Yu Ping Feng San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
玉屏风散 · Yù Píng Fēng Sàn
A classical Qi-tonifying formula for deficient exterior with spontaneous sweating and easy contraction of external pathogens. Huang Qi strengthens Wei Qi, Bai Zhu supports the Spleen, and Fang Feng disperses residual wind without damaging the exterior.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Tonify Qi, consolidate the exterior, stop sweating
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Tonify Wei Qi, secure the exterior and stop spontaneous sweating
- Classical Source
- Dan Xi Xin Fa (Zhu Danxi, Yuan dynasty) / Ji Sheng Fang tradition
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical Qi-tonifying formula for deficient exterior with spontaneous sweating and easy contraction of external pathogens. Huang Qi strengthens Wei Qi, Bai Zhu supports the Spleen, and Fang Feng disperses residual wind without damaging the exterior.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for recurrent colds and spontaneous sweating from weak Wei Qi — a pure exterior-securing tonic rather than a harmonising or Middle-raising formula.
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
- Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fang Feng) 1 liang (30g)
- Astragali Radix (Zhi Huang Qi honey-fried) 2 liang (60g)
- Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Bai Zhu) 2 liang (60g)
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Boosts qi
- consolidates the exterior
- and arrests sweating.
Indications
- Yu Ping Feng San is indicated for patterns of spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency.
- Sweating, aversion to wind, a pale complexion, a pale tongue with a thin and white coating, and a floating, deficient pulse mark the clinical manifestations.
- It is also used to treat patients with a deficient constitution and deficient wei qi that is vulnerable to external wind pathogens.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Yu Ping Feng San is used to treat patterns of wei qi deficiency that fails to consolidate the exterior.
- Wei qi deficiency means that the striae and interstices are loose and not consolidated which leaves the body vulnerable, easy to be attacked by pathogenic wind.
- So an aversion to wind develops and it becomes easy to catch a cold.
- When wei qi fails to consolidate the exterior, ying-yin leaks out to cause frequent spontaneous sweating.
- Hence the treatment is to boost qi, reinforce zheng qi, consolidate the exterior, and arrest sweating.
Clinical presentation
- A pale complexion, a pale tongue, and a floating, deficient pulse all reflect qi deficiency.
Treatment strategy
- The treatment principle is to tonify Wei Qi, secure the exterior and stop spontaneous sweating.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Yu Ping Feng San consolidates the exterior for Qi-deficient spontaneous sweating. Gui Zhi Tang harmonises Ying and Wei for exterior deficiency with sweating after wind-cold. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang raises Middle Qi for sinking patterns. Tong Xie Yao Fang soothes Liver and strengthens Spleen for painful diarrhoea.
Clinical Differentiation
- Yu Ping Feng San is commonly used to treat spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency.
- This clinical pattern is marked by spontaneous sweating, aversion to wind, pale complexion, acid swallowing, pale tongue, deficiency pulse.
Safety notes: It is inappropriate for sweating due to external contraction or night sweat due to yin deficiency.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Yu Ping Feng San?
Yu Ping Feng San has the actions of tonifying Qi, consolidating the exterior, and stopping sweating. It strengthens Wei (protective) Qi to stabilize a weak exterior, reducing spontaneous sweating and susceptibility to external pathogens.
Which modern diseases is Yu Ping Feng San suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Wei Qi deficiency with unstable exterior, including recurrent common colds or upper respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis (supportive or preventive use), spontaneous sweating due to Qi deficiency, and prevention of respiratory infections in Qi-deficient, elderly, or post-illness patients.
Is Yu Ping Feng San suitable for improving spontaneous sweating and frequent colds?
For presentations of spontaneous sweating (especially with slight exertion or exposure to wind), marked aversion to wind or drafts, pale complexion, easy susceptibility to colds, fatigue, a pale tongue, and a floating deficient pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Wei Qi deficiency with unsecured exterior — TCM commonly applies Yu Ping Feng San as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
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Related Articles
Yu Ping Feng San: Classic TCM Formula for Wei Qi Deficiency, Spontaneous Sweating & Frequent Colds
Tong Xie Yao Fang: Classic TCM Formula for Painful Diarrhea, Liver-Spleen Disharmony
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Spleen Qi Deficiency & Middle Qi Sinking
Gui Zhi Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Cold, Exterior Deficiency & Ying-Wei Imbalance
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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.