Written By Jun Heo (許浚, 1539~1615), translated by Namil Kim, Wung Seok Cha et al. Published by Ministry of Health & Welfare (Korea)
14 Reversal Headache 厥逆頭痛 궐역두통
① When great Cold penetrates inside and reaches the marrow, qi ascends up to the brain because the brain is the master of marrow, thus causing headaches and toothaches. This is a reversal headache. Use a Notopterygium and Aconite Decoction.
② Reversal (厥) means to counterflow upwards. If pathogenic qi (邪氣) counterflows into the yang meridian (陽經), there is pain. If severe, it turns into a reversal syndrome that causes headaches and toothaches. Typhonium Powder ought to be used.
③ A reversal headache is an unbearable pain in the bregma due to a kidney reversal. Use a True Jade Pill.
- Notopterygium and Aconite Decoction 羌活附子湯 강활부자탕 Symptoms of Brain wind include pain in the brain and teeth due to an invasion of severe Cold. Ephedrae Herba (麻黃), Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata (附子), Saposhnikoviae Radix (防風), Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (白芷), Batryticatus Bombyx (白殭蠶) (roasted) 1 don each, Phellodendri Cortex (黃柏), Osterici Radix (羌活), Atractylodis Rhizoma (蒼朮) 7 pun each, and Astragali Radix (黃芪), Cimicifugae Rhizoma (升麻), Glycyrrhizae Radix (甘草) (baked) 5 pun each. Slice these drugs to make 1 package, decoct in water, and drink after meals.
- Typhonium Powder 白附子散 백부자산 ① It treats headaches, toothaches and tension in the eyes that leads to blindness due to Wind-Cold invading the brain. Aconiti Koreani Tuber (白附子) 1 nyang, Ephedrae Herba (麻黃) (with the gnarl still intact), Aconiti Tuber (川烏), Arisaematis Rhizoma (南星) 5 don each, 5 Scorpio (全蝎), and Zingiberis Rhizoma (乾薑), Cinnabaris (朱砂), Moschus (麝香) 2.5 don each. Grind these drugs and add to warm alcohol 5 pun at a time. After consumption, lie in bed for a while without a pillow. ② Chronic occurrences and seizing of spasms accompanied by headaches and toothaches are due to Wind-Cold retained in the marrow. The master of marrow is the brain; therefore, qi counterflows into the brain causing headaches and toothaches. Take Typhonium Powder or perform moxibustion on GB7.
- True Jade Pill 玉眞丸 옥진환 ① In the Inner Classic (內經), it is said, “Headaches and depressive disorders (巓疾) are due to a lower deficiency and upper excess. It indicates problems in the kidney meridian and bladder meridian, and if severe, the disease invades the kidneys.” Scholar Heo said, “This is a headache due to disorders of the kidneys.” This prescription is mainly used. Sulfur (硫黃) 2 nyang, and Gypsum Fibrosum (石膏) (heated), Pinelliae Tuber (半夏) (processed), Grindmirabilitum (硝石) 1 nyang each size of seeds of a foxglove tree. Let them dry in the shade, and take 20~30 pills at a time with water brewed with Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (生薑) or rice gruel. ② There is the headache accompanied by convulsions in the sinews (筋), heaviness in the body, fatigue, hiccups, belching, bloated stomach, occasional episodes of seizures, dislike for lying down, coughing, and stuffiness in the chest. The pulse feels string-like when pressed down gently and as forceful as stone when pressed down firmly. This is because kidney qi is deficient and thus remains inside and counterflows upwards. This is called kidney reversal. In such cases, take this medication and perform moxibustion on CV4 a hundred times.
15 Headaches Due to Adverse Rising of Phlegm 痰厥頭痛담궐두통
① The headache that is accompanied by bluish yellow discoloration of the cheeks, dizziness, unwillingness to open the eyes or speak, heaviness in the body, haziness, and vomiting is called a headache due to adverse rising of phlegm, which is a disease in both the reversal yin and greater yin. Use an Imperial Grace Jade Pot Pill and a Pinellia, White Atractylodes, and Gastrodia Decoction.
