Functions
unblocks Yang and disperses Bi stagnation activates Qi and dispels Phlegm warms and opens the chest vessels
Indications
Chest Bi (胸痹) — Yang failing to spread, turbid Phlegm and cold blocking the chest: gripping chest pain that may radiate to the back or inner arm pain brought on or worsened by cold, relieved by warmth shortness of breath, dyspnea feeling of oppression and fullness in the chest white, greasy tongue coating; deep, wiry or tight pulse
Contraindications
⚠️ New, sudden, severe, or crushing chest pain is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY — seek immediate professional care; this formula is educational content, not medical advice ⚠️ Contraindicated where alcohol is contraindicated (the wine base is an integral part of the formula) heat patterns or Phlegm-heat in the chest
Notes
This is the foundational formula for chest Bi (胸痹) due to cold congealing the Heart vessel (寒凝心脉), where Yang fails to spread and turbid Qi/Phlegm obstructs the chest. Gua-lou opens the chest and transforms Phlegm downward; Xie-bai unblocks the Yang, moves Qi, and dissipates the blockage. The classical vehicle — white grain-based wine (白酒) — is an active ingredient, not merely a solvent: it warms, unblocks the vessels, and carries the herbs to the affected area. ⚠️ Because its chief presentation overlaps with cardiac emergencies, this formula must never be used in place of urgent medical evaluation for acute chest pain. Preparation: Classically, all ingredients are simmered together in 7 cups of grain-based liquor, reduced to 2 cups, strained, and taken warm in two doses daily. In modern practice, a mixture of water and a moderate amount of wine may be used. Modifications: + Ban-xia → Gua-Lou-Xie-Bai-Ban-Xia-Tang when Phlegm is heavier and pain radiates strongly to the back disturbing sleep; + Zhi-shi, Gui-zhi, Hou-po → Zhi-Shi-Xie-Bai-Gui-Zhi-Tang when Qi stagnation is pronounced with coughing and wheezing; + Dan-shen, Chuan-xiong, Hong-hua when Blood stasis accompanies the Phlegm obstruction; + Shi-chang-pu, Yu-jin when Phlegm rises to the head causing dizziness and muzziness.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.