The Hierarchy in a Formula
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang(“Decoction for the House of Blood”) is the formula for blood stasis in the chest and upper body. To understand its power, let’s look at the hierarchy (Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi) of the ingredients.
De Keizers (Jun): Tao Ren & Hong Hua
In this formula are Peach Kernel (Tao Ren) a Safflower (Hong Hua) the leaders. Why? Because their sole purpose is to “Break Blood.” They are powerful enough to loosen old, stagnant blood clots and force circulation. Without these two, there is no solution to the stasis.
Ministers (Chen): Chuan Xiong & Chi Shao
They assist the emperors.Chuan Xiongis unique because it moves blood and Qi, specifically in the head and chest.Chi Shao(Red Peony) cools the blood and reverses stasis. Together, they ensure that the loosened blood is actually drained.
De Assistenten (Zuo): Chai Hu, Jie Geng & Niu Xi
This is the genius part.
Jie Gengis a “messenger” that promotes the action of the herbsupwardsleads to the chest (the target area).
Niu Xiguides the blood correctlydownto prevent the congestion in the head from becoming too great.
Chai Huopens the Liver Qi, because without flowing Qi, blood cannot move.
Conclusion
This formula is a masterpiece of strategy: it breaks the blockade, opens the road, and directs the traffic (blood) in the right directions (up and down).