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Expelling cold accumulations

攻逐寒积 〔攻逐寒積〕zhú hán

A method of treatment used to address stagnation and accumulation patterns characterized by abdominal distension, abdominal pain, constipation, a thick slimy tongue fur, or moist tongue with white fur and absence of thirst call for this method of treatment. Other signs may include by aversion to cold, cold limbs, and thirst with a desire for warm fluids. The method of expelling cold accumulations treats external cold contractions with pre-existing food accumulations.

Medicinal therapy: The basic medicinal is generally rhubarb (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 大黄 dà huáng), which is used with warm and hot agents such as aconite (Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata, 附子 fù zǐ), dried ginger (Zingiberis Rhizoma, 干姜 gān jiāng), and cinnamon bark (Cinnamomi Cortex, 肉桂 ròu guì). Warm agents with a powerful draining-precipitant action such as croton (Crotonis Fructus, 巴豆 bā dòu) may be prescribed, but in clinical practice few cases warrant their use.

A representative formulas is Spleen-Warming Decoction (温脾汤 wēn pí tāng).

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