Clear Channels

Clear Channels is a combination of two formulas. Cinnamon Twig, Peony, and Anemarrhena Combination (Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang), is traditionally used to dispel stagnation in the joints from Wind, Dampness, Phlegm and Blood stasis. Four Stems Tablet (Se Tang Pian) is traditionally used for Wind Damp patterns causing stagnation in the joints and knees. When the influences of Wind and Dampness have settled in the body, they will commonly move to the lower extremities where they can cause occasional water retention and joint stagnation which is exacerbated by damp weather. This Damp Obstruction can also block the ascent of the clear Yang. Clear Channels, while retaining herbs from both base formulas, has been further modified by the addition of herbs that address both Hot and Cold types of Wind Damp (Bi) invasion and by the addition of vines to further expel Wind Dampness, unblock the channels and alleviate stagnation.

In Clear Channels, Ephedra, Aconite, Atractylodes, Ledebouria and Ginger have been removed and replaced by herbs that are less hot in nature. Chinese quince fruit relaxes the sinews, unblocks the channels, removes Damp Obstruction in the extremities, harmonizes the Stomach and transforms Dampness, and Loranthus herb nourishes the Liver and Kidneys, nourishes the sinews and bones, expels Wind Dampness and tonifies the Yin and Blood. It addresses occasional stagnation and soreness in the lower back and legs and joint discomfort. White mulberry twig dispels Wind and Dampness, opens peripheral channels and collaterals, benefits the joints, and addresses occasional muscle discomforts. It dispels Wind Heat lodged in the shoulders and arms and supports a healthy water metabolism.

Chinese red peony root invigorates the Blood, dispels Blood stasis, clears Heat, cools the Blood and clears Liver Fire. Chinese cinnamon twig warms the channels, disperses Cold, unblocks the Yang, transforms the Qi and facilitates the flow of Yang Qi in the vessels. White peony root nourishes Blood, calms and curbs Liver Yang and alleviates stagnation from constrained Liver Qi or disharmony between Liver and Spleen. Combined with Chinese licorice root and rhizome, it addresses occasional muscle spasms, especially of the calf, due to Blood deficiency. Chinese red peony root invigorates and cools the Blood, dispels Blood stasis, clears Heat and Liver Fire, and protects the fluids vital to sinews and Blood.

Anemarrhena rhizome drains Fire, enriches Yin, moistens Dryness, generates fluids and clears Heat, while Chinese licorice root and rhizome supplements the Spleen, boosts the Qi, clears Heat, relieves blazing Fire, alleviates stagnation and moderates and harmonizes the other herbs in the formula.

Of the vines, Chinese tinospora stem dispels Wind Dampness, relaxes the sinews, invigorates the collaterals, unblocks the channels and dispels Hot Obstructions. Star jasmine stem dispels Wind Damp Obstructions that are relatively Hot, cools the Blood, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the channels. Lonicera stem clears Wind and Dampness, clears Heat, relieves blazing Fire, dispels stagnation, soothes the sinews and unblocks the channels and collaterals.

Polygonum multiflorum stem promotes the movement of Qi, nourishes the Blood, invigorates the channels and relaxes the sinews. Kadsura pepper vine dispels Wind Damp, unblocks the channels, disperses Cold and alleviates stagnation. Spatholobus stem promotes the movement of Qi, nourishes the Blood, invigorates the meridians and relaxes the sinews.

For stronger Blood stagnation, combine with Drive Out Stasis or Invigorate the Collaterals.

While Clear Channels primarily addresses conditions exacerbated by Wind Dampness invasion, Clear Dampness in the Channels addresses internal Dampness accumulation due to Spleen Qi deficiency. Both will address occasional discomfort in the joints, but due to different causes. Transform Accumulation in the Channels addresses Phlegm obstruction due to internal Qi stagnation and extreme Phlegm stagnation.

ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENT
Jin Gui Yao Lue, Formulas from the Golden Cabinet by Zhang Zhong-jing.