• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.127-141
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• 2022

Objectives : The mechanism of Gegenjieji-tang from the Han chapter of Donguibogam was studied. Focus was on the wind medicinals which constituted a large part of the formula. Methods : Medical texts from which Gegenjieji-tang originated were searched in the Zhongyifangjidacidian with which application, composition, and treatment mechanism of the Gegenjieji-tang as written in medical texts such as the Donguibogam were compared. Based on related research and medical texts, it could be determined that many ingredients of the formula were wind medicinals as suggested by Li Dongyuan. The meaning of such composition was analyzed through texts such as the Piweilun, after which mechanism of the Gegenjieji-tang was examined. Results : Based on the Zhongyifangjidacidian, Gegenjieji-tang of the Donguibogam seems to have originated from the Chaigejiejitang of the Shanghanliushu, as medicinal composition and medical application written in texts such as the Donguibogam and Shanghanliushu, along with treatment mechanism, are found to be similar to each other. Gegenjieji-tang is applied to relieve the flesh and the Stomach Channel of pathogenic Qi. The formula includes gegen, chaihu, qianghu, and shengma, which are wind medicinals according to Li Dongyuan. Wind medicinals generally have the property of uplifting and dispersing Qi. The four aforementioned herbs relieve fire stagnation and relieve heat in the flesh and muscles. Conclusions : Based on the composition of the formula which includes the four herbs that uplifts and disperses Qi, and relieves fire stagnation, it could be understood that the Gegenjieji-tang has the effect of easing the flesh through loosening Qi stagnation. Gegenjieji-tang is not simply used to purge pathogenic Qi, but to communicate the bodily Qi ultimately easing the flesh.