Wu Pi Yin
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
五皮饮 · Wǔ Pí Yǐn
A classical five-peel formula for skin oedema (Pi Shui) with abdominal distension and scanty urine, using peels to drain damp from the exterior and Middle without heavy tonification.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Dampness-Draining Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Dampness
- Primary Function
- Drain dampness, reduce oedema, move Qi
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Promote urination, reduce oedema and regulate Qi in the skin and Middle
- Classical Source
- Hua Shi Zhong Zang Jing / Zhong Zang Jing tradition
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical five-peel formula for skin oedema (Pi Shui) with abdominal distension and scanty urine, using peels to drain damp from the exterior and Middle without heavy tonification.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for superficial oedema with distension and scanty urine — a draining and Qi-moving approach rather than Yang-warming or strong Spleen-tonifying diuresis.
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
- Cortex Mori (Sang Bai Pi) 9g
- Cortex Zingiberis Rhizomatis (Sheng Jiang Pi) 9g
- Poria Cutis (Fu Ling Pi) 9g
- Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chen Pi) 9g
- Pericarpium Arecae (Da Fu Pi) 9g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Fortifies the spleen
- moves qi
- and promotes urination to disperse skin edema.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for spleen deficiency with qi stagnation and skin edema.
- Signs and symptoms include pitting swelling of the limbs or abdomen, a heavy body, and inhibited urination.
- The coating is white and greasy.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to dampness obstructing the middle jiao or channels.
- Dampness is heavy and lingering; it impedes qi movement and produces fullness, heaviness, loose stools or edema.
- Spleen deficiency with qi stagnation and water spilling into the skin produces pitting edema, especially of the limbs and abdomen, with a heavy body.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to leach out dampness, awaken the spleen, and move qi.
- In this formula the emphasis is to promote urination, reduce oedema and regulate Qi in the skin and Middle.
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Wu Pi Yin | Wu Ling San | Zhen Wu Tang |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Drain dampness, reduce oedema, move Qi | Promote urination, drain Dampness, warm Yang | Warm Yang, promote urination, transform water |
| Formula Category | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Yang-Tonifying Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Dampness | Dampness | Yang Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Edema·Bloating·Frequent Urination·Poor Appetite | Edema·Frequent Urination·Damp Constitution | Edema·Abdominal Pain·Cold Limbs·Diarrhea |
| Main Herbs | Mulberry Root Bark·Fresh Ginger Peel·Poria Peel·Tangerine Peel·Areca Peel / Betel Husk | Alisma Rhizome·Poria / Hoelen·Polyporus·White Atractylodes Rhizome·Cinnamon Twig | Prepared Aconite Accessory Root·White Atractylodes Rhizome·Poria / Hoelen·White Peony Root·Fresh Ginger |
| Classical Source | Hua Shi Zhong Zang Jing / Zhong Zang Jing tradition | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Wu Pi Yin drains damp oedema with Qi-moving peels. Wu Ling San promotes urination and warms Yang for internal damp accumulation. Zhen Wu Tang warms Kidney Yang to transform water for yang-deficient oedema.
Clinical Differentiation
- Wu Pi Yin is used for spleen deficiency with qi stagnation and skin edema.
- The pattern is pitting swelling and a heavy body.
- It is distinguished from Wu Ling San (bladder qi transformation and interior water) and from Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang (wind edema with qi deficiency at the exterior).
Safety notes: This formula is bland and qi-moving. It is not appropriate as the sole treatment for edema from kidney-yang collapse or from yin-deficiency water.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Wu Pi Yin?
Wu Pi Yin has the actions of promoting urination, reducing edema, regulating Qi, and strengthening the Spleen. It is a classic mild formula composed entirely of plant peels, designed to resolve water-Damp accumulation and superficial or generalized edema.
Which modern diseases is Wu Pi Yin suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Spleen deficiency with water-Damp retention, including edema associated with acute nephritis, pregnancy-related edema, idiopathic or menopausal edema, mild peripheral edema, and supportive care for certain cases of ascites or post-operative swelling.
Is Wu Pi Yin suitable for improving generalized or facial/limb swelling with urinary difficulty?
For presentations of generalized, facial, or limb edema, sensation of heaviness, abdominal or epigastric distension, scanty urination, a white greasy or slippery tongue coating, and a moderate or slippery pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms water-Damp accumulation with Spleen involvement — TCM commonly applies Wu Pi Yin as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
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Wu Pi Yin: Classic TCM Formula for Edema, Skin Edema & Spleen Deficiency with Water Retention
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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.