Balance between Giving and Receiving
In many classic formulas, including the famousGui Zhi Tang, we see a specific pair of herbs recurring again and again:Gui Zhi(Cinnamon branch) andBai Shao(White Peony). Their collaboration is a beautiful example of the TCM view of balance (Yin and Yang).
Gui Zhi: Outward (Yang)
Gui Zhiis warm, sharp, and active. The energy of this herb moves outward and upward.
Function:It stimulates the surface, warms the muscles, and helps open pores and activate circulation. It represents “Resistance Qi.”
Bai Shao: Naar Binnen (Yin)
Bai ShaoIt is cool, acidic, and nourishing. The energy of this herb is both penetrating and inward-moving.
Function:It nourishes the blood, soothes muscles, and helps close pores or retain fluids. It represents “Nourishing Qi.”
Why Together?
If you are aloneGui Zhiused, you might lose too much energy and sweat (it all goes out).
If you are aloneBai Shaoused, the circulation could stagnate (everything stays inside).
Together they create a perfect harmony:
– They support normal sweat regulation (not too much, not too little).
– They keep the muscles supple (heat + moisture).
– They balance the active and nourishing energy in the body.