Case of Blood Amassment Induced Madness by Cao Yingfu 曹颖甫
Shen Shiwan’s younger sister, a frail young woman under the age of twenty, suddenly suffered a fright while out shopping. Upon returning home, she descended into madness—attacking anyone she encountered with seemingly boundless strength.
Several days passed without improvement, and I was called to examine her. By then, her condition had persisted for seven or eight days, with no signs of relief. Upon inquiry, I learned that she had not had her menstrual period for two months. Seizing an opportunity while she slept, I entered her room to examine her. Her pulse was deep and tight, and her lower abdomen appeared distended.
I stepped outside and told Shen Shiwan, “This is a case of blood amassment. A strong purgative will cure it.” I prescribed Táohé Chéng Qì Tāng as follows:
- Táorén 1 liang
- Dàhuáng 5 qian
- Mángxiāo 2 qian
- Zhìgāncǎo 2 qian
- Guìzhī 2 qian
- Zhǐshí 3 qian
The next day, I returned to check on her. She had passed a large amount of dark blood, her madness had completely subsided, she showed no signs of exhaustion, and she could even drink porridge. She was now ashamed to face others and refused to come out. (From Jingfang Shiyan Lu – Empirical Records of Classical Formulas)
Commentary:
The key diagnostic markers for Táohé Chéng Qì Tāng include “[patient] appears as if mad” and a “tense bound lower abdomen,” which strongly indicate its use in psychiatric disorders related to blood stagnation. The case aligns closely with classical descriptions—particularly the immediate menstrual discharge of dark purple blood after treatment, a vivid demonstration of the classical principle: “when blood is discharged, the illness will resolve.”
Hormonal changes can often lead to premenstrual symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, headaches, and cognitive issues, which frequently improve after menstruation. This phenomenon, referred to as blood amassment (xu xue 蓄血), remains a fascinating area for further study.
The prescription is quite potent and purgative. If hòupò were added, it would become a combination of Táohé Chéng Qì Tāng and Dà Chéng Qì Tāng. Interestingly, Dà Chéng Qì Tāng is also used in neurological conditions, including delirium, incoherent speech, hallucinations, clouded vision, and severe restlessness, often with more pronounced abdominal fullness and distension.
Case of Shock-Induced Immobility and Chest Oppression by Yè Júquán 叶橘泉
A businessman, known for his cautious and timid nature, had a habitual fondness for alcohol. At the time, Suzhou was under Japanese occupation. One midnight, Japanese military police, accompanied by local collaborators, conducted a household inspection. Terrified, the man was left speechless, eyes wide in shock, unable to respond. He was suddenly slapped across the face by the military police and collapsed to the ground, lying rigid and unconscious, appearing as if he had suffered a stroke.
I was invited to examine him. His pulse was thin and wiry, with a slippery sensation upon deep palpation. His face was flushed, tears welled up in his eyes, and though he appeared to have sensation when touched, he remained speechless and motionless in a rigid supine posture. His pupillary reflexes were normal, and no signs of hemiplegia were present, but his feet were icy cold, his rectus abdominis was tense, and there was a palpable mass in the lower abdomen. He had not had a bowel movement for several days.
I prescribed Táohé Chéng Qì Tāng with the addition of niúxī and chuānxiōng. After taking the formula, he had a bowel movement, his feet became warm, and he soon let out a deep sigh, moaning as if relieved of an immense weight. He then spoke for the first time, saying that he had felt a crushing pressure on his chest.
A second dose was given, after which his stool contained traces of blood. Upon examination, it was found that he had preexisting hemorrhoids, which had started bleeding. I then reduced the dosage and continued treatment for several more doses, leading to a full recovery. (From Zhongguo Bainian Bainming Zhongyi Linchuangjia Congshu – Yè Júquán – A Century of Renowned Chinese Physicians: Yè Júquán)
Commentary:
This case illustrates a shock-induced immobility with clear signs of blood stasis and psychological disturbance. Although the patient did not exhibit violent mania, his mental dysfunction was undeniable. The physician skillfully identified abdominal tension, a palpable lower abdominal mass, and prolonged constipation as key indications for Táohé Chéng Qì Tāng, demonstrating a flexible application of classical formulas.
Two key diagnostic markers stand out in this case:
- Flushed face with cold lower limbs – a hallmark external manifestation of blood stasis, which can serve as a visual clue for selecting Táohé Chéng Qì Tāng.
- Post-treatment rectal bleeding – This reinforces the classical principle that “blood will discharge after taking the formula”, not only in the form of menstrual bleeding in women but also through lower gastrointestinal or even urinary tract bleeding in certain cases. However, this effect is not universally observed in all patients.
Eran Even, Ph.D., Dr. TCM. 