Cinnamon Twig Decoction
Release Exterior Cold
Actions: Releases pathogenic influences from the muscle layer and regulates the Ying and Wei Qi.
Key Symptoms: spontaneous sweating, tight rectus muscles.
Pattern:
- Exterior Cold from deficiency.
- Tai Yang deficiency.
- Also for a similar presentation in patients recovering from serious illness or after childbirth.
Pathology: Tai Yang and Lung Qi is deficient. The Yang is floating because it is weak and becomes unrooted, causing fever. Nutritive Qi related to Spleen Qi is also weak, which allows the surface to be weak and leak sweat causing spontaneous sweating. Commonly used for fever and sweating in pregnancy.
| Gui Zhi | 9g |
| Bai Shao | 9g |
| Sheng Jiang | 9g |
| Da Zao | 12 pieces |
| Zhi Gan Cao | 6g |
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- Gui Zhi
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- Bai Shao
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- Sheng Jiang
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- Da Zao
-
- Zhi Gan Cao
Indications: Fever and chills unrelieved by sweating, headache, aversion to wind, stiff neck, nasal congestion, dry heaves, no particular thirst.
Pulse: floating, may be deficient with pressure and right cun and guan.
Tongue: thin white and moist coating.
Kampo Dosage:
| Gui Zhi | 3g |
| Bai Shao | 3g |
| Sheng Jiang | 3g |
| Da Zao | 4g |
| Zhi Gan Cao | 2g |
Acupuncture Treatment:
- LU8 or LU9 to circulate Yang
Related Formulas:
- Gui Zhi Jia Shao Yao Tang: when symptoms are more internal and related to Spleen.
- Da Qing Long Tang: Ying Qi is deficient but there is no sweating and the patient experiences fever and vexation.
- Gui Zhi Qu Shao Yao Tang: Wei Qi is deficient but not Ying Qi, heartbeat is rapid, pulse is hasty.
Bensky: pg. 35
