Wu Ling San

🩺Cause & mechanism

• While the indications are various this pattern has the same pathogenesis of excessive internal water-dampness and dysfunction of bladder qi transformation.
• In the《Treatise on Cold Damage》, this formula is used for water amassment syndrome.
• It is caused by external pathogens in the taiyang entering the corresponding fu-organ along the channels that leads to a disease involving both the taiyang channel and its fu-organ.
• External pathogenic contraction in the taiyang gives rise to headache and mild fever.
• The failure of bladder qi transformation leads to dysuria.
• Retention of water blocks yang qi and results in qi failing to diffuse fluids.
• This in turn leads to the failure of fluid ascending into the mouth causing thirst with a desire to drink.
• Water stagnation in the lower jiao hinders the ability for fluids that are drunk to distribute.
• It is also called water-up rushing pattern.
• Excessive water-dampness spills over the skin manifesting edema.
• When water-dampness descends into the large intestine, diarrhea is the result.
• When water-dampness accumulates in the stomach and intestine, a disharmony between the ascension and descending will result.
• When water accumulates in the lower jiao, water and zheng qi conflict with each other and cause throbbing below the navel.
• When water up rushes and invades the upper jiao, lung qi is blocked.