Shi Liu Wei Liu Qi Yin
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
十六味流氣飲 · Shí Liù Wèi Liú Qì Yǐn
A qi-flowing formula for stagnation with swelling and toxin.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Regulating Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Stagnation
- Primary Function
- Move qi, resolve toxin, reduce swelling
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Move qi, resolve toxin, reduce swelling
- Classical Source
- Later qi-moving formula
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A qi-flowing formula for stagnation with swelling and toxin.
Therapeutic Principle
Selected for qi-stagnation swelling with toxin rather than pure qi stagnation or early excess sores.
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
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
川芎Chuan Xiong3g
Chuanxiong Rhizome- moves blood
當歸Dang Gui6g
Chinese Angelica Root- nourishes blood
白芍Bai Shao6g
White Peony Root- nourishes blood
連翹Lian Qiao6g
Forsythia Fruit- resolves toxin
金銀花Jin Yin Hua6g
Honeysuckle Flower- resolves toxin
桔梗Jie Geng3g
Platycodon Root- diffuses
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- A sixteen-ingredient qi-moving
- toxin-resolving formula. Common components include Aucklandiae Radix (Mu Xiang)
- Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chen Pi)
- Aurantii Fructus (Zhi Ke)
- Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuan Xiong)
- Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Dang Gui)
- Paeoniae Radix (Shao Yao)
- Forsythiae Fructus (Lian Qiao)
- Lonicerae Flos (Jin Yin Hua)
- Platycodi Radix (Jie Geng)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix (Gan Cao)
- and related qi-moving and resolving herbs. Versions vary.
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Moves qi
- resolves toxin
- and reduces swelling.
Indications
- Qi stagnation with swelling and toxin.
Tongue & pulseSwelling, distension, wiry pulse.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Qi stagnation with toxin and swelling.
- Qi fails to move and toxin accumulates.
Clinical presentation
Tongue & pulseSwelling, distension, fixed or wandering discomfort, possible sores, wiry pulse.
Treatment strategy
- Move qi, resolve toxin, reduce swelling.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Shi Liu Wei Liu Qi Yin, Chai Hu Shu Gan San and Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin address stagnation or toxin. Chai Hu Shu Gan San moves liver qi. Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin clears early sores. This formula moves qi and resolves toxin together.
Clinical Differentiation
- Used for qi-stagnation swelling.
- Key points: distension with swelling.
- Distinct from pure heat-toxin formulas and pure qi-moving formulas.
Safety notes: Complex formula; not appropriate for pure deficiency or for pregnancy without guidance.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shi Liu Wei Liu Qi Yin? Are Xiao Yao San and Chai Hu Shu Gan San the same?
Shi Liu Wei Liu Qi Yin (十六味流气饮) is a classic formula from the Yi Zong Jin Jian, centered on tonifying qi and nourishing blood, regulating qi and dispelling dampness, and dispersing nodules for qi stagnation with Liver constraint and qi deficiency with blood insufficiency in breast lumps, goiter and the like. Xiao Yao San soothes the Liver, strengthens the Spleen and nourishes blood, leaning to Liver constraint with blood deficiency. Chai Hu Shu Gan San soothes the Liver, regulates qi and invigorates blood, leaning to Liver constraint with qi stagnation. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Shi Liu Wei Liu Qi Yin. Use caution in excess heat and yin deficiency.
What is the composition and traditional use of Shi Liu Wei Liu Qi Yin?
Classic composition: Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Shao Yao, Rou Gui, Ren Shen, Zi Su, Jie Geng, Bai Zhi, Huang Qi, Mu Xiang, Wu Yao, Hou Po, Zhi Qiao, Bing Lang, Fang Feng, Gan Cao. It acts to tonify qi and nourish blood, regulate qi and dispel dampness, and disperse nodules. It is used for qi stagnation with Liver constraint and qi deficiency with blood insufficiency in breast lumps, goiter and accumulations. Huang Qi and Ren Shen tonify qi; Dang Gui, Shao Yao and Chuan Xiong nourish blood; Mu Xiang, Wu Yao, Zhi Qiao, Hou Po and Bing Lang regulate qi; Zi Su, Fang Feng, Bai Zhi and Jie Geng disperse nodules; Rou Gui warms and frees; Gan Cao harmonizes.
How do you choose raw versus prepared? Can Xiao Yao San replace it?
Huang Qi is raw or honey-fried; Ren Shen is raw. Xiao Yao San lacks heavy regulation of qi and dispersal of nodules; it cannot replace the formula by equal weight. Commercial products follow regulated compounding; do not self-modify.
Related Products
Han's Shi Liu Wei Liu Qi Yin (Sixteen-Ingredient Qi-Moving Drink) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
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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.