By Joobong Kang, KMD
Combination of ‘Guizhi’, ‘Shaoyao’, ‘Gancao’, ‘Shengjiang’ and ‘Dazao’.
Every herb on Shang Han Lun has an effect of treating symptoms, including sign symptoms of a patient, and every formula also has the effect of treating symptoms including sign symptoms.
For example, ‘Guizhi Decoction’ which is the representative formula of Shang Han Lun is composed of 5 herbs; ‘Guizhi’, ‘Shaoyao’, ‘Gancao’, ‘Shengjiang’ and ‘Dazao’.
Sign symptoms of Guizhi are headache, counter flow to the chest and scant urination (equals to ‘inhibited urination’). Shaoyao’s sign symptoms are abdominal hypertonicity and abdominal pain. Gancao’s sign of symptom is urgency (the meaning and reason ‘urgency’ is the sign symptom of Guizhi is explained in next column). For Shengjiang, it is nausea, for Dazao, it is hypertonicity.
Theoretically, the sum of each sign symptom of all herbs should represent the sign symptoms of Guizhi Decoction. But referencing from Shang Han Lun’s provisions about Guizhi Decoction, those sign symptom of Guizhi – headache, scant urination, counterflow to the chest and of Shaoyao – abdominal hypertonicity are the main sign symptoms of Guizhi Deciction.
Rest of the sign symptoms of other herbs in Guizhi Decoction can be included to the list of sign symptoms depending on the condition of the patient.
For another example, Shen Qi Pill(腎氣丸; 신기환) is combination of Gandihuang, Shuanyao, Shuanzuyu, Mudanpi, Fuling, Zhexiw, Guizhi and Fuzi.
The sign symptom of Gandihuang is lesser abdominal distress oe lesser abdominal numbness. For Shuanyao, it is palpitation. For Zhexie, it is vertigo. For Guizhi, it is headache, scant urination, and counter flow to the chest. Lastly for Fuzi, it is cold feet, aversion to coldness and copious sweating.
The total number of all sign symptoms and herbs in Shen Qi Pill would be way too many to choose from.
However, usually in practice, those of lesser abdominal distress, abdominal palpitations, aversion to coldness and copious sweating are the sign symptom of this formula. Again, other sign symptoms of herbs are selected according to other consideration.
