Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang: Herbal Relief for Blood Flow and Pain
Hongji Medical- Jan 31
- 4 min read
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, or Body Pain and Blood Stasis Decoction, is a renowned Chinese herbal formula from Yi Lin Gaicuo (Corrections of Errors in Medical Classics), written by Qing Dynasty physician Wang Qingren.
Developed through years of clinical practice, this formula targets pain caused by blood stasis and cold-dampness, offering relief for conditions like arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, and heart-related discomfort.
Its ability to promote blood circulation, clear blockages, and alleviate pain makes it a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Composition of Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang combines a carefully selected array of herbs, each contributing to its therapeutic power. These herbs work synergistically to address blood stasis, regulate energy flow, and clear dampness. Below is a breakdown of the key ingredients and their roles:
Licorice (Gan Cao): Harmonizes, soothes inflammation, aids digestion.
Chuan Xiong: Warms, promotes blood, relieves pain.
Dang Gui: Nourishes blood, regulates menstruation.
Di Long: Clears heat, relieves pain, unblocks channels.
Hong Hua: Boosts circulation, eases menstrual and joint pain.
Mo Yao: Promotes blood flow, reduces swelling, heals tissues.
Xiang Fu: Regulates liver qi, relieves pain.
Qiang Huo: Disperses cold, eases joint and muscle pain.
Qin Jiao: Clears wind-damp, relaxes tendons.
Tao Ren: Breaks blood stasis, moistens intestines.
Wulingzhi: Stops bleeding, relieves abdominal pain.
Xiang Fu: Supports qi flow, balances emotions.
These herbs are typically decocted in water, with dosages adjusted based on the patient’s condition and practitioner guidance.
Mechanisms and Effects
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang is designed to address blood stasis, a TCM concept where poor blood circulation leads to blockages, causing pain, stiffness, or swelling. It also tackles cold-dampness obstruction, where cold and moisture invade the body, further impairing energy and blood flow. The formula’s primary effects include:
Promoting Blood Circulation: Herbs like Sichuan lovage, safflower, peach kernel, and myrrh invigorate blood flow, breaking up stasis to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Clearing Blood Stasis: Wulingzhi and angelica target stagnant blood, reducing symptoms like abdominal pain, chest discomfort, or menstrual irregularities.
Relieving Pain: Licorice, earthworm, and nutgrass soothe pain by calming nerves, regulating qi, and reducing inflammation.
Expelling Cold and Dampness: Notopterygium and gentiana clear cold-dampness from joints and muscles, alleviating heaviness, stiffness, and swelling.
Regulating Menstruation: Angelica, safflower, and cyperus harmonize menstrual cycles, easing cramps and irregular periods.
Understanding Blood Stasis and Cold-Dampness
In TCM, blood stasis occurs when blood flow is obstructed, often due to injury, chronic stress, or poor lifestyle habits. This leads to localized pain, stiffness, or swelling, as seen in arthritis, menstrual pain, or headaches. Cold-dampness obstruction, another key factor, arises from:
External Causes: Prolonged exposure to cold, wet environments (e.g., rain or damp climates) allows cold-dampness to invade, blocking meridians. Cold is constricting, and dampness is sticky, together impeding qi and blood flow.
Internal Causes: A weak spleen or kidney, often from poor diet or overexertion, fails to process moisture, leading to internal dampness buildup. This stagnates in the meridians, causing pain and heaviness.
Symptoms of cold-dampness obstruction include:
Heavy, cold, or numb limbs
Achy, stiff muscles and joints
Swollen or painful joints with a cold sensation
General chilliness or cold extremities
White, slippery tongue coating
Tight, wiry pulse
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang addresses both blood stasis and cold-dampness, restoring smooth circulation and relieving discomfort.
Indications
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang is indicated for conditions caused by blood stasis and cold-dampness, including:
Heat Bi (Arthritis): Red, swollen, hot, and painful joints due to blood stasis blocking meridians, often seen in rheumatoid or gouty arthritis.
Blood Stasis Pain: Chronic pain in the head, chest, abdomen, or limbs, such as migraines, angina, or post-injury discomfort.
Menstrual Disorders: Irregular cycles, scanty or heavy flow, or clotting due to stagnant blood.
Dysmenorrhea: Severe menstrual cramps, lower back pain, or abdominal discomfort during periods.
Cold-Dampness Pain: Heavy, cold, or numb limbs, joint stiffness, or swelling, often worsened by cold or humid weather.
Modern Applications
In modern medicine, Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang is a versatile remedy for pain and circulatory issues, supported by research highlighting its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and circulation-enhancing properties. Key applications include:
Arthritis: Eases pain, swelling, and stiffness in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout by improving joint blood flow and reducing inflammation.
Menstrual Pain: Relieves cramps, lower back pain, and irregular periods, particularly for endometriosis or fibroids, by clearing blood stasis.
Headaches: Alleviates tension or migraine headaches caused by poor circulation, especially those triggered by stress or cold exposure.
Angina: Improves coronary blood flow, reducing chest pain in patients with heart disease by clearing stasis and supporting heart function.
Chronic Pain: Addresses post-traumatic or fibromyalgia-related pain by unblocking meridians and enhancing circulation.
Peripheral Vascular Issues: Supports blood flow in conditions like Raynaud’s disease or varicose veins, reducing numbness and coldness.
Unlike Western painkillers or antibiotics, which may mask symptoms or exacerbate coldness, Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang treats the root cause by clearing stasis and dampness. This holistic approach prevents recurring pain and promotes long-term health.
Conclusion
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang is a time-tested Chinese herbal formula that excels at promoting blood circulation, clearing blood stasis, and relieving pain caused by blockages or cold-dampness. With a potent blend of herbs like Sichuan lovage, safflower, angelica, and gentiana, it effectively treats arthritis, menstrual cramps, headaches, angina, and more. Backed by modern research and centuries of clinical use, it offers a holistic alternative to conventional pain relief.
