Jin Gui Yao Lue -

Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet

Introduction
Together with the Shang Han Lun (On Cold Damage-
) and Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of
the Golden Cabinet-) is widely studied and
used by Chinese Medicine practitioners.

As the earliest extant classics on medicinal formulas,

they were originally rendered as a single text of
sixteen scrolls called the Shang Han Za Bing Lun (On
Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases)
by Zhang Ji (Zhang Zhong- Jing ) during the
Eastern Han period, around the second century CE.

Introduction
Zhang integrated these two relatively new theories of
systematic correspondence laid down in the Huang
Di Nei Jing and the Nan Jing. By combining
theoretical etiologies with detailed diagnosis and
treatment.
The Jin Gui Yao Lue covers diseases other than
external contractions, including lung diseases, water
swelling, phlegm diseases, dispersion-thirst,
impediment (Bi Syndrome), summer stroke, mounting
diseases, and gynecological disorders.
Introduction
As the title suggests, Shang Han Lun discusses the
diagnosis and treatment of cold damage conditions,
which are conditions related to external contraction,
especially of wind and cold.
Jin Gui Yao Lue is thought to reflect that section of
the original Shang Han Za Bing Lun that was called
miscellaneous diseases, basically a catch-all phrase
for any conditions which could not be traced to
externally contracted evils.
General Rules
the following chapters each discuss a disease or
category of diseases in terms of causes, main
symptoms and pulses, pattern identification,
treatment principles, and prognosis, with occasional
reference to adverse or contraindicated treatments
or transmuted variations or stage of the disease
covered in that chapter.
Chapter 6
Pulse, Patterns, and Treatment of Blood
Impediment and Deficiency Taxation
OVERVIEW
Blood Impediment (Xue Bi) :
Impediment means blockage. Blood impediment is a
condition characterized by localized numbness or lack
of sensation mainly attributed to an underlying
insufficiency of Qi and Blood followed by an external
contraction of wind.
Deficiency Taxation (Xu Lao) :
Is a term that refers to chronic and consumptive disease
in general, but also to detriment and deficiency of the
viscera and bowls with depletion of Qi and Blood.
Blood Impediment (Xue Bi)
Line 1:
(Q) From where does one contract blood impediment disease?

(A): Those who live in comfort have weak bones and an

abundance of flesh and skin. They are also often fatigued
and sweating, with frequent tossing and turning while
lying down. If exposed to breeze at this time, they will
develop this condition. The pulse is faint and rough, but
small and tight at the inch opening and bar. At this time, it
is most appropriate to conduct yang Qi with needles.
When the pulse becomes harmonized, the tightness will
disappear and the patient will be cured.
This line discusses the etiology and pulse images associated
with blood impediment

Etiology: upright Qi insufficiency followed by

the contraction of an external evil.

Pulse Images:
Debilitated pulses indicate yang Qi deficiency
The rough quality indicates blood stagnation

Tight pulses indicate wind-cold

Since the external invasion is relatively superficial, tight
pulses only manifest at the inch opening and bar
positions
 Severe Blood Impediment

Line 2:
For blood impediment with dual debilitation of yin and
yang, faint pulses at the inch opening and bar
position, small and tight pulses at the cubit position,
and the external sign of generalized numbness
resembling that of wind impediment, Huang Qi Gui Zhi
Wu Wu Tang (Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig Five
Decoction) is indicated.
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang (Astragalus and
Cinnamon Twig Five Decoction

Huang Qi 3 Liang
Bai Shao 3 Liang
Gui Zhi 3 Liang
Shen Jiang 6 Liang
Da Zao 12 Pcs

*Some resources add Ren Shen

Zhang Zhong-Jing Weight-Measures

Weights and measures in Zhangs ZJ time followed

a system that bears resemblance to the those that
are now labeled as traditional: as opposed to
modern metric weights / measures now commonly
used in Chinese world.
Weights & Measures

UNIT Traditional Metric Equivalent

Equivalent
WEIGHT
DAN 120 JIN 300 Kg
JIN 16 LIANG 250 grams

LIANG 1/16 OF A JIN 15.6 grams

ZHU 1/12 OF 1 LIANG 1.3 grams

 Volume

Dou 10 Sheng

Sheng 1/10 of a Dou

Ge 1/10 of a Sheng

Qian-spoonful 1.5-1.8 grams

Square-inch-spoonful 5 ml
Analyses

Faint pulses at the inch opening and bar

position:
Faint pulse at the inch position indicates
insufficiency of yang Qi.

