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| An interpretation of the theory of “five zang-organs’ preferences，tonification，and purgation” and the formulas for five-zang patterns in Essential Medicinal Methods for the Five Organs from the Auxiliary Stream of Life |
| Hits 262 Download times 99 Received:June 11, 2025 |
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| DOI
10.11656/j.issn.1673-9043.2025.10.01 |
| Key Words
Essential Medicinal Methods for the Five Organs from the Auxiliary Stream of Life;theory of five zang-organs’ preference，tonification，and purgation;TAO Hongjing |
| Author Name | Affiliation | E-mail | | TANG Ruoshui | School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China | | | QIAO Luyang | School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China | | | YAN Wenjuan | School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China | | | ZHANG Lin | School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China | doctorzhanglin@139.com |
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| Abstract
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| Essential Medicinal Methods for the Five Organs from the Auxiliary Stream of Life(abbreviated as Fu Xing Jue),like ZHANG Zhongjing's Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases,originated from the Canon of Decoctions(Tangye Jing Fa) and is a crucial text among the Dunhuang medical manuscripts. Its formula-constructing theory differs from contemporary principles such as "monarch,minister,assistant,and envoy" or those based on efficacy and indications. Instead,it employs the text's theory of "five flavors corresponding to the five zang-organs",selecting herbs with specific flavors and properties according to the theory of "Preferences,Tonification,and purgation for the five zang-organs". This theory systematically specifies the nature and flavors of herbs used for tonifying,purging,and for urgent use("urgent eating") for each of the five zang-organs,and its exposition is more systematic than that found in the Huangdi Neijing(Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon). Guided by this theory,Fu Xing Jue established corresponding major and minor tonifying and purging formulas for the five zang-organs,with a rigorous compositional logic. For instance,the Minor Purging Formula strictly follows a "two purging,one tonifying" structure;the Minor Tonifying Formula consists of "two tonifying,one purging,and one urgent-use" herb. The Major Purging Formula is constructed by adding one "urgent-use" herb of the affected organ to its corresponding Minor Purging Formula,plus two herbs from the Minor Purging Formula of the "child" organ(the organ generated by the affected one),ensuring these two herbs are different from those already used. The Major Tonifying Formula is created by adding two tonifying herbs and one purging herb for the "child" organ to its corresponding Minor Tonifying Formula. Furthermore, the text frequently uses the method of "simultaneously treating the mother and child organs" in formulations,creating a structure where tonification incorporates purgation,and vice versa. All tonifying formulas include the primary herb associated with the respective organ. Peony,Scutellaria baicalensis,licorice,ginger,and rhubarb serve as the foundational herbs for the Major Purging Formulas of the five zang-organs. All Major Tonifying Formulas consist of seven herbs,while all Major Purging Formulas comprise six herbs. The demonstrates that the composition of formulas in Fu Xing Jue is rigorous and follows discernible patterns. Analyzing its "five zang-organs' Preferences,Tonification, and Purgation" theory and the formula-constructing for five-zang patterns can aid in interpreting classical ancient formulas and provide new ideas for the contemporary clinical application of classical prescriptions. |
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