Harmonize: Regulate and Harmonize Liver and Spleen

Question 1

Si Ni San (Frigid Extremities Powder)

Answer 1

Vents pathogenic qi, releases constraint, spreads the Liver qi, and regulates the Spleen

LV Qi stagnation on the SP causing the cold extremities (Yang Jue syndrome): Cold fingers and toes although the body is warm, irritability and fullness in the chest and epigastrium, hypochondriac or abdominal pain, severe diarrhea

T: red body, yellow coat

P: wiry

NOTE: Modern use includes Raynaud’s Phenomenon

• Chai Hu
• Zhi Shi
• Bai Shao
• Zhi Gan Cao

Question 2

Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder)

Answer 2

Spreads the LV Qi, strengthens the SP, and nourishes the blood

LV Qi Stagnation with LV Blood & SP Qi deficiency

Headache, vertigo, bitter taste in the mouth, dry mouth and throat, fatigue, reducing appetite, hypochondriac or abdominal pain, possibly with alternating chills and fever, irregular menstruation, breast distention

T: pale-red

P: wiry, empty

• Chai Hu
• Dang Gui
• Bai Shao
• Bai Zhu
• Fu Ling
• Zhi Gan Cao
• Wei Jiang
• Bo He

Question 3

Tong Xie Yao Fang (Important Formula for Painful Diarrhea)

Answer 3

Tonifies SP, softens the LV, expels dampness, and stops diarrhea

LV Qi stagnation overacting on the SP causing diarrhea with abdominal pain: recurrent problems of borborygmus, abdominal pain, diarrhea with pain

T: Thin, white coat

P: moderate or thin

• Chao Bai Zhu
• Chao Bai Shao
• Chao Chen Pi
• Fang Feng