ChinaMed Back and Knees Formula 78c

This is a variant on the classic formula Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan (Du huo & Loranthus Formula), which was first recorded in 'Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces for Emergencies' (bei ji qian jin yao fang), by Sun Si-miao (late 7th Century). The original formula was designed to treat chronic painful obstruction (bi) syndromes due to Wind-Cold-Damp, in which the health Qi (zheng qi) has become deficient. This corresponds to chronic arthritis in Western medicine. The original formula has been modified so that the focus of its action is on the back and lower body. In addition, the chronic nature of these conditions is addressed with the inclusion of several herbs that activate the Blood to dispel Blood stasis, along with the tonifying ingredients.

The key clinical features include: chronic condition, cold (joints are not red, nor hot to the touch), muscular weakness, wasting and possibly also flaccidity. The long term effect of retained Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens is to deplete the Blood as well as the Kidney and Liver. Moreover, the obstruction caused by the retained pathogens leads to Blood stasis, characterized by localized pain, which is fairly constant. Therefore a balanced mixture of both dispersing and tonifying ingredients is required for the treatment of such conditions.

• Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to invigorate Blood
• Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to strengthen Blood
• Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to enrich kidneys
• Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to clear wind-dampness
• Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to replenish liver