Juan Bi Tang: A Classic Formula for Relieving Wind-Induced Joint Pain
Hongji Medical- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Juan Bi Tang comes from the Song Dynasty physician Yang Shiying’s Yang Shi Jia Cang Fang (Yang’s Family Treasury of Formulas), Volume Four. It is primarily used to treat wind bi syndrome, a condition caused by wind, cold, and dampness invading the body, leading to muscle stiffness and pain.
In ancient times, especially in rural areas, harsh environments and living conditions made wind-dampness illnesses common. Yang Shiying detailed the formula’s composition and uses in Yang Shi Jia Cang Fang, highlighting its effectiveness in expelling wind, clearing dampness, nourishing qi and blood, and balancing the body’s defenses.
Formula Explanation of Juan Bi Tang
Juan Bi Tang consists of seven herbs: Qiang Huo, Fang Feng, Jiang Huang, Huang Qi, Dang Gui, Bai Shao, and Zhi Gan Cao. These are organized according to the Chinese medicine principle of “monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy”:
Monarch Herbs: Qiang Huo, Fang Feng. These expel wind and clear pathogens. Qiang Huo (pungent, warm, and bitter) excels at clearing wind-dampness from the upper body, particularly in the Taiyang channel, relieving surface cold, wind, and pain. Fang Feng, a “moistening wind-expelling herb,” regulates yin within yang, clears dampness, and addresses the root of wind pathogens. Together, they strongly target the cause of wind bi syndrome.
Supporting Herb: Jiang Huang. Warm in nature, Jiang Huang activates blood and qi, opens channels, and relieves pain. It enhances Qiang Huo and Fang Feng by clearing cold-dampness, improving qi and blood flow, and easing pain and stiffness caused by wind-dampness blockages.
Assistant/Envoy Herbs: Huang Qi, Dang Gui, Bai Shao, Zhi Gan Cao. Huang Qi and Dang Gui nourish qi and blood. Huang Qi (sweet and warm) boosts qi, raises yang, and strengthens surface defenses to resist pathogens. Dang Gui (sweet, pungent, and warm) nourishes and activates blood, relieving blood deficiency and pain. Bai Shao (bitter, sour, and slightly cold) nourishes blood, soothes the liver, and eases pain, working with Dang Gui to nourish yin-blood, relax muscles, and relieve stiffness from blood deficiency. Zhi Gan Cao (sweet) boosts qi, harmonizes the formula, reduces side effects, and relieves pain.
Pathogenesis Analysis of Juan Bi Tang
Juan Bi Tang targets the pathological changes of wind bi syndrome caused by wind pathogens, often combined with cold and dampness, leading to muscle stiffness and pain.
In Chinese medicine, wind is the primary pathogen in wind bi syndrome, easily invading the body’s channels and joints, blocking qi and blood flow, and causing pain and numbness. The combination of wind, cold, and dampness aggravates this blockage, resulting in stiff, painful muscles and joints. Juan Bi Tang addresses these issues by expelling wind, clearing dampness, and restoring qi and blood flow.
Indications and Effects of Juan Bi Tang
Juan Bi Tang is primarily used for wind bi syndrome, particularly pain caused by wind pathogens, such as gout, sciatica, migraines, headaches, hip pain, TMJ pain, wrist, ankle, elbow, limb, shoulder, or neck pain, and general body aches. These symptoms are often linked to wind-dampness blockages and poor qi-blood flow.
Its main effects are expelling wind, clearing dampness, nourishing qi and blood, and balancing the body’s defenses. It works through:
Expelling wind and pathogens (Qiang Huo, Fang Feng).
Activating blood and relieving pain (Jiang Huang).
Nourishing qi and blood to support vitality and resist pathogens (Huang Qi, Dang Gui).
Soothing the liver and easing pain (Bai Shao, Zhi Gan Cao).
This combination clears pathogens without harming the body’s vitality, effectively relieving wind bi symptoms.
Modern Applications
In modern medicine, Juan Bi Tang is widely used for conditions related to wind bi syndrome:
Gout: Relieves joint pain and swelling by expelling wind and clearing dampness.
Sciatica: Eases lower limb pain and numbness by clearing wind-dampness and opening channels.
Migraines: Reduces headache and discomfort by expelling wind and relieving pain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Improves joint pain and swelling by clearing wind-dampness and nourishing qi and blood.
Ankylosing Spondylitis: Alleviates spinal stiffness and pain through wind-dampness clearance and qi-blood support.
Frozen Shoulder: Relieves shoulder pain and restricted movement by expelling wind and opening channels.
Limb Numbness or Paralysis: Improves limb numbness and mobility by clearing wind and nourishing qi and blood.
Precautions
When using Juan Bi Tang, keep the following in mind:
Pattern Differentiation: It targets wind bi syndrome with symptoms like body pain, neck stiffness, shoulder, arm, or elbow pain, restricted movement, and limb numbness. Consult a Chinese medicine practitioner to confirm suitability based on symptoms and constitution.
Special Populations: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children, and the elderly should use it under professional guidance to ensure safety.
Conclusion
Juan Bi Tang, a time-honored formula from Yang Shi Jia Cang Fang, is a classic remedy for wind bi syndrome. Its unique composition excels at expelling wind, clearing dampness, nourishing qi and blood, and balancing the body’s defenses. By understanding its origins, composition, indications, effects, and modern applications, we see its significant value in Chinese medicine practice, offering effective relief for wind-related pain and improving quality of life.
