Suo Quan Wan
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
缩泉丸 · Suō Quán Wán
A classical astringent formula for Bladder cold with insecurity of Kidney Qi, presenting with frequent clear urination or enuresis, a pale tongue and a deep weak pulse.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Astringent Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Kidney Yang Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Warm Kidney, astringe urine, stop leakage
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Warm Kidney Yang, astringe urine and stop enuresis
- Classical Source
- Wei Sheng Bao Jian or traditional sources
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical astringent formula for Bladder cold with insecurity of Kidney Qi, presenting with frequent clear urination or enuresis, a pale tongue and a deep weak pulse.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected as a focused formula for frequent, clear urination and enuresis from Kidney Yang deficiency, warming and astringing with just three herbs — simpler and narrower than Sang Piao Xiao San, which adds Heart-Kidney support, and unlike Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan, which secures Essence.
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/使Assistant & EnvoyTreats accompanying patterns, harmonises the whole
Classical Composition
- Fructus Alpiniae Oxyphyllae (Yi Zhi Ren) 9g
- Radix Linderae (Wu Yao) 6g
- Rhizoma Dioscoreae (Shan Yao) 12g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Warms the kidney
- secures the bladder
- and reduces frequent urination.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for insecure kidney qi failing to constrain the bladder.
- Signs and symptoms include frequent clear urination or enuresis, lumbar weakness, and a deep weak pulse.
- Heat signs are absent.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to kidney yang insufficiency that fails to warm the lower jiao and transform qi.
Clinical presentation
- Water metabolism and reproductive fire decline, producing cold limbs, frequent urination, edema or reduced libido.
- Kidney qi instability fails to constrain the bladder, producing frequent clear urination or enuresis without marked heat.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to warm kidney yang, transform qi, and secure the lower origin.
- In this formula the emphasis is to warm Kidney Yang, astringe urine and stop enuresis.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Suo Quan Wan is a focused astringent for urinary leakage. Sang Piao Xiao San is broader with Heart-Kidney support. Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan secures Essence more strongly. Si Shen Wan addresses diarrhea from Yang deficiency.
Clinical Differentiation
- Suo Quan Wan is used for insecure kidney qi that fails to constrain the bladder.
- The pattern is frequent clear urination or enuresis without heat.
- It is a small, securing formula and is distinguished from Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan (essence leakage) and from Sang Piao Xiao San (heart-kidney dual insecurity with forgetfulness).
Safety notes: This formula is astringent and warming. It is not appropriate for frequent urination from damp-heat or from yin-deficiency fire.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Suo Quan Wan?
Suo Quan Wan has the actions of warming the Kidneys, dispelling Cold, astringing the Bladder, and stopping urinary frequency and leakage. It is the classic formula for Kidney Qi or Yang deficiency leading to failure of the Bladder to hold urine.
Which modern diseases is Suo Quan Wan suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Kidney deficiency with Bladder Cold, including childhood nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting), adult nocturia or frequent clear urination, stress urinary incontinence with cold pattern, and overactive bladder symptoms associated with deficiency-Cold.
Is Suo Quan Wan suitable for improving frequent urination or bedwetting?
For presentations of frequent clear and prolonged urination, nocturia, nocturnal enuresis, or mild incontinence, often accompanied by cold lower body, fatigue, or a pale tongue — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Kidney Yang/Qi deficiency with Bladder Cold — TCM commonly applies Suo Quan Wan as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical assessment and treatment.
Related Products
Nong's Suo Quan Wan (Lock the Spring Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Suo Quan Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Frequent Urination, Enuresis & Kidney Deficiency
Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney Deficiency, Spermatorrhea & Premature Ejaculation
Sang Piao Xiao San: Classic TCM Formula for Heart & Kidney Deficiency, Frequent Urination & Enuresis
Si Shen Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney Yang Deficiency & Early Morning Diarrhea
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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.