Meridian Circulation

The unimpeded, harmonious flow of Qi and Blood are necessary for a healthy life. Historically, the Chinese believed that this circulation took place within the meridian pathways. A circulation blockage in meridians can cause stagnation, discomfort, occasional limitation of movement and impairment. The Chinese call this impaired flow “obstruction.” The adage of Zhang Zhi-Cong’s (1610-1672 A.D.) provides the normative explanation: “Obstruction is blockage; pernicious influences hamper flow and cause stagnation.” One of China’s oldest books describes thirteen kinds of obstruction (Su Wen, chapter 43). The most prominent hindrance described is a combination of Wind, Damp and Cold interfering with the meridian system closest to the external environment.

One of the earliest and most famous herbal responses to the common situation of stagnation caused by obstruction was crafted by Sun Si-Miao, the greatest Chinese scholar of the Tang Dynasty. In his Thousand Ducat Formulas (volume 8, section 4, 652 A.D.) he recorded one of China’s most important and enduring formulas known as “Pubescent Angelica Mulberry Mistletoe Soup” (Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang). Dr. Sun indicated that it was primarily for Wind Damp Cold obstruction with an underlying deficiency.

 

PHYSICAL INDICATIONS

Meridian Circulation, an adaptation of Sun Si-Miao’s formula, is the classic herbal formula for occasional discomfort, soreness, aches, numbness, cramps, swelling, occasional impaired flexibility and limitations of movement that effect the lower and upper back, limbs or joints. It is especially designed for a person with deficiency underneath the Wind Damp Cold hinderance. Yan Yong-Huo in Formulas Beneficial to Life (1253 A.D.) summarizes this connection: “Because the body is deficient, pernicious influences invade the inward emptiness; obstruction is formed when Wind, Cold and Damp are thus admitted.”

PSYCHOLOGICAL AND TRANSFORMATIONAL INDICATIONS

This formula strengthens the Liver’s sense of Virtue and the Kidney’s Will (Zhi), so one can respond more creatively and less automatically to stagnation. Generally speaking, Meridian Circulation helps to restore the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood in the meridians and alleviate the stagnation caused by pernicious influences obstructing their flow. It replenishes the underlying deficiency that sometimes results in physical obstruction and psychic limitation. Finally, it fosters a new integration between a person’s consciousness and the part of their body that is experiencing limitation. Acceptance, release of obstruction and enhanced awareness become more possible.

ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT

Meridian Circulation (Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang) is basically an adaptation of Sun Si-Miao’s “Pubescent Angelica Mulberry Mistletoe Soup” (Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang), recorded in 652 A.D. in his Thousand Ducat Formulas (volume 8, section 4). The minor changes and substitutions made are intended to make the formula stronger, more versatile and less harsh. These changes are noted in the following descriptions of the ingredients.

ABOUT THE HERBS

Loranthus herb is symbolic of the entire formula because it both expels Wind Damp and tonifies the Liver and Kidneys. The Divine Husbandman states that its principle function is to address occasional back stagnation.” In addition, the Materia Medica of Ri Hua-Zi states that it “helps the tendons and bones and benefits the circulation.” It is bitter, sweet and neutral, and enters the Liver and Kidney meridians.

Sichuan teasel root tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, supporting healthy sinews and bones, promoting Blood movement and alleviating stagnation. It is bitter, acrid and slightly warm, and enters the Kidney and Liver channels.

Chinese tinospora stem dispels Wind Dampness, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the channels. It is bitter and slightly cold, and enters the Liver channel.

Siler root expels Wind, overcomes Damp, and is crucial for relieving Wind obstruction. The

Materia Medica of Ri Hua-Zi (713 A.D.) also states that Siler root stabilizes the psycho-spiritual 

force of the Will (Ding-zhi) and decreases occasional anxiety. It is acrid, sweet and slightly warm, and enters the Bladder, Liver and Spleen meridians.

Large-leaf gentian root addresses Wind Damp causing stagnation. A flexible herb, it does not create the dryness typical of other herbs in the “expel Wind Damp” category. It is bitter, acrid and neutral, and enters the Liver, Stomach and Gallbladder meridians.

Eucommia bark is a precious bark that, according to the Divine Husbandman, “benefits the Essence (Jing), firms the tendons and bones and strengthens the Will (Zhi).” It is indispensable for occasional low back and limb stagnation accompanied by deficiency and weakened resolve. It is sweet, slightly acrid and warm, and enters the Liver and Kidney meridians.

Eyrithrina bark is substituted for the Ligusticum fruit of the original formula. The substitution makes the formula more versatile and strong in removing Wind Damp. It is suitable for both Cold and Hot obstruction. It is bitter, acrid and slightly cold, and enters the Liver, Spleen and Kidney meridians.

Cyathula root is said by the Divine Husbandman to “address Wind Damp obstruction.” The Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians (c. 500 A.D.) reports that it can “support the bone marrow and is beneficial for occasional back and spine stagnation and benefits the Essence (Jing). Cyathula root also moves and circulates the Blood. It is sweet, bitter and neutral, and enters the Kidney and Liver meridians.

Dong quai root is an indispensable feature of the formula, nourishing any deficiency of the Blood that is likely to accompany obstruction. Zhang Zhong-Jing, in the Han Dynasty, postulated that one should suspect deficient Blood whenever there is obstruction. Dong quai root also moves the Blood and relieves stagnation. It is sweet, bitter and warm, and enters the Liver, Heart and Spleen meridians.

Pubescent angelica root strongly relieves the attack of Wind Cold and alleviates stagnation, according to the Divine Husbandman’s Classic of Materia Medica (c. 150 A.D.). It also says Pubescent angelica root is beneficial for “running piglet syndrome,” implying that it relieves uncontrollable and exaggerated emotional reactivity and excitability. It is bitter, acrid and warm, and enters the Kidney and Bladder meridians.

White Asian ginseng root and rhizome tonifies the Qi. It is sweet, slightly bitter and warm, and enters the Spleen and Lung meridians.

Poria reinforces the White Asian ginseng root and rhizome and helps to eliminate Dampness. It is sweet, insipid and neutral, and enters the Spleen, Heart and Lung meridians.

White peony root reinforces Pubescent angelica root. It tonifies the Blood, comforts the Liver and alleviates stagnation, manifesting occasionally with cramps and spasms. It is bitter, sour and cool, and enters the Liver and Spleen meridians.

Honey fried Chinese licorice root and rhizome reinforces White Asian ginseng root and rhizome and harmonizes the formula. It is sweet and slightly warm, and enters the twelve meridians, but with an emphasis towards the Spleen and Lung.

Chinese cinnamon bark is a crucial herb to warm the personality, tonify the Yang, intensify insight and move Blood. The Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Herbal Formulas (1983) says that “cinnamon enters the Kidney meridian’s Blood portion, expels Cold and alleviates stagnation.” It is acrid, sweet and very hot, and enters the Liver, Kidney, Bladder and Spleen meridians.