Da Xian Xiong Tang大陷胸汤
Major Sinking into the Chest Decoction
Ingredients3 herbs
Indications
Heat and water bound together in the chest and epigastrium, classically following premature purging of an unresolved exterior pattern. Heat alone would not harden like this, and water alone would not burn — the two are locked together, which is why the formula must both cool and drain.
Clinical Manifestations
- Chest-bind pattern with hard, exquisitely tender epigastric pain
- Pain running from below the heart to the lower abdomen, untouchable
- Constipation with late-afternoon low-grade tidal fever
- Shortness of breath and agitation with thirst and a dry tongue
Health Categories
Modern Applications
Common adjustments
- Bind confined to the upper chest, neck stiff — the appended pill form Da Xian Xiong Wan 大陷胸丸 is the textbook's answer — slower, aimed higher
- Patient already weakened — this formula is withheld; the strength that makes it work is also what makes it dangerous
Contraindications
Gan Sui is toxic and this is an attack formula for a genuinely excess pattern only. It is withheld in deficiency, in the elderly and frail, after childbirth, and in anyone who has already been purged. Gan Sui and Gan Cao are a classical incompatible pair — do not combine them. Stop immediately once the bowel opens.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.
Pregnancy
Absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy. Gan Sui is a toxic drastic water-expellant and Da Huang with Mang Xiao purges hard; the combination is among the most clearly forbidden in pregnancy of any formula in the textbook. It is also unsuitable while breastfeeding.
References
Source Shang Han Lun 《伤寒论》 · Eastern Han
「伤寒六七日，结胸热实，脉沉而紧，心下痛，按之石硬者，大陷胸汤主之。」
- Classical source (public domain), cited in the source-quote section.
2. Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. — composition & dosage cross-checked.
3. 《方剂学》（全国中医药行业高等教育规划教材）— chapter placement, 功用 and pattern analysis cross-checked.
Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.