② For headaches due to the adverse rising of phlegm, use a Clear Upper Typhonium Pill, Settle Down Wind Biscuit, Chuanxiong and Magnolia Flower Guide Out Phlegm Decoction.
③ When damp phlegm forms, pain occurs endlessly. Use a Three Fresh Ingredients Pill or add Arisaematis Rhizoma (南星), Atractylodis Rhizoma (蒼朮), Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎), Asiasari Radix et Rhizoma (細辛) to a Syzygii Flos Relieve Stomach Decoction.
- Jade Pot Pill 玉壺丸 옥호환 It treats headaches and dizziness due to phlegm syncope. Flour 3 nyang, Pinelliae Tuber (半夏) (raw), Arisaematis Rhizoma (南星) (raw) 1 nyang each, Gastrodiae Rhizoma (天麻), Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba (白朮) 5 don each, and Realgar (雄黃) (refined in water) 3.5 don. Grind these drugs, knead in Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (生薑) juice and make into pills the size of a seed of a foxglove tree. Use 30 pills at a time. First, boil a cup of water, add the drugs, and boil 5~7 more times. When the drugs float up, remove the drugs and take them with water brewed with Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (生薑) after each meal.
- Pinellia, White Atractylodes, and Gastrodia Decoction 半夏白朮天麻湯 반하백출천마탕 ① It treats headaches due to the adverse rising of phlegm caused by the deficient and weak spleen and stomach. The symptoms are as follow. The head feels as if it is going to explode, the body feels heavy as if it were a mountain, the arms and legs feel icy. There is vomiting and dizziness, and one cannot open the eyes as if they were in the wind or clouds. Pinelliae Tuber (半夏) (processed), Citrus Unshius Pericarpium (陳皮), Hordei Fructus Germinatus (麥芽) (roasted) 1.5 don each, Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba (白朮), Massa Medicata Fermentata (神麯) (roasted) 1 don each, Atractylodis Rhizoma (蒼朮), Ginseng Radix (人參), Astragali Radix (黃芪), Gastrodiae Rhizoma (天麻), Poria Sclerotium (白茯苓), Alismatis Rhizoma (澤瀉) 5 pun each, Zingiberis Rhizoma (乾薑) 3 pun, and Phellodendri Cortex (黃柏) (washed in alcohol) 2 pun. Slice these drugs to make 1 package, add 5 slices of Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (生薑) and decoct in water. ② A severe headache is a headache in the spleen meridian caused by the adverse rising of phlegm. It can only be treated with Pinelliae Tuber (半夏). Faintness in the eyes and dizziness in the head are caused by a wind deficiency. Only Gastrodiae Rhizoma (天麻) can dissipate it. Astragali Radix (黃芪) is sweet and warm: it purges Fire, replenishes primordial qi, reinforces deficient parts of the exterior, and stops spontaneous sweating. Ginseng Radix (人參) is sweet and warm and thus purges Fire and replenishes middle qi. Atractylodis Rhizoma (蒼朮) and Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba (白朮) both are bittersweet and warm; they dissipate dampness and replenish the middle. Alismatis Rhizoma (澤瀉) and Poria Sclerotium (茯苓) stimulate urination to lead the dampness out. Citrus Unshius Pericarpium (橘皮) is bitter and warm; it tonifies qi and harmonizes the middle. Massa Medicata Fermentata (神麯) drives out any qi stagnant in the stomach by stimulating the digestion of food. Hordei Fructus Germinatus (麥芽) boosts stomach qi (胃氣) to comfort the middle. Ingiberis Rhizoma (乾薑) is spicy and hot, and thus drives the middle cold out. Phellodendri Cortex (黃柏) is very bitter and cold. Thus, it is used soaked in alcohol to treat a dry syndrome formed during the winter due to the terrestrial effect of the lesser yang ministeral Fire.
