Ejection

One of the eight methods. A method of treatment that involves induction of vomiting, either by medicinals or by mechanical means (e.g., tickling the throat with a feather) in order to expel collected phlegm or abiding food. In clinical practice, ejection is used when phlegm-drool obstructs the throat and hampers breathing or when, after voracious eating, food stagnates in the stomach, causing distension, fullness, and pain. This method may also be used to treat poisoning, provided treatment is administered swiftly after ingestion of the toxic substance. Ejection medicinals include melon stalk (Melonis Pedicellus, 瓜蒂 guā dì), veratrum (Veratri Nigri Radix et Rhizoma, 藜芦 lí lú), chalcanthite (Chalcanthitum, 胆矾 dǎn fán), gleditsia (Gleditsiae Fructus, 皂荚 zào jiá), and salt. Commonly used formulas include the powerful Melon Stalk Powder (瓜蒂散 guā dì sǎn) and less powerful Ginseng Tops Beverage (参芦饮 shēn lú yǐn). Ejection is generally contraindicated in pregnancy and must be used with care in weak patients.

Ejection Medicinals

• 瓜蒂 (guā dì) melon stalk (Melonis Pedicellus)
• 常山 (cháng shān) dichroa (Dichroae Radix)
• 蜀漆 (shǔ qī) dichroa leaf (Dichroae Folium)
• 胆矾 (dǎn fán) chalcanthite (Chalcanthitum)
• 藜芦 (lí lú) veratrum (Veratri Nigri Radix et Rhizoma)
• 人参芦 (rén shēn lú) ginseng top (Ginseng Rhizoma)
• 皂荚 (zào jiá) gleditsia (Gleditsiae Fructus)