A 51-year-old female cadre sought initial consultation on June 19, 1982. She reported difficulty in bowel movements, occurring once every 5 to 7 days, a condition persisting for over a decade. Despite extensive use of both Chinese and Western medicines, no improvement was observed. Her complexion was shallow yellow, with a pale and slightly swollen tongue and a smooth, moist coating. She mentioned feeling weak in her limbs but no other discomforts. Upon examination, her six pulse conditions were found to be wiry and slippery. She was diagnosed with constipation, identified as a syndrome of kidney yang deficiency leading to the failure of water and fluid distribution. The treatment plan was to tonify the spleen and warm the kidneys, using the method of warming yang qi to promote diuresis. The prescription used was Five Ingredients with Poria Powder:
Cinnamon Twig 20g, White Atractylodes Rhizome 20g, Polyporus 15g, Poria 15g, Alisma 15g
. After taking less than one dose of the above prescription, her bowel movements increased to twice a day. After continuously taking six doses, her bowel movements became smooth and regular, occurring once daily. She was advised to take one dose every three days, continuing for six doses, after which the condition did not recur.