Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan: Relieving Gout Pain and Clearing Heat
Hongji Medical- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
Gout is a painful condition that causes swollen, red, hot, and sore joints, greatly affecting quality of life. Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan, a traditional Chinese herbal formula, is widely used for its ability to dispel wind, remove dampness, promote blood flow, and clear heat. It effectively treats various gout symptoms, bringing relief to patients.
This formula was created by Zhu Danxi, a renowned Yuan Dynasty physician and one of the four great masters of the Jin-Yuan period, known for his expertise in nourishing yin and reducing heat. Zhu Danxi recognized gout’s complex causes, involving wind, cold, dampness, phlegm, heat, and blood stasis. He designed this formula to treat all these factors, naming it “Tong Yong” (Universal) for its comprehensive approach.
Formula Explanation of Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan
Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan has a complex composition, reflecting the Chinese medicine principle of “monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy”:
Monarch Herbs: Gui Zhi, Qiang Huo, Fang Ji, Wei Ling Xian. Gui Zhi and Qiang Huo relieve heat and pain; Fang Ji and Wei Ling Xian dispel wind, remove dampness, clear channels, and reduce pain.
Supporting Herbs: Chuan Xiong, Tao Ren, Hong Hua. These promote blood flow, resolve stasis, and clear channels.
Assistant Herbs: Bai Zhi, Long Dan Cao, Huang Bai, Nan Xing, Shen Qu, Cang Zhu. Bai Zhi clears wind from the face; Long Dan Cao and Huang Bai reduce inflammation and clear heat; Nan Xing clears phlegm and relieves pain; Shen Qu aids digestion and supports the stomach; Cang Zhu dries dampness.
Envoy Herb: Flour paste. Used to form the pills.
Pathogenesis Analysis of Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan
To understand how Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan works, we need to explore its targeted pathogenesis from a Chinese medicine perspective. Gout falls under the category of “Bi syndrome” (painful obstruction).
Its core pathogenesis involves external wind, cold, and dampness, combined with internal phlegm, heat, and blood stasis, leading to blocked channels and impaired qi and blood flow, causing joint pain and swelling.
External Invasion of Wind, Cold, and Dampness
Wind, cold, and dampness are key external factors causing Bi syndrome. These pathogens invade the body, obstructing qi and blood flow, leading to blocked channels. This results in pain, numbness, or a heavy sensation. People with weak constitutions or low vitality are especially vulnerable to these invasions.
Internal Phlegm, Heat, and Blood Stasis
Poor diet or emotional stress can create internal phlegm, dampness, and blood stasis. Phlegm blocks qi flow, and blood stasis hinders circulation, worsening channel obstruction and intensifying joint swelling and pain. Over time, these conditions can transform into heat, forming phlegm-heat or damp-heat, further aggravating the condition.
Blocked Channels and Impaired Qi and Blood Flow
Whether caused by external pathogens or internal factors, the result is blocked channels and poor qi and blood flow. Blocked channels prevent joints from being nourished, causing pain and limited movement. Poor circulation worsens blood stasis, creating a vicious cycle.
Main Effects of Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan
Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan is primarily used to treat gout, regardless of its cause (cold, heat, phlegm, or blood stasis), with symptoms including:
Widespread or localized burning pain
Joint swelling, redness, and heat
The formula offers the following key effects:
Dispelling Wind and Removing Dampness: Clears wind and dampness from the body.
Promoting Blood Flow and Clearing Heat: Improves circulation and removes heat toxins.
Relieving Pain: Reduces inflammation and alleviates pain.
This formula is a universal treatment for Bi syndrome and gout, with anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, blood-activating, and wind-dispersing effects. Its herbs work together to address the upper, middle, and lower body, hence the name “Shang Zhong Xia” (Upper, Middle, Lower).
Modern Applications
Modern medicine views gout as a type of arthritis caused by purine metabolism disorders, leading to increased uric acid production or reduced excretion, resulting in high blood uric acid levels. Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan can be used to treat:
Uric acid-related arthritis
Acute and chronic arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lower back pain, limb numbness
Gouty joint pain
Rheumatic bone pain
Neuralgia
Precautions
When using Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan, keep the following in mind:
Pattern Differentiation: Chinese medicine emphasizes pattern-based treatment. Consult a Chinese medicine practitioner to confirm suitability for your condition.
Dietary Control: Gout patients should avoid high-purine foods, overeating, and alcohol.
Conclusion
Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan, originating from Zhu Danxi, embodies the essence of Chinese medicine’s holistic approach and pattern-based treatment. It not only relieves inflammation and pain during acute gout attacks but also regulates the body’s overall condition, improving qi and blood flow and organ function to prevent recurrence and manage the condition. In today’s advanced medical landscape, combining Chinese medicine with modern approaches can leverage their strengths, offering gout patients more comprehensive and effective treatment options.
