Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang targets spleen and stomach weakness, which hampers the body’s capacity to channel clear yang (pure energy) upward to the head and direct turbid yin (heavier, impure energy) downward.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the spleen and stomach are central to the movement of qi: the spleen transports clear qi to nourish the senses—such as the eyes, ears, and nose—while the stomach directs turbid qi downward for elimination. When spleen qi is weakened, often due to overeating, overexertion, or stress, the ascent of clear yang is compromised, and the retention of turbid yin occurs, leading to symptoms like tinnitus, deafness, or blurred vision.
The formula works by:
Nourishing Spleen Qi involves the use of astragalus, ginseng, and licorice to bolster the spleen, thereby improving digestion and boosting qi production.
Raising Clear Yang: Kudzu and cimicifuga elevate yang qi to the head, nourishing the senses and clearing obstructions.
Lowering turbid yin: White peony and phellodendron clear heat and dampness, helping to prevent turbid yin from clouding the senses.
Harmonizing: Licorice facilitates seamless coordination, balancing the formula’s warming and cooling effects.
When spleen qi is deficient, the clear yang does not ascend properly, and the turbid yin remains, leading to symptoms such as tinnitus, deafness, or blurred vision.
This revitalizes the spleen’s capacity to lift clear qi, enhances sensory functions, and alleviates mental fog, as outlined in the Huangdi Neijing: “If the spleen is weak, the nine orifices become obstructed.”
Monarch (Huang Qi, Astragalus) – Sweet and warm; nourishes spleen qi, lifts yang, and enhances immunity.
Minister (Ren Shen, Ginseng) – Sweet and warm; revitalizes essential energy, nourishes the spleen and lungs.
Minister (Ge Gen, Kudzu Root) – Sweet and cooling; it raises clear yang, relieves muscle tension, and eases tinnitus and blurred vision.
Assistant (Sheng Ma, Cimicifuga) – Pungent and cooling; elevates yang, clears heat, and detoxifies.
Assistant (Man Jing Zi, Chasteberry Seed) – Cooling and pungent; disperses wind-heat, clears the head, and sharpens vision and hearing.
Assistant (Huang Bai, Phellodendron Bark) – Bitter and cold; clears heat and dampness, and prevents overheating caused by warming herbs.
Messenger (Bai Shao, White Peony Root) – Bitter and cooling; inhibits blood stasis, clears heat, and alleviates pain.
Messenger (Gan Cao, Licorice Root) – Sweet and neutral in taste; tonifies spleen qi, detoxifies the body, and harmonizes the formula.
