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Si Ni Tang (四逆湯) rescues devastated yang and warms the middle to disperse cold; the principal formula for yang collapse with cold limbs (‘frigid extremities’).
English Name
Frigid Extremities Decoction
Classical Source
Shang Han Lun, c. 220 CE
Ingredients
Actions & Functions
- Rescues devastated yang from collapse
- Warms the middle and disperses cold
Indications
Yang collapse: cold limbs to the elbows and knees, aversion to cold with curled-up posture, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhoea with undigested food, and a faint pulse.
Tongue & Pulse
Tongue: pale with a white coat. Pulse: faint, deep and thin (verging on absent).
Modifications
Add Ren Shen (Si Ni Jia Ren Shen Tang) when qi and fluids are also collapsing.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use prepared Fu Zi, decocted first. A reviving formula for true cold collapse - not for heat with false-cold extremities. Contraindicated in pregnancy.
