Category: Digestion, respiration, psyche, nerves, insomnia, skin, metabolism, heart and blood vessels, oncology, prevention, anti-aging, lung system, heart system, pain relief.

Use of the formula according to Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• moves blood and breaks up blood stasis
• "softens" and unblocks the liver
• opens the "clear orifices" of the heart
• moves Qi
• relieves pressure in the chest and stops pain

Description:

The formula was compiled in 1830, when it was published in the bold work "Correction of Errors in Medical Circles" by Wang Qing-Ren for three specific indications: sharp, stabbing chest and head pain, and pressure pain in the epigastrium with belching. Its foundation is even older; 66% of its composition consists of Tao Hong Si Wu Tang from the 13th century. Even today, after almost 200 years, it remains the most effective formula for moving blood and resolving stasis, especially in the upper burner.

In addition to pain, the condition manifests as tissues and mucous membranes being "congested" – with a bluish or purple tint, which is a sign of slowing or blockage in the bloodstream. Pain is caused by both the blockage itself and, primarily, by the fact that the tissues are not sufficiently nourished – supplied with oxygen. This typical colouring is also observed on the face, tongue, and pulse. Chest or rib area pain is accompanied by heart palpitations, dizziness, restless sleep, irritability, or a depressive mood. Yes, even insomnia or depression can have their roots in blood stasis. Long-lasting hiccups or a feeling of breathlessness may also occur.

The formula was compiled for conditions with blood stasis in the upper burner, but due to its effectiveness, it is also used for problems with free blood flow in the "periphery", for example, in cases of impending venous thrombosis or post-thrombotic states, or after injuries including concussions. Modern indications include ischaemic heart disease with angina pectoris, arrhythmias, and hypertension caused by blood stasis. It can also be used preventively in cases of impending ischaemic stroke or after one.

Indications:

• chest and hypochondriac pain
• stabbing head pain
• feelings of heat, especially in the chest and particularly in the evening
• chronic hiccups
• irritability
• insomnia
• dark purplish lips and nails
• interrupted sleep
• spider naevi on the cheeks
• dark bags under the eyes
• tinnitus
• Zheng Jia – palpable masses above the diaphragm
• phlebitis

Modern effects:

• coronary heart disease
• angina pectoris
• myocardial infarction
• palpitations
• arrhythmias including tachycardia
• intercostal neuralgia
• COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
• headaches (often post-traumatic, fixed, sharp)
• trigeminal neuralgia
• alopecia (hair loss in patches)
• embolism and thrombosis
• post-stroke states
• high blood pressure
• atherosclerosis
• gingivitis

Tongue:

• purple
• purplish vessels along the edges
• in case of heat, crimson
• in case of Yang and Qi deficiency, paler

Pulse:

• xian
• se
• jin (wiry, choppy, tight)

Contraindications:

• Tao Ren (peach seed), Chuan Niu Xi (achyranthes), and Hong Hua (safflower) are (in unskilled hands) contraindicated during pregnancy and when taking blood-thinning medication – anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin, Pradaxa, etc.)

Note:

One of the most effective formulas for resolving blood stasis and the resulting painful conditions.

Formula composition: