Cold-damp leg qì

Leg qì (beriberi) that arises when external cold invades to hamper the movement of channel qì and to cause disharmony of the blood vessels, and that is characterized by weakness of the legs and knees, no strength to move, persistent numbness, and water swelling. In some cases, there is hypertonicity and pain, and sometimes aversion to cold and cold limbs.

Medicinal therapy: Treat by warming the channels and eliminating dampness, supported by quickening the blood, freeing the vessels, and soothing the sinews. Appropriate formulas include Chaenomeles and Achyranthes Pill (木瓜牛膝丸 mù guā niú xī wán) and Fenugreek Pill (葫芦巴丸 hú lú bā wán).

Acumoxatherapy: Base treatment mainly on SP, ST, and GB. Select ST-36 (Leg Three Lǐ, 足三里 zú sān lǐ), SP-6 (Three Yīn Intersection, 三阴交 sān yīn jiāo), SP-9 (Yīn Mound Spring, 阴陵泉 yīn líng quán), SP-5 (Shang Hill, 商丘 shāng qiū), GB-34 (Yáng Mound Spring, 阳陵泉 yáng líng quán), GB-39 (Suspended Bell, 悬钟 xuán zhōng), ST-41 (Ravine Divide, 解溪 jiě xī), and Eight Winds (八风 bā fēng). Needle with drainage and use large amounts of moxa.