Middle-Jiao Intestine

Gan Jiang is warm and pungent, and particularly enters the Spleen meridian. It is often used to warm Spleen-Yang to expel the cold in the Middle-Jiao directly, thus accelerating Qi movement in the intestines and alleviating pain. It is particularly used as chief in the formula to treat cold in the Middle-Jiao. 

The Spleen is regarded as a Yin organ and it is easily injured by exterior damp-heat or cold. If the Spleen fails to transport water and food that has accumulated in the Middle-Jiao, this will eventually generate heat in a Yang constitution. Persistent accumulation of damp-heat in the Middle-Jiao may develop damp-heat in the Large Intestine. Both syndromes have a lingering process of pathological development. 

Bai Bian Dou not only has a very gentle function of tonifying the Spleen-Qi but is also able to transform dampness. Because it is an astringent herb it can stabilize the fluid in the intestines. This herb is particularly useful for treating chronic diarrhea due to Spleen-Qi deficiency and dampness accumulation in the Middle-Jiao. 

These herbs are able to promote digestion, regulate the Qi in the Middle-Jiao and revive the function of the Spleen and Stomach. They are often used in the recovery period of syndromes of damp-heat in the Spleen and Large Intestine. 

Cao Dou Kou is pungent and warm, and enters the Spleen and Large Intestine meridians. It can effectively warm the Middle-Jiao, dry dampness and promote the Qi movement. It is often selected to treat abdominal distension and pain with cold sensation and poor digestion. 

These herbs are all pungent and warm. They can effectively promote the Qi movement to enhance the ability of the chief herbs in eliminating dampness. Chen Pi principally regulates the Qi in the Middle-Jiao Mu Xiang regulates the Qi of the Liver and Large Intestine Sha Ren regulates the Spleen and intestines Da Fu Pi moves both Qi and water in the entire abdomen. 

When damp-heat in the Upper-Jiao is not eliminated in time, it can invade the Middle-Jiao, obstruct the Qi and disturb the functions of the Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver and Gall Bladder. It causes digestive disorders, skin diseases, tiredness, and swelling, pain and heaviness of the muscles and joints. The lingering dampness holds the heat, which can remain in the body for a very long period of time. When the function of the Spleen is injured by damp-heat, the excess condition of damp-heat can be complicated by Spleen deficiency. 

Chief Descend the Qi in the Stomach and Large Intestine remove dampness and phlegm in the Middle-Jiao... 

Pao Jiang is bitter and warm, enters the Spleen and Liver meridians and also enters the blood level. Like Ai Ye, it can warm the interior, stop bleeding and alleviate pain, but its function focuses on the Middle-Jiao. It is especially effective for treating bleeding due to Spleen-Yang and Qi deficiency failing to control the blood. Such bleeding may be located in the stomach, intestines and uterus. 

Herbs that are bland and cold, can leach out dampness by promoting urination and purging the intestines are selected when damp-heat accumulates in the Middle- and Lower-Jiao. Herbs that tonify the Spleen, promote digestion and regulate the Qi should be selected in chronic conditions. 

Huang Lian and Huang Bai are deputies. They are bitter and cold, and enter the Middle- and Lower-Jiao, respectively. They can effectively clear the heat and dry the dampness in the intestines. 

Hou Po is bitter, pungent and warm. Bitterness can descend the Qi pungent and warm can disperse and dry the dampness. It is a very effective herb to transform dampness and phlegm, and to descend the Qi, thereby reducing the fullness in the chest and distension in the abdomen. Since it enters the Spleen, Stomach, Lung and Large Intestine meridians, it can be used to treat Qi obstruction due to dampness and phlegm in the Upper-, Middle- and Lower-Jiao. 

Bing Lang is bitter, pungent and warm, and enters the Stomach and Large Intestine meridians. It can strongly descend the Qi in the Middle- and Lower-Jiao and reduce food accumulation. It can effectively treat abdominal pain, distension and difficult bowel movement. 

Zao Xi Tu is warm and astringent, and enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians. It warms the interior and stops bleeding in both the Middle- and Lower-Jiao, such as bleeding from the stomach, intestines and uterus. Moreover, it binds up the intestines and stops diarrhea. It is more suitable for conditions of Spleen-Yang deficiency, such as chronic colitis, which manifests as abdominal pain and cramp, diarrhea, intestinal hemorrhage, cold hands and feet, and a pale complexion. 

Internal dryness is caused directly by the consumption of body fluids. Some diseases, medicines, herbs or food products can injure the body fluids and cause dryness. Long-term stress and emotional disturbance can also cause consumption of the body fluids. As the Lung, Stomach and Large Intestine are mainly involved, the syndrome of dryness can be respectively divided into dryness in the Upper-, Middle- and Lower-Jiao. 

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