Dao Qi Tang导气汤

Conduct the Qi Decoction

Regulating Qi 理气剂Promote the Movement of Qi 行气

Ingredients4 herbs

HerbDosageRoleWhat it does in this formula

川Chuan Lian Zi川楝子Toosendan Fructus12 g君 ChiefCarries the formula into the Liver channel and stops the pain there 木Mu Xiang木香Aucklandiae Radix9 g臣 DeputyMoves stagnant qi in the abdomen 小Xiao Hui Xiang小茴香Foeniculi Fructus6 g臣 DeputyWarms the Liver channel and settles pain in the genital region 吴Wu Zhu Yu吴茱萸Evodiae Fructus3 g (soaked before decocting)佐 AssistantDisperses cold in the Liver channel and stops cramping — kept to a small dose because it is hot and acrid

Indications

Moves qi and soothes the LiverWarms the Liver channel and scatters coldStops hernial pain

Cold herniafrom cold lodged in the Liver channel with qi stagnation. The picture is the same in kind as the parent formula's but simpler: cold and stagnation without hardened accumulation and without the surging, forceful pain that calls for a stronger prescription.

Clinical Manifestations

Cold hernial pain in the lower abdomen and groin
Dragging pain into the testicle relieved by warmth
Cold cramping lower abdominal pain in women
Recurrent groin discomfort that worsens in cold weather

TonguePale with a white coating

PulseDeep and wiry, or slow

Health Categories

Women's HealthMen's Health

Modern Applications

Inguinal hernia pain Orchialgia Groin pain Dysmenorrhoea

Common adjustments

Cold more severe — add Rou Gui 肉桂 or Gao Liang Jiang 高良姜
Qi stagnation marked — add Wu Yao 乌药 and Qing Pi 青皮
Pain severe — add Yan Hu Suo 延胡索 and Li Zhi He 荔枝核
Swelling beginning to harden — move toward Ju He Wan 橘核丸 by adding Ju He 橘核 and Kun Bu 昆布

Contraindications

Acute severe testicular pain, or a hernia that will not reduce, is a surgical emergency and needs urgent assessment rather than a warming decoction. Not for damp-heat in the lower burner, where the scrotum is red, hot and swollen. Wu Zhu Yu is acrid, hot and mildly toxic in overdose, so it is kept to a small proportion and not taken long-term without supervision.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.

Pregnancy

Contraindicated in pregnancy. Wu Zhu Yu is hot and acrid and the formula as a whole moves qi vigorously in the lower burner, which is precisely where it should not be pushed during pregnancy.

References

Source Yi Fang Jian Yi 《医方简义》 · Qing

Classical source text (public domain).
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）— 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.