Water’s Way is a faithful rendition of Five Ingredient Powder with Poria (Wu Ling San), a classical formula addressing accumulating Dampness that is interfering with the proper circulation and regulation of fluid metabolism. Internal Dampness is often caused by Spleen Qi deficiency and, if more pronounced, Kidney Qi deficiency. If deficient Spleen is unable to properly transform and transport body fluids, they will stagnate and develop into Dampness. The accumulated water will flow into collateral channels causing occasional water retention and a feeling of heaviness. Water’s Way strengthens the Spleen, drains Dampness and promotes the transforming functions of Qi, enabling the regulation of water metabolism in all three Burners. Spleen Qi deficiency leading to accumulation of Dampness is perhaps the most common disharmony addressed by Water’s Way. This causes internal accumulation of water and Dampness that overflows into the muscles and skin to produce occasional water retention and a sensation of heaviness. The Stomach and the Intestines become vulnerable, preventing the clear Yang from ascending and the turbid Yin from descending. Secondly, Water’s Way addresses the less common pattern of a build-up of water due to Wind Cold that has not been released properly, and has invaded the Interior instead, specifically the Bladder, leading to water retention that interferes with the transportation and elimination of fluids. Disruption of Bladder Qi leads to occasional water retention, which interferes with the upward transportation and downward elimination of fluids. This is known as “water rebellion” pattern. Thirdly, Water’s Way addresses the accumulation of Water in the Lower Burner that is preventing the clear Yang Qi from ascending. When the ascent of clear Yang is obstructed, turbid Yin cannot move downward, which can cause occasional dizziness. If the congested fluids invade the Lungs, occasional shortness of breath can be present. The underlying cause indicating the use of Water’s Way is the accumulation of water in the Bladder due to the Qi’s inability to transform fluids. The primary considerations in choosing this formula should be occasional urinary difficulty, occasional water retention and a generalized sensation of heaviness. Water’s Way supports healthy urination to decrease this water buildup. It combines herbs to support healthy water metabolism and resolve excess Dampness, with herbs that promote the Qi dynamic to resolve the Exterior. Asian water plantain rhizome, the chief herb in this formula, leaches out Dampness and supports healthy urination. It settles ministerial Fire in the Kidneys by draining Dampness from the Lower Burner. It is assisted by Polyporus sclerotium and Poria. Polyporus sclerotium drains Dampness and supports healthy urination. Poria supports healthy urination, leaches out Dampness, strengthens the Spleen and harmonizes the Middle Burner. White atractylodes rhizome supplements the Spleen Qi, dries Dampness, supports healthy water metabolism and stabilizes the Exterior. Chinese cinnamon twig warms the Yang, releases the Exterior, warms and unblocks the channels and collaterals, warms the Middle and directs turbid Yin downward, aiding the Spleen Qi in transforming Dampness. Water’s Way may be used in combination with other formulas, such as Six Gentlemen and Replenish the Right for additional support of the Spleen and Kidneys respectively. ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENTWater’s Way is based on Dr. Zhang Zhong-Jing’s formula Wu Ling San, presented in the classic Shang Han Lun. It was originally designed by Dr. Zhang Zhong-Jing to relieve occasional water build-up imbalance (Xu Shui), caused by surface Wind Cold patterns in the Tai Yang that have penetrated to the greater Interior Yang organ (Urinary Bladder).