Small and tight pulses at the cubit

position:
Indicates contraction of an external evil.
Treatment Method
Qi boosting, yang-freeing, and ying and wei
harmonizing methods.

Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang:

Gui Zhi Tang with double the amount of Sheng Jiang &
Huang Qi.
Analyze:
Free yang Qi and boost Qi: Gui Zhi + Huang Qi
Diffuse exterior: Gui Zhi + Sheng Jiang
Harmonize ying, boost Qi: Da Zao + Bai Shao
Clinical Application:

Arthritis
Peripheral neuritis

Sciatica

Post-stroke syndrome

Bi Syndrome (Qi & Blood Deficiency with

Exterior Wind accumulation)

Bian Zheng & Bian Bing

Bian Zheng is a Chinese word meaning

differentiation of syndrome. Along with Bian Bing
(differentiation of disease), Bian Zheng is one aspect of
Zhen Duan (diagnosis) the differential diagnosis
used by practitioners of Chinese Medicine, to formulate
a diagnosis. ()
Bian Zheng & Bian Bing
Bian Zheng is the description of how a disease
manifests in a specific individual at a particular point in
time. The distinction between Bian Zheng (differentiation
of syndrome) and Bian Bing (differentiation of disease)
characterizes the unique power of Chinese Medicine.
It points to the fact that two people may be manifesting
the same disease mechanism -- but that the
underlying pattern of disharmony which is the etiology
(cause) of the manifest disease can be quite different,
from one person to the other.
Deficiency Taxation-Pulses
Line 3:
In a normal man, large pulses indicate taxation; extremely
deficient pulses also indicate taxation.

This line discusses the pulse images associated with

deficiency taxation.
Large pulses/deficiency taxation:
1. Excess: a broad and forceful pulse.
2. Deficiency: forceless pulse. (When lightly palpated, and
also when pressed deeply.)
3. Yin deficiency with yang floating outward.
Commentary
The pulses associated with deficiency taxation are
also in patterns of KD deficiency.

True yin deficiency causing deficient yang floating

outward is characterized by large, floating pulses.

Yang insufficiency is characterized by extremely

deficient, sunken, and slow or tight pulses.
Pattern Differentiation-
Diagnosis and the Four Examinations
Line 4:
A thin facial complexion among men indicates thirst and blood
collapse. Sudden panting and palpitation with floating pulses
indicate internal deficiency.

This line discusses signs of deficiency taxation according to

the 4 Examinations.
HT governs blood and its bloom is in the face; as insufficient
yin-blood fails to nourish the face, a pale white facial
complexion appears.
Fluids and blood are from the same source; yin-blood
insufficiency also suggests a deficiency of fluids that can
manifest with thirst.
Sudden panting and palpitation with floating pulses
indicate internal deficiency

KD governs Qi absorption; KD Qi deficiency with

failure to absorb Qi and deficient HT blood failing
to nourish the HT manifests with sudden panting and
palpitation.

Blood deficiency with yang Qi floating outward

manifests with floating pulses as seen in deficiency
taxation patterns. Thus the statement floating
pulses indicates internal deficiency.
Commentary
Floating pulses not only indicate an exterior pattern,
but also internal deficiency.
The former is characterized by the appearance of floating
and forceful pulses as upright Qi contents with evil Qi.
The latter is characterized by floating and forceless pulses
associated with blood deficiency and yang floating
outward.

A floating pulse can be considered a sign of internal

deficiency only when accompanied by other signs of
deficiency, chronic disease, or blood collapse.
Patterns and Treatment
DEFICIENCY TAXATION AND LOSS OF ESSENCE
Line 8:

A person who suffers from seminal loss will present with

tension and urgency of the lower abdomen, cold in the glans
penis, blurry vision, and hair loss.
Extremely deficient, scallion-stalk, and slow pulses indicate
that clear-food diarrhea, blood collapse, and seminal loss
may occur.
Scallion-stalk, stirred, faint or tight pulses reflect seminal loss
in men, and dreaming of intercourse in women.
Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction
plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell) is indicated.
This line discusses the patterns and treatment of seminal
loss associated with deficiency taxation.

