Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
益氣聰明湯 · Yì Qì Cōng Míng Tāng
A classical formula for Qi deficiency with declining hearing and vision, tinnitus and dizziness.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Tonify Qi, raise Yang, improve vision and hearing
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Tonify middle Qi and raise clear Yang to the sensory orifices
- Classical Source
- Li Dongyuan school / classical
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for Qi deficiency with declining hearing and vision, tinnitus and dizziness.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for declining hearing and vision from middle Qi deficiency and clear Yang failing to rise, rather than prolapse patterns, Kidney Yin tinnitus, or general Qi-blood deficiency.
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
升麻Sheng Ma6g
Cimicifuga Rhizome- supports the formula's treatment strategy in this position
葛根Ge Gen9g
Kudzu Root- releases the exterior
- generates fluids and relaxes the nape
蔓荊子Man Jing Zi6g
Vitex Fruit- disperses wind-heat and benefits the head and eyes
白芍Bai Shao9g
White Peony Root- nourishes blood
- softens the liver and relieves spasmodic pain
黃柏Huang Bai6g
Phellodendron Bark- clears damp-heat from the lower jiao
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Radix Astragali (Huang Qi) 15g
- Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng (Ren Shen) 9g
- Rhizoma Cimicifugae (Sheng Ma) 6g
- Radix Puerariae (Ge Gen) 9g
- Viticis Fructus (Man Jing Zi) 6g
- Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bai Shao) 9g
- Cortex Phellodendri (Huang Bai) 6g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 3g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Boosts qi
- upbears the clear
- and benefits the ears and eyes.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for clear yang failing to rise to the orifices on a background of middle-qi deficiency.
- Signs and symptoms include tinnitus, deafness, or blurred vision with fatigue.
Tongue & pulseThe pulse is weak.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by insufficient qi that fails to animate and contain the viscera.
- Deficient qi leads to fatigue, a weak voice, spontaneous sweating and susceptibility to exterior invasion.
- When the lung or spleen is involved, diffusion, transformation and containment are all impaired.
- Clear yang failing to rise to the orifices, on a background of middle-qi deficiency, produces tinnitus, deafness or blurred vision.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to boost qi and restore containment and diffusion.
- In this formula the emphasis is to tonify middle Qi and raise clear Yang to the sensory orifices.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, Zuo Ci Wan and Ba Zhen Tang tonify Qi or nourish for sensory decline. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang raises sunken Qi; Zuo Ci Wan nourishes Kidney Yin for tinnitus; Ba Zhen Tang tonifies Qi and blood. Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang tonifies Qi and raises clear Yang to the sensory orifices for declining hearing and vision from Qi deficiency.
Clinical Differentiation
- Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang is used when clear yang fails to rise to the orifices on a middle-qi deficiency background, producing tinnitus, deafness or blurred vision with fatigue.
- It is distinguished from Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (raising for prolapse and fever) and from Zuo Ci Wan (yin deficiency tinnitus).
Safety notes: This formula upbears qi. It is not appropriate for yin-deficiency fire rising to the ears and eyes.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang?
Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang has the actions of tonifying Qi, raising clear Yang, and sharpening hearing and vision. Li Dongyuan designed it so that when Middle Qi is too weak to lift clear Yang to the orifices, the ears and eyes can become “intelligent” again.
Which modern conditions is Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Middle Qi deficiency with clear Yang failing to rise, including gradual tinnitus or hearing decline worse with fatigue, blurred vision of Qi-deficiency type, and dull sensory orifices after overwork — after ENT and eye examination.
Is Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang suitable for improving tired, dim hearing and vision?
For presentations of muffled hearing or low tinnitus, blurred vision, fatigue, poor appetite, a pale tongue, and a weak pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Qi deficiency rather than Liver-Yang rising or Phlegm-Fire — TCM commonly applies this formula as an adjunct. Sudden vision or hearing loss is an emergency.
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Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Qi Deficiency, Tinnitus, Hearing Loss & Blurred Vision
Ba Zhen Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Dual Qi & Blood Deficiency
Zuo Ci Wan: Classic TCM Formula for Kidney Yin Deficiency, Tinnitus & Hearing Loss
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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.