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)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Si Jun Zi Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang | Shi Quan Da Bu Tang | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Tonify Middle Qi, raise Yang, lift the sunken | Tonify Spleen Qi | Tonify Spleen Qi, resolve phlegm-damp | Tonify Qi and Blood, warm Yang | Warm Middle, strongly tonify Qi, relieve pain |
| Formula Category | Qi-Tonifying Formulas | Qi-Tonifying Formulas | Qi-Tonifying Formulas | Qi-Tonifying Formulas | Yang-Tonifying Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Spleen Qi Deficiency | Spleen Qi Deficiency | Spleen Qi Deficiency | Qi Deficiency | Yang Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Fatigue & Low Energy ·Spontaneous Sweating ·Poor Appetite ·Diarrhea | Poor Appetite ·Diarrhea ·Spleen Qi Deficiency | Poor Appetite ·Bloating ·Stomach Discomfort ·Diarrhea | Fatigue & Low Energy ·Poor Appetite ·Spontaneous Sweating ·Cold Limbs | Abdominal Pain ·Fatigue & Low Energy ·Spontaneous Sweating ·Poor Appetite |
| Main Herbs | Astragalus Root ·Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Chinese Angelica Root ·Tangerine Peel | Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Honey-fried Licorice | Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Tangerine Peel ·Pinellia Rhizome | Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Honey-fried Licorice ·Prepared Rehmannia Root | Astragalus Root ·Maltose / Barley Malt Sugar ·Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger |
| Classical Source | Pi Wei Lun / Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun (Li Dongyuan, Jin dynasty, ~1247–1249) | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People, Song dynasty, 1107) | Yi Xue Zheng Zhuan (or derived from Si Jun Zi Tang + Chen Pi + Ban Xia) | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty) | Jin Gui Yao Lue (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
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.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
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Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Spleen Qi Deficiency & Middle Qi Sinking
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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.