In deficiency taxation disease, two sets of pulses may

arise:
Scallion-stalk and stirred pulse (): ascribed to yang
Faint and tight: ascribed to yin

These pulse images are listed together to illustrate that

dual deficiency of yin and yang is the common path
mechanism for men with frequent seminal emission, and
also for women who dream of intercourse. Yin not
secured by yang causes seminal loss; while yang not
secured by yin results in dreaming of intercourse.
Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Harmonize yin and yang
Gui Zhi 3 liang
Bai Shao 3 liang
Shen Jiang 3 liang
Gan Cao 2 liang
Da Zao 12 pcs
Subdue yang, astringe yin and secure essence
Long Gu 3 liang
Mu Li 3 liang
Patterns and Treatment
DEFICIENCY TAXATION AND ABDOMINAL PAIN
Line 13:

For deficiency taxation with abdominal urgency,

palpitations, nosebleed, abdominal pain, dream
emission, soreness and pain of the four limbs, vexing
heat of the extremities, and dryness of mouth and
throat, Xiao Jian Zhong Tang (Minor Center-fortifying
Decoction) is indicated.
This line discusses the patterns and treatment of deficiency
taxation with dual deficiencies of yin and yang.

Yin and yang are interdependent; therefore

the development of deficiency taxation
involves detriment to yin affecting yang, and
detriment to yang affecting yin.
Treatment: Fortify the Middle Jiao
Middle-warming, Spleen-fortifying, Qi-boosting, and
blood engendering methods.
Sweet + Warm:
YiTang, Da Zao and Gan Cao act to supplement the SP
and fortify the Middle Jiao.
Acrid + Sweet:
Gui Zhi + Sheng Jiang to free yang and regulate Wei
Qi.
Bai Shao: preserves yin and also acts as an assistant to
harmonize ying and wei.
Xiao Jiang Zhong Tang
Xiao Jiang Zhong Tang: Gui Zhi Tang + Yi Tang,
with twice the dosage of Bai Shao.
Gui Zhi 3 lian
Gan Cao 3 liang
Da Zao 12 pcs
Bai Shao 6 liang
Sheng Jiang 3 liang
Yi Tang 1 sheng
Commentary

Xiao Jiang Zhong Tang treats patterns of yin

and yang dual deficiency, but it does require
modification in cases with predominant signs of
yang deficiency or internal heat.
Clinical Application:

Chronic gastritis
Chronic hepatitis

Blood diseases such as anemia

Xiao Ke Syndrome (SP Qi deficiency pattern

associated with low grade fever)
Line 14:
For deficiency taxation, abdominal urgency, and the
various kinds of insufficiency, Huang Qi Jian Zhong
Tang (Astragalus Center-Fortifying Decoction) is
indicated.
Add liang of Huang Qi to Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
Modifications:
Shortness of breath and fullness in the chest + Sheng
Jiang
Abdomen fullness, (-) Da Zao and + Fu Ling (Poria)

LU deficiency + Ban Xia

Commentary
For ST pain associated with patterns of SP-ST
deficiency Cold.
Deficiency Taxation and Lumbar Pain

Line 15:
For deficiency taxation manifesting with lumbar pain,
lower abdominal hypertonicity, and inhibited urination,
Ba Wei Shen Qi Wan (Eight-ingredient KD Qi pill) is
indicated.

Di Huang 8 liang Shan Zhu Yu 4 liang

Shan Yao 4 liang Ze Xie 3 liang
Fu Ling 3 liang Mu Dan Pi 3 liang
Gui Zhi 1 liang Fu Zi 1 liang
Commentary
A classic ancestral formula for KD supplementation.

