Jingxiutang Yiyuan Jingzhi

is a classic on medical theories and discussions written by Yu Shiyong

a doctor in the Ming Dynasty. He treated spleen and stomach diseases in his own unique ways by observing the pathogenesis

attaching importance to phlegm and blood

focusing on phlegm-dampness in excess and blood deficiency in deficiency syndromes. He preferred mild and common prescriptions

paying attention to their flexible use

and he was good at using single-herb formulas

for he believed the effects can be concentrated in simpler recipes. He always followed the guidance of five evolutive phases and six climatic factors in his selection of herbal ingredients. Warming and supplementing herbal drugs were predominantly used in his clinical practice

while medicine-induced stagnation was carefully avoided. Yu was also a master of using paradoxical assistant herbs to harmonizes the actions of all medicinals in a formula. He proposed to adopt both internal and external methods for treatment and pays special attention to the way in which drugs were prepared and taken. He believed that pulse diagnosis was of vital importance and doctors should combine pulse manifestations with symptoms in trying to determine the roots of diseases. By analyzing the characteristics of Yu’s treatment of spleen and stomach diseases

this study aims to aid the clinical treatment of spleen and stomach diseases and studies on Yu’s academic thoughts.