Zhen gan Xi Feng Tang Granules

This formula treats Liver and Kidney yin deficiency with ascendant Liver yang, which in severe cases leads to internal movement of Liver wind with rebellious qi and blood. These patterns are commonly precursors to wind-stroke, which can occur when severe, ascendant Liver yang transforms into wind. The wind and Liver yang ascend to attack the head causing dizziness, vertigo, a distended sensation in the eyes, tinnitus, a feverish sensation in the head, headache, irritability, and flushed face. Liver and Stomach disharmony may develop and cause the Stomach qi to rebel, manifested as frequent belching. Ascendant Liver yang may cause the blood to follow the rebellious qi upward. Depending on the individual constitution and other factors, this can lead to severe dizziness and vertigo, sudden loss of consciousness, and mental confusion, or a more gradual, progressive motor dysfunction that can lead to hemiplegia and other symptoms of wind-stroke. The wiry, long, and forceful pulse reflects vigorous, ascendant Liver yang. This elegantly designed formula is an excellent example of simultaneously treating both the manifestation and the root of a disorder. The chief and deputy ingredients directly sedate the Liver and anchor the yang to extinguish the wind; the assistant ingredients nourish the yin and the fluids, which softens and moistens the Liver so that the wind indirectly dies out of its own accord. However the Liver, like the official in charge of military affairs whose duty it is to maintain order, becomes fierce if constrained. A strategy which simply sedates and anchors the Liver yang, nourishes the yin, and moistens the fluids many constrain the Liver, which will complicate the task of calming the Liver and regulating the qi. Therefore the formula also contains qi-regulating ingredients to prevent the development of Liver constraint and assist in directing the yang downward. Bensky: Chinese Herbal Medicine Formulas and Strategies.