Clinical applications:
Hypertension, urinary conditions, premature ejaculation,
Xiao Ke Syndrome (KD deficiency), withdrawal
syndrome with cortisone use.
Metabolic regulation; beneficial for renal function; anti-
oxidant; regulates immune system, and lowers
cholesterol levels.
Deficiency Taxation and Wind Evil
Line16:
Fordeficiency taxation with various kinds of
insufficiency and diseases caused by wind Qi, Shu
Yu Wan (Dioscorea Pill) is indicated.
Shu Yu Wan (Dioscorea Pill)
Shan Yao Dang Gui Gui Zhi
Shen Qu Di Huang Dou Juan
Gan Cao Ren Shen Chuan Xiong
Bai Zhu Bai Shao Mai Men Dong
Xing Ren Chai Hu Jie Geng
Fu Ling E Jiao Gan Jiang
Bai Wei Fang Feng Da Zao
Analysis
This line discuss the patterns and treatment of
deficiency taxation as associated with upright Qi
deficiency when accompanied by contraction of
external evil.
Manifestations include a white facial complexion,
shortness of breath, lack of strength, poor appetite,
and fine and faint pulses. There is also exterior
symptoms such as aversion to cold, heat effusion
and coughing.
Treatment Method:
Dispel evil while mainly regulating and
supplementing the SP and ST.
The goal: dispel evil while also avoiding damage to
upright Qi.
Attacking the evil can cause damage to upright Qi, and
supplementing upright Qi will cause the evil to remain
inside the body.
Commentary
First: for deficiency taxation, treatment should
primarily regulate and supplement the SP/ST.

Second: for patterns of upright Qi deficiency with

abiding evil, the main treatment principle is to
supplement the upright Qi while simultaneously
dispelling the evil.
Clinical Application:
SP/ST deficiency
Qi and blood depletion with concurrent exterior
patterns
Anti-oxidant
Slowing down the aging process
Deficiency Taxation and Insomnia
Line 17:
For deficiency taxation with deficiency vexation causing
an inability to sleep, Suan Zao Ren Tang (Sour Jujube
Decoction) is indicated.
Suan Zao Ren
Gan Cao
Zhi Mu
Fu Ling
Chuan Xiong
Analysis
This line discusses the pattern and treatment of
deficiency taxation as associated with HT/Liver yin-
blood deficiency manifesting with sleeplessness.

Treatment : yin-nourishing, HT-Clearing, and spirit-

calming.
Commentary
Zhi Zi Chi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean
Decoction):
Shang Han Lun formula
Used to treat deficiency with an inability to sleep.

Since this formula also treats patterns of heat lingering

internally following febrile disease, an excess pattern
of internal heat is involved.
Deficiency Taxation and Blood Dryness

Line 18:
For the five taxations with extreme deficiency,
emaciation, abdominal fullness with an inability to eat
or drink, food damage, anxiety damage, drink damage,
sexual intemperance damage, hunger damage, taxation
damage, channel-collateral and yin-wei damage,
internal dry blood, encrusted skin, and darkened eyes;
the treatment principle is to slowly dispel stasis while
also supplementing the deficiency.
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan (Rhubarb and Eupolyphaga
Pill) is indicated.
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan
Da Huang Huang Qin
Gan Cao Tao Ren
Xing Ren Bai Shao
Di Huang Gan Qi
Meng Chong Shui Zhi
Qi Cao Zhe Chong
GAN QI Resina Toxicodendri
Other Names : Dried
lacquer
Toxicodendri
Properties:
Acrid Bitter : Liver/Stomach
Dosage and Toxicity
Toxic
MAX - 0.06 - 0.1 gm
Pill form only!
Functions
Breaks up blood stagnation,
eliminates stasis and opens
the channels (hardness or
mass accumulation)
Kills parasites
MENG CHONG

Nomenclature
Tabanus Gadfly
Other Names
Gadfly
Properties:
Bitter
Liver
Dosage and Toxicity
Slightly Toxic
1 - 1.5 gm
Functions
Breaks up and eliminates
blood stasis (amenorrhea,
palpable masses, trauma)
SHUI ZHI

Other Names: Leech

Properties:
Salty Bitter
Liver
Dosage and Toxicity
Slightly Toxic
3 - 6 gm
Functions
Breaks up and eliminates
blood stasis
(amenorrhea, palpable
masses, trauma)
Zhe Chong

