Qian Zheng San (牵正散) — Lead to Symmetry Powder

Qian Zheng San (Lead to Symmetry Powder) is the classical Chinese formula for Wind-Phlegm attacking the facial channels — the pattern behind Bell’s palsy and facial nerve paralysis. Originally formulated with Bai Fu Zi, Bai Jiang Can (silkworm) and Quan Xie (scorpion), the modern welfare-compliant version replaces the two animal ingredients with plant Wind-extinguishing herbs while preserving the formula’s therapeutic direction.

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Modern welfare-compliant modification
4. Ingredients
5. Actions and indications
6. Dosing
7. Cautions and contraindications
8. Related formulas
9. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Qian Zheng San (牵正散) — Lead to Symmetry Powder — is a classical Chinese herbal formula in the Extinguish Wind category. Source: Yang Shi Jia Cang Fang (Yang Family Formulary), Song dynasty. I prescribe it as bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.

2. TCM pattern

Sudden onset facial paralysis with facial deviation, drooling, difficulty closing the eye or moving the corner of the mouth — classically explained as Wind-Phlegm invading the Yang Ming and Shao Yang channels of the face.

3. Modern welfare-compliant modification

Classical formula contains Bai Jiang Can (silkworm larva) and Quan Xie (scorpion). This entry describes the modern welfare-compliant version replacing both animal ingredients with Tian Ma, Gou Teng and Ci Ji Li — plant herbs with corresponding Wind-extinguishing and channel-freeing action.

4. Ingredients

1. Bai Fu Zi — Typhonium giganteum (processed) (6–9g) — chief; extinguishes Wind, transforms Phlegm, targets the Yang Ming channel of the face
2. Tian Ma — Gastrodia elata (6–9g) — extinguishes internal Wind — replaces silkworm in the modified form
3. Gou Teng — Uncaria rhynchophylla (9g) — calms Liver-Wind and unblocks the channels — replaces scorpion
4. Ci Ji Li — Tribulus terrestris (fruit) (9g) — expels Wind, moves Qi and Blood in the head, brightens the eyes — supports channel-freeing action

5. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Extinguishes Wind and transforms Phlegm
2. Frees the facial channels
3. Corrects facial deviation

Indications

1. Bell’s palsy — sudden-onset facial nerve paralysis
2. Facial deviation with hemi-facial weakness
3. Post-viral facial nerve palsy
4. Sequelae of stroke affecting facial muscles
5. Facial spasm with a Wind-Phlegm pattern

6. Dosing

As decoction or granule. Modern use: 6–9g/day of the granule concentrate. Duration 4–12 weeks depending on recovery trajectory.

7. Cautions and contraindications

1. Contains Bai Fu Zi — must be processed (never raw); qualified prescriber only.
2. Contraindicated in pregnancy.
3. Any acute facial paralysis requires urgent neurological assessment first — stroke must be excluded before starting this formula.
4. Best used within the first 1–3 weeks of onset for Bell’s palsy.

8. Related formulas

• Da Qin Jiao Tang — for Wind stroke with limb involvement
• Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang — for post-stroke sequelae with Qi deficiency

9. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Qian Zheng San where the TCM pattern above matches the patient’s presentation, typically as part of a wider prescription tailored to the individual. Return to the Chinese herbal formulas directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.