A fellow villager named Zhou Pang sought help for his mother in her fifties, who suffered from persistent vomiting after eating. Initially suspected as huoluan (acute vomiting-diarrhea syndrome in TCM terms, distinct from modern cholera), she took several “Tangxi Sha Pills” (shayao – heat-clearing granules) but saw no improvement. Another physician diagnosed her with qi stagnation (blocked energy flow) and prescribed Siqi San (Four-Seven Powder, a formula for regulating qi), yet the vomiting persisted.
When Zhou Pang consulted me, I conducted a detailed examination. Her condition aligned neither with huoluan nor typical qi stagnation. Upon checking her pulse, the right guan pulse (corresponding to the spleen and stomach system) felt notably wiry, while other pulses were normal. I concluded: “This is fluid retention (shui ji) – a TCM condition where water metabolism is impaired. The patient likely experiences difficulty urinating, excessive thirst, chest tightness, and occasional dizziness.” She confirmed all these symptoms.
I prescribed Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Poria Powder, a classic diuretic formula) with added Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome, cangzhu) and Akebia Caulis (mutong) – herbs to drain dampness. The vomiting ceased within a day. When Zhou Pang requested follow-up, I advised: “No further consultation is needed. Long-term use of Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan (Costus & Amomum Six Gentlemen Pills, containing Aucklandiae Radix [muxiang] and Amomi Fructus [sharen]), will （helps maintain） fluid retention and strengthen digestion. This formula is ideal for elderly care.” Following this regimen, his mother regained full health.
Key Notes for Readers
- Huoluan: Refers to acute gastrointestinal distress in TCM, unrelated to bacterial/viral cholera.
- Guan pulse: A TCM diagnostic site on the inner wrist; the right middle position reflects spleen/stomach health.
- Fluid retention (shui ji): A TCM pathology caused by impaired water metabolism.
- Herbal formulas retain original names with explanatory translations. Example:
- Siqi San: Four-Seven Powder (for regulating qi)
- Wuling San: Five-Ingredient Poria Powder (diuretic formula)
- Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan: Costus & Amomum Six Gentlemen Pills (digestive tonic)
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