Use of the formula according to Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• dispels wind
• warms and moves the channels and collaterals
• moves Qi and blood
• clears phlegm stagnation from the channels
• breaks blood stasis and stops pain

Description:

The mixture is used for so-called Bi diseases – stagnation and blockages in the musculoskeletal system, which are primarily caused by three external pathogens: wind, cold, and dampness. These lead to the formation of blockages along the channels, especially in the area of the joints, where the channels are narrower. This manifests as unpleasant, often sharp pain, which very frequently reacts to changes in weather or cooling. We call this "having rheumatism". In addition to pain, another dominant symptom is stiffness, typically in the morning or when we start moving. Tingling or muscle spasms may also appear, especially when the pain is persistent and lasts for a long time. Furthermore, the mixture can be used very effectively in managing the consequences of an injury or a stroke, which manifests as hemiplegia (paralysis of half the body – it was formulated for this purpose in the 11th century), similar to so-called Wei diseases, which manifest as weakness and tremors (neurodegenerative diseases). It can also be useful for microcirculation disorders in the hands and feet with tingling, for example in Raynaud's syndrome or restless legs syndrome.

To sum it up – it is excellent to use whenever the condition worsens with cold and dampness, and conversely improves with the application of heat or staying in a warm environment – the aconite contained in it beautifully warms the channels and collaterals. It is used similarly for all joint diseases in cases where the patient has a deficiency of kidney Yang (is sensitive to cold, has cold feet and possibly hands, fear of cold). Frankincense and myrrh are strong herbs that break blood stasis, and earthworm opens the channels and supports movement in cases of spasms or flaccidity.

When you have problems with joints, pain reacts to the weather, and you are perhaps more sensitive to cold, Xiao Huo Luo Pian is the best choice for you.

Indications:

• painful obstruction of the musculoskeletal system improving with heat
• morning stiffness
• pain reacting to weather
• feeling of cold and heaviness in the limbs
• pain often occurs at night
• tingling and numbness
• possible joint deformities
• atrophy of muscles and skin around affected joints
• fatigue
• swelling around joints
• joints are usually not very red or hot

Modern use:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• post-stroke conditions with spasms and/or flaccidity
• Raynaud's syndrome

Tongue:

• moist
• with a white coating
• may be purplish

Pulse: 

• chi
• chen
• hua (slow, deep, slippery)

Contraindications:

• aconite, frankincense, and myrrh are forbidden during pregnancy due to their strong effect
• frankincense and myrrh are contraindicated in patients taking blood-thinning medication such as Warfarin (anticoagulants)

Note:

Because the mixture contains very strongly moving herbs, it should be used with caution in patients who are exhausted or have a weaker constitution.

Composition of the formula: