Qì vacuity impediment

An impediment (bì) pattern arising when vacuity of yáng qì allows internal cold-damp to become exuberant. Qì vacuity impediment is characterized by inhibited movement of the joints, lack of bodily warmth, and in some case numbness of the limbs.

Medicinal therapy: Boost qì and warm yáng with Four Gentlemen Decoction (四君子汤 sì jūn zǐ tāng) plus cinnamon bark (Cinnamomi Cortex, 肉桂 ròu guì) and aconite (Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata, 附子 fù zǐ). If there is numbness, use Wondrous Effect Astragalus Decoction (神效黄芪汤 shén xiào huáng qí tāng).

Acumoxatherapy: Base treatment mainly on back transport points, GV, CV, ST, and SP. Needle with supplementation and moxa at BL-23 (Kidney Transport, 肾俞 shèn shù), BL-20 (Spleen Transport, 脾俞 pí shù), GV-4 (Life Gate, 命门 mìng mén), CV-4 (Pass Head, 关元 guān yuán), CV-6 (Sea of Qì, 气海 qì hǎi), and needle with drainage and moxa at ST-36 (Leg Three Lǐ, 足三里 zú sān lǐ), SP-9 (Yīn Mound Spring, 阴陵泉 yīn líng quán), and SP-5 (Shang Hill, 商丘 shāng qiū). Apply moxa on salt or ginger at CV-8 (Spirit Gate Tower, 神阙 shén què).

See impediment for selection of points according to affected area.