Dynamic Warrior

Dynamic Warrior and our other Water formula, Quiet Contemplative, are specifically designed for what the Chinese call the “Kidney” function of the body. This activity is concerned with the polarity of gentle reflectiveness and dynamic responsiveness; it embraces both the Yin power to gracefully unfold – while being content, quiet and present – and the Yang power to activate, move and transform. The Chinese refer to these functions when they speak of the Kidneys as the “Mansion of Fire and Water” and the “Root of Life.”

While Quiet Contemplative gives Water its responsiveness and reflective quality, Dynamic Warrior restores the quality of movement – the Fire within Water. It is used for Water that has become soggy, congested, inactive and frozen. When its quiescent qualities have become excessive, Dynamic Warrior can bring a crucial balance.

Dynamic Warrior, like Quiet Contemplative, is for the “root of life.” While Quiet Contemplative is designed for dry and brittle roots that cause instability, Dynamic Warrior is for the person who lacks the quickening power to move at all. Dynamic Warrior propels the root energy forward, giving it firmness, vigor and movement. Whenever activating and assertive energy is required, this formula can make an important contribution.

The earliest writings in China speak of Yang as being the basic animating and invigorating quality of life. Dynamic Warrior stimulates the Fire to break through the restriction and immobility that non-assertive Will, paralyzing fear or numbing cold can create. It is one of the most potent tonifying formulas in Chinese Herbology.

PHYSICAL INDICATIONS

Dynamic Warrior is used for a wide variety of situations where Kidney Yang energy is insufficient. Sometimes the pattern resembles one which indicates Quiet Contemplative, but they will also have a passive or inactive aspect. Because the Chinese say that Kidney Fire controls Kidney Water, this formula is used whenever fluids don’t move properly. Because Kidney Fire is responsible for the body’s warmth, Dynamic Warrior is indicated whenever a person is inordinately cold. Dynamic Warrior is formulated to root the Qi.

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND TRANSFORMATIONAL INDICATIONS

When fear overcomes the activities of life on a psychological level, Dynamic Warrior is called for. It is especially for fear that causes a paralysis of movement, confusion and indecision. It is indicated when fear makes it difficult to know or express what one wants. It is also for occasional tiredness. When a weak Will (Zhi) cannot activate, Dynamic Warrior makes room for movement. It is the formula for the inability to stand on one’s own feet, assert oneself and be firm. This formula can also be used by someone unable to discover faith, or for the (sometimes excessive) desire to surrender while unable to find a focus. When a paralysis of Will (Zhi) causes hesitation, indecisiveness and hopelessness, Dynamic Warrior’s dynamic properties contribute positively. Again, like any Chinese herbal preparation, the primary mode of Dynamic Warrior is to reharmonize a pattern of being.

ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT

As we have stated in the description of Quiet Contemplative, the point of departure for our Dynamic Warrior (Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan) is the famous “Golden Chest Kidney Qi Pill” of Essential Formulas of the Golden Chest (220 A.D.). This formula found an important place in Chinese Herbology and inspired much testing, discussion and revision. Great scholars have been continually creating new versions by adding and subtracting from it, and changing the dosage. In formulating our own version of Dynamic Warrior, we have paid careful attention to these historical precedents and have also reflected on our experience.

With much appreciation, we incorporated Yan Yong-Huo’s addition of Schisandra fruit and Achyranthes root, which he describes in Formulas Beneficial to Life (1253 A.D.). We also carefully studied the changes proposed by Zhang Jie-Bin in his Complete Works of Jing-Yue (1624 A.D.), which forms the contemporary Chinese basis for usage of this formula. Following Dr. Zhang’s reworking of his “Right Returning Drink” (You Gui Yin) and “Great Original Primary Decoction” (Da Bu Yuan Jian), we have eliminated what he termed “the three draining components” of the original Golden Chest formula – Alisma, Poria and Peony bark – and added Eucommia bark, Lycium fruit, Chinese red ginseng root and rhizome.

In adopting these revisions, we expect that experienced herbalists will see that we’ve carefully sifted through the experience of the Chinese, as well as our own, and have developed a formula able to meet their needs.

ABOUT THE HERBS

Eucommia bark is an important herb to strengthen the Kidney’s activating power. This is also a main herb for empowering someone to stand on their own feet. It is sweet, slightly spicy and warm, and enters the Liver and Kidney meridians.

Morinda root tonifies the Kidney Yang. It is acrid, sweet and slightly warm, and enters the Kidney meridian.

Psoralea fruit is used for a cold, weak root. It has been found helpful when the Kidney root is too weak to assist the Lung in grasping the Qi downward. Psoralea fruit also supports a healthy digestive system. It is bitter, spicy and warm, and enters the Spleen and Lung meridians.

Prepared Rehmannia root is a principal Yin- and Blood-nourishing herb. It is Quiet Contemplative’s key ingredient, and contributes to stability and graceful movement. It helps center Dynamic Warrior. It is sweet and slightly warm, and enters the Liver, Kidney and Heart meridians.

Chinese dodder seed is used in Quiet Contemplative as well, and nourishes the Yin and Yang power of the Kidney root. It is sweet, spicy and gentle, and enters the Liver and Kidney meridians.

Achyranthes root activates the movement of the Blood; it has the ability to move things that have been stuck for a long time. It is bitter, sour and neutral, and enters the Kidney and Liver meridians.

Schisandra fruit firms the Kidney Essence (Jing). This is also the crucial herb for strengthening the Kidney’s ability to grasp the Qi. It also strengthens the mind’s ability to be focused, clear and determined. It is sour and warm, and enters the Lung and Kidney meridians.

Chinese yam rhizome can tonify the Qi and at the same time moisten the Kidneys and Lungs. It can also support a healthy digestive system. Also found in Quiet Contemplative, it both moistens and creates an inner firmness. It is sweet and gentle, and enters the Lung, Spleen and Kidney meridians.

Asiatic cornelian cherry is a crucial herb for nourishing the Kidney. It is also important as a “firming” herb. In Quiet Contemplative as well, it helps to root the shakiness of a deficient Yin configuration. It is sour and slightly warm, and enters the Liver and Kidney meridians.

Lycium fruit enhances the unfolding, nurturing power of the root of life energy. It benefits Essence (Jing). It is sweet and gentle, and enters the Liver and Kidney meridians.

Chinese red ginseng root and rhizome is used here, again heeding Dr. Zhang, to tonify the Original Qi and enhance the activating power of the formula. It is sweet, slightly bitter and warm, and enters the Spleen and Lung meridians.

Dong quai root has been added in small amounts, following Zhang Jie-Bin’s precedent, to moisten and nourish the Blood. It is sweet, spicy, bitter and warm, and enters the Liver, Heart and Spleen meridians.

Chinese cinnamon bark is one of the main warming herbs. It is used to expel cold, frozen and uncertain energy from the root of life and from the digestive areas. Chinese cinnamon bark is used when cold inhibits activities. Besides activating the primal energy, cinnamon stimulates the day- to-day energy that is replenished by sleep and eating (upright Qi). Chinese cinnamon bark can also warm the reproductive organs in both women and men. It is sweet, acrid and very hot, and enters the Kidney, Liver, and Spleen meridians.

Evodia fruit dispels Cold, dries Dampness, activates Qi circulation, regulates the Liver Qi and warms the Middle Burner. It is acrid, bitter and hot, and enters the Liver, Spleen and Stomach meridians.