Acupuncture Times Your guide to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and TCM — explore acupoints, herbs and formulas, plus the latest acupuncture research news.
Related Articles
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang (黃芪桂枝五物湯) tonifies the qi and blood and warms and unblocks the channels; for blood painful obstruction (xue bi) with numbness of the limbs.
English Name
Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig Five-Substance Decoction
Classical Source
Jin Gui Yao Lue, c. 220 CE
Ingredients
- Huang Qi (tonify qi) – chief; Gui Zhi, Bai Shao (warm/harmonise channels)
- Sheng Jiang (large), Da Zao
Actions & Functions
- Tonifies the qi and blood
- Warms and unblocks the channels (relieves numbness)
Indications
Blood painful obstruction (qi-blood deficiency with wind in the channels): numbness and a loss of sensation in the limbs, slight aching, and weakness, worse with cold.
Tongue & Pulse
Tongue: pale. Pulse: thin and weak (or tight).
Modifications
Widely used for diabetic and other peripheral neuropathies with numbness.
Cautions & Contraindications
For qi-blood deficiency numbness; not for damp-heat bi.
