Korean Herbal Formulation [Part 11] Classic Formulas for Wind–Dampness: Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang & Wu Yao Shun Qi San

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Korean Herbal Formulation [Part 11]

Classic Formulas for Wind–Dampness: Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang & Wu Yao Shun Qi San

Part 2. External Invaders: The Six Climatic Pathogens (Liu Qi)
Lesson 9

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Introduction: Wind Rarely Comes Alone

In Part 10, we examined the key herbs used to treat wind pathogens (Wind Evil)—such as Qiang Huo, Du Huo, Jing Jie, and Fang Feng—and how their actions differ according to the regions of the body they affect.

In real clinical settings, however, wind rarely appears alone.
It most often combines with dampness (Damp) or cold (Cold), producing more complex patterns such as heavy pain, stiffness, numbness, or restricted movement rather than simple exterior symptoms.

In this chapter, we begin a focused study of classical formulas used to treat exterior wind disorders, especially those involving wind–dampness (Wind-Damp).
We will examine two representative formulas in detail:

• Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang (羌活勝濕湯)

• Wu Yao Shun Qi San (烏藥順氣散)

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1. Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang (羌活勝濕湯)

A Classic Formula for Shoulder and Upper-Back Pain

Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang is designed to treat wind–cold–damp pathogens that invade the channels, particularly affecting the neck, shoulders, and back.

1.1 Indications: Spinal Pain and Neck Rigidity

This formula is primarily indicated for the following patterns:

• Spinal pain with neck stiffness (脊痛項强)

• Severe lumbar and cervical pain described as
  “the waist feels as if it may break, the neck as if it may be pulled out”
  → This reflects obstruction of Foot Taiyang (Bladder) channel energy.

• Shoulder and upper-back pain preventing head rotation
  → Due to stagnation in the Hand Taiyang channel.

• Heaviness of the body with sinking sensation in the lower back
  → Indicates dampness or damp-heat lodged within the channels;
  modifications with Fu Zi, Huang Bai, or Cang Zhu may be required.

1.2 Therapeutic Rationale

The chief herbs Qiang Huo and Du Huo are highly effective at dispelling wind–dampness.
Their roles are clearly differentiated:

• Qiang Huo treats wind–dampness in the upper body

• Du Huo treats wind–dampness in the lower body

Together with Gao Ben, these herbs act primarily on the Taiyang channel, dispersing pathogenic wind and dampness and relieving pain.

1.3 Formula Composition

Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang typically consists of:

• Qiang Huo

• Du Huo

• Gao Ben

• Fang Feng

• Chuan Xiong

• Man Jing Zi

• Gan Cao

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2. Wu Yao Shun Qi San (烏藥順氣散)

Preparing the Body Before Treating Wind Disorders

Wu Yao Shun Qi San is not merely a formula for expelling wind–dampness.
It emphasizes a fundamental principle in treating all wind-related disorders (Wind Diseases):

“First regulate the movement of energy; only then use wind-dispelling herbs.”

2.1 Indications: Resolve Energy Stagnation First

This formula is used for:

• All forms of wind disorders affecting men and women

• Symptoms such as:

  • Limb numbness and pain

  • Hemiplegia

  • Slurred or impaired speech

The core principle is known as:

“First open the pathways of energy, then treat wind.” (先疏氣後風藥)

If energy flow is obstructed, wind-dispelling herbs cannot function effectively.
Wu Yao Shun Qi San creates a pathway through which pathogenic factors can be expelled.

2.2 Therapeutic Logic: Regulating Energy Means Directing It Downward

In classical terms:

• Energy that rises excessively becomes rebellious energy

• Energy that descends smoothly becomes harmonized energy

Wu Yao Shun Qi San achieves harmony by directing energy downward.

Key herbs include:

• Wu Yao and Chen Pi as the primary regulators of energy movement

• Supporting herbs: Ma Huang, Chuan Xiong, Bai Zhi, Bai Jiang Can, Zhi Ke, Jie Geng, Gan Jiang, and Gan Cao

Rather than attacking wind directly, this formula prepares the internal environment, ensuring that subsequent treatments can work effectively.

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3. Wind–Dampness and Energy Stagnation: Two Complementary Approaches

These two formulas illustrate different but complementary strategies:

• Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang
  → Directly treats wind–dampness obstructing the channels, relieving pain and stiffness.

• Wu Yao Shun Qi San
  → Resolves underlying energy stagnation, creating favorable conditions for wind-dispelling therapies.

One formula confronts the pathogen directly; the other restores internal order first.

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Preview of the Next Chapter

In the next installment, we will focus on wind–cold (Wind–Cold) patterns, especially those resembling common colds.

We will compare:

• Gui Zhi Tang patterns, where sweating is present with aversion to cold

• Ma Huang Tang patterns, where sweating is absent and body aches are severe

Through this comparison, we will clarify how to select precise formulas for wind–cold disorders.

Korean Herbal Formulation [Part 12]
Formulas for Wind–Cold Colds: Gui Zhi Tang and Ma Huang Tang

 📌 [Previous Episode]: Korean Herbal Formulation [Part 10] Herbs That Dispel Wind Pathogens 

👉 Next Post: Korean Herbal Formulation [Part 12] The Classic Remedies for Wind–Cold Colds: Gui Zhi Tang and Ma Huang Tang

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