Derma Wind Release is based on Eliminate Wind Powder (Xiao Feng San), a formula that addresses a preexisting Qi deficiency, usually of Defensive (Wei) Qi, and pre-existing Damp Heat that combine with an external Wind Heat or Wind Damp invasion. The exterior Wind becomestrapped in the skin and muscle layers and is unable to vent externally or drain internally, with Blood Heat being generated that further injures the Yin and Blood. Derma Wind Release disperses Wind, eliminates Dampness and clears Heat. It includes herbs that nourish and invigorate Blood, following the principle that “to address Wind, first address the Blood; when the Blood moves, the Wind will naturally be extinguished.” Schizonepeta herb, Siler root, Burdock fruit and Cicada moulting, the chief herbs in this formula, disperse External Wind. Schizonepeta herb releases the Exterior and dispels Wind, vents occasional rashes and alleviates occasional itching. Paired with Dong quai root, whichinvigorates and tonifies Blood, the two herbs complement each other’s actions, such that the Blood is nourished and regulated and Wind is expelled from the Blood. Siler root releases the Exterior, expels Wind Dampness and alleviates stagnation. Burdock root and Cicada moultingclear exterior Wind Heat, stop occasional itching and vent occasional rashes. Cang-zhu atractylodes rhizome strongly dries Dampness, strengthens the Spleen and dispels Wind, and Shrubby sophora root expels Wind, stops itching and clears Damp Heat through the urine. Gypsum clears Heat at the Qi level, drains Fire and is frequently paired with Anemarrhena rhizome to clear Heat from excess in the Yang brightness channel stage, helping to relieve interior Heat. Soft rush pith replaces Akebia caulis, no longer available due to regulatory restrictions. It clears Heat and directs it downward and out through the urine, while unblocking the fluid pathways. Chinese licorice root and rhizome tonifies Spleen Qi, clears Heat and blazing Fire, and it harmonizes the actions of the other herbs. Raw Rehmannia root clears Heat, cools the Blood and enriches the Yin. Dry fried Black sesame seed tonifies Liver and Kidney Yin, nourishes the Blood and extinguishes Wind. This formula is easily combined with constitutional formulas. Combine with Rehmannia Six, or Temper Fire, from the Kan Herbals line, for Kidney Yin deficiency. For temporary skin irritation due to Heat in the Liver and Gallbladder channels, combine with Quell Fire from theKan Herbals line. For severe Heat or Fire, combine with CoptiClear or CoptiDetox. Note- Consumption of alcohol, coffee, spicy foods, seafood and smoking should be avoided while taking Derma Wind Release. as these activities interfere with the actions of the herbs. ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENTThis formula first appeared in the True Lineage of External Chinese Herbology (Chen Shi-gong), 1617.
