Zhe Chong Yin — Drift & Penetrate Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Comparisons with related formulas
7. Cautions

Overview

Zhe Chong Yin — the “Drift and Penetrate Decoction” — is a classical Japanese-Chinese (Kampo) formula that has become widely used internationally for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and uterine masses from Blood stasis. The name suggests both gentle dispersing (drifting) and powerful penetration through the stagnant mass.

The formula combines Blood-nourishing herbs (Si Wu Tang core: Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Bai Shao, Sheng Di) with Blood-moving herbs (Tao Ren, Hong Hua), softening masses (E Zhu, San Leng), Qi-moving herbs (Yan Hu Suo, Xiang Fu) and Channel-opening herbs (Niu Xi, Rou Gui). This is one of the most comprehensive Blood-moving formulas for women.

I prescribe Zhe Chong Yin as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Zhe Chong Yin is prescribed for Blood stasis in the uterus and lower burner:

• Amenorrhea (absent periods) from Blood stasis — not from deficiency
• Severe dysmenorrhea with dark clotted blood
• Period pain that worsens after a clot passes
• Uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts
• Endometriosis with dark, clotted, painful periods
• Postpartum retained lochia
• Old trauma to the lower abdomen
• Fixed lower abdominal pain
• Tongue — purplish, possibly with stasis spots
• Pulse — wiry, choppy

Key herbs

1. Dang Gui — nourishes and moves Blood
2. Chuan Xiong — moves Blood
3. Bai Shao — nourishes Blood
4. Sheng Di Huang — nourishes Yin and cools Blood
5. Tao Ren (peach kernel) — breaks Blood stasis
6. Hong Hua (safflower) — moves Blood
7. E Zhu (zedoary) — powerfully breaks Blood stasis and softens masses
8. San Leng (sparganium) — pairs with E Zhu
9. Yan Hu Suo (corydalis) — powerfully relieves Qi and Blood stasis pain
10. Xiang Fu — regulates Liver Qi
11. Niu Xi — guides Blood downward to the lower body
12. Rou Gui (small dose) — warms the channels

Formula actions

1. Powerfully moves Blood and breaks stasis
2. Softens masses
3. Regulates Qi
4. Warms the channels
5. Restores menstruation

Conditions treated

1. Uterine fibroids — the primary indication
2. Endometriosis — see Chinese medicine for endometriosis
3. Ovarian cysts — particularly chocolate cysts
4. Adenomyosis
5. Amenorrhea from Blood stasis — not from deficiency or hormonal causes
6. Severe dysmenorrhea with dark clots — see dysmenorrhoea and period pain
7. Chronic pelvic pain from old trauma or surgery
8. Postpartum retained lochia
9. Pelvic adhesions
10. Subfertility from Blood stasis in the uterus — see how to get pregnant

Comparisons with related formulas

• Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan — gentler, the foundational Blood-stasis formula for fibroids in pregnancy; safer for long-term use.
• Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang — for Blood stasis in the upper body.
• Tao Hong Si Wu Tang — gentler Blood-moving for women.
• Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang — for Cold Blood stasis in the lower abdomen.

Cautions

Strictly contraindicated in pregnancy — the Blood-breaking herbs can cause miscarriage.

Use cautiously in heavy menstrual bleeding — can worsen flow initially.

Always work with a qualified TCM practitioner who can monitor cycles and adjust the formula to each phase.

Fibroids and cysts must be monitored by gynaecological imaging; sudden growth, pain or bleeding needs urgent assessment.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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