Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang — Augment the Qi and Brighten the Eyes Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang — the “Augment the Qi and Brighten the Eyes Decoction” — is a Jin-Yuan dynasty formula by Li Dongyuan (1180–1251) in his Lan Shi Mi Cang. It targets the pattern of middle Qi deficiency failing to rise to nourish the sensory orifices, producing diminished hearing, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, dizziness on standing and general sensory dullness.

The formula is built on the Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang principle (raising Spleen Qi to lift the clear Yang) with specific eye and ear support: Sheng Ma and Ge Gen lift the Qi upward; Man Jing Zi clears Heat from the head; Huang Bai pairs with Bai Shao to nourish Yin so the rising action doesn’t generate empty-Heat. Li Dongyuan’s great insight was that age-related sensory decline often responds to lifting Qi upward, not just to tonifying.

I prescribe Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Yi Qi Cong Ming Tang is prescribed for middle Qi deficiency with Qi failing to rise to the sensory orifices:

• Hearing loss — gradual, age-related; worse with fatigue
• Tinnitus — particularly low-pitched and worse with tiredness
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness on standing or with exertion
• Diminished sense of taste or smell
• Fatigue
• Pale complexion
• Foggy thinking, poor memory
• Tongue — pale, possibly with teethmarks, thin white coat
• Pulse — soft, weak

Key herbs

1. Huang Qi — tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi
2. Ren Shen — tonifies Yuan Qi
3. Zhi Gan Cao — tonifies and harmonises
4. Sheng Ma — raises clear Yang to the head
5. Ge Gen — raises Spleen Yang; generates fluids
6. Man Jing Zi (vitex fruit) — clears Heat from the head and sensory orifices
7. Bai Shao — nourishes Blood and Yin
8. Huang Bai — clears empty-Heat that might arise from the lifting action

Formula actions

1. Tonifies middle Qi
2. Raises clear Yang to the head
3. Clears Heat from the sensory orifices
4. Nourishes Yin to balance the rising action

Conditions treated

1. Age-related hearing loss in early stages — particularly Qi-deficient pattern
2. Tinnitus from Qi deficiency — see tinnitus
3. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss in Qi-deficient pattern (alongside conventional care)
4. Eustachian tube dysfunction
5. Blurred vision from Qi deficiency
6. Postural hypotension with dizziness on standing
7. Chronic fatigue with sensory dullness — see chronic fatigue
8. Post-viral brain fog and sensory dullness — including Long COVID presentations
9. Vertigo and dizziness with Qi-deficient pattern — see vertigo

Cautions

Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency and warrants urgent ENT review for steroid treatment.

Persistent tinnitus or hearing changes need ENT assessment to exclude acoustic neuroma and other pathology.

Not appropriate for vigorous excess Heat patterns or for Yin-deficient patterns without Qi deficiency.

Generally safe in older adults; use cautiously in pregnancy.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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