Chapter Fifteen. Locked-up syndrome and formula composition
CHAPTER OUTLINE
This chapter introduces the principles, methods and strategies for the composition of formulas that aromatically regulate the Qi, transform phlegm and open the orifices. They are used to treat the locked-up syndrome (closed syndrome). All of the formulas shown in the examples are available in pill form for emergency use. At present, herbal injections or transfusions are administrated for even quicker effects.
Locked-up syndrome
Manifestations
Heat type
Main symptoms
Loss of consciousness, locked jaw, rigid limbs, clenched fists, no urination or bowel movement, high fever, irritability, red face, heavy breathing and warm limbs.
Tongue
Thick yellow coating.
Pulse
Rapid, slippery and forceful.
Cold type
Main symptoms
Loss of consciousness, locked jaw, rigid limbs, clenched fists, no urination or bowel movement, cold limbs, pale complexion.
Tongue
Thick white coating.
Pulse
Deep and wiry.
Associated disorders in western medicine
Cerebrovascular accident, epilepsy, sunstroke, hysteria, severe pain, fainting, hepatic coma and uremia.
Analysis of the syndrome
Locked-up syndrome is an acute, severe excess syndrome, which may occur alone or develop from some severe disease. The pathological change is a sudden blockage of the sensory orifices and blockage of the functions of associated internal organs by rebellious Qi, blood, phlegm or ascending Yang.
• The symptoms in this syndrome show obvious signs of blockage of the orifices and a locked-up body, such as loss of consciousness, locked jaw, rigid limbs, clenched fists, no urination or bowel movement.
• In locked-up syndrome caused by heat, there are symptoms and signs of heat, such as high fever, irritability, red face, heavy breathing, warm limbs, a thick yellow tongue coating and a rapid, slippery and forceful pulse.
• If locked-up syndrome is caused by cold, the Yang and Qi are blocked, and there are cold signs, such as cold limbs, pale complexion, a thick white tongue coating and a deep and wiry pulse.
Treatment principle: Aromatically open the orifices, regulate the Qi and blood, clear heat or transform turbidity, eliminate phlegm
Herb selection principles and formula composition strategies
• First, substances that are very pungent or substances that have a strong aromatic smell are selected as they move quickly and can open up blockage and revive the Shen.
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