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Herbs
that open the orifices are aromatic substances that open the sense organs
(orifices) and restore consciousness. They
are used when heat attacks the pericardium or turbid phlegm mists the heart.
Manifestations include loss of consciousness, delirium, epilepsy and
convulsions or coma from windstroke.
Comas
are ranked according to their severity into two types: tense syndrome and
flaccid syndrome. The tense
syndrome is an excess syndrome manifested as mouth agape, clenched fists and
forceful pulse. The flaccid
syndrome is a deficiency syndrome manifested as cold sweating , cold limbs and
fading pulse. The tense syndrome
may be divided into a cold-tense syndrome and a heat-tense syndrome.
The cold-tense syndrome is manifested in such symptoms as green
complexion, cold body, white tongue coating and slow pulse.
The heat-tense syndrome is manifested in such symptoms as red face, hot
body, yellow tongue coating and rapid pulse.
To treat flaccid syndrome, use herbs that recapture yang so as to
prevent collapse, as well as those that tonify Qi. When treating flaccid
syndrome, herbs that open the orifices are not allowed.
Herbs that open the orifices can be added to other combinations in
treating tense syndrome. In
cold-tense syndrome, herbs that clear heat and release toxins are added.
Aromatic
herbs that open the orifices are used for first-aid treatment.
Since they may consume primary Qi, they should be used only for
short periods of time. |
