gé gēn tāng is used for patterns with
exterior wind-cold, tai yang stage, possibly concurrent yang ming, wind-cold bi.
symptoms indicating the use of gé gēn tāng
chills and fever, no sweating, neck pain, stiff and rigid neck, shoulders and upper back, aversion to wind, aversion to cold, inflammation, diarrhea, muscle spasms, mucosal swelling, nasal congestion, sensitivity to dust, headache, wind-cold bi.
western interpretation of gé gēn tāng
upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, stomach flu, acute cervical myositis, tendonitis or bursitis of shoulder, frozen shoulder, urticaria, measles, skin rash, allergic rhinitis, acute and chronic rhinitis or sinusitis, early-stage polio or encephalitis.
explanation of the mechanism
this is one type of externally-contracted wind-cold at the greater yang stage. the distinguishing feature is the stiff and rigid neck and upper back, the appearance of which the source text likens to “a small bird that strains its neck and upper back in an attempt to fly.”
this is caused by wind-cold which binds the upper portion of the greater yang channel and prevents the fluids from reaching the area.
this prescription can also be used for a simultaneous tai yang and yang ming stage disorder with diarrhea, which is explained by the prescriptions ability to help the stomach qi rise.k
(bensky & barolet)
important note: if you experience symptoms that resemble the ones presented in the tcm pocketguide please consult a medical doctor or tcm therapist. these prescriptions are not meant for self-medication and should only be prescribed by a licensed tcm practitioner. of course you can also book a consultation with me. i would be pleased to welcome you.
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