Pharmaceutical: Eupolyphaga
seu Opishoplatia
Botanical: Eupolyphaga
sinensis walk., Steleophaga
plancyi (Bol.) (Blattaria)
Other names:
Di Bie Chong, Tu Bie Chong,
Tu Yuan
Actions:
Breaks up the Blood.
Eliminates Blood
accumulation.
Strengthens the sinews and
bones.
Analysis
This line discusses the patterns and treatment of
deficiency taxation as associated with blood dryness.
Extreme deficiency and emaciation is the ultimate result
of the five taxations and seven damages that
eventually lead to severe depletion of Qi and blood.
Since deficiency taxation is a chronic condition, when
untreated, patterns of static blood appear because
upright Qi cannot move blood normally. Static blood
then becomes dry blood over a period of time.
Analysis
Static blood in the middle Jiao blocks ST Qi, and SP
fails to properly govern transportation causing
abdominal fullness and inability to eat and drink.
If static blood is not eliminated, new blood is not
engendered, the fleshy exterior fails to receive
nourishment, and encrusted skin appears.
Essential Qi of the five viscera and six bowels normally
flows upward to the eyes; as the eyes are deprived of
nourishment the eyeball becomes darkened, also
indicating the presence of static blood.
Treatment:
Stasis-dispelling and deficiency-supplementing methods.
Clinical Application:
A number of conditions associated with static blood
Gynecological (Hysteromyoma; infertility chronic
pelvic inflammation; amenorrhea)
Psoriasis
Liver enlargement
Deficiency Taxation and HT Palpitations

Zhi Gan Cao Tang (Honey-fried Licorice Decoction)

from the Qian Jin Yi:
Indicated for deficiency taxation and insufficiency that
manifests with sweating, oppression, bound pulses, and
palpitations.
Patients with no problem moving about will pass away
within a hundred days; those in critical condition will not
survive eleven days.
Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Gan Cao 4 lian
Gui Zhi 3 lian
Sheng Jiang 3 lian
Mai Men Dong sheng
Huo Ma Ren sheng
Ren Shen 2 lian
E Jiao 2 lian
Da Zao 30 pcs
Di Huang 1 jin
Analysis
This line discusses the pulses, patterns, and treatment
of HT disease associated with deficiency taxation.

Treatment: HT Qi-boosting and HT blood-nourishing

methods.
Commentary
Shang Han Lun: for cold damage with bound and
intermittent pulses and stirring HT palpitation, Zhi
Gan Cao Tang is indicated.
Clinical application:
Angina
Viral myocarditis
Irregular HT rate and palpitation with interrupted
pulses.
 SUMMARY

DISEASE ASSOCIATED PRINCIPLES FORMULA

PATTERN PATHOMECHANISMS of Tx

BLOOD Severe Yin & Yang dual Boost Qi, Huang Qi Gui
IMPEDIMENT impediment debilitation, deficiencies free yang, Zhi Wu Wu
of Qi, blood, ying, wei Harmonize Tang
ying & wei
 SUMMARY
DISEASE ASSOCIATED PRINCIPLES of FORMULA
PATTERN PATHOMECHANISMS Tx

DEFICIENCY Seminal loss Yin & yang dual Harmonize yin & Gui Zhi Long Gu
TAXATION deficiency yang, subdue Mu Li Tang
yang, astringe
yin, secure
essence

Abdominal Yin & yang dual Warm Middle, Xiao Jian Zhong
pain deficiency, cold-heat fortify SP, boost Tang
complex Qi, engender
blood

Abdominal Deficiencies of Qi, Warm yang, Huang Qi Jian

urgency blood, yin, or yang, SP Supplement Qi Zhong Tang
deficiency
 SUMMARY
DISEASE ASSOCIATED PRINCIPLES of Tx FORMULA
PATTERN PATHOMECHANISMS

DEFICIENCY Lumbar pain KD yin & yang dual Warm yang, Ba Wei Shen
TAXATION deficiency nourish yin, Qi Wan
supplement KD Qi
Wind evil Exterior wind, upright Qi Support the Shu Yu Wan
insufficiency upright and dispel
evil, regulate and
supplement SP/ST

Sleeplessness HT & Liv yin blood Nourish yin, clear Suan Zao Ren
deficiency, deficiency heat heat, calm the Tang
spirit
Blood Blood deficiency & stasis Dispel stasis, Da Huang Zhe
Dryness supplement Chong Wan
deficiency
Palpitation HT Qi insufficiency, Qi & Boost HT Qi, Zhi Gan Cao
blood deficiency nourish blood Tang