- Clear Upper Typhonium Pill 上淸白附子丸 상청백부자환 It treats headaches, severe dizziness in the eyes, vomiting, hiccuping, queasiness and confusion. Frequent intake dissipates Wind, changes phlegm, and clarifies the head and eyes. Aconiti Koreani Tuber (白附子) (baked wrapped in wet paper), Pinelliae Tuber (半夏) (processed), Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎), Chrysanthemi Flos (甘菊花), Arisaematis Rhizoma (南星) (baked wrapped in wet paper), Batryticatus Bombyx (白殭蠶) (roasted), Citrus Unshius Pericarpium (陳皮) (white inner peel removed), Inulae Flos (旋覆花), Gastrodiae Rhizoma (天麻) 1 nyang each, and Scorpio (全蝎) (roasted) half a nyang. Grind these drugs, knead in steamed rice-cake soaked in Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (生薑) and make into pills the size of the seed of the royal foxglove tree. Take 30 pills at a time with water decocted with Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (生薑).
- Settle Down Wind Biscuit 定風餠子 정풍병자 It treats headaches due to the adverse rising of phlegm accompanied by vomiting and dizziness. Prepare equal amounts of Aconiti Tuber (川烏), Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎), Arisaematis Rhizoma (南星), Pinelliae Tuber (半夏), Zingiberis Rhizoma (乾薑), Gastrodiae Rhizoma (天麻), Poria Sclerotium (白茯苓), Aconiti Koreani Tuber (白附子), Glycyrrhizae Radix (甘草) and use raw. Grind these drugs, add paste made with Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (生薑) juice, make into pills the size of a Euryales Semen (芡實), press it into shapes of rice cakes, then cover in Cinnabaris (朱砂). Take one at a time with water decocted with Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (生薑).
- Chuanxiong and Magnolia Flower Guide Out Phlegm Decoction 芎辛導痰湯 궁신도담탕 It treats headaches due to the adverse rising of phlegm. Pinelliae Tuber (半夏) (processed) 2 don, Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎), Asiasari Radix et Rhizoma (細辛), Arisaematis Rhizoma (南星) (baked wrapped in wet paper), Citrus Unshius Pericarpium (陳皮), Poria Sclerotium Rubra (赤茯苓) 1 don each, and Aruantii Fructus Immaturus (枳殼), Glycyrrhizae Radix (甘草) 5 pun each. Slice these drugs to make 1 package, add 7 slices of Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (生薑), and decoct in water to take.
- Three Fresh Ingredients Pill 三生丸 삼생환 It treats headaches due to the adverse rising of phlegm. Equal amounts of Pinelliae Tuber (半夏), Aconiti Koreani Tuber (白附子), Arisaematis Rhizoma (南星). Grind these drugs, knead in steamed rice-cake soaked in Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (生薑) juice, and make into pills as big as Phaseoli Radiati Semen. Take 40~50 pills at a time with water brewed with Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (生薑).
16 Fainting Due to the Disorder of a Qi Headache 氣厥頭痛 기궐두통
① Fainting due to the disorder of a qi headache is a type of headache caused by pathogenic qi traveling up due to deficiencies of qi and blood.
② A qi deficiency headache is identified by pain in the head, ringing in the ears, obstruction in the nine orifices, and severe pain in both EX-HN5. Use a Smooth the qi and Harmonise the Center Decoction, Astragalus Augment Qi Decoction.
③ When there is upsurging pain from the neck of the border of the hairline up due to headache caused by a deficiency of blood, use an Angelica Tonify Blood Decoction, Augmented Four Substances Decoction. The neck of the border of the hairline is the area that protrudes out from the end of the eyebrow toward the hairline.
④ When there is a headache due to deficiencies in both qi and blood, use an Augmented Decoction to Regulate the Center and Augment the qi, Calm Spirit Decoction.
⑤ In the case of a qi deficiency, the headache occurring after a severe disease, add a handful of tea to Four Pillars Powder and decoct.
⑥ When qi counterflows upwards and there are chills and pain in the body, use Chuanxiong and Lindera Root Powder.
