The 7 categories of compound formulas

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Single herbs are used rarely in TCM. Instead, formulas which are

individually tailored to the individual are used. For example, if the

person is both Qi and Blood Deficient, the formula will contain both Qi and

Blood tonic herbs. If the person also suffers Qi Stagnation, an herb for

Relieving Qi Stagnation will be included in the formula.

 

But, there are other considerations in deciding on a formula. Following are

the 7 categories of compound formulas:

 

1. Powerful Formula. One uses Powerful Formulas when the Evil is strong and

in full power. It takes a Powerful or strong formula to counteract a strong

Evil. There are precautions to observe when using a Powerful Formula. One

needs to consider if the person is strong enough to withstand its effects.

For example, if a person is Yin Deficient, one does not want to use a

Powerful Formula that will purge because this can damage Yin. The same for

using a Powerful Formula for promoting sweating if the person is Yang

Deficient because sweating can destroy Yang.

 

2. Mild Formula. If the Evil is mild, one can use a Mild Formula. Mild

Formulas are composed of herbs which are milder in action than those used in

Powerful Formulas. Or, one can use a reduced dosage of a Powerful Formula.

 

3. Slow Formula. These are used with chronic conditions, especially with

chronic conditions due to Deficiency in which the person is weak. Chronic

conditions can't be resolved rapidly. The degree of imbalance is very

great. Often in chronic cases, a lot has gone wrong - like a row of dominos

going down. One needs a formula with a slow and gentle action in order to

gradually bring the person back into balance. Otherwise you risk throwing

the person into greater imbalance.

 

4. Urgent Formula. This is a formula for emergency-type situations. The

person needs something with concentrated action and needs a high dose. The

best known example of an herb sometimes used in Urgent Formulas is aconite.

This herb frequently is included in the First Aid kits of artic explorers

and high mountain climbers. It will warm a person up in a hurry. Another

example of the time to use an Urgent Formula may be in Yang Collapse.

Urgent Formulas frequently are used with Powerful Formulas.

 

5. Single Action Formula. These are used when there is only one imbalance

present. For example, the person is Yin Deficient and there are no other

problems. A Single Action Formula may consist of one herb, or, it may

consist of more than one herb. But, if more than one herb is used, they

will all have the same action. In this case there will be more than one Yin

tonic herb. Some of the reasons why an herbalist would use more than one

herb with the same basic action is to use herbs that target a number of

meridians/ organ systems. Another reason is the single imbalance is severe.

In the example of a person that is Yin Deficient, say that one Yin tonic

herb is helping but not enough. In TCM you don't increase the dose of the

herb, you add another herb with the same basic action. So the healer adds

another Yin tonic herb. Another reason to use more than one herb in a

Single Action Formula is to take care of different manifestation. Say for

example that the person is very troubled with night sweats and with

agitation. One Yin tonic herb is better than the others for relieving night

sweats but another has better calming properties. Together the two take

care of this person's worst manifestations in a more efficient way than

either alone could do.

 

6. Double Action Formula. These are used when there's two basic imbalances

(like both Qi and Blood Deficiency) or when two actions are needed at once.

For example, say the person needs to sweat and needs to have a bowel

movement. An herb that promotes sweating will be combined with one with

laxative properties. Or, attack and restoration is needed at the same time.

 

7. Complex Formulas. These are the ones used when the clinical picture is

complex. For example, the person may be Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang Deficient

plus have Qi Stagnation and Blood Stagnation problems. In addition the

person may be under attack by an External Pernicious Evil. Herbs for all

these imbalances will need to be included.

 

This information is taken from A Manual of Chiense Herbal Medicine by Warner

J.W. Fan, MD, pp. 76-77. I've deliberately avoided going into the basics of

making a formula (king, minister, etc. herbs).

 

Victoria

 

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