Ms. Shan, female, 29 years old, first consultation on January 10, 1994. She has always been quick-tempered and prone to anger, and even the slightest dissatisfaction can lead to deep depression. During her postpartum confinement period, she became upset with her family over trivial matters, leading to a feeling of fullness and tightness in her chest. Pressing her abdomen caused gurgling sounds, and she felt slightly relieved after passing flatus. The condition persisted for three months, with chest and abdominal distension and fullness not alleviated, and recently she has become more irritable and restless, with poor sleep, frequent belching, and a lack of appetite. She had taken over twenty doses of Chinese medicinals without effect. Her tongue was red with a white, greasy coating, and her pulse was slightly deep. This is due to qi depression transforming into fire, disturbing the chest and diaphragm, and affecting the stomach. The treatment should focus on resolving depression and discharging heat, and relieving fullness in the middle. The prescription chosen was Gardenia and Magnolia Bark Decoction.
Gardenia 12g, Immature Orange Fruit 12g, Magnolia Bark 16g
After taking 5 doses, the chest and abdominal distension and fullness were greatly reduced. She reported that pressing her abdomen no longer produced gurgling sounds. Her mood improved, and belching disappeared. She also mentioned that her stools were somewhat dry, so Prince's-Feather Fruit 10g and Rhubarb Rhizoma 1g were added to the prescription. After taking another 3 doses, her chest and abdomen felt relieved, her irritability and fullness were gone, her appetite returned, and she slept peacefully. She was then given two doses of Danzhi Xiaoyao Pills to regulate and recover.