- Smooth Qi and Harmonize Center Decoction 順氣和中湯 순기화중탕 It treats a qi deficiency headache. The treatment must involve boosting yang qi upwards. Astragali Radix (黃芪) (soaked in honey roasted) 1.5 don, Ginseng Radix (人參) 1 don, Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba (白朮), Angelica Gigantis Radix (當歸), Paeoniae Radix (芍藥), Citrus Unshius Pericarpium (陳皮) 5 pun each, Cimicifugae Rhizoma (升麻), Bupleuri Radix (柴胡) 3 pun each, and Viticis Fructus (蔓荊子), Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎), Asiasari Radix et Rhizoma (細辛) 2 pun each. Slice these drugs to make 1 package, then decoct in water.
- Astragalus Augment Qi Decoction 黃芪益氣湯 황기익기탕 It treats headaches due to a qi deficiency. Astragali Radix (黃芪) (soaked in honey and roasted) 1 don, Ginseng Radix (人參), Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba (白朮), Pinelliae Tuber (半夏) (processed), Citrus Unshius Pericarpium (陳皮) 7 pun each, Angelica Gigantis Radix (當歸) (washed in alcohol), Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎), Angelicae Tenuissimae Radix (藁本), Glycyrrhizae Radix (甘草) 5 pun each, and Phellodendri Cortex (黃柏) (soaked in alcohol and roasted), Cimicifugae Rhizoma (升麻), Asiasari Radix et Rhizoma (細辛) 3 pun each. Slice these drugs to make 1 package with 3 pieces of Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (生薑) and two Zizyphi Fructus (大棗) and decoct in water.
- Angelica Tonify Blood Decoction 當歸補血湯 당귀보혈탕 It treats headaches due to a deficiency of blood. Rehmanniae Radix Crudus (生地黃) (soaked in alcohol and roasted), Paeoniae Radix (芍藥), Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎), Angelica Gigantis Radix (當歸), Scutellariae Radix (黃芩) (thick and fragilesoft inside; soaked in alcohol and roasted) 1 don each, Saposhnikoviae Radix (防風), Bupleuri Radix (柴胡), Viticis Fructus (蔓荊子) 5 pun each, and Schizonepetae Spica (荊芥), Angelicae Tenuissimae Radix (藁本) 4 pun each. Slice these drugs to make 1 package then decoct in water.
- Augmented Four Substances Decoction 加味四物湯 가미사물탕 It treats headaches due to yin Fire upsurging due to a blood deficiency. Angelica Gigantis Radix (當歸), Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎), Rehmanniae Radix Crudus (生地黃) (soaked in alcohol and roasted), Phellodendri Cortex (黃柏) (soaked in alcohol and roasted), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (知母) (soaked in alcohol and roasted), Scutellariae Radix (黃芩) (soaked in alcohol and roasted), Coptidis Rhizoma (黃連) (soaked in alcohol and roasted), Viticis Fructus (蔓荊子), Gardeniae Fructus (梔子) (roasted) 7 pun each. Slice these drugs to make 1 package, then decoct in water.
- Augmented Regulate Centre and Augment Qi Decoction 加味調中益氣湯 가미조중익기탕 It has miraculous effects on headaches due to qi and blood deficiencies. Astragali Radix (黃芪) (soaked in honey and roasted) 1 don, Ginseng Radix (人參), Atractylodis Rhizoma (蒼朮), Glycyrrhizae Radix (甘草) 7 pun each, Citrus Unshius Pericarpium (陳皮), Angelica Gigantis Radix (當歸), Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎) 5 pun each, and Aucklandiae Radix (木香), Cimicifugae Rhizoma (升麻), Bupleuri Radix (柴胡), Asiasari Radix et Rhizoma (細辛), Viticis Fructus (蔓荊子) 3 pun each. Slice these drugs to make 1 package, then decoct in water.
- Calm Spirit Decoction 安神湯 안신탕 It treats a Fire headache due to qi and blood deficiencies and dizziness in the head and faintness in the eyes. Astragali Radix (黃芪) 1.5 don, Osterici Radix (羌活), Phellodendri Cortex (黃柏) (soaked in alcohol) 1 don each, Bupleuri Radix (柴胡), Cimicifugae Rhizoma (升麻), Rehmanniae Radix Crudus (生地黃), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (知母) (soaked in alcohol together) 5 pun each, Saposhnikoviae Radix (防風) 2.5 pun, and Glycyrrhizae Radix (甘草) (raw), Glycyrrhizae Radix (甘草) (baked) 2 pun each. Slice these drugs and decoct in water so that the water boils several times. Add 3 pun each of Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎) and Viticis Fructus (蔓荊子), decoct until the water boils down to half the original amount. Drink after each meal warm.
