Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
补中益气汤 · Bǔ Zhōng Yì Qì Tāng
A classical Qi-tonifying formula created by Li Dongyuan that builds upon Si Jun Zi Tang by adding Huang Qi, Dang Gui, Chen Pi, Sheng Ma and Chai Hu. It addresses Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency with sinking of Middle Qi, presenting with fatigue, spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath, poor appetite, chronic diarrhoea and organ prolapse.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Spleen Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Tonify Middle Qi, raise Yang, lift the sunken
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Tonify the Middle Jiao, augment Qi, raise Yang and lift prolapse
- Classical Source
- Pi Wei Lun / Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun (Li Dongyuan, Jin dynasty, ~1247–1249)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical Qi-tonifying formula created by Li Dongyuan that builds upon Si Jun Zi Tang by adding Huang Qi, Dang Gui, Chen Pi, Sheng Ma and Chai Hu. It addresses Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency with sinking of Middle Qi, presenting with fatigue, spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath, poor appetite, chronic diarrhoea and organ prolapse.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when Spleen Qi deficiency presents with clear sinking signs — bearing-down sensation, prolapse, chronic diarrhoea or profound fatigue with spontaneous sweating — combining strong Qi tonification with the unique ascending action of Sheng Ma and Chai Hu. It differs from pure tonics such as Si Jun Zi Tang by its lifting strategy, and from broader dual tonics such as Shi Quan Da Bu Tang by remaining focused on Middle Qi rather than simultaneous Blood nourishment and Yang warming.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
人參Ren Shen9g
Ginseng Root- supplements original qi of the
- lowers jiao
- supplements spleen-stomach qi and lung qi in the upper jiao
白朮Bai Zhu9g
White Atractylodes Rhizome- supplements qi and fortifies the spleen
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
當歸Dang Gui6g
Chinese Angelica Root- nourishes blood and regulates ying
陳皮Chen Pi6g
Tangerine Peel- awakens the spleen and moves qi
升麻Sheng Ma6g
Cimicifuga Rhizome- raises spleen yang in the middle jiao
- guides the yangming and clears qi upward
柴胡Chai Hu6g
Bupleurum Root- raises liver qi in the
- lowers jiao
- guides shaoyang and clears qi upward
Classical Composition
- Astragali Radix (Huang Qi) 1 qian (18g)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle (Zhi Gan Cao) 5 fen (9g)
- Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Ren Shen) 3 fen (6g)
- Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Dang Gui soaked in wine and dried) 2 fen (3g)
- Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chen Pi) 2 or 3 fen (6g)
- Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Sheng Mao) 2 or 3 fen (6g)
- Bupleuri Radix (Chai Hu) 2 or 3 fen (6g)
- Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Bai Zhu) 3 fen (9g)
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Supplements the center and boosts qi; raises yang and lifts the sunken.
Indications
- Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is indicated for two patterns.
- The first pattern is deficient or sunken spleen qi with reduced food intake, general sluggish sensation, weak breathing, lack of desire to speak, sallow-yellow facial complexion, and loose unformed stool.
- It is also used for rectal prolapse, uterine prolapse, chronic diarrhea, and flooding and spotting (beng lou).
- The second pattern is objective or subjective fever due to qi deficiency manifested by a feverish sensation, spontaneous sweating, thirst with a desire for hot drinks, shortness of breath, and lack of strength.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is pale and the pulse is deficient. The tongue is pale and the pulse is deficient, big, and weak.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- The etiologies involved are an improper diet and exhaustion-fatigue (fatigue from overstrain).
- Pathogenic factors damage the spleen-stomach causing deficiency, which over time, lead to sinking of clear yang.
- The spleen-stomach is the generating source of ying, wei qi, qi, and blood.
- Reduced food intake, weak breathing, lack of desire to speak, loose, unformed stool, etc.
- Rectal and uterine prolapse indicate spleen deficiency.
- The spleen governs the ascent of the clear and when it is deficient over a period of time will lead to center qi sinking.
- Feverish body and spontaneous sweating are caused by deficiency of qi, which fails to consolidate the exterior and floats (yang) to the external part of the body.
- The treatment principle should be to supplement spleen-stomach qi, and raise the sinking yang.
Clinical presentation
- are all signs of spleen-stomach deficiency.
Treatment strategy
- The treatment principle is to tonify the Middle Jiao, augment Qi, raise Yang and lift prolapse.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is the representative formula for Spleen Qi deficiency with sinking of Middle Qi. Si Jun Zi Tang is the pure tonifying base without the lifting action. Liu Jun Zi Tang adds phlegm-resolving capacity. Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is a stronger dual Qi-Blood tonic with warming, while Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang emphasises Middle warming and pain relief rather than raising the sunken.
Clinical Differentiation
- Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is a representative formula used to boost qi, raise yang, and clear heat with sweet-warm medicinals.
- This clinical pattern is marked by general sluggishness, lack of strength, weak breathing, less desire to talk.
Safety notes: This formula is prohibited for patients with yin-deficiency fever or excessive internal heat.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang?
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang has the actions of tonifying the Middle Jiao and augmenting Qi, and raising sunken Yang to lift prolapse. It is primarily used for Spleen Qi deficiency with sinking of Middle Qi, including fatigue, organ prolapse, and Qi-deficiency fever.
Which modern diseases is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Spleen Qi deficiency with sinking, including chronic fatigue, uterine or rectal prolapse, gastric ptosis, post-illness or post-chemotherapy fatigue, and chronic diarrhea with Qi deficiency.
Is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang suitable for improving fatigue and a bearing-down sensation?
For presentations of persistent fatigue that improves with rest, poor appetite, loose stools, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, or a bearing-down sensation in the abdomen or pelvis — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Spleen Qi deficiency with sinking of Middle Qi — TCM commonly applies Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
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Medical Disclaimer
For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.