When the limbs grow heavy in damp weather
Heavy limbs, a feeling of heaviness and numbness that stays in one place, joints that are less supple as soon as the weather turns damp or cold, movements that feel less free on waking… In TCM, these signs may be associated with Wind, Cold and Dampness lodged together in the meridians, with Dampness in the lead. Heavy and sticky, it settles in and slows the circulation of Qi and Blood; Cold constricts, and the limbs are no longer as well nourished.
Several formulas have borne the name Yi Yi Ren Tang over the centuries. Our version follows the short form given, under the Ming, in the Qi Xiao Liang Fang (《奇效良方》), in an adapted version: without ephedra (Ma Huang) or ginger, and with cinnamon twig in place of cinnamon bark. Under the Qing, the physician Lin Peiqin (林佩琴) would give a much longer version, today the most studied.
Transforming Dampness without drying the Blood
Job’s tears, sweet and bland, lead the formula: they deal with Dampness while supporting the Spleen, where it arises. Atractylodes dries it with its aroma, and cinnamon twig warms and moves all the way into the limbs. Chinese angelica and white peony nourish the Blood, so that these warm, drying herbs do not deplete it. Tradition puts it in a saying: when the Blood circulates, Wind dies down of its own accord.
Helps transform Dampness: Job’s tears and atractylodes approach Dampness from two sides: the former transform it by supporting the Spleen, the latter dries it.
Dispels Wind and Cold: Cinnamon twig, pungent and warm, warms the meridians and carries Yang to the extremities; atractylodes, also warm, accompanies it.
Gently nourishes the Blood: Chinese angelica nourishes the Blood and helps it circulate, white peony nourishes it and preserves Yin: together, they balance the drying nature of the other herbs.
Contributes to good mobility: When Dampness is transformed and Qi and Blood circulate again, the limbs regain lightness and ease. White peony and prepared licorice, combined, help release what is tight.