- Chuanxiong and Lindera Root Powder 芎烏散 궁오산 Grind equal amounts of Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎) and Linderae Radix (烏藥), and add to alcohol in which a scorched iron weight had been put. It also treats postpartum headaches.
17 Headaches Due to Excessive Heat 熱厥頭痛열궐두통
It treats headaches and vexing heat in cases where the patient likes to go out in the cold during the winter and enjoy the cold and wind. The pain may disappear for a moment, but when exposed to heat or fire, the pain starts again. Use a Clear the Upper and Drain Fire Decoction, Ledebouriella Powder.
- Clear the Upper and Drain Fire Decoction 淸上瀉火湯 청상사화탕 It treats headaches due to excessive heat. Bupleuri Radix (柴胡) 1 don, Osterici Radix (羌活) 8 pun, Scutellariae Radix (黃芩) (processed with alcohol), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (知母) (processed with alcohol) 7 pun each, Phellodendri Cortex (黃柏) (processed with alcohol), Glycyrrhizae Radix (甘草) (baked), Astragali Radix (黃芪) 5 pun each, Rehmanniae Radix Crudus (生地黃), Coptidis Rhizoma (黃連) (processed with alcohol), Angelicae Tenuissimae Radix (藁本) 4 pun each, Cimicifugae Rhizoma (升麻), Saposhnikoviae Radix (防風) 3.5 pun each, Viticis Fructus (蔓荊子), Angelica Gigantis Radix (當歸) (the stem), Atractylodis Rhizoma (蒼朮), Asiasari Radix et Rhizoma (細辛) 3 pun each, Schizonepetae Spica (荊芥穗), Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎), Glycyrrhizae Radix (甘草) (raw) 2 pun each, and Carthami Flos (紅花) (processed with alcohol) 1 pun. Slice these drugs to make 1 package, then decoct in water.
- Ledebouriella Powder 防風散 방풍산 It treats heat accumulation that causes severe pain and fever in the head as if on fire. Osterici Radix (羌活), Saposhnikoviae Radix (防風), Angelica Gigantis Radix (當歸), Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (大黃), Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎), Gardeniae Fructus (梔子), Menthae Herba (薄荷) 1 don each, and Cicadidae Periostracum (蟬退), Glycyrrhizae Radix (甘草) 5 pun each. Slice these drugs to make 1 package, add 20 Junci Medulla (燈心草) and 10 pieces of Pleioblasti Amari Folium (苦竹葉), then decoct in water.
18 Damp Headache 濕厥頭痛습궐두통
It is caused by Dampness after being in the rain. The head feels heavy and there is dizziness and pain. The symptoms worsen when it is rainy or cloudy. Use a Chuanxiong and Magnolia Flower Decoction, Chuanxiong and Atractylodes Eliminate Dizziness Decoction.
- Chuanxiong and Atractylodes Eliminate Dizziness Decoction 芎朮除眩湯 궁출제현탕 It treats severe dizziness and headaches caused by the invasion of Cold damp. Cnidii Rhizoma (川芎) 2 don, Atractylodis Rhizoma Alba (白朮), Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata (附子) (raw) 1 don each, and Cinnamomi Cortex (桂皮), Glycyrrhizae Radix (甘草) 5 pun each. Slice these drugs to make 1 package, add 7 slices of Zingiberis Rhizoma Crudus (生薑) and 2 Zizyphi Fructus (大棗) and decoct in water.
19 True Headache 眞頭痛 진두통
Details can be found later in the chapter ‘Incurable and Inveterate Diseases of the Head’.
20 Headaches After Alcohol Consumption 醉後頭痛술 취한 뒤의 두통
Details can be found in the chapter ‘Internal Injury’.
