, we are able to achieve the purpose of replenishing qi. Because whether it is medicine or food, it needs the spleen and stomach to digest and absorb in order to exert its effect. If the spleen is deficient and cannot absorb nutrients effectively, it will lead to malnutrition throughout the body, causing qi deficiency throughout the body. Therefore, for patients with overall weakness or spleen and stomach qi deficiency, it is necessary to consider replenishing qi and strengthening the spleen and stomach at the same time to ensure that the nourishing components in the medicine can be effectively exerted, and at the same time increase appetite and promote the absorption of nutrients in food, so as to continuously improve the symptoms of weakness. ”
Xiao Wang was very satisfied with Mr. Xie's answer, and he knew that this was a rare learning opportunity. Whenever he recorded an important piece of knowledge, he would nod his head gently to express his gratitude to Mr. Xie. Mr. Xie also said: "If you only pay attention to the nourishment of the body and ignore the strengthening of the gastrointestinal tract, it is likely to lead to the residual of the drug in the middle focus, causing chest tightness, bloating and other uncomfortable symptoms. At the same time, loss of appetite can also affect the intake of nutrients, which can further aggravate the symptoms of physical weakness. Ancient doctors often said that 'the spleen and stomach are the foundation of the day after tomorrow' and that 'nourishment must start from the spleen and stomach', emphasizing this point. Sijunzi soup can not only replenish qi and blood, enhance overall physical strength, but also improve the function of the spleen and stomach, and promote digestion and absorption. For patients with chronic illness or general weakness and decreased spleen and stomach function caused by a serious illness, this medication can be used to achieve good results. ”
"Shi Fang Song Kuo": "Stomach qi is the foundation of life, ginseng, surgery, Ling, grass calmly and slowly, replenish the soil qi of the middle palace, reach the upper and lower sides, and the five internal organs and six internal organs are all affected by qi, so all false evidence is based on this side." If you add tangerine peel, it has the effect of stagnation and eating; and then add half a summer, that is, it has the function of removing phlegm and swelling; and then add wood incense and sand kernels, then the medicine of qi is more than supplementing, and all the symptoms such as swelling, phlegm drinking, and agglomeration are all quickly removed, which is easy for people to know. And for the master of several parties, the credit lies in ginseng. Everyone says that ginseng nourishes qi and yang, and warm medicine uses it to do its best, while the rest is said to be ginseng to replenish yin and nourish liquid, and dry medicine is peaceful. ”
It is known as the magic medicine of the four seasons
Xiao Wang asked again: "Teacher Xie." Since we talked about the Four Gentlemen's Soup, I know that Poria cocos in the prescription is known as the Four Seasons Miracle Medicine and has a wide range of applications in traditional Chinese medicine, can you explain it to me in detail?"
Teacher Xie gently closed the ancient book in his hand, smiled and said, "Of course." Poria cocos is sweet and flat, non-toxic. As early as in the "Shennong Materia Medica", its efficacy was recorded in detail. It can be used to treat symptoms such as chest and flank adverse qi, anxiety, panic, palpitations, pain under the heart, cold, heat, irritability, cough, dry mouth and tongue, and urination. In addition, it can also calm the soul and prolong life. ”
Xiao Wang carefully recorded every word, her brushstrokes smooth and powerful. Teacher Xie continued: "When Chen Xiuyuan commented on the efficacy of Poria cocos, he emphasized that Poria cocos has the properties of water, especially suitable for expectorant and cleansing drinks, and can dredge the accumulation of water and moisture in the body. ”
"Shennong's Materia Medica" contains its "main chest and flank against qi, sorrow and fear palpitations, pain in the heart, cold and heat annoyance, cough and reversal, dry mouth and tongue, and good urination." Serve for a long time to refresh the soul, and not starve and prolong the years". Chen Xiuyuan commented on its efficacy: "If its qi is reversed, it will be sad and frightened, and if the water evil stays, it will be painful, and if the water vapor does not dissolve, it will be full of annoyance, Ling Yu Taiyin will cough and reverse, and if the guest is in the camp and guard, it will be hot and cold, and if there is a night's drink, the liquid will not rise." "It is highlighted that Poria cocos has the properties of water, and its functions are expectorant, cleansing, and good at treating the evidence of water and dampness accumulation in the body.
Teacher Xie saw that Xiao Wang was taking notes very seriously, and then said: "Tao Hongjing also mentioned in the "Commentary on the Materia Medica" that Poria cocos can quench thirst and drain the abdomen, which can not only regulate the function of the spleen and stomach, but also calm the mind and calm the nerves. ”
Tao Hongjing pointed out in the "Notes on the Classic of Materia Medica" that Poria cocos "quenches thirst, good saliva, drenching the abdomen, fresh water in the diaphragm, edema and drenching." Open the chest, regulate the qi, cut down the kidney evil, grow the yin, benefit the qi, and protect the gods. It is also emphasized that Poria cocos can improve water and dampness, strengthen the spleen and replenish the middle, calm the heart and calm the nerves, and can treat edema, phlegm drinking, palpitations, insomnia and other diseases.
Xiao Wang raised his head slightly and looked at Teacher Xie with respect: "Teacher Xie, your knowledge is really profound. So, are there any other characteristics of the application of Poria cocos?"
Teacher Xie smiled and nodded: "Of course there is." Poria cocos is a drug with moderate properties, not as drastic as some drugs. It can not only nourish weakness, but also dispel cold and dampness, and has the dual function of tonifying and laxative. This makes it not only able to correct and dispel evil, but also to reconcile qi and blood. As for the authentic medicinal materials, the origin of Poria cocos is also particular, and the Poria cocos of Yunnan Yuanmou is particularly high-quality. ”
"Materia Medica" records: "Poria cocos, Yungui is unique. ”
Xiao Wang thought for a moment, and then continued to ask: "Teacher Xie, modern research has found that Poria cocos contains a variety of ingredients, which have pharmacological effects such as diuretic, hepatoprotective, and anti-tumor. Can these studies be combined with ancient theories of Chinese medicine?"
Teacher Xie smiled and nodded, and looked at Xiao Wang approvingly: "In fact, modern scientific research and ancient Chinese medicine theories do not contradict each other, but can be verified and supplemented by each other. Ancient theories of traditional Chinese medicine were gradually formed in long-term clinical practice, while modern scientific research can analyze the chemical composition and physiological effects of drugs in more depth. Combining the two can lead to a better understanding of the application and mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine. ”
Xiao Wang nodded, she felt the collision and inspiration of knowledge, and the confusion in her heart gradually dissipated.